Sicily vs. Sardinia: Which Italian Island Is Right for You?

Alison HN-Holidays • 17 July 2025

Sicily or Sardinia?

Italy’s two largest islands -Sicily then Sardinia - each offer unforgettable travel experiences, but with very different personalities. Whether you're drawn by golden beaches, ancient ruins, rich culinary traditions, or dramatic landscapes, this guide will help you decide which island is the perfect match for your next Mediterranean escape.


Beaches & Coastlines

Sicily’s coastline is incredibly diverse, from the powdery white sands of San Vito Lo Capo to the rugged cliffs of the Aeolian Islands, with many beaches sitting beside charming old towns or archaeological wonders.

Sardinia is known for its crystal-clear waters and glamorous beach clubs - especially along the Costa Smeralda - but it tends to offer a quieter, more remote coastal experience.

Choose Sicily if you want picturesque beaches with cultural depth and vibrant towns nearby.


History & Culture

Sicily is a living museum of Mediterranean history. From the Greek temples of Agrigento to the Baroque beauty of Noto and the Norman-Arab influences in Palermo, the island is layered with cultural heritage.

Sardinia’s history is more mysterious and prehistoric, marked by Nuraghe ruins and pastoral mountain villages, where time seems to stand still.

Choose Sicily if you're passionate about ancient ruins, UNESCO sites and cities steeped in art and architecture.


Cuisine & Wine

Sicilian cuisine is as bold and varied as its history—think arancini, caponata, fresh seafood, and world-famous sweets like cannoli. Its wines, from Marsala to Nero d’Avola, are internationally respected.

Sardinian food is rustic and hearty, with dishes like porcheddu (roast suckling pig) and culurgiones, alongside strong red wines and pungent cheeses.

Choose Sicily if you want diverse, flavourful cuisine with influences from across the Mediterranean.


Nature & Adventure

Sicily offers adventure in the form of Europe’s tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, as well as hiking trails in the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges, boat trips to volcanic islands, including the stunning Aeolian Islands and rich marine life along its coasts.

Sardinia is a hiker’s paradise too, particularly in the rugged Gennargentu mountains, and is known for cycling, climbing, and snorkelling in turquoise bays.

Choose Sicily for a blend of natural wonders, from volcanoes to mountain parks and island archipelagos.


Accommodation & Travel Options

Both islands offer luxury hotels, charming boutique stays, and countryside agriturismos, but Sicily’s infrastructure connects major towns and attractions more easily. At Just Sicily, we offer a curated selection of handpicked properties and multicentre itineraries to help you explore the best the island has to offer: Hotels, Villas & Apartments >


Choose Sicily   if you're looking for rich history, diverse cuisine, vibrant towns, and stunning natural contrasts - all within easy reach.

Choose Sardinia if you’re seeking secluded beaches, rural tranquillity, and slow-paced adventure in nature.


Let Just Sicily design a combined Sicily & Sardinia holiday for the best of both islands: Sardinia and Sicily Combinations >

Just Sicily 01202 489040 www.justsicily.co.uk



  • Isola Bella Tarmina Mare Sicily

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    Picturesque Isola Bella Taomina Mare

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  • Costa Smeralda Sardinia

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    Costa Smeralda Sardinia

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  • Historic Sites & Greek Temples Sicily

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    Greek Temples Sicily

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  • Sardinia Beaches

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    Sardinian Beaches 

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  • Mount Etna Sicily

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    Mount Etna Sicily

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  • Walking Holidays in Sardinia

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    Walking in Sardinia

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  • Delicious Sicilian Cannoli

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    Delicious Sicilian Cannoli

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  • Sardinian Cuisine

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    Sardinian Cusine

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