Why Sicily Remains Attractive in 2026
300 Days of Sunshine, Low Cost of Living, and a Warm Welcome
With almost 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters, and a culture centered on friendliness, Sicily ticks all the boxes for a serene everyday life. Interactions often start with a coffee and a smile. 🙂
The cost of living remains gentler than in northern Italy or France, making it possible to consider more space, outdoor living, or even a garden. For a real estate project, this is a real leverage point for comparison.
- Affordable daily life (markets, local restaurants, services)
- Solar energy increasingly widespread
- Growing expat and remote worker communities
The Island Combines Ancient Culture and Modernity in Transformation
Greek temples, Roman theaters, Baroque domes… Sicily is an open-air museum. Yet it’s also reinventing itself: fiber optics in the cities, coworking spaces, start-ups around Catania.
For buyers, this means historic neighborhoods to add value to, and up-and-coming areas where you can blend old-world charm with modern comfort.
- Renovation of historic centers (bonus for those who love heritage)
- Growing supply of seasonal and medium-term rentals
- Improving mobility (trams, rapid buses, modernized trains on some lines)
Major Sicilian Cities
Palermo, Baroque and Creative Capital
Vibrant and artistic, Palermo mixes Arab-Norman palaces, bustling markets (Ballarò, Vucciria), and thriving culinary and cultural scenes. 🎭
For living: historic neighborhoods in need of renovation, more residential avenues (Libertà), and seaside villages like Mondello for beach lovers.
- Intense urban and cultural atmosphere
- Good value for money in period properties
- Varied public transport and services
In Palermo, the French and Americans top the list of foreign buyers (14% and 12%), with median budgets around €90,000 and median surfaces close to 120 m². Plenty to aim for beautiful spaces in period buildings, sometimes needing renovation.
Catania, University City with a Tech Focus
Nestled against Mount Etna, Catania unites a vibrant student life, entrepreneurial spirit, and a unique black lava heritage. ⚙️
The tech sector (often called “Etna Valley”) attracts skilled professionals and remote workers. It’s an ideal base for those seeking a mix of city, nature, and opportunity.
- Lively central districts (Via Etnea, Piazza Duomo)
- Good network of coworking spaces and infrastructure
- Quick access to both the sea and mountains
Market-wise: according to observed demand in 2026-2026, properties sought in Catania average 199 m² for around €310,000 (that’s ~€1,560/m²).
The profile of foreign buyers in Catania is led by the United States (23%), followed by Poland (11%), France (10%), and Germany (7%). A sign of Etna Valley’s international appeal.
Sicilian Lifestyles
Mediterranean Rhythm, Friendliness, and Strong Traditions
Here, life follows the sun: active mornings, long lunch breaks, evenings on terraces, and a passeggiata through the alleys. 🤝
Religious festivals, processions, and culinary sagre set the pace throughout the year. For smooth integration, greet your neighbors, frequent local markets, and adopt neighborhood customs.
- Strong sense of community and mutual aid
- Very well-established local shops
- Ideal setting for families and slow living
Local Cuisine: Arancini, Cannoli, Citrus Fruits, and Volcanic Wines
Sicilian food is a celebration. Arancini/arancine (depending on the city), pasta alla Norma, grilled fish, Bronte pistachios, Ribera citrus, olive oil from the Iblei Mountains… 🍋
For dessert: crispy cannoli, almond granita, and cassata. And in your glass: volcanic wines from Etna, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Marsala.
- Outstanding local produce and short supply chains
- Colorful and affordable markets
- Coffee and aperitivo culture
Nature and Climate
Between Beaches, Volcanoes, and Mountains: Unique Diversity in Europe
Light sandy beaches (San Vito Lo Capo), sculpted cliffs (Scala dei Turchi), turquoise coves (Isola Bella), natural parks (Nebrodi, Madonie). 🌋🌊
Etna and Stromboli offer unforgettable hikes and panoramas, while marine reserves (Plemmirio, Egadi Islands) attract divers and sailors.
- Mild winter, blooming spring, extended autumn
- Hot summer: choose well-ventilated/air-conditioned accommodations
- Outdoor activities all year round (hiking, sailing, cycling)
Growth of Green Tourism Around Etna and the Madonie Mountains
Agritourism, marked trails, wine tourism, and slow tourism are on the rise, with local initiatives to preserve water and biodiversity.
For buyers, this opens new prospects: country houses, bagli to restore, eco-friendly guesthouses near the parks.
- Green amenities (bike lanes, refuges, visitor centers)
- Rising quality of sustainable accommodations
- Good responsible rental potential outside peak season
2026 Market Benchmarks: A Few Orders of Magnitude
Budgets vary significantly between provinces, depending on the coast, building condition, and rental potential. Some benchmarks from foreign buyers’ demand:
- Trapani (west, Egadi Islands): median between €279,000 and €400,000 for 130–150 m² depending on clientele, with a significant presence of French (16%) and German (14%) buyers.
- Agrigento (south, Scala dei Turchi): more accessible entry points, median between €65,000 and €125,000 for ~130 m²; diverse buyers (Poland 15%, United States 13%, France 9%).
Sicily, an Art of Living Between Sunshine and Authenticity
Living in Sicily means choosing a simple and generous everyday life: morning markets, swimming after work, sunset aperitifs, weekends between hilltop villages and nearby islands. ✨
Before buying, think practical:
- Visit in different seasons (summer/mid-season) to assess climate and neighborhood
- Check access: transport, parking, services within walking distance
- Evaluate building condition (insulation, dampness, roof, seismicity)
- Plan ahead for your needs: remote work, seasonal rental, year-round living
- Research available energy renovation incentives
Good to know: in historic centers, the supply is vast and renovations can create real added value. On the outskirts, you’ll find more houses with gardens and sea views.
