Bleisure in Sicily

Do you travel for work? Enjoy Sicily! 

Sicily is one of the world’s most popular “bleisure” destinations. Whatever your profession or the time of year, the region offers the chance to turn a business trip into an enjoyable experience. 

First-class accommodation, served by major airports, guarantees impeccable service and comfort. Spacious, well-equipped conference rooms and state-of-the-art conference centres, meeting resorts and venues for international events embody the “bleisure” philosophy of combining business and leisure. 

Those wishing to extend their business stay in Sicily and make the most of their free time can choose from a wide range of leisure and relaxation options: spas, thermal baths and wellness centres allow you to unwind after a busy day’s work in historic and natural settings of great beauty. 

Food and wine are among the highlights of bleisure tourism. Whether for business breakfasts, lunches or dinners, or for personal enjoyment, gourmet restaurants, wine estates and vibrant nightlife venues offer culinary experiences of the highest standard. These range from vineyard tasting tours to cooking classes and reflect the region's identity and local specialities. 

Art and culture lovers are in the right place! A crossroads of peoples, styles and millennia-old cultures, Sicily – with its Arab-Norman, Baroque and Art Nouveau heritage – reveals its artistic side through visits to the historic centres of its major cities, picturesque villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums and galleries, archaeological parks, as well as traditional craft workshops.  

Taking a break from business meetings to recharge your batteries in the open air is ideal here, with trekking, seaside activities and outdoor sports offering the chance to explore the region all year round. Options range from golf and tennis to horse-riding or donkey-riding excursions, cycling, motorcycling and off-road driving. Depending on the season, the region's coastal and mountain destinations offer the chance to enjoy a variety of winter and water sports, ranging from kitesurfing and diving to sailing, catamaran trips and yachting, not to mention evocative excursions to the snow-capped summit of Mount Etna. 

For those seeking a blend of work and pleasure, we also recommend exploring historic residences, eco-museums, open-air modern and contemporary art trails, ancient salt pans, tuna traps, industrial archaeological sites, film sets that have inspired great films, literary locations and ancient paths, not to mention traces of the Via Francigena. 

Combining business events and meetings with leisure and entertainment opportunities also means enjoying a theatre or opera performance in the magical setting of Sicilian theatres. Both ancient ("stone theatres") and contemporary theatres host annual festivals and major events, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Not to mention the religious festivals and traditions linked to local folklore. Many of these are recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the Opera dei Pupi Siciliani and the monumental Shoulder-mounted machines used in processions.

• Island tours: The Aeolian, Egadi, Pelagie, Ustica and Pantelleria islands are known as the “islands of the islands”. Charter and ferry companies offer journeys through the Sicilian seas, taking you on a voyage of discovery between the islands. Explore a landscape of Mediterranean coves by boat or via fast ferry services for a dreamlike experience.  
• Visit Palermo and the Arab-Norman UNESCO route, which showcases the architectural and artistic wonders of the Sicilian capital alongside the magnificent cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù, as well as the picturesque coastal villages. 
• UNESCO sites include a hike up Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano and one of the world’s most active, as well as the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Syracuse, the Pantalica Necropolis and the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.   
• The Valley of the Temples is the most impressive monumental complex of Hellenic architecture in Sicily, with enormous columns and perfectly preserved temples surrounded by centuries-old almond and olive trees. You can enjoy events and guided tours here until sunset. 
• Taormina is a historic tourist destination synonymous with the “dolce vita”, with its cafés on Corso Umberto, terraces overlooking the sea, fine boutiques, ancient theatre and cable car ride down to the iconic Isola Bella.

• Street food: Palermo is ranked in the Forbes global top five for street food. The best place to experience it? The traditional markets. 
• The Sicilian flag, the fourth oldest in the world, depicts the Trinacria (the Greek name for the island's three points) with a triskele: the winged head of Medusa and three legs. 
• The Greek Theatre in Syracuse is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world. Built in the 5th century BC, it continues to host fascinating performances of classical plays. 
• The Moor's Heads, a symbol of Sicilian identity throughout the world, conceal the dark-tinged story of an overwhelming love. 
• Sicily is the home of gelato; it was on this island that artisan gelato first originated. 

• Brochure "Sicily - Authentic Emotions"
• Brochure "Sicily all year round"
  

• direzione.turismo@regione.sicilia.it