visit sicily free night

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A free night in Sicily sounds amazing. Booking it is complicated.

The vacation deal from visit sicily requires you to book over email with an italian travel agency.

If you’re considering a trip to Italy — and you have deep reserves of patience — Sicily’s tourism office will pay for a chunk of your stay to include the dreamy Mediterranean island in your plans.

Under its See Sicily program, Visit Sicily offers a free night’s stay, a complimentary excursion and a discount on an airfare or ferry ticket. After the tourism office unveiled the travel promotion two years ago, it’s back for 2023.

Andiamo, right? Not so fast.

The deal is riddled with confusing details and caveats, including two blackout months in the summer. I spent days trying to arrange a test booking before making any progress.

Visit Sicily created the package to boost tourism, which withered during the coronavirus pandemic . Compared with 2019 figures, tourism in Italy fell by 61 percent in 2020 and 58 percent in 2021, according to the U.N. World Tourism Organization. In 2019, about 65 million people visited one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

The deal, which is outlined on Visit Sicily’s website, seems straightforward enough. Book two nights at any of the dozens of participating accommodations and receive a third night free. You can also double the rewards with two free nights on a six-night stay.

Additionally, you get to choose a “tourist service,” such as a guided walking tour or a diving trip. As a further incentive, the tourism office will throw in a voucher that claims to cover 50 percent of your air or ferry expenses.

But don’t start packing your Dolce & Gabbana caftan yet. You’re about to begin trading emails with travel agents working on Italian time.

The fine print for See Sicily offers

The promotion runs through Sept. 30, but July and August, two of Sicily’s most popular months, are blacked out. Some of the lodgings, which include hotels, apartment rentals, bed-and-breakfasts and campsites, are closed during the slow season covering parts of winter and spring.

One of the most notable — and burdensome — requirements is that you must book through a travel agency in Sicily.

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The math for the travel discount also does not add up. According to the website, the rebate is capped at $109 for domestic or continental flights and $217 for international airfare. That won’t cover half of most transatlantic tickets, which can cost about $900 in the offseason and $1,600 or more in the summer.

“Overall, it’s probably not worth all the effort,” said Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, a New Jersey-based tour operator that specializes in Italy, “and it has to be booked directly with Sicilian travel agents or hotels, and who knows what exchange rate they’ll charge your credit card.”

Of course, any travel deal, especially one for Sicily, which is known for its ancient ruins, silky beaches, caponata and Marsala wine, is worth some effort. Or at least an attempt.

“To some people this would be an attractive promotion,” said Ann Castagna Morin, an Italian American travel adviser based in Massachusetts, “[like] independent travelers who are comfortable exploring on their own.”

What happens when you try to book

The tourism office provides a long list of travel agencies affiliated with the deal; some even have “See Sicily” in their email addresses. The companies are organized by city, such as Palermo, Enna and Trapani. When I unleashed my first dozen inquiries, I received one response.

The agency reiterated the package details, including the confounding bit about the discount, and asked me about my vacation style (active, relaxed, foodie), preferred category of lodging (depending on the number of meals) and choice of outings: an “exciting” trek up Mount Etna or a city walking tour?

I immediately replied, but I never heard back from the company that signed off as the “Take it slowly Team.” (The tourism office sporadically emailed me back, but several of my questions remain unanswered, such as further clarification of the travel voucher.)

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I submitted another round of inquiries the following evening, so Sicily would welcome the new day with messages from me.

I eagerly opened an email from Ulisse Tour Operator in Palermo. Anna Maria Ulisse advised me to research flights and share my findings with her, so she could book it. But she never replied to my follow-up questions.

The next night, aware of the desperation creeping into my text, I tried again, hitting up a new batch of agents.

I scored the most success this time around. One agent replied, confirming my email address. Dimensione Sicilia in Catania sent me tantalizing videos of the island and of a self-drive tour, plus a few itinerary ideas.

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“You could spend the 3 nights in Palermo, the capital city, very [rich] in art and monuments and have a free visit of Palermo or spend the 3 nights in Catania, the second most important city and get an excursion on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe or visit the lovely Taormina,” Daisy, an employee, suggested.

With Shell Travel Agency, the fog started to lift, and I could actually see a vacation in Sicily forming on the horizon. An agent named Alessandra explained that although her agency did not offer the travel voucher, she could arrange my lodging and outing.

She recommended Taormina, the beach town near Mount Etna that appears in Season 2 of “The White Lotus,” and a few excursions, such as a visit to Alcantara Gorges or a city walking tour. She just needed my dates, then we could finalize the trip.

After the days-long pursuit, I had finally hooked a free night in Sicily.

A previous version of this article gave an incorrect name for the U.N. World Tourism Organization. This version has been corrected.

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How to get a free night in Sicily and a discount on your plane ticket

In 2023, the Italian region of Sicily has more plans to boost tourism in its splendid territory, after several successful initiatives in 2022. Following the lead of other Italian cities, such as La Spezia , it will be possible to enjoy free nights in accommodation facilities in Sicily , as well as enjoy discounts on airline tickets, and concessions on excursions and tours. Let's find out how you can take advantage and enjoy an (almost) free trip to Italy.

All details about this latest scheme, known as "See Sicily" can be found on the Visit Sicily website . The website highlights that tourists travelling to Sicily, for every booking of at least three nights in one of the affiliated accommodation establishments are entitled to one free night offered by the region .

And that's not all that tourists can take advantage of, as the incentive package also includes free access to an excursion, guided tour or dive that tourist can freely choose. Concessions also include travel, as those who travel to Sicily by plane or ferry are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on the ticket .

Looking at the details, those who book a stay in Sicily are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on the cost of tickets for national and international flights or ferries and ships to reach the region. For national and European flights, the maximum discount is 100 euros, which becomes 200 for all other flights outside Europe .

On the Visit Sicily website you can find the complete list of affiliated accommodation facilities that give access to a free night's stay for every three nights booked, up to a maximum of two nights free of charge for the total stay.

The tourist facilitation initiative is valid for travel packages starting by 30th September 2023. However, it is important to take note that stays in July and August are not eligible . Moreover, vouchers are available while stocks last, so the advice is not to waste much time to not miss out on this amazing offer.

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Your Trip to Sicily: The Complete Guide

Trips to Sicily: The Complete Guide

The island of Sicily is best known as the home of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. However, it's also famous for its well-preserved Greek and Roman archaeological sites, Baroque architecture, vibrant cities, wild Mediterranean beaches, fascinating mix of cultures, and diverse cuisine. While many visitors to Italy tack on a few days in Sicily as part of a larger vacation, there's more than enough to see on this 9,653-square-mile (25,000-square-kilometer) island to merit a longer visit. Or even making Sicily the main focus of your Italy vacation. Read on for your complete planning guide to the largest island in the Mediterranean.

Planning Your Trip to Sicily

Best Time to Visit:  When you decide to visit Sicily depends on what you want to do while you're there. If it's beaches you seek, July and August are peak season, though you can also sun and swim in June and into early September, when it's less hot and crowded. Otherwise, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Sicily for mild temperatures and thinner crowds.

Language:  Italian is the primary language spoken in Sicily, though it's heavily influenced by regional dialects. Italian spoken here incorporates words and pronunciations from Sicilian, the native language of the island. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and stores in touristy cities and towns, but is less common in rural and inland areas.

Currency:  As with the rest of Italy, Sicily uses the euro. Other currencies are not accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted, though some merchants may prefer cash for smaller purchases. American Express is not as widely accepted in Italy as it is in the U.S., so be sure to have a backup card or cash at the ready.

Getting Around in Sicily:  Sicily is covered by a network of train and bus lines that reach most parts of the island. Trenitalia , Italy's national rail company, offers service between Sicily's major cities, secondary cities, and some smaller towns. However, it's worth noting that connections to smaller destinations can be infrequent and involve long wait times.

Buses also connect smaller coastal and interior towns, but service is sporadic and schedules are often complicated to figure out. Ferries not only connect Sicily to the mainland but also to the Aeolian and Aegadian islands, as well as the Pelagic islands of Lampedusa, Pantelleria, and Linosa. Ferries run more frequently in the summer months.

Many travelers to Sicily opt to rent a car in order to visit the interior and move about more freely without worrying about train or bus schedules and wait times.

Travel Tip:  Unless you have a week or more to spend in Sicily, we recommend basing yourself in one section of the island and exploring just area. There are more than 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) of coastline in Sicily and there are only a few direct roads or train routes that cut through the island's center. This means that it can be very time-consuming to visit more than one region in a short trip. Save the rest of the island for when you have more time to enjoy it.

There are a lot of reasons to visit Sicily. Primary among them are historic cities, ancient archaeological sites, beaches, and nature—especially around Mount Etna. Here's a closer look at some of the highlights:

• Historic Cities: Palermo is Sicily's capital city , and offers Arab and Norman history alongside bustling markets overflowing with street food. The city Catania has Greek and Roman ruins and a Baroque center while the cities of the Val di Noto are known for their Sicilian Baroque architecture. Syracuse, Taormina, Trapani, and Cefalu are seaside cities and some beautiful beaches as well as notable ancient ruins.
• Ancient Archaeology: The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is one of the world's best-preserved Greek archaeological sites. Other important sites are located in Selinunte, Segesta, Taormina, Syracuse/Ortigia, and Messina. The stunning Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina preserves the remains of a vast Roman villa decorated with spectacular mosaics.
• Beaches: The sand on Sicily's beaches ranges from black and volcanic to sugary and white, to no sand at all. (There are many beaches are formed of smooth pebbles that are hard on naked feet, so tread carefully!). While the sands vary widely, what all the beaches share is incredibly blue, clear seawater that's perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Look to Taormina, Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalu, and the southeastern coast for . Sicily's islands offer dramatic, rocky coastlines interrupted by sandy coves or wide, crescent-shaped beaches.
• Nature: Mount Etna is the geological star of Sicily and for many visitors, a hike or jeep ride on the active volcano is a must-do experience. To the northwest, the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers unspoiled coastline and Mediterranean woods and scrubs, plus some of Sicily's best beaches. The Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans Nature Reserve is a World Wildlife Foundation reserve for migrating birds.

Get more ideas for your trip itinerary with our articles on the top things to do in Sicily , the best beaches in Sicily , and the top things to do around Mount Etna

What to Eat and Drink

Throughout the millennia, Sicily has been influenced by cultures from across the Mediterranean. Those influences are still felt today in its cuisine, which is a mix of Italian, North African, Arab, and Spanish cuisine—much of it based on the bounty of the sea. Fried street food is big in Sicilian cities and can be found at one of the many markets. In coastal restaurants, heaping mounds of couscous or pasta studded with seafood appear on menus. Meanwhile, eggplant-based caponata and eggplant parmesan are staples further inland. Desserts range from light, refreshing granitas to sweet, dense favorites like cannoli and cassata.

Sicilian wine, once dismissed as regional swill, enjoyed a rebirth starting several decades ago, and the island is now home to many noteworthy varietals. Many wineries are clustered in the mineral-rich soils on the slopes of Mount Etna, from where Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso wines originate. Red Nero d'Avola grapes produce hearty table wines, while Marsala, passito, and moscato are enduring dessert wines. Learn more about the best wineries in Sicily , the best foods to try in Sicily with our longer articles.

Where to Stay in Sicily

Across Sicily, accommodation options run the gamut, from luxurious five-star hotels to functional three-star beachfront properties that don't have to try very hard to sell out their rooms. There are campgrounds, glamping options, and cottage rentals near the shore. Inland, agriturismos offer farmstays that range from rustic to deluxe, and that usually feature food grown on-property. You'll also find "vacation villages" in Sicily, Usually near a popular beach, these are large compounds that offer accommodations, restaurants, pools, and activities. Many offer all-inclusive services but book early if you want to stay in one during the peak summer season.

Wherever you stay in Sicily, if you're there from May to October, take our advice and book a room with air-conditioning. Summer temperatures are sweltering, and air conditioning isn't always a given.

Read more about your lodging options with our guide to the best hotels in Sicily.

Getting There

Sicily can be reached via airplane or ferry. Its major airports are at Catania and Palermo, with smaller airports at Trapani and Comiso. Frequent ferries make the quick trip across the Strait of Messina from Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina. Other mainland ports include Rome-Civitavecchia, Naples, Salerno, Reggio-Calabria and, more seasonally, Livorno and Genoa. Note that not all ferries accept vehicles, so check ahead if you plan to bring a rental car onto the island.

Trains from the mainland also arrive at Messina and continue on to Palermo, Catania, and Siracusa, with stops along the way. Note that if you book a through-train from the mainland, the train cars will be loaded onto a ferry at Messina for crossing the Strait of Messina.

Culture and Customs of Sicily 

Visitors to Sicily may find the population more reserved and conservative compared to mainland Italy, especially once you're out of large cities. Despite this, greeting Sicilians with a friendly "buongiorno" will go a long way toward breaking the ice.

Here are some other Sicilian cultural norms to keep in mind:

• Sicily is more religious than mainland Italy and religious holidays and festivals are piously observed.
• Dress modestly to enter churches anywhere in Sicily. This means that legs should be covered above the knee and shoulders should be covered either by a scarf or a sleeved shirt. Men are also advised to remove any hats.
• Don't be in a rush at lunchtime or dinner. Things move more slowly here, so just kick back and enjoy the languid pace. If you're in a hurry at mealtime, buy street food.
• The Sicilian Mafia is still very much a presence here, though tourists are not likely to notice or be affected by it. Still, it's better not to try to initiate a discussion with locals about the Mafia, even in jest.

Money Saving Tips

A lot of money-saving tips for Italy are also true for Sicily. These include:

• Travel in the off-season: The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are cheaper than the peak summer season. If you can forego warm weather and don't mind a little rain, winter is the cheapest time to visit Sicily.
• Eat street food: Not only is it authentic and delicious, but Sicily's street food, including pizza, arancini (stuffed, deep-fried rice balls), and all sorts of sandwiches are some of the best bargains in the land.
• Do the free stuff: Some of the best sightseeing in Sicily doesn't cost a thing. It's free to sit in a piazza and people watch, walk along seafront promenades, and poke around at colorful local markets. State museums are free to all on the first Sunday of each month.

Encyclopedia Britannica. " Sicily. "

Encyclopedia Britannica. " Palermo ."

BBC. " Viewpoint: Why Sicilians still turn to Mafia to settle scores. " June 6, 2021.

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10 best places to visit in Sicily

Mar 11, 2024 • 8 min read

From the timeless beauty of its coastlines to its fascinating relics of the past, here are the best places to go in Sicily © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

The secret was out long before HBO chose to shoot the second season of The White Lotus here: an undisputed Mediterranean beauty since the time of the ancients, the Italian island of Sicily shamelessly seduces anyone who so much as dips one little toe in its turquoise, gin-clear waters.

From speakeasy coves to exhilarating sweeps of white, black or golden sand, Sicily’s emblematic paradise beaches require little introduction. Ditto for fiery Mt Etna, granita , crunchy cannoli oozing ricotta cream and its top-drawer food scene .

Yet that's tip-of-the-iceberg stuff! Look beyond the Sicilian coast and kitchen, and you find a kaleidoscope of places to visit – bursting with artistic masterpieces, cultural jewels or natural beauty in spades depending on which hilltop village, baroque town or rural retreat (be it a winery or lemon farm) you pinpoint on the treasure map. Scenic trains, buses and boats make getting around Sicily part of the experience for adventurers – or smooth the way with a rental car, the secret to accessing the most remote creases of the island’s mountainous interior.

With just a few days in Sicily, stay in one place. Count two weeks for a grand tour of the island’s Arabesque cupolas, Byzantine mosaics, ancient Greek temples and volcanic vineyards. Wherever and whenever you go , expect silver-screen stuff. 

Best for urban culture

Sicily’s capital assures urban adventure. Provocative street art, rough-cut food markets pulsating with local life, and pertinent multimedia Mafia-focused exhibitions provide up-to-minute commentary on this endlessly fascinating city. Art and architectural buffs meanwhile can swoon over a smorgasbord of treasures harking back centuries: Cappella Palatina in Palazzo dei Normanni ; Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with its speakeasy pasticceria (bakery and cake shop) in a cloister; and courtyard-garden-clad Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas are veteran favorites. 

Planning tip: Factor in a half-day bus trip to Cattedrale di Monreale . The glittering gold mosaics inside Sicily's finest example of Norman architecture leave you dumbstruck.

2. Aeolian Islands

Best for beach- and island-hopping

Boats, beaches and buckets of granita  (crushed ice) soaked in fruits of the land: island-hop around the Aeolians to gorge on Sicilian dolce vita. Milazzo , on Sicily’s northeastern Tyrrhenian Coast, is the springboard for Liberty Lines ferries and hydrofoils to this seven-island slice of paradise. Scoot around the largest island Lipari ; scale a volcano and unearth black beaches on primordial Stromboli ; and pair sweet dessert-wine tastings with fresh capers on lush green Salina . If you have time (and the leg-power), don’t miss the spectacular hike up what feels like a “stairway to heaven” on the old-world, donkey-powered islet of Alicudi. 

Planning tip: On Salina, combine family beach time in the shallow pools formed by concrete breakwaters on Lingua’s Spiaggia Biscotto with Sicily’s best granita on the seafront at Da Alfredo . On Salina's southern coast, the ricotta granita peppered with island-grown candied capers and toasted capers at Pa.Pe.Rò al Glicine is reason enough to visit bijou fishing hamlet Rinella.

3. Mount Etna

Best for a volcanic family expedition

There’s no age limit to getting up high on Sicily’s emblematic active volcano – Europe’s largest. Three-and-a-half centuries after burying neighboring Catania in volcanic ash, Mt Etna still broods over the city. A combo of cable car (up to 2500m/8200ft from Rifugio Sapienza ), 4WD vehicle and volcanological mountain guides makes light work of scaling this fiery beauty that still erupts, spangling the night sky with lava fountains and magma bubbles. If you’re with active teens, skip the cable car for a more challenging hike on Etna’s quieter northern slopes or bike up with a mountain bike guide. 

Planning tip: The height to which you’re allowed without a guide changes depending on volcanic activity. Check in with licensed guides Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord for updates and guided hikes (from age six; best March to June and September), snow-shoeing and ski mountaineering expeditions (December to February).

4. Ragusa Ibla

Best for baroque beauty

It needed an earthquake in 1693 to usher in Sicily’s glorious golden age. In the island’s southeast, lose yourself in the baroque labyrinth of nooks and lanes in Ragusa Ibla , awash with the decorative masks and chubby-cheeked putti (cherubs) sculpted in stone, that rose from the ashes. Don’t miss the Duomo , designed by superstar architect Rosario Gagliardi, and an intimate tour by a family member around aristocratic Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti from the same era. Refuel over fig, pistachio or sweet Passito di Noto wine gelato at Gelati DiVini . 

Planning tip: Combine Ragusa with Modica , Scicli and Noto to create a memorable baroque-town itinerary in Sicily’s southeastern corner.

5. Reserva Naturale della Zingaro

Best for scenic coastal walks

Straddling the grand sweep of western Sicily’s Golfo di Castellammare, the island’s oldest nature reserve is a thing of beauty. Don comfy shoes and a daypack with water, a swim kit and a lunchtime picnic, and stride out along its sublime walking trails beaded with pristine coves and exhibitions in trailside huts celebrating local flora, fauna and traditional tuna fishing. If snorkeling rocks your boat, bring a mask, flippers and tuba – the crystalline waters here have some of the island’s finest snorkeling and diving.

Planning tip: Post-hike, drive 30 minutes to Segesta to admire its majestic Greek temples glowing in the late afternoon’s soft golden light.

6. Caltagirone

Best for arts and crafts

From decorative grave vases spun in clay to accompany the dead, to lifelike marionettes, coral jewelry and elaborate 18th-century maiolica statuettes, Sicily’s arts and crafts heritage is immense. In central Sicily , roll up your sleeves in Caltagirone where ceramic production has been the town’s lifeblood since the Middle Ages. An abundance of wood from surrounding forests has always kept the kiln fires burning, and  Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte , the town’s monumental staircase, zig-zagging from old town to new since the 17th century razzle-dazzles with 142 steps paved in hand-painted majolica. Learn the backstory in the Museo della Ceramica , shop for ceramics and try your hand at throwing a pot of your own.

Planning tip: Visit on July 24 or 25 during Caltagirone’s Festa di San Giacomo when 4000 oil lamps light up the scalinata (staircase) after dark.

7. Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie

Best for getting right off the beaten track

Sicily doesn’t get wilder or more remote. Motor south from the beach-busy Tyrrhenian Coast into the folds of the rugged Monti Madonie. Ramble around medieval hilltop villages, where the lifestyle is overwhelmingly traditional, the sense of history palpable, and the mountain cuisine exceptional. Overnight in an agriturismo (farm stay) such as Casale Drinzi , where kitchens burst with wild forest mushrooms, suino nero (pork from local black pigs) and ricotta cheese fresh from the sheep. Take your foot off the gas, slow right down and detox.  

Planning tip: To really get under the skin of this mountainous region, hook up with a nature guide at Madonie Explorers . Forest-bathe between ash trees and harvest manna with one of the world’s last-remaining manna farmers.

Best for an A to Z of Sicilian ocean fish

Its prized location between the big blue sea of the Ionian Coast and the smoking hulk of Mt Etna makes Sicily’s second-largest city a great base for exploring the eastern part of the island. Catania ’s striking architecture reads like a potted history of Sicily: many of its distinctive, black-and-white palazzi  (mansions) and churches are built from the very volcanic rock that Etna rained down on Catania in 1669. 

Wraparound views from its church rooftops (Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata and Chiesa di San Nicolò l’Arena in Piazza Dante’s Benedictine monastery complex are the best) are spectacular. For foodies, one address stands out: the raucous fresh-fish market La Pescheria , swimming with swordfish, sardines, tuna, octopus, all sorts. Arrive when it opens at 7am for the pick of the ocean. 

9. Valley of the Temples

Best for history nerds and romantics

That UNESCO’s temple logo is a mirror of star-turn Tempio della Concordia at Agrigento 's breathtaking Valley of the Temples says it all: don’t miss Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological site, strung along a rocky promontory by the Med where the ancient Greeks erected Doric temples, tombs and sanctuaries 2500 years ago. Vestiges of subsequent 12km-long city walls and gates built around Akragas – by then the fourth-largest city in the ancient world – are equally evocative.

Planning tip: In summer, visit at sunset or after dark to sip drinks and listen to live jazz in the romantic citrus grove of walled garden Giardino della Kolymbetra , at the Valley of Temples’ western end. 

10. Favignana

Best for snorkeling, cycling and scootering around

Most Sicilian explorers have heard of the Aeolians, but fewer are familiar with the five Egadi Islands – Sicily’s “other” archipelago idyll stitched from whitewashed cottages, creamy tufa-stone walkways and bright blue cala (coves). The largest island, butterfly-shaped Favignana, is a half-hour hydrofoil ride from port town Trapani in western Sicily. Dirt roads, best tackled by bicycle or scooter, duck and dive to picture-postcard cove beaches such as Cala Rossa. Favignana’s 19th-century tuna cannery is a riveting exposé on traditional tuna fishing in Sicily’s big blue. Snorkeling is predictably spectacular.

Planning tip: For scenic hiking, rare monk seal spotting and Giuseppe’s sensational zuppa di aragosta (lobster soup) at Trattoria Il Veliero , get a hydrofoil from Favignana to Marettimo.

This article was first published November 2021 and updated March 2024

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The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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A region and destination all of its own, planning the perfect Sicily itinerary can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. With so much to offer, figuring out how to spend 7 to 10 days in Sicily is a bit of a daunting task when you’re trying to fit in everything there is to see. With electric cities, beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and charming towns, Sicily is one of the most dynamic places to visit in all of Italy.

Whether you’re visiting Sicily as a stand-alone destination or it’s part of a longer trip to Italy, there is so much to see and do on the Mediterranean’s largest island that it certainly deserves its own itinerary. So if you’re wondering what to see and do in this Southern Italian region, follow this itinerary to plan out your ideal route across this inimitable island.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sicily?

If you want to see the highlights of the island, have time to explore the two largest cities and see some surrounding places, then plan to spend at least 7 days in Sicily.

With a week in Sicily, you’ll be able to spend a proper amount of time in the two main cities (which means you don’t need to choose between Catania vs Palermo ) along with exploring some smaller towns (like Taormina and Cefalu) and seeing some incredible sites like the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.

If you want to get quite a holistic view of the island, then spending 10 days is going to be your best bet. You’ll have more time to explore some lessor visited parts of Western Sicily.

Even if you plan 10 days, you’re still not going to be able to get to all of the top spots the island has to offer, so if you have 2 weeks or more, this could be ideal — especially if you want to circumnavigate the island.

Getting To & Around Sicily

Though it is an island, Sicily is well-connected to the rest of Italy and to the majority of Europe. It is home to three international airports and has extensive train and ferry connections depending on where you’re coming from.

If you’re planning a stand-alone Sicily trip, it’s likely that you’re going to be flying into the island. There are three international airports on the island that vary in the level of traffic.

The busiest and highest-traffic airport (and where you will most likely be flying into) is Catania Airport located just outside of Sicily’s second-largest city. This airport has countless connections to many different destinations across Europe and beyond.

The Sicilian capital of Palermo also has its own airport with quite a few connections across Europe, so that is another viable option when it comes to arriving in Sicily.

There is also a small airport outside of Trapani, as well, that mostly serves destinations in Italy along with a handful of other European destinations.

Sicily is also accessible via train, which is a great option if you’re tacking on a trip here to an extended time in Italy. It can be a great idea to visit Sicily after, say enjoying some time exploring Puglia or wandering around the Amalfi Coast . There are direct trains to Sicily from cities like Rome and Naples to most major hubs on the island. You can view schedules here.

The island is also accessible via ferry from several neighbouring ports. For instance, if you want to visit Sicily before or after exploring the lovely nation of Malta , you can enjoy direct ferry connections (you can view schedules here ).

Once in Sicily, you have a few options when it comes to getting around. You can easily get around here on foot when you’re exploring the major cities. In fact, even if you want to – for instance – go on a day trip to Taormina from Catania , it is easy to do this via bus or train.

Train connections between the major cities and towns are extensive and affordable, so this can be a good option if you’re happy to stick to city centres/ However, in order to do this particular route, it’s highly recommended to hire a car and plan a Sicily road trip!

With your own car in Sicily, you will have the flexibility to make stops along the way between destinations and the ability to explore more of the island with far more ease.

Driving in Sicily definitely has a negative reputation, however, I didn’t find it as bad as I had built it up in my head (particularly on the highways, where driving was easy) so long as you keep aware and drive defensively.

If you want to rent a car for a Sicily road trip, we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to find deals across a range of major rental car companies.

7 to 10 Day Sicily Itinerary

If you only have 7 days in Sicily, make sure to read the entry under day 7 carefully in order to properly plan out your Sicily trip.

This route is done easiest with a car, however, it isn’t entirely necessary to rent a car for the first couple of days in Catania, especially as most of the day trip options are easily accessible via public transport.

Day 1 – Catania

The easiest place to start any trip to Sicily is in the island’s second-largest city of Catania . Home to the highest-traffic airport in the region, this city is a logical jumping-off point to exploring the splendours of this beautiful island.

Catania can often be overlooked in lieu of Palermo or more picturesque Sicilian destinations, however, it is absolutely worth visiting this lively metropolis.

Spend your first day in Catania exploring the highlights of the city centre including the Piazza Duomo, the epic fish market and taking in the views of the city and Mount Etna from the Chiesa Badia di Sant’Agata. You can book a walking tour here.

End your day with a leisurely aperitivo in one of Catania’s lively bars and get some delicious street food (or dine in one of the city’s top restaurants!) for dinner.

Where to Stay in Catania

Hotel Centrum – For those travelling on a mid-range budget, this hotel is a great choice. Centrally located behind the Teatro Bellini, it is within easy reach of the top sites in Catania. They have great rooms available and offer breakfast each morning.

Liberty Hotel – This luxury hotel is a great high-end choice in Catania. They have plush rooms on offer, a buffet breakfast each morning, an airport shuttle available and a perfect location for exploring the highlights of the city.

La Dimora del Barbiere – If you’d like to have your own flat during your time in Catania, then this is a great place to choose. There are a range of flats to choose from (varying in size) and an excellent location for exploring Sicily’s second-largest city.

The Yard Hostel – For budget and solo travellers, this hostel is a perfect choice. They have a great, central location, offer both dorm and private rooms and have several great common areas that make socialising easy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Catania!

Day 2 – Taormina, Mt Etna or Siracusa

Day two of your Sicily itinerary should be dedicated to taking a day trip from Catania and exploring more of Eastern Sicily. One of the most popular places is the town of Taormina, which is known for its ancient Greek theatre and beautiful coastline surrounding it.

It’s also a popular option to take a trip to Mount Etna, whether it be to take the cable car and hike around the craters or to sip wines grown in the foothills. If you want to combine both Taormina and Mount Etna and don’t have a car, then you can take this full-day tour  or this day tour.

Finally, another great option is to head south to the city of Siracusa (Syracuse). This city boasts some more incredible ancient ruins, stunning Baroque artitecture and it is a unique and beautiful place to explore. If you don’t have a car, you can go by train or an organised tour such as this day tour.

Day 3 – Catania

On day 3, you have a choice. You can either take this day to dig deeper and explore more of Catania (this is what I would recommend) or, if you’ve had your fill of the city, you can opt to go on a day trip to somewhere nearby.

The latter is a good option if you feel you can’t choose just one of the many day trip options from Catania.

If you choose to remain in the city, spend your day wandering through the Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto, enjoying the tranquillity of the Villa Bellini and visiting some of the other top sites of the city that you may have missed on your previous day.

Day 4 – Cefalu

Day 4 is a travel day with your eventual destination being the capital city of Palermo, where you’ll spend the night.

The drive from Catania to Palermo is only about 3 hours and it is mostly along a well-maintained and paved highway. However, keep in mind that driving into Palermo can be a bit hectic and stressful, so make sure you are prepared.

While en route to Palermo, plan to make a stop in the beautiful town of Cefalu. Located on the north coast of Sicily, you can enjoy a lovely beach here, take in views of the Aeolian islands and get lost in the charming old town.

There are gorgeous views of the surrounding cliffside and a great, laid-back vibe here that makes it very much worth exploring.

Cefalu is located about an hour from Palermo and you can reach the town in about 2-2.5 hours from Catania, so it makes for the perfect stop along the way without adding much to your journey time.

Where to Stay in Palermo

Alma Hotel – This 3-star hotel makes for a great option for mid-range travellers in Palermo. It is centrally located, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and they offer a buffet breakfast each morning.

Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is an excellent luxury option in Palermo. It is centrally located for exploring the highlights of the Sicilian capital, they have countless plush rooms available and a number of other amenities to ensure you have a great stay.

Appartamento Piazza Pretoria – This 2-bedroom flat is a great option for those looking for a self-catering option in Palermo. It has an excellent location near the Pretoria Fountain and Quattro Canti and comes fully equipped with everything you may need.

A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel – For those travelling on a budget or solo, this hostel is a great choice for you. They have a good, social atmosphere, offer both dorms and private rooms and it is well-located to explore all Palermo has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Palermo hotels!

Day 5 – Palermo

Plan to spend the fifth day of your Sicily road trip itinerary exploring the lively, electric city of Palermo! As Sicily’s capital city, planning to spend at least 2 days in Palermo is absolutely essential if you’re going to be spending any amount of time in this region.

Spend your first day in the city taking in some of the top sites in the city centre along with some of the city’s intoxicating markets.

Wander around the Quattro Canti, the Pretoria Fountain, beautiful churches, the Palermo Cathedral and the Mercato di Ballaro among many other things. You can even organise a guided walking tour or a street food tour!

End your day with an aperitivo before heading to La Vucciria to really take in the energy of this lively city at its famed night market.

Day 6 – Palermo

The sixth day of your trip should also be devoted to exploring Palermo because there are likely several places that you haven’t seen just yet.

Spend your morning taking the Massimo Theatre, the Archaeological Museum and gorging yourself on arancini and caponata at the Mercato di Capo.

In the afternoon, head out to Mondello Beach, a lovely stretch of sand located to the north of the city.

After spending a few hours lounging on the beach, head to Monte Pellegrino to enjoy some spectacular views over Palermo, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding area.

Day 7 – Monreale, Segesta & Erice

If you only have one week in Sicily, this will be the final day of your Sicily itinerary and you should, instead of making your way to Trapani, plan to do a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo.

However, if you are planning a 10-day Sicily itinerary, then use this day to make some pit stops while en route to the coastal city of Trapani.

The first stop on your drive to Trapani should be in the town of Monreale, which is only located about 10 kilometres outside of Palermo. This town is well-known for its beautiful cathedral and gorgeous mosaics.

After exploring a bit of Monreale, drive to the archaeological site of Segesta. Located about an hour outside of Palermo, this is home to an excellently preserved ancient Greek temple and a beautiful amphitheatre.

The two sites are located a bit away from each other (and the theatre is up quite a steep hill), so it’s recommended to take the shuttle bus up the hill to see the amphitheatre. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here.

Make your final stop for the day be the lovely hilltop town of Erice. Located on a hill overlooking Trapani, Erice is absolutely beautiful and boasts incredible views (especially on the drive up — you can also take a cable car from Trapani, however) and picturesque cobble lanes and alleyways.

End your day in Trapani, enjoying the lovely location on the confluence of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas.

Where to Stay in Trapani

Hotel San Michele – Located in the centre of Trapani, this hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range travellers to this western Sicilian city. They have clean, cool and comfortable rooms available and offer breakfast each morning.

Room Of Andrea Hotel – This 4-star hotel is the perfect choice for those looking for a luxe stay in Trapani. It has an excellent location for exploring the city and its surrounding area, plush rooms available and plenty of other wonderful amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Residence La Gancia – If you’d like your own space in Trapani, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. It is centrally located close to the highlights of the city and they also have fully-furnished apartments available. There is also a bar and fitness centre on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Trapani hotels!

Day 8 – Trapani

Day 8 should be devoted to exploring lovely Trapani in Western Sicily. Though this is a major metropolitan area, the historical centre of Trapani is quite compact and you can easily explore the top sites within the span of a morning.

In the afternoon, you have a few options. You could opt to head to the beach (there are several lovely beaches within a stone’s throw of Trapani’s centre) and soak up the sun for the rest of the day. Or you could hop on a ferry and spend a half-day exploring the nearby island of Favignana.

As the sun begins to set, make sure to hop in the car and head to the salt pans located just south of the city centre. Sometimes, you can even see flamingos enjoying the salinated waters here.

Day 9 – Marsala & Selinunte

On the penultimate day of your Sicilian adventure, it’s time to leave Trapani and make your way along the south coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento – but, of course, there are plenty of stops to make along the way!

The first is in the coastal city of Marsala. This town is famous for its eponymous fortified wine, but it also boasts a charming historical centre and some salt pans that are very similar to those in Trapani.

Afterwards, make your way to Selinunte, a lovely archaeological park located on the south coast of Sicily. This park includes the ruins of countless temples and other ancient sites and it is absolutely fascinating to wander around. Its location on the coast also boasts incredible views of the Mediterranean, as well.

If you’re looking for a great meal, we highly recommend heading to Trattoria Casa Mia in the town just a few hundred metres from the park entrance. It is a bit unassuming, but this ended up being one of our favourite meals during our time in Sicily.

From Selinunte, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive before you reach Agrigento.

Where to Stay in Agrigento

Hotel Exclusive – Located in the centre of Agrigento, this hotel is a great base for exploring all this area has to offer. They have clean and comfortable rooms available and they also have a great breakfast available each morning.

Doric Boutique Hotel – This luxury hotel is a great place to stay when exploring the area near Agrigento if you’re after a plush stay. They are expertly poised for exploring the Valley of the Temples, they have lovely rooms to choose from and there is a restaurant, bar and spa/wellness centre on site.

A Cantunera LittleHouse – For those looking for their own space while visiting Agrigento are sure to love this two-bedroom house. It is well located to explore the area and it comes fully furnished and well-equipped with everything you may need for a great stay in Sicily.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Agrigento hotels!

Day 10 – Agrigento

Spend the final day of your 10 days in Sicily exploring the highlights surrounding the town of Agrigento. This area is most famous for being home to the Valley of the Temples, which is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site that houses seven ruined Greek temples – including some of the best-preserved temples in the world.

Plan to spend the morning exploring the Valley of the Temples – you need at least a couple of hours in order to do the park justice. Stop for lunch in Agrigento proper before making your way to the beautiful Scala dei Turchi.

These are beautiful white cliffs that cascade into the sea and very much resemble a staircase. If you want to fight the crowds and try and find a place to park, you can even climb over the cliffs and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean.

From the Scala dei Turchi, head to Lido Rosello. This is a beautiful beach located right next to the cliffs and it provides incredible views of the Scala dei Turchi with a fraction of the crowds. End your Sicily itinerary by lounging on the beach and enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds you.

Have More Time?

If you have more than 10 days in Sicily, then there are countless ways to extend your trip. The first thing that springs to mind is to plan to spend a day or two in southeast Sicily around Siracusa.

You can spend a day or two exploring the city itself and another couple of days heading to the hill towns in the nearby Val di Noto such as Ragusa and Modica.

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path, then you could also head to the Aeolian islands and spend a bit of time hopping around this gorgeous and historic archipelago.

Planning a Sicily itinerary is one of the most fun trips to map out in all of Italy. An island with so much to offer, there is no wrong way to visit this incredible place.

Are you planning to visit Sicily? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie and really enjoyed the info you have provided. We are 2 older fit lades (from Australia) planning to tour Sicily in early November. Many of the small group Tours don’t really cover what we want and the private Tours for 2 are expensive. At this point I am thinking I could possibly plan our own private itinerary for the 2 weeks. I have been doing this for 45 years and have never had problems. But the one big hitch is we need a driver to take us from place to place – say Palermo to our next port of call. We would spend say 2 to 3 nights doing some day excursions which I would organise when we arrived or pre-plan. Can you let me know how we would go about finding the 4 or 5 private drivers we would need? no point in engaging the 1 person when we may be spending several nights in one spot. Would appreciate any help many thanks Leigh Enever

Hi Leigh – sounds like you’re planning a great trip and I’m happy you’ve found this information helpful! You can find a lot of private drivers here on Viator that will hopefully be what you’re looking for 🙂

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When to visit Sicily 

Last updated on March 18th, 2024.

When someone asks me ‘when is the best time to visit Sicily’, I usually respond ‘not in August’. 

August is the height of the summer vacation season in Italy. It doesn’t just get extremely hot but it’s the busiest time of the year to travel.

So knowing when to visit Sicily (and when not to) can be incredibly helpful.

In this post, I’ll be sharing information on the best time to visit Sicily as well as other practical travel tips. 

Use this post to help  plan your trip to Italy .  

My Sicily travel tips and/or when to visit Italy also contains more useful planning advice. 

When to visit Sicily 

Many Italians book their getaway to islands like  Sicily or Sardinia meaning these destinations are much busier than usual.  

The following section provides a month-by-month breakdown of the kind of weather (average temperatures) you can expect when visiting Sicily. 

With the weather becoming unpredictable, it’s always wise to check beforehand and to be prepared for any eventuality. 

January and February in Sicily 

From our experience of traveling frequently, and living, in Sicily , we rarely visit Sicily in January or February.  

Our reasons are personal rather than anything related to the weather. But if you’re thinking of traveling to Sicily in January and February, here’s what you may expect. 

Average daily highs can reach 12°C (53.6°F) and can drop to 7°C (44.6°F) at night in Sicily in winter. And while temperatures are milder than in the north, the humidity makes it feel much cooler. Because of this, make sure to pack the right clothes and appropriate outerwear.  

Rainfall is also more likely in Sicily in January and February, with an average of 14 days during both months. 

Other factors to consider when to visit Sicily 

In winter in Sicily, you may find that some services may be closed or offer a limited service. This includes hotels, restaurants and attractions. You may find the same situation if you visit Venice in winter .  

Because of this, it’s always best to check this information beforehand to avoid any disappointment.  If you plan on visiting Catania in February, you can’t miss seeing the Feast of Sant’Agata . Taking place from 3 to 5 February, it’s a big and lively celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint. 

March in Sicily 

The weather sees an improvement when March arrives in Sicily. However, like the previous 2 months, the humidity can make it feel colder. 

Average temperatures in March in Sicily can range from lows of 8°C (46.4°F) at night to maximum highs of 15°C (59°F). Speaking from our own experience, we visited IUTA Glamping & Farm in Noto, southern Sicily and experienced very strong winds. So bitter was the wind that I’d to keep my winter coat on all the time. 

But with an average of 8 hours of sunshine and 19 dry days, March can be good for certain activities. For instance, the temperatures are ideal if you plan to go hiking on Mount Etna. 

April in Sicily 

April isn’t a bad month to visit Sicily.  

Maximum temperatures hover around 17°C and fall to average lows of 10°C (50°F) at night. The water temperature at around 17°C (62.6°F) won’t be quite warm enough for swimming but general temperatures aren’t bad. 

Bringing appropriate outerwear and even an umbrella won’t go amiss if visiting Sicily in April. It’s a month that you may consider visiting sites like Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or Segesta . These large archaeological sites can be hard work in temperatures of 30°C+ (86°F). 

It’s also in April that many hospitality services begin to open again. Many hotels re-open either before, or after, Easter. The same can apply to restaurants (in smaller cities and towns across Sicily). 

May in Sicily 

(Late) May is probably my favorite time to visit Sicily. It’s a period when spring comes into full force bringing temperatures that are warm but not overbearing. The crowds are also fewer in Sicily in May, meaning you really get to enjoy attractions. 

Daily average temperatures in May can reach maximum highs of 21°C (69.8°F) and average lows of 13°C (55.4°F).  

While the temperatures are perfect for general sightseeing, May weather may not yet be warm enough for water activities. Water temperature can reach a peak of around 20°C (68°F) which may be warm for some, but cool for others. 

For the most part, May in Sicily is a dry month. However, there are always exceptions to the ‘norm’ and May 2023 was one of them. Italy was showered with torrential rains and thunderstorms throughout the month. We experienced this downpour during our trip to the Amalfi Coast . 

Another great reason to visit Sicily in May is for the Infiorata di Noto . A colorful floral festival that takes place over a weekend, it’s unique and one you won’t find elsewhere.  

Map of Sicily

June in Sicily 

Summer arrives early in Sicily in June, but it’s still the quiet part of the season. Daily maximum temperatures can reach a nice 25°C (77°F) and drop to just 17°C (62.6°F) at night. 

It means you can leave any heavy outerwear and sweaters at home and exchange these for lighter alternatives. Average water temperatures can also arrive at 25°C (77°F). It’s a good temperature to swim or bathe at the beaches of Lipari or at Isola delle Correnti .  

June is also the start of the 3-month school summer holidays in Italy. While many Italian families usually wait till August to vacation together, you may notice some taking their vacations earlier. 

July in Sicily 

Things begin to really heat up in July in Sicily, both literally and figuratively. Average temperatures can range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) and the risk of rainfall is low (3 days). But while the weather may be sweltering, the water temperature in Sicily at 29°C (84.2°F) is perfect for cooling off. 

Sicily in July will mirror other popular visitor destinations not just in Italy but worldwide. Attractions will be busier lines will be longer and accommodation will typically cost more. 

If you plan on visiting Sicily in July or August, book your accommodation a few months in advance. There will be more availability and you may get lucky bagging a reasonable price. 

August in Sicily 

Visiting August in Sicily is like entering the belly of the beast.  

It’s extremely hot, crowded and overpriced. Take the town of Marzamemi . While we’ve visited several times before, August was unbearable. Though by the coast, there was zero respite from the extreme daytime heat.  

In August 2022, maximum daytime temperatures in Sicily reached a scorching and very uncomfortable 41°C (105.8°F).  

Another thing to be aware of in August in Sicily is the lack of fresh fish and seafood. You may think that the island has an endless supply of fresh seafood but it’s not the case.

In August, Sicily receives an extremely large number of visitors, both Italians and foreigners. This means there’s a lower chance of eating fresh fish and seafood over frozen.  

The upside to visiting Sicily in August is the water temperature. It can reach 30°C (86°F) and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and bathing.  

If you do plan on visiting Sicily in August, try booking after the middle of the month. After the Italian holiday of Ferragosto on 15 August, many Italians usually leave Sicily to return home. 

September in Sicily 

We breathe a big sigh of relief when September arrives in Sicily. The Italian school year resumes (around the second week of September) and activity is noticeably quieter.  

This may not be the case in larger Sicilian cities like Palermo , but you’ll notice a difference in coastal towns and islands. 

The weather’s still warm, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). September in Sicily is also still ideal for swimming and water activities as water temperatures reach around 27°C (80.6°F).

There’s a chance of rain in September but it’s low compared to earlier months of the year. 

October in Sicily 

As the island heads into autumn, temperatures begin to cool. Sicily in October has average temperatures that can range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). October is like the last-chance saloon for a warm Sicilian vacation. 

Water temperatures can reach a still warm 23°C (73.4°F) and many hotels are still open.  

Booking a getaway to Sicily in October makes an ideal fall getaway and a warm one at that. 

November in Sicily 

Things start to cool down in November in Sicily. Minimum temperatures can range between 12°C (53.6°F) to 13°C (55.4°F) while maximum figures can range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). There’s an average of 11 days of rainfall and 6 hours of sunshine each day. 

One of our Sicilian relatives told us he still likes to go to the beach and swim in November. And if you think you’d enjoy water temperatures of 20°C (68°F) in Sicily in November you might just share his mindset. 

November also means much fewer crowds. Couple this with the still good weather and November could be a month to consider when to visit Sicily. 

December in Sicily 

The build-up to Christmas in Sicily sees many Sicilians returning home for the holidays. This can inflate flight costs and hotel prices so book ahead if you plan to visit Sicily in December. 

We’ve spent Christmas at our home on the east coast of Sicily several times and the weather has always been pleasant. Average maximum temperatures reached around 19°C (66.2°F) during the day and fell to around 9°C (48.2°F) at night. 

Like January, the humidity in Sicily in December makes it feel much colder. While it may be tempting to pack summer attire, the reality is you’re going to feel cold.  

Many Sicilian locals are wrapped up in December and hardly anyone goes out without a jacket.  

What are your thoughts on this post on when to visit Sicily? Is there anything else you’d like to know? Let me know in the comments. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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42 thoughts on “ When to visit Sicily  ”

We are headed to Sicily this year for September into October. It looks like there are many great times to visit. And I would definitely avoid the summer heat and crowds. Great to know that the temperatures will still be warm when we visit in the Fall.

You’re visiting at my favourite time of year 🙂

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How to spend a holiday on the greatest island in the Med

A 48-hour insider guide to Sicily – Italy's island of rich history, food and culture

Through the ages Sicily has been a crossroads and crucible of Mediterranean culture. The island today is a fascinating palimpsest, its history and abundant natural wonders ensuring that there’s something for everyone: the historic cities of Palermo, Catania and Siracusa; the Etna region with its volcanic landscapes, fertile wine country and picture-perfect Taormina; Ragusa, Modica and the other honey-hued Baroque towns of the south; the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta; Roman sites like Piazza Armerina; miles of sandy beaches and secret rocky coves. And don’t get us started on the food – from the couscous of Trapani to the pastries of Noto, it’s a reason to visit in itself.

With parts of the island on the same latitude as the north African coast, Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for much of the year: spring and autumn are a sheer delight and though high summer (July and August) temperatures really do soar, sea breezes in coastal areas take the edge off the heat.

For further Sicily inspiration, see our guides to the island's best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  nightlife ,  beaches  and  things to do .

In this guide

How to spend your weekend

Insider tips

When should I visit Sicily?

Where to stay in Sicily

What to bring home

Essential information: what to know before you go

You'll need your own transport for exploring: apart from very few train routes, public services are scarce. On the east of the island, there’s no getting away from the snowcapped silhouette of Sicily's very active volcano, Mount Etna. Its fertile lower skirts are a patchwork of drystone-walled vineyards, orchards and citrus groves sloping seawards. Hugely knowledgeable geologist-guides at  Sicily Into Nature  offer a range of trekking itineraries, which can be personalised on request.

There's a meaty theme to restaurant  Dai Pennisi  in Linguaglossa, which calls itself a 'butcher's with kitchen'. Since 1960 the delightful Pennisi family has been a neighbourhood purveyor of some excellent locally produced meats. Now, they serve scrumptious steaks and the kind of hamburgers that put anything else peddled under that label to shame.

Etna Rosso wine has come on apace in recent years, earning itself the moniker ‘the Burgundy of Italy’. Explore its volcanic charms with knowledgeable American sommelier Benjamin Spencer of the  Etna Wine School  who leads winery visits and tastings but will also bring his Etna master classes to clients’ hotels or rental villas.

If anyone's still standing after the afternoon's wine experience, head into Taormina and splash out on a Bellini cocktail on the terrace of elegant  Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo  – gents, wear that linen suit for the full effect. Afterwards, head to  Tischi Toschi , which serves authentic island dishes such as caponata (a sort of Sicilian ratatouille) and pasta con le sarde(with sardines, wild fennel and raisins). For more restaurant recommendations, see our guide .

The archeological site of  Selinunte  – a Greek city overthrown by Carthage in 409BC – occupies an extraordinary spot on the south-western coast. The tumbled ruins (the only standing temple is a reconstruction) are best visited with a guide: book one of the highly qualified art, archaeology and history specialists from island-wide network  Passage to Sicily .

If you're feeling adventurous, seek out the poorly sign-posted  Cave di Cusa  11km north-east of Selinunte. This was the city's abruptly abandoned quarry, where part-hewn and carved column sections stand in a romantic flower-strewn landscape.

For lunch, indulge in some well prepared seafood at the super-friendly  Ristorante Boomerang  in Marinella di Selinunte: the menu consists of whatever came off the fishing boat that morning.

The  beach  in the nature reserve of Foce del Belice, east of Selinunte, is a marvel – kilometres of golden sand and azure water. There are few beach bars, and no ranks of umbrellas and deckchairs. The further you’re prepared to walk along the coast, the fewer people you’ll encounter. For more beach recommendations, see our guide .

Nearby Sciacca is a lively port town with a glorious Baroque centro storico. The evening passeggiata brings the whole town out into the main drag. Dine at the excellent  Hostaria del Vicol o, where you can try Grandma's sardine soup; tagliatelle with red mullet, roe, saffron, fennel and pinenuts; or cod au gratin with purée of Jerusalem artichokes. Finish up with a superlative lemon granita at the Bar Roma.

Island hack

Although sights in Sicily are very spread-out, it is (just) possible to 'do' parts of the island without hiring a car. For example, if you’re based in historic seaside Cefalù, Palermo is 50 minutes and €7.10 away by train, while the two-hour trip to Agrigento will set you back just €10.50. Consult the  Trenitalia  website.

Village watch

Sicily is full of unexpected delights, like the almost entirely untouristic, historic town of Gangi in the Madonie hills, about 80km south of Palermo. After a look at the macabre mummified priests in the crypt of the church of San Nicolò, stroll through the lanes to Pasticceria Mantegna (via Giuseppe Fedele Vitale 120) to sample owner Natale Mantegna’s legendary cucchie (almond and dried fruit pastries).

Attractions

To beat the crowds in Agrigento’s spectacular  Valle dei Templi  arrive punctually for the 8.30am opening and park at the Temple of Juno entrance at the highest point of the archeological area. You’ll have the whole place to yourself for half an hour, and even then, most visitors will be making their way through from the other direction.

The  Foresteria Planeta  is a suavely chic hotel in Menfi, set amid vineyards and with a glorious view out to the distant Med. Even if you’re not staying there, drop by for a cooking class with chef Angelo Pumilia. The freshness of the all-local ingredients is astounding.

Did you know?

Even more than the rest of Italy, Sicily is a cash economy. Don’t expect to be able to pay with credit cards in bars and cafés, and save a few euro notes for the final fill-up if you’re taking a hire car back to the airport.

Sicily has a mild climate that makes it an attractive destination for much of the year. Bear in mind that Sicily has a much longer warm-weather season than northern and central Italy. If you’re lucky, it’s possible to sunbathe and swim in the sea well into November, and spring starts early: in many areas, the ground is carpeted with wild flowers at the end of February.

Where to stay

Luxury living.

The best spa in Sicily sprawls across 4,000 modernist metres in the swish  Verdura Resort  on the little-visited south coast. There are also two 18-hole golf courses. West of the charming baroque town of Sciacca, the hotel is ideally placed for visiting two of Sicily’s most impressive Greek temple complexes: Agrigento and Selinunte.

Double rooms from €350 (£300)

Boutique bolthole

Seven Rooms Villadorata  is a devastatingly gorgeous feast for the senses housed in a wing of the most extravagant Baroque palazzo in Sicily. Expect high ceilings, soaring windows with white shutter doors and heavy linen curtains, original encaustic tiled floors, and on your supremely comfortable beds, delicately puckered white silk quilts and blue alpaca throws. 

Double rooms from €340 (£291)

What to take home

The flat peasant cap known as  la coppola  has been reclaimed by Sicilian hipsters, shaking off its Mafia associations. Find yours at the old-school Palermo hatmaker  Coppola Mascar i.

Sicilian sweets and pastries are to die for. If you’ve left it until late never fear, Palermo cake king  Palazzolo  has an outlet at the city's Punta Raisi airport.

Essential information

• British embassy in Rome:  00 39 06 4220 0001;  ukinitaly.fco.gov.uk
• Tourist offices and information:  The official Regione Sicilia tourism website is at  regione.sicilia.it/turismo . Tourist information offices can be found at all three Sicilian airports, at ferry ports, and in the main towns. Three of the more useful are: Palermo ( turismo.comune.palermo.it ); Catania ( turismo.provincia.ct.it ); and Taormina ( comune.taormina.me.it ).
• Emergency services:  dial 112 (Carabinieri); 113 (State Police)
• Currency:  Euro
• Telephone codes:  from the UK, dial 00 39 plus the area code with the zero
• Time difference:  +1 hour
• Flight time:  from London to all three Sicilian airports is just under three hours

Local laws and etiquette

• Organised crime is, regrettably, in Sicily’s DNA but most visitors to the island will never be aware of it. It’s the locals – and especially local businesses – who suffer most, and protection rackets are a harsh reality.  AddioPizzo  (farewell to protection payments, ) is a civil society groups grouping businesses, organisations and individuals who refuse to hand over money to the Mafia. There’s a handy map of participating companies on the website.
• Drivers are required to keep a reflective yellow/orange bib inside the car, to be worn if they break down or have an accident and need to get out of the car (they come as standard with hire cars).
• When driving outside of built-up areas, you are legally required to keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day.
• Italians always say hello and goodbye in social situations – including when entering or leaving shops, bars etc. A simple “buon giorno” in the morning or “buona sera” in the afternoon or evening goes a long way (and it covers both hello and goodbye).
• If you’re invited to dinner, flowers or chocolates for the hostess are a more usual gift than a bottle of wine.

About our expert

Anne Hanley and Lee Marshall have lived in Italy for 35 years, first in Rome and now in the Umbrian countryside. Anne designs gardens and writes; Lee writes and cycles. They are both passionate about Sicily – its wine, its food and its extraordinary culture.

Plan the ultimate two-week tour of Sicily with our expert's itinerary here.

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A Detailed Sicily Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

So you have a week in Sicily – that’s perfect for a road trip! I spent a few weeks on the island on two separate occasions – once for a girls’ trip focused on Sicilian wine & food pairings ( and what makes the Sicilians live forever ), and another time for a solo road trip around the island, traveling a bit more slowly.

This 7-day Sicily Itinerary is no ordinary basic-ass plan . It’s pretty detailed and has my best advice on an optimized road trip route , Sicilian foods to try , and my favorite towns to prioritize for the week (including what to do each day, where to park, and cute places to stay in the best parts of each town).

High level, my Sicily itinerary focuses on the north and east coast of the island , where I think all the action is, and the prettiest towns can be found. You can start either in Catania (east coast) or Palermo (north coast), and tweak the route accordingly.

✔️ Day 1: Fly to Palermo & Explore, Night Out ✔️ Day 2: Trip to Erice, Scopello Beaches & Sicilian Cooking Class ✔️ Day 3: Lazy Beach Day in Cefalu, the cutest coastal town ✔️ Day 4: Explore Taormina, the Pearl of Sicily ✔️ Day 5: Sunbathe on Isola Bella & Wine Tasting around Mount Etna ✔️ Day 6: History of Siracusa & Night Out in Isola Ortigia ✔️ Day 7: Fly Home (from Catania or Palermo)

My favorite thing about the island is that while it’s popular, you will mostly see Italian & European tourists because Sicily is still a bit of an undiscovered gem for the rest of the world. And I get why – it has to compete with the rest of iconic Italy, the Amalfi Coast , the Dolomites , Milan , Rome, Tuscany , and Cinque Terre to name a few.

👉  PRO TIP: I included what you could add to the trip if you had more than 7 days in Sicily towards the bottom (my favorite being the towns of Trapani, Noto, and the island of Favignana).

Table of Contents

Sicily Itinerary: 7 Days in Sicily

Sicily is like a melting pot of different vibes thanks to its mix of conquerors (African, Roman, Moorish, Christians) over the years, giving it this cool blend that you can see in its architecture, food, and traditions. It’s famous for its beautiful coastline, an active volcano called Mt.Etna (where vineyards thrive), idyllic coastal towns, and amazing food like arancini and cannoli.

This 7-day Sicily itinerary focuses on chic places to stay, eat, and have sunset drinks at, adds a sprinkle of history & culture, and makes sure to include the iconic spots that make Sicily famous. It is NOT a checklist-packed itinerary that gives you 2-3 hours in a place before moving on.

Day 1: Explore Palermo

• Morning Arrive in Palermo & rent a car
• Afternoon Highlights Tour of Palermo (tickets & tour of the 2 most iconic things to see in Palermo, Palazzo Dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina
• Dinner at Osteria Villena (great bar & atmosphere) or Osteria Nonna Dora

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is going to attack all your senses. It’s loud, graffitied, and artsy, giving both modern & history vibes, all the food is tasty, and people are out and about at night in full force. That’s the beautiful chaos of Palermo.

I liked walking around the lively street markets like Vucciria and Ballarò (especially at night) and visiting the Palazzo dei Normanni on the tour. I also thought the architecture was super pretty, having been influenced by Arabs, Normans, and Byzantines – pay attention to the famous Cappella Palatina’s mosaics for a little taste.

For dinner, make sure to order some of the iconic dishes like panelle (chickpea fritters) and caponata (eggplant dish). Sicily has a rich food heritage, and Palermo is a great place to start tasting all the goodies. For all these reasons, and the fact that Palermo has a big airport, it’s a great place to start your trip.

Best Places to Stay in Palermo [2 nights]

📍 Luxury : Archè Design Rooms and Suites – Amazing staff, and great natural light to the rooms. Modern, beautiful clean, and does not break the bank! 📍 Mid-Range: Casta Diva Luxury Apartments – lots of apartments like this (and at this price range) in Palermo. I like the location of this one, and how wonderful the host is – helps when you’re new in town!

Day 2: Erice, Beaches, & Sicilian Food

• Half-day trip to Erice , a cute little historic town (1.5 hrs from Palermo)
• Afternoon on Sicilian Beach – San Vito lo Capo and/or Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
• Sicilian Cooking Class & Dinner (Late Class starts at 5 pm)

The northwest coast of Sicily is more than just Palermo, and so I would take your rental and hightail it to the countryside. I spent a morning and lunch in Erice, about a 1.5-hour drive west of Palermo on SS187 road ( park here ). I did a little walk around the town walls and had lunch in the old town. It’s not a big town, but I think it’s one of the more beautiful and preserved towns in Sicily.

After lunch, on my way back, I stopped at this little beach (the parking is paid – about €10 – so have some cash on you). Highly recommend a little swim and bringing water shoes if you have them. The views here are wonderful! San Vito lo Capo is also a great popular choice, I just preferred the beaches near Scopello better.

The late afternoon is dedicated to learning about Sicilian food and how important a role it plays in the culture and lifestyle of its people. I love a good cooking class , and doing things with my hands, so this was a perfect way to end the day. Plus, dinner is included. Night on the town after since it’s the last night in Palermo!

Day 3: Relax in Cefalu

• Morning drive from Palermo to Cefalu (1hr)
• Explore Cefalu (Duomo di Cefalu, cobbled streets, sunbathing & shopping)
• Sunset Mini-Catamaran of Cefalu coastline
• Dinner at Brama Restaurant

The drive from Palermo to Cefalu is about 1 hour, and I like to stay the night because it’s another iconic example of Sicilian life – a small fisherman village, family-style food, and pretty views of the Mediterranean. Plus it’s on the way to Taormina, and a nice way to break up the road trip.

I would start your day by exploring the Duomo di Cefalù , a Norman cathedral famous for its impressive mosaics – it’s the main church in town. Afterward, I just walked around, did a little window shopping, strolled down the lungomare, and landed on the beach, as one does.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss a climb up La Rocca , a massive crag offering panoramic views of Cefalù and the sea – it’s a bit of a hike, but the views are worth it.

In the afternoon, book a tiny catamaran and see the sunset from the boat . Cap off your day with some fresh seafood at a local trattoria – recommend Sarde a Beccafico if you can find it on the menu.

Best Places to Stay in Cefalu [1 night]

📍 Luxury – Hotel La Plumeria – all the suites have balconies, a 2-minute walk from Cefalu Beach, and this property is so pretty!! 📍 Mid-Range – Mandralisca Garden – just a few steps from the beach, and the property has a cute bike rental you can take advantage of.

Day 4: Enjoy The Views in Taormina

• Morning drive from Cefalu to Taormina (2.5 hrs)
• Afternoon explore Old Town Taormina
• Sunset at the Ancient Greek Amphitheater
• Dinner at Osteria da Rita (dal 1991)

Taormina is one of my favorite towns in Sicily, so much so, I go every time I’m on the island. It’s known as the Pearl of Sicily and holy shit, it’s so darn pretty!

It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Cefalu to Taormina , so you’ll likely make it there by lunch. Parking in Taormina can be tough, so I recommend parking outside of the town at any parking garage, and walking to your hotel. The town is not big, so it’s not that bad.

In the afternoon, wander down Corso Umberto , the main street lined with shops and cafes, perfect for enjoying a cannoli or picking up little Sicilian crafts. Don’t miss the chance to visit the tranquil gardens of Villa Comunale . It’s a peaceful escape inside the town with lush greenery and super pretty views.

PRO TIP: Right before sunset, get tickets and head to the Ancient Greek Amphitheater – I think the best views are while the sun is going down over the stunning backdrop of Mount Etna and the sea.

Best Places to Stay in Taormina [2 nights]

📍 Luxury: Hotel Vila Paradiso – This is where I stayed with my girlfriends, and the balcony views alone were worth the little extra. While there are lots of great spots in Taormina, this one had a great mix of coziness & luxury. We loved it! 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Continental – Great value for your money, fantastic breakfast and the terrace also has some beautiful views. Taormina really shines when you can see the sea & Mt. Etna!

Day 5: Climb Mount Etna

• Morning Hike on Mount Etna
• Lunch around Etna at Gambino Vini (for Sicilian wine tasting)
• Afternoon sunbathing on Isola Bella
• Dinner at Vineria Modi

Today is about getting to know Mount Etna with a little hike and vineyard visit. Because of the rich soil around a volcano, you’re going to get some pretty unique natural wines. I will say, not all natural wines are love at first taste, but judge for yourself.

In the morning, I recommend a nice hike – Easy Hike (1hr) and/or Moderate Hike (2.5 hrs), plus a trip to Gole Alcantara (1.5 hr thing). Around lunch, I recommend Gambino Vini for their wine tasting and snacks (which is enough for lunch).

For some afternoon sun, head back to Taormina and take the cable car down to Isola Bella , a small island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of beach, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the pebble beach. I brought my own beach towel and water shoes, and snuck wine from the vineyard in my water bottle – priorities !

Day 6: A Day in Siracusa

• Morning Drive from Taormina to Siracusa (1.5 hrs)
• Afternoon Walking Tour Of Old Town Ortigia
• Dinner & drinks in Isola Ortigia

It’s a quick drive from Taormina to Siracusa. To be quite honest, the best part of the big city of Siracusa is the tiny island of Ortigia. I stayed longer in Ortigia because it’s a great home base for exploring the southeast of Sicily , and the lodging on this little island is fantastic!

Ortigia is connected to the mainland by a tiny ass bridge, and parking is again a beast.

PRO TIP: Park here on Isola Ortigia, pay with the EasyPark app , and explore on foot for the rest of the day. Do not give random people cash for parking – that’s a scam!

Ortigia is a packed little island full of pretty streets and everyone trying to feed you – it’s the love language of Italy. I loved the walking tour and then being able to explore on my own at night. I did feel like I needed to be a bit more dressed up in Ortigia at night, so pack a cute date night outfit because the Italians are fancier here! 😊

Best Places to Stay in Isola Ortigia [1 night]

📍 Luxury – La Maison : like staying in a little Grand Hotel, the rooms are elegant, comfortable, and spacious. Breakfast out on the terrace is so nice. I recommend the rooms with the balcony! 📍 Mid-Range – xenìa : fantastic location and the rooms are so full of natural light, the breakfast is wonderful, and the outdoor seating is an added perk for people-watching!

Day 7: Fly Home

Today is your travel day. You can drive one hour from Siracusa to Catania Airport and fly home. Or you can drive 3.5 hours back to Palermo Airport, drop off the car, and fly home.

I always think it’s cheaper and more practical to fly in and out of the same airport, as well as rent a car and return it to the same place. Plus, I’m from Texas and don’t think a 3.5-hour drive through the island is a big deal.

How many days should I spend in Sicily?

Always a fan of maximizing my time while keeping in touch with my slow travel philosophy, I recommend a minimum of 7 days in Sicily.

Having been to the island a few times, I personally recommend 10-14 days if you can swing it. There is absolutely enough to see and do in Sicily, the food & wine are their own subset of Sicilian tourism, and the island is bigger than it looks.

7 Days: Best for Sicilian Highlights

A week in Sicily is enough to see the highlights, spending 2 days in Palermo, 1 day in Cefalu, 2 days in Taormina, and 2 days in Siracusa. It’s a quick-hitter itinerary, best done as a road trip, and with a glass of wine in hand.

• 7 Days in Sicily Starting in Palermo: Palermo – Erice- Cefalu – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Palermo
• 7 Days in Sicily Starting in Catania: Catania – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna – Cefalu – Palermo – Erice – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Catania

This route will have you climb an active volcano (Mount Etna), see the cutest little fisherman town (Cefalu), visit the Pearl of Sicily (Taormina), dive into the history of the island (Palermo & Siracusa), and eat & drink your way through the north & east coast of Sicily.

10 Days: Add Some Local Towns & Islands

With a few more days in Sicily, you can add little gem islands like Favignana and a few more towns around the southeast – famous for their wine production and deep roots in mafia & history ( not even making that up, where do you think the Sicilian mafia comes from!? )

• 10 Days in Sicily Starting in Palermo : Palermo – Eze – Isola Favignana – Cefalu – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Noto – Palermo
• 10 Days in Sicily Starting in Catania: Catania – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Noto – Trapani – Isola Favignana – Eze – Palermo – Cefalu – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna – Catania

14 Days: Now You’re Really Circling the Island!

With 2 weeks in Sicily, you can slow down, spend a couple of nights in the bigger cities, and explore some of the local islands around Sicily. You have time to take in the culture – do a cooking class, waste a day learning about Sicilian Wines. At this point, it doesn’t matter where you land, you can circle the island – not a lot going in the center anyway.

• Route : Palermo – Eze – Isola Favignana – Cefalu – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna (wine) – Isola Lipari (wine) – Catania – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Noto (wine) – Modica – Ragusa – Agrigento – Palermo

Getting To Sicily

Getting to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is pretty straightforward, thanks to its well-connected transportation system. Here are the best ways to get there:

Sicily is served by several airports, with the busiest being Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) and Palermo International Airport (PMO) . There’s also Trapani-Birgi (TPS) in the west and Comiso Airport (CIY) in the southeast, offering both domestic and international flights.

A bunch of airlines, including low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, offer direct flights from major European cities.

⛴️ By Ferry

Regular ferries connect Sicily with various Italian ports, including Naples, Genoa, and Civitavecchia (near Rome), as well as the closer ones like Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni on the tip of Italy’s boot.

I once drove onto Sicily from Villa San Giovanni ferry port – it was a 20-minute ride, super easy!

There are also ferry services to and from smaller islands like the Aeolian Islands (Liparia), Ustica, and the Aegadian Islands (Favignana), making island-hopping around Sicily accessible. The key is finding the port , which is as simple as searching Google Maps.

I know it sounds crazy, but trains run directly from mainland Italy to Sicily, crossing the Strait of Messina via ferry at Villa San Giovanni – the train itself is loaded onto the ferry for this unique leg of the journey.

Trenitalia operates routes from major Italian cities like Rome, Naples, and Milan to Sicilian destinations such as Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse. Traveling by train is kindof neat because it gives you a scenic approach to the island, allowing you to enjoy the Italian countryside before arriving in Sicily.

🚗 By Car + Ferry

This is a driving/ferry combination option, and one I did before. If you’re coming from mainland Italy, you can drive to one of the ports mentioned (Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni ) and take a ferry across to Messina.

I like this option because you can take a road trip from mainland Italy to Sicily. Plus, renting a car on the mainland can be cheaper.

Choosing the Best Way To Get to Sicily

Each mode of transportation offers a different experience, so it’s up to you to choose based on convenience, budget, and the type of travel you prefer.

✅ Consider Your Starting Point: Direct flights are most convenient for international travelers, while ferries or trains might be better for those already in Italy or nearby.

✅ Think About Your Sicily Itinerary: Decide which part of the island you want to explore first. For example, landing in Palermo is ideal for the western parts, while Catania is a better gateway for the southeast and Mount Etna.

✅ Budget and Experience: Consider both the cost and the experience you’re looking for. Ferries and trains offer a more scenic and potentially enjoyable journey, while flying might be quicker and, in some cases, cheaper.

Renting A Car In Sicily

When you get to Sicily, I highly recommend renting a car as public transportation is not all that reliable. It’s there, just not on time in my experience. Plus, a lot of my recommendations are a bit off the beaten path .

➡️ I recommend DISCOVER CARS for checking prices in Sicily – it’s what I use ! ⬅️

I recommend a small car , and getting the insurance that comes along with the car, considering the driving style and road conditions in Sicily.

All in all, driving in Sicily is awesome. Just be aware and review the local driving norms below and a few unique road rules to be set and ready to go.

Driving In Sicily

I liked driving in Sicily, but there are some quirks that I feel are only true for South Italy drivers.

While major highways ( autostrade ) and roads are generally in good condition and have 2 lanes going in each direction, secondary and rural roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes poorly maintained – potholes, construction with little signage, etc. Cities like Palermo and Catania are known for their congested traffic and crappy parking.

Navigating the narrow streets of historic towns can be tricky , so my best recommendation is to find a parking garage near where you are staying and park it for the day.

PRO TIP: I’ve included where to park at each stage of the itinerary. I also used the Easy Park app to pay in Sicily – don’t give people cash at the parking garages, that’s a scam.

Sicilian drivers will seem aggressive compared to what you’re used to, but I adjusted to my defensive driving self and was just fine. You can expect quick lane changes, little signaling, grandpas driving in the middle of both lanes and a bit of tailgating. Oh, and a lot of scooters sharing the road – little buggers are everywhere and come out of nowhere.

PRO TIP: Using your horn is common as a signal to other drivers, especially in crowded or narrow streets. Locals also flash their headlights to indicate they are coming through or to warn you of their presence. Basically, Sicilians will make themselves be heard and seen on the road.

Sicily Road Rules

Here are a few things I learned the hard way, meaning I got 2 parking tickets in Sicily because I didn’t pay attention to the signs.

• Speed Limits: Speed limits are generally 130 km/h on autostrade (freeways), 90-110 km/h on main roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas unless otherwise posted. There are few cops around, but there are speed cameras. And your car rental company will find you and charge you.
• ZTL Zones: Many historic city centers have “Zona Traffico Limitato” (ZTL) areas, where access is restricted to non-resident vehicles at certain times. Be mindful of these zones to avoid fines, especially in Taormina and Isola Ortigia.
• Street Parking: White lines indicate free parking, blue lines denote paid parking, and yellow lines are reserved or restricted. Pay attention to signs and payment machines.

3 Best Things To Do & See In Sicily

Beyond the highlights of what to see and do in Sicily, there are a few things that I think need special attention if you really want to experience the heart of Sicily.

👉 Did You Know that Sicily is one of those islands in the world where people live forever (or at least till a healthy 100?!) I found the answer in their diet, and their culture, and observing how absolutely slow & chill things are on the island.

1. Learn About Sicilian Food & Wine

I highly recommend finding a cooking class you can take in Sicily – I have done a couple of them, both in Palermo and Taormina and had the most fun.

➡️ Loved this Sicilian Cooking Class in Palermo ⬅️

Here are a few must-try dishes and desserts for when you’re out and about in the towns:

• Arancini: These are crispy, golden rice balls filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas, a staple of Sicilian street food.
• Caponata: A sweet and sour eggplant dish, often including capers, olives, and celery, showcasing Sicily’s Arab influences.
• Pasta alla Norma: Named after Bellini’s opera, this pasta is about fried eggplant, ricotta salata cheese, tomato sauce, and basil.
• Panelle: Chickpea fritters, often served in a sandwich, are a popular street food in Palermo.
• Sarde a Beccafico: Sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins, then rolled and baked, reflecting Sicily’s love for fish with a sweet and savory twist. OMG!
• Cannoli: Perhaps the most iconic Sicilian dessert, these crispy pastry shells are filled with sweet, creamy ricotta and dotted with pistachios or chocolate chips.
• Cassata Siciliana: A traditional sponge cake moistened with fruit juices and layered with ricotta cheese, covered in a shell of marzipan, and decorated with candied fruits and icing.
• Granita: A semi-frozen dessert that comes in various flavors like lemon, almond, and coffee, often enjoyed with a brioche bun for breakfast in the summer. My favorite was the coffee flavor because it reminded me of a slushy coffee.

2. Explore The Islands Around Sicily

Sicily is surrounded by a bunch of little islands, each with its own flare. The best little islands around Sicily, including what makes them special, are as follows (according to me):

☀️ Favignana: Famous for its crystal-clear waters and Cala Rossa, Favignana is great for snorkeling and swimming. I rented a bike at the pier and did a little bike tour (that’s how small it is) and beach hopped.

☀️ Lipari: The largest of the Aeolian Islands, known for its archaeological sites and the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano. Its thermal springs and beautiful beaches also make it a popular spot. I also enjoyed the vineyards here!

☀️ Lampedusa: Famous for its Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli), regularly ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches. The island is a paradise for beach lovers and offers opportunities for spotting sea turtles and dolphins.

☀️ Linosa: A volcanic island known for its dramatic landscapes, black sand beaches, and rich marine life, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling.

PRO TIP: You can easily grab a ferry to each of these islands from the nearest Sicilian town in the morning for a day trip .

Every little island provides a unique slice of Sicilian life, and I feel like it’s a more authentic Sicily because not many tourists venture out to these little pieces of earth.

3. Climb Mount Etna – An Active Volcano

Mount Etna, towering over the eastern part of Sicily, is Europe’s highest and most active volcano, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is not only a symbol of Sicily but also a mountain that begs to be explored. And if there’s a mountain, it must be climbed!

To visit Mount Etna, drive to Rifugio Sapienza or Piano Provenzana, the two main starting points for hikes and adventure stuff. From there, you can hike along the trails, take a cable car, or ride in 4×4 vehicles to reach higher altitudes near the summit craters.

HIKING TIP: Try this Easy Hike (1hr) and/or this Moderate Hike (2.5 hrs) around Etna. Download the AllTrails App and track your hike!

The fertile volcanic soil of Etna’s slopes is also home to vineyards producing some of Sicily’s most famous wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, teaching you about the unique flavors influenced by the volcano.

Planning Tips For A Week in Sicily

Planning a week-long road trip in Sicily can be an unforgettable adventure, but there’s some stuff to be wary of. Here are some tips to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable:

✅ Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a small to medium-sized car for easier navigation through narrow streets and parking. The car rental company will want to give you a big SUV, but that would be a mistake .

✅ Insurance: Get comprehensive car rental insurance for peace of mind. Sicilian roads can be challenging, and drivers are a tad aggressive.

✅ International Driving Permit: Along with your valid driver’s license, an International Driving Permit is often required for non-EU residents.

✅ Driving Caution: Be prepared for a more aggressive driving style than you might be used to. I thought it was fun, easy, and exciting to drive in Sicily, especially so you can get off the beaten path.

✅ ZTL Zones: Pay attention to Zona Traffico Limitato (traffic limited zones) in city centers to avoid fines.

✅ Pack Comfy: Bring lightweight clothing for the day and something warmer for cooler evenings, good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a pair of sunnies.

✅ Meal Times: Sicilians typically eat lunch around 1-3 PM and dinner from 8 PM onwards. Many restaurants close between these meal times, so plan accordingly.

✅ Siesta Time: Especially in smaller towns, shops will close in the afternoon for a few hours during the hottest part of the day (usually from 1-4 PM).

✅ Local Legends: Sicily has a rich culture and history. Show interest in local traditions and norms, and ask for local legend stories – especially about the potted plants in the head of a man and woman!

A week in Sicily can fly by quickly, so it’s important to balance your itinerary between seeing the sights and taking the time to relax and soak in the island’s beauty and culture.

Ideal Time to Visit Sicily

The best time to visit Sicily is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) . I have been in the summertime as well, and I remember thinking how hot it was – and I’m from Texas ! Of course, I adjusted by spending most of my time on the beaches around the coastline, so it was still great.

Here’s what to expect of Sicily weather for every season:

🌸 Spring (April to June)

This is when I usually opt to go to Sicily, especially to start off the travel season in late April!

• Weather: The weather is comfortably warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (18°C to 28°C). The countryside is also in full bloom.
• Crowds: Tourist numbers are lower than in the peak summer months.
• Events: Spring is a time for colorful festivals, including Easter celebrations, which are a big deal in Sicily with processions and festivities. There is also the Infiorata di Noto in May, where the streets are covered in intricate flower petal designs.

🍁 Autumn (September to October)

Close of the season, if you’re still looking for sun without massive amounts of tourists, this is the island for you if you’re not headed to one of the Spanish Islands (my favorite being Mallorca in September ).

• Weather: Similar to spring, autumn brings warm days and cooler evenings, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (20°C to 24°C). The sea is still warm enough for swimming, especially in early autumn.
• Crowds: As the summer vacation period winds down, the number of tourists decreases, giving you space for a more authentic experience of Sicilian life.
• Events: Autumn is harvest season, making it a fantastic time for food and wine lovers. Various festivals celebrate local produce, including grapes, olives, and mushrooms.

☀️ Summer (July and August)

I know most people advise against it, but I’ve been to Sicily in the hot-ass month of July, and it wasn’t that bad. I would absolutely stay close to the sea so you can dip your toes in, but for a Texas girl, the weather was just fine in the 90s!

• Weather : Sicily gets very hot, with temperatures often soaring above 90°F (32°C)
• Crowds : It’s the peak tourist season, meaning crowded beaches and attractions. However, it’s the best time for a beach holiday.

❄️ Winter (November to March)

The bottom line is maybe avoid winter in Sicily . All other months are fair game!

• Weather : Winters are mild. But chilly. 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.
• NOTE : Some attractions will have reduced hours or shut down in winter, and smaller islands will be less accessible.

Final Thoughts: 7-Day Sicily Itinerary

All in all, I adore Sicily, and while this one-week Sicily itinerary is a bit of all the highlights on the island, I absolutely recommend staying at least 10-14 days if you can swing it.

The best way to explore Sicily is via road trip , going around the island, either starting in Palermo on the north coast or Catania on the east coast.

My recommended 7-day Sicily itinerary route will have you climb an active volcano (Mount Etna), see the cutest little fisherman town (Cefalu), visit the Pearl of Sicily (Taormina), dive into the history of the island (Palermo & Siracusa), and eat & drink your way through the north & east coast of Sicily is as follows:

7 Days in Sicily Starting in Palermo:

• Palermo (2 nights)
• Cefalu (1 night)
• Taormina (2 nights)
• Siracusa (1 night) – extend here if you have more time!

So what are you waiting for?! Get your ass in gear and book a ticket to Sicily.

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Sicily – What to do and see?

How to visit sicily in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days – the perfect tour.

You want to visit Sicily for your next holidays? Great choice!

For a weekend or more, the beautiful landscapes , beaches with crystal clear water , amazing ancient town and Greek temples will be yours!

If you have planned to do a 2 to 5 days trip (for the luckiest ones!), you will find here the best itineraries depending on the duration of your stay.

You will see, organizing your trip to Sicily will be as easy as 1, 2, 3!

• You select the itinerary of your choice depending on the duration of your holidays
• For each leg of your itinerary, you click on the links to read our detailed articles . The best things to do, where to stay etc..  I show you everything!
• Thanks to our selection of the best accommodations for each city, you book your hotels nights in 1 click.

So, what are the best things to do in Sicily in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days?

Weekend: 2 days in Sicily

3 days in sicily, 4 days in sicily, 5 days in sicily, rent a car in sicily, renting a boat in sicily, you’re traveling in sicily these articles will help you.

If you have planned to spend a weekend in Sicily, the best is to focus on 1 city.

Flights to Sicily lands at Catania or Palermo airport. Thus, these 2 cities are an excellent choice for a 2 days stay in Sicily!

Best places to see in Catania:

• The piazza del Duomo
• The Duomo di Catania , the cathedral
• La pescheria, the fish market
• La via Etnea

To make the most out of your stay 2 days in Catania, you should read my article dedicated to the city: Visit Catania, the 12 best things to do

in Palermo, you shouldn’t miss :

• The Norman Palace
• Palermo Cathedral
• The historical center
• Monreale cathedral (at 40 mins from the city center)

If you are planning to go there, I suggest you to read my my article about the 15 best things to do in Palermo . There, in addition to the list of must-see attractions, you will find itineraries to visit Palermo in 2 days! And as always, I give you my best tips as well as my selection of the best hotels in town depending on your budget.

To visit Sicily in 3 days , same advice as for 2 days: you should stay close to Palermo and Catania.

If you stay 3 days in Catania , you should spend 2 days (most likely 1 day and a half or a bit less, if you don’t arrive early in the morning) to visit the city. You can find all the best Things to do in Catania in my article.

For your 3rd day , the best is to do a day trip to the Etna Volcano! The easiest is to book a guided tour starting from Catania. They will come pick you up directly at your hotel ! The equipment and guide are included.

If you don’t want to go to the Etna, another great option for a long weekend is to do a day-trip do Taormina . In, that case, you can find my detailed article about this charming Sicilian town here: Visit Taormina: All the must-see attractions + itineraries.

If you choose tu Visit palermo, 3 days is perfect to visit the best tourist attractions of the city. You will also have the time to visit the stunning Monreale Cathedral , one of the most beautiful in Sicily, as well as the charming Monreale town.

In 3 days, you can visit the 15 points of interest I talk about in my article and to enjoy an afternoon (or more!) at the beach . If you follow my suggested itinerary for 3 days in Palermo ,  you will go back home feeling like you have really made the most out of your stay.

You are planning a 4 days trip to Sicily? Great! You will be able to do a nice round trip in Eastern or Western Sicily.

If you arrive in Catania , in addition to visiting the city, you can add 1 day in the small town of Taormina and another one in Syracuse , the 2 emblematic cities of the Sicilian Est coast.

I recommend you the following 4 days itinerary:

• 1 day in Catania: You will probably have around half a day in Catania: Start your visit in the historical center and discover the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral, the fish market or go to the via Etnea for a bit of shopping!
• 2 days in Siracusa and Ortigia island: take a stroll in Ortigia island, visit the Piazza del Duomo and the market (open only in the morning). In the afternoon, go around the island, to Castello Maniace and the Fountain of Arethusa. For the 2nd day, go to Néapolis archeological park, in Syracuse city.
• 1 day in Taormina to enjoy the Sicilian “Dolce Vita”: Enjoy the view and do a bit of shopping on the Corso Umberto in the morning, and go to the beautiful Isola Bella beach in the afternoon.

If archaeological sites aren’t your thing, another good option can be to spend only 1 day in Syracuse. I then recommend you to add 1 day in Catania and do a day trip to the Etna volcano.

For more details about the things to do during your 4 days tour in Sicily, click here to read our detailed guides about Catania , Syracuse and Taormina

If you decide to arrive in Palermo , you should dedicate 1 day to visit the city and the 3 others to discover the 2 best archaeological sites of Western Sicily.

Here is my recommended itinerary for 4 days in Sicily:

• 1 Day in Palermo , to visit the capital of Sicily. The best things to see: The Palace of the Normans, Palermo Cathedral, the Ballaro market.
• 1 Day in Agrigento , to visit the world famous Valley of the Temples , a major archaeological site in Sicily. End your day watching the sunset at the beautiful Scala dei Turchi.
• 1 Day in Selinunte , to discover the other major archaeological site of the island. It’s my favorite!
• 1 Day in Trapani and around: Make a stop at Marsala salt pans on the road from Selinunte to Trapani and visit Erice village, a superb perched village overlooking Trapani.

You can find everything you need to know to organise your trip in my detailed articles about Palermo , Agrigento , Selinunte and Trapani . 

And of course if you need some help to prepare your 4 days stay in Sicily, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment at the bottom of the article!

You want to visit Sicily in 5 days? I suggest you the following itineraries for the Eastern and Western Sicily:

If you arrive in Catania:

• 1 day in Catania: Take a stroll around the Piazza del Dumo, visit Catania Cathedral and the local market, go shopping on via Etnea. You should read my article about Catania must-see attractions to plan your day!
• 2 days in Syracuse and Ortigia Island: Visit Ortigia old town on foot, discover the Piazza del Dumo, fishermen harbor, local market, Castello Maniace and Néapolis archeological park. You can find a detailed itinerary to visit Syracuse in 2 days in my article: The ultimate guide to Syracuse
• 2 days in Taormina: Discover the old town, go to the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca for an amazing Bird’s-eye view of the city, go to Isola Bella beach, visit the Greek Theatre, discover the Alcantara Gorges and a lot more things to do! Have a look at my article: The 10 things to do in Taormina

If you arrive in Palermo

• 1 day in Palermo: Visit the Palace of the Normans, the Cathedral, the churches and palaces of the historical centre.
• 1 day in Agrigento: Visit the must-see tourist attraction of western Sicily: the Valley of the Temples. At the end of the day, go to the Scala dei Turchi, the other point of interest near Agrigento. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset!
• 1 day in Selinune: Visit Selinunte archaeological park and enjoy one of the beaches nearby.
• 2 days in Trapani: Don’t miss Marsala Salt Pans when going to Trapani from Selinunte. In the afternoon, go to Erice Perched village for a great view of the surroundings! For the 2nd day in Trapani, you can take the boat to Favignana, one of the Aegadian Islands.

Another option for your 2nd day around Trapani is to go to Scopello and visit the Zingaro Nature Reserve . As you prefer, both Favignana and the nature reserve are amazing places to visit!

The advantage of Scopello is that you will be a bit closer to Palermo for your return flight.

Click on the following links to get all the detailed information to plan your trip to Palermo , Agrigento , Selinunte, Trapani and the Zingaro Nature reserve.

For your trip to Sicily, you will probably want to rent a car. It’s the best way to make the most out of your stay!

I recommend you to book it with Rentalcars.com for 2 main reasons:

• You can easily compare prices between the car rental agencies and get the best deal!
• You can get Rentalcars.com’s “full protection insurance” , that will allow you to get a complete refund if your rental car is damaged. It’s a lot cheaper than the insurances the rental agencies are selling, and a lot more effective.

If I am talking about this, it’s because in Sicily, there is a lot of “fake damage” scams as well as vandalism (key scratches are unfortunately quite common). And I know what I am talking about, I had to pay more than 1300 euros extra for the cars I rented there! Hopefully, every time, Rentalcar’s full protection insurance refunded me in less than 5 days.

To be honest, it’s the first time I find a insurance to be THAT effective! So I can only recommend it to you. If you know your travel dates, you should click on the button to book your car now to get the best price.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Sicily, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sicily? 😊

Sicily travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sicily : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to Do in Sicily – The ultimate bucket list!
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East coast)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (West coast)
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (Full Sicily tour)
• Agrigento: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Catania: The 12 must-see attractions
• Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital
• Syracuse: The 15 best things to discover
• Taormina: Top 10 things to do and must-see!
• Trapani: The 10 best things to do
• Agrigento Valley of the Temples: visit the archaeological site with my detailed guide!
• Zingaro nature Reserve: All my best tips to enjoy this wonderful hike

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 62 comments.

My husband and I are arriving on a Sunday evening early July, in Palermo (from Australia, so exhausted first day).

We depart following Monday morning from Catania. We thought 3 days in Palermo to start and perhaps 2 in Taormina and last night in Catania. Leaving us only 2 other nights in between.

We could hire a car, but would probably prefer bus travel or train if it was easier. Can I get a website for bus and train schedules?

I was hoping to see more but this visit is just a sample. Can we do day trip to Cefalu from Palermo?

Thank you for your helpful website and for any assistance you can give us.

We are keen to get onto this so we can book accommodation ASAP as we know it is peak season.

Many thanks,

Hello Sandra,

I am glad my website is helping you to plan your trip to Sicily!

Coming from Australia will be a long trip for sure, so yes, 3 days in Palermo can be a good idea to rest a bit at the beginning of your trip. However, spending only 2 days will allow you to do more things (I am giving you an itinerary just a bit below).

About Cefalu, it’s not a good idea to do it as a day trip, (in public transportation, that’s about 4 hours roundtrip), it’s better to spend a night there or nearby, especially if you’re going to Taormina after.

Unfortunately there are no website official for bus schedules in Sicily, because they are operated locally. The trains can be checked on the official Treni Italia website

To be honest, I don’t recommend using the public transportations in Sicily, especially if you don’t have much time. The travel time is about 2x longer than with a car!

You would really waste a lot of time and miss many things by using the public transports.

So here is what I would consider the best itinerary for your trip, if you get a car:

Day 1: Palermo Day 2: Palermo/Monreale Day 3: Go to Cefalu, spend the day around – Night in Cefalu Day 4: Go to Milazzo in the morning (need to leave the car there, there are special parkings), take the boat to Vulcano island and visit – Night in Vulcano Day 5: Do a day trip mini cruise to other Aeolian islands – Night in Vulcano Day 6: Take the boat back to Milazzo and go to Taormina (not too late, try to be there around noon ideally) – Night in Taormina Day 7: Taormina and go to Catania for the Night

That’s the itinerary that would allow you to see the most of northern Sicily during your 7 days trip!

If you don’t hire a car, you can do just a day trip to Aeolian islands (many companies offer it, for example this one ), so your schedule will be less tight.

Hope this helps!

We would like to spend Easter weekend in Sicily. We would arrive the Thursday before Good Friday and leave on Easter Monday (in the evening would be fine or maybe we even stay until Tuesday). Given the holiday, do you have a suggestion of where best to go. I know there are some amazing processions in different parts, and would like to see some of the local celebrations. I also know some things may be closed. We have heard great things about Taormina but are looking for suggestions. We want to really enjoy the time we have there and see a lot, but also try to experience Pasqua in Sicilia.

Any suggestions?

Hello Guilia,

The most famous eastern processions in Sicily takes place in Trapani and Erice Village (just nearby).

In addition to these events, if you want to know more about the things to do in and around Trapani, you should read my article: The 10 best things to do in Trapani . It will help you to plan your 4-5 days itinerary in Sicily.

There are also large processions in Palermo and Catania.

If you choose to go in Catania, you can also easily visit Taormina, a very beautiful town. Don’t hesitate to read my articles about the towns you are the most interested in, you can find all my articles about Sicily by clicking here .

Enjoy your stay in Sicily, and if you have any question, feel free to ask me!

Hi, we are a group of 6 arriving in Catania on a Friday morning and leaving on Monday night. We are thinking of renting a car and a villa to Stay. Where would you recommend us to stay? And how should we plan our itinerary?

The nicest place around Catania to stay is probably in Taormina.

With a rental car, you can then easily visit a part of eastern Sicily, so you can do something like:

– Friday: visit Taormina and go to Isola Bella beach to end the day (depending on the season!) – Saturday: Go to Syracuse and Ortigia island for the full day (1h30 away) – Sunday: Etna volcano if you’re interested, then relax time in Taormina/Isola Bella – Monday: in the morning, go to Castelmola, 5-10 minutes away from Taormina by car, then spend half a day in Catania to visit before going to the airport

It’s the itinerary in eastern Sicily I would do if I stay at the same place for 4 days and don’t want to change hotel.

Enjoy your trip!

Hi, thank you for posting your recommendations.

We are thinking to visit Sicily with a group of people (8 adults and 4 kids of around 4-5yo).

If we want to do a relatively in-depth visit but at the same time not too strenuous for the kids, is it possible? And how many days do you recommend? 10, 12, 14 days? How would you plan it?

Another question is we would like to hire a driver/tour guide, do you have any good recommendations?

Thank you very much for you response!!!

If you want to do a tour around Sicily, 14-15 days is a minimum for an in depth visit, especially if you don’t want to go too fast and run everywhere!

I have written a detailed itinerary that goes around Sicily in 2 weeks, you can read it here: The recommended 2 weeks in Sicily itinerary .

In my article, you will find everything needed to easily organize your tour by yourself.

If you want to have a driver/tour guide, the best is to ask one of the hotels you will book. They often know someone to do this kind of job.

And if you have any question about your trip to Sicily (about things to do or recommended hotels for example), don’t hesitate to ask me.

Have a great day!

Thanks so much! I’ll take a look!

Hi Vincent,

Thank you for your great recommendations.

I would like to ask for your recommendation on planning a full 4-day itinerary in Sicily (5 nights but actual vacation is limited to 4 days due to late night flight into and early flight out of Palermo).

The caveat is that although I fly in and out of Palermo, I would like to end my vacation in Palermo as I would be meeting up with my friends at the end of my trip. I will have a rental car. It would also be helpful if you can recommend neighborhoods/areas to stay in between cities.

I don’t know if possible but these are my wishlist of sites to visit: Teatro Antico di Taormina, Mount Etna (don’t have to visit but see), Valley of the Temples, Massimo Theater, Quattro Canti, Cefalu Cathedral

Thank you in advance for your help!

Your itinerary would be doable, however you would have to drive quite much. If it doesn’t bother you, you can do the following:

– Day 0: when you arrive, spend the night in Palermo – Day 1: Go to Agrigento (2h10 by car) and visit the Valley of the Temples. At the end of the day, head to Taormina (2h30 by car). – Spend the night in Taormina. – Day 2: Visit Taormina and the Teatro Antico. You can see the Etna Volcano from Taormina and also you would have seen it from the road on Day 1, when going to Taomrina. If you don’t plan to hike the Etna, it should be enough! You should also go to Castelmola, a small town next to Taormina (only 5-10 minutes by car). It’s super beautiful! – Spend another night in Taormina. – Days 3: Road to Cefalù (2h20 by car) – Visit, relax and head to Palermo (1h away by car from Cefalù) at the end of the day. – Spend the night in Palermo – Day 4: Meet your friends and visit Palermo. 1 day is enough to see the best attractions of the city if you don’t want to go too much in depth. – Spend your last night in Palermo

That’s the best 4 days itinerary in Sicily to see everything you want 🙂

About the accommodations, you can find my list of the best hotels for each city, depending on your budget here:

– The best hotels in Taormina – Where to stay in Palermo

And if you have any other question to plan your 4-5 days trip to Sicily (about things to do, hotels or anything), don’t hesitate to ask!

Enjoy your trip,

Thank you so much for your recommendations!

Hi Vincent I forget to say it’s 5 day holiday 😊

I think you first message hasn’t been sent, as I have just received this one! You can send it again if you want me to help you plan your 5 days trip to Sicily 🙂

Hello Vincent, could I please ask for help.

My husband and I will be having a trip to sicily with a 2 years old toddler in mid June, will be arriving with the ferry from malta to pozzallo. Any ideas how to plan and where is best please?

Hello Nadine,

For your 5 days trip to Sicily, if you arrive in Pozzallo, the best is to visit the east coast of Sicily. You can stay in Syracuse (Ortigia island) or Catania for example.

Here are the best places to visit:

– Syracuse and Ortigia island – Taormina and Castelmola village – Catania and the Etna volcano – Noto, Ragusa and Modica, the baroque towns.

You can read my detailed travel guides for each place by clicking the links in the article. You can also have a look at my 1 week in Sicily itinerary , it will give you a good overview of what you can do, even if you have a bit less time.

Enjoy your 5 days itinerary in Sicily!

We are a family of 5 that are flying into Catania in mid April. We will fly into Catania in the evening and staying in Sicily for 7 nights and 7 full days including the day we fly out (we fly back out of Catania at night).

My kids are aged 12-17 but prefer to tour at an easy pace and not sleep in a new place every day or two. We originally thought of staying in Catania for the full 7 nights, We will have a car. I am torn between two options – staying in Catania the whole time as we originally thought to do (and touring the volcano, Catania town, Taormina, and other suggestions in the area) OR staying in Catania for the first 3 or 4 days and then driving up to Palermo to see that city and maybe Cefalu. I like the variety that would bring, however I am concerned it will make the trip rather tight and that too much time will be spent in the car.

What do you think, and can you suggest an optimal itinerary for us?

For your 7 days trip to Sicily, if you don’t want to change place to sleep, you can spend the 7 days in Catania.

From there, you will be able to visit Catania, the Etna, Taormina and Castelmola village as well as Syracuse and Ortigia island. If you have some time, you can also add a day trip to Noto, Modica and Ragusa, the baroque towns.

It’s really enough to keep you busy for 7 days! It’s better to keep Palermo and the west side of Sicily for another trip.

If you want to do 2 stops during your trip to spend less time in the car, you can stay a few nights in Catania or Taormina and 2-3 nights in Syracuse, to explore the city and Noto/Modica/Ragusa.

You can read my 7 days in Sicily itinerary , it will give you a good idea of the places you can visit in a week. It’s a 3 stops itinerary, but you can do the same with just 1 or 2 stops.

Enjoy your trip to Sicily!

Hi Vincent I’m planning a 10 day road trip to Sicily in September. Can you recommend a masseria to stay in for a few nights, perhaps closer to Palermo? Thanks.

If you want to stay in a masseria (agriturismo) close to Palermo, I recommend you:

– The Masseria Rossella – Agriturismo Masseria La Chiusa – Agriturismo Sant’Agata – Masseria Susafa : this one isn’t very close to Palermo (around 90 km) but it’s one of the most famous in Sicily.

I don’t know your budget and the exact dates of your stay, that’s why I am sending you a few different choices.

To help you to organize your 10 days road trip to Sicily, you can also read my article here: How to spend 10 days in Sicily?

Enjoy your stay in Sicily, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

I’m planning a trip to Sicily for the first week in April, flying in to Catania. My teenagers are interested in geology so we want to go to the top of Etna for a day and also go to Alcantara Gorge another day. My husband and I would like to see some history – Roman, Baroque etc.

I’ve looked at the suggested itineraries and it looks like a split between Taormina and Syracusa would be good.

The thing is that I’m a bit worried about car hire scams and no drive zones.

Would it be possible to get by without a car? If not, which car rental company would you recommend? Any suggestions very gratefully received!

Many thanks.

Yes, exactly, spending a few days in Syracuse and a few other in Taormina would be the best in your case. If you have a full week, you can have a look at my one week in Sicily itinerary .

About the car hire scams, they are unfortunately very common. I have even written a full article about the issue, but it’s unfortunately only in french for now, so I will sum it up:

Basically, you really need to have an insurance when you rent a car in Sicily. If you have “premium” credit card such as a Gold Mastercard or Visa Premier, an insurance is included if you book your car with that card.

If you are not sure if you can benefit from this insurance, just call your credit card customer support, they will tell you everything you need to know about the insurances included with it.

If you don’t have a premium credit card, you should really buy an insurance when booking your car. Personally, I always use Rentalcars.com website, because I know their insurance is very good. They have refunded me more than 1300 euros in total as I said in this article! Everytime I had the money on my account in less than 5 days, after sending just 1 email to their insurance claim team.

In any case, once you’re sure you have an insurance (your credit card one or the Rentalcars one), you can book with any companies, you’re 100% sure to get a refund if you are scammed.

In order to avoid unnecessary troubles (and because I wouldn’t personally give 1 penny to these thieves), you should avoid the following companies, who are known to be the worst:

– Italy Car rent – Sicily by car – Goldcar – Firefly

About the no drive zones (called ZTL in italian), you just need to be careful when driving close the historical center of the cities. As long as you stay on the main streets, you won’t have problems. Just don’t follow your GPS blindly when it tell you to take small streets and everything will be alright!

If you choose not to rent a car, you can go everywhere by bus, it’s just slower/less convenient. It will be hard for example to visit Noto, Modica and Ragusa by bus in a day, while it’s totally doable if you have a car.

If you have other questions about your trip to Sicily, don’t hesitate!

Hi! This is such a great source of info so thanks for sharing. I am curious as to your idea for the best way to spend 4 fulls days. Monday to Thursday in early October. Flying into Catania on Monday afternoon spending two nights there, then two nights in Palermo and flying home early Friday morning. Any thoughts on the best itinerary? We will have a rented car to get around.

Hello Nicole,

Thanks! I’m glad my itineraries for a short stay in Sicily are useful for you to plan your trip.

If you have booked your plane to arrive in Catania and depart from Palermo, I will suggest you: – Day 1: Visit Taormina – Night in Catania – Day 2: Visit Syracuse and Origia Island – Night in Catania

Note: depending on your interests, you can replace one of these 2 days by a trip to the Etna Volcano

– Day 3: Road to Palermo (2h20). You can make a short detour to go visit Cefalu. Then, head to Palermo and visit the city for the rest of the day – Night in Palermo – For the last day, you have the choice, depending on what you like to do: Mondello Beach, Zingaro Nature Reserve, Trapani + Erice + Segesta Temple, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. You can find all the details about the best things to do in Palermo here: Visit Palermo .

I also have written an article for each city (Catania, Taormina, Syracusa), you can find them here: Destination Sicily .

It’s incredibly kind of you to offer so much travel advice here! I am planning on a five night stay in Sicily in January. Although we won’t be able to access beaches, I’m counting on it still being nicer weather than home (Canada) and that there will still be a great deal to see/do/eat.

I’m wondering if for that amount of time, it would be best to designate a “home base” and make everything else a day trip? If I were to do that, would you suggest choosing Catania or somewhere less busy, such as Giardini Naxos? We will be renting a car (two adults), so parking is a worthwhile consideration. My partner is prioritizing seeing mount etna.

Thanks for your help, for my trip and others!

I am glad my articles about Sicily are helping you to plan your trip!

For your 5 days in eastern Sicily, I would recommend at least 2 bases: 1 in Giardini Naxos for example and another in Syracuse (Oritigia island) or somewhere around Syracuse. It will be a lot more convenient, especially if you also plan to visit the baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica.

With 1 base, you would really have too much driving. For example, Giardini Naxos to Syracuse is 1h30 driving, so that’s 3 hours wasted in a day! And Ragusa is even further, about 2 hours away. And it’s even more true in winter, as the days are quite short.

About parking, some hotels have private parkings, so no need to worry.

As I say in the article, just be careful with the car hire scams in Sicily, they are unfortunately very common. Make sure you have an insurance for the car, so you can travel with the peace of mind! Your credit card insurance will do the job if they offer one, else you should take the Rentalcars.com insurance when booking, it’s very effective.

Enjoy your trip to Sicily, and don’t hesitate to ask me if you have any question!

We are planning a trip to Italy in July next year and we are spending a week in Sicily (touring other parts of Italy first). Sicily would be our last part of the trip before heading home to Australia. We are wanting to see where my husband’s parents used to live in Tortorici and Sinagra. We were going to catch the ferry from Sorrento to Palermo and then get a hire car and stay in a few places and probably spend about 3-4 nights near Tortorici and do day trips out from there. Would love to spend a few nights in Taormina as this would be the last of our trip and may need to unwind a little.

Can you recommend places to visit/stay during this time please? I’ve planned a lot of the trip in the other part of Italy, but I’m a bit stuck in Sicily. Thanks.

Hello Denise,

Sorry for the late answer, I was travelling and I didn’t saw your comment.

For your week in Sicily:

I understand that you want to see where your husband’s parents used to live but unfortunately, there is not so much things to do around Tortorici, it’s really far from everything. You can go to Milazzo and do a day trip at Lipari or Vulcano, but it’s 1h40 by car only to reach Milazzo, between the car trip, the wait and the boat, it’s probably more than 5 hours of transportation in 1 day!

If you arrive in Palermo, the best will be to stay around the city for 2 nights, then head to Tortorici (2 nights) and finish with Taormina. You can find all the things to do in Palermo and Taormina here: Destination Sicily .

Hi Vincent, We’re planning to stay in Sicily for 4 days and off to Valletta Malta and from there go back to Paris. We’ll be arriving at Palermo airport, and looks like ferry would leave only from Pozzallo port to Malta.

What would you recommend us to see for 4 days? Would we have time to see eastern coast?

Can we get by public transportations without renting a car?

P.S. it’ll be us 3 young people, we’re up for any adventure:) Thanks for your time in advance! Odko

This sounds like a great trip!

Renting a car in your case would be a bit complicated unfortunately, as I don’t think you can rent it in Palermo and drop it off in Pozzallo (or it would be extremely expensive). So you will have to deal with public transports, at least for the end of your trip.

So here are a few questions that will allow me to help you better:

– About the places to visit, it will depend on what you like to do: Do you prefer to visit archaeological sites? Hike in beautiful nature reserve next to the sea? Visit nice old towns? – Would you mind renting a car for 1 or 2 days if necessary? – Do you want to visit Palermo when you will arrive? – Do you want to visit the Etna Volcano if you go on the east coast (knowing that it’s about 100 euros per person for the day)? – Do you absolutely want to take the boat to Malta? There are flights from Palermo and Catania, and it’s sometimes even cheaper than the boat (and a lot more convenient).

Also, did you already book your plane ticket to Palermo? (It would be better to arrive in Catania if you prefer to visit the east coast only for example).

Let me know about these, so I can help you further!

Also, about Valletta and Malta, I know the country very well, so if you want you can read my guide of Valletta here: The best things to do in Valletta .

You can also see all my articles about Malta with itineraries and tips there: Malta tourist guide .

And of course, if you need some help to plan your trip to Malta, don’t hesitate to ask me in one of the Maltese articles!

Hi, your site is excellent!! We are planning a family reunion and I need many answers, I hope you don’t mind.

We are thinking about traveling to Sicily this December. We don’t mind the cold, which seems to be mild, but we are worried about the rain. Some sites mention 14 days of rain, and some 7! Which one is accurate?

We are mostly interested in history and nature, and as we are a large family with all ages, we thought it could be convenient to stay in Catania, so we can visit the east side of the island (Syracuse and Taormina and the natural parks).

We would stay there one week, and then a smaller group will stay a week in Palermo. Do you think it makes sense to travel there in December or we should leave it for another time?

And if you think it is ok to travel in December, where is the best place to try and find a 9 bedroom luxury villa? Is Catania a good spot for that? Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello Ariela,

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy my travel blog.

About the rain, yes, in Sicily, the average is between 10 and 14 days of rain in December December isn’t the best period to visit Sicily but it remains the less rainy month in winter.

If you want to stay on the East side of the island, you can try to find a villa around Catania, that would be the most convenient if you have only one base. However, there are not many 9 bedrooms villas for rent, so you might have to rent 2 villas instead of one. You can have a look on this website for example.

To help you plan your trip on the east coast of Sicily, you can read my article: One week in Sicily detailed itinerary

It will give you ideas about how to plan your visits day by day in Catania, Syracuse and Taormina.

You can also have a look on my other articles about Sicily: Destination Sicily .

If you think Sicily will be to rainy in December, maybe you can consider going to Andalucia? It’s one of the warmest place in Europe during winter (along with Malta), and it also offers amazing places to visit. It could be a great option for this month.

If you want, you can have a look at my articles about Andalucia here: Destination Andalucia

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate!

Hi Vincent. Thanks for replying to my post. I have another question though. Is it advisable to just hire a car to get around Sicily or is it a good idea to hire a driver/car for the time we are there (July)?

You’re welcome, I am glad if I can help you plan your trip.

About car hire versus car + driver hire, it’s really a matter of taste and budget. It’s totally doable (and a lot cheaper) to rent a car and travel around Sicily by yourself with a GPS.

Hiring a driver + car would in my opinion be more interesting if you are looking to visit Sicily with a private guided tour. So more a driver/guide than just a driver.

Unless of course you really don’t like to drive and want someone to do it for you!

As I said, it’s really a matter of taste (and budget).

Greetings from Canada:

We will be arriving in Palermo on December 26 around 2pm and want to see as much of Sicily as possible until having to be back in Palermo on Dec 26 as one of our group has to depart around 6pm. Rest of group will be in Palermo until Jan 2nd. Would appreciate your suggestions. We want to see historical sites as well as Mt. Aetna. We will rent a car from Palermo which we have until our departure on Jan 2nd.

Thank you, Gillian

Hello Gillian,

I think there is a small mistake with your arrival date, please let me know the correct one so I can help you to plan your trip to Sicily 🙂

I also have a few questions that will allow me to help you further:

– Would you like an Itinerary for the whole trip to Sicily? (start date to Palermo on december 26 + 2nd part for the group staying until the 2nd of January?) – Will you have a rental car for the first part of your trip too? – Do the whole group also wants to see Mount Etna (as it’s on the other side of Sicily, it’s not super convenient)? Or only people staying until the 2nd of January?

Let me know!

This travel blog is excellent.

We are planning to arrive to Pozzallo by ferry from Malta and would like to hire a car from Pozzallo but we are finding it difficult to find rental companies who offer car hire from Pozzallo. Do you know any recommendations?

Thank you in advance, Sandra

Thanks, I am glad my travel blog is helping you to plan your itinerary in Sicily!

There are only a few car rental companies in Pozzallo, most of them being small local ones.

I can’t recommend any in particular as I haven’t tried them, but here are a few links that might help you:

– Car Service Rosolini – Golden car – Hetz Pozzallo

Enjoy your trip to Sicily, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

Hi Vincent: Thank you for your prompt response to my request.

Our arrival date in Palermo is Dec 26 around 2pm. Departure date for one of our group is Dec 31 around 4pm from Palermo. The remainder will stay in Palermo until the morning of Jan 2. Our group will be 4 adults and two teens.

The whole group would like to visit Mt. Etna.

Again thank you for your time and help.

Regards Gillian

Many thanks for your help.

Hi Gillian,

Excuse me for the late reply, i am traveling at the moment so it’s a bit harder for me to answer quickly to all comments.

For your itinerary, here is what i would suggest:

– 26 dec: arrival in Palermo, visit a bit – night in Palermo – 27 dec: Palermo + Monreale town and cathedral – night in Palermo – 28 dec: Cefalu, visit around – night in Cefalu ( good place to split the journey in 2)

– 29 dec: Taormina – night in Taormina

– 30 dec: Etna – night in Taormina (so you don’t switch hotel everyday) or Catania (a bit less driving to get back to Palermo on the next day)

– 31 dec: back to Palermo – night in Palermo

– 1 jan: as it’s an holiday, some places will probably be closed. You can maybe go to Castellammare del Golfo, or Zingaro nature reserve (you would need to call to see if open) or Erice village.

Segesta temple and the valley of the temples (amazing, but that’s 5 hours driving in 1 day) seems to also be open (you should call too to be sure!)

That’s probably the best itinerary you can do in terms of journey time/ number of visits if you all want to see the Etna.

I talk about all these places in my other articles, you can read them here: Destination Sicily .

Enjoy your trip to Sicily and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

Thank you Vincent for your reply. I will contact these car hire companies.

You’re welcome Sandra, if you have any other questions about Sicily, don’t hesitate!

Hi! This website is great. Do you know of any car hire + driver services for the day in Palermo? Or any tour companies that do a day trip around the island leaving from Palermo?

I am glad my travel blog is helping you to plan your trip to Sicily!

Unfortunately, i don’t know any car hire + driver in Sicily. You should ask your hotel about it, they will for sure be able to help you out.

Just one thing, Sicily is very big, you need about 2 weeks to go around the island. So for a day trip, you will need to choose 1 or a few places near Palermo depending on your interests.

In this article about Palermo, I also talk about the best things to do around the city. You can have a look and see the one you would enjoy the most!

And of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me

Thank you so very much for your amazing help. It is truly appreciated. Best regards, Gillian

Thanks for your well written site. We’re definitely taking some of your advice. One thing that was confusing… I was looking at RentalCars.com as you suggested but I can’t seem to get it to list any of the major locations in Sicily to book a car from.

Hello Mark,

I am glad my article is helping you to plan your stay in Sicily.

For your search problem, it’s because on Rentalcars ( this page ), you need to select “Italy – Sicily” as country (not just “Italy”). I know it can be a bit misleading!

Please let me know if it solved your issue 🙂

Any tips for a 6 full days in Sicily? I want to see Palermo, Erice Village, Agricento National Park also Mount Etna. Was planning to arrive in Palermo rent a car drive to Taormina stay for 3 nights and them back to Cefalu or Palermo for another 4 nights and do day trips to those places from there. Is it a good idea? Also do you recommend any nice beaches 🙂 thanks, Renata

For your 6 days trip to Sicily, you can do as you suggested: 3 night in Taormina and 4 nights in Palermo, however you should keep in mind that Sicily is a quite big island:

Palermo to Taormina: 3h30 by car Palermo to Erice: 1h30 Palermo to Agrigento: 2h15

So that would be a lot of driving! A day trip to Agrigento from Palermo = almost 5 hours of driving during the day.

Personnaly, I would suggest the following itinerary:

– Arrive in Catania, spend 3 nights in Taormina to visit Taormina, the Etna and Castelmola village if you have the time – Go to Agrigento, visit the valley of the temple and sleep there for 1 night – Go to Trapani – on the way, you can stop at Torre Salsa nature reserve, best beach of Sicly in my opinion! It’s a very large sandy beach, and not many people go there. Visit Erice village, spend 1 to 3 nights in Trapani – Palermo is honestly not the most interesting place to visit in Sicily, personnaly if I had only 6 days, I would just stay 1 day there and take my return flight from Palermo.

So that’s really depending on your preferences: you can spend more time around Trapani and visit Favignana island for example, or spend 1 night only in Trapani to visit Erice and then head to Palermo.

Hi Vincent, great site! We are a couple and we’ll be travelling to Sicily from Malta in the second week of July, arriving in Pozzallo with our own car. We want to spend seven nights in Sicily, do an Eastern Sicily roundtrip but perhaps go as far as Cefalu (?) – ah and we definitely want to do a day trip to the Eolie islands. We like nature, mountains, countryside, beaches, kayaking, relaxing, theatre, arts and adventures (history less so). We like to sleep in a different place everyday and our itinerary is looking like this but I’d like some advice:

Day 1 – Arrive in Pozzallo and travel to Mount Etna for an excursion – then relax in a hotel and dinner and sleep near Giarre or Riposto – we want to experience the small picturesque villages, eat nice food and relax rather than rush to see the big cities (so not Catania). We were thinking that sleeping somewhere further North might be too much driving for a day after driving up to Etna. Day 2 – Travel to Gole di Alcantara and do body rafting, then in the afternoon go to Taormina area and do some kayaking with our own inflatable kayak which we’ll bring along with us in the car (we’ve both already been to Taormina town centre so we’re not sure if we want to re-visit). Evening drive to Milazzo to sleep there as we need to wake up there in time for a 9:30am or 10am departure for the Active Volcanoes day trip with Tarnav (we haven’t booked this yet). Day 3 – Day trip to active volcanoes and back at 11pm – sleep in same place in Milazzo. Day 4 – See Capo Milazzo (maybe some kayaking there?) and drive west to see coastal towns (kayaking here perhaps?) Where should we stop? Which towns to see/swim in? Where to sleep? Do we keep going until Cefalu or it worth sleeping in smaller towns? We were thinking of seeing the Fiumara d’Arte in Castel di Tusa… Day 5 – Either spend another day at the coast or see some mountains like Nebrodi or Madonie since we don’t have mountains in Malta 🙂 Would you prefer Nebrodi or Madonie? And is it worth to go to the mountains it in summer? Then we need to start heading south again for Pozzallo – which would be the best way? Day 6 and Day 7 – are still open for suggestions… Day 8 – see things around Pozzallo – maybe Noto, Vendicari, Calamosche beach and Marzamemi (is this doable in one day if our ferry leaves at 9.30pm?

Some other questions – Are there places you recommend for self-kayaking? Should we do the opposite and go to Nebrodi/Madonie/Cefalu before the Eolie and do the opposite roundtrip?

Many thanks for any tips you might have about the whole trip!

About your 8-day itinerary in Sicily:

– Day 1 – Perfect – Day 2 – Perefect – You should book the canyoning in the Alcantara Gorges a bit in advance because there is little availability per day (and this summer Sicily is gonna be the top destination for Italians). You can book it here: Canyoning in Alcantara .

– Day 3 – Perfect – Day 4 – Unfortunately, I don’t know much about this part of Sicily between Milazzo and Cefalu, so I can’t really tell you which places would be best for kayaking.

For the accommodation, I would say that it will depend on your budget because man accomodations are already full for the second week of July. I just looked on Booking and 80% are already sold out around Cefalu.

– Day 5 – I think it’s worth planning a day trip to Nebrodi or Madonie. I’ve been living in Malta too (Gozo) for a few years and it always feels good to go to the mountains, even in the summer! You will in any case see more trees and nature than here! If you like hiking, there is enough to do there for 2 days. You can also plan 1 day for Nebrodi and 1 day for Madonie since you don’t know what to do on day 6.

– Day 7 – You can go to Agrigento and its surroundings. There are beautiful places to kayak near the Scala dei Turchi and Capo Rossello.

– Day 8 – If the ferry leaves at 9:30 pm, yes, that gives you plenty of time to visit these places.

In my opinion, it doesn’t make much of a difference to do it one way or the other. The only thing is that if you start by Cefalu, you will not have to rush to do Etna and you will have a full day (rather than having to drive off the boat and rush to the mountain).

Enjoy your stay in Sicily and don’t hesitate if you have any other questions!

Thank you Vincent! That’s very useful 🙂 Thanks for keeping up this site 🙂

My wife and I are visiting in July. We are chartering a sailboat in Capo D’Orlando to sail in the Aeolian Islands. We then will have 4 full days to travel on land. We fly out of Catania. It doesn’t look like its possible to rent a car in Capo D’Orlando and drop in Catania. We are interested in seeing/hiking on Mt Etna and seeing the ancient sites and towns like Noto, Ragusa etc.

What would you suggest as far as a car rental and itinerary?

I have also checked and indeed, from Capo d’Orlando, I haven’t found any company that accepts that you drop the car in Catania. The easiest solution I found would be to take a train from Capo d’Orlando to Catania (about 2h50).

You can find prices and timetables here: Booking train tickets in Sicily

You can then rent a car at Catania airport for the rest of your stay.

There is a 2nd solution, but it will be more expensive:

– Go from Capo d’Orlando to Milazzo by train – Rent a car in Milazzo.

However, in addition to the price of the rental, you will have to pay a drop-off fee (the extra cost for returning the car to a different location) of about 120€.

Whichever solution you choose, you should compare the rates on Rentalcars.com. You have the link in the article but I’ll put it here for your convenience: Rent a car in sicily .

For your 4 days in Sicily, I would suggest the following itinerary: – 1 day to visit Taormina (night in Taormina or Catania) – 1 day to hike on the Etna (night in Siracusa) – 1 day to visit Siracusa and Ortigia island (night in Siracusa) – 1 day for Noto and Ragusa. (night in Siracusa)

You will find all the best things to do in these cities and my selection of hotels here: Destination Sicily .

Enjoy your stay, and don’t hesitate if you have any other questions to prepare your 4-day trip to Sicily!

Hi Vincent, We would like to visit Sicily for 5 days from Malta in the third week of January 2022 with our own car. We like nature and adventure, and we’d like to try skiing for the first time, or doing something easy for beginners in the snow for 1 day or max 2 days, maybe stay in a place like a chalet with a fireplace, etc.

Can you ski for one day only? Since we will be with our own car – how difficult is it to get to the ski resorts? How far away from the ski resort can we stay on the same night so that we can drive down?

Any other tips for a short ski or snow trip would be great 🙂 But also what other activities we could do since it’s so cold, like short hikes, renting a bicycle, visiting a lake, etc.

Thanks! Nina

There are only 3 ski resorts in Sicily: – Etna North – Piano Provenzana (Linguaglossa) – Etna South – Nicolosi – Piano Battaglia in the Madonie park. You can of course spend just one day skiing in any of them. However, I don’t know if it’s easy to go with your car if you don’t have snow tyres.

And as I’ve never been to Sicily’s mountains in winter, I can’t tell you too much about what to do during this period.

The best way to choose your accommodation is to look directly on Booking.com by clicking here and search around the ski resort you have chosen.

Enjoy your stay in Sicily!

I’m not sure if you are still providing recommendations via this website, but thought to give it a try!

We are planning our first trip to Sicily for 6 nights; arriving Palermo 19th April, and leaving from Catania airport 25th April.

We’re thinking Palermo for 2 nights, 1 night somewhere in between, 1-2 nights Taormina, and 1 night Catania to catch a flight to Rome the next morning. We will also get a Rental Car before leaving Palermo to have for the rest of the trip. We’re thinking to include a visit to Castellammare del Golfo, Cefalu (if time permits), definitely Agrigento, and Siracusa. If time permits, we would like to visit Noto/Ragusa.

20th April: Arrive Palermo, visit / site seeing per your recommendations – night in Palermo 21st April: Palermo + Monreale town and cathedral – night in Palermo 22nd April: Collect Rental Car in Palermo, drive to Cefalu, visit around (night in Cefalu or somewhere else) 23rd April: Spend morning travelling to and visiting Agrigento, Valley of Temples, Segesta Temple then 1-2 nights Taormina 24th April: Where would make sense to visit for 1 full day by car? 25th April: travel to Catania (to catch flight next morning)

Very keen to know your thoughts on how to make the most of our trip. We are most interested in history/architecture/traditional food/wine and will spend some time in Taormina relaxing by the beach.

Thank you so much.

Regarding your itinerary in Sicily: 20 and 21: ok 22: if you are more interested in history and architecture, you should rather go directly to Agrigento on that day. You can visit Segesta when leaving Palermo but it’s a diversion. In Cefalu, there is not much to see. Spend the night in Agrigento.

For the rest of your stay, you have 2 choices: – 23 / 24: Taormina and surroundings – 25: Catania or: -23: Ragusa/Noto -24: Syracuse -25: Catania. Feel free to look at Google maps to see the locations of the cities and the travel times. You may not realise it, but Sicily is a large island, so distances are important.

Hi Vincent!

I’m not sure if you are still providing recommendations via this website, but thought to give it a try!

I’m planning a trip to Sicily with my family and we will have only 5/6 days max. They are not really into the mood of changing places to stay, so ideally we would choose one place to stay and drive around to visit what is feasible. We are more into beaches, towns and mountain/nature than geogoloy activities. Which side of the island you would choose? And which itinerary you would recomend us?

Thanks a lot for such great website 🙂

Best! Monica

Hello Monica,

If you just want one place to stay for the duration of your trip, I would recommend either Trapani (in the West) or Syracuse/Ortigia for the East.

Thank you so much for an amazing article, its a life saver)

We are a couple and planning to visit Sicily end of May for 6 days, arriving to Palermo and later leaving also from Palermo. Could you please advise what would be the best itinerary so that we also get to Etna volcano? We will rent a car.

Thanks a lot in advance, Mary

Hello Mary,

Thank you for your kind words!

For your itinerary, it’s important to keep in mind that the Etna is more than 3 hours by car from Palermo, one way. So normally I include a visit to Etna in my itineraries starting from Catania, which is much closer to the volcano.

For your itinerary, you have several possibilities: – Palermo / Cefalu / Taormina / Etna / Catania / Palermo – Palermo / Trapani / Agrigento / Catania (Etna) / Cefalu (if you have time) / Palermo The best thing to do is to look at Google maps, to see the different travel times by car. But in any case, the fact that you want to do Etna makes you cross a good part of Sicily.

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Sicily Without a Car – The Perfect Sicily Itinerary by Bus & Train

This Sicily itinerary will show you exactly how to see the most amazing places on the island without a car.  Using a combination of buses, trains, boats, one bicycle and your own two feet, you’ll be able to see spectacular churches (like the one in Noto, above), breathtaking beaches (my favorite was on the island of Favignana) and charming medieval towns. Along the way you’ll get to taste delicious pizza, eat gelato for breakfast (it’s okay, it’s the Sicilian way!) and stop for more than a few Aperol Spritz(es?).

I recently visited Sicily without a car, and I felt so free without the burden of navigating, parking, refueling and, of course, paying!  Sicily is a great car-free travel destination, and with a little bit of planning (often just the night before) you really can take in  all of the island’s best destinations without a car.  Keep reading to see how!

Sicily Itinerary Overview

Sicily transportation.

This Sicily itinerary is easily accomplished without a car.  I should know, since I followed this exact route on my recent three-week trip around Sicily.  Thanks to Sicily’s good intercity transportation connections and pedestrian-friendly city centers, I didn’t rent a car – or even take a taxi – at any time during my trip!  When it comes to traveling in Sicily without a car, you should keep these points in mind:

• Sicily has frequent, affordable bus transportation options, but it often feels like you’re using a different company for every trip.  Your route may involve buses on five, six or seven different operators.
• Buses typically run late.  If your route requires a change (like Siracusa to Taormina, or Taormina to Agrigento, both of which change in Catania) leave yourself at least an hour between buses.  You can always pass the time in a cafe near the bus station.
• Train service is decent along the coast but not practical for trips that require crossing the middle of the island.
• Regional trains to popular destinations are often standing room only.  If you want a guaranteed seat, choose a more expensive intercity train (or take a bus).
• In high season, book your ground transportation at least one day in advance and your boat trips as as soon as you know your travel dates.

Sicily Hotels and B&Bs

I traveled with The Lonely Planet Sicily .  Updated in 2022, this guidebook has up-to-date information about transportation, attractions and most hotels and restaurants.  However, I often find their accommodation information to be either outdated (or missing some really well-loved, affordable options) so I rely on recent reviews from Booking.com (and their Genius discounts!) for accommodation.  That link will take you right to their Sicily page, where you can find all of the properties I stayed at on my trip.

As a solo, mid-budget traveler in Sicily I preferred to stay in B&Bs and family-run guesthouses, rather than hotels. They were typically more affordable, often had very central locations and came with a level of insider local knowledge that you can’t always get from a front desk agent at a chain hotel.

Sicily Food & Drink

The food and drink in Sicily was amazing.  As a vegetarian, I always had multiple options (and not just pizza and pasta!).

It’s common to start your day with a small, sweet breakfast, like a cup of granita (similar to shaved ice) or a pastry.  At lunch, I looked for restaurants with vegetarian buffets (usually full-service, rather than self-service) or that served big salads.  In the early evening I’d look for a nice aperitivo bar where I could have a cocktail and a few snacks, and that was often the last thing I’d eat (since I couldn’t stay awake long enough to have dinner too!).

I was in Sicily for the second half of July and early August, and it was hot .  Remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and consider supplementing with a bit of Gatorade or Powerade if you’re feeling really run down from the heat.  I often buy a five-liter jug of water and keep it in my hotel room to refill the reusable bottle I take out exploring; while Sicilian tap water is drinkable, it’s not exactly delicious.

Now, with all that information out of the way, it’s time to jump straight into my Sicily travel itinerary!

#1 – Arrive in Catania

Your Sicily itinerary will probably begin in Catania, which is home to Sicily’s busiest airport.  Most of the island’s intercity buses stop at the airport, so you could head directly to another destination, but I think it’s absolutely worthwhile to spend at least two nights in this busy port.

From the airport, the public ALIBUS departs regularly for the city center.  I suggest taking it to the end of the line, Piazza Borsellino, where it’s only two minutes by foot to the main plaza and to my recommended accommodation option: BAD (Breakfast & Design). This independent B&B has rooms with chic decor and the perfect, central location.  Your host, Alessandro, will give you a map with the city’s walkable highlights, so you can drop your bags and start exploring by foot immediately.

Things to Do in Catania

• There’s a pretty figure-eight walking route through the city center.  It takes about half a day (if you stop at one or two of the sights) and includes one uphill section.  You’ll see the fish market , Piazza Duomo and the famous elephant obelisk, Teatro Massimo , the Roman Amphitheater and Castello Ursino .
• You can read about those attractions, and more, in my new Catania travel guide .
• On the uphill section of your walk, stop at NelsonSicily , a gourmet food shop where you can stock up on artisan products like Bronte pistachios, cream of pistachio, pistachio liqueur, pistachio chocolate bars… you get the idea.

Catania Restaurant Recommendations

• My favorite restaurant in Catania was La Cucina dei Colori .  This is a healthy vegetarian restaurant with a full-service lunch buffet featuring local, seasons ingredients.  On the day I visited they were serving rustic panelle (chickpea pancakes), fritters made from local greens and stuffed with cheese, stewed chard, farro salad and a house interpretation of ratatouille.
• Some people say you need to visit Trattoria del Forestiero while you’re in Catania, as its thought to have the best and most authentic  pasta alla norma  (and the  nonna in the kitchen once taught Jamie Oliver how to make her iconic dish).  I’ve had equally good  pasta alla norma  elsewhere, and with far better service.
• I’m a vegetarian, so I didn’t try any of the fish at Catania’s famous fish market.  However, I did stop by fish-centric street food hub Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab for a cone filled with their vegetarian fritto misto , with battered and fried veggies, fava beans and pistachio-stuffed arancini.

You can travel from Piazza Borsellino to Siracusa on Interbus .  Buy your tickets a day or two in advance, if possible.  Take the bus to the end of the line (Corso Gelone) in Siracusa.

#2 – Explore Siracusa & Ortigia

If you arrive in Siracusa by bus, you’ll half to walk about fifteen minutes to reach Ortigia, the island that was once the town’s historical center and that still offers the most evocative sightseeing in the city.

My recommended B&B option in Ortigia is right at the entrance to the island, which is ideal if you’re walking with your luggage.  B&B Casa Verga is a family-run bed and breakfast with spacious, high-ceiling rooms, some of which directly overlook the stunning Temple of Apollo.  Once you’ve dropped off your bags you can walk around the temple to the market, where you’ll find dozens of restaurants and sandwich vendors competing for your lunch patronage.

Things to Do in Siracusa & Ortigia

• While Siracusa and Ortigia draw a crowd, even the touristic center of Ortigia feels less crowded and more authentic than Taormina (more on that coming shortly!).  This is one of the loveliest places to do nothing much beside wander the cobblestone streets with a gelato in hand.
• There is a small beach at the south tip of Ortigia.  The water here was warm and relatively clean, but water shoes are definitely recommended because it’s quite rocky.
• In Siracusa proper (not on the island of Ortigia) there is a well-known and celebrated archeological park .  It’s about thirty minutes by foot from Ortigia, and it’s mostly uphill, so I recommend taking a city bus up and walking back.  Before you buy a ticket, check to see if the Greek Theater is covered with scaffolding for the summer performance series.  If it’s even “partially” covered, don’t bother.

Siracusa and Ortigia Restaurant Recommendations

• Have you ever had pistachios on pizza?  At Cosi Ristorante , in Ortigia’s market, they have a fun pizza with pumpkin cream, fontina cheese and pistachios (if you’re not vegetarian, it also comes with prosciutto).
• MOON (Move Ortigia Out of Normality) is a contemporary, upscale vegan restaurant with a pretty terrace right on Via Roma.  I had a cocktail, the mixed salad and the “carbonara” with turmeric and smoked tofu.  Reservations are highly recommended.
• The southwest tip of Ortigia is fantastic for sunset-watching with an aperitivo.  The enter waterfront is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.  You can’t go wrong with an Aperol Spritz anywhere here, though I did enjoy nibbling on the rosemary flatbread and cream cheese trio at SunSet Ortigia .

Don’t miss a day trip to Noto!  You can go by bus or train, but I recommend taking an AST morning bus there and the Trenitalia train back (more on that below). This route is also served less frequently by Interbus (link above).

One you’ve seen Noto, you can travel from Siracusa to either Taormina or Agrigento by bus, with a change at the Catania airport.  Bus details are below.

#3 – Day Trip to Noto

As far as I’m concerned, no Sicily itinerary is complete without a day trip from Siracusa to Noto!  This was one of the highlights of my time in Sicily and certainly a destination that I would love to revisit in the future.

Noto is a hilly town, with the historic center at the top of the hill and the train station at the bottom.  To save yourself a significant trek, I suggest that you arrive by bus, which will drop you off at the top of the hill, and then return by whichever method of transportation better suits your schedule (trains are certainly faster, but are less frequent).

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Things to Do in Noto

If you take the 7:00 or 8:00 am intercity bus to Noto you’ll arrive before the crowds.  Stroll down stunning Corso Vittorio Emanuele and snap a few photos of the beautiful church facades before they’re crowded with other sightseers.  Then, pop into either of Noto’s two famous cafes for a typical Sicilian breakfast of brioche con gelato , or a sweet bun filled with ice cream.  If that sounds like too much, you could also try a sweet and frosty glass of granita , typical Sicilian shaved ice.  Both breakfasts are great at either Caffe Sicilia or Caffe Costanzo .

Once you’re suitably caffeinated and carbed-up, you can go back and explore the interiors of Noto’s famous buildings, including the Cathedral , Palazzo Ducezio (worth paying for terrace access to snap some beautiful shots of the Duomo) and the many other churches and monasteries on the surrounding streets.

I also really enjoyed visiting Palazzo Castelluccio , a private palazzo that has been preserved and opened as a museum.  The opulent interiors and sun-drenched courtyards are so photogenic, and since few people venture this far (we’re talking less than ten minutes by foot!) from the Duomo, you could easily have most of the mansion to yourself during your visit.

If you end up falling in love with Noto, or are staying overnight for a special event, Hotel Porta Reale has a great location close to the bus stop and historic center.  Breakfast on the rooftop terrace will take your breath away.

#4 – Luxurious Taormina

In some circles, Taormina is the must-visit destination in Sicily.  However, it was actually my least-favorite stop in Sicily and the place I would have cut from my Sicily itinerary with the benefit of hindsight.  Taormina reminds me of other “upscale” Mediterranean beach resorts, like Capri and Marbella.  Prices are high, the streets are lined with expensive boutiques, people get dressed up to walk up and down the main street all evening, and there really isn’t that much to see or do.

Wondering if Taormina is like ‘The White Lotus’?  Check out my guide to Sicily on The White Lotus versus Reality .

Taormina is built along and atop a steep, seaside cliff.  The train station is at the bottom (near the beach), while the bus station is closer to the top (near the town).  If you don’t have a rental car, you definitely want to arrive by bus.  From Catania, the line with the most frequent trips is Etna Trasporti .  From the bus station, it’s another ten minutes uphill, along a narrow sidewalk, to the main street in town.  In high season, buy your Taormina bus tickets several day in advance.

There aren’t many budget accommodation options in Taormina.  The place I stayed, Villa Mabel , isn’t up to my usual standards for accommodation, as the service was quite terse and the location about as far as you can get in town from the bus station and the cable car to the beach.  However, I was willing to overlook the inconveniences to avoid paying double or triple the price to stay somewhere nicer.

If I was going back to Taormina, I would look at one of these hotels:

• Hotel Villa Nettuno or Villa Astoria – Both of these properties are on the road to the bus station and the cable car to the beach, making them ideal for anyone arriving by bus or train.  As two of the most highly-rated affordable hotels in Taormina, they book early (both were sold out when I visited).
• Splendid Hotel Taormina – A few blocks uphill from the center of Taormina, this is one of the most affordable hotels in Taormina that has its own swimming pool.  Again, book well in advance.

Things to Do in Taormina

• You can spend a day at the beach at Isola Bella.  There’s a small public beach area, and a number of private beaches with sun chair rentals.  In high season, you need to arrive early (or book the day before) for a sun chair, otherwise you’ll be towel-to-towel with strangers on the sand.  Access from town via the cable car.
• You can also visit the actual Isola Bella , a private nature reserve on the namesake island.
• I went scuba diving in Taormina.  It was my first time diving in the Mediterranean (I think?) and I wasn’t really impressed.  I actually had more fun snorkeling directly off the beach.
• Taormina also has a Greek theatre and a public garden (curated by the woman who originally owned Isola Bella).

With two full days, you could spend one at the beach and one visiting the sights in town, like the Greek theatre, the public gardens and the numerous churches dotted around town.  Again, though, if there is one place I would recommend cutting from your Sicily itinerary, it is Taormina.  I know that most of my readers value authenticity in travel, and Taormina felt the most artificial of anywhere I visited in Sicily.

Taormina Restaurant Recommendations

• I had a nice, light vegetarian lunch at TreQuarti Taormina Antipasteria Siciliana , on an art-filled alleyway in the town center.  They served me a bruschetta platter with four different vegetarian toppings, a fresh citrus salad and a lovely glass of red wine from their selection.
• I was in Taormina for two nights, and both nights I stopped at Arke for an aperitivo consisting of an Aperol Spritz and a little plate of snacks (potato chips, nuts, olives, etc.).  Sitting on the cushions on the steps, facing the piazza, watching everyone go by… life felt simple at Arke.
• I was hungry after scuba diving, and I lucked out with some good beach food at Mendolia Beach Hotel’s restaurant at Isola Bella.  They had a grilled vegetable plate served with a ball of fresh mozzarella, and it was kind of the perfect Italian beach meal, IMO.

From Taormina, I traveled across the island to Agrigento.  This was one of my two long bus trips in Sicily, as the distance was more than 200 kilometers.  To make this trip I took a morning bus from Taormina to the Catania bus station, stopped for lunch at a cafe near the station, then got on an early-afternoon bus to Agrigento.  Both of these routes should be booked well in advance, if possible.  The Catania to Agrigento section is operated by SAIS Trasporti and the Taormina to Catania route was with Etna Trasporti.

#5 – Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

Agrigento’s bus station and train station are both about five minutes from the main street (Via Atenea).  I stayed at the lovely little (three-room, I think?) B&B Le Vie d’Arte on the opposite end of the town center.  It added about ten minutes to the walk each day, but in the evening it was nice to be on that side of town.  If walking for ten minutes doesn’t appeal to you, B&B PortAtenea is just a minute or two from both the bus and train station, at the beginning of the main road.

Visiting Valley of the Temples

There’s heat, and then there’s Valley of the Temples on a summer afternoon heat.  The first step in planning your trip to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is to decide if you want to go in the early morning or the late afternoon.  The second step is to pack water, sunscreen and your favorite sun-protective clothing, because there’s approximately one square meter of shade throughout this entire 2000-square-metre site.  (On the plus side, there is a cafe with cold drinks, granite, gelato and toilets!)

To reach the Valley of the Temples, you can take TUA Bus 1 or Bus 2/ (note the slash!) from Agrigento’s train station. Take whichever bus comes first.  I accidentally took Bus 2 (no slash) and it wasn’t the end of the world – I just had to walk about 500 meters from the bus stop to the Porta V entrance.  These are regular city buses; you can buy your ticket before boarding from any tobacconist.

There are entrances at the east (Bus 2/) and west (Bus 1) ends of the site, but when it’s time to go back to Agrigento it’s better to use the middle exit (near the security booth by the Temple of Concordia – exit only! ) as the bus stop here is used by every route.

I won’t spoil your visit by telling you everything there is to see at the Valley of the Temples.  Just show up, avoid the mid-day heat and enjoy your stroll through history at one of the world’s most spectacular archeological sites.  It is absolutely worth every minute you spend on the bus or train to get here, and the Valley of the Temples is, without a doubt, a can’t-miss stop on your Sicily itinerary.

Other Things to Do in Agrigento

I had really wanted to visit the Scala dei Turchi, a bright white rock beach just outside Agrigento.  Unfortunately, it has apparently been closed for several years due to landslides.  If this is on your must-visit list, be sure to confirm that it’s accessible before you head all the way there.  From Agrigento, it’s accessible by the community-operated Temple Tour Bus.

In town, there are some nice churches, including one at the Monastery of Santo Spirito where you can buy homemade sweets and baked goods from the nuns who live on site.  Just ring the “dessert doorbell” and they’ll tell you what treats are available.

Agrigento Restaurant Recommendations

• Caffe Concordia ‘s almond milk is out of this world.
• It’s a short uphill walk from the main street, but Terra&Mare Trattoria and Pizzeria is popular with locals (seriously, no tourists here!) and they have a great vegetarian pizza.
• For a light lunch before or after your visit to the Valley of the Temples, Siculo is close to the train station and has fun dishes like fresh panelle (chickpea fritters seasoned with rosemary) and salads served in crispy flatbread bowls.

The last long bus trip of your Sicily itinerary will be on one of the infrequent buses that go directly from Agrigento to Trapani. Autolinee Lumia operates this route (and they have one of the worst websites I’ve seen since 2003).  The local ticket office is closed, so you have to buy your ticket on board the bus (cash, exact change recommended).  I suggest you show up at Agrigento’s bus station twenty minutes early to secure your seat.  At the time I visited, there were two morning buses and one in the early afternoon.

#6 – Trapani & Erice

Stay on the bus from Agrigento all the way to Trapani’s port (the driver might ask what stop you want if the bus isn’t very full).  From the port bus stop it’s just a two-minute walk to a cute little bed and breakfast ( B&B Almaran ) or a proper hotel ( Hotel Trapani In ).  You want to stay on this side of the peninsula for easy access to both the intercity buses and the ferry to Favignana – you’ll thank me for this tip when you have a 7:00 am boat to catch!

Half-Day Trip to Erice

You don’t need a rental car to visit Erice from Trapani.  From the port, buses 21 and 23 (buy tickets at any tobacconist)  weave through the modern city center to a cable car station.  From there, it’s a quick ride up the hill to the medieval village of Erice, one of the most picturesque places on this Sicily itinerary.

At the top, head straight for the Duomo, where you can buy a ticket that includes access to a number of other churches and the neighboring tower.  Visit the beautiful church and then spent an hour or two wandering the (slippery!) cobblestone streets that offer panoramic views of the lands below.

Most tourists make a stop at the Pasticceria de Maria Grammatico, whose journey from orphaned child laborer to world-famous pastry chef was told in the book Bitter Almonds .  The service is a bit haphazard thanks to the crowds who pack this little pastry shop, but it is a good place to sample a wide range of Sicilian treats (without judgement, since everyone else also seems to have a heaping plate!).

Other Things to Do in Trapani

• Trapani has the best city beaches that I visited in Sicily.  The sand is soft, the water is clean, and I swear the nearby salt flats make you extra-floaty.  I went swimming near the lighthouse and at the Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana.  Both are right in the historic center and easy to access by foot from the accommodation noted above.

Trapani Restaurant Recommendations

• I visited Locanda dei Poeti on their opening weekend.  I hope this new vegan restaurant is successful, as their plant-based aperitivo plate was delish!
• One night, I splurged on a meal at Temptation of Taste . I couldn’t leave Trapani without having a bowl of pasta with pesto trapanese (made with olive oil, almonds, tomatoes and garlic), and I also sampled their caponata (a sweet and sour vegetable starter).  This is a lovely option for a special occasion meal.

Lots of tourists don’t spend any time in Trapani at all.  Instead they head directly to your next stop: the island of Favignana.  Book your hydrofoil tickets on Liberty Lines well in advance, otherwise you may be stuck on the slow ferry (operated by Siremar ).  If you’ve left it too late and can’t find any tickets, try going in person to the travel agency opposite the Liberty Lines office and they may be able to help you.

#7 – Beautiful Beaches of Favignana

When I think back to my Sicily itinerary, the stop that makes me most nostalgic for the trip is Favignana, a small island off the coast of Trapani.  The largest of the Egadi Islands (which also include Levanzo and Marettimo), Favignana can be visited as a day trip from Trapani, but on my next visit to the area I will be sure to stay for at least two or three nights.  It’s just that amazing!

If you’re just taking a day trip to Favignana from Trapani, you can pack light.  I wore a swimsuit under shorts and a tank top, and packed a tote bag with my boat tickets, a bottle of water, some cash, photocopies of my ID, water shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.  I left my passport, credit cards and most of my cash back in Trapani.

I’m not a confident cyclist, but I took the plunge and rented an eBike from one of the shops at the port.  I looped around the east side of the island, visiting a number of famous beaches, but I ultimately returned to Cala Rossa (shown in the photo) for most of the day.  It had the most beautiful, crystal clear water I’d ever seen and it was perfect for swimming.

#8 – Palermo

I made a terrible Italy travel mistake when booking my accommodation in Palermo.  I chose a B&B with great reviews, but that was too far outside the historic center (down by Castello della Zisa) and poorly served by public transportation.  When the temperatures hit forty-five degrees Celsius during my early-August visit, I could barely muster up the energy to walk to the nearest supermarket, much less all the way to the center.

If I was going to return to Palermo, I would stay right in the historic city center.  I would probably start my search with Le Cupole if I was on a budget, or Hotel Principe de Lampedusa if I wanted to splurge a bit more.  Both have great locations and great reviews.

Things to Do in Palermo

• Palermo has a lot of beautiful churches .  However, unlike in Rome where you can walk freely into magnificent, world-famous churches like Saint Peter’s Basilica, it feels like every church in Palermo nickel and dimes you for an entrance fee.  If you do pay to go inside, save your ticket as it often gives you a discount at the next church you visit.
• For me, the one church that was worth the admission price was Santa Caterina .  The interior of the church itself is stunning, and a combined ticket gives you access to a number of vantage points on the upper level, as well as the historic monastery itself.  Like Santo Spirito in Agrigento, the nuns here also prepare indulgent pastries and sweets that visitors can purchase.
• As you walk through the historic center you’ll also pass the Cathedral , the Quattro Canti (the Four Corners) and the Pretoria Fountain (pictured above).
• Although Palermo is famous for its street markets , I wasn’t particularly impressed.  If you want to visit a street market in Sicily, I would recommend the fish market and surrounding streets in Catania instead.

Palermo Restaurant Recommendations

• Sicily is only 140 km from Tunisia, and the North African influence can be found in both the architecture and the food.  Kus-Kus serves tagines (kind of like North African casseroles, you could say) with couscous (tiny pasta).  I had their vegetarian couscous dish with hearty vegetables and flavorful broth, and can recommend it for anyone looking for a break from typical Italian dishes.
• There was one day in Palermo where I almost reached my breaking point.  It was forty-five degrees out, I’d walked from my B&B into town, and then I’d walked to two restaurants that had good online reviews, only to find them both closed (despite their listed hours).  I was ready to faint when I found  Cuma , a restaurant focusing on healthy dishes like salads and poke bowls.  The staff practically had to resuscitate me, but they did it with a smile!  Poke Hawaiian Taste had a similar, but more limited, concept, and I also visited them for a salad one evening.
• Outside of the touristy area, but not impossibly far from the centre, Sapurito is a pizzeria and restaurant popular with locals.  I had a lovely veggie pizza and glass of wine on their front terrace on my last evening in Palermo.

Keep reading for two great day trips from Palermo: Monreale and Cefalu.

#9 – Day Trip to Cefalu

Cefalu is an easy-peasy day trip by train from Palermo.  The trip takes about an hour and is served by regional and intercity trains (I highly recommend the intercity trains as you can reserve a seat, while the regional trains can easily fill to standing room only during the high season).  Once you arrive, it’s a short walk (less than ten minutes) to the beach, where there are free stretches of sand for the public, along with lots of sun chairs and umbrellas for rent from the beachfront bars and restaurants.

The water here can be quite rough.  In fact, the beach was red-flagged for almost the entire day that I was there, with waves similar to those shown in the photo above (I went to add my own photo to the post and I realized I’d accidentally caught someone changing on the beach, so I decided to protect their modesty and use a stock photo!).  If you’re not able to swim and don’t feel like suntanning, you can still explore the town’s attractions, including the beautiful Duomo (you can see its towers in the photo) and, rather funnily, the historic medieval laundry facilities (which are free to enter).

For lunch, I recommend Tatiana Melfa Bakery , where they have a surprisingly American-inspired menu (including veggie burgers and a scrambled egg breakfast… exactly what I’d been craving after eating so many brioches with gelato for the past three weeks!).  On the way back to the station for the train ride home I detoured to  L’Angolo delle Dolcezze , a gelateria popular with locals who flock to the little shop on the corner for creative, seasonal flavors. On a hot day you may have to queue, so leave yourself enough time!

Travel back to Palermo on the train and then onward to your next destination.

#10 – Day Trip to Monreale

From Palermo, it’s easy to travel to the hillside town of Monreale and its UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral.  I wrote an entire guide to the bus from Palermo to Monreale so that you’d have the most up-to-date information about bus stops, bus times, tickets and what to do when you arrive in Monreale.  I recommend spending half a day in Monreale, and timing your trip to avoid the early-afternoon cathedral closure.

Travel back to Palermo on the bus and then onward to your next destination.

Sicily Itinerary Without a Car – Recommended Schedule

I followed this Sicily itinerary over about three weeks.  Here is exactly how long I spent in each stop, and what I’d do next time:

• Catania – Three nights • Just right
• Siracusa & Ortigia – Three nights • Just right
• Noto – Day trip • Just right
• Taormina – Two nights • Either add a day (making one full beach day and one full town day) or eliminate entirely to add more time elsewhere
• Agrigento – Two nights • Just right
• Trapani – Three nights • Just right (when including a day trip to Favignana)
• Favignana – Day trip • Major regret!  Stay at least one night!
• Palermo – Four nights • Move one night to Favignana
• Cefalu – Day trip • Just right
• Monreale – Day trip • Just right
• Overnight train to Rome – One night • Fixed duration

Should You Travel Around Sicily Without a Car Hire?

Absolutely!

Personally, I kind of went into Sicily without much of a plan, and I was so impressed by how well everything worked out for me, even without a car.  It was so easy to get around and to find the things that I was looking for.  Prices were generally quite low (outside Taormina) and even as a solo traveler I felt like I was getting a good deal on accommodation and dining out.  If you’re able to visit in the shoulder season (April to mid-June, September and October) then you’ll get even better deals and encounter even fewer crowds.

Looking back, I am so glad that I chose Sicily as my Italian travel destination, and that I took the risk of managing the itinerary without a car.  I can’t wait to return (seriously, I’m already thinking ahead to next summer and checking out apartment rentals on Booking.com)… maybe I’ll see you there!

Have you been to Sicily?  What was your favorite spot on the island?  Let me know in the comments!

(And of course, you can always ask me any Sicily travel questions in the comments too!)

Dreaming of Sicily?  Pin this post for later!

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Sicily Road Trip: Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Delicious Sicily: a fascinating island off the mainland of Italy with stunning architecture, rich culture, and staggeringly beautiful landscapes. Speed along the stunning coastline, sunbathe in tiny coves with clear turquoise water, explore ancient towns with steep streets, and feast on fresh seafood and crispy cannoli. The relaxed Dolce Vita lifestyle is in full swing here, so take your time to enjoy life’s small pleasures. Let your Sicily road trip begin!

Sicily Road Trip

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily differs from the rest of Italy with its unique history, culture, and language. A Sicily road trip is the best way to see the island and immerse yourself in its culture, giving you the ultimate freedom to pick and choose what to see.

Here are all your hotel options in Sicily.

Tip: Everything moves at a slower pace, so be prepared for unusual opening times, with many shops and attractions closing between 1-4 PM so families can enjoy a long lunch. Embrace the relaxed way of life with our 14-day Sicily itinerary.

Day 1: Catania

It’s the first day of your Sicily road trip! With a beautiful backdrop of Mount Etna and a lively local atmosphere, the port city of Catania is a great place to kick off your Sicilian adventure. Half a day is enough to explore the center and see the city’s top sights, so don’t worry if you arrive after midday. 

Here are all your hotel options in Catania.

Explore the city streets, admire its stunning palazzos and piazzas, and dive into a wine bar or two! To see the city from a different perspective, head to the peaceful Villa Bellini Gardens or climb to the top of Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata church for an eagle-eye view of Catania and the volcano. 

Tip: If you are here early in the morning, don’t miss a visit to the historic La Pescheria, one of the biggest fish markets in Sicily. It’s the perfect place to experience vibrant local life as you watch people negotiate for their favorites!

From the Airport

Catania is a great place to start your Sicily Itinerary (14 days), as you can take a short 10-minute train from the international airport to the center of town (1.90 EUR / 2.09 USD).

Alternatively, rent a car from here, although please note that finding parking in the city can be difficult.

We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Catania

As you are only here for one night of your Siciliy road trip, it’s best to stay in the historic center. The best spot is close to the Cathedral or Via Etnea, where most of the main attractions are. Even though it’s very central, there are plenty of accommodation options for every budget.

Hotels in Catania 😴

Day 2-3: Taormina

Time to hit the road! An hour’s drive north from Catania is the stunningly picturesque clifftop town of Taormina – the next stop of your 14-day Sicily itinerary. Spend a few days exploring this idyllic town, home to atmospheric streets, gelaterias, ceramic shops, and island beaches with crystal clear water.

Read: Best things to do in Taormina, Sicily

Tip: One of our favorite things to do in Taormina was to take in the panoramic views at sunset from Piazza IX Aprile. Make sure to have a cold aperitivo in hand (an integral part of Sicilian culture!).

Here are all your hotel options in Taormina.

Visiting Mount Etna on your Sicily Road Trip

Taormina is also very close to the majestic Mount Etna, and you can do a half-day tour of the volcano from here. Many tours also include local food and wine tastings, as the volcanic earth makes it the perfect place to grow grapes.

How to get from Catania to Taormina

It is an hour’s drive from Catania to Taormina. However, please note that parking in the town is almost impossible. The best option is to park in the Lumbi parking garage just outside. The price is 5 USD for two days, including a free shuttle bus to the center.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a car, you can travel by train on your Sicily itinerary (14 days). There are frequent trains from Catania along the coast, which cost less than 10 USD and take approximately two hours.

Where to Stay in Taormina

Taormina has two main areas: the historic center on the clifftop and the beach. Choose your accommodation depending on where you want to spend most of your time. However, both are good options as a cable car connects the two.

Hotels in Taormina 😴

Day 4-5: Cefalù

Located on the island’s north coast is the beautiful old fishing town of Cefalù – one of the most picturesque destinations on your Sicily road trip! Summer is neverending in this ancient romantic town, home to sun-drenched squares, fantastic restaurants, and traditional ceramic shops. Cefalù is a place to relax and unwind, have late nights and lazy mornings, and enjoy the authentic ‘Dolce Vita’ lifestyle.

Here are all your hotel options in Cefalù.

Make sure to visit the beautiful pier, Molo di Cefalù’, where you can admire a rustic view of the beach backed by typical Sicilian houses. In summer, this is also the best place for sunbathing and diving into the harbor to cool off!

Also read: What to do in Sicily, Italy .

How to get from Taormina to Cefalù

It is a 2.5-hour drive along the stunning coastline to reach Cefalù, which lies right in the middle of the north coast of Sicily. Parking can be an issue here, but you can park for free in Porto Presidiana. From here, a shuttle bus takes you into town for 5 EUR.

Where to Stay in Cefalù

If you don’t feel like walking far, choose accommodation in the old town. However, please note that the new town (although not as pretty) is cheaper.

Hotels in Cefalù 😴

Cefalu, in general, is a touristy location (especially in the summer), so there are plenty of B&Bs and hotels to choose from.

Day 6-7 of your Sicily Road Trip: Palermo

No Sicily road trip would be complete without a visit to Palermo, the island’s capital. The city is full of energy, character, and contrasts, with an eclectic mix of Greek , North African , and Middle Eastern influences that can be seen in its people, culture, and food.  The Mafia has also left its mark, and although it is still a very real presence in the background of Sicilian life, there is now a strong anti-Mafia movement working hard to rebel against it.

Learn more about the anti-mafia movement on this popular walking tour

Palermo is also famous for its incredible street food and fantastic open-air markets. You’ll find many of the stalls selling traditional Sicilian delicacies, like hot chickpea fritters, crispy cannoli, and spleen sandwiches! Make sure to factor in time on your 14-day Sicily itinerary to also explore the charismatic neighborhoods with their tiny winding alleyways and the incredible architecture of the Norman Palace (one of the oldest royal residences in Europe). 

Here are all your hotel options in Palermo.

Tip: Don’t miss the spectacular view from the top of the Palermo Cathedral at sunset. From here, you can see the whole city with a backdrop of mountains behind it.

How to get from Cefalù to Palermo

It is a one-hour drive from Cefalù to Palermo. On the way, stop at Punta Sant’Elia, a stunningly scenic spot on the coast with a tiny cove great for swimming. This is a must-do on your Sicily road trip! 

You can also take a direct train to Palermo, which takes around an hour.

Where to Stay in Palermo

The historic center is the best place to base yourself, as you are within walking distance of the main sights and attractions. La Kalsa neighborhood is a good option for those on a budget.

Hotels in Palermo 😴

Day 8-10: Trapani

Next on your Sicily road trip is the beautiful port city of Trapani on the west coast. The town itself is home to charming streets, stunning stretches of golden sand, and tiny coves perfect for swimming. This is where your car comes in handy, as there are lots of beautiful places to discover in the surrounding area. 

Here are all your hotel options in Trapani.

Once you’ve explored the old town, head out to the Scopello area for a walk in the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. This natural haven has an incredible view over the spectacular Tonnara di Scopello, which is one of the most beautiful coves on the island. Popular with locals, it’s an amazing place to spend a sunny afternoon swimming and sunbathing and a memorable destination on your 14-day Sicily itinerary.

Other nearby spots worth visiting are the medieval hilltop town of Erice or Favignana Island, which can be explored by bicycle. Alternatively, relax at the breathtaking beach at San Vito Lo Capo.

Tip: If you have enough time, make a quick trip to the fascinating ruins of the Temple of Segesta.

How to get from Palermo to Trapani

It is a 1.5-hour drive from Palermo to Trapani . On the way, stop at Baia di San Cataldo, an old bunker built on a clifftop with gorgeous coastal views.

Alternatively, there is a direct train from Palermo, which takes approximately 2 hours.

Book your train tickets in advance of your trip

Where to Stay in Trapani

Stay in the historic center of Trapani , or go for more rural accommodation in the countryside or by the sea.

Hotels in Trapani 😴

If you’re looking for something unique on your Sicily itinerary (14 days), this converted watchtower near Scopello is very special.

Day 11: Agrigento

Next on your Sicily road trip is the ancient town of Agrigento! This beautiful town is one of the oldest in Sicily, with stunning examples of Arabic architecture, beautiful churches, and palazzos.

We’ve added it as a stop on this 14-day Sicily itinerary because of its proximity to the extraordinary Valley of the Temples, an impressive collection of ancient Greek structures built on the hillside over 2000 years ago. 

Spend the late afternoon exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site , with ancient ruins scattered among a grove of lemon and olive trees. If you can, stay to watch the sun go down over the valley, which illuminates the temples before they are lit up as night falls.

See tickets and availability for a tour of the Valley of the Temples

Afterward, return to town for a relaxed Sicilian dinner, finished with the locally renowned pecorino gelato at Le Cuspidi !

How to Visit Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples is open 8:30 AM – 7 PM. During the high season (July-September), it stays open until 11 PM weekly and midnight at the weekend. It costs 10 EUR to enter.

If you don’t want to drive to the Valley of the Temples, you can take the bus from Agrigento for 1.50 EUR.

How to get from Trapani to Agrigento on your Sicily road trip

It is just over 2 hours to drive from Trapani to Agrigento. On the way, stop at the Turkish Steps (Scala dei Turchi), a set of white limestone cliffs formed into natural steps that lead down to the sea. This is the exact location .

Where to Stay in Agrigento

There are many hotels and B&Bs in town. Alternatively, spend the night in an agriturismo to wake up to lovely views of the Sicilian countryside.

Hotels in Agrigento 😴

Day 12: Ragusa

The hilltop town of Ragusa, located in the beautiful Val di Noto area, is known as the birthplace of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The town is split into two parts, separated by a deep ravine. Because of this, we recommend starting from the upper town, where you can see incredible views, before walking down the steep stone steps to the historic center. 

Here are all your hotel options in Ragusa.

You can spend hours wandering around the small streets of the old city, admiring incredible buildings like the stunning Baroque Cathedral. Take plenty of breaks for plates of stuffed flatbreads, Ragusano cheese, and fresh seafood throughout the day.

In the evening, walk it all off with a traditional passeggiata (evening stroll) through the town. This Italian custom is best at the weekend when couples, families, and friends come onto the streets to socialize and flirt; it’s the best time for people-watching! 

How to get from Agrigento to Ragusa

This stretch of the Sicily road trip from Agrigento to Ragusa along the south coast takes just under two and a half hours. Unfortunately, the public transport options are more limited in this area. However, there are buses available. 

Where to Stay in Ragusa

Stay in the Ragusa Superiore, the newer area with fantastic views over the old city. Alternatively, choose the Ragusa Ibla, where you are surrounded by stunning architecture and the charming atmosphere of the old town. There are plenty of boutique hotels and lovely guesthouses to choose from in both areas.

Hotels in Ragusa 😴

Day 13-14: Siracusa (Final Days of your Sicily Road Trip)

As the end of your Sicily road trip draws near, embrace the true Dolce Vita lifestyle in the picturesque town of Siracusa. The old town is located on Ortigia Island, connected to the rest of Siracusa by two small bridges. There aren’t many cars here, so the quiet streets and tiny alleyways are perfect to stroll through at your own pace.

Here are all your hotel options in Siracusa.

Admire the ancient ruins of a Greek temple before browsing the Ortigia market for fresh fish, local wine, and heaped piles of herbs and spices. 

Spend the rest of your 14-day Sicily itinerary in Siracusa swimming off the rocky beaches and relaxing before returning home. Alternatively, squeeze in one last activity by cycling along the Rossana Maiorca coast path, and treat yourself to your last few plates of Sicilian pasta, creamy gelatos, and ice-cold granitas.

Tip: Close by is the Neapolis Archaeological Park, a collection of impressive Ancient Greek ruins. It’s well worth a visit to discover the fascinating history of this area of Sicily.

How to get from Ragusa to Siracusa

It is a 1.5-hour drive from Ragusa to Siracusa. On the way, you’ll pass through the town of Modica, famous for Aztec chocolate!

From Siracusa to the Airport

From Siracusa, it is a 1-1.5 hour drive (or train journey) to the international airport in Catania – and the end point of your 2-week Sicily road trip!

Where to Stay in Siracusa

Base yourself on the island of Ortigia, which is the most picturesque part of the town. Ask your hotel about where it is best to park before arriving.

Hotels in Siracusa 😴

How to Visit Sicily in a 2-week road trip

This Sicily road trip starts and ends in Catania, which has the main international airport on the island. However, there are five other airports in various cities. 

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Italy to any port city on the island. Best of all, most of these allow cars, making it the perfect option if you are planning an extended road trip around the whole country.

There is also a train from the mainland, which is transported over the Strait of Messina by ferry!

Book your transport to Sicily in advance here

Getting Around Sicily

The best way to follow a 14-day Sicily itinerary is by car! Having your own wheels gives you the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace. It can also save you time in the long run, allowing you to visit those out-of-the-way destinations. 

In bigger cities like Catania and Palermo, it’s better to leave the car near your hotel while exploring, as busy roads make it difficult to navigate and park. 

Note: The historic centers of small towns often have limited parking. Because of this, it’s best to check with your hotel where it is best to park before your arrival.

By Train and Bus

If you’re not able to do a Sicily road trip, you can also travel around Sicily by public transport. However, this generally takes longer, and timetables aren’t always reliable. Trains run between most big towns, but days 11-14 of the Sicily itinerary may be more difficult as you will need to take buses.

See availability for bus and train trips in Sicily

Our Favorite Accommodations

Sicily has a huge range of accommodation options depending on your budget. Although there are not many hostels in the smaller towns, there are plenty of affordable guesthouses and B&Bs, beautiful hotels, rustic agriturismos, and luxury private villas. Here are our favorites from each destination on the Sicily road trip:

• Catania: Dome , Bed, Book & Breakfast Landolina , The Yard Hostel
• Taormina: B & B Teatro Greco 39 , Hotel Le Chevalier , Vilagos Apartments and Loft
• Cefalù: Al 33 Giri , Cortile Umberto I , Lirma B & B
• Palermo: Sui Tetti di Balarm Boutique Rooms , Family Affair , Canceddi B & B
• Trapani: Villa le Torri B & B , BADIA NUOVA Apart Hotel , Le Cupole Suites and Apartments
• Agrigento: Villa La Lumia Suites and Apartments , Casa Tita , B & B Triskéles
• Ragusa: Bed and Breakfast Terra del Sole Ibla , A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel , Pura Vida Barocca
• Siracusa: Palazzo Alfeo Aparthotel , La Maison , La Residenza del Reginale

How Much Does a 2-week Sicily road trip Cost?

Sicily is a relatively affordable destination, with your most significant expenses being accommodation and car rental. It also depends on the time of year you visit. For example, the summer months are generally more expensive (with prices peaking in September). 

Costs of Traveling in Sicily

Travel on a budget in Sicily, from $370 − $430 USD weekly per person, mid-range $720 − $1690 USD, and high-end from $1690 − $2090 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $50 − $100 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $100 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $20 USD
• Activities: $10 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Is Sicily Safe?

In general, Sicily is a very safe place to visit. Although the mafia is still active on the island, they have much less influence than before, and they don’t generally pose a threat to tourists. As in most places, keep an eye on personal belongings when out and about, and don’t leave anything in your car overnight. 

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Italy trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Tip: Mount Etna is an active volcano, so always follow local advice and guidelines and check government websites before traveling. 

Best Time to Visit Sicily for 2 Weeks

The best time for a Sicily road trip is during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are fewer crowds. However, bear in mind that September is actually the busiest month and, therefore, the most expensive. 

June-August is extremely hot. However, there is a lively atmosphere, and it is fantastic if you are looking to spend most of your 14-day Sicily itinerary at the beach. 

Alternatively, you may want to base your trip around one of Sicily’s incredible festivals, like Carnival in February, lively Easter celebrations, or the many seasonal street food festivals known as ‘sagre.’

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Sicily via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things to do in Catania, Sicily

What to do in sicily: 13 must-see spots, cortona, italy: the gem of southern tuscany.

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7 Days in Sicily: How to Spend One Amazing Week in Sicily

If you are looking for a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, then Sicily is the place to go. Alysha’s family immigrated to the United States from Sicily a couple of generations ago (Matt’s too, actually, though he looks far less Sicilian), so Sicily has a special place in her heart. 

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, historic architecture, and picturesque scenery. Its diverse geography ranges from pristine sandy beaches to a towering volcano looming over the eastern half of the island.

Sicily also has a different cultural identity from mainland Italy due to the many different civilizations that occupied it at various times throughout its history. This has resulted in the island being covered in ancient ruins that are stacked upon each other; Roman on top of Greek on top of Phoenician. 

As we planned our three month European extravaganza after we quit our jobs to bet it all on this travel site (which happened in February 2020 – OOPS!), Sicily was the first thing we penciled in. 

We spent three weeks in Sicily in the fall of 2021, making a big loop around the coast of the island, and we fell in love with the beaches, the history, and the cuisine – specifically granita and pasta alla norma. 

Unfortunately, we don’t really think that 7 days is enough time to explore the entire island (Sicily is BIG). We spent over three weeks on our own Sicily adventure and it was still difficult to squeeze in everything that we wanted to. But one week is long enough to dive deep into one area of the island. And we’d recommend starting with the east coast.

The east coast of Sicily is a stunning stretch of coastline that boasts crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. From the charming town of Taormina, nestled in the shadow of Mount Etna, to the historic city of Siracusa, there is no shortage of beautiful spots to explore, and there is plenty to do and see to fill an entire week. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through our thinking on how to spend one week in Sicily, focusing on the island’s south/southeast coast and highlighting the best places to visit, foods to try, and experiences to be had. 

We’ll also cover important logistics – like getting between places, where to stay, how to structure your itinerary, and more. 

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, I make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. It goes without saying that I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use or do myself.

What Can You See with 7 Days in Sicily?

To reiterate the above, our main piece of advice is not to try to see every single corner of Sicily in 7 days . 

It’s just too big. 

We had three full weeks, and still found ourselves driving long distances and saying “guess we’ll need to come back for that.”

With 7 days, we think you should focus your time on exploring EITHER the eastern or western coast. 

If it’s your first time on the island, we’d recommend heading to southeastern Sicily and checking out Taormina, Catania, Siracusa and Ortigia, and the Val di Noto. 

Not only is southeast Sicily our favorite part of the island, but it’s also largely accessible via public transportation. This means that it’s doable if you want to avoid renting a car in Sicily (more on that in a second). 

Have more than one week? Check out our two week Sicily itinerary here , which includes the highlights of both eastern and Western Sicily (including Palermo!).

How to Get Around Sicily (and Do You Need a Rental Car?)

For the most part, you’re going to need to rent a car to really explore Sicily. The island isn’t quite as well connected by public transportation as other regions of Italy.

However, the southeastern corner of the island – the part we’re focusing on in this itinerary – is actually fairly well connected by a regional train line. It’s often slower than driving, but it will get you between the bigger cities and towns like Taormina, Catania, and Siracusa. 

Combine the train with a couple of tours, and you can get good coverage on this slice of Sicily without needing to rent a car. 

If you do want to get a little further afield, like Ragusa, the beaches of Riserva Vendicari, and Marzamemi, then you will want to rent a car. 

We’d suggest renting it as you leave Siracusa to head to the Val di Noto. This way, you don’t have to deal with parking in the bigger cities and towns. 

Plus, you don’t really need a car up until that point anyway – on our trip, we were carless until we left Siracusa. 

The Best Time to Visit Sicily

The best time to spend time in Sicily really depends on what you want from your trip. 

Summer is beautiful and the most popular time to visit the island, but be prepared for scorching temperatures, large crowds, and high prices. 

The shoulder seasons are slightly better in terms of crowds and weather, but you do run the risk of places being closed for the season.

Summer / High Season (June – August)

Summer is the hottest time of year in Sicily, with average daily temperatures reaching 75-85°f, and often even higher. Being an island in the middle of the Mediterranean does mean that it’s reliably a bit cooler than, say, Rome or Naples, but it’s still HOT. 

These hot summer days are perfect for sunbathing on Sicily’s beautiful beaches or sitting on a restaurant terrace soaking up the Italian sun.

But the heat and humidity can get a little unbearable when hiking up Mount Etna or wandering around ancient archeological sites with limited shade.

Summer is also the high season in Sicily, which brings a fun and vibrant atmosphere to the island. However, it also means that prices are higher, lines for attractions are longer, and the beaches are packed with tourists and locals alike.

Shoulder Season (April/May & September/October)

Shoulder season in Sicily can be a little hit or miss. Crowds are certainly smaller and accommodation is cheaper than in the peak summer months. But you do still run the risk of some mild, rainy days during your visit (but it’s generally pretty warm).

Depending on when exactly you go, you may also find that some places are closed.

We visited during October and about 30-40% of the places we tried to go to were already shut for the winter or the owners were on vacation (apparently October is a popular time for small business owners to go on vacation).

The weather was pretty mild and warm in October, but there were definitely a few afternoon thunderstorms and rainy days over the course of our three weeks. 

Low Season (November – April)

The low season in Sicily falls between winter and early spring. While prices are at their cheapest and there are very few crowds on the island, we still probably wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time. 

During the low season, the island gets very, very quiet. And due to the drastic drop in tourists, many local businesses – including hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions – shut down completely for the season.

You’re also far less likely to experience Sicily’s famous sunshine during the winter months. Daytime temperatures can drop down to 50°f and rain is fairly common (there’s even some snow on Mount Etna).

Where to Start and End Your Trip?

The below 7 day Sicily itinerary will focus on the southeastern corner of the island, so you can fly in and out of Catania.

Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the second-largest international airport in Sicily (Palermo is the biggest) and the largest on the island’s east coast.

The airport serves numerous European carriers. When flying from the US, you’ll need to transfer via another major European city, such as London, Amsterdam, or Paris first. 

You can reach Catania’s city center from the airport in roughly 20 minutes using the AMT Alibus shuttle bus .

One Week in Sicily: How to Plan an Incredible Trip

For the sake of the itinerary below, we’re assuming that you’re arriving on the island the evening before and leaving on the final evening/the morning after, giving you a full 7 days to explore. 

Here’s what that looks like: 

• Day 1: Catania 
• Day 2: Day Trip to Taormina (stay in Catania)
• Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Etna (stay in Catania) 
• Day 4: Siracusa & Ortigia
• Day 5: Siracusa & Ortigia
• Day 6: The Val di Noto
• Day 7: The Val di Noto

We’d suggest spending your first three nights in Catania , using it as a home base for day trips to Taormina and Mount Etna, rather than trying to move around every day (which is both more tedious and less flexible). 

Day 1: Explore Catania

Nestled at the foot of mighty Mount Etna, Catania is a charming port city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and delicious food that make it a perfect introduction to Sicily. 

Its central location on the island’s east coast also makes it the perfect place to start and end this 7 day Sicily itinerary. 

Catania has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 8th Century BC when it was founded by the Greeks. Over the centuries, the city has been ruled by various powers such as the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, each leaving their mark on the city’s architecture, culture, and cuisine.

During the 17th Century, Catania was hit by a devastating earthquake AND a large eruption of Mount Etna, while allied bombing during WWII also caused significant damage to the city.

But each time, Catania was rebuilt and has since become a thriving cultural and economic center and a popular tourist destination.

We liked Catania, and think a day is about the right amount of time to spend exploring the city itself, with a couple of day trips to fill the other days. 

Things to Do in Catania

Some people choose to only use Catania as a base for exploring other nearby destinations (which you’ll be doing on days 2 and 3 too). But we think the city is worth spending some time exploring in its own right. One day in Catania is enough to see the city’s main highlights. 

The thing about Catania is that, because there are so many groups of people that have called it home, it’s essentially a city, built atop a city, built atop another city. 

It has layers – like an ogre – that make it a fascinating piece of history, and that phenomenon of cities (or temples) built atop old versions is a theme you’ll see all across Sicily. 

Below are some of our favorite things to do in Catania .

The Fish Market . Sicily is an island known for its abundance of fresh fish and seafood. And there’s no place quite like Catania’s vibrant fish market to see this for yourself. Plus, it’s not just fish – there are plenty of local vendors selling meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and nuts too. Head to the market in the early morning to see it at its liveliest, with energetic locals haggling for the best catch of the day. It’s open every day of the week except Sunday.

Take a tour of the Benedictine Monastery . Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena was one of the largest and most beautiful baroque Benedictine Monasteries in all of Europe. The building is also a great example of how Catania adapted to the lava flows from the 1669 eruption of Mount Etna. You can only visit the building’s interiors on a 75 minute guided tour , which offers a great introduction to the history of the building and Catania as a whole. 

Marvel at the Teatro Antico Greco-Romano di Catania . Catania’s Ancient Roman theater is another of the best examples of how the city has been built up in layers due to volcanic eruptions in the region. Modern 19th Century buildings tower over the excavated 2nd Century Roman theater, which in turn was built on top of an existing Greek building dating back to 300 BC.

Eat your first granita! Granita is a Sicilian specialty, which is like ice cream without the cream. Perfect for cooling you down on a hot day in Catania. You can find granita at pretty much every cafe and pasticceria across the island, but we particularly loved Caffetteria Villaroel ( here on Google Maps). Granita comes in local flavors such as pistachio, almond, coffee, and seasonal fruits. Our favorite is pistachio – anything pistachio is the right call in Sicily. 

Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943 . This is a museum dedicated to Sicily’s role in World War 2, which was eye-opening for us as Americans who always think of WWII affecting mostly mainland Europe. It’s a fascinating museum that’s certainly worth an hour or two of your time, even though there are some parts of the signage that aren’t translated into English. Our favorite part of the museum was a temporary photography exhibition that featured photos taken during the war by military photographers. 

Where to Stay in Catania

As we mentioned above, we’d suggest staying in Catania for your first three nights and doing day trips from here. Catania is a great base for exploring other towns and attractions in the region.

In Catania, try to stay near Piazza del Duomo, and avoid going more than two or three blocks east or west of Via Etnea.

Staying in this area puts you smack dab in the middle of basically everything you’re going to want to see in Catania. It’s also within walking distance of the train and bus station, which is useful for getting to Taormina and Mount Etna. 

We stayed in one of Duomo Housing Catania’s beautiful apartments, located just off of Piazza del Duomo and right over the fish market.

It was a phenomenal location in terms of centrality and walkability, but probably not the best place to stay for light sleepers or late risers due to the noise of the fish market setting up early each morning.

Other Options in Catania:

Urban Pop 2 BnB – a cute and quirky pop-art-themed bed and breakfast with affordable private rooms and shared dorm rooms.

Palazzo Scammacca – simple, elegant, and spacious private apartments, some of which feature fully equipped kitchens and private terraces. 

Habitat – a stunning, super stylish boutique hotel just a few blocks west of Via Etnea.

Day 2: Day Trip to Taormina

On your second day in Sicily, take a day trip from Catania to the charming seaside town of Taormina. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea and Sicilian coastline, the historic coastal town is best known for its ancient Greco-­Roman theater and unique beach.

The town is particularly popular among day-trippers, so try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds. 

Getting To Taormina

The best way to get from Catania to Taormina without a car is by train.

The high-speed Intercity train can get you between the two cities in as little as 35 minutes, while the Regional train takes anywhere between 50 minutes and 1 hr 10 minutes. 

Tickets for both start at around 5.50 Euros each way, depending on when you book. There’s not a huge difference in ticket price, so try to catch one of the Intercity trains if possible to give you more time in Taormina.

It’s important to note that the train drops you off at the very bottom of town, and the main part of town is perched on a hill above the water. 

We walked up to the town center and it took around 15-20 minutes ( here’s the route ). You can also take the bus (Interbus) up to town for 1.90 Euros, or catch a taxi instead. 

Things to Do in Taormina

From exploring ancient ruins to hiking scenic trails and sampling the area’s delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Taormina.

Teatro Antico di Taormina . Taormina’s spectacular Greco-Roman amphitheater dates back to the 3rd Century BC and has been used for various purposes throughout history, including gladiator battles and concerts. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and is still used for performances and events during the summer months – so check if anything is happening during your visit . The theater is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including neighboring Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Hike up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca . This historic hilltop chapel ( here on Google Maps) is not only a beautiful example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, but it also offers amazing views over Taormina and the bay below. The trail leading to the church is steep and a little challenging, but it’s more than worth the effort for the views along the way. If the hike is too much, consider taking a taxi to the top then walking back down. Once at the top, stop for lunch on the beautiful terrace of Al Saraceno , located just a few steps away from the church.

Bam Bar . We stopped here for granita twice in the same day! The elegant cafe-bar is famous for its granita, with rotating flavors posted on the board outside each day. They also serve coffee, pastries, and aperitifs, and there’s a lovely terrace outside for a spot of people watching.

Stroll Along Corso Umberto . Corso Umberto is Taormina’s lively pedestrianized main street which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. The street is almost always packed with tourists, but it’s still worth a quick stroll. 

Hit the beach! If you’re visiting Taormina on a hot day, take a walk (or the cable car ) down to Isola Bella, a small island that’s connected to the mainland via a narrow pebble beach. The unique beach is a lovely spot for sunbathing and paddling in the clear blue waters.

Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Etna

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. The regular volcanic activity has shaped much of eastern Sicily and is intrinsically linked to the history of the region.

Despite its frequent eruptions, Mount Etna is still considered safe to visit. In fact, hiking up to its summit to experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape is one of the most popular things to do in all of eastern Sicily. 

Getting To Mount Etna

Due to the logistics of getting to and from Etna – there’s basically one bus in each direction per day, and it’s a long ride ( more info here ) – we would recommend either renting a car for the day and driving yourself, or hopping on a guided tour. 

Driving is the only way to get to Mount Etna in time to join a guided summit tour , which leaves around 9:00 am each morning (which is before the bus arrives). 

You’ll need to drive from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza on the southern slope of Mount Etna to join the morning tours. The drive will take you around an hour.

If you don’t want to take an organized tour, you can still drive yourself to Rifugio Sapienza and head to the summit by yourself. From Rifugio Sapienza, you can catch the cable car (30 Euros return) up to a certain point, then hike the rest of the way up to the famous craters on your own.

Guided Day Trip

A guided day trip is the easiest way to visit Mount Etna without a car. There are plenty of different options to choose from – including tours that visit the typical tourist areas, and tours that go a little off the beaten path (we chose the second).

We did this tour with Marco, a Catania native, and would highly recommend it.

The tour first takes you on a hike to view Etna from a different angle than the one most tourists get. It then takes you up to the main area for a little bit of exploring. It also includes transportation to and from Catania.

If you’re not as excited about hiking, this sunset jeep tour is another great alternative.

Days 4 & 5: Siracusa and Ortigia

Let’s start with a quick geography lesson. There’s a common misconception that Siracusa and Ortigia are two different cities. But this isn’t exactly true. 

Siracusa is the city on the mainland, while Ortigia is a small island that is home to the historical city center of Siracusa. The two are connected by a series of bridges. You’ll hardly notice that you’re passing from one into the other.

Now for a little more about Siracusa. During its early history, the ancient city was one of the most important hubs in the Mediterranean, thanks to Sicily’s strategic position between Italy, Spain, Greece, and North Africa.

The city was founded by the Greeks, before becoming a part of the Roman Empire. It was even briefly the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the late 7th Century.

The city changed hands between the Aghlabids (Muslims from North Africa) and the Byzantines for several hundred years, before finally falling under Norman rule.

And all of these influences are apparent in the city you’ll see today, from the North African inspired cuisine (expect plenty of couscous) to the amazing Greek and Roman archeological ruins.

On a visit to the city, you’ll spend most of your time in Ortigia, which is famous for its charming cobblestone streets and stunning sea views. However, you’ll also want to take a journey out to the famous archeological park on mainland Siracusa.

Getting To Siracusa and Ortigia 

Driving is the quickest way to travel between Catania and Siracusa, with the journey taking as little as an hour without traffic. However, we really don’t think you need a car.

Siracusa and Ortigia aren’t the most car-friendly destinations, so you’ll just end up leaving your car on the outskirts of town until you’re ready to leave again.

Instead, we’d suggest catching the direct train from Catania Centrale Station to Siracusa, which you can book through Trenitalia for around 8.40 Euros one way. The journey takes approx. 1 hr and 15 minutes.

It’s worth noting that the train station in Siracusa sits around a 20 minute walk from the historic center of Ortigia. If you’d rather not walk with your luggage, you can always grab a taxi from the train station.

Another option is jumping on the bus from Piazza Borsellino in Catania (a short walk from Piazza del Duomo), which takes around 1 hr 20 minutes to arrive in Siracusa. You can book tickets in advance via Interbus .

The bus is slightly cheaper than the train, with tickets starting at 6.20 Euros one way.

Things to Do in Siracusa and Ortigia

Here are some of the best things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia. 

Parco Archeologico Neapolis . This huge hilltop archaeological park in Siracusa houses the well-preserved ancient ruins of both a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater. You can also explore the Latomia del Paradiso, which are ancient quarries that were used to build the city. Being the most popular tourist attraction in Siracusa, the archeological park can get extremely busy, so try to arrive early (it opens at 8:30am) to avoid the biggest crowds. The museum, which is a few blocks away and you can buy a combined pass for, was both underwhelming and overwhelming after a few hours of wandering the outdoor ruins, so we’d skip it. 

Walk the perimeter of Ortigia . One of our favorite things to do in Ortiga was simply to wander around the perimeter of the island and soak in the historic city and beautiful sea views. Sunset is the best time to do this walk as you’ll get to experience the sun setting over the water and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city coming alive in the evening. And if you do it from the northeastern tip to the western end (like this route ), you’ll be in a good position to grab a spritz at the end of the walk.

Go underground at Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo . Head into the crypts of this historic church (which is built on top of a synagogue) in the city’s old Jewish Quarter. On an underground tour, you can see the tunnel network that was used to shelter civilians during the Allied bombings in WWII. The short tour is donation based, so you can pay whatever you think it’s worth.

Sabadì Cioccolato . This chocolate shop right near Piazza del Duomo is a great introduction to delicious Modica chocolate – a unique type of chocolate from the Sicilian city of Modica (which you’ll also visit if you continue to follow this itinerary). The chocolate is cooked slowly at a lower temperature, which means the sugar doesn’t dissolve, and they don’t add cocoa butter, giving it a slightly grainy texture.

Gelateria Gusto . A lovely little gelateria in the heart of Ortigia that served some of the best gelato and granita we had during our time in Sicily.

Where to Stay in Siracusa and Ortigia

We’d definitely recommend staying on the island of Ortigia rather than Siracusa. It’s a little more expensive than the mainland, but significantly more atmospheric and charming. You’ll also have more bars, restaurants, and cafes right on your doorstep.

Ortigia is small and compact enough that you can really stay anywhere and be able to walk to wherever you need to go. 

We stayed at Stay in Ortigia Guest House , a group of stylish modern apartments inside a historic building in the heart of Ortigia.

Each of the apartments has a fully equipped kitchen and its own seating and dining area, while some also have a private balcony or terrace with city views. There’s also access to laundry.

Some other options for staying in Ortigia: 

Dimore delle Zagare Ortigia – a historic B&B in the charming Jewish Quarter, with cozy double rooms and more spacious studios and apartments.

La Maison – a charming and elegant B&B with antique gold furnishings, striking chandeliers, and rolltop bathtubs. 

Palazzo Alfeo Aparthotel – spacious apartments with private kitchens and beautiful sea views. One of the apartments even has a jacuzzi on its terrace.

Calafatari B&B – a sustainable bed and breakfast with sleek, modern rooms, private balconies, and breakfast facilities. 

Days 6 & 7: The Val di Noto

The Val di Noto is a beautiful region of southeastern Sicily that’s famous for its stunning late Baroque style. So much so that it has been awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The region is made up of eight towns – Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli – most of which were completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed much of the area. 

There’s so much to see in the Val di Noto that you could easily spend several days here. But with just one week, we’d suggest dedicating your last 36-48 hours or so to exploring some of the highlights of the region.

Getting To The Val di Noto

This is the only section of this itinerary that we’d recommend getting a car for. You can rent a car in Siracusa and drop it back off on your way up to Catania on the final day.

The drive between Siracusa and the town of Noto takes just 35-40 minutes. Plus, driving in the Val di Noto gives you more flexibility to get to some more rural destinations around Noto (we’ll discuss these more below). 

If you don’t want to rent a car , you can still get to both Noto and Modica by train. There’s a regional train line and Interbus route that connect Siracusa to Noto in anywhere between 35-50 minutes. You can then jump back on the regional train at Noto to take a day trip to Modica, which takes around 1 hr 10 minutes.

But if you do decide to travel to the Val di Noto by train, you will miss the beaches of the Vendicari reserve and the waterfront dining in Marzamemi. 

Things to Do in The Val di Noto

The best way to spend a couple of days in the Val di Noto will really depend on how you plan to get around. As we mentioned above, some places are more accessible than others without a car.

But there are a few key spots we think you should cover:

• The Vendicari Reserve

If you do have a car, spend your first day exploring Modica in the morning and Noto in the afternoon and evening. You can drive between the two towns in 40 minutes. Then spend your second day visiting the beaches of the Vendicari Reserve in the morning and the small fishing town of Marzamemi in the afternoon/evening.

Or if you’re using public transportation to get around the Val di Noto, you can dedicate a whole day to exploring Noto (there’s enough to do), then take a day trip to Modica. 

Alternatively, you could organize a private driver or taxi to take you around the Vendicari Reserve and/or Marzamemi for a day.

Explore Noto

Noto is the crown jewel of the Val di Noto and the most popular tourist destination due to its unique and well-preserved Sicilian Baroque architecture. The elegant town is set on a hillside overlooking the valley to the south.

Some things not to miss in Noto are:

Caffè Sicilia . This small cafe in Noto is pretty touristy, but it’s famous for its almond granita. Trust us – it lives up to the hype! Check out the “cappuccino,” which is a small scoop of coffee granita on top of a heap of almond granita. They also make great cannoli and lots of other tasty homemade pastries.

Cattedrale di San Nicolò . The intricate interior of Noto’s grand cathedral is just as impressive as its beautiful Baroque exterior. Don’t miss the amazing stained glass windows underneath the dome, as well as the super realistic paintings depicting the passion of Christ.

Wander through the city at sunset . The reason we say to be in Noto during the afternoon and evening is that admiring the Baroque sandstone buildings glow orange and red as the sun sets over the city is an absolute must! This loop will take you to some of our favorite viewpoints in town.

Explore Modica

Modica is another lovely Baroque town in the Val di Noto that stands out from its neighbors thanks to its unique stoneground chocolate. 

Modica chocolate is a locally produced delicacy that’s made using only cocoa mass and cane sugar (no cocoa butter) and cooked at low temperatures, producing a slightly grainy texture that’s similar to traditional Aztec chocolate. 

The cacao is often mixed with local Sicilian flavors, such as citrus fruits, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts, to create a delicious and indulgent treat.

The best things to do on a visit to Modica are:

Cioccolato di Modica Quetzal . This unique chocolate shop is not only the best place in town to try high-quality artisanal Modica chocolate, but you can also learn about the production process and other cultural activities organized by Modica’s Quetzal Cooperative.

Hike up to this viewpoint . It’s quite the walk, but the views over the town and surrounding region are more than worth it. You’ll pass by Duomo di San Giorgio and Castello dei Conti on the way up too.

Casa del Formaggio Modic . The owner Giorgio is the friendliest cheesemonger we’ve ever met. We still talk about our experience here – “hey, remember the friendliest cheese man ever in Modica?”

Cafe Adamo . For the best gelato in town. They have lots of delicious cakes and pastries too. 

Day Trip to the Vendicari Reserve & Marzamemi

The first thing to note is that you will need a car for this day trip from Noto. Or you could always organize a private driver or taxi to take you around for the day.

The Vendicari Reserve was highly recommended to us from the hosts at our little B&B in the countryside, and we’re glad that we ended up taking their advice.

There are three main beaches in the reserve: Spiaggia di Vendicari, Spiaggia di Calamosche (the prettiest and busiest), and Spiaggia di Marianelli (a nudist beach).

Head to the main entrance and park your car here . At the time of our visit, it cost 3 Euros to park for the day (which is reasonable for this area).

You can then take a lovely walk along the reserve to discover the different beaches. It costs 3.50 Euros per person to enter the reserve (on top of the parking fee), so make sure to bring enough cash with you.

Once you’ve finished at the beaches, drive around 20 minutes to the south and spend the late afternoon and evening soaking up the waterfront ambiance in Marzamemi, a small former fishing village on the sea. 

Where to Stay in The Val di Noto

You basically have two options here – stay in Noto, which is more convenient for the train and walking around the city, or stay outside of Noto in the countryside, which is more rustic and charming. 

We chose to stay in one of the agroturismos just outside of the city, and absolutely loved our couple of nights at Fiori di Noto . 

There was no Wifi. But who needs it when you’re lounging in the Sicilian sun under orange and olive trees with kittens running around the property? It’s super rustic and charming, and we loved it. 

Other options for staying in Noto: 

Embrace Sicily Guest House – a modern guest house in the heart of Noto with friendly hosts and an excellent breakfast buffet. The superior room even has a private jacuzzi.

A Calata – a sustainable bed and breakfast with a communal living space and fully-stocked kitchenette for guests to use. 

Welcome Garden Noto – a charming, traditional guest house with exposed brick walls, wooden beamed ceilings, and a large central courtyard.

Other options for staying outside of Noto: 

IUTA Glamping & Farm – a beautiful glamping site with luxurious private lodges, an outdoor swimming pool, and beautiful surrounding gardens just a 10 minute drive from Noto. 

Relais Terre di Romanello – a sustainable farm stay with elegant and spacious rooms, a large shared pool, and a beautiful terrace to enjoy an al fresco breakfast each morning.

Valle Degli Dei AgriResort – a traditional farm stay in the peaceful Val di Noto countryside, featuring spacious private apartments with their own living space, kitchen, and outdoor dining area.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Looking for a custom vacation in italy, tours straight to your inbox, your ultimate sicily itinerary: 8 days to discover the magic of sicily.

December 18th, 2023

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There's nothing quite as enthralling as a trip to Sicily in Southern Italy. Brimming with exquisite cuisine, exceptional wines, captivating ruins, major cities, and stunning Mediterranean beaches, it's the ideal escape for an 8-day itinerary ☀️

Dreaming of the ultimate 8-day journey to explore the essence of Sicilian culture?

This splendid eight-day Sicily itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the island's rich and vibrant culture here away from mainland Italy. While it's impossible to experience everything Sicily has to offer in even just a few months, let alone a week, this Sicily itinerary will leave you with a week's worth of incredible memories to go home with!

The island boasts a wealth of fascinating attractions—ranging from historical and cultural landmarks to picturesque villages, breathtaking beaches, and delectable culinary delights to fill your 8 days in Sicily with.

To make the most of your time visiting Sicily, it's wise to focus on specific regions, such as Eastern, or Western Sicily. This allows you to unearth hidden gems and truly immerse yourself in this captivating world.

Day 1: Explore Palermo, its Beautiful Fountains and Piazzas After You Check Into Your Hotel

Upon arriving in Palermo , the vibrant capital city of Sicily, make your way from Palermo airport to your stylish boutique hotel to check-in and freshen up. With the sun casting an enchanting golden hue upon the city's Baroque façades and cobbled streets, immerse yourself in the allure of Palermo's captivating piazzas and fountains.

When choosing the perfect area to stay in Palermo, consider the following recommendations:

This historic neighborhood, also known as the Arab Quarter, is characterized by narrow, winding streets and a rich cultural heritage. Ideal for history buffs and those seeking an authentic Palermo experience, La Kalsa is home to a historical center with many museums, churches, and art galleries.

As one of Palermo's most vibrant and bustling areas, Il Capo is perfect for travelers seeking a lively atmosphere. The neighborhood boasts a popular street market and numerous eateries, making it a food lover's paradise . Its central location also makes it convenient for exploring the city.​​​​​​​

Castellammare:

Also known as the Marina district, Castellammare is perfect for travelers who appreciate beautiful waterfront views and easy access to the port. The area is filled with fashionable shops, bars, and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more upscale experience.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Mondello Beach:

For beach enthusiasts, Mondello is the perfect area to stay in. Located a short drive from Palermo's city center, Mondello offers golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. The area is also home to various charming seafood restaurants, perfect for indulging in the freshest catch of the day.

No matter which area you choose, Palermo offers a variety of stylish boutique hotels and charming accommodations to suit your preferences, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay when visiting Sicily.

Begin your Sicily itinerary...

At the splendid Piazza Pretoria, where you'll find the mesmerizing Fontana Pretoria, an exquisite fountain adorned with mythological sculptures, embodying the essence of Italian Renaissance art. Let your senses guide you through the fragrant aromas wafting from nearby cafes, where you can indulge in a crisp, delectable slice of focaccia paired with a glass of Sicily's finest wine.

As the sun dips lower, igniting the sky with hues of tangerine and rose, seize the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the Cattedrale di Palermo and the majestic Palazzo dei Normanni. The ethereal golden light of Sicily holds an air of enchantment, perfect for capturing gorgeous memories.

To acquaint yourself with Palermo's alluring charm, consider booking a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local. As you meander through the city's labyrinthine streets, discover hidden gems like the Quattro Canti, a captivating Baroque square formed by the convergence of four ornate streets. Each side of this square features a stunning facade, taking you back to a time of luxury and magnificence.

Next, venture into the heart of Palermo's rich culinary heritage at the bustling Ballarò Market. Here, the rhythm of everyday life unfolds amidst vibrant stalls brimming with an array of fresh produce, fragrant spices, and mouth watering street food. As you revel in the market's effervescent atmosphere, experience the allure of Palermo's city center gastronomic culture and savor the island's delicious flavors.

Day 2: Dive Deep into Palermo’s Fabulous Food Culture

Want to discover more of Palermo's delicious cuisine?

Palermo proudly embraces its status as the multicultural capital of Sicily, and its diverse street food culture is a testament to the city's rich heritage. Begin your day at La Vucciria, an ancient food market that has been the epicenter of Palermo's gastronomic scene for centuries. As you stroll through the labyrinth of stalls, indulge your senses in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and tantalizing aromas that evoke the spirit of daily life in this captivating city.

Embark on a culinary adventure by sampling Palermo's delicious local street food. Delight in the sumptuous flavors of arancine , deep-fried rice balls oozing with mozzarella and ragù , and sfincione , a Sicilian-style pizza topped with tomatoes, onions, and anchovies. For the gastronomic thrill-seekers, dare to savor the pani ca meusa , a local delicacy featuring tender beef spleen nestled between slices of fluffy bread—a true Palermitan experience.

Further immerse yourself in the art of Sicilian culture by participating in a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn the secrets behind crafting the perfect cannoli , with its delicate, crispy shell and sweet ricotta filling, or master the art of assembling a vibrant cassata , a traditional sponge cake adorned with ricotta, marzipan, and candied fruits.

As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at the Teatro Massimo , one of Italy's largest and most opulent opera houses. Lose yourself in the magic of a world-class performance, where music, dance, and drama converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, spend the next half day and evening exploring Palermo's buzzing wine scene at one of the city's trendy enotecas. Engage in lively conversation with fellow wine enthusiasts, while sipping on a curated selection of local vintages. As you raise a glass of local wine to the enchanting city of Palermo, relish in the memories of a day steeped in the rich flavors and cultural tapestry of this extraordinary Sicilian capital.

Day 3: Marvel at the Valley of the Temples on Your Way to Siracusa

Embark on a journey through time as you make your way to Siracusa , stopping en route at the mesmerizing archaeological site of Agrigento. The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur of ancient sites in Greek civilization. As you wander through this enchanting landscape that hosts one of the best preserved temples, take a moment to admire the delicate almond blossoms that grace the surroundings with their ethereal beauty.

Explore the ancient ruins and marvel at the impressive remains of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the colossal Temple of Zeus, the stately Temple of Hercules, and the strikingly elegant Temple of Juno. These magnificent structures that make up the Valley of the Temples, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of their creators, offering a window into the past.

Before departing Agrigento, be sure to visit the historical center, the Regional Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide fascinating insights into the area's rich history.

Upon Arriving in Siracusa...

A charming coastal city nestled along the Ionian Sea, take the opportunity to explore its myriad of treasures. Visit the Fontana Diana at the Piazza Archimede, a striking monument dedicated to the city's most famous mathematician and physicist, Archimedes. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the historic center, soaking in the ambiance and rich heritage of this captivating locale. Finally, visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the awe-inspiring Greek Theatre, the Roman theater, and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave renowned for its unique acoustics.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Day 4: Cross the bridge to Ortygia, Siracusa’s ancient beating heart

Set foot on the enchanting island of Ortygia, a veritable treasure trove of history that has witnessed 3,000 years of Greek, Roman , Arab, Norman, and Bourbon influences. Meander through the tiny island that's atmospheric streets and delve into the past as you explore the 6th-century Temple of Apollo. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Arab Market, where colorful stalls offer a tantalizing array of spices, crafts, and other exotic wares.

Discover Ortygia's Piazza del Duomo, a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece that rivals even the most renowned Italian piazzas. Encircled by ornate buildings and the magnificent Cathedral of Siracusa, this exquisite square exudes an air of elegance and grandeur.

In the afternoon, consider an excursion west coast to the picturesque town of Modica, renowned for its sumptuous chocolate creations that have captivated taste buds around the world. Alternatively, indulge your love for Baroque architecture with a jaunt north coast to Noto, a captivating town hailed by Conde Nast Traveler as Italy's top summer destination.

Where to stay in Ortigia?

When selecting your accommodations in Ortigia, consider the following delightful options that cater to a range of preferences and budgets:

Eastern Waterfront:

Staying near the eastern waterfront of Ortigia offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and easy access to the tiny island itself's beautiful promenade. This area is perfect for those who love leisurely coastal walks and a serene atmosphere, all within close proximity to Ortygia's major attractions.

Piazza del Duomo:

For a truly immersive experience in the heart of Ortigia's historic center, choose a charming hotel or guest house centrally located near the Piazza del Duomo. You'll be surrounded by breathtaking Baroque architecture, delightful cafes, and vibrant shops, making this an ideal location for those who want to be in the center of it all.

Via Roma & Via Cavour:

These bustling streets are lined with an array of shops, restaurants, and bars, offering a lively atmosphere for those who enjoy a vibrant urban experience. Staying in this area also provides easy access to the island's key attractions, as well as the mainland of Siracusa via the Umbertino Bridge.

Giudecca Quarter:

This historic Jewish quarter is characterized by a maze of narrow, winding streets and a rich cultural heritage. Opt for a stay in this area if you're looking for a more tranquil and authentic Ortigia experience, away from the main tourist thoroughfares but still within walking distance to major sites.

No matter where you choose to stay in Ortigia, you'll be surrounded by the beautiful island 's captivating atmosphere, rich history, fantastic beaches and stunning architecture. Each morning, step outside your accommodations to explore the enchanting streets and discover the hidden gems that await you in this remarkable Sicilian paradise.

Need any help deciding where to go? Our team has a ton of recommendations for you here .

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Day 5: Relax on the beach in Taormina

Taormina, perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, is a picturesque resort town that exudes an irresistible blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. For fans of the popular series White Lotus , it's also the location for the kooky luxury hotel the series is based around.

After days of exploration, it's time to embrace the sun-kissed, languid allure of the Mediterranean and its lovely beaches.

Begin your day at the breathtaking Isola Bella, a small island connected to the mainland by a slender sandbar. This enchanting oasis, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," is the epitome of natural beauty. Alternatively, unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Mazzarò, a beautiful beach nestled in a secluded cove, the east coast where the cerulean waves gently lap the shore.

As the afternoon light softens, meander along the elegant Corso Umberto, Taormina's vibrant thoroughfare. This bustling street is lined with an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques, alluring cafes, and inviting restaurants, each vying for your attention. Pause for a moment at Piazza IX Aprile, a delightful square adorned with a picturesque clock tower and sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the old town below, make your way to the ancient Greek Theatre. This spectacular third-century amphitheater, lovingly restored, offers an enchanting open-air setting for performances. Surrounded by the theater's graceful, time-worn stones and captivated by the breathtaking panorama of Mt. Etna in the distance, lose yourself in the magic of music, dance, or drama that unfolds before you, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 6: Get Up Close and Personal With Majestic Mt. Etna

The awe-inspiring silhouette of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most renowned volcano, dominates the horizon around Taormina. Its snow-dusted summit is a captivating sight, beckoning adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Mount Etna Nature Park, a protected reserve that showcases the volcano's diverse landscapes. Trek along meandering trails through lush forests, across stark lava fields, and past intriguing rock formations. Witness the extraordinary power of nature as you traverse the mountain's varied terrain, all the while accompanied by the evocative scent of wild herbs carried on the breeze.

Alternatively, board the historic Ferrovia Circumetnea, a charming narrow-gauge railway that encircles the base of the mighty, mount etna volcano. This picturesque journey unveils the authentic charm of the small villages nestled at the foot of Mt. Etna, each with its own unique allure. As the train meanders through verdant vineyards and fertile orchards, marvel at the breathtaking vistas that unfurl before your eyes, a testament to the volcano's fertile yet formidable presence.

Amidst your adventures, be sure to indulge in the exquisite Etna wines, a product of the rich volcanic soil that imparts a distinctive character to the grapes. Visit a local vineyard or enoteca to savor these exceptional vintages, which embody the very essence of this captivating region.

Want to explore more of Mount Etna as part of your Sicily itinerary? We have you covered here .

Day 7: Make Someone an Offer He Can’t Refuse on a Godfather Tour

Film aficionados and ardent fans of the iconic Godfather trilogy will find themselves transported back in time as they embark on a captivating guided tour through the picturesque village of Savoca , nestled just outside of Taormina. Known as the backdrop for the fictional village of Corleone, Savoca's winding streets and timeless charm evoke the essence of the beloved films.

Begin your cinematic pilgrimage at the legendary Bar Vitelli, the very spot where Michael Corleone sought permission to court the beautiful Apollonia. Sip a refreshing granita or a rich espresso as you soak in the atmosphere of this quaint café, its walls adorned with photographs and memorabilia from the film.

Continue your journey to the Church of Santa Lucia, an idyllic locale for the wedding of Michael and Apollonia. As you stand before the charming edifice, lose yourself in the memories of the characters' passionate love story, set against the backdrop of Savoca's enchanting beauty.

Venture onward to the rustic village of Forza D'Agro, the birthplace of Vito Andolini, the patriarch of the Corleone family. Wander the village's narrow streets and admire the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, feeling a sense of connection to the legendary tale that unfolded in this remarkable setting.

As you retrace the steps of the characters you've come to know and love, this immersive experience invites you to embrace the allure of Sicily's cinematic legacy, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 8: Wave Goodbye to Sicily From Your Flight Home from Catania

Before embarking on your journey home from Catania airport, seize the opportunity to explore the beautiful vibrant city with a day trip and create lasting memories of your Sicilian sojourn. Start by immersing yourself in the spirited atmosphere of Catania's bustling fish market, La Pescheria . Marvel at the array of fresh seafood, the animated calls of vendors, and the dynamic energy that permeates the air—a testament to the city's thriving coastal culture.

Next, step back in time as you visit the impressive Roman Amphitheater, a captivating historical site that whispers tales of gladiatorial battles and grand spectacles of the past. Allow your imagination to wander as you walk through the ancient ruins, envisioning the events that once unfolded in this magnificent arena.

Conclude your journey at the exquisite Piazza Duomo, the heart of Catania , where you'll be greeted by the city center iconic Elephant Fountain. As you stroll around the square, take in the stunning Baroque architecture that surrounds you and revel in the vibrant ambiance that characterizes this lively city.

Want to stay longer in Catania?

Here's our top recommendations for the perfect location to stay in to extend your day trip!

Piazza Duomo & City Center: For a central location in the heart of Catania's historic district, choose accommodations near Piazza Duomo. This bustling area is filled with beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants, and lively cafes, ensuring you're always immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

This picturesque, tree-lined avenue stretches from Piazza Duomo to the foothills of Mount Etna and is lined with elegant boutiques, charming cafes, and inviting restaurants. Staying in this area offers a delightful combination of city buzz and a more laid-back atmosphere, with easy access to both Catania's attractions and its surrounding natural beauty.

Borgo Ognina: If you're looking for a quieter stay close to the sea, consider staying in Borgo Ognina, a lovely seaside neighborhood located east of the city center. Here, you'll find a mix of comfortable accommodations, nice beaches, and charming seafood restaurants, all within a short distance from Catania's main attractions.

San Berillo District:

For those seeking a more bohemian experience, the San Berillo district is a vibrant area filled with art galleries, trendy bars, and eclectic shops. This emerging neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into Catania's creative scene, while still providing easy access to the city's historic sites and attractions.

As you say goodbye to your cherished days in Sicily and board your flight home, you'll depart with a treasure trove of memories, photographs, and stories to share. Your heart will be filled with the warmth and beauty of this enchanting island, leaving you longing for the day you can return to uncover even more of its hidden gems.

Sicily is an incredible holiday destination; one week simply doesn’t do it justice!

We’d love to help you create your own bespoke Sicilian holiday—customized to your interests and passions. We’ll plan the best itinerary for Sicily, just for you and your loved ones. Whether you're an avid foodie, wanting to hike mount Etna, or marvel at more Roman ruins – we have you covered for your days in Sicily at Avventure Bellissime!

So, Want to Start Planning a Trip to Sicily Now?

Don't wait a moment longer to visit Sicily and its beautiful landscapes...

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13 Things to do in Ragusa: Sicily’s Town of Two Faces

Planning on visiting Ragusa , the Baroque hilltop town in Sicily? In my easy guide to Ragusa , you will find the best things to do in Ragusa Ibla and around, recommended accommodations, great places to eat, and useful tips for getting to and around the town. 

Rising on the Hyblaenian Mountains in the heart of Val di Noto, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque towns in southeast Sicily . Beige hue buildings line up narrow steep alleys while towering baroque churches and sumptuous palazzi pamper Ragusa’s skyline which can be admired from several elevated viewpoints. 

Holding UNESCO heritage status, elegant Ragusa was raised like Phoenix from ashes after the devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed many towns in the area. 

This is when a split into  Ragusa Superiore (Upper) and  Ragusa Ibla (lower) happened and shaped two completely different faces of the city. 

The modern and more practical residential part of Ragusa Superiore was built on a higher plateau of the mountain. However, not all the residents wanted to leave their former homes. Instead, they rolled the sleeves up and rebuilt Ragusa Ibla atop the network of medieval streets in a decorative Baroque style. Indeed they did not imagine today’s Ragusa Ibla will be praised as an architectural masterpiece visited by tourists from around the world and even featured in the well-known TV series Inspector Montalbano. 

Illustrated with many photos, this guide will help you easily plan your visit to Ragusa in Sicily . 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

How to visit Ragusa in Sicily

Ragusa quick links.

• HIRE A CAR : The best way to explore Sicily is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Sicily from your location.
• WHERE TO STAY: Amaca Iblea (budget); Terrazza Dei Sogni (mid-range); Epoca (high-end); A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel (boutique).
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS:  Find the best day tours from Ragusa on  GetYourGuide .
• AIRPORT TRANSFER: Book a private hotel transfer from Sicily Palermo, Catania, or Trapani Airports .
• Learn Italian: take a fun interactive online course Rocket Italian , which will help you quickly learn spoken and written Italian. Study at your own pace either on a desktop or using a mobile app, lifetime access, and a free trial available upon signing up.

Why visit Ragusa? 

Sophisticated Ragusa Ibla pulsates with the old world’s charm and is a must-visit place in Sicily if you love romantic small towns characterized by a maze of narrow streets and beautiful architecture. 

To me, Ragusa was one of the highlights of our Sicily road trip . From stunning viewpoints of Ragusa, waking up to the ringing bells of ages-old churches, watching elegant gentlemen stepping out from their palazzi for a morning catch-up over a cup of coffee, to recording timelapse of the street lights coming up, and discovering how surprisingly different are the two faces of Ragusa. 

The best time to visit Ragusa in Sicily

You can visit Ragusa any time of the year. However, you may want to take a few notes when choosing the time to go.

Best time/shoulder season: For the most pleasant temperatures, early-mid autumn, and mid-spring is perfect.

For the least crowds but colder weather: Although Ragusa is not particularly crowded with tourists, to have the town completely to yourself, come in winter. 

Avoid: It gets particularly hot in summer (June, July, and August) with temperatures soaring over 30 degrees celsius, which feels way worse inland. I visited Ragusa in mid-May and even then the temperatures already started hitting 30 degrees celsius at midday.

Should you stay in Ragusa Ibla or Superiore ?

On my 2-week road trip in Sicily , I picked Ragusa as a base for a couple of nights. If you are wondering which Val di Noto town you should stay at, then I strongly recommend staying in Ragusa Ibla (the old lower part). The old Ragusa is filled with amazing guesthouses, elegant hotels, and cozy self-contained apartments in the old atmospheric buildings. Many of them have balconies or terraces with superb views over the town.

My top picks for accommodation in Ragusa Ibla:

• Amaca Iblea (budget);
• Terrazza Dei Sogni (mid-range);
• Epoca (high-end);
• A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel (boutique).

Top Tip: if you are driving in Sicily, before booking your accommodation in Ragusa Ibla make sure that it provides free parking as it can be tricky to find a spot. 

If you don’t want to deal with parking drama in the old town, you can always choose to stay in a less romantic Ragusa Superiore, where it is easier to drive around and park. You can always walk down to Ragusa Ibla. Remember though, that most of the attractions lay within Ragusa Ibla, where you must likely spend most of your time. To get to and back from Superiore to Ibla, you will have to tackle lots of steep steps connecting the two faces of the city. 

Parking in Ragusa

Ragusa Ibla has narrow streets and also ZTL zones which you as a visitor, should not enter with a car by any means if you don’t want to receive a hefty fine. If you booked accommodation in the old town, make sure to ask your hosts to advise you about parking and the ZTL situation.

Our host showed us a ZTL-free street to park our car (although it was a tough search even for him). Alternatively, there is a small free parking lot at the bottom of Ragusa Ibla called “Via Avvocato Giovanni Ottaviano Parking” (type it on Google Maps and it will show up). There aren’t many spots, but you can get lucky (we did when we came back from our day trip to Modica). You can leave your car there and if you are just staying in town, walk everywhere instead as it doesn’t make sense driving the confusing narrow alleyways of Ragusa Ibla.

Also read: 21 tips for renting a car and driving in Sicily stress-free . Here you will find more details about ZTL and parking rules in Sicily. 

If you are looking for a great deal to rent a car in Sicily, I recommend checking Discovercars . This search engine gives some of the best rates in the market, and that’s where we got our ride from. You can also cross-check with Rentalscars-one of the largest car search aggregators in the market. 

• Compare the best car rental rates in Sicily with international car hire companies at  Discovercars .
• I also recommend cross-checking the offers with the biggest car search engine Rentalcars .

If you are staying in Ragusa Superiore, the parking should be much easier. The only challenge (or maybe an excuse to get a workout) you will have is to walk up and down to the old town.

13 amazing things to do in Ragusa, Sicily  

1. admire panoramic viewpoints of ragusa ibla.

One of the reasons I chose to visit Ragusa was the magical views I have seen in the pictures on the Internet. Indeed Ragusa is a photographer’s dream! The panoramic views over the rooftops of the Ragusa Ibla are one of the best you will find in the whole of Sicily. Sunset and dusk are ideal times to enjoy the iconic elevated view over Ragusa Ibla. 

There are two viewpoints of Ragusa you should not miss:

• Church of Saint Mary of the Stairs ( Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale ) viewpoint . A staircase of 243 steep stone steps connects Ragusa Ibla to Ragusa Superiore. Following them from the old town of Ragusa, you will reach the Saint Mary church at the top. Your effort will be rewarded with the perfect postcard view of Ragusa’s rooftops framed by the Saint Mary church bell tower. 

• Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria viewpoint . Just 200 meters down from Chiesa delle Scalle following Corso Mazzini street you will reach a small viewing platform with an unobstructed view over Ragusa Ibla. The beautiful little blue dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria stands out among the honey-hued buildings. This is the other iconic place to photograph Ragusa Ibla from.

Top Tip: Some of the best views of Ragusa Ibla are during the blue hour (at dusk) when the street and building lights come up. Thus once the sun sets, stick around to witness the beauty of illuminated Ragusa Ibla. 

2. Soak up the atmosphere of Ragusa Ibla by wandering the maze of tangled alleyways

Ragusa Ibla is one of those cozy historic old towns with many intertwining narrow streets. Aimlessly follow the maze of cobblestone alleyways to discover pretty corners, courtyards, and yet more different viewpoints and perspectives of Ragusa Ibla.

Ragusa Ibla is a type of place where you find your way around by getting lost. Notice intricate details on the balconies and building. Baroque architecture is extremely decorative and elaborate. Therefore, you will find yourself busy spotting many surprising elements.

3. Appreciate Baroque architecture at Piazza del Duomo di San Giorgio- the beating heart of Ragusa Ibla

As accustomed to every historic town in Sicily and Italy , there is a central square ( piazza del duomo ) where the main Cathedral building is located. Moreover, most of the action in town is usually happening around it.

Duomo di San Giorgio Cathedral is the central piece of the finest Baroque architecture examples not only in Ragusa but also in all of Sicily. Located on a sloped hill with a flight of over 200 stairs leading to its facade, 18th century San Giorgio Church took 40 years to complete. An impressive neoclassical dome was added later in 1820. The credit for the creation of this imposing building goes to Rosario Gagliardi, a Sicilian architect, who had a significant impact on the further development of the Baroque architectural style in Sicily. 

Make sure to also visit Duomo di San Giorgio after dusk (late evening). The church illuminated with lights looks even more magical and mysterious. Meanwhile, the piazza del duomo comes to life at night with people gathering in lively Sicilian tavernas, restaurants, and bars. 

4. Discover more of the wonderful Baroque churches

There are at least 50 baroque churches in Ragusa, and you must be really obsessed with churches to visit them all in a day or two. Nonetheless, since most travelers have limited time, here are a few other important beautiful baroque churches of Ragusa:

• Chiesa di San Giuseppe . Located just a hundred meters downhill from piazza del Duomo, this 18th-century church is known for its elegant Baroque facade and a beautiful fresco of the internal cupola. 
• Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria . Characterized by the Maiolica roofed blue bell tower- one of the most distinctive elements of Ragusa’s skyline. You will notice the blue dome immediately from the viewpoint mentioned above. Situated in the former Jewish quarter of Ibla, this church dates back to the 14th century. Surviving the earthquake with minor damage, it was modified to match the baroque style of the 18th century.
• Chiesa della Santissime Anime del Purgatorio . Located in the Piazza della Repubblica this church was practically untouched by the devastating 1693 earthquake. The church is dedicated to all the souls in Purgatory and is known for Francesco Manno’s painting, Anime in Purgatorio.
• The Cathedral of San Giovani Battista . Located in Ragusa Superiore, this evocative cathedral rich in elaborate details and sculptures is the central house of worship in “modern” Ragusa. Created by the same superstar architect Rosario Gagliardi, the Baroque facade of the cathedral is characterized by asymmetrical design. 

TIP: If you are hungry for more wonderful views over Ragusa, you can climb to the campanile of the Cathedral of San Giovani Battista. Tackling 129 steps will cost you 2 euros. 

5. Spot street art in Ragusa Ibla and Superiore

Ragusa Ibla doesn’t leave any of its corners blank. While strolling along one of the main streets, we stumbled upon a mural, creatively decorating a boring gray wall that would otherwise have looked like a blank empty spot. Instead, a colorful mural fills up the grey space and adds more character and a modern twist to the old city. 

There is more street art scattered between the upper and lower parts of Ragusa. In fact, these murals are the result of the famous street art event The FestiWall . During the event, Ragusa’s walls were used as a canvas by famous international artists, such as Guido Van Helten (look for Una Madre Siciliana mural) and Sebastián Velasco. 

6. Find a shade in Ibleo Gardens-green heart of Ragusa Ibla

Following Corso XXV Aprile you will reach the green space of Ragusa- an elaborate garden Giardino Ibleo lined with elegant palm trees and filled with various Mediterranean plants. This beautiful natural corner established in 1858, offers relief in the shade on a hot summer day and a refreshing escape from the stone-paved streets and buildings. Yet, in the garden, you will still find three baroque churches (San Domenico, San Giacomo, and the Capuchin Church) and an archeological excavation with some important findings from the ancient times of Ragusa Ibla. 

Once in the garden, make sure to stroll until the far end for some wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. 

Do not miss the gothic portal of Portale San Giorgio Vecchio –  the only remaining element of the destroyed cathedral. It is located in the small street on the right-hand side of the Ibleo Garden entrance. 

• The Gardenio Ibleo opening hours are 8 AM – 8 PM. The entrance is free.

7. Explore the gritty corners of Ragusa Superiore

Ragusa Superiore, although considered a modern part of the town, is not that new or modern after all. In fact, it is still quite old, granted it was established immediately after the 1693 earthquake. Superiore doesn’t lack interesting architectural elements, and decorative details, just buildings here are somewhat taller and less manicured than in Ibla. 

Yet the atmosphere of the upper part of the town is far from dreamy and romantic. 

Continuing up, past the viewpoint at Church of Saint Marry of the Stairs, you will immediately encounter a different face of Ragusa- gritty, rough around its corners, and I would dare to say tired working-class city, vibing more with Palermo or Catania than a tranquil mountain town. 

The audience of locals instantly changes from elegantly dressed elderly aristocrats to let’s admit suspiciously looking groups of mid-aged men in tracksuits. 

Gathering at the piazza San Giovani, the main square of Ragusa Superiore, those dudes were staring at us as if they have never seen foreign visitors before.

Meanwhile, we were admiring the Grand Cathedral of San Giovani – the above-mentioned baroque church you shouldn’t miss. Apart from it, and a few other old churches, there aren’t as many historically acclaimed attractions. Nonetheless, Ragusa Superiore is a place to be experienced rather than visited with the aim of ticking off the list of famous buildings. 

After a few more leg muscle-killing inclines, before turning downhill to Ragusa Ibla, we grabbed some great takeaway pizza. The pizzeria that I found on Google Maps turned out to be featured in several publications because of its skilled Pizzaro who proudly displayed his certificates of excellence on the pizzeria’s tiny walls.

While walking in Ragusa Superiore, I noticed quite a few funky bars based on the ground floors of characteristic old buildings. Something that you do not see in a more sophisticated Ragusa Ibla. 

When visiting Ragusa, definitely make sure to visit the upper part (“new” part) to fully comprehend what this town of two faces is about. 

8. Cross the bridges in Ragusa Superiore

Ragusa Superiore is also called “the city of the bridges”. Three picturesque arched bridges are crossing a green valley. 

Those are Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Nuovo, and Ponte Giovanni XXIII (or Ponte San Vito), overlooking Cava di Santa Domenica, the valley beneath. It is a place we missed out on but it looks pretty cool from a photography perspective. 

9. Try the local cuisine of Ragusa

Sicily is definitely a destination you come to not only for architecture and natural vistas but also for great food. Each town, however, has its own specialties and so does Ragusa. 

Here is a list of local dishes that are typical of Ragusa:

• Scacce -stuffed flatbread, vegetarian friendly and a great snack for lunch, available in most of the bakeries around the town. 
• Caciocavallo Ragusano -typical cow milk cheese which differs in flavor depending on aging. Look for it in specialty cheese shops. I found Casa del Formaggio (house of cheese) family-run cheese shop which also offers tastings so you know what you buying. 
• Pastieri – pastry stuffed with minced lamb, offal, and cheese (available in pastry shops). 

Ragusa Ibla is a foodie’s dream come true. And if budget permits, then you should know that the small historic town is proud of being home to three Michelin-starred restaurants :

• Duomo -rewarded with 2 stars this Michelin restaurant prides itself on chef Ciccio Sultano’s ability to creatively experiment with different cultural influences and still stay true to Sicilian roots when creating his signature dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended. 
• La Locanda di Don Serafino -located in the old palazzo which is turned into the luxurious hotel of the same name, this restaurant offers atmospheric candlelight dinner for a slightly lower budget than Duomo. 
• La Fenice – located outside the old town of Ragusa in a 19th-century farmhouse this restaurant is highly rated for the very skilled chef who makes some magic in the kitchen using the top quality ingredients. 

Are you obsessed with Sicilian food yet? Why not try to learn to make some dishes before you return home? Ragusa has some amazing cooking classes held at local’s houses (bummer, I only found out about it later after the trip).

10. Take a day trip to Modica and Scicli (or Noto) 

Ragusa is a great base for visiting other Val di Noto towns ((Caltagirone, Militello, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, and Scicli). The closest ones, however, if you only have one day to spare for a side trip, are Modica and Scicli. They are also close to each other, thus it would be viable to combine them both in a one-day trip. 

Modica, apart from baroque architecture, is famous for its unique granulated chocolate. If you are like me, obsessed with chocolate, you can even visit a factory of chocolate and totally overdose on various flavors. Add some chocolate granitas available in every gelateria and bar, these special flavor granitas are exclusive to Modica. 

Meanwhile, Scicli is much smaller than Modica and Ragusa, making it easy to navigate. Set at the foothills of the craggy rock, Scicli is an atmospheric baroque town that you can easily explore in a couple of hours. 

If you have more days in Ragusa, you can definitely go on a day trip to Noto (the main Baroque town in Sicily), or venture to Caltagirone-the town of Ceramics famous for its colorful tiled staircase. 

Read more: 17 Most beautiful mountain towns in Sicily . 

11. Swim at Ragusa beach

Ragusa, although a hilltop town and doesn’t have direct access to the beach, managed to claim its own beach resort Marina di Ragusa  which is located 20 kilometers south of the town. It is a public beach (not a paid resort) filled with facilities and is very popular during the summer month,s, especially among young people who come here to have a great time and party in the evening. Also called Mazarelli this sandy beach can be reached by car or a public bus. 

Other beaches to check are Polazzo and San Maria del Focallo. 

Public transport from Ragusa to Marina di Ragusa: there are frequent buses available with TUMINO . All buses leave from the Ragusa bus terminal.

12. T ake a cooking lesson in Ragusa

If you love cooking and want to learn some Sicilian cuise secrets, there is no better way than to be taught by a local. GetYourGuide offers this unique experience of a Cooking class at a local’s home in Ragusa .

13. Unfold tragic love story hidden behind the walls of Donnafugata Castle

20 kilometers from Ragusa, the Donnafugata Castle is a pseudo Venetian-Gothic 19th century mansion with an exquisite garden rich in Mediterranean and exotic plants. The fans of Inspector Montalbano will definitely recognize this setting. But there is more to it- the walls of high life hide some tragic love story (a legend to be precise) which you can find out about if you visit the castle. 

How to get to Ragusa in Sicily

• Flying to Sicily-the closest airport to Ragusa

The closest international airport to Ragusa is Catania Airport in east Sicily (110 km away from Ragusa). 

Alternatively, there is a small Comiso Airport around 15 kilometers away from Ragusa. This airport serves mostly domestic flights in Italy and a few European destinations. 

• Visiting Ragusa by car

Once in Sicily, the easiest way to get around is by car. If you are renting a car for a road trip around Sicily, which is a great idea if you want to easily explore smaller towns, then reaching Ragusa will be straightforward, just follow Google maps directions. 

• Visiting Ragusa by bus

Although not as convenient as driving your own vehicle, it is possible to visit Ragusa by public bus.

From Catania you will have to catch a bus from Catania airport to Catania city center and from there take a bus to Ragusa. Catania (via Catania airport) with ETNA Trasporti.

TIP: Search “Catania – Via Archimede – Autostazione” to “Ragusa – Via Zama – Autostazione” to find the latest timetables. 

From Syracuse, Noto, Modica, and Agrigento (via Gela) connections to Ragusa are available with AST , or ETNA Trasporti.

• Visiting Ragusa by train

Train connections are available between Ragusa and Noto, Syracuse, Modica, Vittoria, and Gela. 

For timetables, as well as the option to book tickets in advance, see Trenitalia . 

TIP: The train station is located in Ragusa Superiore, from which you can jump on one of the local AST buses to Ragusa Ibla. 

Note: public transport in Sicily is known to be not very reliable. Thus allow yourself plenty of time for commuting. Also, on Sundays buses might not be running (it is a day off for everyone). 

• Private transfer

Definitely the costliest option, but if you opt for it, then Getatransfer is a great private transfer provider which you can pre-book online. Getatransfer can virtually organize pick-up from anywhere in Sicily (the transfer price depends on the destination and distance). 

Places to eat in Ragusa

For those of you who do not fancy the fancy Michelin-starred restaurants and prefer something more reasonably priced yet local, you are no short of options:

• That’s A Moro. Known for great pasta and good wine, this is a popular restaurant around the corner from the main piazza del Duomo in Ragusa Ibla. The outdoor dining area is extremely popular during dinner time (7-8 pm), thus book in advance or show up early so you don’t have to wait forever as we did on our first night in Ragusa.
• Terrazza dell’Orologio. This rooftop restaurant boasts sweeping views across Ragusa. A great option for lunch. 
• Trattoria Agli Archi. Trattoria is a term for a family-run restaurant, and just what it is, Agli Archi offers some delicious antipasti, or if you are up for something more serious, you can also have mains. This trattoria is located at the bottom part of Ragusa Ibla. 
• Gelati DiVini . No Sicily and Italy trip is complete without at least one gelato a day. Gelati DVini (divine ice cream) is beloved by locals which is a sign of good stuff. Located in the main piazza in Ragusa Ibla this gelateria offers some of the best gelatos in town. If you feel more experimental or craving more carbs- go for brioche with gelato-it is Sicilian specialty-an ice cream in a bun. Note it is very filling.

Where to stay in Ragusa-my best accommodation picks

Here are my top picks for staying in Ragusa Ibla (old town), Sicily:

Amaca Iblea $. A cozy one-bedroom apartment in a historic building featuring fantastic views of Ragusa Ibla. We stayed here and it was one of my favorite places in Sicily. Parking is free but not easy to find in the old town, however, the host will help to sort this out.

Terrazza dei Sogni $$. At the heart of the historical center, this hotel is proud of its terrace with gorgeous 360 views over the old town and valley. Rooms are also bright and tastefully furnished, and superb breakfast is served on the terrace.

Itria Palace $$. Located at a lower part of Ragusa Ibla, this hotel has nicely decorated rooms featuring stone walls, a private bar, free parking, and superb breakfast included in the rate.

Epoca $$$.  Enchanting rooms in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, have a beautiful terrace, and breakfast is included, free parking is also available. 

Giardino Sul Duomo $$$.  Modern rooms with wood-beamed ceilings in a guesthouse offering a garden and a pool, a great view of Ragusa Ibla, and some rooms overlooking the Cathedral.

A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel $$$.  The gorgeous boutique hotel perfectly combines art, contemporary design, and classic Baroque architecture. Each room is also different. Located at the very heart of Ragusa Ibla.

Have you visited Ragusa Ibla yet? If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please share your comments. Make sure to also check other Sicily travel guides below.

More Sicily and Italy travel guides and resources

Sicily travel guides.

• Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Sicily and Driving Stress-Free
• Renting a car in Catania, Sicily
• Renting a car in Palermo: what you need to know
• Epic Road Trip for 2-weeks in Sicily itinerary
• Essential Sicily Travel Tips .
• 21 spectacular places to visit in Sicily 
• How to visit Favignana island, Sicily
• Guide to hiking Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
• Visit Gangi mountain town in Sicily
• The most beautiful small coastal towns and fishing villages in Sicily.
• The most charming mountain towns in Sicily .
• Which is better: Amalfi Coast or Sicily?

General Italy travel guides

• Browse all my  blog posts about Italy   HERE .
• Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of  15 Best Road Trips in Italy.
• The ultimate guide to renting a car in Italy
• Tips for driving in Italy for the first time
• Thinking of renting a car in Rome? Read my guide to  How to rent a car in Rome .
• Best coastal towns in southern Italy.
• Explore Calabria- the least visited region in Italy.
• Visit Sicily- the biggest island in Italy.

Italy travel resources

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

• HIRE A CAR : Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: find the cheapest and the best flight combinations with Skyscanner .
• ACCOMMODATION: find your perfect stay on Booking.com .
• VISA: apply for a Schengen visa easily at iVisa . Use OneWayFly to reserve dummy flight tickets/hotels if required for your visa application.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider. For the cheapest travel insurance on the market check SafetyWing .
• eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers an eSIM card with up to 20 GB (7 to 30 days) data packages for Italy and Europe for reasonable rates.
• GUIDED TOURS:  Find the best day tours in Italy on  GetYourGuide , outdoor tours and activities with Manawa .
• PRIVATE TRANSFER: Book a private transfer to any location in Italy with GetTransfer .
• FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED OR DELAYED? You may receive compensation of up to 600 EUR. Consult and get support from AirHelp or Skycop .

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Packers Draft All-American Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in Second Round

The Green Bay Packers used their first pick on Friday night on Texas A&M’s high-impact linebacker, Edgerrin Cooper.

• Author: Bill Huber

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers’ migration to a new 4-3 defensive scheme required another linebacker. They got the best prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper with the 45th overall pick of the second round on Friday night.

“It’s a sigh of relief, knowing how far I came and just ready to step it up at the next level,” Cooper said in a Zoom call. “That’s it, ready to make the next move.”

The Packers were scheduled to pick 41st but traded the pick to the New Orleans Saints. The Packers moved back four spots and picked up additional picks in the fifth and sixth rounds to run their total to 13.

Cooper was a consensus first-team All-American in 2023. In 12 games, he led the SEC with 17 tackles for losses. He added eight sacks and 84 tackles. With elite production, Cooper flashed elite athleticism. He measured 6-foot-2 1/8 and 230 pounds at the Scouting Combine. His 34-inch arms would be the envy of most of the team’s offensive tackles. He ran his 40 in 4.51 seconds – an elite time boosted by a 10-yard time of 1.58 seconds. He finished with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.13.

After missing out on Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, who went to the Eagles at No. 40, and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who went to the Saints at Green Bay’s original spot at No. 41, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had his pick of the linebackers and went with Cooper.

Cooper will join Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie as the linebackers in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s alignment.

“That was something I always thought of – playing with another fast linebacker,” Cooper said of playing alongside Walker. “Our defense, being able to go sideline to sideline, having two weapons on the field like that, I feel like could be very dangerous.”

Got my partner in crime! #PutCheeseOnEverything 🧀🧀🧀🧀 https://t.co/IccAFPsxqZ — 7 (@QuayWalker_) April 27, 2024

Viewed as a potential first-round pick, Cooper’s nerves were “building up and down” while waiting for his name to be called. After sitting through all of Thursday and about half of Friday’s second round, Cooper finally got to enjoy the moment.

The Packers were thrilled to end his wait. It will be up to the new defensive coaching staff, led by coordinator Jeff Hafley, to figure out how Walker, Cooper and McDuffie are going to play together, assistant director of college scouting Pat Moore said.

“The NFL’s become much more of a sideline-to-sideline game and those guys have to go and make plays, and that’s what those guys show,” Moore said of Walker and Cooper.

In the draft class, 123 FBS-level linebackers played at least 450 defensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper ranked 58th with a missed-tackle rate of 12.8 percent (11 misses). Against the run, he ranked 10th with 56 run stops (a “stop” is the same as a “win” by the Packers’ grading system). Against the pass, of the 135 linebackers who played at least 175 coverage snaps, he ranked 17th with 17.9 snaps per reception. He gave up a 101.0 rating. He used his athleticism to rank sixth in the class with 27 pressures.

“It’s very big,” Cooper said of his blitzing ability. “I feel like some teams don’t have second-level linebackers who are able to track down faster quarterbacks. I feel like that’s one good thing I bring to the table – being able to spy or rush the passer and get to the quarterback.”

As the numbers would suggest, Cooper’s athleticism shines against the pass and as a blitzer. As a run defender, he brings thump when he tackles.

“Cooper is an instinctive and explosive prospect who generates a bunch of splash plays,” . “He’s ready to start right away, and I believe his best football is still ahead of him.”

Cooper had a predraft visit with the Packers. His ability to learn the defense was a focal point of the visit, he said.

“When I went to go visit them, I felt a lot of energy from them, from the coaches, the love and support from them,” Cooper said. “I had an idea, you know, just talking to them. Sometimes you just know a person’s really interested in you. That’s the feeling that I got.”

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst

Photo by USA Today Sports Images

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