by Nightlife in Sicily means, for the most part, nightlife in the cities of Sicily, or in its beachside satellites. It could be argued that Catania has the most vibrant music repertoire on the island, closely followed by Palermo. In Castelbuono, south of Cefalu, the annual summer Ypsigrock festival is a bit like a Sicilian Glastonbury.
Outside of some cookie-cutter Euro dance clubs, the bar is the classic hub of Sicilian nightlife, in various forms from extravagant cocktail joints to humble neighborhood meeting places, where summer refreshments are served in traditional forms. Is there anything better than homemade granita di mandorla (iced almond water) in a piazza still alive with village life at midnight?
For more inspiration from Sicily, check out our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, beaches and things to do on the island.
Find a restaurant by area
North
Nautoscope
Nautoscopio is a beach shack bar that brings a very special seaside vibe right to the heart of Palermo. You can lounge on the sand all day, eat great seafood fast food and watch huge ships sail through the harbor. But stay until after dark and the mood changes: candles are lit on the port side tables, and live bands and DJs perform. Dancing on the sand, many cocktails and relatable Sicilian wines are far away.
Contact: nautopermo.it
Prices: £
Bocum
If Gambero Rosso, the bible of Italian food, this friendly venue was once named the best cocktail bar in Italy, who’s to argue? It’s a fine restaurant upstairs; downstairs is the hippest drinking establishment in the capital of Sicily; and there are also outside tables to get a taste of Palermo while passing by. The choice of wine is very much guided by natural producers. Cocktails include variations on the classic negroni and challenges such as the Tomatotini (sun-dried tomato gin, Noilly Prat, anchovy colatura and olive oil with chilli). Live jazz music takes place on many Thursday nights.
Contact: bocum.it
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended for dining
Kalapinta Craft Beer
You don’t have to drink serious ales at Kalapinta: you can try a cocktail like Bandito alla Fragola (tequila, lime juice and strawberry juice) or Tsantsa Punch (rum, cloves, star anise, pineapple juice, mint and lime juice selection. ). But – as the name suggests – the raison d’être of this lively pub right next to Cefalù’s main attraction is craft beer, and there are some very good labels to choose from, from the ten brew (some of them local) on tap to the huge international selection in bottles and cans. There are frequent themed nights and live music – from rock ‘n’ roll to jazz and soul – featured on the Facebook page.
Contact: 00 39 0921 820168; facebook.com/KalapintaCefalu
Prices: £
East
Bar Morgana
Pretty cool but very touristy, Taormina isn’t exactly ‘Nightlife Central’ – but if you’re still restless when all the daytime cafes are closed, head to this cocktail bar late at night. Make sure you book a table first or you might not get in. The tiny Morgana is done in a 1960s-style Surrealist style and serves cocktails like Cucumber Negroni (cucumber infused Campari with gin and Vermouth) or Dhanens (bourbon, rhubarb liqueur, lemon juice and rosemary syrup). The outdoor space is a beautiful place to sip and drink. Music on the small dance floor is fairly bland but there is usually some action after midnight.
Contact: morganataormina.it
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations are essential
Tinkitè
This charming boho bar and cafe is in the heart of Ortygia, Siracusa’s the middle of the stories, a relaxing place for everything from a morning cappuccino to a wonderful light lunch (features salmon salad, avocado, walnuts, lamb lettuce; include the delicious bruschette one with sun-dried tomatoes and salty ricotta) to afternoon tea (they are more than 30) . varieties). In the evening, it is a venue for regular live music events. The atmosphere is particularly laid back and welcoming around aperitivo time, when another crowd of locals and ex-pats meet over wine, cocktails (try the Ortygia Island with gin, prosecco and orange juice) and snacks.
Contact: 00 39 333 5785347; facebook.com/tinkitewinencafe
Prices: ££
General Mercati
The ‘General Market’ – probably Sicily’s most influential club – is spread over the warehouses and taprooms of a restored 19th century winery in the far southern suburbs of Catania. In summer, the outdoor scene moves into the palm-shaded garden courtyard. The vibe is laid-back, but once the music starts – wide-ranging in genre and always high-octane – you know you’re where it belongs. Some of the best DJs in Europe can be seen here, as well as famous rock and pop acts (usually before they become big names). Check the website for events. DJ sets usually start around 11pm.
Contact: mercatigenerali.org
Prices: ££
First Lounge Bar
In the very green San Berillo district of Catania (although it’s quite non-central) you’ll find the First Lounge Bar – a relaxed, friendly boho curiosity shop, with outdoor seating on a gorgeous piazza. It’s really worth looking for. There is simple food – mostly cured meat and cheese options – and a great beer selection. The cocktails are really good: try an excellent mojito, or a Boston Iced Tea. But mostly, come for the atmosphere. Until recently this was a declining town area; First is a key element in a regeneration project that gives San Berillo a real bomb.
Contact: 00 39 346 5791091; facebook.com/firstct
Prices: €
South
Anche gli Angeli
This locale in the center of Noto is worth a visit for its architecture alone: it is in stone from the 17th century with large stone arches – a very cool place to escape the Sicilian summer heat. It’s a cafe, restaurant (perhaps more expensive than it should be) and hip wine bar/serious room. There’s a good selection of excellent Sicilian vintages (try the Nero d’Avola) and local craft beers, as well as a rotating menu of good cocktails. Live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings ranges from soul to Latin to country and beyond.
Contact: anchegliangeli.it/site
Prices: ££-£££
First class
Open from breakfast (the pastries are excellent) until the wee hours, this smart modern space with retro touches is popular with Ragusa’s cool crowd for aperitivi and post-dinner drinks. Classic cocktails are expertly prepared; for something more southern-Med, go for the Bergamottini (gin with bergamot liqueur) or the Googdfather (sic), which combines Jack Daniel’s with amaretto di Saronno liqueur. There are also craft beers from micro-producers. Art and photo exhibitions, live music from free jazz to electronica and comic stands complete the picture. There is also a restaurant, with mod-Med fare.
Contact: primaclassebar.com
Prices: £-££
Entry: Reservations recommended for dining
Don Beach
Avola, found between Siracusa and Noto on the southeast coast, is famous for its grape variety (Nero d’Avola), its almonds and its white beaches. On one of these, right next to the steep ruins of a historic tuna factory, Don Beach serves some exceptional cocktails to the coolest locals and a handful of knowledgeable visitors. Cocktails change with the seasons. In the summer try a Julep Sour (bourbon, orange and lemon juice, barley water); in winter a Mandarin (Mandarin liqueur, brandy, pomegrantate syrup, bitter chocolates and boiling water) – all served on the most unusual selection of cups and glasses. Live music is occasionally announced on their Facebook page.
Contact: 00 39 333 4839221; facebook.com/donbeach2017
Prices: £
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience on this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveler – and consider service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.
