As UK temperatures drop, the Mediterranean island of Sicily is reaching daytime highs of 25C, making it an accessible destination for late-autumn sunshine, with direct flights from London Stansted available from £28.
Autumn Shoulder Season on Sicily
While summer daytime temperatures on the island can reach 35C, the autumn shoulder season offers a milder climate and fewer crowds. Major cities like Palermo and Catania remain lively year-round, but in autumn visitors can explore street markets without the summer tourist pressure.
November is the peak olive-picking season across the Sicilian countryside, with many country estates hosting olive grove walks, tastings, and cooking sessions. The cooler daytime temperatures also make it an ideal time to hike Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, which towers over the island.
Exploring Mount Etna and Ancient Sites
Several walking tracks ascend Mount Etna, catering to different fitness levels, though by law visitors cannot climb higher than 2,800 metres without a licensed volcanological or alpine guide. In autumn, the views over the island are described as spectacular.
For those preferring ground-level activities, November is also a good time to visit popular archaeological sites that are usually crowded in summer. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, frequently cited as one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture, features the remains of seven temples as well as the Tomb of Theron, a large pyramid-shaped monument believed to commemorate Romans killed in the second Punic War.
Visitor Reviews and Local Food
Tickets for the Valley start at £11, and visitors have praised the ruins. One person wrote on Google: “An extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history come to life. The Valley of the Temples is a highlight of any trip to Sicily, with magnificent ancient buildings set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape.”
Another said: “A beautiful and impressive place with remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins. With some reconstruction, it’s easy to imagine the original size and scale of the buildings.”
Sicily, like most of Italy, is known for its fresh food, including classic pasta, arancini, and grilled vegetables. Restaurants range from affordable, informal trattorias to high-end Michelin-starred dining.
Flights from the UK
Skyscanner is showing direct flights to Sicily in November, including Stansted to Palermo with Ryanair for £28 and Stansted to Catania with Ryanair for £32.
