Must-see nightlife in Sicily

  • Mamma Caura

    Western Sicily

    After an afternoon touring the Saline, this is a gorgeous place to kick back and contemplate the beauty of this unique landscape over a beer or an…

  • Viola

    Syracuse

    Modern, buzzing bakery-cafe Viola is known for its competent cappuccinos; even the soy-milk version is creamy and consistent. There's a good range of…

  • Caffè Minerva

    Syracuse

    A popular, people-watching cafe, Minerva pours one of the best cappuccinos in town. The coffee here is made using wood-roasted beans and the espresso has…

  • Gusto e Arte

    Central Sicily

    Vintage gardening paraphernalia and retro furniture combine with a friendly welcome at this cafe tucked away in Caltagirone's historic city centre. Order…

  • Rappa Enoteca

    Modica

    High ceilings, antique mouldings and vintage tiled floors create a delightful backdrop at this buzzing, atmospheric enoteca in the upper town. Daily…

  • Enoteca Butticè

    Palermo

    Chipped concrete floors, old sewing machines turned tables and a gramophone turned lamp: welcome to one of Palermo's most eclectic (and best) wine bars,…

  • Gran Caffè Scandaglia

    Mediterranean Coast

    This is a good place to enjoy breakfast in the shade, or a sunset drink, overlooking the harbour. Soft pastry, caffè latte in tall glasses and fresh…

  • Cafè La Precchia

    Lipari

    If you fancy a late-night drink or simply want a prime people-watching perch during the passeggiata (evening stroll), pull up a chair at this hugely…

  • Botteghe Colletti

    Palermo

    Red theatrical curtains, old wooden cabinets and vintage curiosities: this snug bar pulls a mixed-aged crowd of artists, students and general bohemians,…

  • Bar Pasticceria Scopello

    Western Sicily

    This tempting pasticceria sells a huge range of Sicilian sweet treats and is the town's social epicentre. Claim one of its outdoor tables and settle back…

  • Barcollo

    Syracuse

    Hidden away in a flamboyant baroque courtyard, sultry Barcollo lures with its fresh flowers, flickering tealights and chi-chi outdoor deck. Aperitivo is…

  • In Sé Natura

    Salina

    Affiliated with Malfa's Hotel Santa Isabel, this upscale bar-restaurant serves excellent Sicilian food at lunch and dinner – but the most compelling time…

  • Angels

    Marsala

    Marsala's fashionistas gravitate towards this on-trend lounge-bar to quaff cocktails in the chic interior or beneath grey parasols on the street terrace…

  • Biblios Cafè

    Syracuse

    This beloved bookshop-cafe organises a whole range of cultural activities, including Italian language courses and regular literary events. It's also a…

  • Mono

    Catania

    Indie-spirited Mono serves up free, regular live music to a mostly local crowd. Acts include singer-songwriters and emerging talent, with a courtyard that…

  • Bar Il Malandrino

    Stromboli

    With warm homemade cornetti (Italian-style croissants) and reasonably priced (by Stromboli standards) cappuccino, this bar near the port makes a good spot…

  • Banacher

    Ionian Coast

    This is one of the Riviera's largest nightclubs, with multiple dance floors, a swimming pool and various club nights catering to the young and not so…

  • Caffè Maria

    Erice

    Enjoy Erice's famous almond sweets on the panoramic upstairs terrace of this cafe affiliated with the Maria Grammatico pastry shop on the same street.

  • Wunderbar Caffè

    Taormina

    A Taormina landmark since the dolce vita 1960s, this achingly expensive see-and-be-seen cafe has served them all – Tennessee Williams, who liked to watch …

  • Bar Turrisi

    Taormina

    A few kilometres outside Taormina, in the hilltop community of Castelmola, lies this chuckle-inducing bar. It's famous for its unconventional decor, which…

  • Clandestino

    Syracuse

    Back after a major revamp, this polished all-day cafe, bistro and bar is as good for an espresso as it is for a Sicilian vino or beer. Bites include a…

  • Gran Caffè del Duomo

    Syracuse

    Yes, it's touristy, but few cafes offer a view as breathtaking as this one. Slap bang on one of Italy's most beautiful squares, it's a fetching spot for a…

  • Glamour

    Catania

    While no longer on Catania's list of must-try venues, this casual eatery and bar still draws punters for aperitivo and languid cocktail sessions. Live…

  • Café Girasole

    Agrigento

    With outdoor seating in the thick of Via Atenea, by evening this popular cafe morphs into a trendy hangout for the 30-something aperitivi set, who stop by…

  • Etnea Roof

    Catania

    The decor may lean towards chintzy, but UNA Hotel's rooftop garden bar is worth a stop for the glorious view of Mt Etna. Head up just before sunset, order…

  • Mojo Wine Bar

    Agrigento

    This trendy enoteca (wine bar) sits in a pretty piazza just off the main thoroughfare. Enjoy a cool aperitivo whilst munching on olives and listening to…