Sicily has long struggled with its reputation as Italy’s crime capital.
The Italian island of Sicily is associated with numerous local mafia clans and organized crime by many foreigners. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine this place as an ideal destination for solo tourists, for whom safety is one of the main travel guidelines.
Nevertheless, experts from the world’s largest travel publishing house, Lonely Planet, assure that it is Sicily that is currently the best place in Europe for solo tourists.
“Solo Sicily is a boundless joy. Its sparkling mix of coast, mountains, cheeky food, sunny wine and lava-spewing volcanoes means you’ll never be “bored”. Indeed, there is a deeply moving aura about this sun-baked island washed by three seas. It inspires quiet contemplation and soothing ease in your own company, ” notes Lonely Planet author Nicola Williams from France.
She recommends starting your journey in Sicily on the Ionian coast in the mesmerizing east of the island, where you can hike the explosive slopes of Mount Etna with a guide, and later enjoy the local fish dishes at the chaotic market in Catania or the aromatic wine in the volcanic vineyards.
Then, you can go see the star-studded performances in the ancient theaters of Syracuse and Taormina, explore the Aeolian Archipelago with its cobalt-blue waters and hidden coves, and in the west, the capital of the island of Palermo awaits art and history enthusiasts.
The Lonely Planet’s Top 7 Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
- Sicily, Italy.
- Naxos, Greece.
- Aix-en-Provence, France.
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Vipava Valley, Slovenia.
- Faroe Islands.
