Sicily tickets: sites & attractions

What to book, and what not to

Sicily isn't Rome or Florence, and you won't find slots sold out weeks ahead. The regional archaeological sites sell tickets online through their official partners at gate prices. CoopCulture covers the Valley of the Temples, Segesta, Selinunte and Monreale Cloister, and Aditus covers Taormina. Each ticket is valid for the date you choose.

Buying ahead makes sense in three cases. The Valley of the Temples caps entry, and the park recommends buying online, especially for summer evening openings. Monreale Cloister also caps numbers. Etna excursions with pickup from Catania or Taormina run on the operator's fixed departure times.

For the Etna cable car, remember that the official ticket isn't refunded for bad weather or volcanic alerts. If the forecast looks doubtful, a reseller with free cancellation protects you better.

Watch the winter hours

From late October to February, ticket offices close early: 3:30pm at Segesta and 4pm at Selinunte. On Sundays the Norman Palace has its last entry at 12:30pm, and Monreale Cathedral only opens in the afternoon. Before planning "two sites in one day", check when the ticket offices close, not just when they open.

Free days

On the first Sunday of every month, and on 10 March, 25 April, 2 June and 4 November, regional parks and museums are free. That includes the Valley of the Temples, Taormina's theatre, Segesta, Selinunte and Monreale Cloister. Expect crowds, and expect free tickets to be issued only at the gate (that's the rule at Taormina). The Norman Palace is run by a foundation and doesn't take part.

Splitting the island into days

• Palermo: the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel in the morning, then Monreale in the afternoon by bus 389. Segesta works as a day trip, often combined with Erice and the salt pans.
• The west: Segesta and Selinunte together by car, with the €25.40 Archeopass (7 days). Start early in winter.
• Agrigento: the Valley of the Temples deserves a day of its own. Take the train from Palermo or a day tour from Catania.
• The east: Etna in the morning, when the cable car starts running, and Taormina on another day. If you're staying in Taormina, go to the theatre in the late afternoon.

Each site has its own page below with official prices, hours and partner tickets.