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Latest update: 15 June 2025
Where olive groves meet the Mediterranean Sea, there lies Sciacca. In southeastern Sicily, crystal-clear blue waters and deep green olive trees await you. Life seems to move just a little slower here. Explore Sciacca’s historic center and discover peace in the surrounding countryside.
Decorated stairs
A visit to Sciacca’s historic center begins with the tiled stairs Scala Sciacca (Google Maps location) and Scalinata artistica (Google Maps location). Each step of the Scala Sciacca is decorated with majolica tiles. On the Scalinata artistica, it’s the railings that are decorated. The stairs aren’t nearly as long and impressive as those in Caltagirone, but they’re definitely worth a photo.
Historic center of Sciacca
Once you’ve survived the stairs, you’ll reach Sciacca’s elevated historic center. On Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find the Santa Maria del Soccorso basilica from 1108. It was rebuilt in 1656, and you can now visit it at no cost.
Walk a bit further to the town square, Piazza A. Scandaliato, for views over the harbor and sea (Google Maps location). The square is quite large and a beloved meeting place for locals, from elderly grandfathers with walking sticks to hip youngsters with scooters.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Giuseppe Licata are Sciacca’s main streets. Honestly, I don’t find them very pleasant as a pedestrian. There’s a lot of traffic, and the sidewalks are narrow. It’s more fun to dive into the Jewish quarter behind Giuseppe Licata Street. It’s quieter and cozier, and partly car-free.
Check out street art in Sciacca
There’s a small street art route that’s fun to follow. Make sure to take a photo of the map at the starting point; otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll lose track of the route somewhere.
You start Sciacca’s street art tour here.
Try a cucchiteddi at La Favola
I always love trying local treats, so bring on those cucchiteddi! It’s an oval-shaped cookie/cake made with almonds and a sugar glaze layer. The original is filled with pumpkin marmalade. At La Favola, you can choose from three flavors: original, orange, and pistachio. I obviously order all three – they’re not that big anyway. There are many more delicious items in the display case, and the man helping us really takes his time.
Tip! Looking for a parking spot in Sciacca? You can park for free at the harbor. Right here, to be exact.
Buy ceramics in Sciacca
In Sciacca’s center, you’ll find quite a few ceramic shops. Not cheap tourist junk, but real handmade pots, dinnerware, and more. It’s just that I already scored big in Sicily’s ceramic capital (Caltagirone), but otherwise, Sciacca would have been perfect for picking up a typical Sicilian pottery souvenir.
Castello Luna
Castello Luna is a short walk from the center, but honestly I could have skipped this with a clear conscience. It’s closed, and there’s not much to see from the street. It’s a rather massive building without the beautiful baroque decorations. You can skip it, in my opinion (unless you’re really crazy about castles, of course).
Beach day in Sciacca
There are various beaches around Sciacca. I end up at Spiaggia di San Marco simply because it’s closest to my accommodation. It’s a reasonably wide beach with a few simple beach clubs. You can also rent beds there. I go to Cocoloco twice: it’s simple, laid-back, and has a friendly owner. For two beds and two aperol spritzes, we pay a total of €22 ($24) (off-season, 2024).
On the other side of the beach is Aloha. That’s a bit larger and offers lunch as well. We try a seafood platter, and we don’t understand why we’re served raw shrimp – is that a Sicilian thing? It’s not for our taste, but the spot is nice, and the other dishes are wonderful.
What else can you do in Sciacca
I notice during my visit to Sciacca that I’m a bit done with sightseeing. I come to unwind. But suppose I still had lots of energy (and more time), then I could have…
- … gone to Castello Incantato. In this ‘enchanted castle’ park, you can see a variety of art objects created by a local artist. Google Maps location.
- … taken a local workshop, like Sicilian-style crocheting or coral working
- … visited the caves of a sleeping volcano. Here, you’re supposed to feel the earth breathing. Google Maps location.
- … done a horseback ride on the beach or through the olive groves.
- … explored the nature reserve Riserva Naturale San Marco: beaches, hiking, or kayaking. Google Maps location.
- … … learned to cook Italian food. For example, a pasta workshop, Sicilian pizza, or sweets.
Sleeping among the olive trees
My accommodation in Sciacca is what your dream image of Sicily might be – or my dream image at least. A small country house in an olive grove. After all the visits to cities and sights, this is exactly what I want. Quiet, in nature. There’s no Wi-Fi (but you do have regular phone reception). I stay two nights, but I could have enjoyed it here a bit longer.
The house belongs to Domenico, and he’s also the owner of Lala Olio. He produces olive oil, hazelnut paste, and other products. Of course, there are a few of his products in the kitchen to try. A bottle of olive oil definitely comes home with me. Domenico is very helpful for sure: he picks us up with his car so he can show us how to drive to the house. The Sicilian country roads aren’t always well marked on Google Maps, so
And when you arrive at the house: wow. Olive trees, basil plants, oranges, eggplants, and views of rolling hills. And in the house, there are little treasures everywhere, which makes it very atmospheric and homey. We decide to cook ‘at home’ and drink wine instead of exploring Sciacca in the evening. That’ll be for next time.
More Sicily travel inspiration
Useful links for your Sicily trip
- Accommodation. Always handy is Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. Book “free” walking tours at Freetour or GuruWalk , and for bike tours, Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare prices and insurance coverage at DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Bol.com and Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Yoga retreat. Or join a yoga retreat in Sicily.
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