Sicily
An Island of Contrasts: From Iconic Coastlines to Untapped Potential
As the largest island in the Mediterranean, with a population of nearly 4.8 million, Sicily offers a compelling blend of rich history, distinct culture, ancient Greek temples, and diverse landscapes.
During our extensive travels across Sicily in 2025, we explored the island comprehensively, from crossing the strait at Messina and touring the northern coast near Cefalù, to navigating the eastern seaboard around Naxos, Taormina, Catania, and the spectacular Mount Etna (Europe's most active volcano). We also ventured by ferry to the beautiful Aeolian Islands, spending time in Lipari, Vulcano, and Salina.
Through these journeys, we gained firsthand insight into the island's evolving real estate landscape, identifying where the true value currently lies for international buyers.
Sicily is renowned for its balmy Mediterranean climate, featuring prolonged, dry summers and very short, mild winters. This environment allows residents to enjoy the region’s pristine beaches and endless green, mountainous landscapes for over nine months of the year.
The island is experiencing a surge in international tourism, significantly boosted by the introduction of direct flights from the United States, with Canadian routes expected shortly.
While the eastern coast (particularly around Taormina and Mount Etna) and northern hotspots like Cefalù are magnificent, they are experiencing high tourist congestion. This heightened popularity has naturally driven up real estate prices.
For buyers seeking both value and authenticity, we recommend looking beyond these traditional hubs.
Working closely with our preferred real estate agency in Palermo, we have identified the coastal and rural corridor between Palermo and Trapani as a highly strategic investment area. Currently operating "under the radar" compared to the east coast, this region offers substantially lower property prices while retaining a traditional, untouched Italian charm.
Conveniently located just 45 minutes from both Palermo and Trapani-Birgi International Airports, the area provides excellent accessibility without the crowds. We will conduct further on-site evaluations of this region during our next visit to Italy in June, ensuring our portfolio here meets our strict standards.
San Vito lo Capo is a small seaside town on the west coast of Sicily. Its three-kilometre beach, on a sheltered bay overlooked by Mount Monaco, is rated among the best in Italy. It is only 88 km (1 hour 21 minutes) to Palermo Airport and 60km (1 hour 4 minutes) to Trapani-Birgi Airport.
Castellammare del Golfo is a picturesque town that boasts a rich maritime history and vibrant cultural heritage, and visitors will be drawn to its charming streets, beautiful beaches, and the captivating backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The name can be translated as "Sea Fortress on the Gulf", stemming from the medieval fortress in the harbour. It is only 46 km (33 minutes) to Palermo Airport.
The three Aegadian Islands lie just off the west coast of Sicily, close to Trapani and Marsala and offer stunning beaches, rich history and are a serene trio filled with rustic charm. This video gives a glimpse of what the largest of these islands, Favignana, has to offer.
The cost of living in Sicily is one of the most affordable in Italy. Apart from petrol, everything there is substantially cheaper than here in Australia. We estimate that a couple who own an apartment or a house in most regions of Sicily could comfortably live on €250-300 per week. This would include grocery expenses, alcohol, electricity, entertainment, motor vehicle and all other costs.
We have arrangements with professionals (real estate, legal and tax) in Sicily who can assist with the purchase of properties, ongoing property maintenance and restoration services on the island. We have recently successfully applied for Italian elective residency visas and can advise how best to obtain these.
Property prices in Sicily are extremely affordable and substantially lower than those in Australia. Whilst we have not travelled to the region west of Palermo to Trapani, we are completely confident that our preferred real estate agency in Palermo is realistic and accurate in their assertions that the region has considerable potential, is an underrated area from an international tourist perspective, and is flying under the radar. We will visit and explore the region when we return to Italy next June, and after doing so, we will be able to confirm and validate its potential. Each prospective client may have certain ideas about where they wish to purchase a property, and thankfully, the widespread offices of our preferred real estate agency on the island will help them purchase property in most areas of Sicily.
Indicative Prices (2026) | Apartments, Villas and Houses with sea views
*Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of 1.68 and do not include taxes or associated purchase expenses
€218,000 (AUD$366,000) – detached house with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, private garden with large terrace over 40 square metres overlooking the sea (250 meters away), internal parking for up to two cars with an electric vehicle charging station (Alcamo Marina)
€319,000 (AUD$535,000) – villa with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, 3 floors, private garden, large balcony and verandas with sea views, an uncovered parking space (Alcamo Marina)
€280,000 (AUD$470,000) – apartment with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on the third floor with a lift (195m2) with a large terrace offering spectacular views of the port and Egadi Islands (Centro Storico, Trapani)
€235,000 (AUD$395,000) – apartment with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (143m2) on the second floor in the historic centre, with a breathtaking sea view and an exclusive laundry room to be renovated on the roof terrace (Central Storico, Trapani)
€460,000 (AUD$773,000) – villa with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms that is currently divided into 2 apartments. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and a large wooden patio with a brick veranda that has a second kitchen. The upper floor consists of a living room with a balcony overlooking the sea, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom (200sqm of living space and 2,500sqm of surrounding land) with mature trees and private parking (San Vito lo Capo)
€710,000 (AUD$1,193,000) – prestigious villa with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (700sqm plot) offering manicured outdoor spaces with an elegant English lawn. It has been renovated and has a private swimming pool and a covered veranda with breathtaking sea views. The villa has an outbuilding, which offers the possibility of hosting visitors or a space for other activities (Balestrate)
€425,000 (AUD$714,000) – prestigious villa with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (700sqm plot) offering manicured outdoor spaces with an elegant English lawn. It has been renovated and has a private swimming pool and a covered veranda with breathtaking sea views. The villa has an outbuilding, which offers the possibility of hosting visitors or a space for other activities (Balestrate)