Valley of the Temples, Agrigento – Visit at sunset when the ancient Greek temples glow golden and crowds thin out, creating the perfect atmosphere for photos without other tourists in your frame.

Mount Etna – Book a sunrise hiking tour to Europe’s most active volcano to witness the morning light casting shadows across the lunar-like landscape before day-trippers arrive.

Taormina’s Greek Theatre – Come for the views but stay for an evening concert or film screening during summer festivals when the ancient amphitheater becomes a spectacular venue under the stars.

Syracuse’s Ortygia Island – Skip the main restaurant streets and wander three blocks inland where locals eat at family-run trattorias like Apollonion, serving authentic Sicilian dishes at half the price.

Palermo’s Street Markets (Ballarò, Vucciria, Capo) – Go hungry and look for stalls where nonne (grandmothers) are cooking behind the scenes, as these serve the most authentic panelle and sfincione in the city.

Villa Romana del Casale – Arrive early (before 9am) to admire the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics without the tour groups that flood this UNESCO site by midmorning.

Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) – Visit this stunning white marl cliff in May or October when you can still swim in the clear Mediterranean waters without summer’s overwhelming crowds.

Cefalù’s Medieval Old Town – Climb the imposing La Rocca for sunrise views over the red-roofed town and coastline, then reward yourself with the best granita at Duomo’s small bar facing the cathedral.

Erice’s Medieval Village – Stay overnight in this mountain-top town to experience magical fog-wrapped mornings and empty cobblestone streets after day tourists leave on the last cable car down.

The Aeolian Islands – Instead of focusing only on famous Stromboli, take local ferries to quieter Salina where you can rent a scooter to discover secluded beaches and taste the island’s sweet Malvasia wine.