planning a trip to sicily

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Things to Do in Sicily

Things to Do in Palermo

Best Beaches

Things to Do Near Mt. Etna

Guide to Valley of the Temples

Food to Try

Best Wineries

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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The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

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How to Plan a Perfect Sicily Road Trip Itinerary (7-14 Days)

Want to plan an amazing Sicily road trip where you get a taste of everything that makes Sicily special? Like the well-preserved ruins from Greek and Roman (sometimes even before that!) times, the amazing bounty of fresh produce from fruits and vegetables to pistachios, and the sheer amount of natural beauty from the slopes of Mount Etna to the beaches of western Sicily.

In this detailed Sicily itinerary, we’ll help you plan a trip that sees all of those things and more. 

But first, why should you trust us?

We spent over three weeks on our own Sicily road trip, and loved every second of it. In fact, the majority of this guide was written while we were on the island, when the information and tips were completely fresh and details were still vivid in our minds.

Alysha’s grandparents were born in the small town of Melilli, near Siracusa, and emigrated to the United States from there just a few generations ago. She has wanted to visit Sicily for years, and we finally made it happen in 2021. 

Of course, I totally recognize that you only really care about our experience if it helps inform your trip planning. So we’ve put together an itinerary that uses our own personal experience on a road trip around Sicily to help you plan an amazing trip. 

In the guide below – which is very, very long – we’ll go through everything you need to know to plan your trip to Sicily. We’ll start with some very important basics – like how many days you need to see both eastern and western Sicily, and the best route to see the island in two weeks – and then we’ll go through a day-by-day, super detailed itinerary for two weeks in Sicily. 

Don’t have two weeks to spend? We get it, vacation time is limited (at least for us Americans). Which is why we’ve included our take on ways to structure a 7 and 10 day road trip in Sicily ABOVE the actual itinerary, so you can still use the information in the itinerary to plan your own trip even if it’s not a full two weeks. 

Sound good? Off we go to Sicily!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sicily?

At a high level, we think you’re going to need at least two weeks (14 days) to see both eastern and western Sicily . Anything less than that and you’d need to cut some of the best sights in each region to try and fit it all in, which we would absolutely not recommend. 

Even two weeks is going to mean you’re just seeing the highlights. We’ve done our best to pick and choose between places you could go based on our own personal experiences exploring the island, but even with three weeks we made some tough decisions on things to skip. 

Any 7 or 10 day itinerary that has you spending one night in each place is unpractical (impractical doesn’t fit with the “un” thing I’ve got going on here – forgive me), unrealistic, and unpleasant.

Believe me, we’ve done things that way on previous trips, and choosing to spend more time in fewer places is almost always a good decision. 

With that in mind, if you have less than two weeks in Sicily, focus your time on either eastern or western Sicily, take your time, and explore a little deeper. 

The complete itinerary we’ve put together below is for 14 days, but we’ve also got a section outlining what to do with less time above that to help you figure out how to spend your time with 7-10 days.

The good news is that, once you’ve decided on a route, you can read through the relevant sections of the detailed itinerary (and let’s be clear, we do mean DETAILED) to give you an idea of what to do and see, where to stay, how to get places, and more. 

Where to Start and End Your Trip

The short answer is “it depends.” And it depends on two main factors. 

The first thing it depends on is your mode of transportation to get to Sicily. There are two main hubs in terms of flying to Sicily – Catania and Palermo.

Messina, the northeastern tip of the island, is where you’ll arrive if you’re driving or taking the train from the mainland (both involve a ferry).

The second thing it depends on is how much time you have.

Like we mentioned above (and you’ll hear us say it over and over again below, because we think it’s that important), you really can’t see the entire island in 7-10 days. Or even 14 days, really, but we think that’s the minimum amount of time you need to hit both eastern and western Sicily in your itinerary. 

If you have 7-10 days , you’ll want to focus on one side of the island or the other, which means you can fly in and out of the same airport (either Catania or Palermo). 

If you have 14 days , it works best if you fly into one (or ferry to Messina) and fly out of the other, which will save you three to four hours of driving, but will cost a little extra in terms of rental car, which will likely incur a one-way fee.

This is how we have the detailed itinerary below structured, just know that if you want to fly in and out of the same airport at the beginning and end of your trip, it’s going to add some driving and it’s going to be less convenient. 

We think the cost is worth the added convenience and time saved, but you might feel differently, so we want to give you the option!

Getting Around Sicily

There’s really only one thing you need to know about getting around Sicily: you need a car once you’re outside of the major cities, which are basically Palermo and Catania (and we’d add Syracuse just because it’s so compact and walkable). 

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sicily?

In short, most likely. Renting a car is the only way you’re going to be able to get to some of the beaches and sites that are outside of city centers. Once you get outside the center of most cities in Sicily, public transportation is spotty at best, and nonexistent at worst. 

Can you cobble together an itinerary that uses only public transportation? Yes. Will you be missing out on some of the more far flung destinations in Sicily that ended up being among our favorite places? Also yes.

Renting a car will give you the most flexibility and autonomy to explore at your own pace. HOWEVER. We recommend avoiding having a rental car in big cities like Palermo, Catania, and even Syracuse, where you won’t need it if you follow the itinerary below, and it’s more of a hassle than a benefit. 

For that reason, we’d recommend picking up your car AFTER you visit Catania and Syracuse, and returning it BEFORE arriving in Palermo . It’ll also save you money on parking and gas, bonus!

One thing to know is that if you can’t drive a manual (stick shift) car, you’re going to pay a hefty premium for an automatic transmission. We know that, because we can’t drive a manual. Most cars in Sicily are manual transmission, and this is not the place to learn how to drive a stick. 

We rented through AutoEurope and had a lovely experience from picking up the keys in Siracusa to dropping them off at the airport in Palermo. We’d highly recommend getting some level of insurance, because stuff happens in Sicily. Particularly car stuff, with tiny narrow alleys and reckless driving all over the place. Click here to check prices and availability for a rental car through Auto Europe. 

Driving in Sicily

You’ve probably heard that driving in Sicily is a nightmare. And, in some ways, that’s true. It’s not for nervous drivers, or for people who aren’t comfortable driving in the best of scenarios.

Here are a few tips we’ve gleaned from our Sicily road trip to help you navigate the (sometimes wild) streets of Sicily. 

First, forget the rules you thought you knew – right of way and yielding, following speed limit signs, and the like – driving in Sicily is much more of an organic experience. People go with the flow, consider any signage as a mere suggestion rather than a rule, and it somehow all works out at the end of the day. 

Even our guide for our trip to Mount Etna, who grew up in Catania, said he hates driving in the city. As we sat at a stoplight in the heart of Catania, we watched not one but two separate cars pull up next to us, look around, and drive right through the red light.

See? Said our guide. A suggestion. 

Driving in Sicily was not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it was vastly different from driving at home and in other countries we’ve driven in. Here are a few things to keep in mind. 

• ZTLs : Many cities have a zone in the center where you cannot drive without a local residential permit. These areas are marked with signs that say “Zona Traffico Limitato” with hours and dates posted. Sometimes, your accommodations will be in that zone, which means you should not drive to the hotel. Park outside the ZTL (more on parking in the next bullet) and walk in, or message your hotel in advance and ask them what the best way to reach them with a car would be.
• Parking : Always have an idea of where you want to park before you arrive somewhere. Search “parcheggio” on Google maps to find parking lots (usually paid, though some are free). Or wing it and try to find street parking. No marking or white curb? It’s free (though look out for limited times – e.g. 30 minute parking). Blue lines or curb? You pay at a pay station, which can usually be found nearby and often only take coins.
• Roundabouts : Listen, I’m 100% on board with roundabouts after a Freakonomics episode on how they save lives and money. But the way Italians handle them, I’m not sure they can possibly save lives. Yield to traffic in both directions, because there’s no guarantee they will return the courtesy. This is really only a problem in cities. 
• Speed Limits : Signage is actually pretty good – look for signs with a white circle with a red outline and a number in the middle. However, almost nobody follows them. There were countless times on one of the main highways where I’d be dutifully going the speed limit, and I’d be passed by literally every car that came by. And those no passing signs (or double white lines)? Don’t expect anyone to follow them. Two lane roads often become three and four lanes with people passing going in both directions. 

Public Transportation in Sicily

Public transportation is an okay option for visiting very specific parts of the island. It can be very useful for getting between cities on the east coast, for example. But where public transportation falls flat is getting outside major cities. 

As an example, we really enjoyed getting outside of Noto to the Vendicari Reserve and Marzamemi, and it was one of our favorite afternoons in Sicily. You would have a very, very hard time doing that without a car. In fact, it would be nearly impossible. 

If you’re okay with sticking to the main cities and tourist attractions – for example, on the east coast Taormina, Catania, and Siracusa – then public transportation will work. If you’re interested in doing some exploring and getting one foot off the beaten path, you’re going to need a car. 

Trains – through Trenitalia – are an option on the east coast (and eastern Sicily in general) in the corridor between Messina and Siracusa, but buses through Interbus are often a faster, cheaper, and overall better option for getting between places in Sicily due to the number of transfers you’ll need to make on trains.

Planning Your Sicily Itinerary: Route Options

It bears repeating in case you missed it above: Sicily is massive. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean at just under 10,000 square miles, which means there’s just no possible way you’re going to see everything there is to see in 7, 10, or 14 days.

It’s about picking and choosing, and we’re here to help you make some decisions on what to pick and choose based on our own personal experience road tripping around Sicily. 

With only 7 or 10 days, we think you should choose between eastern and western Sicily and focus your time on just one, rather than trying to zip around and see the entire island in a short period.

By the way, we have an entire separate guide dedicated to helping you make the most of 7 days in Sicily , if you only have a week on the island.

With 14 days or more, we think you can see the entire island, but it will still feel a bit rushed . For context, we had three weeks, and there are still places we missed entirely and are already thinking about planning the return trip. 

The detailed itinerary below gives you a complete 14 day Sicily road trip itinerary, which includes stops along the east, south, and western parts of the island. If you have two weeks in Sicily, that would be a good place to start. 

But what if you have less time?

Here are some itinerary options for those of you who have 7 or 10 days. We’re giving you options for the eastern and western parts of Sicily too!

You can then take your shorter itinerary and use the information below in the detailed itinerary to plan out what to do and see and where to stay in each place. 

7 Days in Sicily

If you have a week, you should head straight to our guide to spending 7 days in Sicily , where we go into detail on how to spend 7 days on either the eastern half of the island OR the western half of the island. 

Again, we really, really discourage you from trying to see it all in just seven days.

You’ll end up rushing through everything and it won’t be nearly as satisfying as taking it a little slower and having the time to stop at that random cafe you stumble upon for an afternoon granita, or an aperol spritz on the coast. 

Eastern Sicily in 7 Days

If you want to focus on eastern Sicily, which includes gems like Mount Etna, Taormina, and Syracuse (among other things), here’s our best thinking on how to spend your time. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Catania & Explore
• Day 2: Pick up Car and Taormina
• Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Etna (Stay in Taormina)
• Day 4: Syracuse & Ortigia
• Day 5: Syracuse & Ortigia
• Day 6: Val di Noto (Beaches & Marzamemi)
• Day 7: Val di Noto & Fly Home from Catania

Western Sicily in 7 Days

In Western Sicily, here’s an idea of how to spend your time. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Palermo & Explore
• Day 2: Palermo
• Day 3: Day Trip to Cefalu (Sleep in Palermo)
• Day 4: Pick up Rental Car, Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro, San Vito Lo Capo
• Day 5: Segesta & Drive to Trapani
• Day 6: Day Trip to Erice from Trapani
• Day 7: Fly Home from Palermo

10 Days in Sicily

If you have 10 days, you’ll be able to add a few other destinations in either region, but we really think you should still focus on either western or eastern Sicily, not both. 

Eastern Sicily in 10 Days

With 10 days, add on Agrigento, home of the Valley of the Temples, and a stop in Modica or Ragusa along the way.

One other thing to note: you can fly out of either Palermo or Catania here since they’re roughly equidistant. It’s worth checking prices, but it’ll probably be cheaper to fly in and out of the same airport if we had to guess. 

• Day 2: Pick up Car Early & Drive to Taormina
• Day 6: Val di Noto
• Day 7: Val di Noto
• Day 8: Agrigento (Stop in Modica & Ragusa along the way)
• Day 9: Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)
• Day 10: Fly Home from either Palermo or Catania (Equidistant)

Western Sicily

With 10 days in Western Sicily, add on a few extra days out on the coast, using Trapani as your home base. 

• Day 3: Day Trip to Cefalu
• Day 4: Pick Up Car & Drive to Castellammare del Golfo
• Day 5: Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (Stay in Castellammare del Golfo)
• Day 6: Segesta & San Vito Lo Capo
• Day 7: Trapani (Day trip to Erice)
• Day 8: Selinunte & Drive to Agrigento
• Day 9: Agrigento (Valley of the Temples) 
• Day 10: Fly Home from Palermo

Two Weeks in Sicily

Finally! 14 days in Sicily means you can squeeze in the main sights in both halves of Sicily (though you’ll still be making some decisions in terms of what to see and what to save for a future trip).

This version of the Sicily itinerary works best if you fly into either Catania or Palermo, and fly out of the other city.

In other words, it’s best done as a one way itinerary, which means you might be paying a premium for an open jaw flight (a flight that flies into one city and out of another) and a rental car, which often include a one-way fee. 

For what it’s worth, we did it as a one way trip, and feel the extra cost is worth the convenience.

However, if you don’t agree with that assessment, it’s easy enough to do it in and out of a single airport. You’ll just have to budget some extra time (three to four hours with traffic) of driving back from one end of the island to the other. 

You can do this road trip in either direction . We did it east to west, which is why it’s oriented that way here, but you can pretty easily flip it. 

Another note: You aren’t going to want to have a car in either Palermo, Catania, or Syracuse . Pick up the car when you’re ready to leave either city, and drop it off before you head into the city to explore. You won’t need a car once you’re in the city. 

Here’s the itinerary for two weeks in Sicily, which you’ll find in much greater detail below.

Day 2: Day Trip to Taormina (Stay in Catania)

Day 3: day trip to mount etna (stay in catania).

• Day 6: Pick up Rental Car & Drive to Noto
• Day 7: Val di Noto (Beaches & Marzamemi)
• Day 8: Drive to Agrigento (Stop in Modica along the way)
• Day 9: Agrigento (Valley of the Temples) Day 10: Selinunte, Segesta, and Drive to Castellammare del Golfo
• Day 11: Day Trip to Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (Sleep in Castellammare del Golfo)
• Day 12: Drop off Rental Car at Palermo Airport & Palermo
• Day 13: Palermo
• Day 14: Fly Home from Palermo

There are two main things missing from this itinerary that would be the first additions we’d make with extra time. The first is a day trip to Cefalu from Palermo, which is a lovely beach town along the northern coast of Sicily. The second is a stop in Trapani to visit the hilltop town of Erice, which has some great views, but wasn’t exactly our favorite place in the world (which is why it got relegated to the “more time” section after we did it). 

In the “More Time?” section below the detailed itinerary, you’ll find our thoughts on what to do and see in both of those places. 

A Complete Guide to Planning a Two Week Sicily Road Trip

Now that we’ve got all the important information you need to know to plan your trip to Sicily, onto the complete guide to planning your Sicily itinerary! 

Please note that in this itinerary, you do not need a rental car for the first five days . Our recommendation – and this is exactly what we did – is to pick up your rental car in Syracuse, before driving to Noto . This way, you avoid driving and parking in two of the more stressful cities on this itinerary (Catania and Syracuse). 

Then, plan on dropping your rental car off in Palermo (at the airport) as you arrive – you do not need a rental car in Palermo either, and it’s equally chaotic and stressful to drive there (if not more so).

This also has the added benefit of saving you a little bit of money, since you are cutting four to five days of rental car costs (gas, parking, tolls, etc). 

There is one implication here, which we will touch on in the Mount Etna section below, and that implication is that you will not be able to reach the summit of Etna because of the way the timing, tours, and public transit connections work out.

If getting to the summit of Etna is a must-do for you, then you will need to rent a car so that you can arrive in Refugio de Sapienza before 9:00 am, which is when the summit tours depart. 

Note that I do mean the summit, which is only accessible by guided tour and in good conditions. You can still get up to the Torre del Filosofo and the Laghetto Crater via public transit or a guided tour from Catania.

That’s probably good enough for most people, including us, but it’s worth calling out as an implication of the way we’ve structured this Sicily road trip itinerary. 

With that out of the way, off you go to explore Sicily!

Day 1: Exploring Catania

On your first day, you’ll be arriving in Catania, the second biggest city in Sicily and, in many ways, the forgotten city in Sicily. 

I say the forgotten city because a lot of people – I’d venture to guess the majority – skip Catania altogether in favor of places like Taormina and Syracuse, which we think would be a mistake for two reasons.

First, there’s no better place for exploring Catania, Mount Etna, and Taormina than, well, Catania. It has the best connections for getting to all those places. Your other option is Taormina, which isn’t as well-connected AND is more expensive (though it is pretty damn charming). 

Second, Catania is worth a day in its own right! There are a couple of very cool things to do, see, and eat in Catania, and it’s a good introduction to Eastern Sicily and Etna’s history.

Catania has been around for millennia – there is evidence of humans going back to the Neolithic Era – and has been home to Greeks, Romans, and multiple other groups and combinations of people over that time. It’s literally a city built on top of a city built on top of another city, as you’ll learn over the course of your time there.

In the 17th Century CE, Catania was affected by two natural disasters in a span of 24 years. First, in 1669, was the eruption of Mount Etna, which didn’t have any major effects on the city in terms of destruction, but did permanently alter the north and western sides of the city, and pushed the coastline out two kilometers further into the sea (which is NUTS). Then came the big one. 

In 1693, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake leveled most of Catania, and the city had to be largely rebuilt, along with most of the rest of Eastern Sicily. And from those ashes, Sicilian Baroque architecture was born. 

Like we said, lots of history here, and well worth a day of your time to understand the context around the places you’re going to be seeing on the first half of this road trip, roughly. 

Things to Do in Catania

Here is a collection of things we enjoyed in Catania , in no particular order. Note that you won’t find any of the many day trips we did from Catania here, because you’re doing Taormina and Mount Etna over the course of the next two days. 

• Guided Tour of the Benedictine Monastery : Part history lesson, part beautiful building, this was our favorite experience in Catania. It was one of the biggest monasteries in Europe, and the hour-long guided tour takes you down underground to learn about the history of the building and the city as a whole, as it happens to be a great example of how the city adapted to the lava flows from the 1669 eruption. At the time of writing, you had to reserve your spot in advance, which you can learn more about here .
• Granita : Granita is a delicacy in Sicily, and you’ll find it at just about every cafe and pasticceria on the island. But what is it? It’s basically ice cream without the cream. It’s a combination of ice, sugar, and seasonal local ingredients like pistacchio, almond, fruits like lemons and strawberries, and even coffee. It’s delicious. Our favorite in Catania was at Caffetteria Villaroel ( here on Google Maps) – get the pistacchio if they have it!
• Teatro Romano di Catania : The first of many Roman theaters you will see on this itinerary, this is a great example of how the city is literally built on top of an old city. You’ll see the modern buildings of Catania as we know it today towering over an excavated Roman theater that was built in the 300s BCE. It’s worth an hour of your time, and there is some okay signage (with some iffy Google Translate English translations) to help you understand what you’re looking at. Book tickets in advance here (required when we were there), or buy when you get there. 
• Eating in Catania : The food in Sicily is outstanding, and Catania is a great introduction. The fertile volcanic soil of Etna is known for producing great produce, wine, and nuts. First of all, we’d be negligent if we didn’t mention the raucous and energetic fish market , which our apartment happened to be right on top of. It’s not just fish – there’s local vendors selling meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables, and nuts – all coming from nearby. It takes place every day except Sunday just south of Piazza del Duomo. You should make an effort to try pasta alla norma in Catania, which is a combination of pasta, tomatoes, eggplant, and salty ricotta salata (which is delicious, we might add).

For more of our favorite things to do in Catania, make sure to read our more detailed guide here . 

Where to Stay in Catania

You’ll be using Catania as a home base for the first three days of this itinerary, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing a place to stay. 

At a high level, the best place to stay in Catania is between Piazza del Duomo and Villa Bellini . 

I’d avoid going more than two or three blocks east or west of Via Etnea, if you can. We stayed right off of Piazza del Duomo – right over the fish market – and it was a phenomenal location in terms of centrality and walkability.

Well worth the slightly fishy aroma drifting up from the street below in the afternoons, when we were hanging out with the windows open. 

We stayed at Duomo Housing Catania – the deluxe apartment, specifically – which was gigantic compared to some other places we’ve stayed in Italy.

Seriously, it’s almost as big as our old apartment in San Francisco. We should note that if we were to do it again, we’d choose the apartment with a terrace which is smaller, but has a nice view of the Duomo.

If you’re on a budget, we had originally booked the Yard Hostel in Catania , but at the time we were traveling we weren’t quite sure about being in a place with so many shared facilities, so we ultimately cancelled.

We were really excited about it, even though it’s a few blocks north of Villa Bellini. They have dorms and private rooms, and it gets consistently stellar reviews. 

Here are some other options in the area that we’ve picked out for you.

• Le Suites Del Duomo House – another option for apartments on Piazza del Duomo. 
• Ferrini Home – Etnea Collection – excellent apartments at the northern end of Via Etnea.
• Habitat – a stunning and stylish boutique hotel a few blocks west of Via Etnea.

On your second day, take a day trip up the coast to Taormina, a lovely little seaside town up on a hill with great views and a spectacular ancient theater that’s well worth the trip. 

Remember, you’re staying back in Catania on this night (if you’re following our advice of picking up your car at the end of your time in Syracuse). 

Getting to Taormina

Without a car, you have two options for getting to Taormina from Catania. You can either take the train from Catania Centrale (Catania’s main train station), which is about 15-20 minutes from Piazza del Duomo on foot, or you can take a bus through Interbus. 

The train is faster at 35-60 minutes or so (depending on whether you choose the faster Intercity train or the slower and cheaper regional trains) but drops you off at the bottom of the hill under Taormina.

You can either walk up the hill (that’s what we did) in 20 minutes or so, or take the bus (Interbus, again) that goes up the hill from the train station and costs 1.90 Euros.

Book through Trenitalia from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini (the train station at the bottom of the hill).

Here’s the route that you’ll follow to walk from the train station to the center of town. 

The bus – through Interbus – takes longer, but drops you off much, much closer to town, and is the way that our Mount Etna guide recommended. We took the train and walked from the train station up the hill, which wasn’t bad at all even though there was a torrential downpour when we were there.

The bus is a bit slower – taking about 75 minutes to complete the journey – but it’s direct and cheaper at 5.50 Euros each way.

You have to pick up the bus from close to Catania Centrale – here is the location on Google Maps .

Overall, both are good options, though the bus being more frequent, direct, and cheaper makes it a more attractive option for most people.  

Things to Do in Taormina

Here is a collection of things we enjoyed in Taormina, in no particular order. You can essentially spend as much or as little time in Taormina as you’d like, but be aware of train and bus schedules so that you know when you need to be heading back (and don’t get stuck waiting for an hour).

• The Greek Theater : The first stop you should make is the spectacular Teatro Antico di Taormina, which sits at the top of a hill with amazing sea views from the seating area. They hold concerts and shows here, and I’d definitely recommend seeing if there’s anything going on around the time when you’re in town and shaping which day you do Taormina around that. More information here .
• Granite at Bam Bar : After all that walking, you deserve a treat. And Bam Bar should be your treat of choice. Come for the granita, which is so good that we actually went twice in the span of a couple of hours, stay for the pastries and aperitivo as evening approaches. They’re known for granita, and the rotating flavors are posted on the board under the canopy. Get a seat outside for some good people watching.  
• Wander along Corso Umberto : Corso Umberto is the main, pedestrian-only street running through the heart of Taormina, and is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s absolutely packed with tourists, but it’s worth a stroll. Stop to admire the views and the church at Piazza IX Aprile, you might even be lucky enough to catch a wedding, like we did!
• Hike up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca : For an exquisite view over Taormina and the water beyond, make the steep climb up to this church on a hill (find it here on Google Maps). The views are stunning. You can continue up to Castello di Mola allll the way at the top of the hill for even better views, but it’s quite the climb. Consider taking a taxi up, then walking back down. There are some good restaurants up there for lunch, too. 
• Hit the Beach! Isola Bella is at the base of the hill tucked away in a protected cove. It’s a small island that, at low tide, is connected to the mainland via a narrow walking path. We were in Taormina during a period of intense thunderstorms, so we skipped the beach for obvious reasons, but it’s easy to get to from town. You can either take the cable car (info here ) or walk down. We’d suggest walking down, and taking the cable car back up. There’s another, more sandy but less unique beach just north of Isola Bella at Mazzaro. 

If you don’t have a car, you essentially have two options for visiting Mount Etna from Catania: go with a guided tour, or use the limited public transportation to get there and back and explore on your own. 

The third option, which does involve a visit to the summit if you want – is only relevant if you have a car, and involves driving up to Rifugio Sapienza – which is essentially the gateway to Etna – and either meeting up with a guided summit tour that departs at 9:00 am, or exploring on your own.

There’s no doubt that this is probably the easiest, most convenient option for most people who want to visit the summit. But it also involves extra days of a rental car, parking in Catania, and parking in Syracuse, all of which are a bit of a nightmare. 

Visiting Mount Etna on a Guided Tour from Catania

Ultimately, this is the option we chose to go with, and we’re generally pretty happy we did. These tours include transportation from the center of Catania, which is handy if you don’t have a car because, as we’ll cover in a second, public transportation is nearly nonexistent.

There are two types of tours to choose from – tours that visit the usual tourist areas, and tours that go a little off the beaten path. We chose the latter option, and were glad we did because we saw a total of eight other people over the course of the day (that is, until we got to Rifugio Sapienza and saw where all the people were). 

If you want to hike and explore the area around Mount Etna, we did this tour with Marco , a Catania native, and would recommend it. The other option we had was this tour , which is very similar (but wasn’t available on the day we wanted to go). 

If you’re not as excited about hiking , we’d suggest either this sunset jeep tour , or this day trip from Catania , which includes some hiking around the craters.  

Visiting Mount Etna On Your Own

Keep in mind that, as we discuss this option, we’re talking about doing it without a rental car. Visiting Etna with a rental car is relatively easy – just drive to Rifugio Sapienza, park the car, and take the cable car up to do some hiking. 

Without a rental car is a bit more complicated. 

There is, at the time of writing, exactly one bus from Catania to Rifugio Sapienza , and one bus from there back to Catania. The bus leaves from near Catania Centrale at 8:15 am, and arrives at Etna at around 10:30 am. The bus back to Catania leaves at exactly 4:30 pm (16:30) and arrives back in Catania at around 6:30 pm (18:30). 

As you can see, that timing is problematic if you want to meet one of those guided tours up to the summit, which leaves promptly at 9:00 am from the cable car station near the Rifugio. 

Our recommendation based on research and a conversation with our guide is to pay the extra money for the cable car that takes you up to the craters. It’ll cost you 30 Euros for a roundtrip (return) ticket, but it cuts out a stretch of hiking that doesn’t sound enjoyable, particularly in the heat of the summer months. You could hike, and usually we’re pretty up for hiking, but this hike is neither scenic nor pleasant.

Once you reach the top of the cable car, you have two options. The option we’d recommend is hiking, which is more scenic, and is free. You’ll climb another 500 or so meters up to the craters, and this hike is more scenic because you’ll find yourself in the heart of the volcanic landscapes that make Etna such an otherworldly experience. 

Here’s a fantastic guide to visiting Etna using public transportation that we’d recommend reading if you’re going to go this route. 

Day 4 & 5: Syracuse & Ortigia

When it comes to my limited knowledge of eastern Sicily prior to starting to do research for our trip, Syracuse was one of two places I was familiar with. And the reason is kind of funny, and is actually fairly relevant. 

Growing up, I used to play hours and hours of Rome: Total War , a video game where you set out as a faction in Europe (usually Roman) to build an empire (mostly through violence and betrayal).

Syracuse was always an important city in that particular game because it sat on an island – Sicily – that was a perfect base between Italy, Spain , North Africa, and Greece. 

That also happens to be true in the real world. The city was founded by Greeks, and it became a very powerful player in the Mediterranean power game before becoming a part of the Roman Empire, and it was briefly the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the late 7th Century.

Then, it changed hands between the Aghlabids – a kingdom of Muslims from North Africa – who held it for two centuries before it was reconquered by the Byzantines. 

All of those influences are apparent as you explore the twin cities of Syracuse and Ortigia, from the prevalence of couscous in the cuisine (hailing from North Africa) to the ruins at the archaeological park that are great examples of Greek and Roman architecture. 

Like most of eastern Sicily, the architecture of the city was changed forever with the earthquake of 1693, so you won’t see as many examples of those influences on the buildings of Syracuse since the city was essentially rebuilt in the 18th and 19th Centuries. 

The entire city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has helped to preserve the city’s architecture from overdevelopment due to tourism. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily, so you’re likely to hear all sorts of different languages as you’re walking around. Especially if there’s a massive cruise ship in the port. 

A Quick Geography Lesson

This is important, which is why we’ve decided to add a quick blurb here to make sure you know what we’re talking about below. 

“Syracuse” refers to the city on the mainland, which is connected to a little island called “Ortigia” which is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and magnificent sea views. 

You’ll want to stay in Ortigia, which is the more charming, romantic part of the city, but the most important sight in Syracuse – the Parco Archeologico Neapolis – is on the mainland, about 30 minutes away from Ortigia on foot. 

You’ll spend most of your time in Ortigia, with a journey out to the park to see the incredible Greek and Roman ruins found there. 

Getting to Siracusa

Syracuse is another place that we’d recommend avoiding driving, and frankly, you won’t need a car anyway since it’s relatively compact – you’d essentially just park the car and leave it until you’re ready to head to your next destination. 

Plan on taking the train from Catania Centrale to Siracusa (book through Trenitalia ), or the bus through Interbus (you can pick up the bus from Piazza Borsellino , which is a short walk from Piazza del Duomo). 

You should know that the train station in Syracuse is a good 20-25 minute walk from Ortigia, so you’ll either want to plan on walking or grab a taxi from the train station. 

Things to Do in Syracuse & Ortigia

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia. We’re going to start with a section on the Parco Archeologico Neapolis – the most important and popular sight – and then give you some other things to do and see while you’re here. 

Visiting the Parco Archeologico Neapolis

By far the most popular tourist attraction in the city is the Archaeological Park , where you’ll find both a Greek AND Roman theater, along with beautiful gardens full of citrus trees, limestone quarries, and more. 

It’s well worth a couple of hours of your time, which is about the amount of time it will take you to walk through the three main areas of the park – the Greek Theater, the Roman Theater, and the limestone quarries and gardens around the Latomia del Paradiso. 

You can buy a combo ticket that includes the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi (about 15 minutes away on foot), which is worth a visit if you’re REALLY into archaeology, but we found it very overwhelming. It has literally hundreds of pieces of pottery from various eras, among other artifacts, though the pygmy elephant skeletons were adorable. 

After the park, we didn’t really have the brainpower or attention span for it, but it might have gone better if we had split the two activities up on different days. 

We’d highly, highly, highly recommend getting to the park at 8:30 am when it opens for two reasons. One, because it gets crazy busy starting around 10:00 am, which will give you a couple of hours head start to see some of the park in relative peace and quiet. Two, because in the summer it gets miserably hot and there’s not a whole lot of shade. 

It costs 10 Euros per person for the park only, and 13.50 Euros for a combo ticket that includes the Museo Paolo Orsi.

More Things to Do in Siracusa and Ortigia

Here are some other things to do in Syracuse and Ortigia. 

• Walk the Perimeter at Sunset : One of our favorite things to do in Ortigia was to just walk. And we ended up walking the entire perimeter of the island three times. It’s gorgeous, particularly in that sweet, soft light that happens within an hour of sunrise or sunset. It’d be a good pre-Aperitivo activity, and if you do it from the northeastern tip to the western end, you’ll be in a good position to grab a spritz at the end of the walk. Make a stop at the Castello Maniace along the way. Something like this would be a good route. 
• The Underground Tour : There’s a fascinating and relatively quick tour of the Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo in the old Jewish Quarter that takes you into the crypts below the church (which is built on top of a synagogue), and then into the underground tunnels that were used to shelter civilians during the Allied bombings in World War 2. Pretty fascinating stuff, and an interesting way to experience the history of Syracuse from a different point of view. Tours in English and Italian are roughly every half hour in the afternoon, and are donation based (we donated five Euros for the two of us). 
• Gelateria Gusto : Incredibile pistacchio granita, though they’re also known for great gelato. 
• Sabadì Cioccolato : If you’re not making it to Modica (if you follow this itinerary, you will), then you should stop by here to try some Modica chocolate , which we found to be amazing and slightly different from the chocolate we’re used to. It’s cooked slowly at a lower temperature, which means the sugar doesn’t dissolve, and they don’t add cocoa butter in. Combined, the result is a slightly grainy texture, which reminds me a lot of chocolate in Mexico that is stoneground. You can get it plain, or with all sorts of fun flavor combinations, and this place – which is right near Piazza del Duomo – is a good place to get an introduction to it with tons of flavors you can sample and buy. 
• Aperitivo and the Sunset : Grab a drink around sunset (really, get there 30-45 minutes early to grab a seat) at one of the many bars along the southwestern tip of the island. Our picks would be Mikatu for their wines, but we got thwarted by thunderstorms BOTH nights we were there. Other good options without the view are Enoteca Solaria (for amazing wine) and Verga (for the picturesque courtyard and cocktails).

Where to Stay in Syracuse & Ortigia

It’s worth repeating: stay in Ortigia! Even if you’re on a tight budget, we think you’ll regret staying in the far less charming mainland area, even if you’ll save a few pennies. 

We stayed at Stay in Ortigia Guest House , a group of stylish apartments right in the heart of Ortigia near the Temple of Apollo on a quiet side street. The apartments are compact, but have full kitchens, modern decor, and access to laundry (which we desperately needed at this point in our Italy trip). We’d recommend it, especially if you’re looking for an apartment with a kitchen. 

Here are some other options that were on our shortlist for Ortigia. 

• Alla Giudecca : We walked by this place multiple times as we did a circle around the perimeter of Ortigia at sunrise and sunset, and noticed the rooms with balconies facing the ocean and said “yeah, that looks pretty nice.” 
• Dimore delle Zagare Ortigia : This is a historic B&B in the ever-charming Jewish Quarter of Ortigia, which was our favorite part of the island to get lost in. The location is great in terms of being central to just about everything you’ll want to see in Ortigia, and you can choose between hotel-style rooms and suites with a little more space (and, in some cases, a balcony!). 

Day 6 & 7: Val di Noto

Drive Time & Distance : 40 Minutes / 38 km (remember, pick up your rental car in Syracuse on the morning of day 6, before your drive to Noto! You’ll need it from here to Palermo, where you can drop it off on your way into the city and explore car-free from there). 

The Val di Noto is one of the crown jewels of southeastern Sicily, with the towns within the region being declared a UNESCO world heritage site in the early 2000s.

The city of Noto itself was completely destroyed during the 1693 earthquake, and was rebuilt in a completely different spot – you can actually still visit what’s left of the old town at Noto Antica , but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it if you’re short on time. 

Noto is the epitome of Sicilian Baroque architecture, which makes sense when you realize that the architects in charge of rebuilding the city after the earthquake in the 17th and 18th Centuries essentially had a completely blank canvas to work with. 

We think there are three amazing things to see in the Val di Noto, and it’s well worth about 36 hours of your time (and certainly more, if you have it). They are: 

• A morning hike to the beaches in Riserva di Vendicari
• An afternoon in Marzamemi , a small fishing village on the coast
• An afternoon and evening in the city of Noto , which is known for its beautiful baroque architecture made of limestone, which lights up in the afternoon sun. 

What to Do in the Val di Noto

As you can see, there are two afternoon/evening activities there, which means you’ll need two nights in the Val di Noto.

Here’s how we would spend them. 

Exploring the Town of Noto

Spend your first afternoon and evening exploring the city of Noto, which is set on a hillside overlooking the valley to the south. Don’t miss: 

• Caffè Sicilia : This place is famous for their almond granita, and I wasn’t sure whether or not it would live up to the hype. Spoiler: it does. They have a version of it called a “cappuccino” where it’s a small scoop of coffee granita on top of a heap of almond granita. The almond granita is great, and their pastries look pretty incredible too.
• Putia del Coppo : A cone full of freshly caught fried fish. All gluten free! They go on holiday from… *checks notes*… October to April, so it’s really a summer thing. They also have a location in Modica. 
• Cattedrale di Noto : We’re not usually huge “go into all the churches” people, but this one is pretty cool. Inside, the stained glass windows underneath the dome caught our eye, as did the super realistic paintings depicting the passion of the Christ (aka the crucifixion), which I thought was an interesting take because you can really feel the suffering of Jesus through the art. Make sure your shoulders are covered and take off your hat as you enter. 
• Walk Something Like This Loop , which takes you up some stairs to some nice views. Obviously, you’re exploring, so feel free to wander a bit. 

Parking in Noto : We found plenty of free street parking in Noto near this gas station , which is a 10-15 minute walk up into the center of town. We had also scoped out this parking lot , which isn’t free, but is affordable and super close to the center.   

The Vendicari Reserve

The next morning, head out to the beaches in the Vendicari Reserve , which was highly recommended to us from the hosts at our little B&B in the countryside.

It’s a little more complicated than “head to the beach!” because there are multiple ways to get there, entrances, etc.

Basically, there are three main beaches in the reserve: Spiaggia di Vendicari, Spiaggia di Calamosche (the prettiest and busiest), and Spiaggia di Marianelli (the naked-est). 

So, after driving down a narrow dirt road and finding nobody there to take our money to park (it was the offseason, so I bet it’s different than the summer), we have a recommendation: head straight to the main entrance ( here – ignore the single bad review, at the time of writing, it’s 3 Euros to park for the day, which is reasonable for this area) and walk to the beaches from there. 

It’s a scenic walk along the coast, and it is well worth the effort to get there. It will save you the headache of trying to navigate the bad roads in a rental car, and the walk itself is gorgeous.

It costs 3.50 Euros per person to enter the reserve (plus the parking fee), and you’ll want to bring plenty of water because it is completely exposed and it can get very hot in the summer heat.

An Afternoon / Evening in Marzamemi 

After an afternoon of hiking and exploring the beauty of the rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and stunning crystal clear water of southern Sicily, head to the small town of Marzamemi for an evening of relaxation. Our host at our little farm stay recommended this, otherwise we probably never would have done it on our own. 

The town doesn’t really come alive until at least 7:00 pm, so it might be worth heading back and cleaning up a bit before returning. It’s a tiny town, so there’s not really that much to see, but we’d recommend finding a spot for aperitivo and dinner around Palazzo di Villadorata , which was the liveliest part of town when we were there. 

Parking in Marzamemi : We were there in the offseason and found plenty of street parking for free, but if you can’t find free parking, this lot is highly reviewed and is a couple of blocks away from the heart of the action. 

Where to Stay in the Val di Noto

We’re going to recommend that you actually stay outside of the city of Noto itself, because the Val di Noto is absolutely breathtaking, with tons of agriculture, wine production, and beautiful beaches awaiting you outside of the city limits. 

There are lots of agriturismos, where you can stay under the olive, pomegranate, and almond trees, slow down, and really appreciate the beauty and productivity of this part of southeast Sicily. 

We stayed at Fiori di Noto , a small, family-run agriturismo just outside of the city of Noto, and highly, highly recommend it. We spent half a day just lounging in the sun under the olive tree outside our bungalow in the company of the cutest bunch of kittens, and it could not have been more pleasant.

It’s also about 10 minutes from Noto, and under half an hour to Vendicari, so it’s not like you’re really trading off on the location. Plus, free parking!

Three other options (that look fantastic) just outside of Noto: 

• Baglio Genovesi
• IUTA Glamping & Farm
• Valle Degli Dei AgriResort

If you want to stay in Noto , stay at either the Ostello della Gioventù – Il Castello , a hostel with private rooms right in the heart of town that we walked by on our afternoon stroll, or B&B Novecento Siciliano , a charming bed and breakfast just off of Noto’s main drag. 

Day 8: Modica & Drive to Agrigento

Drive Time & Distance (Including Modica) : 3 hours / 186 km 

This day is the big driving day on this itinerary, and over the course of the day (and the next drive to Trapani) you’re going to pass through huge swaths of the island that are extremely picturesque, with vineyards and almond trees covering rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

However, there just isn’t enough time to stop and see everything, so we’ve chosen Modica as a perfect stop to break up the drive. We spent a lovely four hours in Modica, and there’s a nice city walk that we’d recommend (more info below) where you’ll get some pretty incredible views.

The views come with a price, though. And that price is a long, sometimes steep climb straight uphill. 

Like most cities in eastern Sicily, Modica was devastated by the 1693 earthquake (though less so than other cities like Noto), and was rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style you’re now probably intimately familiar with. 

Modica is really a combination of two cities – Modica Bassa (roughly, “lower Modica”) and Modica Alta (roughly “upper Modica”). Modica Alta is at the top of the hill, and the views from atop the crest of the hill are pretty great.

The only problem is that it’s a nightmare to drive up to them, and the best way to reach the top of the hill is actually to park at the bottom and walk. Which is exactly what we’d recommend doing. 

Below, you’ll find a city walk that mirrors what we did, including some of our favorite stops along the way. After you’re done in Modica – plan on anywhere between two and four hours, depending on how much walking you’re up for – head onwards to Agrigento for the night. 

Parking in Modica : There’s a small, free parking lot here that we parked at  – in high season, you’ll need to arrive EARLY (like, 8:30 am early) to have a chance at a spot. Otherwise, there’s lots of paid street parking near that parking lot at a relatively affordable rate. Pay at the machine and put the ticket on your windshield. 

What to Do in Modica: A Nice City Walk

First of all, here is a map of this city walk, including all the stops we’ve outlined below. You’re going to climb 166 meters over the course of the walk, mostly along narrow alleys and steps. Take your time, and make sure you have plenty of water. 

Here are the stops, in order. You’ll start from the parking lot we mentioned above (or wherever you found parking nearby), and make your way up the hill to Pizzo Belvedere before heading back down and enjoying some cheese, gelato, and chocolate that will have been well-earned. 

• Duomo di San Giorgio : This church – designed in the Baroque style, of course – was restored in the 18th Century after a series of earthquakes, and is now the main church in Modica, with its distinctive dome visible from all over the city. Similar to Noto, I enjoyed the paintings depicting the crucifixion of Christ, which are surprisingly realistic (apparently that was a characteristic of the times). 
• Cioccolato di Modica Sabadì : Chocolate made in the traditional Modica way: cooked at a low heat so the sugar doesn’t dissolve, which gives it a slightly gritty texture. This shop has a table with a bunch of different chocolates on it – some flavored, some just chocolate, some with flavor combinations inspired by different cities in Sicily. We really enjoyed learning about the process of making the chocolate, and about the different product lines they have. Plus, free samples!
• Pizzo Belvedere : You made it! This is the top of the hill. Admire the views over Modica Bassa from here, and the huge bridge in the distance. We think the view from here is well worth the effort it takes to get there. 
• Church of Saint John Evangelist : We stumbled upon this gem on our way down the hill. It’s beautiful, and marks the highest point in Modica Alta (so, technically, we lied when we said you were at the top before – forgive us). Inside, it’s not the most ornate, but we like the view from down the steps in front of the church. At the bottom of the steps, there was a small group of old men having coffee and chatting, gesticulating in a way that only Italians do, as they discussed either football or politics – hard to tell which. Getting together there was clearly a routine, which I admire. 
• Castello dei Conti : Not the greatest castle in the world, but we enjoyed walking out to the point where there’s a clock tower that you can hear ticking (loudly). Views from Pizzo Belvedere are better. 
• Bar del Duomo : In an alley right under the Duomo di San Giorgio, this is a lovely place to stop and have an espresso, granita, or pastry before you continue on down the hill. 
• Antica Dolceria Bonajuto : Said to be the oldest chocolate shop in the city, this will be a fun stop if you, like us, have a love affair with chocolate. They also have tours, though you’ll need to book in advance and they cancel it if they don’t have at least six participants. The friendly woman behind the counter spoke great English too, which was helpful as we tried to figure out what the things in the display case were. 
• Caffè Adamo : Famous for their gelato, Alysha knew she had to try this place as soon as she discovered it. She is, after all, a gelato fiend. I passed because I wasn’t sure how “gluten free” their gelato was. She tried a ricotta + marjoram gelato, which was super creamy and some of the best she’s had in Sicily (though, we’ve been far more focused on granita while we’ve been here).
• Casa del Formaggio Modica : Is the man behind the counter the nicest cheesemonger in the world? We think so. We walked by and decided to stop in, and walked out with two cheeses and a bottle of local wine. The man behind the counter gave us recommendations for a hard and stinkier (the technical term, of course) cheese, and helped us choose a bottle of wine. He made sure we tried the cheeses before we bought them so we were sure we’d like them, and they were fantastic. 

Day 9: Agrigento & Valle dei Templi

You’ll have arrived in Agrigento the previous afternoon after a morning in Modica, and we’d recommend spending your first evening in the center of Agrigento, which comes alive when the sun sets. 

We grabbed a drink at Caffè San Pietro right in the heart of Agrigento, and it was a lovely place to people watch with spritzes in hand, and a generous bounty of aperitivo snacks. There are plenty of places to choose from for dinner in the area, though we heard really good things about Enoteca ‘Nzolia .

Then, the next day, the main event: visiting the Valley of the Temples (more details on that in a second). 

Where to Stay in Agrigento

This is another place where we’d actually recommend staying on the outskirts of town, where you’ll find some very nice B&Bs with lush gardens and spectacular views. 

We stayed at Villa La Lumia B&B , which is just outside of town, about a 20 minute walk into the center, and we LOVED it. The hosts were so friendly, their dog Argo is absolutely adorable (we almost stole him, shhhh don’t tell anyone), and the breakfast on the terrace with temple views is quite the way to start your day.

It’s a lovely place to hang out, and we can’t recommend it enough. They have hotel-style rooms, and apartments that have a kitchen. Free parking, too. 

Other good options just outside of town are Villa Lekythos or South Valley Guesthouse .

If you want to stay in the center of Agrigento, stay at either B&B Triskéles , which looks fantastic, or at Le Terrazze di Pirandello , a good budget option with room options that have a shared bathroom for a bit cheaper. 

Visiting the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples)

Over the course of the next 36 hours or so, you’re going to see three examples of ruins of ancient temples and cities built around them. This one, which is about a 20 minute walk outside of Agrigento, was hands down our favorite, and maybe even our favorite thing we did in Sicily. 

We were standing at the entrance to the Temple of Zeus reading the informative signage (in English!), which outlined for us where the walls of the temple would have stood.

Both of us turned to each other and audibly said “whoa” because that temple must have been absolutely MASSIVE.

Of course, you’ll have to use your imagination a bit to picture it, but the scale and grandeur of some of the structures in this area is pretty mind boggling. 

How to Get There

The archaeological area spans a pretty big distance, and there’s an entrance on either end of the park with plenty of parking (though you’ll have to pay for it). If you’ve got a car, you can drive to the Valley of the Temples, and you’ll have to pay for parking. 

However, this means that you’re going to have to walk through the valley once to see it all, then back through it again to return to your car. We recommend either walking , which takes about 30 minutes in either direction, or taking the bus , which leaves from here . 

That way, you can make a big loop without having to retrace your steps. There are two routes you need to make this loop. You take the 2 bus to get to the eastern entrance, then pick up the 1 bus from the western entrance to get back to Agrigento – buy tickets on the bus. 

More information on their website in the “visit” section here .

Ticket Costs

A standard ticket costs 12 Euros per person. A combo ticket with the Kolymbethra Garden, a former lake turned lush valley filled with citrus trees, costs 17 Euros (the garden closes earlier than the Valley of the Temples, so you’ll want to do it first). 

A combo ticket with the nearby Archaeology Museum costs 15.50 Euros (you can visit them over the course of three days, one admission to each). 

More information here .

When to Visit

We have a strong opinion on this one, and it’s shared by the host at our B&B that we stayed at in Agrigento (which we highly recommend – it’s Villa La Lumia B&B ). 

You should go in the late afternoon, about an hour and a half before sunset, when the light of the setting sun lights up the temples in a deep golden glow. 

Plus, the park is open past sundown, and if you’re willing to wait a bit, you can have a completely different experience with the temples in the dark, when they’re lit up with fancy uplighting. 

If your itinerary makes it so that you can’t swing an afternoon/evening visit, it’s still worth doing at other times of day, but it’s that much more spectacular as the sun is setting over the sea beyond the temples. 

Day 10: Selinunte, Segesta, and Drive to Castellammare del Golfo

Drive Time & Distance : 2 hours 40 minutes / 180 km 

This is another day with a long drive, but we’ve got a couple of nice stops along the way to break it up. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Castellammare del Golfo, a charming little seaside town that is a great home base for exploring one of the best nature reserves on the island. 

Like we mentioned before, there are a bunch of really fascinating historical sites in this part of Sicily. You’ll see two of them today (combined with the Valley of the Temples last night, this is quite the 24 hours of history). 

One of them – Selinunte – is about the historical context and using your imagination to envision what life in Sicily was like in the Greek and Roman times. The other – Segesta – is about the sheer beauty (there’s not a whole lot of historical context given). 

The order goes: Selinunte, Segesta, then driving to Castellammare del Golfo. 

Let me tell you, after you’ve seen all three of these archaeological sites, you’re going to walk away with a new appreciation for the ancient people’s ability to choose a site for their cities and temple complexes.

Selinunte sits on a bluff overlooking the sea, and the views are pretty fantastic, particularly from the portion of the park where you’ll find the acropolis. 

We had heard of both the Valley of the Temples and Segesta before arriving in Sicily, but this one was something we discovered along the way, and decided to make a very slight detour to include it on our route. 

Selinunte is a pretty big archaeological park set on the site of a Greek city dating back to the 600s BCE. It was one of the most important pieces of land for the Greeks in Sicily at that time, and they butted heads with both the Carthaginians and the Elymians, who came from the Segesta to the north and are one of three native peoples of Sicily. 

It was a thriving city in what we now know as southwestern Sicily, that is until Carthage sacked it, razed it, executed many of its inhabitants, and then re-occupied it in 409 BCE. It was then taken by the Romans in the Punic wars, but by then it was largely uninhabited. 

Today, the collection of ancient houses around the acropolis and the two temple complexes were among the most interesting history lessons we got during our time in Sicily.

It’s a good reminder that this part of the world has a variety of influences, and has been occupied by several different groups of people throughout its history, all of whom have left their stamp on it in one way or another (though, it should be noted that some of those stamps – particularly the architecture kind – were wiped from the face of the earth with the earthquake in 1693). 

There are two parts of the park, and you can either walk between them (think 15-20 minutes, there and back) or pay a small fee to ride the golf cart between them.

The first, right near the entrance, is a series of temples (though, unlike the Valley of the Temples, historians and archaeologists aren’t quite sure who the temples are dedicated to). 

The second part of the park is over on a little bluff, and is where you’ll find the acropolis, more temples, and the remains of houses from thousands of years ago, which is kind of cool and helps you visualize what life might have been like at that time. 

How to Get There : Drive – it’s about a 15 minute detour off the route you’d be taking anyway. Park for free in the big lot outside the entrance. 

Ticket Costs : 6 Euros per person. 

More information here . 

To be honest, this was our least favorite of the three temple complexes in the past day or so of this itinerary. It’s beautiful, yes, but the signage leaves a bit to be desired. Mostly because the answers to questions like “who built this?” and “why does this temple exist?” are basically the shrug emoji. 

There’s a lot of hypotheses, but we don’t really know the details, because we only have primary sources from other people’s points of view – namely Greeks – and other than that… *shrugs*.

The two main highlights here are the Theater, high up on the hillside, and the unfinished Doric Temple, which is an easy 250 meter walk from the entrance. 

It’s worth noting that the theater is quite a ways up on the hilltop, which means amazing views, yes, but it also means a climb to get there.

We’d recommend paying the extra few Euros to take the bus up , because the climb is brutal, especially in the hot summer sun. We walked, and we’re generally into hiking, but at the top we decided it wasn’t really worth it. 

There are some nice views of the Doric Temple from the climb up, which is why we’d also recommend that you walk back down rather than taking the shuttle . 

There really isn’t a whole lot to see here, so it should only take you 30-60 minutes or so. 

Where to Stay in Castellammare del Golfo

Unlike some of the other places on this itinerary, you definitely want to stay in the center of Castellammare del Golfo, rather than outside of town. The narrow streets near the port and along the water are very charming, and the areas further inland aren’t. 

We stayed at Veranda sul Porticciolo , a small apartment complex run by friendly Guiliano, who showed us our room and gave us some tips about visiting the Zingaro Reserve, along with where to eat in town. We stayed in a studio, which was compact, but had a full kitchen, access to a washing machine, and a comfortable bed.

The best part was morning coffee and afternoon glasses of wine out on the deck, which has views of the port. Parking would be a bit of a hassle in the summer, when the area is a ZTL and you can’t park here, but that’s true of basically any place to stay in the center of town. 

Other options nearby would be Hotel Punta Nord Est (for hotel-style rooms with nice sea views), Blue Suite (for spacious apartments with full kitchens and nice views), or B&B Da Peppa (a charming B&B with a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast in the morning). 

Day 11: Day Trip to Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro

Drive Time & Distance : 20 Minutes / 12 km (one way) 

On this day, we’d highly, highly recommend taking a day trip to the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro , which was a highlight on our Sicily trip. You’ll do the reserve – ideally in the early morning to avoid the blistering summer heat – and then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Castellammare del Golfo, which was our favorite town in this part of Sicily. 

The pristine coastal reserve was established in the 1980’s after it had originally been slated for development – you walk through the tunnel where the road was supposed to go as you enter the reserve from the southern entrance.

But numerous environmental organizations stepped in to prevent the construction of the road and keep this part of Sicily’s gorgeous coastline wild. 

Spoiler alert: they succeeded, and Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro became Sicily’s first nature reserve, protecting 4,000 acres of natural beauty on the northern coast. 

Getting to the Park

Drive. There’s no other way to do it (that we could find, anyway – let us know if you find a bus with a reliable schedule!) which means if you don’t have a car, you’ll have to skip it. There are two entrances – one near Scopello on the south end, and one near San Vito Lo Capo on the north end. 

The southern entrance is about 20-25 minutes away from Castellammare del Golfo, and is the one you should shoot for. Here it is on Google Maps. 

The road to get there, uh, isn’t great. But it’s doable, even in a rental car. There’s a medium sized parking area that we imagined becomes a zoo in high season. 

Costs and Hours

Entry to the park is 5 Euros per person, and they take both cash and credit card. In the summertime, the park is open from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. In October, when we were there (and through the rest of the offseason until April), the park is only open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

What to Do in Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro

Now, our experience in the park is likely a bit different than yours is going to be, at least if you’re coming during the warm summer months. 

We were there in mid-October, and ended up out on the coast in the middle of a thunderstorm, with raindrops that felt like they were the size of my head. Not ideal, but still gorgeous in less of a “crystal clear turquoise water” kind of way, and more of a “those waves crashing on the cliff are a little scary” kind of way.

Start from the southern entrance and head north into the reserve. There are multiple trails to follow, but if you’re looking for those stunning coastal views and beaches, you want the coastal route, which is also the easiest. You’ll receive a map as you enter, which has all the “calas” you’ll find along the trail. 

If you’re expecting wide sandy beaches where you can lay out in the sun, think again. It’s more rocky and wild than we were expecting, though that has never stopped Italians from getting their sunbathing in as far as we’ve ever seen. 

If you’ve ever been to the west coast of the United States, which is where we’re from, the beaches here are more similar to the ones in Washington State – wild and rocky – than Southern California – developed and sandy. 

The hike from the southern entrance through to the northern entrance is roughly 7km, so a 14km hike round trip. It should take you between four and six hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. Here is a map of the reserve . 

If you’re like most people, you’re probably visiting between June and September, when the weather will be significantly different. One thing we noticed on this route – mostly because we got soaked – is that there’s very little cover from the sun (or rain in our case).

Things to Know Before You Go

Here are a few things to know before you go to help you prepare for your trip. 

• You need to bring plenty of water (at least one liter per person, if not more), sunscreen, and a hat. It’s going to be hot, and there’s not a whole lot of shade. 
• There is no drinking water inside the park , and the only place to buy food or water is the little snack shack in the parking lot. Make sure you have enough snacks and water before setting out on the hike. 
• Start early . Both because the parking lot is small, and to avoid hiking during the heat of the day.
• Wear closed toed shoes ! The hike isn’t necessarily hard, though there is a little up and down as you make your way along the coast, but there are parts that are rocky. Leave the sandals at home. They will check whether you’re wearing proper footwear at the entrance, though it’s unclear whether they’d actually turn you away, or just laugh at you. 
• The closer you go to the middle of the reserve, the fewer people you’ll find . Solely because it’s a longer walk from either entrance, and, well, people don’t like walking that much. 

Days 12 – 14: Exploring Palermo

Let me give you a little BTS (behind the scenes) look at how we operate when we’re on the road. Generally, things are most fresh in the few days after we do something, so we do our best to actually write these guides in that timeframe (or, at the very least, take some detailed notes). 

We are writing this guide as we make our way through Sicily, which means things change as we discover new places and gain a new point of view on certain things.

Originally, we had planned this itinerary out to include less time in Palermo, and more time on the coast in Western Sicily – specifically Trapani. Then we spent time in Palermo, and decided “you know what? More time in Palermo is always a good thing!”

That’s how we landed at having two to three days in Palermo, which is barely enough time to see everything there is to see, eat everything there is to eat, and do everything there is to do. 

What to Do in Palermo

With a couple of days in Palermo, we’d strongly recommend prioritizing activities inside the city limits, rather than venturing outside the city to visit places like Monreale or Cefalu. 

Here are our favorite things to do (and eat) in Palermo. 

• Explore Palermo’s Famous Open Air Markets : There are three main markets in Palermo, and all three are worth a visit for different reasons. Go in the morning, which is when they are most lively (with the notable exception of Mercato Vucciria, which is decidedly a nighttime endeavor). Capo is a sensory overload, with vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, ready-to-eat fried delicacies, and plenty more. Mercato Ballaró, south of the historic center, feels REAL, with a touch of grittiness that tells me that real people shop there for their daily needs. Mercato Vucciria is a collection of narrow streets that we stumbled upon after dark (mostly by accident), when the area transforms into a collection of small food stalls and cozy bars with plenty of open air seating. 
• Eat Street Food in Palermo : Palermo is world-renowned for its amazing street food. You can pretty easily eat a hearty, authentic meal for about five Euros. Some of our favorite Palermitan street foods were Crocchè, which are herbaceous deep fried mashed potatoes, and arancine (interestingly, the singular in Palermo is “arancina”, versus “arancino” over in Catania), which are basically fried rice balls stuffed with all sorts of fillings, from veggies to meats and cheeses. Or sfincione. Or panelle. The list goes on and on. The point is, Palermo has amazing street food. The best way to experience it, we think, is with a local guide. This is the tour we had planned to book – despite the fact that I have Celiac Disease and couldn’t eat a single thing, I was excited to learn all about Palermitan culture – but the timing ended up not working out and we didn’t get a chance to do it. Book the morning tour, and show up hungry!
• Learn About Palermo’s History with the Mafia : Having never seen the Godfather or the Sopranos, two of pop culture’s most famous depictions of the mafia, I actually wasn’t really that familiar with the Sicilian stereotypes around the mafia. But, as Alysha, whose grandfather was born in a small town called Melilli in southeast Sicily, informed me, people’s first thought when you say “Sicily” is generally “mafia.” Like Pablo Escobar in Medellin, Colombia, there is a lot of interest in learning about the mafia, which has created a mini boom in tours focusing on sights and famous places associated with them. It’s important to remember that there is a real trail of blood behind the mafia in Sicily. Real people died and suffered as a direct result of the mafia’s actions. Which is why, if you’re interested in learning about the mafia, you should do it responsibly through tours with Addiopizzo , which is an organization that set out to rid Sicily of the “pizzo”, or the protection money that businesses paid to the mafia for decades. This is the tour we did, and it was great – we highly recommend it. 
• Drink Sicilian Wine : It felt like everywhere we drove in Sicily, we saw vineyards. Which can only mean one thing. Affordable, delicious wine! Our two favorite discoveries in terms of Palermo’s wine scene were CiCala , which is the place to go for natural wines from Sicily, and Bottega Monteleone , a great place for a wine-focused aperitivo (Alysha really enjoyed the crostini with a paste made from sardines and herbs). 

Where to Stay in Palermo

We went back and forth a few times when deciding where to stay in Palermo, which means we have three recommendations for you that we had booked at one point or another. 

In general, we’d recommend staying either in the area between Teatro Massimo and the Palermo Cathedral , or in Politeama – Libertà , which is a little more upscale and polished. 

We stayed at Le Casette di Marcì , a set of serviced apartments roughly equidistant between all three (and close to the Mercato Capo), and it was nothing short of fantastic.

The apartments are huge, they have full kitchens including ovens and washing machines, and they are in a great location. Perfect if you want a little more space to spread out. 

Before booking that apartment, we had a couple of nights booked at two separate B&Bs. 

First was La Terrazza Sul Centro , which is in a great location just a few blocks off of Via Vittorio Emanuele. The rooftop terrace has amazing views of Palermo, and the rooms are compact but plenty comfortable for a few nights. 

The other place we had booked was Family Affair B&B Palermo , which is right in the heart of Politeama – Libertà. Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable, and the place gets staggeringly good reviews.

What to Do with More Time in Sicily

Have more time or are looking for alternate ideas? Here are some things we wanted to do, but decided we didn’t have enough time to fit into our three weeks on the island.

Obviously, it goes without saying that this is absolutely not an exhaustive list of everything to do on the island (that isn’t in the itinerary above), but it is our wishlist for our next trip to Sicily. 

Add a Night in Trapani to Visit Erice & San Vito Lo Capo : We’ll be honest, we weren’t blown away by Trapani or Erice, which is why you won’t find it in the main itinerary above. Erice is beautiful, sure, with its hilltop town looking down over Trapani to the west and Castellammare del Golfo to the east. But it’s pretty touristy, and only worth a few hours of your time. We skipped San Vito Lo Capo, a beautiful beach town at the northwestern tip of Sicily, because the weather was terrible, and it didn’t seem like we’d be getting the best of the town in mid-October. A night in Trapani should give you enough time to do a day trip to Erice in the morning, and then spend the afternoon out in San Vito Lo Capo.  

Day Trip to Cefalu from Palermo : Cefalu is an easy day trip from Palermo, but given 14 days, we’d opt to spend the two and a half days you have near Palermo in the city itself. With an extra day, take the train out to the beach, hike up to La Rocca for exquisite views, and get a spritz and aperitivo overlooking the beach. 

Explore the Islands Off of Trapani : Spend a couple of days on Favignana, or one of the other islands in the Egadi chain just off the coast near Trapani. You can do it as a day trip, but it’s better as an overnight. Here’s a guide to Favignana that we enjoyed. 

…Or the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli : At the top of our list for a return trip to Sicily? The Aeolian Islands and Stromboli off of the northeastern coast of the island. Stromboli, like Mount Etna, is an active volcano. Except instead of being on the island of Sicily, it’s in the middle of the ocean. The surrounding chain of islands are full of beautiful sandy beaches, and more solitude than you’ll find just about anywhere else in Italy. Here’s a travel guide to peruse for inspiration, if you go this route. 

When to Visit Sicily

We have an interesting point-of-view on this, since we were in Sicily for three weeks starting at the beginning of October. 

Every single travel guide, blog, and post we’ve read about Sicily says something along the lines of “summer is great but it’s too hot and too crowded, so come in shoulder season like September or October instead!” Which is true. Kind of. But that description is missing an important piece of information that we think you should know before deciding when to visit Sicily. 

In October , something happens that is almost certainly going to have an impact on your trip. Small business owners go on vacation. Sometimes it’s for a week, sometimes two, sometimes a whole month. About 30-40 percent of places we tried to go – bars and restaurants, mostly – were on holiday during the first two weeks of October. Some close completely until the following spring! 

Locals we met along the way warned us about this phenomenon, and there were several times during our visit that someone said “we love X restaurant, but it’s closed right now.”

It is worth noting that this phenomenon largely affected the smaller towns in Sicily, rather than cities like Catania and Palermo. 

All the main sights are going to be open (in our experience, anyway), but if you have specific places to eat and drink picked out, there’s a chance they’ll be closed if you come in October. Not necessarily something to stop you from visiting in October, but something to keep in mind as you decide. 

In fact, we’d recommend October, which is when we were in Sicily . Sure, the weather includes a little more rain and thunderstorms (not as many as your weather app will make you think, however, don’t trust any weather app – I’m convinced they’re all out to set expectations low so that you’re stoked when it’s 75 and sunny out), but it’s also relatively quiet and calm, and we basically had most of the places we went to ourselves, or shared them with a small group. Plus, parking was a breeze everywhere we went – we only paid for parking in a city ONCE. 

September is better if you want to eat out, experience the nightlife, and things like that. It’s a nice blend between the weather in summer (but slightly more bearable), and the lighter crowds. 

Summer – June through August – is blazing hot, which makes it far less pleasant to be trekking around the Valley of the Temples, or hiking in the Zingaro Nature Preserve. Crowds are higher too, which means a corresponding increase in prices. 

Still, there’s a reason Sicily in the summer is so popular – it’s beautiful, the weather is perfect (okay, it’s a little hot), and there’s a palpable energy that comes with thousands of people descending on the island. It does mean that you’ll be waiting in more lines, circling for parking spaces more often, and paying more for your accommodations and rental car. 

Late fall, winter, and early spring are going to be very, very quiet. Things are closed, the weather isn’t great (though still better than northern Italy, for sure), and it’s generally not the best time to visit if you want to have a Sicily experience full of sunshine, amazing views, and stunning sandy beaches. 

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.

AMAZING ARTICLE!

Thanks a lot for making such a detailed trip for us. Im going there in a Month, following many of these tips you gave.

Thanks !! 🙂

No problem, Bastian! Hope you had an amazing trip. We LOVED Sicily!

Great post, thank you! We are also going in October, but sadly only have 8 days/nights. We were planning on flying into Catania and out of Palermo but instead will follow your advice and stick to just one side. At that time, 3rd week in October, would you recommend the South/East around Catania or the North/West around Palermo? We were most looking forward to Taormina and hiking the Zigaro reserve, so will have to decide between the 2. Knowing the weather will likely not be ideal and we wont be swimming, and perhaps spending more time away from the coast, I wonder if one of the cities is “better” than the other? Did you prefer one city over the other? Thanks!

Hey Lauren! Sadly, I think your trip might have already happened, but I’m going to answer this anyway in case others have the same question.

With limited time, we’d opt for the southeast corner of the island, where you have Catania, Etna, Taormina, and Siracusa all within a relatively short distance. Plus, they’re all connected by a regional train line, so you don’t necessarily need a car.

That being said, we also really like Palermo, so if you’ve only got 3-5 days, you could make a strong case to spend it all on Palermo with a day trip to Cefalù (or something else nearby).

Many thanks, Matt! Your ‘Perfect Sicily Road Trip’ article is most informative. We are retired and planning an eight-week trip to Italy next October – November, with one month in Sicily. Although you identify shortcomings for late fall in Sicily, the trade off may be less tourists. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your recommendations.

Definitely, it’s all about tradeoffs! There will definitely be things closed, but there will be far less people. We were there in October and, while it wasn’t beach weather, it was amazing.

Hi there! I’m planning my honeymoon for ~12 days in Sicily in July. We want our trip to be romantic and less fast-paced than a typical sight-seeing vacation – we don’t want to have too many travel days moving locations! Do you have a recommendation of which side of Sicily or which towns we should prioritize for a romantic low-stress honeymoon? Thank you!

We’d definitely do the southeastern corner of Sicily in that case! There’s a TON to do and see within a few hours in a car/on a train, so you can get a nice balance of relaxing and exploring. With a slower pace, you could do something like Catania, Taormina, and Siracusa over those 12 days, with day trips to Etna and Noto. Sounds like an amazing honeymoon!

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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.

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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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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 or 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).

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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 & explore Ballarò Mercato for Sicilian snacks & granita
• 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, Scopello Beach, & 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 or B.I.F. Braceria Italiana Fuorimondo (family-owned)

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 about 45-minute hike up some stairs, 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: Get Fancy 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) – first come, first serve family-style food! WOW!

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 ( I parked near Porta Catania ) 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: Mount Etna Wineries & Isola Bella

• Morning nature at Gole Alcantara (or long breakfast & relax)
• Lunch & Wine Tasting – Tenuta delle Terre Nere or Benanti
• Afternoon sunbathing and chill on Isola Bella
• Pre-sunset cocktails at San Domenico Palace – make reservations! This is the setting of Season 2 of White Lotus !
• Dinner at Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria Taormina

Today is about getting to know Mount Etna with a little nature 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, if you’re an active person, I recommend a trip to Gole Alcantara (1.5 hr thing).

Around lunch, I recommend heading to one of my favorite wineries for their wine tasting and food pairing. You will have to call or email to make a reservation, but it’s super easy, and they speak English.

• Tenuta delle Terre Nere – These are amazing and award-winning red wines that are highly rated and my personal favorite! The owner of the winery inspired the movie Barolo Boys on Netflix, making Italian wine popular in the US!
• Benanti – High-end food pairing at this one, and Giuseppe was an excellent storyteller and sommelier.

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 on Isola Ortigia, Siracusa

• Morning Drive from Taormina to Siracusa (1.5 hrs)
• Afternoon Walking Tour Of Old Town Ortigia
• Dinner in Isola Ortigia – MOON (pre-dinner cocktails) & A Putia (dinner)

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 (not the pay station out front), 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

The best way to explore a new place is by drinking and eating what the locals do.

I absolutely loved learning about Sicilian wine from wine makers around Mt.Etna, most of which offer tastings with food pairing. These are my favorite wineries – you will have to call or email to make a reservation, but it’s super easy, and they speak English.

• Tenuta delle Terre Nere : These are amazing and award-winning red wines that are highly rated and my personal favorite! The owner of the winery inspired the movie Barolo Boys on Netflix, making Italian wine popular in the US!
• Benanti : High-end food pairing at this one, and Giuseppe was an excellent storyteller and sommelier.
• I Vigneri di Salvo Foti : Old-school winemaker and consultant to most of the other vineyards around Mt. Etna. Highly respected and beautiful winery – see if you can get Simone, the wine maker’s son to show you around.

I also 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):

☀️ 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 – specifically Tenuta di Castellaro!

☀️ 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.

☀️ 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. Explore 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 should be explored.

I might not recommend climbing it because it’s rocky and you’ll be sinking in ash most of the time, but there’s lots of things around this volcano that are amazing!

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 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. I’ve shared my favorites above!

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 .

✅ Get Car 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.

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The perfect sicily itinerary: how to spend 5-7 days.

Sicily is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. The Mediterranean island boasts medieval charm and a fascinating culture with Greek, Roman, and North African influences. If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, you’re in for a fantastic vacation. 

Spending a week in Sicily will give you endless opportunities to explore the island’s best attractions and immerse yourself in the culture, including strolling through some of the best medieval towns in Italy to exploring Roman ruins.

» You may also like these 11 Beach Hotels in Sicily for 2023 .

We’ve been to many places in Sicily and have always enjoyed our time there. The food is incredible, the views are stunning. You just can’t go wrong with a vacation there.

We’ve put together a 5-7 day Sicily itinerary for you that will take you to the stunning beaches, charming villages – we especially loved Taormina – the ancient ruins, and for some wine tasting on Mt. Etna.

Visiting soon? Check out our expertly curated Sicily itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip, from where to visit , the airports that are closest to the places on our list, plus our guide to wine tasting in Sicily , the food you should eat , and the best beach hotels on the island.

Planning your trip to Sicily?

• Book a transfer from the airport to Catania city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Catania or Palermo airports through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay See all hotel options

• Where to Stay in Palermo: Rocco Forte Villa Igiea – A renovated Art Nouveau palazzo overlooking the gulf or Palermo – luxury 5-star family-run hotel. 
• Where to Stay in Catania: With tastefully decorated rooms and high-end amenities and facilities, the  Liberty Hotel  is one of the best in the city.
• Where to Stay in Taormina: There’s no better place to stay than the  Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo , with direct views of Mount Etna.

Best Tours and Experiences in Sicily:

• Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Sicilian Light Lunch – This is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
• Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries – you can’t miss these wineries!
• Streaty – Palermo Street Food Walking Tour – great way to sample a lot of things at once

Table of Contents

How to Get to Sicily

Sicily is a beautiful island located in the southernmost part of Italy , and there are several ways to get there. The most common way to reach Sicily is by plane. The island has several airports , including the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and the Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, which receive regular flights from major European cities.

Another option is to take a ferry from mainland Italy. Ferries run from several ports, including Naples , Genoa, and Livorno, and offer a scenic and relaxing way to reach Sicily.

If you prefer to drive, you can cross the Strait of Messina via the A3 motorway, which connects Calabria on the mainland to Messina on the island.

Tips for Traveling to Sicily

When traveling to Sicily, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

• Rent a car (I always book with DiscoverCars.com for the best deal) or hire a driver to explore the island, as public transportation can be unreliable and limited in some areas.
• Be prepared for hot and humid weather in the summer months, and plan accordingly by packing light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying the delicious Sicilian cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, pastries, and pasta dishes.
• Don’t miss out on visiting some of the island’s most famous attractions, such as the ancient Greek temples at Agrigento, the picturesque fishing village of Cefalù, and the stunning beaches of Taormina.

Sicily Itinerary | 5-7 days on the Island

This Sicily 7-day itinerary takes you from the island’s capital, Palermo, in the west on a road trip to Catania in the east.

You can either explore the island from the west to the east coast, like in this itinerary or vice versa. Which way you go usually depends on where you need to fly into. There are quite a few airports on the island, but most people fly into Palermo or Catania.

The Itinerary:

If you have 7 days:

Day 1: Trapani

Day 2-3: palermo, day 4: cefalù, day 5: taormina, day 6: mt etna.

• OR Catania – I waver suggesting two major cities in a 7-day itinerary. My preference would be to choose either Palermo or Catania and skip the other.
• Day 7: Syracuse

If you have 5 days:

• Day 1: Palermo
• Day 2: Cefalù
• Day 3: Taormina
• Day 4: Mt Etna
• Day 5: Syracuse or Catania

Keep in mind that you might need to drive back to your starting point to fly out, if you can’t get a flight into one airport and out of another.

While some travelers will only choose one side of the island to visit, I think you should do both in one trip, unless you foresee coming back to Sicily in the future for another trip. However, if you only have 5 days and you have to fly into Catania, then I would skip the west coast and do Syracuse, Catania, Mt Etna, and Taormina.

If you have more time to spend, like 10-14 days, I wouldn’t choose to go to more places. I would spend more time in each of the places listed below.

Who Is Sicily For?

I personally think anyone would love Sicily. It’s steeped in history, culture, and amazing scenery, but you might be wondering if you’ll find something there for you.

• If you’re a history lover, you’re going to really enjoy the island’s ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Roman Amphitheater in Syracuse.
• Foodies will love the fresh seafood, arancini, and cannoli. The island is also famous for its wine production, and wine tastings and vineyard tours are a popular activity.
• Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the stunning landscapes of Sicily, including Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe , and the picturesque Aeolian Islands, which offer great hiking and swimming opportunities.
• The island’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Italy, with crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. Some of the best beaches in Sicily include the stunning Scala dei Turchi, the white-sand beach of San Vito Lo Capo, and the black-sand beach of Giardini Naxos.

On the first day of your Sicily itinerary, explore the stunning coastal city of Trapani. After landing at Palermo Airport, rent a car and drive to your hotel in Trapani. The drive is 55 minutes. If you arrive early, you plunge right in to sightseeing instead.

Options: If you want to spend more time in each place, I would suggest skipping Trapani (as sad as that is!) and heading straight to Palermo.

Where to Stay in Trapani

The  Rooms of Andrea Hotel  in the center of Trapani is a 4-star property with an ideal location for exploring the city; it’s one of the best.

Famous for its crescent-shaped shoreline, white-sand beaches, and Baroque architecture, Trapani is a great place to spend an entire summer vacation in the Mediterranean Sea . But you have just a day to enjoy it, so time is of the essence.

Admire The City’s Baroque Architecture

Start your day off with a stroll around the city, exploring its unique architecture. Chiesa delle Anime Sante del Purgatorio is an excellent place to admire Trapani’s Baroque architecture. 

Other historical sites like Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Piazza Mercato del Pesce are also great depictions of Baroque architecture and are worth a visit.

Go Island Hopping

Hop on a boat tour to the Egadi Islands and enjoy a fantastic day of island hopping between Favignana and Levanzo. Onboard, you’ll have expert commentary about the islands and their Roman history. You’ll find several snorkeling spots and beaches ideal for sunbathing.

Visit the Trapani Salt Flats

Take a short 15-minute drive to Trapani’s salt pans for an immersive experience in the rich history of the city’s salt production. Your guided tour starts at the Mulino Maria Stella, where you’ll learn about the salt-making process. And remember to keep your eyes peeled for nesting flamingos around the salt flats.

Bonus Activity: Day Trip to Erice

If you have some more time, take a day trip to Erice — one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy . This historic hilltop village has about 60 churches, a cathedral, and two castes, so there’s a lot to see and do. You’ll also get stunning aerial views of Trapani.

The drive to Palermo city center is 1 hour 25 minutes.

Palermo is the island’s bustling capital. We recommend visiting on day 2 so you can unwind a little bit in Trapani and get those first few amazing sea views before launching into the city.

Where to Stay in Palermo

Rocco Forte Villa Igiea  

A renovated Art Nouveau palazzo overlooking the gulf or Palermo – luxury 5-star family-run hotel. 

Take a Walking Tour Around Palermo

There’s so much to see and do in Palermo. But, like many cities in Europe , a great place to start exploring the city is its historic city center. The best way to explore Palermo is by getting lost in its endless walkable passages as you eat your way through the city’s food hotspots.

Take a street food walking tour and explore Palermo’s backstreet markets and food stalls serving local delicacies. You’ll also visit open-air markets like Mercato di Capo and Vucciria Market, where you can enjoy a tasty lunch.

If you don’t have much time to explore Palermo on foot, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and see top attractions in half the time.

Admire Medieval Architecture at Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria

Learn about Palermo’s history through its stunning medieval architecture and bustling squares. Getting an up-close look at the Quattro Canti intersection is a must. Once you’re done marveling at the Quattro Canti, head over to the adjacent Piazza Pretoria.

Here you’ll find a massive structure named Fontana Pretoria , dominating the square with its 436-foot circumference and a towering 39-foot height. The fountain boasts several statues of nude nymphs, tritons, and river gods – which earned it the nickname “Fountain of Shame”.

Visit the Cattedrale di Palermi and Norman Palace

Your next stops are the Cattedrale di Palermo and Norman Palace , where you get a closer look at the architectural prowess of ancient Silicians. If you’d like to see more, take this markets and monuments walking tour and discover other iconic monuments like Teatro Massimo .

The drive to Cefalu is one hour.

The next city on your Sicily itinerary is another gorgeous coastal town – Cefalù. This vibrant old town has a lot to offer, from beautiful sandy beaches to casual restaurants dotted along winding medieval streets and, of course, the unmissable Norman Cathedral.

To cut down on the amount of times you need to change hotel, I would recommend just spending the day in Cefalu and moving on to Taormina for your overnight.

Hike to Castello di Cefalù

Kick off day four of your Sicily itinerary by taking a two-mile hike to Castello di Cefalù. The trail takes you up Rocca di Cefalù, where you’ll find several prehistoric ruins like the Temple of Diana and Church of St. Anna, built in the 5th and 10th centuries, respectively. While you’re here, take some time to enjoy the panoramic views of Cefalù from above.

Admire the Duomo di Cefalù

Once you’ve seen the city from a bird’s eye perspective, make your way to the Duomo di Cefalù. This towering Roman Catholic cathedral makes part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale. Inside the basilica, you’ll spot incredible 12th-century religious mosaics and ornate frescoes.

Explore the Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino

Before you call it a day, take some time to explore a historical laundry house that dates back to the 15th century. This medieval wash house was used by locals well into the 20th century. Walking through the washhouse, you’ll get a glimpse of medieval life in Sicily and how inhabitants used the stone wash basins and cast-iron spouts to do their laundry.

Taormina is one of the popular cities on Sicily’s east coast. The stunning hilltop town also has dramatic backdrops of Mount Etna and its own Greek-Roman Theater. But there are lots of other things to do in Taormina , and you’ll find plenty of charming spots dotted across the city’s medieval cobblestoned streets.

Where to Stay in Taormina

There’s no better place to stay than the  Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo , with direct views of Mount Etna.

Walk Around Teatro Antico di Taormina

The ancient theater of Taormina was first built by the Greeks in the third century and later reconstructed and enlarged by the Romans. This 5,400-seater theater was initially built for musicals and performances, and it was turned into a stadium for gladiator games. 

What makes Teatro Antico di Taormina a spectacular feature in the city is its incredible views of the Calabrian Coast and Sicily’s Ionian Coast – so don’t miss out on this attraction.

One of the biggest tourist draws to Sicily is Mount Etna, so it’s only right that you take a hike up the famous peak. Mount Etna is a stratovolcano known for its incredible level of activity; the volcano has been erupting for over 2,700 years. 

A fantastic way to see this monumental landmark is by taking a half-day tour to Mount Ena, where an expert guide will take you through the volcano’s ancient craters and lava flow cave. Your day trip also included a special wine tasting and an incredible view. If you want to hike up to the summit of the crater, this tour is for you.

Mt Etna is home to some of the best wineries in Sicily, so a wine-tasting trip should be on the cards. Take this small group food and wine tour, tasting local delicacies in villages in and around Mount Etna’s countryside. Pick up is from Taormina, so you don’t have to change hotels for this trip.

Day 5: Catania

Catania is the second-largest city on the island. This ancient port city sits at the base of Mount Etna and is abundant with culture, architecture, and bustling markets.

For me, it’s only really necessary to visit one of the cities, so if you’ve already planned to visit Palermo, you can skip Catania, or vice versa. Not because Catania isn’t great, it is. I just think the smaller towns are more “real Sicily” and should be prioritized.

Where to Stay in Catania

With tastefully decorated rooms and high-end amenities and facilities, the  Libe rt y Hotel  is one of the best in the city.

Take a Walking Tour Around Catania

Take a guided tour through Catania to see the city’s gorgeous medieval architecture and learn about its history and culture from a local. During your tour, you’ll get to see highlights such as the Ursino Castle, the vibrant scalinata Alessi, La Pescheria, and lots of piazzas.  

Tour the Massimo Theater

The Massimo Theater is the biggest opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe . This gorgeous 1,387-seater theater is known for its perfect acoustics, and you can give them a try during your guided tour of the Neoclassical building. You also get to tour the Valsecchi art collection in the historic Palazzo Butera. 

Admire the Frescoes at Palazzo Biscari

If you’re an art lover, visiting Palazzo Biscari should be your favorite thing on this Sicily itinerary. This Baroque palace is the most private in Catania, boasting jaw-dropping interiors from wall to ceiling. Take a guided tour of Palazzo Biscari and marvel at its gorgeous frescoes, paintings, overdoors, and stunning terracotta floors.

Visit the Catania Fish Market

Immerse yourself in Catania’s everyday life by visiting the local fish market. This seafood market has lots of enthusiastic fishmongers selling the day’s catch under colorful umbrellas. To get here, you’ll climb a series of stairs made of volcanic rock – how cool is that?

Explore Catania’s Roman Architecture

Catania is one of the first Sicilian cities to fall to the Romans in 263 BC, so it has a lot of historical monuments from that era. A great way to see the legacy of the Romans and their architecture is by exploring its relics dotted across the city.

Start at the Greek-Roman Theater, where you’ll find two ancient open-air arc Roman theaters. The larger theater was designed to accommodate 7,000 spectators and had marble columns. On the west end, you’ll find the Odeon theater, built for 1,500 people.

Your next stop is the Roman Amphitheater of Catania in the historic Piazza Stesicoro. While most of the ruins lie under the four adjoining streets, the amphitheater was originally built to accommodate 15,000 spectators and is one of the largest in the Roman world.

Sicily Travel Itinerary Day 7: Syracuse

Syracuse is a historic town sitting along the Ionian Coast. This stunning medieval city boasts an abundance of Greek and Roman architecture and amphitheaters, and it’s said to be the birthplace of the famous Archimedes – a Greek engineer, mathematician, and inventor.

Where to Stay in Syracuse

The Caportigia Boutique Hotel  is a 5-star hotel with an excellent location, and luxurious suites with breathtaking views.

Explore Neapolis Archaeological Park

In the Archaeological Park Neapolis, you’ll find plenty of ancient ruins to admire. The complex comprises marvelous Roman and Greek architecture. You can take a tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park and admire its Roman Amphitheater, Teatro Greco, and the Ear of Dionysius –  a limestone cave formed like a human ear.

Visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi

If you want to dive deeper into Syracuse’s history, visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi for a front-row seat to the most extensive archeological museums in Sicily. Here, you’ll see a large collection of fossils and figurines, including Titian’s Venus Anadyomene.

Walk the Grounds at the Temple of Apollo

Dating back as far as the sixth century, the Temple of Apollo sits adjacent to Piazza Pancali. These ancient ruins are one of the most important Greek monuments in Sicily. This Doric temple is considered a pioneer in Greek architecture, as it displays a transition from building with wood to using stone. 

Bonus Activity: Marvel at the Arethusa Spring

If you have some time to spare before the end of your Sicily itinerary, take a stroll down to the Arethusa Spring – a natural spring with a mythical story. This is a great place to sit and recollect all the memories you’ve made on this trip. 

How to Spend One Week in Sicily | Wrapped Up

Italy is home to some of the best well-preserved medieval towns in Europe , and Sicily has plenty of them. The country’s popular regions like Tuscany and Lazio may get the most attraction from travelers, but Sicily is a must-visit.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

2 thoughts on “ The Perfect Sicily Itinerary: How to Spend 5-7 Days ”

Thank you for a great article. We go every year to Sicily. 7 days is such a tease. We go for 2 weeks at a time and still is not enough. What is interesting is no one writes about Marsala. It is a tranquil oasis that seems to be forgotten. Grazie mille per il tuo articulo

Yeah 7 days is definitely not enough! There is just so much to see there and driving takes up so much of the time.

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Perfect 7 days Sicily itinerary, by car or by train

Explore sicily with this optimized 7 days sicily itinerary. get an answer to your questions about sicily with my sicily travel guide and discover sicily top sights..

This 7 days Sicily itinerary gives you the possibility of discovering Sicily essentials in just one week. You will explore gorgeous Palermo, have a wine tasting in Erice, learn about salt-pans in Marsala, uncover ancient Greek temples in Agrigento, wander the ancient streets of Syracusa, climb the Etna Volcano and unwind in gorgeous Taormina. And, of course, enjoy the gorgeous and unique culture and gastronomy of this beautiful Island!

Sicily is still an off the beaten path destination for mainstream touristic flows, who focus on “the continent”. But if you love Italy culture, sights and life style, you simply can’t miss Sicily. A visit to Sicily could actually be a trip on its own, as well as a second or third visit to Italy.

So happy Sicily itinerary!

Do you feel uncomfortable planning your Sicily trip on your own? No problem, I’m here to help! Just have a look at my Italy Travel Advice page!

Page Content

• Why should you come to Sicily?

How many days do you need to visit Sicily?

How do you get to sicily, what is the best time to go to sicily, can you visit sicily without a car, day to day sicily itinerary, sicily travel guide, why should you come to sicily.

Sicily is simply gorgeous, and one of the most peculiar Italian regions in terms of history, sights and culture. Here you can find remains of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, French civilization. All left their mark and helped carve a unique culture and mindset, that you wont find anywhere else in Italy. So here are the main reasons in my view to come to Sicily.

1 – Culture and sights : in Sicily you will find the best preserved ancient Greek temples and theaters,  amazing Roman and Byzantine mosaics, medieval palaces and  churches, Arabic monument, Barocco palaces… and much more!

Sicilian nature is no less impressive: untouched countryside, gorgeous coasts, hidden gorges and lakes, and the highest active volcano in Europe won’t disappoint your hunger for beautiful and instagrammable views.

2 – True Italy : If you are hungry about the “real Italy”, you are likely to discover it here, in the many hamlets suspended in time, where old traditions and habits are still very present in day to day life. Something you could still find also in the larger city, especially in the traditional markets such as Palermo’s Vucciria or the ancient fish market in Catania. And it’s not uncommon at all to get caught in one of the many procession to honor local saints.

3 – Food and wine : thanks to its peculiar history, Sicily has developed a unique cuisine, mixing continental and Arabic tastes and fragrances, mostly based on fish and sea food. Thanks to the Sicilian sun and the fertile soils, Sicilian wines are among the best in Italy. Make sure you taste the one produced from the Etna volcano grapes, they have an unique mineral flavor.

4 – Beaches and islands :  if you like beaches and sea, Sicily won’t disappoint you. Many gorgeous beaches here, like the Caribbean beach in San Vito lo Capo, and gorgeous islands such as the Aeolians, Lampedusa and Favignana. You could easily dedicate at least one week only to Sicilian beaches!

5 – Climate : being a Southern region, Sicily is extremely enjoyable all year round (well, maybe a little hot in July and August). It’s a perfect destination from March to May and from September to early October. During these months you could have the island to yourself!

Sicily is also getting more and more popular as a Christmas destination, due to the mild weather and the many Christmas traditions.

6 – Dolce vita : Sicily is a laid down, relaxed place. The perfect destination to take your time, unwind while sipping a local wine in a café, meeting locals, taste local food,  read a book on a beach and  enjoy your time.  By the way, Sicily prices are much lower than in Central and Northern Italy.

That’s probably the weirdest question, since, like in most of Italy, you could probably spend one or to months on the island and still want more. Unfortunately most of us don’t have all that time so here are some options.

• 3-4 days: this is the minimum stay length in my view, barely sufficient to fly into Catania and visit Siracusa and Taormina. It could be a short but rewarding extention to a 2 weeks trip to mainland Italy
• 1 week: in seven days  you can have a good glimpse of Sicily, and enjoy the essentials. You will likely not have much time to explore the islands and the northern part of the island (Cefalù). This is the idea behind this 7 days Sicily itinerary.
• 10 days: if you can add 3 days to your mainstream Sicily itinerary, you could dedicate time to explore the islands, with a day trip to Favignana from Trapani and a day trip / overnight stay to the Aeolian islands from Milazzo.
• 14 days: in 2 weeks you can explore the entire island, including the center. Cefalu and Piazza Armerina (amazing Roman mosaics) could be included in your tour. You can spend more time in the single places or dedicate a whole week to relax on an island.

The official Italian Tourism office site could give you some additional clue to plan your trip.

Low coast airlines, such as Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Volotea and similar connect Sicily with  most of the large Italian cities. If you reserve well in advance and avoid peak periods, you could find surprisingly low air fares.

You can fly to Palermo or to Catania, an “open jaws” flight plan (such as: landing in Palermo and flying back from Catania) would allow you to optimize your itinerary.

In case you wish to visit the Aeolian islands, an interesting option could be to travel from Naples by boat, either by hydrofoil (6 hours) or by night boat, a very convenient solution if you are short of time.

The best time to go to Sicily is Spring (March-May) and Fall (September – October). During these months you could have the island all for yourself, with a lot of accommodation options and fairly low rates.

Temperature is mild and, especially in September and October, you can easily swim at sea, the water keeps pleasantly warm.

June and Beginning of July are also an option, perfect for beach stay even though more crowded.

Do avoid July and August, high season and very hot temperatures, This is when Italians go on holidays, and all the beaches are awfully crowded.

Yes you can, even though you would get much more flexibility with your own car. That said, you can travel in most of the main places by train and by bus.

The main trains you could consider with are:

• Parlemo – Cefalu (1:00 hour)Your 7 days Sicily itinerary continues with
• Palermo – Catania (3:30  hours)
• Siracusa – Catania (1:10 hours)
• Catania – Taormina (0:34 hours)

You can have a look at the Trenitalia web site for schedules and reservations.

Local buses are also convenient, such as on the lines:

•  Palermo – Siracusa (3:30 hours)
• Siracusa – Noto (0:55 hours)

Here is the web adress of one of teh main local bus companies, Etna Trasporti.

In case you decide to use public transports to visit Sicily, add a couple of days to this 7 days Sicily itinerary to accommodate trains and buses schedules.

If you want to treat yourself,  you could also get a private driver to drive you around the whole itinerary, or just some parts of it.

Sicily itinerary day one: land in Palermo, Palermo sight Seeing

Your 7 days Sicily itinerary starts with Palermo, one of the most interesting and history rich towns in Italy.  Palermo, with its culture, history, food and energetic atmosphere has become a popular destination, full of  charm.

The Phoenicians founded Palermo as a trade port in 700 BC, and a long string of rulers followed. Carthage was the first to conquer it, followed by the Romans, who named it Panhormus. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Vandals took over, followed by Arabian rulers who turned Sicily in to an emirate. Palermo transformed in to a magical city with mosques, minarets and markets. It is said that its beauty measured up well with Cordoba and Cairo.

During the crusades, the city’s wealth was discovered by the Normans who conquered the city, but continued building on the Arabian legacy of tolerance and enlightenment. That era is known as “the Golden Years”.

Today you discover a city with an exciting mix of medieval areas where washing is still hung on lines between buildings to elegant residential districts with palm trees and palatial villas.

You could spend days wandering in Palermo ancient streets, discovering something new and exciting at each road turn. In one day, make sure you don’t miss the cathedral, the Palazzo dei Normanni and the beautiful mosaics in the Capppella Palatina, the Vucciria market,  the beautiful Santa Caterina Church, the spectacular Piazza Pretoria and the remains of the Santa Maria dello Spasimo church. For a late evening on the beach, and to eat delicious food dishes, head to the Mondello beach, a few Km from Palermo. .

Sicily itinerary day two: Monreale e San vito lo Capo

Close to Palermo, Monreale hosts one of the most amazing Sicilian Jewels: Monreale cathedral and its byzantine mosaics.

The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the most beautiful churches in all of Sicily, a masterpiece of Byzantine art not to be missed, with its finest mosaics famous throughout the world and more than 1800 kg of pure gold used to tell the story of Christianity. Since July 2015 it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the Arab-Norman Palermo circuit.

These are the larger byzantine mosaics in Italy, even larger than the San Marco ones in Venice.

Legend says that in 1171 the Norman king William II, very devoted to the Madonna, was seized with sudden fatigue during a hunt and fell asleep under a carob tree. That sleep, besides restoring his tired limbs, was the source of an incredible revelation. In fact the Madonna appeared to him in a dream and revealed to him that right under that tree there was a treasure of inestimable value. When he woke up the king had the tree cut down, he dug deeply and when he was found the gold decided to have a church built in honor of the Madonna.

Leaving Monreale and driving west, you will get in a couple of hours to one of the most beautiful beaches of mainland Sicily: San Vito lo Capo.

San Vito lo Capo is renowned not for its Caribbean sea, but also to be the main place to eat the famous Cous Cous alla Trapanese, a local fish adaptation of the Arab cous cous dish. If you plan to be in Sicily end of September, don’t miss the Cous Cous festival , which takes place every year in San vito lo Capo.

Sicily itinerary day three: Marsala salt pans, the Valley of the temples and Ragusa

Your 7 days Sicily itinerary continues with the Marsala salt pans. They are among the largest in Europe and are a really amazing place to visit, especially if you are travelling with kids.

The Saline (salt pans) reserve extends between Trapani and Paceco and comprises a coastal strip of almost 1000 hectares. Much of the reserve, consists of privately owned salt pans where salt is extracted according to traditional techniques in use for centuries.

The many wind mills and the scattered salt mounds make the landscape even more impressive. July to September are the best months to visit, but the salt pans can be accessed all year round.  As the sun sets behind the Egadi Islands, the entire landscape gets colored in red, orange and yellow in contrast to the white of the salt, offering a magical and unforgettable view.

When you are done with Marsala salt pans, proceed to Agrigento, where you will be able to admire the amazing Valle dei Templi.

The Valle dei Templi is one of the most extensive, representative and best preserved archaeological sites of classical Greek civilization, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.

The archaeological area corresponds to the remains of the ancient Akragas, the original nucleus of modern Agrigento. Along a long rocky scarp, chosen as the southern limit of the town, are still sited the great Doric temples dedicated to the gods.

Within the area of the ancient city there is also the Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum, which houses over 5.000 finds that illustrate the history of the territory from prehistory to the end of the Greco-Roman age.

Sicily itinerary day four: Noto and Siracusa

A UNESCO Heritage site, Noto is a destination not to be missed in your Sicily tour.

The original town (“Noto Antica”) was completely destroyed by the terrible 1693 earthquake (you can still visit its fascinating ruins, a few Kilometers away from the “modern” Noto).

Noto was then rebuilt from scratch, in the sublime elegance, originality and fantasy of the Sicilian Baroque style.

Noto is very easy to visit. Simply wander the length of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, along which many of Noto’s most representative buildings stand. And if you feel lazy in a hot Sicilian summer day, have a tourist ride in a delightful APE (typical Italian motorized tricycle).

When you are done with Noto, drive to Siracusa, one of the highlights of your 7 days Sicily Itinerary.

Siracusa is an ancient town on the sea, which was of immense importance as Greek Syracuse. It has a superb archaeological zone and a lovely historic center on the island of Ortigia. This is where I suggest you to spend the afternoon.

Much of the island’s charm lies in wandering down narrow medieval lanes, past romantically-crumbling – or lovingly-restored – Baroque palaces and churches.

To head straight to Ortigia’s most attractive piazza, turn right and head for Via Cavour (which continues as Via Landolina), a narrow thoroughfare lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. At its end lies Piazza Duomo, an elliptical open space lined with harmonious and impressive buildings. Don’t miss the cathedral, built around an ancient Greek temple!

For a complete overview of the many things to do and to see in Noto and in Siracusa, have a look at my posts: Siracusa: Sicily at its best and Noto: Sicily baroque perfection

Sicily itinerary day five: Siracusa, Etna Volcano and Taormina

Wake up early and visit the archaelogical park with the impressive Greek and Roman remains. The Greek theater is particularly impressive and is still used to perform ancient Greek tragedies. If you are a fan of ancient Greece, the local archaeological museum is worth a visit.

Also interesting is the  deep quarry to the east of the theater called the Latomia del Paradiso (Paradise Quarry) It’s a peaceful and green spot, filled with vegetation and lemon trees. The most famous sight here is the huge cave called the Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio).

When you have completed your visit, take your car and drive towards the mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and in winter you can actually ski on top of it! You can just drive the road around it, or spend 3-4 hours to climb on top of it, a really exciting experience. In this post you can read more about mount Etna .

End your day indulging in Taormina main square, with a fantastic view on the Mediterranean sea.

Sicily itinerary day six: full day in Taormina

The overwhelming feeling of being on such a high ground, the breathtaking panorama and the fusion of nature and art at its best have made Taormina an exclusive travel destination. And definitely one of the highlights of your 7 days in Sicily itinerary!

A former Greek settlement, the city was then conquered by Romans and Byzantines and the splendor of that golden Era has lasted throughout the years. Here in fact, the beauty of the nature has been enhanced by human hands and culminated in the Greek Amphitheater which dominates the scenes.

The vibrant center of the city is Piazza IX Aprile, beautifully adorned by the 17th century Sant Agostino and San Giuseppe´s churches; once you cross Porta di Mezzo (literally “middle door”), you will enter the ancient part of the city where the Clock Tower was erected over 300 years ago.

The quaint Corso Umberto I is the main road that runs through the whole city, which, with a myriad of shops and restaurants, will lead you from the city center to Porta Catania and the magnificent Badia Vecchia.

Taormina is not only a captivating historical site – it’s beautiful coastal line, its marine grottoes and faraglioni (rocks) have enchanted numerous generations and they are only a cable way ride away from the city center.

The medieval town can probably be walked within one day and, despite its tiny area, this little gem located on the East coast of Sicily has a unique charm that has an enchanting force on travelers.

The lovely historical center with its white, tiny houses, the beautiful Corso Umberto I with its shops and traditional Sicilian restaurants, the crystal water beaches and the numerous solutions for a day trip in the Sicilian surroundings are some of the ingredients that make the so called “pearl” of the Ionic Sea so unique and charming.

And of course, last but not least, the Greek theater and it’s amazing view on the Etna volcano, arguably one of the most iconic Italy views.

For a complete overview of the many things to do and to see in Taormina, have a look at my posts: Taormina in one day.

Sicily itinerary day 7: Catania and flight to your next destination

Catania, like other Sicilian cities, it has been heavily influenced by its rulers – Romans, Arabs, and Normans to name a few. The largest impact came from its neighbor, the volcano Etna – when it erupted in 1669 it devastated the city and killed 12,000 inhabitants. Catania was rebuilt in the Baroque style preserved to this day, complete with large boulevards and squares.

Over the last few years, tourism has become one of the biggest sources of revenue. With the sixth largest airport in Italy, Catania is a natural hub for tourists travelling to the island’s east coast. It is easy to take day trips from here to the spectacular Mount Etna, to the ceramics centre of Caltagirone, and to the picturesque mountain villages like Randozza and Linguaglossa.

Catania boasts a plethora of incredible cultural sights. Pay a visit to Piazza del Duomo, marvel at the splendid Catania Cathedral, and walk down the historic Via dei Crociferi (named a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Catania airport is just a few kilometers from the town. Give back your car and fly towards your next destination.

Enjoy Sicily!

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The Best Siciliy Itinerary for 10 days

Planning a trip to Sicily is fantastic, but you might need some help figuring out your itinerary. There’s so much to see and do in Sicily, so where to start!? We made this complete itinerary for a 10 day trip in Sicily, but also give alternatives for shorter and longer stays.

10-day Itinerary Sicily Roundtrip :

• Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
• Day 2: Palermo
• Day 3: San Vito La Capo, Marsala 
• Day 4: Agrigento, Valley of Temples, Ragusa

Day 5: Noto, Syracuse

Day 6: syracuse, catania.

• Day 7: Mount Etna, Catania

Day 8: Taormina

Day 9: cefalù.

• Day 10: Departure from Palermo

Let’s get more in detail and find out the best places to visit in this itinerary. But also how to add some days and things to do. Or how to shorten this roundtrip when you’ve less time. In this article, I’ll cover several itineraries, and also how to get around the island using public transport.

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Sicily 10 day itinerary – a day to day guide.

10 days for a trip to Sicily is the perfect amount of time to explore the beauty of this island. Of course, you can visit the island in fewer days, or stay longer if you like. But on average, 10 days is perfect to have a great trip, where you have enough time to explore the island and relax in Sicily.

The 10-day itinerary is the basis, but later you’ll find itineraries for 4 and 7 days. And also when you want to stay longer than days. At each city we recommend the best places to stay, these links are affiliate links and all link to the Booking.com hotel page. We use Booking.com ourselves a lot. I feel they’re the most trustworthy when it comes to hotel bookings. I’ll explain more about our booking resources on our recommendations page .

Palermo (2 days)

Your itinerary start in Palermo. It is easy to plan an arrival in this city. Many flights are arriving daily at the city’s airport. Also, different ferry connections are coming from the Italian mainland to Palermo Port. However, flying into Palermo is the fastest way to enter the island.

We always allow ourselves some time to relax after we traveled to a new city, and recommend you to do the same. Walk around the city, check-in in your hotel, and just feel the vibe. Give yourself some to get used to the new environment.

We recommend you to rent a car (link to our recommendations) during this roundtrip in Sicily. During the first days, you don’t need a car while you are in the city of Palermo. So don’t worry about it for the first two days. Make sure to pick it up at the start of your third day.

The next day, the second day of your trip, it is time to explore the city of Palermo. There’s a lot to see in the city that’s known as a cultural melting-pot, its food markets, and the city with Italians biggest opera house.

Some highlights in Palermo city are;

• The Norman Palace A great example of the Norman Architecture in Palermo
• Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas Biggest collection of Greek art in Italy
• Teatro Massimo The biggest opera house in Italy (the third-largest in Europe)
• The Capuchin Catacombs Not for the faint-hearted, a museum with over 8000 mummies. Also known as ‘The place where the living meets the dead.’
• Quattro Canti (Piazza Viglenia) The most significant square in the heart of the city center. All the city’s streets are somehow directed to this square.
• Palermo Cathedral Most significant building in the city. Built-in, the 12th century, renovated by many different civilizations and thus building styles. A great example of different architecture over time. The cathedral is a Unesco World Heritage site.
• Palermo food markets There are four different food markets in Palermo . La Vucciria, Capo, Ballaro, Borgo Vecchio. In every quarter of the city, you’ll find a different market. You can visit all the markets when you have enough time, but on this itinerary we recommend you to choose one market to visit. You’ll get a good enough impression. The markets are a great place to try some traditional Sicilian food.

After a day exploring the city, it is time for some excellent Italian dinner and relaxing in your hotel. When you want to have more detailed information about the city of Palermo, you probably want to read this article which I wrote. It contains all the practical information about Palermo.

Best places to stay in Palermo

We selected two Bed and Breakfasts in Palermo. Both are getting excellent reviews on Booking.com, and are in the middle of the city center. They both score a 9+ on the review list of Booking.com

• B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti
• Pane Amore e Marmellata

Day 3: San Vito La Capo, Marsala 

This day starts with pick up your rental car. If you like, you can also pick up your rental car at the end of day 2. But you don’t need it while staying in Palermo city. The city is well connected with public transport, and the city highlights are easily accessible while walking. We recommend using rentalcars.com as your supplier (link to check the latest offers and prices).

Your road trip to Marsala for this day is about 4 hours drive, including stopovers. You’ll drive around 111 miles (180 kilometers).

Monreale will be your first stop, which is only 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) of Palermo, a small town where you want to visit the Monreale Cathedral , a cathedral with an interesting story.

After the Arabs occupied Palermo (during the 9th century), the bishop was forced to move out of the city. He built a small church in Monreale. When the Normans became leading in Sicily, around the 12th century, the reinstated Palermo as a capital. King William II ordered the construction of the Monreal Cathedral in 1174. To remember the old Bishop of Palermo and in dedication to the Virgin Mary.

After you visited Monreale, it is time to start the actual road trip. The second stop of the day is San Vito Lo Capo , a small beach town northwest from Palermo. It is the most northern point of Sicily, great to explore the beautiful beach and to have some traditional Sicilian lunch.

When lunch is finished, you’re ready to go to the south-west coast. The last destination for today is Marsala. A small coastal town at the west coast of Sicily. Known for its famous fortified Masala wines and ancient ruins. A few fun things to do in Masala are:

• Visiting Saline Della Laguna the big salt lakes
• Walk to Porta Garibaldi, the old city gate.
• Wine tasting and tour at Cantina Florio, one of the biggest Marsala wine producers in Sicily

 Best places to stay in Marsala

• B&B Mansarda sulle Egadi  Close at the beach, with fantastic sunset views. Review score 9.5
• Hotel Carmine Great hotel in the middle of the Center. The hotel is in a historical building but got modern facilities. They get a review score of 9.1

Day 4 Agrigento (Valley of Temples) – Ragusa

We recommend leaving Massala in the morning. Taking the SS115, a beautiful route along the coast and for a part inland, heading east to Agrigento.

It is the first drive of the day and will take around 2 hours. Massala to Agrigento is 85 miles (137 kilometers).

The city of Agrigento is not very special. However, you’re not going to visit the city itself. Agrigento is known for its ancient ruins of the city of Akragas, just outside the center.

Akragas is better known as The Valley of Temples . This ancient site has over 20 historical sites, all listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. You’ll find the best-preserved Greek temples. Some will say they’re even more beautiful than the Acropolis in Athens. Visiting the Valley of Temples will take up some time, you’ll need to plan a half-day to see most of the historical sites.

In our article ‘ What is Sicily Known For? ’ we cover extensive information about the Valley of Temples.

After visiting The Valley of Temples, it is time to get back in the car and drive to Ragusa. It is a small hilltop town, with ancient buildings, baroque style architecture and beautiful churches. The old town Ragusa is a Unesco World Heritage site, and great to walk around and enjoy some local wines and cheese in one of the small restaurants.

You can stay in the old city of Ragusa, but if you prefer a refreshing swim in the sea Pozallo is a great place to spend the night. Next to the beach and close to Ragusa.

Best Places to Stay in Ragusa (Old Town)

When you decide to stay in the old town of Ragusa, you’re best options are:

• B&B CARRUBBELLE  Great views over the old town from the terrace at this B&B. They get a review score of 9.7!
• Intervallo Guest House You’ll find many great places to stay, but Intervallo Guest House gets even better reviews than Carrubelle. Travelers who are staying here saying they have the best views from the terrace and their rooms.

Best Places to Stay in Pozallo

When you want to stay at the beach, we recommend staying in Pozallo. The best accommodations in Pozallo are:

• Elmani  This is actually an apartment which you can rent. Next to the beach, with a big garden. Perfect for relaxing!
• Sikania Suite A relatively new Bed & Breakfast, in a historical building. Close to the beach and in the center of Pazolla. They get a review score of 9.1

This day is a short drive. Stopover in Noto and staying in Syracuse. A total of 56 miles (90 kilometers), will take in you in around 2 hours to the final destination of this day. So you can relax in the morning, and maybe head to Pozallo for a refreshing dive when you stayed in the old center of Ragusa. Go easy on the breakfast though, the first stop of the day includes some of the best ice creams in Italy.

First stop today is Noto , about halfway on the route. A small old city is known for its baroque-style cathedral. It’s worth a visit while you’re in Noto. But before or after your sightseeing, make sure to go to Café Sicilia. A small café, with some of the best gelato in Italy. Café Sicilia is a family business since 1892, many Italians (even when they’re not from Sicily) recommending this place.

After you enjoyed some of the best Italian ice creams, you’ll drive to Syracuse. This ancient coastal city is known for its Archaeological park with an ancient Roman amphitheater. It is a beautiful city to spend a half-day or more sightseeing. And you can find great spots on the beach to relax.

Some of the best things to see in Syracuse are:

• Ear of Dionysius Limestone cave, shaped in the form of a human ear
• Fountain of Arethusa Natural fountain in the middle of the historical center
• Neapolis Roman amphitheater
• Cathedral of Syracuse Built on the place where the original Greek Temple of Athena was, this place dates back 5th century BC

You’ll also find Fontane Beach in Syracuse, known as one of the best beaches in Sicily. Fontane beach is a long white sandy beach with turquoise water. Perfect for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Best places to stay in Syracuse

There are a lot of fantastic accommodations to find in Syracuse. We recommend these two, simply because they’re walking distance to the beach and getting the best customer reviews.

• Hotel Parco Delle Fontane   A 4-star hotel, every booking is including breakfast. They also have a big swimming pool, which is a nice extra. Their review score is 9.1
• Prometeo Prometeo gets a 9.7 overall customer rating. They even score a 10 when it comes to hygiëne! Perfect place to stay, in the middle of the center of Syracuse, and walking distance to the beach.

Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and renowned for its beautiful cathedra land squares. It is an ancient port city. Since the Greeks discovered the island around the 8th century BC, it was an important city for trade.

Nowadays it is great to walk around the city and explore the old buildings, cathedrals and food markets. The city is only an hour drive from Syracuse, so quickly to reach. Catania is also known for its beaches, a few kilometers south of the city. There are many beaches to find where you can relax, and each has its own style in terms of bars and restaurants. Every beach is excellent for swimming and spending some time in the sun. Lido Azzuro is probably the best known sandy beach near Catania.

A few of the landmarks in Catania are:

• Piazza Duomo
• Basilica Cathedral Sant’Agata
• Benedictine Monastery
• Castello Ursino

We recommend spending more time on the beach this day. At least not walking all day long through the city. The next day in this itinerary is a tour to Mount Etna, which contains a lot of walking.

Best Places to Stay in Catania

You’ll stay 2 nights at this accommodation because the next day a guided tour to Mount Etna is on the itinerary.

• B&B Oblò It is probably the best place to stay in Catania. Their review score is 10! Small but splendid clean rooms. Around 1200 meters from the Piazza Duomo.
• B&B Sciara Larmisi Second best you can choose in Catania. And that’s only because they score a 9.8, which is still amazing! I actually prefer Sciara Larmisi over Oblò, because their rooms are bigger and the location is more central.

Day 7: Mount Etna

Mount Etna, the biggest and most active volcano of Europe, it is a must-visit when you’re at Sicily. There are several ways to visit this volcano. You can drive with your own car to Rifugio Sapienza, the highest point where you can go using your own car. From there you need to take a cable car to go further up. Or you can go hiking of course, but it is a long hike starting at Rifugio Sapienza.

We recommend leaving your car in Catania at the place you’re staying and book a complete tour to Mount Etna. It is maybe a bit more expensive, but it is much more comfortable. Many companies are organizing guided tours to Mount Etna. They pick you up from your hotel and at the end of the day, bring you back.

Depending on your fitness level and interests, you can choose a guided tour (check the latest offers at GetYourGuide). We always use GetYourGuide when booking a tour in advance. Our experience with them is excellent, they have a lot of different options where you can choose from which we like.

A tour to Mount Etna will probably take up the whole day. Most guided tours pick you up in the morning. Late afternoon or the beginning of the evening you’ll be back at your hotel.

About one hour drive from Catania, going north, you’ll reach Taormina. A small hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea on one side, and Mount Etna from the other side.

Taormina is best known for Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theater built in the 3rd century BC.

The theater is still in use today, you can watch several opera’s and plays at the theater during the summer months. So if there’s a play while you’re visiting, we would recommend going! Even if you don’t like the music, or when the theater is not really your thing. It is worth it! The vibe in these theaters is impressive!

You can check for tickets and the latest information on the theater’s website .

There’s much more to do in Taormina. It is beautiful to walk around the old town and explore all the ancient buildings. At night it feels like walking in a fairytale.

Make sure to visit Isola Bella, a small island in the bay of Taormina. Also known as ‘the pearl of the Ionian Sea.’

Some other important landmarks in Taormina are:

• Piazza IX Aprile The main square in Taormina, with a great atmosphere and beautiful buildings.
• Porta Messina Ancient leftovers of the fortification wall
• Villa Communale Di Taormina Traditional gardens with a beautiful sea view

When you somehow didn’t try traditional Sicilian food, Taormina is a great place to have a traditional dinner.

• La Bottega del Formaggio is a small restaurant in the center of Taormina. It looks like a little cheese shop, but you can have lunch or dinner here as well. We recommend to go here for lunch, you’ll have a fantastic local experience. The restaurant scores #1 at Tripadvisor!
• Villa Carlotta Restaurant is also an excellent place for dinner. When you’re looking for a romantic place to have dinner, with a great sea view. This is the place I can recommend! I’m not a fish lover myself, but according to the reviews at TripAdvisor, their traditional swordfish dish is some of the best you’ll find in Sicily

I wrote this article about the famous Sicilian cuisine. It also contains a lot of recommended restaurants. Make sure to check it out before traveling to Sicily.

Best places to stay in Taormina

• B&B Elegance This Bed and Breakfast is located in the middle of Taormina center. It is recommended on Booking.com for both couples and families. They get a review score of 9.8! The accommodation is in a historical building but completely renovated on the inside.
• Hotel Villa Belvedere When you’re looking for a beautiful hotel with rooms overlooking the Ionian Sea, you must book a room at the 4-star Hotel Villa Belvedere. They get a review score of 9.4, so you can’t go wrong here.

The drive to Cefalù is about 2,5 hours. There are actually two roads you can take while leaving from Taormina. When you want to stay on the coast, you’ll take the SS114 to Messina. From there you turn up to the SS113 to Cefalù.

However, we recommend going more inland this time. During the last days, you drove alongside many coastal roads. The inland of Sicily is also beautiful to explore. From Taormina take the SS185 in northern direction. When you reach Tonnarella, turn up west to the SS113 to Cefalù.

Both routes will take up around 2 hours without any stops.

Cefalù is known for its Norman cathedral , which looks like a fortress. Two towers on each side of the entrance give the cathedral a unique and robust look. The Norman Fortress was built in the 12th century. Cefalù is a beautiful town to explore, with its many historical buildings, small streets, and squares.

Cefalu has some fantastic beaches with crystal clear water. And on this side of the island, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunsets at the beach. We recommend going to Spiaggia di Mazzaforno.

Best places to stay in Cefalù

• Madonie Holidays This is an apartment building in the middle of the center, where you can book an apartment for yourself. They get a 9.4 review score. The best choice if you’re looking for a central location in Cefalù.
• Royal Sea House Located 50 meters from the beach, a great place to spend your last day in Sicily. They get a review score of 9.5. Deluxe apartments with beautiful views over the sea.

Day 10: Palermo (return flight or ferry)

Depending on what you planned to leave the island, you either need to go directly to the airport or ferry, or you can enjoy your last hours in Sicily a little longer.

The drive from Cefalù to Palermo is about 1 hour. So when you leave early in the morning, we recommend staying in Palermo the day before. You can drive after the sunset in Cefalù to Palermo, for example.

When you have some more time, you can hop in Palermo for a second time and enjoy the biggest city of Sicily for a few extra hours. Maybe buy some local souvenirs at one the renowned Palermo markets.

How to Get around using Public Transport?

When you don’t want to rent a car for traveling around Sicily, your other option is using public transport. Which in Sicily is straightforward to do.

The main public transport in Sicily is the train network and local buses. The train network covers the northern and eastern part of the island. Buses driving in the cities, and also to most villages inland.

Getting around by Train

The Trains are running from Palermo to Syracuse, via Messina and Catania. Almost every city along this coastline has a train station.

There is no train service on the western, southern, and inland part of the island. This part is served via buses.

The Italian train company is Tren Italia, their website is also in English, with all the latest departure information. The information changes daily. When you are using their site to plan a trip, the name of the stations is still in Italian. So sometimes that can be a bit confusing.

Fun Fact : You can also take a train from the mainland of Italy to Sicily. The train just goes on the ferry and follow its route after entering the island!

Getting around by Bus

There are many bus connections in Sicily. Basically, there are three different types of buses. City-bus, Airport bus, and none-city Bus.

The bus company in Sicily is AST Azienda Sicilia Transporti (The Sicilian Transport Company). Their website is in Italian, so not easy to use. But you can find some information about different routes, lines, and timetables. However, these can change very often, so we would recommend figuring it out when you’re in Sicily. This way, you’ll always have the latest information.

Airport buses are running several times an hour from airports to cities and Visa Versa. It is straightforward to use these. You don’t need to plan ahead and just follow the signs at the airport after your arrival when you want to take a bus.

Taxi’s and other public transport

You’ll find a lot of taxi’s in Sicily, especially within the cities. Of course, you can take a taxi if you like, but we recommend to skip them if you can. The most highlights in a city are within walking distance. And it is straightforward to take a bus when you’re done walking. Saves you a lot of money as well 😉

You’ll also find a lot of Tuk-Tuk’s (those little Asian taxi’s) driving around the cities. It is fun to jump in a Tuk-Tuk and let the driver bring you to your destination, however, they’re expensive. The Tuk-Tuk drivers charge way more than a bus ticket.

For comparison, a regular bus ticket in the city is maximum € 2,-. A Tuk Tuk driver can quickly charge you € 25,- for the same distance.

How to shorten this Itinerary

When you’re visiting Sicily, but have less time than 10 days you can’t visit everything we put in the Itinerary above. So we made these two variations for this Itinerary, where we left out some things to do or combined some activities.

We still used the basic idea of a roundtrip at the island.

Sicily Itinerary 1 week (7 days)

• Day 1: Palermo
• Day 2: Marsala, Agrigento, Valley of Temples
• Day 3: Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse
• Day 4: Catania, Mount Etna, Catania
• Day 5: Taormina
• Day 6: Cefalù / Palermo
• Day 7: Departure from Palermo

Sicily Itinerary 4 days

Four days to visit the island is short, but it is the minimum amount of days we recommend. You still can explore a lot of the island, but need to make some choices. We recommend planning your departure as late as possible on the fourth day, or even early morning on the fifth day. This way, you can get the most out of your time in Sicily.

So we made an option where you take a guided tour to Mount Etna, which will take up one whole day. And an option where you visit Mount Etna with your own car, which will save you a lot of time. We recommend this when you only have four days on the island.

Sicily Itinerary 4 days – with guided Mount Etna Tour

• Day 1: Palermo
• Day 2: Agrigento; Valley of Temples, Syracuse
• Day 3: Guided Mount Etna Tour from Catania or Taormina
• Day 4: Palermo (Departure at night)

Sicily Itinerary 4 days – without guided Mount Etna Tour

• Day 3: Catania, Mount Etna visit (drive to Rifugio Sapienza, and enjoy the views from there) , Taormina

Another tip is to plan your departure from another city in Sicily. Catania also has an international airport, or when you go back to the mainland, you can take the ferry from Messina, which might be easier and quicker when you have lesser time.

Extending the Itinerary

When you’re staying longer in Sicily, you’ve several options to extend this itinerary.

We recommend you to stay longer in several places. Palermo, Agrigento (Valley of Temples), Syracuse, and Taormina are places where you can easily spend more time then just 1 day.

You can also add some more activities to your itinerary. There are several small islands around Sicily which are great to visit. I wrote this article about the Italian islands, which also contains information about the neighboring island of Sicily.

Closeby Sicily there’s also another active volcano which you can visit, Stromboli is a small island which you can reach in a few hours with a ferry. When you love to go hiking, visiting Stromboli is a great thing to do. Also, there are many hikes you can do in Sicily. A lot of them are around Mount Etna. You can read about the different opportunities in our article about Mount Etna.

When you still need to book your trip to Sicily, make sure to use our helpful recommendations .

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Eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the gorgeous island of Sicily continues to seduce travellers with its dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures.

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Attractions

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Tempio della Concordia

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in existence, the Temple of Concordia has survived almost entirely intact since it was constructed in 430…

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Home to Sicily's regional parliament, this venerable palace dates back to the 9th century. However, it owes its current look (and name) to a major Norman…

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One of western Sicily's must-see attractions, the ruins of Segesta straddle a lonely hilltop less than an hour from Palermo and Trapani. The…

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Rocche del Crasto

Tyrrhenian Coast

Jutting dramatically out of the high mountain pastures at the northern edge of the Nebrodi park, these pinnacles of rock are a favourite hiking…

At the top end of the sloping Piazza Duomo is the town's pride and joy, the mid-18th-century cathedral with a magnificent neoclassical dome and stained…

Ragusa Ibla

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Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte

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Sicily astounds with its abundance of architecture, hiking, and glorious food scene. Here are 15 of our favorite things to do during your next vacation.

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From how to find a taxi to tips on train travel and accessible transportation, here’s all you need to know about how to get around sensational Sicily.

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Sicily can seem like an expensive destination at first but these budget travel tips and daily costs will help you plan a trip that doesn’t break the bank.

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Sicily and beyond

Planning a trip to Sicily step by step

The ultimate guide to planning a trip to sicily.

With its breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, wine trails and fascinating historic sites, Sicily promises an unforgettable Italian getaway.  Follow this complete guide to plan your personalized Sicilian dream vacation from start to finish .

When to Visit the Island of the Sun

There’s a very good reason Sicily is referred to as the “ Island of the Sun ” – namely its Mediterranean climate and 300 sunny days each year.  The weather is generally at its best during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and autumn (late September-October) , when temperatures are pleasantly warm.  This also coincides with smaller visitor numbers to the island. Summertime brings peak tourism, heat, and higher prices, while winter has some rain but is more affordable.

Mapping Out Your Sicilian Itinerary

With so much to see and do, planning your ideal Sicily itinerary can be a bit of a juggling act!  Not to be missed cities and towns include:

• Vibrant Palermo – Wander lively street markets and see Arabic-Norman architecture in the capital.
• Charming Cefalù – Explore this quintessential medieval beach town with cobbled lanes and a long promenade.
• Baroque Catania – Discover baroque buildings and feast on seafood in Sicily’s second largest city.
• Seaside Syracuse – Marvel at ancient Greek and Roman ruins alongside sparkling blue waters.
• Mystical Agrigento – Don’t miss the stunning Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Give yourself at least 2-3 days in each spot to soak up the culture, allowing, of course, travel time between destinations.

Booking Your Sicilian Accommodation

From five-star resorts to quaint B&Bs, Sicily offers a range of holiday accommodation to suit all budgets and styles .  Using an online holiday home and villa booking service makes it easy to browse and reserve from an extensive list of holiday accommodation across the Island.  Search by location, number of guests, amenities and price.

Travel Tips in Sicily

Getting to Sicily is easy with major airports in Palermo and Catania.  Within Sicily, transport options include:

Rental car – Cruise along stunning coastal routes and stop in small towns.  Reserve early for the best rates.

Trains – Quick and affordable connections between cities like Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Messina.  Purchase tickets in advance when possible.

Buses – Cheaper and slower regional bus network reaches most destinations on the island.

Taxis – Convenient for short trips within cities.  Have your destination address handy.

Top Activities for Your Sicilian Adventure

From culture to coastline, Sicily overflows with one of a kind experiences.  Must do activities include:

• Admiring incomparable antiquities at the Valley of the Temples and ancient ruins in the city of Syracuse
• Hiking on the active volcano Mount Etna for dramatic views.
• Sunbathing and swimming at beaches in Taormina, Cefalù and Mondello.
• Sampling delectable Sicilian cuisine like pasta alla Norma, cannoli, and seafood.
• Wine tasting at acclaimed Sicilian vineyards like Donnafugata and Planeta.
• Strolling through winding cobblestone streets and lively markets in charming villages.

Use these tips to craft your personalized Sicily itinerary filled with la dolce vita! Let the island’s rich culture, natural beauty and warm hospitality capture your heart.

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How to Plan a Trip to Sicily

Exploring the isle of plenty.

In the late 18th century, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a one-man TripAdvisor, came back from a Grand Tour–style Italian sojourn and famously gushed, "To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything." With a review like that, it's no wonder the Mediterranean's largest island soon became a fixture on the moneyed travel circuit. (And that was well before the 1958 publication of the Prince of Lampedusa's wildly popular novel, The Leopard.) Studded with a staggering array of antiquities and ringed by emerald-colored beaches, Sicily may technically belong to Italy, but it is an autonomous region with its own laws and parliament, cultural traditions, sensational food (a riotous fusion), and turbulent history. Set between Europe and North Africa, it served for centuries as a chew toy for nearly every world power, from the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans to the Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. (Even the Vikings wanted a piece.) Mount Etna, the very much active volcano that hulks over the scorched northeast of the island, has erupted countless times. Allied forces bombed Sicily during World War II, then wrested it from the Axis powers. And then there's the Mafia, which took root in Sicily in the 1800s and had its most violent explosions during the 1970s and '80s. All of this has given the island its uniquely scruffy, magnetic glamour.

You can see it by yourself, but you benefit enormously by having a guide and driver—both to give you a sense of Sicily's depths and to help you navigate its tangles. Whatever you do, leave enough time for loafing and lingering, for it is then that Sicily is at its most seductive.

TAORMINA & MOUNT ETNA

Built on a hillside above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is a walkable assemblage of crooked stone alleyways and Gothic churches looming over grand piazzas—a picture-perfect playground for the elite of another time. The Greeks built a clifftop theater here in the 3rd century BC, and the Romans later supersized it, as was their way. From the late 1880s until well after World War II the town attracted an international set of the rich, the famous, and the famously scandalous (Diana Mitford, Greta Garbo, Picasso, Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, Truman Capote—the list goes on and on). It's now the epicenter of tourism on the island, so start early by strolling around the Greek Theater and the gardens of the 19th-century Villa Comunale; both have stunning views of the sea and the often snowcapped Mount Etna.

As the main street starts to fill, climb up the stone steps that splinter off it to narrow alleys hemmed in by balconies draped with bougainvillea and lace tablecloths. Around 3:30 you'll meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel (see page 97 for recommendations) and head off on a two-hour fishing trip around Naxos Bay, which is known for its electric blue grottoes and neon orange coral. If you're lucky your guide will be Checco and your captain Vittorio, two friends who have been trawling these translucent waters for more than 50 years. Vittorio, who also owns the Pizzichella restaurant back at the beach, might grill up your catch for supper, but if you strike out on the fish front, stay for dinner anyhow; you can feast on simple seafood and pasta while overlooking the small, pebbly beach and craggy Isola Bella.

A new guide will be picking you up for your daylong trip up the slopes of 11,000-foot Mount Etna. The drive takes an hour, and the landscape morphs quickly from a tropical panorama of palm trees, orange groves, and perfumed yellow broom trees to a cool and lush pine forest and then to jet black lava fields sprouting stark white birch trees—a setting straight out of a Scandinavian thriller. At Rifugio Sapienza, a ski resort at 6,266 feet that was destroyed by lava in 2002, you can set out on a hike or a bike or donkey ride around this strange forest, which is velvet-green in patches, charred black in others. Well before you reach Rifugio Sapienza, stop in the village of Linguaglossa for an espresso and a snack. The medieval town, where most of the façades are fashioned out of black and gray volcanic rock, has a somber quality, but the pastries at the 80-year-old Pasticceria l'Alhambra are sheer joy, made by hand using the almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, oranges, and lemons that thrive on this part of the mountain. Before you go wild, bear in mind that lunch—either a picnic or at the excellent Sine Tempore (see page 97 for details)—will be a full-on feast.

This is Godfather location day. Why bother? Because the movie sites all happen to be in ridiculously picturesque hilltop villages, such as Savoca, Forza d'Agrò, and Castelmola, that seem little changed since the late 1800s, with their cast iron lampposts and piazzas inlaid with stone mosaics, not to mention dizzying views of sharply ridged, sun-scorched hills fringed by the sea. (Plus, you'll have a private guide, so you can spend as much or as little time in each place as you like.) Tour groups know these spots well, but at the 18th-century Castello degli Schiavi, in the town of Fiumefreddo, you'll have the run of the place and time with its ebullient owner, Baron Platania. Several scenes from Francis Ford Coppola's trilogy were shot in the courtyard, but far more intriguing is the house itself, a Baroque treasure trove of antiques and family portraits collected by a noble family over 300 years. If your Godfather guide and driver is Stefano, persuade him—it won't be difficult—to take you to his favorite spot for arancini (rice and ragu molded into an orb and fried until golden). It's the favorite snack of Sicily, and you'll become a connoisseur of them—as well as of cannoli, Sicily's other great gift to humankind—by the time you leave.

You're leaving Taormina today and heading to the island's southeast coast. But first continue with your tour of the homes of the Sicilian nobility with a stop at Villa San Giuliano, an organic citrus farm in the town of Villasmundo. You aren't here to the see the home, as splendid as it is, but the garden, one of the finest on the island. A British landscaper, Rachel Lamb, oversees the seven immaculate acres, with considerable input from the estate's owner, Marchese Giuseppe di San Giuliano (husband of the late shoe designer Fiamma Ferragamo). Tour the grounds—which feature a wide variety of succulents, an aromatic walled garden, and a row of Washington palms that seems to march all the way to Mount Etna—before settling down to a terrific home-cooked meal at the villa. If, after a few hours, you think, I could live here, you're in luck: The family occasionally rents out Villa San Giuliano along with an adjacent, beautifully furnished guesthouse. You get the cook and the gorgeous pool, too. (And you'll be in good company. Kate Moss, among others, has played house here.) But for now, the next stop is Syracuse, a 45-minute drive away, where you'll be spending the next two nights.

A favorite holiday destination among well-heeled Italians, the city of Syracuse is like a sprawling archaeological site, only much more fun. Most everyone stays in Ortigia, the historic center, and so should you. Eminently walkable and achingly charming (and touristy, yes, but even so…), Ortigia is connected to the mainland by short bridges and otherwise surrounded by ancient seawalls. Within those walls is a tangle of cobblestone streets with numerous candlelit wine bars and boisterous trattorias, echoing piazzas paved in pearlescent stones, grand Baroque palaces from the 18th century, Spanish palaces from the 15th century, and Greek ruins from the time of Plato. Cicero extolled the beauties of Ortigia, and he clearly wasn't the only one smitten. Look hard enough and you'll find remnants of nearly all the factions that have seized control of Sicily over the years, from the Byzantine Greeks to the Normans.

You may be content to wander on your own amid the glorious mishmash of architectural styles and taxi over to Syracuse's official archaeological zone to see its Greek theater and Roman amphitheater. Our recommendation: Take a guided walking tour for at least half the day (for a proper introduction to Ortigia itself ), then spend the second half at one of the small beaches or bathing platforms outside the seawalls, or at a café in Piazza del Duomo, lingering over your aperitivo (a Campari soda, perhaps), served with enough nibbles to keep you sated for hours.

Syracuse makes a good base for visiting southeastern Sicily's many top draws, including the cluster of Late Baroque towns (there are eight, but you can easily visit three in one day). If at this point you're tired of the mere thought of yet another picturesque village, go to the Vendicari nature reserve instead. A sprawling seaside sanctuary less than an hour's drive from Syracuse, Vendicari encompasses some 3,700 acres of marshlands, sandy beaches, and rocky coves, all stitched together by walking trails. In the fall thousands of flamingos, cranes, and other Instagrammable birds stop here en route to Africa—a far cry from the typical Italian beach scene.

And, finally, Ragusa Ibla (Ragusa's Old Town), the sweet spot between Noto and Modica. It's more graceful and compact than the latter, but it feels, despite its historic treasures, more modern than Noto—perhaps because of its thriving restaurant scene, which includes a pair of twoMichelin-starred restaurants (see "Staying and Eating," page 97, for details). If you're in the mood for a full-fledged gastronomic experience, this is the place to have it.

Yes, you've seen a few Greek ruins during the past week—but you're headed to the mother lode today. Before you leave Syracuse, however, be sure to head back to Piazza del Duomo to take part in Sicilians' favorite morning tradition: a coffee with a granita (maybe almond or blood orange) and a fresh-baked brioche for dipping. Agrigento (a threehour drive away), which was established as a Greek colony on a ridge above Sicily's southwest coast 150 years after Syracuse, grew into one of the most important commercial centers in the Mediterranean. The remains, including the soaring columns of the Temple of Concordia, rival the temple ruins in Greece. Agrigento's archaeological park—with its irresistible sobriquet, Valley of the Temples—spreads over 3,000 acres bordered by a grove of olive and almond trees. Rather than just wandering about, you'll have an archaeologist as your guide to put all those stones in context. If you're lucky enough to land Marco, he will deftly shift from details about the ancient town to current events: the Sicilian Mafia, the present immigrant crisis, the island's unemployment problem. It's a history and sociology lesson all in one, made even more captivating by the backdrop. In the warmer months especially you're better off going late in the afternoon; the honey-colored stone of the temples is radiant in the late day light, and you'll get the breezes off the Mediterranean in the distance.

Modern Agrigento isn't nearly as scenic (owing to a number of construction projects gone awry), but it's a lively place, particularly on weekend nights. After dinner in town (see "Staying and Eating," page 97, for recommendations), head to the wine bar 'Nzolia to rehash your antiquities lesson and study up on the local tipple. It may come in handy tomorrow.

EN ROUTE TO PALERMO

The first is a visit to the Tasca d'Almerita family's Tenuta Regaleali wine estate, a fabulous stone farmhouse with Persian blue doors surrounded by miles of undulating vineyards. You'll tour the Tasca d'Almerita winery and sample a few glasses, then tuck into the kind of lunch you'd expect in this setting—or better, given that the estate is also home to one of Italy's top cooking schools, named for the founder, the late Anna Tasca Lanza. Now run by her daughter Fabrizia, the school (and the sublime ingredients it uses) attracts a roll call of international chefs. (Alice Waters has stopped by.)

Your second culinary excursion is to a tiny, modest village. Sant'Angelo Muxaro (pop. 1,400) is one of the oldest towns in Sicily's interior, the kind of place where you still see widows clad all in black for years and old men, in suspenders and wool coppola caps, playing cards in the piazza. After you visit the cheesemaker and the pastry shop—and help the baker, Maria, prepare the pizza for her 66-year-old oven—you'll sit down to a merry lunch, possibly at a table in the middle of the street, with bottomless carafes of red wine. No matter which excursion you choose, you'll be rolling into Palermo in the evening, just in time for an aperitivo to help ease you into Sicily's frenetic capital.

One of the Mediterranean's great unsung destinations, Palermo is a magnificent jumble of exquisite beauty and decay, abundance and austerity, and organized chaos. If you take a short walk through the center of town, you'll pass, in moments, sumptuous palazzos, elegant squares, chic restaurants, immaculate pastry shops, and enough artifacts left over from the various foreign invaders to keep a voracious traveler occupied for weeks.

But the city still has an unruly side. The traffic is appalling, certain neighborhoods are seedy, and for every newly spiffed-up Baroque fountain there's a centuries-old building caked in grime or still in ruins thanks to an Allied bomb. A guide is an absolute must in a city this dense. You'll want a local to help you weave in and around the web of streets, as well as to help you dissect the layers of history and cultural traditions that are fused together at the city's most remarkable sights.

For example, Palermo's most popular attraction, the Norman Palace, was a repurposed Arab fortress, with a few stone walls built by the Phoenicians and a chapel blanketed in glittering mosaics by the Byzantine Greeks. A stone's throw away is a 12th-century church, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, that looks mightily like a Moorish mosque, red domes and all. (Both places attract mobs of tourists, so visit first thing in the morning.)

If another history lesson is just too much for your last day in Sicily, take a quick walk through La Vucciria market (where the food stalls are as lustrous and lavish as the Byzantine mosaics) and then head to the beach. You have many to choose from within an easy drive of Palermo, including picture-perfect Zingaro reserve, a turquoise cove at the end of an easy 20-minute hike. Nearby, the pretty holiday town of Scopello makes for a good lunch stop. If the trattorias look strangely empty when you arrive in the afternoon, that's because everyone is at the Pane Cunzatu sandwich shop, scarfing down the delectable tomatocheese-anchovy sandwiches in the shade of a giant fig tree.

For your last night in Palermo, just wander—past the concerts in the squares and the sidewalk cafés filled with patrons sipping negronis, past the speeding Vespas and the giant anti-Mafia banners and the statues of mermaids and kings. This Sicilian mini-metropolis feels as cosmopolitan and ancient as Rome, but with much better beaches. You're scheduled to fly home the following day, but odds are you'll already be daydreaming about your next trip back. Nine days is just enough time for Sicily to get under your skin, for you to be exhilarated by its many intricacies and feel compelled to return. It may not be its own country, but you won't find any other place like it. Just ask Goethe.

STAYING AND EATING

DAYS 1–3: TAORMINA AND MOUNT ETNA

For privacy, location, and cachet, you can't beat Taormina's Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, which is right next to the Greek theater (from about $509, belmond.com ). Hotel Metropole, a smaller, sleeker place in the middle of the action, has a lovely terrace and pool deck, and the sea-facing rooms exude a luxurious brand of Italian modernism (from about $505 for a sea-view room, hotelmetropoletaormina.it ).

Trattoria Tiramisù, the more casual of the two restaurants called Tiramisù in Taormina (this one is near Porta Catania), whips up delicious versions of Sicilian specialties using typical North African ingredients, such as linguine con cernia all'eoliana—seafood pasta with mint, almonds, and raisins (via Apollo Arcageta, 9).

La Capinera Restaurant, set above the train tracks in Taormina, might not be the quietest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, but the sea views and seafood tasting menu are worth living with a little noise ( pietrodagostino.it ). In the town of Castiglione di Sicilia, an atmospheric village on the lower slopes of Mount Etna, Ristorante Sine Tempore makes an excellent (albeit gluttonous) lunch stop. Start with the delicately fried eggplant and local cheese drizzled with honey and pistachios (via M. Baracca, 2, ristorantesinetempore.com ).

DAYS 4–6: SYRACUSE

The San Giuliano family occasionally rents the main Villa San Giuliano (in Villasmundo, on the way to Syracuse) and a nearby farmhouse (from $18,250 per week; this is for the main house, which sleeps 10; for the main house plus the "Palmento" building, which sleep 16 together, the price is $26,000 per week; sicilyluxuryvillas.com/villas/san-giuliano ). Guests have all the house staff: the cook, the butler, the waitress, and the gardener.

The Grand Hotel Ortigia is probably the best hotel in Syracuse. It has a great location overlooking Ortigia's marina, but the guestrooms could use some sprucing up (from $177, grandhotelortigia.it ).

The cool kids tend to stay at Hotel Gutkowski, a stylish (if fairly bare-bones) place in a weather-battered building across from the seawall (from $88, guthotel.it ).

The only true luxury hotel for miles is the Seven Rooms Villadorata, which is a designer's dream set in an 18th-century palazzo in the center of Noto (from $209, 7roomsvilladorata.it ).

Sicily has a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, many of them scattered along Syracuse's southeast coast, including the island's top tables: Ristorante Duomo ( cicciosultano.it ), which sits on a quiet side street in Ragusa Ibla, and Locanda Don Serafino ( locandadonserafino.it ), where the tables are set inside a candlelit cave and the wine list is a master class in Italian vino.

Also in Ragusa Ibla is the mod MAD restaurant. It has an extensive menu, but the stars are the light-as-air pizzas, such as the Mazzareddi, which is topped with sardines, octopus, and mussels ( magazzinidonnafugata.it ).

In Ortigia, small, jolly trattorias abound, including La Gazza Ladra, which dishes up such local comfort foods as eggplant caponata, baked artichokes, and almond pudding, and Ristorante Porta Marina, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood ( ristoranteportamarina.135.it ).

For lunch head to Ortigia's daily outdoor market and grab a table at Caseificio Borderi, a wildly popular cheese shop that makes addictive sandwiches to go; it also serves boards piled high with local cheeses, salamis, and other antipasti, along with wine, naturally ( caseificioborderi.eu ).

DAY 7: AGRIGENTO

Hotel Villa Athena may not be quite as luxe as the website would have you believe, but the location is unmatched: It is just outside the archaeological park, with dead-on views of the Temple of Concordia from the garden, the swimming pool, and several of the guestrooms (from $209, hotelvillaathena.it ).

Just down the street from Agrigento's city hall, Osteria Expanificio serves Sicilian dishes with a twist—and an expert hand. Try the warm octopus salad with melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, or the rolled sardines with pine nuts and raisins ( osteriaexpanificio.it ).

DAYS 8–9: PALERMO

Palermo's hotel scene, like Syracuse's, is mostly lacking, but the Grand Hotel Wagner, in a tony section of town, is perfectly comfortable and within a short walk of the shops and cafés on pedestrian-only Via Principe di Belmonte (from $209, grandhotelwagner.it ).

On the outskirts of Palermo you can sleep like a king—or at least a count—at Count Lucio Tasca's exquisitely restored 17th-century Villa Tasca, which has four grand guestrooms, a swimming pool, and a lush garden (from $550, villatasca.com ).

On one of the main streets of Palermo, Via Vittorio Emanuele, Buatta Cucina Popolana feels like a place you might stumble across in Rome, with its slick interior and fleet of young servers. But this kitchen specializes in Sicilian (and particularly Palermitan) fare, such as baked anelletti, a smallish timballo of pasta and veal ( buattapalermo.it ).

This story appeared in the Fall/Winter 2016 Travel Issue.

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Sicily Road Trip: Plan The Ultimate 14 Day Sicily Itinerary 

01 apr 2024 25 jan 2024 | dan.

Big scenery, epic history, rich culture, amazing food and wine: this is road tripping at its very best. In this post, we share our ideal 14 Day Sicily Itinerary, taking in the top attractions right across the island for a Sicily road trip you won’t soon forget.  

Tucked off the tip of Italy’s boot, the island of Sicily has been luring people to her shores at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea for millennia.  

Throughout the ages, waves of people – Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the list goes on – have all added their cultural spice to Sicily’s great mortar pot, creating the rich and vibrant society that exists today. They’ve also left an extraordinary legacy of living traditions, amazing historic sites and delicious flavours. 

Add to the mix golden sandy beaches and offshore isles lapped by azure seas, rustic villages where life goes on much as it has forever, beautiful Baroque cities and medieval old towns, monumental ancient temples, six World Heritage areas (with multiple sites to visit), sweeping mountains and valleys, and two of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s little wonder Sicily continues to draw people from around the world today.  

For us, Sicily encapsulates everything we love about road tripping: roads through big, beautiful landscapes, layers of visible history, a vivid cultural scene and, best of all, pasta and vino!  

We came not knowing quite what to expect. We left knowing we have to come back. 

Our own Sicily road trip was just shy of two weeks and we loved it. With hindsight though, there are things we would do differently if we did the trip again.  

This is the result: a curated 2 week Sicily itinerary that takes on board our own learnings and experiences of exploring and driving in Sicily, and showcases the very best highlights around the island.  

Sicily Road Trip Snapshot Start & Finish: Palermo, Sicily  Distance: If you do everything in this itinerary, you’ll travel around 1,300km (810 miles) give or take; more if you do some of the suggested extra activities.   How long does it take? This is a self-drive 14 Day Sicily itinerary. See further on for our suggestions if you have less time or more time . Overnight stops: 3 nights in Palermo, 2 nights in Trapani, 1 night in Agrigento, 4 nights in Syracuse, 2 nights in Taormina and 1 night in Cefalù.   

What’s in this post?

Planning a Sicily Road Trip Getting to Sicily What’s the route? Best time to visit Sicily Where to stay in Sicily Driving in Sicily 14 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary Day 1 – Arrive Palermo Day 2 – Palermo Day 3 – Palermo Day 4 – Trapani via Segesta & Erice Day 5 – Trapani Day 6 – Selinunte & Agrigento Valley of the Temples Day 7 – Syracuse via Villa Romana del Casale Day 8 – Syracuse Day 9 – Day trip to Ragusa & Noto Day 10 – Day trip to Catania Day 11 – Taormina Day 12 – Day trip to Mount Etna Day 13 – Cefalù Day 14 – Depart Palermo

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Planning a Sicily Road Trip

Getting to sicily.

Our Sicily travel itinerary starts and finishes in the city of Palermo on the island’s north-west coast. You can fly direct to Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino Airport (also known as Punta Raisi) from various cities in Italy and other parts of Europe.   

As this is a looping itinerary, you could also fly into Catania in the east, or Trapani in the west, and set out from either of those cities. 

Alternatively, if you’re travelling by car from mainland Italy, you can take the 30-minute car ferry from Reggio Calabria in Italy’s south-west to the Sicilian port city of Messina on the island’s north-east, and make Taormina your starting point. 

What’s the route?

If you road trip Sicily with this itinerary, you’ll start with a couple of days in Palermo. From there, you’ll travel in an anti-clockwise loop around the island, finishing back in Palermo (for alternative start and finish points, take a look at the ‘Getting to Sicily’ section above).  

En route, you’ll experience the very best of Sicily’s natural, cultural and historic highlights: a mezze of charming villages, time capsule cities, ancient places, World Heritage sites, sensational food, and epic mountain and coastal scenery, including Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanos.  

Is two weeks in Sicily enough for a whole-island road trip?   Two weeks is the very minimum we would recommend for an itinerary in Sicily that takes in the main sites and attractions across the island. This is, after all, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Our road trip covers a lot of ground, but we make up for the car stints with plenty of sightseeing and getting out and about.   Also, while Sicily has many lovely beaches, we should note that we haven’t included beach time in this itinerary (we’d personally rather explore a medieval town). If you’re keen for some sea and sand, there are opportunities along the way to swap out some activities with time on the beach. If you have less than two weeks in Sicily , we recommend you focus your road trip on either the east side of the island (Syracuse, Catania, Taormina and Etna) or the west side (Palermo, Trapani and Agrigento).   If you have more than two weeks , you can slow the pace and add some down time, beach time, or more activities along the way. Some of the things we’d do with more time include:  > Exploring Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito Lo Capo in north western Sicily.  > Sailing out to the Aeolina Islands, an archipelago including Lipari and the active volcano, Stromboli.  > Visiting the Egadi Islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo off Trapani.  > Spending more time exploring the Baroque cities of the Val di Noto . 

Best time to visit Sicily

Sicily sits at the heart of the Mediterranean, which means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.  

Like many places around the Med, summer sees a rush on Sicily’s coastal towns and beaches, and prices reflect it. We’re not big fans of high heat or crowded sites so we would personally steer clear of Sicily over the peak months of July to September, as well as holiday periods like Easter.   

During winter, the temps drop, it gets quiet and you’ll find many sites, restaurants and activities have shorter hours or close down entirely. You won’t find much happening outside of the major towns.  

Based on our personal experience of road tripping Sicily in April plus some research, the shoulder periods of April to June and October seem to be the best times of year to travel as the weather is milder but it’s still not too busy.  

Where to stay in Sicily

It’s easy with a big itinerary like this to wind up staying in a different town every night. When we’re road tripping though, our preference is to find a place we can stay for a couple of days and use that as a base for day trips in the car.  

It means we can settle into our stay, get a little familiar with the place, and we don’t have to stress about leaving luggage in the car while we’re out sightseeing.  

All of the overnight stops in this Sicily itinerary are in cities or decent-sized towns with a range of accommodation to suit various budgets and travel styles. As you’ll be self-driving, you’ll want to look for places to stay with parking on-site or nearby.

We recommend you arrange your accommodation before you visit, especially if you’re heading to Sicily during a peak period.  

Sorting out accommodation and parking in advance also means far less hassle on arrival, particularly if you’re planning to stay in the historic centre of a town – many of Sicily’s historic centres have restricted traffic zones, meaning you can’t drive your car into them (read more about these in the ‘Driving in Sicily’ section below).

You can book accommodation for Sicily through all major booking engines. For this trip, we booked our accommodation through Booking.com .   

Driving in Sicily

Having driven extensively on the Italian mainland, and having also read plenty of disconcerting reports, it’s fair to say we were a little apprehensive about driving in Sicily. As we were told on more than one occasion, ‘road rules are more like suggestions’ here.  

That said, once you get to grips with the ‘every person for themselves’ mentality on the road, navigating the local approach to driving becomes much easier. Just be ready for it, and drive defensively.   

Unless you’re driving your own car over from mainland Italy, you’ll need a hire car for this trip. We’ve found Rental Cars has a great range of cars and competitive prices but we also suggest checking Discover Cars to find the best deal you can.

In the meantime, here are some key considerations when you’re planning to road trip Sicily: 

> Book your car rental in advance : This goes for every place, but booking your hire car well before you go means you can wrangle a better deal, and that can make a big difference in this post-Covid era of high car rental costs. Go for a smaller car too if you can: you’ll thank us the first time you try to park it or drive down a village laneway.

If you follow this itinerary, you won’t need a hire car until Day 4 as you’ll be spending your first couple of days exploring the city of Palermo.  

> Download offline Google maps for Sicily : That way you’ll have GPS navigation even if you don’t have internet. Also, bring a car charger for your phone.  

> There are two toll roads on the island, the A18 and the A20 : If you end up on one, you’ll pass a ticket booth. Don’t drive through the raised barrier without taking a ticket. At the end of the toll road, there’ll be another ticket booth where you present the ticket and pay. On approach, keep an eye out for the cash and card lanes and avoid the Telepass (etag) lanes. 

> Avoid driving in the Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) : You’ll encounter these limited traffic zones in most historic town centres across Sicily. Every entrance to a ZTL will be marked by a sign showing a red circle with a white centre. Some signs may indicate certain hours that the ZTL is active. We found it’s generally safer to just assume they’re always active and avoid them. You will be fined if you drive into a ZTL without a permit. 

>   Plan your parking : To be honest, when you’re road tripping anywhere, but especially in places like Sicily, finding parking can make or break your day. You’ll save a whole lot of time and stress if you work out where you’re going to park before you visit a place. John is religious about this and always marks up several parking options on Google maps before we set out. It makes a massive difference. Have a backup or two just in case your first choice is full. 

• Carparks and street parking : Many towns have dedicated carparks or parking garages, called parcheggios . These are usually paid car spaces.
• Street parking : You’ll often see parking spaces on the street or in car parks marked with blue, white and yellow lines. You can park for a fee in parking spaces marked with blue lines. Check the signs as sometimes hours of operation apply. White lines mean either free parking or residents parking. Again, check signs before parking in white line spaces as you’ll be fined if you park in residents parking without a permit. Yellow lines are disabled parking spaces.  
• Parking when visiting ZTLs : When visiting any town with a historic centre, find the nearest car park outside the old town and walk in. If your accommodation is located within a ZTL, ask your accommodation provider for their advice on where to park. 
• Factor daily parking costs into your trip budget : You will be up for parking costs on a daily basis throughout this trip, with fees ranging from a couple of euros for a couple of hours to €20+ for overnight parking in some places.

> Don’t leave valuables in your car : This is common sense and a general rule of thumb. Sometimes it’s unavoidable though. In those cases, have everything you need ready to go with you in the car before you arrive somewhere (including valuables like passports), so you don’t need to open the car boot. Make sure everything else is tucked away out of sight and the car is locked.  

14 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – arrive palermo.

Highlights: Evening in Palermo’s Historic Centre (Centro Storico) Total driving distance: No driving today. As you’ll be visiting Palermo over the next couple of days, save on car hire fees and collect your hire car from the airport on the morning of Day 4.       Total driving time: No driving today . Overnight: Palermo

Palermo is the largest city in Sicily and the island’s capital. A port city since ancient times, Palermo’s architecture, culture and cuisine have evolved with a distinct imprint of the diverse civilisations that have conquered and ruled here. You’ll notice Arab and Norman influences, along with Byzantine, Lombard, French and others. 

Palermo is also home to the ‘Arab-Norman Palermo’ World Heritage area, which includes seven sites across the city, plus the cathedrals at Cefalù and Monreale. You’ll have a chance to visit some of Palermo’s sites over the coming days.      

Travelling from the airport to Palermo

You can get from Palermo Airport to the city by bus, train and taxi.  

The shuttle bus is a comfortable, low-cost option. The bus company is called Prestia e Comandé and the journey from the airport to Palermo Central Station takes around 45 minutes to an hour. You can buy tickets here .

The train from Palermo Aeroporto station to Palermo Centrale station is also a low-cost option and takes between 35 minutes and an hour depending on the service. You can find timetables and buy tickets in advance via Trainline .

Taxis unfortunately have a bad rap in Palermo, with travellers often complaining of being scammed or overcharged. Uber Black launched in 2022 but is apparently expensive. There is no UberX.  

Benvenuti in Sicilia!  

Welcome to Sicily! Today is about arriving, settling into your accommodation, and getting ready to explore Palermo and road trip Sicily.  

Tonight, head to one of Palermo’s ambient squares, such as Piazza Olivella or Piazza Sant’Anna , for a wine or aperitivo, and plates of local Palermo specialities like arancini (rice balls) and pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines).  

Where to stay in Palermo  

As the next couple of days are all about Palermo’s highlights (and you don’t have to worry about parking just yet), we suggest staying in or near Palermo’s historic centre, the Centro Storico . There are several districts in this area, including Castellamare, La Kalsa, Il Capo and Albergheria/Ballarò. The major attractions are around here, along with plenty of bars and restaurants.  

Palermo is a big city with all the diversity of accommodation options that brings. The following suggested options are all in and around the Centro Storico and get great reviews: 

• Good value: Bed and Breakfast D’Angelo  
• Mid-range: Ballarooms B&B Palermo Centro  
• Spend a bit more: Palazzo Santamarino Luxury Suite and Spa  

Sicily’s north west corner When we travelled, we stayed more than an hour away from Palermo in the village of Scopello and used this as a base. Our stay, Hotel La Tavernetta , was a real treat for us – it’s a lovely place with gorgeous coastal views. With hindsight though, we feel it would be more convenient to stay in or close to Palermo, at least for the first couple of days of this itinerary. Scopello is actually the gateway to Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve , famed for its secluded beaches, rugged mountain scenery, walking and birding opportunities.   Lo Zingaro stretches away to the north and the town San Vito Lo Capo , which is said to be home to one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches.   Sadly, we didn’t have time to explore this area when we visited and we haven’t included it in this itinerary. But if you have more than 2 weeks in Sicily , this is definitely an area worth devoting a couple of days to. Alternatively, if nature calls to you more loudly than towns, then you could swap out the days in Trapani for time here instead. 

Day 2 – Palermo

Highlights: Palermo’s Centro Storico Total driving distance: No driving today. Pick up your hire car from Palermo Airport on the morning of Day 4.   Total driving time: No driving today . Overnight: Palermo

Today is a packed day of sightseeing in Palermo.  

We love to get oriented in new places by joining a guided walking tour. A city tour will introduce you to some of Palermo’s top spots, give you an overview of the city’s rich history, and help you narrow down where you’d like to spend more time. 

Here’s one guided walking tour option but there’s also a range of themed tours you can take in Palermo, covering everything from the city highlights and World Heritage sites to street food and Palermo’s anti-mafia movement.

While you’re here, don’t miss the Palazzo dei Normanni (also known as the Royal Palace) and its exquisitely beautiful Palatine Chapel . Other must-sees are Palermo Cathedral (head to the roof for great views), the Byzantine mosaic masterpieces at the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio , and the Arab-Norman Church of San Cataldo right next door.   

Also nearby is the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria , better known as the ‘Fountain of Shame’ on account of its marble nudes. The monastic neighbours of the day were apparently unamused. 

Day 3 – Palermo

Highlights: Markets | Teatro Massimo | Capuchin Catacombs | Monreale Cathedral Total driving distance: No driving today. You’ll pick up your hire car from Palermo Airport tomorrow morning.   Total driving time: No driving today. Overnight: Palermo

Start today by immersing in the bustle of one of Palermo’s outdoor markets . These are a legacy of the city’s 9th century days under Arab rule as the capital of the Emirate of Sicily. There’s a market in each of the city’s four historic quarters. The most popular for tourists is Mercato di Ballarò . The markets are open daily except Sunday and they’re most buzzy in the mornings. As with all markets and busy places, watch your pockets and keep your valuables close.

After the markets, maybe join a tour of the ornate Teatro Massimo , the third largest theatre in Europe. There’s also the morbidly fascinating Capuchin Catacombs , where thousands of mummified bodies line the walls. 

If you’re a World Heritage seeker like us, consider an afternoon trip to the World Heritage Monreale Cathedral . Take bus 389 from Piazza Indipendenza, behind the Palazzo dei Normanni and time your arrival for when the Cathedral reopens after lunch at 2pm (Sundays it’s only open in the afternoon).  

Day 4 – Trapani via Segesta & Erice  

Highlights: Segesta Archaeological Park | Erice ‘s medieval streets and views | Dinner in Trapani Total driving distance: appx. 115km (71 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 2 hours Overnight: Trapani

Pick up your hire car from Palermo Airport

Our Sicily road trip starts in earnest today and we recommend an early start. Get the shuttle bus back to Palermo Airport and head to the arrivals hall where the car rental companies are located.  

Remember to arrange your car hire well in advance to get a good deal. Check out Rental Cars and Discover Cars to find the right option for you.

Once you have your hire car, set a course for Segesta Archaeological Park . It’s a drive of around 35-40 minutes from the airport. 

Morning at Segesta Archaeological Park

The extraordinary Doric Temple of Segesta is one of the best-preserved temples of its kind in the world. So we were surprised to learn it’s not a World Heritage site. However that fact, along with its location in a remote mountainous setting, probably explains why it’s a little less busy than some of Sicily’s other ancient sites. 

There’s a paid park-and-ride system in place here, so once you’ve found a parking spot and bought a ticket, take the shuttle bus up to the temple. The site opens from 9am and the shuttle buses run every 15 minutes or so. 

There’s also a stunningly-sited Greco-Roman Theatre nearby, tucked into the summit of Mount Barbaro and overlooking the Gulf of Castellamare. It’s also accessible by shuttle from the parking area, or you can hike up to it in around 30 minutes.  

Afternoon in Erice  

Back in the car, set the GPS for Erice, a drive of around 45 minutes. 

Charming Erice is a medieval hill town overlooking the coastal city of Trapani. The switchback drive up the 750-metre-high mountain is an experience in itself! 

At the top, there are several paid parking areas located near the town’s gates, which served as the guarded entry points for the once-walled city.  

Erice is a compact town of cobblestone streets and pretty plazas made for meandering. Its long history is still evident in the remains of fortifications and architecture from Elymian and Phoenician through to Norman and more recent times.  

Check out the 12th century Castello di Venere (it’s currently closed but the sight of the fortress itself and its commanding views make this a highlight). Tucked into the mountain below the castle is the 19th century mini-fort, Torretta Pepoli . Also near the castle is the Garden of Balio , a peaceful place to pause.  

Erice has dozens and dozens of churches. In fact, there are so many there’s a cost-saving ‘Church Ticket’ if you’re planning to visit more than one with paid entry. If one is enough and you don’t know which to choose, we recommend the cathedral, Real Duomo .  

Don’t leave Erice without sampling some of its tasty almond pastries. You’ll find pastry shops ( pasticceria ) throughout the town, but most people make a beeline for Pasticceria Maria Grammatico , an institution since 1950. 

Lastly, views. Half the fun of wandering Erice is stumbling upon its many epic viewpoints . If you can, time your visit so that you’re there late afternoon as the sun drops and bathes the whole coast in a golden glow.

Kisses of Venus Crowning a mountaintop as it does, Erice is prone to an occasional foggy embrace. Locals charmingly call it ‘kisses of Venus’, but those kisses are a literal scene stealer. Once the cloud moves in, the views disappear. The fog may pass quickly but it can also hang around. If your visit to Erice looks to be under threat of weather or settled cloud, consider swapping your visit to tomorrow morning.

Evening in Trapani    

You can stay overnight in Erice, but it can get pretty quiet in the evenings, particularly out of peak season. For this reason, you might want to consider heading back down the mountain and spending the night in Trapani, where there are more accommodation options. 

Trapani is around 25-30 minutes from Erice. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, head out for a wander and dinner. Via Garibaldi and Corso Vittorio Emanuele , which are among the city’s oldest streets, are particularly lovely for an evening meander. If you time it right, you may find yourself among throngs of locals out enjoying the very Italian tradition of passeggiatta (a leisurely evening stroll) with their family and friends. 

Trapani has been a fishing town for about as long as people have lived here, so you’re guaranteed to find a sensational seafood dinner tonight. Maybe try a steaming bowl of fish couscous; it’s the town’s most famed dish.  

Where to stay in Trapani  

Trapani’s historic centre is the more ambient part of the city to stay in, but prices are generally a bit higher and you’ll need to park outside of the ZTL and walk in. There’s a large paid car park at Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele. Some suggested Trapani accommodations with great reviews include: 

• Good value: Appartamento Scarlatti  
• Mid-range: Enea Apartment  
• Spend a bit more: Dimora Botteghelle  

Day 5 – Trapani

Highlights: Trapani’s Centro Storico | Trapani Salt Pans Total driving distance: 16km (10 miles) return if visiting the Salt Museum and surrounds Total driving time: appx. 30 minutes Overnight: Trapani

Morning and early afternoon in Trapani  

The coastal town of Trapani is the launchpad to some fantastic west Sicily adventures, like the Egadi Islands and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. But….these adventures will have to wait for your next Sicily trip. This morning, we’re exploring Trapani’s old town, the Centro Storico .  

Start with an early morning visit to the local fish market, Mercato del Pesce . Then wander out along the spit to the coastal watchtower, Torre di Ligny , for views back towards the city.  

Next, enjoy a stroll around the narrow streets of the Centro Storico . Along the way, check out the Cathedral of San Lorenzo , the Baroque Church of the Holy Souls in Purgatory , and the Palazzo Senatorio .  

Also keep an eye out (and up) for the astrological clock on the city’s oldest gate, the Porta Oscura e Torre Dell’Orologio , next to Palazzo Senatorio. 

Late afternoon at the Trapani Salt Pans   

Later today, jump in the car and head south around 10 minutes to the Museo del Sale near the village of Nubia. This small museum with a 17th century windmill tells the story of the ancient salt pans stretching south from here to Marsala.

You can visit the salt pans independently or join one of the museum’s guided tours to learn about the long and sometimes spicy history of ’white gold’ production in western Sicily. Ancient traditions are still used in the salt extraction today.  

Afterwards, have a wander among the surrounding salt pans. The museum usually closes around 7pm but check in advance. 

If you don’t feel like driving, here’s a guided tour of the salt pans departing from Trapani.

If you’re making your own way though, we reckon a lovely way to finish today would be to hit up one of the restaurants or bars along the stretch of coast here and enjoy an aperitivo, or perhaps dinner, as the sun sets over the sea. Something we wish we’d done!

Day 6 – Selinunte & Agrigento

Highlights: Ancient Selinunte | Valley of the Temples Agrigento Total driving distance: appx. 185km (115 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 3 hours Overnight: Agrigento

Today we farewell Trapani and head south then east to visit two more of Sicily’s epic ancient temple sites.  

Vast Selinunte Archaeological Park is spectacularly located by the sea. Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples is World Heritage and one of the most majestic Greek temple complexes still standing today.  

This is a BIG day and if two large ancient sites sounds like too much, you could make a later start from Trapani this morning and head straight to Agrigento, skipping Selinunte. If you had to choose one, go with the World Heritage Valley of the Temples. 

Having said that, for us, Selinunte – off the beaten track and peacefully ambient – was a surprise highlight of our 2 weeks in Sicily so if you love history, we reckon it’s worth the effort to visit both. If you do, be ready for lots of walking – wear comfy shoes and sun protection. 

Morning at Selinunte Archaeological Park  

If you do plan to visit both sites today, we recommend being on the road by 8am at latest . There are a couple of routes from Trapani to Selinunte. The fastest route is inland and south via the the SS113 and takes around 1hr15. Or you can follow the SS115 via Marsala, which takes around 1hr30.

Selinunte was a thriving Greek colony from around the 7th century BC, set in a commanding location by the sea. Around 409BC, the Carthaginians invaded, killing most of Selinunte’s inhabitants and taking many away as slaves. The city never recovered and was totally destroyed 240 years later in the First Punic War. 

Despite its fall so long ago, there’s still plenty to see here, including the impressive Selinunte temples and acropolis (Temple E is the largest and best preserved), city wall remains, and the ruins of homes, shops and civic buildings.

What really struck us as we wandered the pathways here was the broken terracotta everywhere underfoot, and the giant piles of temple rubble. It really brought home the reality of Selinunte’s total destruction.  

Selinunte is open daily from 9am and closes at 5pm in winter and 7pm in summer. Allow around 3 hours here.

If you want to grab some lunch before heading on to Agrigento, there are a number of restaurants in Marinella, the town next door. 

Detour via Sicily‘s White Cliffs    If you’re making good time today, there’s a small detour you can make around 15-20 minutes before you reach Agrigento: the Scala dei Turchi , or Stairs of the Turks, a stunning stretch of gleaming white, meringue-like cliffs.      For some reason, this place completely eluded our radar when we were planning our Sicily road trip and we’re kicking ourselves. We’ve since learned though that after years of human impact, and for its long-term preservation, the Scala dei Turchi are no longer directly accessible.   However, you can still view the cliffs from lookouts such as the Belvedere Scala dei Turchi along Contrada Scavuzzo, or from Majata Beach . There’s free street-side parking if you can find it, or paid parking near Majata Beach.

Afternoon at Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

From Selinunte, the drive to Agrigento is an easy 1hr30 cruise along the SS115.

Agrigento was one of the most important cities of Magna Grecia (greater Greece) from the 6th century BC. To honour their gods, the people of the city built a number of imposing Doric temples along its southern edge in the 5th and 4th centuries BC.  

Like Selinunte, Agrigento was conquered over and over, before Rome sacked the city in 210BC. Yet somehow, despite pillage, earthquakes and the ravages of time, the temples here remain among the most impressive and best-preserved in the world.  

Ironically, the Valley of the Temples is on a ridge rather than in a valley. You’ll see some of the site’s temple columns rising above the landscape on the road approach to the archaeological area.  

We parked at Porta V along Viale Caduti di Marzabotto. As you’ll be coming from the south, this is the first parking area you’ll come across. This is a paid parking site with hourly rates and a maximum day rate. The ticket office is nearby.  

Agrigento Archaeological Park is huge and spreads out across western and eastern zones on either side of the Strada Provinciale 4, with a pedestrian overpass connecting the two zones. It’s around 2km from one end to the other and an electric shuttle bus runs between them, costing around €3.  

There are seven Doric-style temples to explore and they’re all worth visiting. The most complete and impressive is the Temple of Concordia in the eastern zone. In the western zone, the mostly ruined Temple of Dioscuri has a lovely backdrop of the surrounding valley and the city of Agrigento rising behind it. 

We were happy to wander the Valley of the Temples on our own, and there’s an official app with audio guides you can download. But if you’re interested in having a guide show you around, here’s a well-rated tour that also lets you skip the ticket queue. 

Aim to spend at least a couple of hours at the Valley of the Temples. If you can stretch your visit through sunset and into the evening, then definitely do – the setting sun makes the temples glow and they are beautifully lit up at night.  

The Valley of the Temples is open daily from 8.30am to 8pm, and till quite late during summer. Entry is free until 7pm on the first Sunday of the month. 

Where to stay in Agrigento

There are plenty of places to stay in Agrigento city itself, a 5 minute drive north of the Valley of the Temples. Check with your accommodation about parking though as there is a ZTL in the city’s historic centre. Here are some suggested Agrigento stays:  

• Good value: B&B Le Stanze Al Centro   
• Mid-range: B&B Sorahnia – Design House  
• Splash out: Villa Athena Resort  

We personally opted to stay around 5 minutes east of the Valley of the Temples in the suburb of Villaggio Mosè at the pleasant and reasonably-priced Villa Concordia , with secure parking facilities. This was well located for the ancient site, we just found the local eating options pretty limited. 

Day 7 – Syracuse via Villa Romana del Casale

Highlights: Villa Romana del Casale | Ortigia’s Cittá Vecchia Total driving distance: appx. 225-245km (140-152 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 3.25 hours Overnight: Syracuse

Today, we’re heading towards Syracuse on Sicily’s east coast. This will be your base for the next four nights as you explore this evocative and historic city, and day trip to three spectacular Baroque towns in the Val di Noto region: Ragusa, Noto and Catania.  

First stop this morning though is the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, a drive of around 1hr15.  

Morning at Villa Romana del Casale  

If you see one excavated ancient Roman villa in your lifetime, make it this one. While there are various theories about who owned this vast and lavish home on the slopes of Mount Mangone in the 4th century, whoever it was had some serious means.  

The Villa Romana del Casale has been designated World Heritage, in the main for its mosaic floors. No less than 3,500 square metres of mosaic masterpieces decorate the villa. Covered over time by mud from the mountain, they survived the ravages of invaders and the ages and today, they are considered among the best preserved and most beautiful in situ mosaics ever found . This is a must for your Sicily trip itinerary. 

All of the mosaics here wowed us, but we particularly loved the the Great Hunt mosaic . This 60-metre-long depiction of Romans hunting and capturing wild and exotic animals in Africa is truly epic, like an ancient tesserae version of a feature-length film. Also look out for the famous mosaic of bikini-clad women playing sport – an unexpected insight into the times. 

The Villa Romana del Casale is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and until 7pm during summer. There’s a car park on site that costs a couple of euros. Aim to spend around 2 hours here. 

We picked up some sandwiches from a local pasticceria before leaving Agrigento this morning. But if you want to stop for lunch after visiting the Villa, Trattoria La Ruota just 3 minutes up the road gets great reviews.

Leaving luggage in your car Villa Romana del Casale is one of several stops on this itinerary where you will be stopping to sightsee with luggage in your car. We generally try to avoid doing this as car break-ins are always a possibility, no matter where you are, and no one wants to spend their trip filing police reports, chasing insurance and buying new undies. If you don’t mind a bit of backtracking in some places, then you might prefer to drive to your accommodation, drop off your luggage and come back. This is not always an easy option though. Villa Romana, for example, is a long drive from both Agrigento and Syracuse. In these situations, we had everything important and valuable with us in our daypacks (which we carried with us), left nothing visible in the car and locked everything up tight. We had no issues throughout our trip. There are no guarantees in life though, all you can do is plan ahead, take precautions and have travel insurance!

Afternoon and evening in Ortigia, Syracuse  

From Villa Romana del Casale, set the GPS for Syracuse. The drive can take up to 2 hours depending on the route and traffic. 

The ancient city of Syracuse has a history spanning 3,000 years. Once the most powerful city state of Magna Graecia, it went on to become part of Rome and then capital of the Byzantine Empire in the 7th century. Along its journey to the present, it absorbed the weaves of various cultures from right around the Mediterranean. Today, Syracuse is a World Heritage site.    

The highlight of a visit to Syracuse is Ortigia Island . This tiny walled hamlet is Syracuse’s Cittá Vecchia , the Old City, and this is where the founding colony was established.  

Ortigia is beautifully Baroque and we really enjoyed just wandering the streets here. On this first afternoon, if you arrive in time, you might see if there’s a walking tour you can join. Or check out some of the city’s key highlights, like the Piazza Duomo and Syracuse Cathedral . There’s also the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo , said to be one of the oldest Greek temples in the world, and the ancient Fountain of Arethusa . 

Aim to be by the sea for a wander along the Lungomare Alfeo as the sun sets, then find somewhere for an aperitivo and dinner.  

Where to stay in Syracuse

Charming Ortigia is definitely the accommodation drawcard for Syracuse and there are lots of lovely, boutique stays around the island. There are also a couple of parcheggios on the island where you can park the car. Some suggested stays with great reviews on the island include: 

• Good value: B&B Vicolo IV   
• Mid-range: Aretusa Apartments  
• Spend a little more: La Vacanza Ortigia  

Alternatively, there are plenty of accommodation options in the area of Syracuse between Ortigia and Neapolis Archaeological Park. This is a handy part of town to stay as it’s about a 30 minute walk between the two spots.

There are also many lovely farm stays ( agriturismo ) around Syracuse if you’d prefer to stay out of town and drive in.

For our part, we chose to base ourselves around half an hour away in the coastal town of Avola, at a gorgeous bed and breakfast which is sadly not taking bookings at present. To be frank though, while Avola is a lovely place to visit, with hindsight we would have preferred to be based in Syracuse for this leg of our road trip and as such, that’s what we’ve recommended here. 

Day 8 – Syracuse

Highlights: Neapolis Archaeological Park | Ortigia’s Citta Vecchia Total driving distance: No driving today (unless you visit the Necropolis of Pantalica, an 80km (50 mile) round-trip)    Overnight: Syracuse

Morning at Neapolis Archaeological Park    

Of all the things to do in Syracuse, a couple of hours at this amazing open-air museum is a must. If it’s hot, we recommend a morning visit as there’s little shade. We visited in the afternoon and spent the whole time feeling like we were on the verge of spontaneous combustion.  

In Neapolis Archaeological Park, you’ll find some of the most important ruins of Syracuse’s Greco-Roman past, including a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre and a 5th century BC Greek theatre , Sicily’s biggest. Opera performances are held in the theatre between May and June each year. Check out the Instituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico website for what’s on if you’re in town at the right time.  

Our favourite site in the park was the Paradise Quarry (Latomie del Paradiso), with its epic ‘ Ear of Dionysius ’. You’ll immediately see why the artist Caravaggio gave this uniquely-shaped and acoustically-notable quarry cave its nickname. Also worth seeking out is the monumental Altar of Hieron , thought to have been dedicated to Zeus and used for the mass sacrifice of bulls. The park is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm. 

A 10-minute walk from the archaeological park is the Basilica and Catacombs of St John . If you missed the catacombs in Palermo, or if you just find catacombs eerily fascinating like we do, then consider joining one of the guided tours that depart from the ticket office throughout the day.

Afternoon and evening back in Ortigia      

Head back to Ortigia this afternoon to explore more of the island and its highlights. 

If you haven’t been to the cathedral, now’s the time. Also in the Piazza Duomo, you’ll find the Baroque-style Santa Lucia Alla Badia and the lavish, Rococo-style Palazzo Borgia del Casale .  

At the Piazza Archimede , there’s the Fountain of Diana . If you’re feeling peckish, swing by nearby Pasticceria Artale to sample some of their traditional sweet or savoury goodies. 

You could also explore Ortigia’s Jewish Quarter, the Giudeca , and the nearby Forte Vigliena for views. On the very tip of the island hulks the 13th century Castello Maniace , which can also be visited. 

As the sun drops, make your way back to the island’s west for aperitivo hour or head out along the jetty near the Fountain of Arethusa to watch the sun set before finding dinner.

Afternoon alternative: Necropolis of Pantalica   If you’re keen to stretch your legs and get outdoors, an alternative to more time in Ortigia this afternoon is a hike to the ancient Necropolis of Pantalica , with its 5,000 rock-cut tombs. Together with Syracuse, this is a World Heritage site.  We haven’t been here but we understand Pantalica can be reached by heading to the village of Ferla, around an hour from Syracuse. From Ferla, you drive a further 5km (3 miles) along the SR11 until you come to the Pantalica Information Office, where you can find out more about the site and get a map of the area.   Guided tours to Pantalica departing from Ferla can also be arranged for groups of up to four people.

Day 9 – Day trip to Ragusa & Noto  

Highlights: Medieval and Baroque Ragusa Ibla | Baroque Noto Total driving distance: appx. 185km (115 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 3 hours Overnight: Syracuse

The Val di Noto is a region in the south-east of Sicily encompassing eight cities collectively designated as World Heritage for their striking late Baroque architecture. The cities are Catania, Millitello Val di Catania, Caltagirone, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide, Scicli, Ragusa and Noto.

Today we’re visiting the last two of these beauties on a day trip from Syracuse. Tomorrow we visit Catania.

Morning in Ragusa        

Aim to start early today as there’s a lot of ground to cover. We opted to make today’s drive an anti-clockwise loop out of Syracuse rather than backtracking along the E45. So we travelled to Ragusa via the SP14 and SS194. At 1.5 hours, it takes 20 minutes longer than if you go via the E45 but you’ll be travelling in one direction with new scenery all day. 

Pretty Ragusa rises and falls in two defined areas separated by a ravine. There’s the lower ‘old town’ of Ragusa Ibla and the upper ‘new town’ of Ragusa Superiore .  

The city you see is the direct result of a catastrophic earthquake that devastated east Sicily in 1693. Many who survived the destruction moved out of the ruined town and built new homes in the higher area that is now Ragusa Superiore, while others stayed and rebuilt in the old town. Today Ragusa is a World Heritage blend of medieval and Baroque architecture.  

We managed to find free parking in a small carpark at the bottom end of Via Giusti, not far from Ragusa Ibla. There’s also a paid parking area nearby at Parcheggio Repubblica. We then spent most of the morning wandering the charming streets of Ibla between the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Iblei Gardens .  

In the upper town, you’ll find another beautiful cathedral, Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista on Piazza San Giovanni . If you’re keen to know more about the history of Ragusa, a local museum, the Museo Archaeologico Ibleo di Ragusa, is a 5 minute walk from the cathedral.  

Aim to spend 3 to 4 hours in Ragusa. The town is also renowned for its food scene, so this is a great spot for a sit-down lunch before continuing on (and before the siesta shut down kicks in). If you prefer a quick bite, head to a bakery for Scaccia Ragusana , a delicious calzone-like stuffed flat bread. 

Many a visitor to Ragusa will make the pilgrimage up the 300-odd steps to the church at the top, Chiesa Delle Scale , for the pano views to be found up there. We ran out of time sadly, but there’s another, easier-to-reach rooftop view from the cathedral’s campanile.

Afternoon in Noto        

After lunch, make for the city of Noto. It’s around an hour’s drive east from Ragusa. 

Noto was also levelled by Sicily’s notorious earthquake of the late 17th century. A new town was raised over the destruction, styled in Sicilian Baroque, and this exceptional architectural time capsule is what you see today.  

Take the time to simply wander Noto’s streets and admire the city’s elaborate yet elegant architecture, starting at the city gateway, the Porta Reale and heading west along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele .   

Must-sees include the cathedral, Basilicia Cattedrale di San Nicolo , the Palazzo Ducezio opposite and the bell tower, Il Campanile di San Carlo (both of which offer superb views over the city), as well as the richly decorated theatre, Teatro Tina di Lorenzo . 

There are also a number of beautiful palazzos and churches to visit. We particularly liked Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata , Chiesa di San Domenica and Chiesa di San Carlo (which also serves up views from its upper levels).   

If you need a break, pull up a seat outside at Caffe Sicilia on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and order their famous granita cappuccino ghiacciato – granita is a must-try shaved ice Sicilian specialty that comes in a variety of flavours. This was exactly the afternoon pick-me-up we needed.

Also, if it’s a sunny day, it’s worth staying longer here to take in sunset. Noto’s buildings are clad with Noto Stone, a creamy mellow limestone that turns a rich honey colour under the last golden rays of the day.  

For dinner tonight, stay in Noto or make your way back to Syracuse. The drive is around 40 minutes. 

Day 10 – Day trip to Catania

Highlights: Catania’s Baroque Centro Storico Total driving distance: It’s not recommended to drive into Catania but if you do, the journey is appx. 140km return (87 miles)  Total driving time: appx. 1 hour 40 Overnight: Syracuse

Catania is Sicily’s buzzing second city, and the largest town in east Sicily. Having risen and fallen over and again in the shadow of mercurial Etna, Catania has come of age with a bit of a gritty edge. This, and a lack of time in our original itinerary in Sicily, led to us not visiting and with hindsight, we really wish we had. As such, we’ve included the city in this itinerary as a day trip from Syracuse.  

By all accounts, driving in Catania can be a stressful experience, with traffic, ZTLs, one-way streets and parking challenges. So why not leave the car today and take a train instead from Syracuse to Catania Centrale? The journey takes around 1hr15. 

With one day to play with, we would do what we usually do in a new city and seek out a walking tour like this one to introduce us to the city highlights and give us a historical and cultural introduction to the place.  

Catania’s old town – the Centro Storico – is another of the Val di Noto’s Baroque showpieces, but with a very local touch: these elaborate buildings were made with Etna’s own black lava stone.  

The city’s highlights are all located fairly close together and include the Piazza del Duomo with its Cathedral of Sant’Agata and lava stone Elephant Fountain . There’s also the Church of San Benedetto , Palazzo Biscari , the Teatro Romano and the smaller Roman Odeon next door, the triumphal Porta Garibaldi , Basilica della Collegiata and the Teatro Massimo Bellini .  

If you arrive early enough in the day, there’s the historic fish market to visit and, not far from there, Castello Ursino . For Ancient Rome diehards like us: if you wander up to Piazza Stesicoro , you can see a small section of Catania’s once-enormous amphitheatre. 

For lunch today, we’d be seeking out Catania’s own pasta specialty of eggplant and ricotta: Pasta alla Norma . Or considering a street food walking tour like this one if there’s time. Or both. We’re in Sicily, after all. 

Alternative to Catania Sightseeing   If a day of Catania sightseeing doesn’t appeal, there are loads of other things to do in and around Syracuse. Some of things we’ve got on our list for next time:    > Get to know the local vino on a winery tour (Nero D’Avola – yum!).  > Learn the art of Sicilian cooking with a cooking class.  > Get out on the water for a boat tour around Ortigia.  > Stretch your legs on the hike to the Necropolis of Pantalica.  Or simply enjoy some beach time at one of Syracuse’s sandy beaches, like San Lorenzo Beach or Fontane Bianche Beach.

Day 11 – Syracuse to Taormina

Highlights: Ortigia Market | Taormina Sightseeing Total driving distance: appx. 120km (75 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours Overnight: Taormina

Today we depart Syracuse and head north to the coastal town of Taormina. This will be your base for the next two nights. You’ll spend most of a day and an evening exploring this historic hilltop town, and the next day on the otherworldly slopes of Mount Etna.  

Early morning at Mercato di Ortigia        

Before checking out of your Syracuse accommodation this morning, take the opportunity (if you haven’t already) to visit the Mercato di Ortigia , the city’s famed street market.  

Just as it has been for hundreds of years, this vibrant market is open early six days a week (it’s closed Sundays), selling beautiful, fresh regional food. It runs until 2pm but is at its most bustling in the morning (and there are fewer tour groups). This is a great place to pick up some cured meats and cheeses, or some fresh sandwiches, for the day ahead. 

Rest of day and evening in Taormina          

The drive from Syracuse to Taormina is around 1.5 hours via the A18 and E45. There are tolls on this route.   

Taormina rises and falls over the slopes of Mount Tauro, overlooking a spectacular vista of azure sea and the hazy blue rise of Mount Etna.  

People have lived on this mountain for 2,500 years, but Taormina emerged on the historical stage around the 4th century BC as a Greek colony. It went on to become the Byzantine capital of Sicily before a run of invaders came along and left their mark. 

Taormina is considered by many to be Sicily’s most elegant city. It’s also considered to be one of Sicily’s most touristy and expensive towns, especially during the summer months.  

Don’t let that put you off though. It is a really charming place. And for us, taking in the incredible backdrop of Etna and the coast from the steps of the ancient Greek theatre made Taormina worthy of a visit all on its own!  

Once you’ve parked up, found your accommodation and dropped your bags, spend the rest of the day checking out the various things to do in Taormina. Start with a wander along Corso Umberto , the main thoroughfare through the town linking the historic gates of Porto Catania and Porto Messina .  

In addition to the drawcard 3rd century Greek theatre , highlights here include the chequerboard Piazza IX Aprile and Church of San Giuseppe , along with Taormina Cathedral , the medieval Palazzo Corvaja , and the gardens of the Villa Communale di Taormina . Also search out the beautifully decorated façades, doors and wrought iron balconies along Via Giardinazzo .  

If you fancy stretching your legs later in the day and seeking out some epic views, consider making the hour-long round-trip walk up the trail to the church at the top, Chiesa Madonna della Rocca . 

The beauty of staying at least one night in Taormina is the opportunity to experience the town after the crowds of day-trippers and tour groups have left. Now’s the time to really appreciate the charm of this historic city with a drink and dinner as twilight paints the sky pastel. 

Where to stay in Taormina

Taormina is the most expensive place for accommodation in our Sicily itinerary. Parking is also pricey but if you don’t mind forking out for a spot in one of the city’s carparks (there are four public paid parking areas, including the large Porta Catania which is the closest to Taormina’s main street), then you have plenty of upper mid-range to luxury options in and around the historic centre. 

For budget and lower mid-range accommodation, you’re better off looking outside of the historic centre, although there are a couple of hostels. You might also consider the areas below Mount Tauro, like Mazzarò, which has a cable car up to Taormina, and Giardini-Naxos, which has a bus running up to Taormina from Taormina-Giardini train station. There’s a cheaper carpark next to the train station as well. 

We stayed just near Taormina-Giardini station at the lovely B&B Sottocoperta and found this is an easy and hassle-free way to visit the city. We were also able to park on the street near the hotel for free. 

Some other suggested options are: 

• Budget-conscious: Hostel Taormina “Homstel”  
• Mid-range: B&B Floridia  
• Splash out: Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms  

Day 12 – Day trip to Mount Etna

Highlights: Mount Etna Tour Total driving distance: The return drive to Mount Etna is appx. 110km (70 miles) Total driving time: appx. 3 hours Overnight: Taormina

Mount Etna lords over the landscape of Sicily’s northeast. She’s the tallest and most active volcano in Europe and she’s been grumbling her discontent for tens of thousands of years. Recorded eruptions reach back as far as the 4th century BC. 

It goes without saying that Etna has had a monumental impact on the landscape, history and people of Sicily. For her efforts, the mountain has been designated a World Heritage site, and a two week Sicily road trip isn’t a fait accompli without engaging in some way with this history-shaping force of nature.  

There are plenty of companies running guided half-day and full-day tours of Mount Etna from Taormina, Catania and Syracuse, including bike tours and 5 to 6 hour hiking tours. In winter, you can also ski on the north and south sides of the mountain.  

It’s also entirely possible, and easy, to drive to Rifugio Sapienza – the launch pad for activities on the mountain – and join a tour from there. This is what we did, as we wanted the flexibility of driving ourselves so we could stop along the way and take in the staggering and surreal scenery.  

At Rifugio Sapienza, we purchased tickets for a cable car and 4×4 trip on the mountain. This involves a cable car ride up to 2,500 metres, where you board special off-road 4×4 trucks for a drive to 2,920 metres. Once there, a volcano guide takes the group on a guided walk through Etna’s cratered, otherworldly landscape. 

We organised the cable car and 4×4 on arrival but you can book a priority ticket here and skip the queue when you get there.  

On the recommendation of a local, we visited Etna in the morning as clouds tend to gather over the day. We had beautiful blue skies during our visit and it was quite warm on the drive up. Don’t be fooled though, even during the height of summer, it can get very cold up on Etna. Wear layers, bring a warm jacket, a hat, sunnies and wear closed walking or hiking shoes.  

Afternoon winery visit          

Etna has demonstrated her destructive side throughout history, but the mountain’s lava flows have also resulted in rich soil that has given rise to some excellent vino. While you can certainly sample the delicious flavours of the region in the restaurants of Taormina and Catania, if you love wine then it’s definitely worth dropping by a vineyard for a tasting.  

A vineyard visit and tasting in this area requires advance reservation, so book ahead if this is something you’re keen to do. There are MANY places to choose from but one vineyard you might consider, in the direction of Taormina, is Gambino Vini. It’s around an hour from Refugio Sapienza and 45 minutes from Taormina. Gambini reopens from 15 March 2024.

Day 13 – Cefalù

Highlights: La Rocca Hike | Cefalù’s Old Town Total driving distance: appx. 215km (135 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 2.5 hours Overnight: Cefalù   

Today is our last full day in Sicily before we complete our loop of the island and fly out of Palermo tomorrow. We suggest breaking up the long journey back to Palermo with a final stop today in the coastal city of Cefalù. It’s around 2.5 hours from Taormina.

You can stay here overnight or, if you have an early flight out tomorrow, continue on afterwards and stay closer to the airport.

A fishing village with a long past, Cefalù’s terracotta rooftops fan out around the base of La Rocca , the hulking 268 metre-high limestone outcrop that dominates the city skyline. 

One option for the penultimate day of our 14 day Sicily itinerary is to give it over to a sun lounge at one of Cefalù’s beach clubs. Just be aware that it can get very busy on the beaches between May and September and you’ll need to get in early if you want a spot.  

Another option is to make the trek up La Rocca to take in its views and sites, which include the 5th century BC Temple of Diana , the 10th century Church of Santa Anna and, at the summit, the ruins of a Norman castle, Castello di Cefalù .  

It’s a 3.5km round trip to the top, there are strict opening hours (the trail closes either 4pm or 5pm depending on the time of year you visit), and an entry fee of around €5. It’s recommended you don’t hike up during the hottest part of the day as there’s no shade.  

Later, enjoy a wander through Cefalù’s medieval old town, keeping an eye out for the historic Porta Pescara and the old harbour, the curious Lavatoio Medievale (a medieval laundry) and the Museo Mandralisica (housing the private art collection of 19th century Baron Mandralisca and the famed ‘Portrait of an Unknown Man’ from 1465).  

You’ll also find another World Heritage treasure in the 12th-13th century Norman-built Cefalù Cathedral . 

Tonight, enjoy one more sunset aperitivo and a classic Sicilian supper in one of Cefalù’s seaside restaurants.

Where to stay in Cefalù

Cefalu’s Centro Storico is where it’s all happening but, like Taormina, this resort town’s popularity means it’s on the pricier side to stay centrally. If you don’t mind being a bit further out, then you’ll find a better deal. Here are some suggested stays with fab reviews: 

• Good value: I MORI – Holiday Rooms  
• Mid-range: B&B Olas Del Mar   
• Spend a bit more: Abelia Sea Suites

Day 14 – Depart Palermo

Total driving distance: appx. 100km (62 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours

Last day of our epic Sicily road trip!

Leave yourself plenty of time to navigate your way from Cefalù to Palermo Airport and drop off your hire car before checking in.

If you’re flying out later today, this might be an opportunity to sleep in, laze on the beach or enjoy a final wander and a last Sicilian feast in Cefalù. 

And start planning your return to Sicily! 

If you have any questions, thoughts or updates to share in relation to this Sicily road trip, let us know in the comments below!  

For more Italian road trips and adventures, head to our Italy section .

If you’re looking for more great road tripping itineraries and adventures,  check out our Road Trips page , and our  bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world .

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The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary

Beautiful, mysterious Sicily, with its looming volcano, sparkling azure waters, and hilltop villages, is one of those travel destinations that I have spent most of my life dreaming about. After finally taking a Sicily road trip, I can say confidently that the island was worth the wait… and that we’ll be working our way through another Sicily itinerary before too long.

The largest island in the Mediterranean truly does have it all: whether you’re looking to lounge on a beach, dive headfirst into the cuisine, explore the Roman (or Greek, or Norman, or Arab, or Byzantine) history, or visit famous Mount Etna, a Sicily road trip has something to offer.

Planning your own trip to Sicily and not sure exactly where to go?

We’ve put together this 10 days in Sicily itinerary for first-timers to the island–this is how to make the most of your first Sicily road trip!

Table of Contents

Why to Take a Sicily Road Trip

How we structured this 10 day sicily itinerary, a note on the language of the island, the ultimate 10 day sicily road trip itinerary, other places to visit on your sicily road trip, sicily road trip itinerary map, what to know about driving in sicily, the best time to visit sicily, what to pack for sicily.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Sicily was made for road tripping: with plenty of wide-open spaces, beautiful natural spots, and tiny towns worth visiting, there are few places in Italy more worthy of hitting the open road than Sicily.

Add in a less-than-ideal public transportation system, and a Sicily road trip quickly emerges as the clear best way to explore the island–but you need to be prepared in order to make the most of it.

You could easily create a month-long Sicily itinerary and still leave the island with stones unturned–but let’s face it, most people won’t have that long to spend on the island.

Our Sicily road trip itinerary is designed to hit all the best spots on the island for first-timers to visit, allowing you to get a taste of many different parts of Sicily: complicated yet lovely Palermo, beautiful beaches, and hilltop villages are all covered, as well as some of the most popular cities in Sicily.

Next to each location, we’ve noted the minimum number of full days (so, not counting a day you arrive at 4pm, for example) we’d recommend spending in each location. 

This works out to be quick-paced but reasonable 10 day Sicily itinerary–but if you’re lucky enough to have more time to spend in Sicily, you can extend it far longer, both by increasing the number of days spent in each location and adding new destinations (we’ll provide some suggestions for those below as well).

Though Italian is the official language in Sicily, Sicilian dialect–which is related and yet distinctly different, to the point where Italian speakers will have a hard time understanding it–is widely spoken in Sicily.

In the destinations covered on this Sicily road trip itinerary, you won’t run into many people (especially those who work with or near tourists) who don’t comfortably speak Italian–but if you stop off in smaller towns along the way, you’ll start to hear (and even see, on menus and such) more and more dialect.

As for English, well–like most places in the world, you can get by among those working in the tourism industry by using it, but it’ll be a bit harder here than in most of Italy.

We strongly recommend learning at least some basic Italian phrases before taking your Sicily road trip–the more Italian you speak, the easier your Sicily travels will be.

I don’t speak much Italian, but knowing enough to ask for (and receive) directions, order food in out-of-the-way places, read basic signs, speak with taxi drivers, etc, made our trip a bit simpler.

Palermo: 2 Days

The capital of Sicily is known for being a bit of a rundown place–and though in some ways it is, it’s also a beautiful, laid-back, and endlessly engrossing city. 

We spent an entire week in Palermo and still weren’t ready to leave when it was over, but 2 days in Palermo will be enough to give you a taste of the major sights and start your 10 days in Sicily itinerary off on a great foot.

What to Do in Palermo

Step inside the magnificent palermo cathedral..

Dating back to the 12th century and built in a variety of architectural styles, the beautiful and distinctive Palermo Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the city.

It’s also home to some very unique touches, like a sundial on the floor marked with zodiac signs and an inscription from the Quran on one of the columns near the entrance–both highly unusual for a Catholic church!

Take a walking + food tour in order to see some of Palermo’s best highlights, fast.

Taking a Palermo food and walking tour on one of the first days of your Sicily travels is an excellent way to orient yourself both to the city and to the island as a whole.

Explore historical landmarks, markets, and cuisine while also getting a taste of what Palermo is all about with a fabulous food and walking tour.

We took this fun tour during our trip to Palermo and absolutely loved it!

Book your Palermo food + walking tour today!

Visit the mummies at the Capuchin Crypt of Palermo.

From the 17th to the 19th century in Palermo, increasing numbers of people were mummified in these catacombs–first naturally, and later intentionally, preserving them for all eternity.

The walls of the catacombs are lined with clothed bodies that have their full skeletons intact, staring down at visitors with sometimes disturbingly aware facial features.

No photos are allowed inside, but I can’t impress enough the creepiness of this place–I think it has something to do with the fact that these people are preserved as themselves that adds an extra layer of disturbing to it all, as opposed to places like the catacombs of Paris where the bones are more or less repurposed into artwork using human remains.

If you find catacombs interesting, we highly recommend visiting these during your trip to Sicily–they are, hands down, the most bizarre and fascinating catacombs we have ever seen.

Palermo Travel Tips

You probably don’t need a car here..

Palermo is one of the two major airport hubs in Sicily (Catania is the other), and if you arrive to the island here, we recommend not picking up your rental car until you’re ready to head to Cefalù–it’ll save you both a bit of cash on your rental bill, and a bit of a headache, as you won’t have to worry about parking it.

The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is the train.

It costs 5 Euros, avoids the hassle of a taxi, and is perfectly comfortable!

Stay in an ideal location, and you should be able to walk everywhere in Palermo.

This is the biggest reason not to kick off your Sicily road trip until after to leave Palermo: here, a car is a liability but doesn’t really add much of a benefit.

You can walk between all of Palermo’s best things to do, so opt for that instead!

Where to Stay in Palermo

Il Lapino  — Home to simple rooms (some with shared bathrooms) and located only a 10-minute walk from the Palermo Cathedral, Il Lapino is very well-reviewed and is an excellent place to stay in Palermo for those on a budget.

Check rates & book your stay at Il Lapino!

Ciuri Ciuri B&B  — Featuring spacious rooms, included breakfast, and an excellent location, mid-range travelers can’t go wrong with a stay at Ciuri Ciuri B&B while in Palermo!

Check rates & book your stay at Ciuri Ciuri B&B!

Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel  — Boasting near-perfect reviews, Palazzo Natoli is located in the heart of Palermo, just steps from some of the city’s best highlights. Private balcony views, exceptional customer service, and a delicious daily breakfast are all included here–if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing stay in Palermo, this is it!

Check rates & book your stay at Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel!

Cefalù : 2 Days

Of all the places to visit in Sicily, this is the one outlined on this Sicily road trip itinerary that we personally have the most unfinished business with.

We squeezed a quick visit to Cefalù into one day, but this magnificent seaside town captured our hearts and absolutely deserves more time than that–as we strolled the streets of Cefalù, we fantasized about one day returning here for a month!

In other words, don’t rush: you won’t regret taking two of your 10 days in Sicily to enjoy this beautiful place.

What to Do in Cefalù

Climb to the top of la rocca..

Climbing high over Cefalù to La Rocca takes less than an hour but rewards you with stupendous views over Cefalù and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as providing some interesting stops along the way (namely, the ruins of the Temple of Diana).

Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and ideally, complete this climb in the morning or early evening–the midday sun is brutal up here!

Check out the Cefalù Cathedral.

Not many villages as small as Cefalù have cathedrals as impressive–dating back even further than Palermo’s Cathedral, the Cefalù Duomo is absolutely worth visiting during your Sicily road trip, and if the views at La Rocca weren’t enough for you, you can even climb to the top!

Enjoy being a beach bum.

One of the best things to do in Cefalù is simply to enjoy its beach that is conveniently located right outside of the old town, where you’re never far from gelato or a granita.

Pull up a stretch of sand, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the beauty of Cefalù without stress.

Cefalù Travel Tips

Savor getting lost here..

The small streets and occasional unexpected sea views give Cefalù a delightful charm that completely captivated us during our Sicily travels–this small village is worth wandering aimlessly, and due to its small size, it’s impossible to get too lost along the way.

Where to Stay in Cefalù

Sweet Home Cefalù  — Located practically next door to Cefalù’s beach and complete with both a balcony and a small kitchen, Sweet Home Cefalù gets rave reviews and is the perfect option for budget travelers in Cefalù.

Check rates & book your stay at Sweet Home Cefalù !

Marina House — What’s better than a well-reviewed apartment in the heart of Cefalù? One that’s located right on the water and includes a balcony overlooking the sea!

Check rates & book your stay at Marina House!

Casa Barone Agnello — Housed in an antique home in the center of Cefalù, this impeccably decorated and well-reviewed apartment is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of old-world charm during their trip to Cefalù.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Barone Agnello!

Taormina: 2 Days

Taormina is probably the most touristic place on this Sicily itinerary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth adding to your Sicily travels.

Boasting phenomenal views of both Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea, great swimming nearby, and an incredible Greek theatre, Taormina is hard not to love.

What to Do in Taormina

Visit the greek theatre..

Of all the Greek theatres we have visited in world–including ones in Greece itself–this one is by far the prettiest we have ever seen, and a visit here absolutely belongs on your 10 day Sicily itinerary.

On a perfectly clear day, you’ll see an epic view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea behind the theatre–but even on a slightly cloudy day like when we visited (at least over Mount Etna, that is), the views are still pretty phenomenal.

Take a day trip to Mount Etna.

Want to add a little thrill to your list of things to do in Taormina? Book a day trip to the crater of an active volcano!

On a clear day, the views of  Mount Etna  from Taormina are fantastic–but there’s still nothing like standing on an active volcano with your own two feet.

Whether you want to book  a morning hike ,  a scenic tour , or  a full day trip  that also includes a visit to the beautiful Alcantara Canyons, you’re bound to find a visit to Mount Etna that appears to your travel style.

Book your day trip to Mount Etna today! Morning Hike  |  Scenic Tour  |  Full Day Trip

Go for a swim at Isola Bella.

Home to what are widely considered to be the best beaches in Taormina, summer visitors should definitely add a visit to Isola Bella to their Sicily road trip itinerary!

Though you can easily reach the island yourself from Taormina via the cable car,  a cruise along the coast  paired with visits to the island’s best swimming spots is an excellent day to spend a hot day in Taormina!

Book your  boat cruise around Isola Bella  today!

Taormina Travel Tips

Not everything is within walking distance..

In order to visit some of Taormina’s most popular sights like Isola Bella, and its beaches in general, you’ll need to head down to the seaside via cable car.

Check the weather carefully.

If you’re in town for a couple of days and one day looks clearer than the other, use the clearer day to visit Mount Etna (or if you don’t want to head all the way to Mount Etna, admire views of it from the Greek Theatre).

Where to Stay in Taormina

Hostel Taormina  — Boasting great reviews and a perfect location in Taormina’s Old Town, Hostel Taormina is the perfect place for budget travelers looking to keep costs down in what is arguably Sicily’s most expensive city.

Both private rooms and dorms are available, and a shared kitchen is located in the hostel.

The only downside? No parking options–so keep that in mind if you choose to book a stay here!

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Taormina!

Hotel Natalina  — We had a great time at this little hotel!

The location is a short walk from Taormina’s Old Town, the included breakfast quite large by Italian standards, and the customer service excellent. The staff helped us park our rental car for free nearby, which we greatly appreciated!

The rooms are large, but a bit dated–this certainly isn’t a luxury hotel, but it’s definitely a cozy enough place to stay while visiting Taormina, and we’d be happy to stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Natalina!

Hotel Continental  — Want to admire the sea views that Taormina is famous for from the comfort of your hotel, while also staying in the lap of luxury?

If so, the Hotel Continental is for you!

Known for its superb location in the heart of Taormina, its views, and its wonderful included breakfast, luxury travelers can’t go wrong with a stay here.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Continental!

Syracuse: 2 Days

Packed with ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and a maze of quiet streets, Syracuse (or Siracusa) is second only to Taormina in tourism popularity for Sicily vacations.

For your 2 days in Syracuse, we recommend focusing primarily on the island of Ortigia (or Ortygia), which is a small island right off the coast of Sicily (and I do mean right off the coast–no ferry necessary) that is essentially Syracuse’s lovely old town.

What to Do in Syracuse

Check out castello maniace..

Located on the far edge of Ortigia, this citadel-slash-castle dates to the 13th century (an earlier castle on the site dated to the 11th) and boasts beautiful views over the Ionian Sea.

Stroll through the small streets of Ortigia.

Ortigia is a charming place, and we found that we loved it most when wandering the streets in search of coffee bars, churches (we stumbled across one with a festival going on inside!), and the island’s many ruins.

Be sure to make your way to the Piazza Duomo and the Fountain of Arethusa during your wandering!

Marvel at the Temple of Apollo.

Of all the ancient ruins in Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo is considered the most important.

Dating to the 6th century BCE, the temple has served a whole host of functions over the centuries, including acting as a temple to both Apollo and Artemis, as a church (more than once), and as a mosque.

Syracuse Travel Tips

Stay in ortigia if you can..

This is essentially the old town of Syracuse and is set on an island nearby the main part of the modern city.

It’s beautiful, easy to get lost in, and delightfully fun to explore on foot, making it the perfect place to stay in Syracuse. 

The only catch is what to do with your car, which leads me to…

Choose where you park in advance.

Parking is severely restricted on the island of Ortigia, and on our Sicily road trip we ended up driving in circles for a bit trying to find the right place to leave our car.

Learn from our mistakes and plan carefully beforehand!

Consider visiting the Greek Theatre on your way into or out of Syracuse.

Syracuse’s Greek Theatre is one of its most popular attractions, however, it’s completely across town from Ortigia.

It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick sightseeing break as you arrive in or leave the city, though.

Where to Stay in Syracuse

Room Calafatari — Ortigia is peppered with dozens of small, simple apartments that are used as budget rentals, and Room Calafatari is both a great option and the perfect example of what to expect in Ortigia in a budget price range: no frills but a great location.

Check rates & book your stay at Room Calafatari!

Hotel Posta — With a fabulous location overlooking a port and within a short walk of many of Syracuse’s top attractions, Hotel Posta is a prime choice for mid-range travelers on their Sicily road trip.

Personally, we’d be tempted to upgrade to a room with a balcony–those views are just too good to pass up.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Posta!

Hotel Livingston — With excellent reviews, and included breakfast, and a prime location on the edge of Ortigia (most rooms include a sea view!), luxury travelers (or just those looking for a splurge) can’t go wrong with a stay at 4-star Hotel Livingston during their 10 day Sicily itinerary!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Livingston!

Val di Noto: 2 Days

Sicily’s Val di Noto is littered with stunning Baroque towns, rolling hills, lovely wine country, and some of the best chocolate in the world–in other words, it’s definitely a place that belongs on your 10 days in Sicily itinerary.

What to Do in the Val di Noto

Hop between the beautiful baroque towns..

Eight of the towns in the Val di Noto are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their incredible Baroque architecture: Ragusa, Modica, Noto, Scicli, Palazzo Acreide, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, and finally, Catania itself.

Obviously, that is a bit much to cover with just 2 days of your trip to Sicily.

We recommend prioritizing Ragusa, Noto, Modica, and if you have time, Scicli.

Admire views of Ragusa Ilba.

Beautiful Ragusa is divided into two sections: Ragusa Superiore (the upper town) and Ragusa Ilba (the lower town).

The views of Ragusa Ilba looking down from Ragusa Superiore may just be some of the best views in this entire Sicily itinerary, which is really saying something!

Snack on chocolate in Modica.

The beautiful town of Modica is world-famous for its chocolate, which boasts a recipe that originally hails from none other than the Aztecs.

The chocolate is created with “cold processing”, giving it a characteristic grainy texture, inconsistent color, and delicious taste.

Val di Noto Travel Tips

Choose where to stay carefully..

Think about your travel style when you choose where to stay in the Val di Noto: do you want to be the heart of the action? Do you want to be able to do plenty of sightseeing without driving? Would you prefer a countryside stay so that you can easily come and go without worrying about parking or driving through a town to do so?

Personally, we chose to stay in Ragusa for its relative popularity and central location and were very happy with the choice.

Don’t try to see more than 1-2 towns a day.

The Baroque towns of the Val di Noto may look very close together on a map, but add in small, winding roads, the hassles of finding a place to park and making your way (often uphill) to the picturesque town centers, and the delights of savoring each spot, and it’s definitely best to limit your movements when possible.

We recommend sticking to seeing 1-2 towns per day in this section of your Sicily road trip itinerary.

Where to Stay in Val di Noto

For the sake of simplicity, we’ve outlined a few well-reviewed places to stay in Ragusa here, but staying somewhere like Modica or Noto will also easily work with this 10 day Sicily itinerary!

SanVito Hostel — With excellent reviews, a prime location in Ragusa near Piazza San Giovanni, an included breakfast, and a gorgeous terrace offering panoramic views of the Val di Noto, SanVito Hostel is a phenomenal option for budget travelers during their Sicily road trip.

Check rates & book your stay at SanVito Hostel!

Hotel Il Barocco — Cozy and comfortable, this small hotel is located in a 19th-century building in central Ragusa, making it the perfect launching pad for your sightseeing. With excellent reviews and a fabulous included breakfast, Hotel Il Barocco is a reliable choice in Ragusa for your Sicily vacation.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Il Barocco!

San Giorgio Palace — Located in the heart of Ragusa Ilba, popular San Giorgio Palace boasts very spacious rooms, as well as modern decor and amenities (including a very well-reviewed included breakfast) in a picture-perfect setting, with some rooms that overlook the valley.

Check rates & book your stay at San Giorgio Palace!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 10 days in Sicily–or you just prefer an even more fast-paced Sicily road trip–there are plenty more incredible places to visit in Sicily to add to your list!

Here are a few more beautiful places to see in Sicily that you might want to add to your itinerary.

The ancient Valley of the Temples outside of Agrigento is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Sicily.

Once a thriving Ancient Greek city, these ruins are remarkably well-preserved and far less crowded than many better-known Greek ruins throughout Europe.

Located just outside of Palermo, Mondello is best known today for its long stretch of beach, which is one of the most popular places for beach days for both tourists and locals who are staying in Palermo.

This laid-back beach town is perfect for kicking back and enjoying long stretches of sandy beach–in fact, if you want a little more swimming to be included on your Sicily vacation beyond what’s outlined in this 10 day Sicily itinerary, you can even add a quick stop in Avola during your drive from Syracuse to the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

Aeolian Islands

Also sometimes called the Lipari Islands, this stunning volcanic island chain is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts some of the most magnificent sea views in all of Sicily (which is, as you can imagine, very high praise).

Located in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city and second airport hub–you’ll likely fly into and out of either Palermo or Catania (in fact, for this Sicily road trip itinerary it’s easiest to fly into Palermo and out of Catania if you can swing it).

Though Catania is far from Sicily’s most popular tourist attraction, it’s definitely worth a bit of exploring if you happen to be passing through!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Driving in Sicily truly deserves its own post, but here are some essential tips to know before embarking on your Sicily road trip!

Shop around for your rental car.

There are dozens of rental car companies operating in Sicily, all with their own prices and rental agreements. We recommend shopping through Discover Cars in order to search through multiple companies at once.

Not only will you be able to compare prices easily, but you’ll also be able to compare rental inclusions (like insurance, kilometers allotted, etc.), which we found varied dramatically among different rental car companies in Sicily!

Price Sicily rental cars with Discover Cars today!

The driving honestly isn’t as bad as it is portrayed… but it’s not easy.

There’s no way around it: driving in Sicily has a pretty terrible reputation.

However, ultimately, we walked away feeling that driving in Sicily was easier than expected–but we fully admit this impression is likely partially because of how nervous we were about doing it.

The major roads in Sicily are perfectly well maintained–smaller roads, not so much, so beware of potholes. City driving is the trickiest while traveling between cities on major highways is fairly simple.

Drivers can be a bit aggressive, yes, but we wouldn’t say they were drastically more aggressive than in, say, Tuscany.

As much as Sicily has a reputation for being its own world, particularly when it comes to driving, driving in Sicily felt pretty much like driving anywhere else in Italy (which is, admittedly, a harder place to drive than some).

Bear in mind that we are coming at this from the perspective of people who drove daily for nearly a decade and have road-tripped through many countries, including Italy, before. You do need to be a confident, well-practiced driver to comfortably drive in Sicily.

Taking a Sicily road trip if driving makes you anxious, you’re out of practice, you don’t like to drive, or you’ve never driven outside your home country is likely not the best idea.

Also–this is not the place to learn to drive a manual. Unless you are very confident with one, we recommend paying extra for an automatic transmission.

… But be sure you have insurance (preferably with no deductible/excess).

We didn’t incur any damage to our rental car in Sicily… but when we dropped it off, both rentals parked on either side of us had huge dents in them!

Due to the aggressive driving, small roads, and distances covered on this Sicily road trip, we’d recommend purchasing insurance with no deductible/excess for the time it takes you to work through this 10 day Sicily itinerary–it’s simply one less thing to worry about on the road.

Rent the smallest car you can manage.

Tiny roads. Cramped historic centers. Parking lots where cars are parked a mere inch apart (and the lines denoting where the parking places should be seen as mere suggestions at best–people park over them regularly).

Truly, renting a big car in Sicily is a liability, not a benefit. 

We recommend renting the tiniest car you can squeeze your group + luggage into. If the rental desk suggests an upgrade? Turn it down.

Carry lots of coins.

You will pay tolls when driving in Sicily, especially in northern half of the island, so come prepared with a cupholder full of Euros.

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to drive between destinations.

There were days that we pulled into our hotel’s parking space exactly when Google Maps said that we would–and days (like the day we had to catch a flight) that we ended up way behind schedule due to road work and an unfortunate accident that we got stuck behind.

Definitely leave yourself plenty of extra time on days that you have somewhere to be at a specific time!

July and August are peak tourism season in Sicily, and while the beaches will be warm and the sun shining, it’s best to avoid taking your Sicily road trip during those months if you hope to avoid peak crowds and prices.

Luckily, Sicily is characterized by its brilliant weather that allows for swimming over nearly half the year! 

Personally, we’d recommend aiming for a September or early October trip to Sicily if you hope to swim your heart out, and a late April or May trip if you want to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds while still thawing out after a long winter.

Over the winter, lots of small, tourist-focused businesses close and the island, especially in smaller towns, quiets down significantly–but if a slow-paced, off-season 10 days in Sicily itinerary sounds right up your alley, you’ll certainly find plenty of peaceful spots to savor.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced Sicily road trip is definitely better a case of safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing  for trips to Italy.

Cell Phone Holder — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your Sicily road trip. Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy with World Nomads that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: in Sicily, it’s worth the peace of mine.

International Driving Permit — If you’re coming from outside the EU and plan to rent a car in Sicily, you’ll need to make sure to acquire an International Driving Permit in your home country, before coming to Italy. It is required for all car rentals in Italy, and while the rental company may not ask, it’s not worth the risk of being refused a car once you arrive or getting a fine if you’re pulled over to be without one. 

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary”

From someone who has family and typically visits for +30 days every other year, you did a very nice job with the article….many, many other wonder ful places to see and things to experience on the island, and the Eolian, and Egadi…..

Thanks Anthony! We can’t wait to make it back and explore more of Sicily.

Oh waooo Its amazing to know these valuable Information provided by you. Next month we have plan to visit Sicily and these information will be very helpfull. Thank you

Happy to hear that, Josef! Hope you guys have a great time in Sicily. 🙂

Wow! That was a very helpful article! I am bookmarking it multiple places so I don’t lose it before our trip in June. Thank you so much for your great tips and very practical advice.

Thanks, Vrinda! Hope you guys have a blast in Sicily!

Quiet a lot of information . One question if not interested in driving then the other options .

You definitely can visit Sicily without a car, but it’s a bit trickier than up on the mainland where there’s more train service.

Essentially, without a car your options are to stick with one town or city as a base and use guided tours to visit more rural areas, cobble together an itinerary with train and bus service (doable, but not as simple as in, say, Florence), or sign up for a full multi-day guided tour of Sicily.

Personally the first option falls most in line with how we tend to travel. Taormina is one of the most popular bases for a trip like that, as many cruise ships stop there and there are lots of options for guided tours to Mount Etna, wine country, etc.

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Planning a Trip to Sicily

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: August 22, 2023

Want to vacation on the delightful island of Sicily or only wish to stop there for a day or two? Here are our top seven tips for planning a trip to Sicily. 

Why Sicily?

Do you know about the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the biggest region in Italy? It’s Sicily, an island well-known for its natural beauty, rich history, and colorful culture, attracting tourists for centuries. 

Sicily is a 9,653-square-mile (25,000 square-kilometer) island off the coast of Italy.  Many tourists only stop here for a few days on their way to or from mainland Italy.

Some travelers want to make Sicily the highlight of their trip to Italy. It is renowned for Mount Etna, many ancient Greek and Roman ruins, as well as for its Baroque buildings, lively towns, wild Mediterranean beaches, rich cultural diversity, and delicious food.

Whether you want to visit Sicily only or stop here for a day or two, here are our top seven tips for planning a trip to Sicily.

Tips for planning a trip to Sicily

1. Choose The Best Time To Visit Sicily

The whole experience of going on a trip can be jeopardized if you choose the wrong time of the year to have the journey. May through early June and September through early October are ideal times to explore Sicily.

The seaside, cities, and mountains enjoy perfect weather during these shoulder seasons. During these times, visitors are few or have already left. September is preferable to May if you like the beach since the ocean is still warm at that time of year.

Sicily offers a lovely island environment all year round, making it an ideal destination for every season of the year if you value cultural activities above sunbathing and swimming.

If you go in the fall or winter, be prepared for some rain and fog. On the plus side, it may provide some intriguing picture opportunities and a more mysterious vibe.

2. Book Your Accommodation

There is a wide range of hotels to choose from when you stay in Sicily , from opulent five-star establishments to simple three-star coastal hotels that do not have to work too hard to fill their rooms. You may choose from various camping and glamping spots near the water or rent a quaint home. 

Choose the places you want to visit, then consider booking your hotel or lodge. That way, your accommodation will not be far from the places you visit. And you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the places comfortably. 

There are vacation towns in Sicily, Large complexes with lodging, dining, swimming, and entertainment options, often located near a well-known beach. If you wish to stay in one of the many hotels that offer all-inclusive services this summer, you should do it as soon as possible.

3. Make a List of Historical Places You Want to Visit

Sicily is a Mediterranean island known for its warm climate, clean air, and stunning beaches. It is one of the hidden gems of Italy , with cultural and historical diversity. While visiting Sicily, make a list of the places you want to visit and things you want to do to prepare your itinerary that way. 

• Places Of Natural Beauty

The Sicilian landscape is well-known for its spectacular vistas and beautiful shoreline. You may go to the beautiful black or white beaches of Sicily, or you can hike the lunar landscape of Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna. It’s quite simple to waste a lot of time taking pictures of nothing.

Scala dei Turchi beach, often known as Stairs of the Turks in Agrigento, is a place you will fall in love with. Another one of Sicily’s most notable features is Mount Etna’s active volcano. A whole day of climbing is required to reach the summit of Etna, so be prepared if you want to make that climb!

Pro Tips: Don’t go to the beach on the weekend. Weekends (especially Sundays) are often the busiest days at the beach throughout the summer since this is when the residents, many of whom work during weekdays, get time off. There may be a rise in prices at certain lidos and a greater likelihood of crowding on beaches.

• Places With Cultural and Architectural Importance 

Culturally, Sicily is very diverse and old. Its architecture is a clear example of the fusion of Greek, Spanish, French, and Arab styles. Get ready to be astounded by the seamless incorporation of styles ranging from Byzantine and Roman to Baroque. There is nothing Sicily lacks.

There are several magnificent Arab and Medieval castle ruins scattered around the island of Sicily. Aci Castello, near Catania and among the most popular resorts in all of Sicily, is home to the Normanno Castle is one you shouldn’t miss.

Taormina, known as the “Pearl of Sicily,” Noto, known as the “Baroque City,” Syracuse, known as “ancient Siracusa,” Catania, located in the shadow of the volcano Etna; and Palermo, known as “probably the most famous Arab city in Europe,” are all must-sees if you are a fan of Sicilian architecture. 

• Churches 

Sicily is a very religious place, so you should plan on visiting a few churches while you’re there. It is considered rude not to cover one’s shoulders and knees before entering a church or the Duomo.

Some churches stay open till 4 o’clock in the evening, while others are only open between 8 and 12 in the morning. The cloisters, domes, or museums inside certain cathedrals may also require a fee for entry.

4. Learn About the Local Language and Currency 

Knowing about the local culture of a place can definitely add a new level to your experience when you are visiting a region.

When you know about a culture or the local language, you will feel more included and can have the optimum experience of visiting the place.

The Sicilian people, like the rest of Italy, put a premium on getting to know others and hosting guests.

Sicilians mostly speak Italian. However, the language has been shaped by local dialects. Many terms and pronunciations are borrowed from Sicilian, the original language of the island, into the Italian used here.

When traveling to tourist hotspots, you may expect to hear English spoken often at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but you could hear it less frequently in more remote locations.

We are not telling you to be fluent in Italian, but knowing some words in Italian and exchanging greetings in the local tongue can feel great.

Sicily utilizes the euro, the same currency used across the rest of Italy. 

Carrying about significant quantities of cash should be done with caution. To avoid drawing attention to yourself, just keep the amount of cash you expect to use in your possession at any one time.

Keep your money out of sight in public places like cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores, and never put your purse in your back pocket.

The convenience of ATMs allows for hassle-free cash withdrawals on demand, but avoid using those not affiliated with banks since their owners may impose hefty fees.

Pro Tips: Don’t forget to keep an eye out for unfair treatment. This is common among market vendors; always check your change before leaving.

5. Consider The Local Transport System

The transport system in Sicily might seem confusing to you. Many bus stations are available, but no information about schedules or routes is provided. Buses will only stop if their passengers signal for them to do so. 

Apparently, driving around Sicily by privet vehicle is the best way to get moving. You can rent a bike or a car for your trip while you’re in Sicily. Familiarizing yourself with traffic rules and local regulations is a smart thing to do. Even though there are several speed restrictions in place in Sicily, the vast majority of motorists choose to ignore them. 

Locals in Sicily often break the rules of the road, including coming from subordinate streets inches in front of you, speeding on the red light, and passing on blind corners. 

Pro Tips: Walking along a small street might be dangerous. The lack of sidewalks in many places might make it necessary to go dangerously near moving vehicles at times. So, be very careful while walking along the streets. 

6. Try Local Cuisine

Some of the best cuisine in the world is said to originate from Sicily. It’s been called the greatest in Italy by some. Traditional Sicilian cuisine is also distinctive from the rest of Italy.

• Local Food 

The food options in Sicily can overwhelm you! If you’re hungry but can’t decide, look for food trucks serving traditional Sicilian cuisine or other local street food stalls.

Arancino (rice balls coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried), cannoli (pastry dessert with a sweet, creamy filling, and granita (a semi-frozen dessert made of sugar, water, and various flavors) are some of the best things to eat in Sicily. 

Some of the best seafood in the world can be found in Sicily. Shopping in any of Sicily’s fish markets, but especially the one in Catania, is an adventure in and of itself. Anything fresh and a wide variety of seafood befitting the islanders’ lifestyle.

Sicilian cuisine naturally features seafood, such as Swordfish, Bluefin Tuna, Squid, Octopus, and many more varieties. The only fly in the butter is that the kitchen and the rest of the establishment left a lot to be desired regarding cleanliness and sanitation. 

Pro Tips: Some hotels in Sicily may provide a typical Italian breakfast consisting of pastries and slices of bread if you book a room with breakfast included. The typical Sicilian mealtime is much later than the norm. Your best bet for eating like a native in Sicily is to wait until after 7 p.m. for supper and lunch after 1 p.m. 

7. Be Alert

Traveling throughout Sicily. Sicilians are warm and kind; if you keep to the typical tourist spots, you won’t need to know any Italian to get by.

Even if you stray off the main drag for a while, you’ll still encounter friendly locals—they may speak less English.

If you’re traveling alone, it’s best to stick to major cities and not use public transportation. This is particularly true for women. If you’re not used to driving in Italy, Sicily is not a good place to learn if you’re going to be out there on your own.

While traveling across Sicily, the standard safety worry was leaving the bags in the vehicle. Other travel sites warn about leaving baggage in the vehicle. Obviously, you shouldn’t carelessly leave your laptop, camera, or wallet on the seat, where they may attract potential thieves. 

Things to know before you go to Sicily

From natural beauty to historical gems, Sicily has various attractions. Balancing meticulous planning and a sense of adventure while organizing a vacation to Sicily is vital.

We hope our top seven tips for planning a trip to Sicily will make your next visit to Sicily more enjoyable. Follow these tips to make the best of your trip and enjoy it to the fullest! 

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2 weeks in Sicily: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

2 weeks in sicily: the perfect 14-15 days itinerary.

You’re planning to go 2 weeks in Sicily and are looking for a  complete itinerary for your stay?

You’re in the right place!

A good news: 14, 15 or 16 days in Sicily is the ideal time to visit the island’s must-see attractions.

From Catania to Palermo , passing by Taormina , Syracuse , Agrigento Valley of the  temples , Selinunte , Cefalù and more, here is the ultimate itinerary to visit Sicily in 2 weeks .

For each stage of your trip, in addition to the places to visit , I will also give you the best accommodation suggestions according to your budget. And of course, I will give you my best tips and tricks to make your stay unforgettable!

Where to stay in Catania ?

Where to stay in syracuse, where to stay in ragusa, where to stay in agrigento , where to stay in selinunte, where to stay in trapani, where to stay in scopello, where to stay in palermo, where to stay in taormina, other activities for 2 weeks in sicily, renting a boat in sicily, sicily tours, you’re traveling in sicily these articles will help you.

A quick note before we start : For this 2 weeks tour in Sicily , we rented a car. This is clearly the easiest way to visit the island!

For your road trip , I strongly recommend you to book your car in advance on the internet, through a serious website: fake damage scams (+ deliberate damage, like a key scratch for example) are very common in Sicily .

Personally, we’ve booked through Rentalcars.com , for 2 reasons:

• The main one : On their website, you can subscribe for a cheap “complete insurance”. Much cheaper than those you can buy from the rental cars companies! If the car rental company invoices you for damage (real or fake one), Rentalcars.com will refund you the full amount within 7 days.
• The site allows you to compare prices between the different rental agencies, and it’s the best way to get a good deal.

It’s quite simple, every time we went to Sicily, we were charged extra for damages (between 450 and 850 euros each time). Hopefully, Rentalscar’s insurance has been super effective!

So don’t underestimate this problem, and book your car the smart way now to travel with peace of mind!

1) Catania (2 days)

To start your 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily , the best is to land at Catania airport . Your return trip will also be from Catania for a good reason: to limit car rental costs. It will cost you less to pick up and drop off your car at the same rental agency.

When you arrive in Catania , you will have about half a day to visit the city.

Here is a short itinerary that will allow you visit the city’s highlights:

The best is to start by the Piazza del Duomo , famous for the elephant fountain and the Duomo di Catania (Catania Cathedral). Then take the via Etnea , the city ‘s main street. From there, you can see the Etna , the most famous volcano in Sicily!

Take a walk around Piazza dell’ Universita to admire the two palaces: the palazzo dell’ Universita and the palazzo San Giuiliano .

Then go to the Villa Bellini gardens , a very pleasant place with many fountains. And if you have some time left before dinner, you should definitely go to the Via Crociferi to see the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena and a few nice churches.

If you plan to spend a bit of time in Catania, I recommend you one of these 2 guided visits. Simply click on the orange links to book them:

• By Segway , a fun way to discover the city
• A guided visit + food tour , on foot, with local food tasting.

For your second day in Sicily, the serious things will start. It’s time for a day trip to Mount Etna volcano!

From Catania , the easiest and safest way is to opt for an organised day trip. Theses tours take around 6 hours and are offered by many agencies. They include:

• Climbing by car to Etna (They will pick you up at your accommodation)
• A guided walk between the ancient craters and lava flows
• The exploration of a lava cave
• Going to the view point of the Valle del Bove
• The equipment
• The tour guide cost

Voyage Tips Advice If you want to save some money on your car rental, you can get it now, on the 3rd day.

If you wish to visit Catania during your tour in Sicily , I recommend you to read my detailed article: The 12 best things to do and see in Catania .

• City-In Hostel B&B : Located opposite Ursino castle. Dormitory bed from 17€, breakfast 3€. Free Wi-Fi. Free public parking. Tip: Avoid rooms on the street side, they are a bit noisy.
• Tra L’Etna E Il Mare B&B : Located 1 kilometer from Piazza Duomo. Large room with nice decoration from 50€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Strong points: Free private parking. This is my favorite in Catania for its great value for money!
• Il Giardino Di Piazza Falcone : Located about fifteen minutes’ walk from Piazza Duomo. Large bright room from 68€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Public parking at 10€ per day. Strong point: the large garden with terrace!
• Duomo Suites & Spa Catane : Located at only 100 meters from piazza del Duomo, the heart of Catania. Beautiful large and bright double room starting at 190€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the perfect location, the comfortable bed, the view from the terrace. It’s my favorite hotel in Catania, perfect for a luxury stay!

2) Syracuse / Ortigia Island (2 days)

The 2nd leg of your 2 weeks trip to Sicily takes you to Syracuse and its old town: Ortigia island.

For your first day, you will take your time to visit the beautiful island of Ortigia .

You can do the following itinerary:

• Start at the Piazza del Duomo
• Then go to the market and the temple of Apollo
• Stroll along the quays of the fishermen’s harbour.
• Visit Castello Maniace
• Stroll through the small alleys of the old town
• Admire the sunset from the Fountain of Arethusa .

If you don’t feel like walking a lot and want to visit the town of Ortigia in a more original way with a guide , you should really opt for a Segway tour :

Fore your 2nd day, I suggest you to start by having a walk along Syracuse cycle path , along the seaside. It really and offers a beautiful view of Ortigia island and the cliffs!

The starting point of the cycle path is the Piazza dei Cappuccini (it has horses statues, you can’t miss it). You can go there from Ortigia by foot, it will take around 30 minutes.

The walk is very pleasant and completely flat. There is no shade, so grab some hats and sunscreen with you!

If you want to do something else than visiting the city on foot, you can opt for an original activity: a kayak tour!

Accompanied by an instructor , you will spend the morning discovering the most beautiful landscapes of the coast .

To Book your guided kayak trip in Syracuse, you simply need to click on the button below:

It’s the best way to start your day before going to Syracuse must-see attractions in the afternoon: The Neapolis Archaeological Park.

Things to see inside the park:

• The Roman amphitheatre dug into the rock
• The Greek theatre
• Hieron II’s altar, used to sacrifice animals
• Ear of Dionysius , an ancient limestone quarry. It’s more than 20 meters high!

To end the afternoon, you can choose an unusual visit: the San Giovanni catacombs . They are quite unknown to tourists and located near the archaeological park.

If you need more info about Syracuse, you should read my detailed article about the city: The top 15 things to do in Syracuse.

You want to know everything about the archaeological park? In this case, the best is to opt for a guided visit!

The one on Getyourguide is great, and it also includes the guided visit of Ortigia.

To book it, it’s simple, you just have to click on the button below:

When visiting Syracuse, you should sleep on Ortigia island rather than in Syracuse . Prices aren’t necessarily higher and the environment is much more pleasant! Here are the best deals in town:

• TRE Archi B&B : Located in a quiet environment, 50 meters from piazza del Duomo. Colorful and authentic room. Free Wi-Fi. Double room from 50€, breakfast included.
• II Duomo : Located on Piazza del Duomo, you cannot dream better as a location. Large room with classic decoration. View on the garden or the square. Free Wi-Fi and paid parking service. Double room from 80€, breakfast included.
• Alla Giudecca : Located at 5 minutes on foot from the Piazza del Duomo. Large and bright double room starting at 120€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The beautiful view from the terrace, the location, the good breakfast.
• Caportigia Boutique Hotel : Located at 1km from Neapolis archaeological Park (not on Ortigia Island). Beautiful modern double room starting at 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The amazing breakfast, the staff, the jacuzzi on the terrace. If you want something modern, it’s the place you need to book! It’s the best for a luxury stay in Syracuse.

3) Noto / Ragusa / Modica (1 day)

For the third stage of your 14 days trip to Sicily , you can tour the 3 baroque cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Noto, Modica and Ragusa . They are among the most beautiful cities in Sicily, especially for their typical historical center.

I really advise you to leave Syracuse quite early in the morning, around 8h30-9h. To visit the 3 cities, it will take you a full day.

• In Noto , you can walk along the corso Vittorio Emanuele . That’s where the majority of the Baroque palaces and churches to visit are located!
• In Modica , take a walk in the medieval historic center to discover the wonders of architecture.
• In Ragusa , don’t miss the Piazza del Duomo with the San Giorgio Cathedral .

For this itinerary, it’s best to visit Ragusa last and sleep there , as it’s the closest to the next stage: Agrigento Valley of the Temples !

• Le Scale Sul Barocco: This cute Bed and Breakfast is located close to the center. The hosts are very friendly, and some of the rooms even have a balcony! At 49€ per night, it’s the best “budget” choice in Ragusa!
• La Dimora di Piazza Carmine Hotel : Located between the old town and the historical center, 500 meters from the San Giovanni Cathedral. A spacious and very comfortable double room from 75€ per night, breakfast included. strong points: the perfect location to visit the city on foot, the view, the friendly staff, the copious and varied breakfast. It’s my favorite in town for it’s amazing value for money! Book early!
• Aurà Guest House Iblea : Located 300 meters from the Duomo di San Giorgio. Brand new, very bright room starting at 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the warm welcome of the host, the location, the calm environment, the breakfast with local products and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.
• Hôtel San Giorgio Palace : Located next to the Duomo, in the Ragusa Ibla district. The hotel is located in a carefully renovated old monastery with spacious and luxurious double room from 98€ per night, with breakfast included. What we loved: the charm of the hotel, the geographical location, the warm welcome, the terrace with a beautiful view for breakfast. The best choice for a luxury stay in Ragusa!

4) Agrigento (1 day)

In 14 days in Sicily , you will have time to visit the famous Valley of the Temples , located next to the city of Agrigento

This archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , allows you to admire 8 temples , including 2 remarkably preserved ones.

Visiting the site on foot takes about 2h30 and costs 10€ per person.

As the most famous historical site of Sicily , it’s really a must-see attraction during your 2 weeks tour!

The best is to go there in the morning: It’s less hot, and the tourist buses arrives around 9h30-10h. So try to be there at the opening, at 8h30!

By doing so, you will have the time to go to Agrigento old town for lunch and visit the historic center in the afternoon.

At the end of the afternoon, the place to be is for sure the Scala dei Turchi, a magnificent limestone cliff going down into the turquoise sea. Sunsets are really amazing there!

If you like photography, no doubt you will want to spend a bit of time there. It’s also a great place to just enjoy the view, swim, or even have a drink at the beach café terrace.

At the end of the day, the best is to find an hotel around Agrigento .

If you plan to go there, you should have a look at my detailed article about Agrigento: The 10 Best things to do in Agrigento .

As there are many tourists visiting the Valley of the Temples, you should really book your skip the line tickets in advance . At least you will not have to wait in line under the heat! This entrance ticket also includes access to Agrigento regional archaeological museum.

To buy it, you just have to click on the button below:

If you want to learn even more about history , there is also a ticket that includes an audio guide. It needs to be booked by clicking here.

And last but not least, there is a new, very fun way to visit the Valley of the Temple: Doing a guided tour on an eletric scooter.

It needs to be booked in advance by clicking the button below:

Please note that the e-scooter guided tour doesn’t include the entrance ticket. It needs to be booked separately by clicking here.

• B&B Sorahnia – Design House: It’s located away from Agrigento city center and 4 km from the Valley of the Temples. Modern double room with terrace from 50€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location is quiet, a very welcoming host, an exceptional home made breakfast and free private parking. It is my favorite in Agrigento for it’s exceptional value for money!
• Colleverde Park Hotel: Located 2 kilometers from Agrigento city center and 15 minutes’ walk from the valley of the temples. Classic but bright double room from 68€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the large garden with a view of the temples, and the Sicilian breakfast.
• Villa Athena Hotel : Luxury hotel located in the heart of the valley of the temples, 200 meters from the temple of Concorde. A huge double room with a well decorated and spacious interior, with a magnificent temples view, starting from 205€ per night, breakfast at 18€. Strong points: the restaurant with its panoramic terrace overlooking the valley, the exceptional location with private entrance for the valley, luxury and refinement, swimming pool. It is the best choice for an exceptional stay in Agrigento .

5) Selinunte (1 day)

Let’s continue this 14 days trip in Sicily and go to Selinunte.

Agrigento and Selinunte being relatively close, you will have the time to take a few breaks on the way.

The best places to see are:

• Torre Salsa nature reserve
• Heraclea Minoa beach
• The beautiful small town of Sciacca .

Depending on what you will visit, you will have your lunch in Sciacca or Selinunte . If you arrive in Selinunte around lunchtime, you should go to the waterfront, there are many cafés and restaurants there!

In the afternoon, you will visit Selinunte’s archaeological park. It’s just at the entrance of the city, you can’t miss it!

As the archaeological site is divided in 2 parts, the best is to go there by car . You will need to take it to go from one part to the other.

The entrance ticket is 6€ and you can choose, for an additional 6€, to take the tourist train that goes around the temples.

The park is quite large and allows to admire many temples , more or less well preserved. You can easily spend the whole afternoon there if you are on foot and want to discover the whole place.

For dinner, return to the seafront! Personally, we ate at the DAG restaurant and we didn’t regret it.

• Agrisicilia (Relax Mare e Natura) : It’s located 10 minutes’ drive from the archaeological park. A Large double room with sea view from 45€, breakfast included. Strong points: the very nice setting in the middle of olive trees, the calm environment, the kindness and tips from hosts, the free private car park. This is my favorite for it’s excellent value for money!
• Terrazo di Venere la Reserva: A B&B located 20 minutes’ walk from the beach and 4 km from the archaeological park. A very comfortable double room with a nice decoration from 80€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the big garden, the home made breakfast, the private and free parking.
• Il Vigneto Resort: Located 5 kilometers from Selinunte park, in the village of Porto Palo . Spacious and bright double room from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the view on the vineyards and the surrounding countryside, the large swimming pool, the calm environment, and the delicious breakfast.

6) Trapani (2 days)

The next stage of this 14 days itinerary takes you to Trapani .

From Selinunte , take the road that goes to Mazzaro del Vallo and then to Marsala . It’s not the fastest, but it’s definitely the prettiest one, because it will take you through the SP21 . This road, known as the Salt Road , goes along the beautiful salt ponds from Marsala to Trapani . It’s one of the must-see sights in the region! In souvenirs shops, you will find a lot of postcards representing these salt ponds and the mills that were used to process salt.

Arriving in Trapani for lunchtime, you can choose a good restaurant in the historic center or opt for a quick lunch. Personally, I often prefer the second option for lunch, but don’t worry, I catch up in the evening!

Then, as you are in the old town , you can take a short digestive walk through the alleys and have a walk along the seaside.

Then it is time to go to Erice , one of the highlights in the region of Trapani . This perched village overlooking the city is known for its magnificent views of the surrounding area, but also for its narrow streets and medieval castle .

To reach Erice , you can choose between going by car or by cable car . Visiting the village takes about 2 hours. Don’t miss Maria Grammatico’s famous pastry shop for a snack break!

That’s pretty good first day in Trapani, isn’t it?

For your second day, you should definitely visit one the Aegadian islands . Easily accessible from Trapani by boat, they offer some of the most beautiful swimming spots in the area. And as they can be discovered by bike or on foot , it’s a great opportunity to do a bit of sports and enjoy the calm!

Favignana is the biggest island and the best served by boat, so it’s probably the best choice for a first visit. It’s also the most accessible for families (easy and flat paths).

Find all the information about Trapani , Erice and the Aegadian Islands in my article: What are the best things to do in Trapani ?

To visit Levanzo and Favignana on the same day , you can opt for a cruise from Trapani .

The boat first stops for 2 hours in Favignana and then for 1 hour in Levanzo . Lunch served on the boat is included in the price, and you can enjoy a few swimming breaks during the day.

For information and reservations, simply click on the button below:

• Moderno  Hotel : The hotel is located in the heart of Trapani old town . Spacious and comfortable double room from 55€ per night, breakfast at 5€. Why I like it: the ideal location, close to restaurants, the beach and the port to take the ferry to the Aegadian Islands.
• Trapani inn  Hotel : Located in front of the ferries to Aegadian Islands departure. Modern and well decorated double room from 72€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: located in the heart of the city, a very friendly staff and an excellent breakfast. It’s the best value for money in Trapani!
• San Michele  Hotel :Located 5 minutes’ walk from the port, also in Trapani old town. Spacious double room with carefully decorated decoration from 82€, breakfast included. Things I loved: the quiet location, the attentive staff, a good breakfast and large Italian-style showers!
• Residence la Gancia: Located in the heart of Trapani, at 30 meters from the beach. Modern studio apartment with a fully equipped kitchenette starting at 125€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop terrace to take your breakfast or see the sunset, the great location and the studios design.
• Firriato Hospitality – Baglio Soria : Located at 7km from Trapani center, in the vineyards. Bright double room starting at 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the very quiet place, the superb breakfast, the view, the swimming pool, the very helpful staff. If you don’t mind being a bit away from the city center, this is the best choice for a luxury stay in Trapani!

7) Scopello / Zingaro Nature   Reserve (1 day)

Not far from Trapani , there is the beautiful Zingaro nature reserve , which is the 7th stage of your tour in Sicily .

I advise you to park at the southern entrance of the reserve because it’s the closest to Scopello , the must-see town of the area. The car park is large and there is a small food truck selling drinks and food. It’s the last place where you can buy something before entering the reserve, so make sure you have everything you need! (Especially water)

The Zingaro reserve entrance fee is 5€. Once inside, you will just have to follow a path overlooking the seaside , you can’t get lost! All along the way you will be able to swim in beautiful coves with crystal clear water. It’s really the ideal place to alternate (simple) hiking and relaxing moments at the beach.

If you choose to go back and forth from one end of the reserve to the other without a beach break, it takes about 4 hours on foot . And If you want to swim or just rest at the beach, you can easily spend the day there , if you have enough food and water (yes I repeat myself but it’s important especially when it’s very hot!)

One last tip: don’t go with flip-flops . There is mud and stones on the path, so a pair of sneakers or even better, hiking shoes, are required!

• Villa Anna: Located 5 minutes from Guidaloca beach and 10 minutes’ drive from Scopello. Modern and bright double room from 60€ per night, breakfast included. What we liked: the geographical location close to Scopello and the Zingaro nature reserve, the calm of the place, the reception of the host, the rooms with private terrace, the private free parking and above all the excellent and copious breakfast with home-made cakes. We highly recommend it. It’s my favorite choice in Scopello for it’s great value!
• Tenute Plaia Agroturismo: Located 500 meters from Scopello. Double room with classic decoration from 79 €, breakfast included. Strong points: the setting in the countryside, the view, the breakfast and the restaurant of the hotel, the swimming pool, the private and free parking.
• B & B Talia : Located in Scopello itself. Comfortable and colorful double room from 124 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location and the view on the Tonnara, the kindness of the hosts, the home made breakfast.

8) Palermo (2 days)

Now it’s time to head to Palermo , the capital of Sicily, for 2 days.

For your first day in town, here is an itinerary suggestion to visit the main monuments of Palermo :

• Start by visiting the Palace of the Normans , a must-see in Palermo, especially famous for its Palatine chapel with golden mosaics.
• Stop to admire the red domes of the St. John of the Hermits church , located close to the Norman palace .
• Discover the magnificent architecture of the Palermo Cathedral and the royal tombs .
• Stroll through the historical centre to admire the numerous palaces and churches.
• Enjoy a bit of calm and greenery by going to the Foro Italico , the botanical garden and the Villa Giulia gardens .

And for your night in Palermo , I recommend you the best hotels a bit below.

For your second day in town, you can start by going to the Ballaro market , a colorful market with all the typical Sicilian products. A feast for the eyes and taste buds!

According to your preference and budget, I advise you either to:

• Visit the Massimo theatre and discover the backstage of one of the greatest operas in Italy (entrance fee: 20€)
• Go to the Sicily regional archaeological museum (free entrance) and learn more about history, with several remains coming from Selinunte Temple .

In the afternoon, I strongly recommend you to visit Monreale , known for its beautiful cathedral with 6500 square meters of golden mosaics . A must-see during your stay in Palermo !

The town of Monreale is really nice, a truly unforgettable experience!

In the evening you can spend a second night in Palermo .

For a complete list of things to do in Palermo, you can read our article: The 15 best things to do and see in Palermo .

In order to learn everything about Palermo’s historical center , the best is to opt for a guided visit in English.

During this 3 hours guided tour , you will explore the main monuments I talk about in this guide, including the magnificent Palermo Cathedral.

In addition, you will also try 5 typical Sicilian food like arancini or cannoli. And of course, Fabrizio, your guide, will make sure that you have a lot of fun . This is clearly the best way to discover the city!

To book this tour, simply click on the button below:

• A casa di Amici: Located 1km from the cathedral, this youth hostel offers beds in dormitory from 20€, breakfast included. Strong points: the geographical location, the terrace, the fact it’s super clean, the comfortable beds and the shared areas.
• Due Passi: B&B located 500 meters from the Massimo Theatre. Modern and bright double room from 63€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: very pleasant neighborhood, B&B well located, the warm welcome and availability of the hosts, quiet place and very good breakfast. This hotel offers the best value for money in Palermo under 100€!
• Alma Hôtel: Located 450 metres from the Massimo Theatre and 1.5 km from the Cathedral of Palermo. Very modern and stylish double room from 130€, breakfast included. What I liked: adorable owners giving lots of good advice, the rooms quality, and of course, the exceptional breakfast with home-made cakes.
• Porta Di Castro : Located in the heart of Palermo old town, at only 5 minutes on foot from Palermo Cathedral. Superb double room starting at 150€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: The perfect location, the hotel design, the awesome breakfast, and the very friendly staff. The best hotel for a luxury stay in Palermo!

9) Taormina (2 days)

To finish these 2 weeks in Sicily in style, let’s go to the small town of Taormina !

To get there, I advise you to take the Palermo/Taormina itinerary along the sea (about 30 minutes longer than the other road). This will allow you to quickly visit the small town of Cefalù . It’s worth it just for a photo souvenir in the bay. It’s one of the most emblematic views of Sicily!

After this little break, head towards Taormina .

Taormina is “the Sicilian Saint-Tropez”, with its many shops scattered all over the old town and the tourists crowds walking around. But the city is still very pretty and pleasant to visit.

When you arrive in Taormina , you can start by strolling through the old part of the city , walking along the Umberto Corso to Piazza IX Aprile . You should really climb the stairs to the Madonna della Rocca sanctuary for a bird’s eye view of the town.

Going back down after this small effort, you will have a lot of choice for your lunch!

If you want a peaceful and quiet environment, you should go “the sandwich way” and eat it in the Villa Comunale public garden . it’s a great place to enjoy a bit of shade and the nice view over the whole Isola Bella bay .

Talking about it, going to Isola Bella is scheduled for your afternoon. Walking and visiting are good but don’t forget, you’re in holidays!

It would be a shame to miss a moment of relaxation in this pretty little beach with crystal clear water . It’s also a nice place to do some snorkelling.

Many activities are available on site (click on the links to book):

• 2-hour guided kayak tour to discover the marine reserve around Isola Bella.
• 4-hour kayak tour, to explore a good part of the coast around Taormina
• Boat tour + Snorkeling : Get on the boat and enjoy several stops to observe the underwater fauna and flora around Isola Bella!

Another great way to enjoy Isola Bella is to go on a boat trip.

You can book the best boat trip in Isola Bella bay , with Graziella and her husband, the very friendly boat owners, by clicking the button below:

At sunset, head back up to Taormina to visit the Greek theatre . It’s just the best time of the day to visit it.

The next day, for your last day of holidays in Sicily (sorry to remind you😝), you should go to Castelmola .

At 5 kilometers from Taormina , this medieval village offers beautiful viewpoints on Etna and the valley below. Don’t leave without tasting a glass of almond wine, the specialty of the village. Don’t drink too much, your tour isn’t over yet!

In the afternoon, your should go to the Alcantara gorges . These walls, some of them more than 25 meters high , were formed by successive lava flows that cooled in contact with water.

The place is particularly impressive. However, you don’t need to bring your swimsuit, the water is really cold there! If you’re brave enough, you can just put your feet in the water, for the picture moment.

To access the gorges, I advise you to take the communal stairs.

They cost only 2 euros instead of the 15 euros guided tour! This “secret” path is just after the large parking lot on the left. You need to buy your entrance ticket in a small hut, on the right side of the road. A good tip to save you some money!

If you need more info about Taormina and how to access to the Alcantara gorges, you should read our article: Visit Taormina, The Top 10 things to see and do .

The Alcantara Gorge, on the other hand, is the ideal place to try canyoning . As you will be well equipped, you will not feel the cold and the descent of the river by canyoning in the middle of the gorges is really great!

This activity includes pick up at your accommodation (at all hotels located between Taormina and Catania).

Book your canyoning tour in the Alcantara Gorge by clicking on the button below

If you don’t need the included transport because you have rented a car for your roadtrip to Sicily , you can drive to the meeting point for your canyoning tour by yourself.

You should thus click here to book the Canyoning tour without transport (it’s obviously a bit cheaper!).

• Hostel Taormina :  Youth hostel located in the heart of Taormina. Bed in dormitory from 22.50€. Free Wifi. Breakfast not included. A little extra: a large panoramic terrace.
• Casa La via del Mare : Located halfway between the beach and the historic city centre of Taormina. Modern and bright room from 80€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wifi. The plus: Free parking!
• Medea Residence : Located close to the main street of Taormina. Apartment with kitchen, modern and bright. very quiet. Outdoor swimming pool. Free Wifi. Private paid parking: 10€ per day. Minimum of 3 nights rental for 210€ = 70€ per night.
• Hôtel Villa Diodoro: Located at 5 minutes on foot from the historical center. Large and bright double room starting at 190€ per night, breakfast included. What we loved: the free private parking, the location, the swimming pool, the outstanding view, the very helpful staff. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Taormina!

You want to do more activities during your 14-15 days trip to Sicily ?

No problem!

I have created for you a list of the best activities you can do on the island.

Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:

1) Best activities around Catania

• Diving in the Gulf of Catania and in the Marine Reserve of the Cyclopean Islands
• A guided gastronomic tour
• Guided kayak tour along the coast to see the cyclopean rocks
• Snorkeling tour in the marine reserve to admire the underwater volcanic formations
• Mountain bike tour on the slopes of Etna (transport from Catania included)
• Half-day buggy tour on Etna
• 4-hour cruise with snorkeling break
• A small group cruise on a sailing boat + lunch .

2) Activities in Syracuse / Ortigia

• A guided gastronomic tour to discover Sicilian specialties.
• A guided hike to the necropolis of Pantalica.
• A kayak tour with a guide .

3) Near Agrigento

• Paragliding session

4) Activities in Trapani

• Paragliding over the west coast
• Guided tour to the Genovese Cave on the island of Levanzo (Aegadian Islands)
• Full day cruise to the Aegadian Islands from Trapani
• Quad Tour to discover the temple of Segesta.

5) Best activities around Palermo

• Boat trip in a small group, to explore the coast near Palermo or a private boat tour!
• Excursion to Monreale and Cefalu from Palermo
• Paragliding close to Cefalu
• An excursion to Mount Etna, from Paltermo – Transport and guide included

6) Near Taormina

• Segway-Tour in Taormina
• Guided gastronomic tour with tastings stops
• Paragliding
• Helicopter flight over Etna
• Day trip to the Aeolian Islands – Discover Panarea and Stromboli islands
• Day trip to the Aeolian Islands – Discover Lipari and Vulcano islands
• Special “The Godfather” tour , a must if you’re a fan of the movie!
• Excursion to the wineries on Etna + tastings.

And that’s it for your 14 days itinerary! It’s time for you to get back to Catania and catch your flight back home.

I hope for you the next holidays will be soon. And don’t forget, if you want to know more about your next destination, Voyage Tips can help you!

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? 😊

So, what are your plans for your two weeks tour in Sicily?

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Sicily by yourself. (All Sicily articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Sicily tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Sicily tours by clicking the button below:

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: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East + West)
• 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)
• 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

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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 35 comments.

Your article is very informative.

I am going to Sicily in June-July for 14 days with a similar itinerary. Arriving in Palermo for 4 days. 1 and 1/2 days in Palermo proper. 2 day trips, 1 to Cefalu and 1 to Monreale (via public transportation). Then pick up a car @ the airport & drive towards Agrigento. Stopping in Erice/Trapani then going on to Agrigento (passing the salt road).

Staying in Agrigento for 5 nights with day trips to Ragusa and Siracusa.

Then going on to Catania (returning the car @ the airport). For 5 nights with day trips to Mt Etna, Taormina and one other beach town via public transportation.

Your article gave me some great insight.

I am glad my article helped you to plan your stay.

You will for sure enjoy your 14 days trip to Sicily, it seems you have a great itinerary!

Ciao, I love your itinerary about Sicily, it is the most complete, informative itinerary I have seen, complete with places to stay. I like it so much, I am going to follow your suggestions exactly! We intend to be in Sicily perhaps middle of April…is this a good time to go?

Thank you for your valuable information. I have been looking all over the web for an itinerary I could use and came across yours just by accident.

Sincerely, Ralph Blumenthal, Orinda, California

Hello Ralph,

I am really glad my article is helping you to plan your 2 weeks trip to Sicily.

April is a great month to visit, I would even say one of the best! They weather is good (just no too hot) and it’s a lot greener than in summer. The landscape is very beautiful at this season.

If you have any question, don’t hesitate to let me know.

Have a great day!

Hello Vincent! My wife and I just read your article on 14 days in Sicily, …sounds wonderful! I read above that April is “one of the best months” to visit… We were considering October, 2019, …but now perhaps April of 2020. What do you think: October vs. April?

Thanks a lot for your information!

Michael & Leslie Hillsboro, Oregon

Hello Michael,

I’m glad my article helps you to plan your 2 weeks trip to Sicily.

Both months, April and October are very good to visit the island. It is greener in spring for sure, but october also has advantages.

In April, water is too cold to swim, whereas in October, especially at the beginning of the month, it should be ok to enjoy the beaches.

If you have any other question, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Enjoy your stay in Sicily!

Hi! Thanks for the help! We are doing it from Palermo, and loving it! I’m curious about the location you chose for the Sicily Itineray Cover, can you, please, share the location? Thanks

All the best!

Hello Alexandre,

I am glad you are enjoying the itinerary!

The cover photo is the Tonnara, in Scopello. You need to pay a small fee to go there.

Enjoy your 2 weeks trip to Sicily, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me!

Many tanks! 😄

Thanks for sharing this article and all of the tips. I am traveling to Sicily at the end of August and will be there for 16 days, starting in Palermo and ending in Catania. I will not be renting a car so will be in Palermo for 9 nights and Catania for 7 nights. Would you recommend that I do the guided tours for day trips, or is it easier to take the public transportation and go on my own? And what would you recommend for transportation from Palermo to Catania?

Thanks, Brad

As you have quite much time in Sicily, you can go with public transportations to the most touristic place/biggest cities.

For example, from Catania, you can go to Taormina and Syracuse as a day trip by bus, on your own. However, you will not have the time to see everything in only 1 day, so you will probably have to go twice or choose what you want to visit.

From Palermo, you can go to Valley of the temples (about 2 hours one way) or Trapani. It might be a bit harder to visit more remot places like Scopello or Monte Cofano Nature reserve however.

To go from Palermo to Catania, the best is to take the direct bus (2h45). It’s about 2 times faster than the train! (around 2h30 when the train is a good 4-5 hours).

Enjoy your 2 weeks in Sicily!

I am reading so much to try to decide a good home base from which to see all the places you mention.

I’d like to go for a month, probably May 2020. I won’t be renting a car. I would like to have an apartment and mostly cook my own food and “live” like a local. I’m wondering if it would be better to stay 2 weeks or 3/1 on each coast. I do mostly want to be on the east coast.

Not sue if it matters but I am a senior woman probably going alone. Your thoughts would be very helpful.

Hello Marianne,

If you want to stay mostly on the East Coast, I recommend you to do three weeks on the East and one week on the West coast.

The East part of Sicily is really more convenient if you don’t rent a car. The best for you if you want to experience the local life would be to stay in Ortigia island. It’s really pretty, there is a local market and it really feels like authentic Sicily, especially out of season.

Also, from Ortigia, you can visit Syracuse, Noto, Modica, Catania and Taormina by bus.

On the West coast of Sicily, you can stay around Palermo if you want to visit the city, or in Trapani if you plan to go to the Aegadian islands or Erice village.

Palermo is probably more convenient, as you can go on organized day trips from there to visit the surroundings (you can click on the orange links for more info and booking):

Monreale Cathedral and Cefalu Agrigento Valley of the Temple Erice Village, Segesta Temples and Trapani Salt Pans and even do boat tours to discover the coast and beaches.

If you have other questions to plan your trip to Sicily, don’t hesitate to ask me!

This is so helpful. Thank you so much. I will look into local tours. Are you saying it would be easier to stay in Palermo? I’m planning end of April 2020 into May.

If you plan to visit the West of Sicily as day trips from a single base, it’s better to stay in Palermo, yes.

For the East of Sicily, Ortigia island (Syracuse) is probably the best choice! (It’s nice and you there are buses going everywhere from Syracuse bus station)

We used your template for an April/May two week driving tour of Sicily. It was spectacular.

We loved the Palermo B&B and the grand old Coleverde and augmented with a few winery stays. As always we used Rick Steves tour guides throughout our stay for Siracusa, Valley of the Temples and Palermo.

We travel often and this was one of our favorite trips.

Thank you for posting this. It was a valuable tool for planning our Sicily adventure.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to write this kind feedback.

I am really glad my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily helped you to plan your trip and that you enjoyed it!

Maybe see you soon on the blog for another destination 🙂

Hi Vincent,

Thank you so much for posting this wonderful itinerary of Sicily. My husband and I are heading there May 2020, however will only have 12 days in this beautiful place. If we were to reduce your itinerary by 2 days what would your suggestion be. We will be hiring a car. Your thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to your reply.

i am glad my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily is helping you to plan your stay!

About removing 2 days for a 12 days itinerary, it would really depend on which activity you enjoy less.

For example:

– If you don’t want to visit too many archaeological sites, you can remove the day in Selinunte and the 2nd day in Syracuse. – If you’re not much into hiking, you should remove the day in the Zingaro nature reserve – If you don’t want to spend too much time in a big city, you should remove 1 day in Palermo – If you don’t want to bother taking the boat to Favignana island, remove that day.

Really, it’s up to you, and what you would like to visit. Removing any day will work 🙂

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

Loved your two week itinerary. We’re planning on going this June. We’re major foodies and beach lovers…..how would you update your itinerary to give us more beach time- (I’m sure the food part won’t be an issue). Thanks so much!!

Hello Robert,

I am glad my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily is helping you to plan your stay!

If you want to enjoy more beach time, I would suggest you the following;

– On the day where you will visit Noto, Modica and Ragusa baroque towns, you can visit only one and spend the rest of the day at the beach.

– In Agrigento, you can visit the Valley of the Temples in the morning and then go directly to the Scala dei Turchi beach instead of visiting the old town.

– When going to Selinunte, you can skip the archaeological park visit and go to on of the beaches instead: Torre Salsa nature reserve or Heraclea Minoa.

– In the Zingaro Nature reserve, you don’t need to do the full hike, you can stop at one of the coves and spend the day there. If you prefer large sandy beaches, you can skip the Zingaro Nature Reserve and go to San Vito Lo Capo seaside resort beach instead.

– In Palermo, if you don’t want to visit too much, you can go to Mondello beach located nearby.

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

Your information is very helpful.

If we were were to take three weeks to do your two week itinerary, would it be possible to do it without renting a car?

Thanks, Jim

Yes, you could do this 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily in 3 weeks by bus and train.

The only thing you had to skip is the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve (step 5 of the itinerary), as you can only go there by car.

At the moment, the Zingaro Nature Reserve is closed. It was unfortunately destroyed by a fire earlier this year and for now, no one knows when it will re open. Instead of going to the Zingaro, you can for example stay a bit more in Trapani and visit Segesta Temple or spend more time in Palermo.

You can have a look at these websites to plan your train/bus journey: – Trenitalia for train – AST (bus) / Sais (bus) / Interbus

Enjoy your trip to Sicily!

Hi Vincent, Your itinary/tips are so helpful with planning my August/Sept 2021 /4 week journey. Would you have any suggestions as to which city is best to start in ie Palermo vs Catania. Since I will be traveling with a companion for first 2 weeks then solo last 2 weeks. I would like to visit Malta if possible for 2-3 days sometime during last 2 weeks of solo part of trip. We both enjoy beaches, swimming ,exploring UNESCO sites/ towns, local cultural food/wine and art/ history experiences. Day trips with car rental. I need suggestions on how to organize trip . We are not so much hikers. Thanks for any feedback so appreciated

Hello Joann,

You can start in Catania and follow this 15-day itinerary in Sicily. You can do the whole tour of Sicily with your companion and then drop him off in Catania.

For the rest of your stay, you should visit the Aeolian Islands. The boats depart from the port of Milazzo, in the north of Sicily. If you want to take the time to visit several islands, you should spend at least 4-5 days there. You can also spend some time south of Siracusa for the beach and the nature reserves.

About Malta, you can fly to Malta from Catania or take the ferry from Pozzallo (in the very south of Sicily) or Augusta (between Catania and Siracusa). 2-3 days is in my opinion really yoo short for Malta (I live there, so I know the place very well ^^. You should spend at least a week to have time to visit the whole archipelago (Malta is 3 islands, and they are all worth it!) without hurrying. You will find all my articles to prepare your stay in Malta here: Destination Malta .

Do not hesitate if you have any other questions about Sicily or Malta! Enjoy your trip!

Vincent So kind of you.. really appreciate all your excellent suggestions.. have a lovely day…JoAnn

Hi JoAnn, Thanks to you for passing by and reading my 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily! If you have any questions to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to ask me. Have a great day!

Firstly, thanks for being so thorough with your itinerary and super helpful towards everyone who asked questions here. What a champion. Your two week itinerary looks pretty epic … I have some questions and would really appreciate some input here man.

I am flying to Catania, being picked up by friends, heading over to Syracuse for 4 days. From there I will take them back to Catania and will take the car to be on my own for 10 nights / 11 days. I’m not that into archeological sites and history but more into swimming/hiking spots and being active and outside as much as possible … so I’d prefer not to spend too much time on the road actually. If you would choose 2 or 3 spots for 10 nights that I can settle into each spot and explore from there which places would that be? Your advice would be sincerely appreciated.

Sending lots of good vibes from Amsterdam.

Thanks for your kind words, I am really glad my blog is helping you to plan your itinerary in Sicily!

if you enjoy hiking and outdoor, here are a few suggestions:

– Spend some time in Madonie Regional Natural Park, it’s the best place for hiking in Sicily (+ it’s not too far from Cefalu, worth a look too). Nebrodi regional park is also very nice and can be another good option. – If city is ok for you, you can spend a few days in Taormina – you can go to the beach, go hiking around/on Mount Etna, hiking/swimming in Alcantara Gorges (well, not really swimming, water is always super cold there! More refreshing yourself), hiking from Taormina to Castelmolla etc.. Enough to keep you busy for 3-4 days at least! – Will be the most touristic place for sure, so keep that in mind. – Go around Scopello: There you can enjoy Monte Cofano and the Zingaro nature reserve, both perfect to alternate swimming and hiking – In the south of Sicily, spend some time around Siacca: there you can enjoy nice beaches and nature reserve: Torre Salsa, Foce Del Fiume Platani, Cape San Marco Nature Reserve, Le solette beach (really nice!).

I hope it gives you a few ideas, you can pickup 2-3 according to your preferences!

Enjoy your trip, and if you need more info to plan your trip to Sicily, don’t hesitate.

Hi Vincent, You have a very nice itinerary! We plan a 2 weeks holidays in May with our 3 kids of 10 years old. For this time, we would like to be in the south and East (Mount Etna, Syracusa and Agrigento). The plan is to fly to Catania and chose 2 locations only, and from there mover around to visits those 3 areas. What would be your recommendation for choosing the 2 base locations? We are puzzling about what would make more sense, and also to enjoy the location as for the kids the main highlight might be a swimming pool 🙂

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

I am really glad my 2 weeks intinerary in Sicily is helping you to plan your stay!

To be honest, to visit Siracusa (and maybe noto/modica/ragusa), the Etna (and probably Taormina, maybe the Alcantara gorges etc.) and Agrigento, you should take 3 accommodations. Especially since you have 2 weeks!

Else you will end up having days with 4h or more of driving to visit the various locations.

I would thus suggest to take an hotel around Siracusa, another one around Taormina and the last one in Agrigento. It would really be the best solution to make the most of your stay.

Enjoy your trip!

Loved your info. My mothers family is from Syracuse. We were considering a tour but after reading your detailed guide we’re wondering about doing it on our own! Wondering if 2nd week in sept is less crowds but still good weather? Also wondering the average drive time between each of the destinations as outlined on your itinerary? Malta also sounds wonderful . If I was going to allow 15-18 days for both the trip to Sicily and Malta what would you eliminate from the Sicily itinerary to allow for additional days in Malta if you think there is much to be seen there. Also, while archaeological sites are interesting that would not be my preference for the majority of my travels in either area although I would like a taste of them, of course.

Hello Joanne,

No problem to visit Sicily the second week of September. You can check all the travel times by car on Google maps.

If you want to visit Sicily and Malta, I would recommend you to spend a week in each destination, otherwise it’s not worth it. For a week in Sicily, you should focus on the eastern part of the island and visit Catania, Syracuse/Ortigia, Noto and Taormina. You can read my detailed itinerary in Eastern Sicily here: A week in Sicily .

For everything about Malta, you can find all my articles about the island there: Destination Malta . You’ll find all the best things to do as well as itineraries.

Enjoy your trip to Sicily and Malta!

Hi, We are thinking of spending two weeks in Sicily, but the only time we can do it is the first two weeks of November. Is this too late in the season to follow your itinerary? Will places be closed ? The temperature looks to be arround 20C and comfortable for touring, but I’m reading about storms. All advice gratefully received Bill

Hello Bill,

You can definitely follow this 2 week itinerary in Sicily in early November.

There are just two things you won’t be able to do: – swimming as the water will be too cold – take the boat to the Egadi islands as the excursions stop in October.

For storms, Sicily was indeed hit by tornadoes and heavy rain in October/November last year (and it wasn’t only Sicily, I was in Malta at that time and the island was severely hit too) but it’s not usual. In November, normally you can expect some showers or a bit of wind but that’s about it.

Have a nice 2 weeks trip to Sicily!

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Sicily Road Trip: Plan a Perfect 14 Day Sicily Itinerary

Planning a perfect two week Sicily road trip itinerary and looking for the most interesting places to visit, best things to do, and the best route to take? I got you covered with my detailed 14 day Sicily itinerary (extendable to 16 days).

Although it is impossible to see absolutely everything on the largest Italian island in just a couple of weeks or even one month, the good news is that two weeks in Sicily by car is enough time to visit different parts of the island . In just a couple of weeks, you can drive the perimeter of the island from west to east and north to south and see the best of Sicily’s natural and historical sights, and experience intriguing Sicilian culture .

From pristine Sicilian beaches and postcard-perfect coastal towns like Cefalù to the greatest baroque architecture of Val di Noto, chaotic but charming streets of Palermo, climbing the smoking Etna volcano, and wandering back in time through the alleyways of mysterious medieval villages in Madonie mountains, just to name a few highlights and must-visit places included to this two-week road trip in Sicily route .

In this post, I show you exactly how to plan a trip to Sicily, including the must-see highlights , and amazing things to do . I break down this Sicily itinerary day-by-day, providing driving distances and times between each destination, suggesting great places to stay, and where to eat in each location. I also share useful tips for planning a trip to in Sicily, Italy.

Following my ultimate 2 week Sicily itinerary, you will discover not only popular places but also many wonderful hidden gems where the authentic Sicilian experience unfolds.

Keep on reading to find out how to visit Sicily in two weeks and see the best of this Italian island!

Disclosure :  This Sicily Itinerary Travel Guide contains affiliate links to our trusted partners. It means that we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase by clicking a link. It helps us grow the blog and create more of free useful travel advice for you. 

14-day Sicily road trip itinerary : overview

2 weeks in Sicily itinerary overview (14-16 days) :

• DAY 1 Catania
• DAY 2 Agira and Gagliano Castelferrato
• DAY 3 Gangi (Madonie mountains)
• DAY 4 Cefalù
• DAY 5-6 Palermo
• DAY 7-8 Castellammare dell Golfo and Zingaro Nature reserve
• DAY 9 Favignana island
• DAY 10-11 Trapani
• DAY 12- 13 Ragusa (with an optional stop at Valley of Temples) and Modica
• DAY 14 Syracuse
• DAY 15 Etna hike (with an optional afternoon in Taormina)
• DAY 16 Catania (flight day)

Total distance and driving time: approx. 1158 km (720 miles), approx. 18.5 hrs.

Pick up rental car: at Catania Airport (alternatively, Palermo Airport or at Trapani Airport )

When we traveled: in May.

Our 2-week Sicilian road trip begins and ends in Catania. This itinerary uniquely emphasizes lesser-known locales across the island, though it does include renowned spots like Cefalu and capital city of Palermo. Over 14 days, we explored diverse regions—east, north, west, and south of Sicily—staying 1-2 nights per destination based on local attractions, with driving times generally capped at a few hours daily, except on a few longer travel days.

This dynamic itinerary for Sicily road trip balances beach visits, mountain treks, nature reserves, and cultural explorations to Sicily’s main cities, medieval towns, and vibrant markets. Notably, some famous sites like Taormina or the Valley of Temples in Agrigento are excluded to focus on a more authentic local experience, though they can be added based on personal interests.

We traveled in May, an ideal time to avoid the touristy high season. A car is essential for accessing many of these locations.

2 weeks in Sicily, Italy : travel essentials

These are useful travel resources for planning your Sicily road trip.

• Rent a car : The best way to explore Sicily is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Sicily from your location.
• Sleep: we booked all our accommodation in Sicily on Booking.com .
• 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.

How to plan a Sicily road trip

1. getting to sicily.

There are 3 main international airports in Sicily where you can land. They are located in Trapani in the West, Catania on the East coast, and Palermo (capital city of Sicily) in the North West.

It is also possible to reach Sicily by ferry . One of the main ports connecting Sicily to the mainland of Italy is Messina (the eastern part). This would be an entry point for those traveling by road from Southern Italy (that was what we did for this particular trip).

Also, there is a long-distance ferry from Napoli and Salerno which takes around 11 hours to reach Sicily at the port of Palermo.

2. How to get around Sicily?

The best and easiest way to independently explore Sicily is by car. Public transport connects bigger cities like Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento, and Trapani. However, getting to the smaller towns, the transportation is not as frequent, and commuting time is much slower than by car. Also, some wonderful mountain villages or secluded beaches are only accessible by private transport.

Therefore, renting a car for a trip to Sicily was a no-brainer for us. It also allows traveling at your own pace.

Palermo , Catania , or Trapani airports are the most convenient places to pick up your rental car.

• Car rental tip:  if you are looking for  an affordable rental car, check  Discovercars .  This is a car search website that I use for all my trips to Italy. Just by comparing rates between different rental companies,  Discovercars can help you save up to 70% on your rental rate .  It also gives an option to add a reasonably priced full coverage (insurance).

3. How many days in Sicily?

You need at least 10 days to cover the full perimeter of Sicily at a fast pace. However, the reasonable amount would be a minimum of 14 days to see the highlights of Sicily at a medium pace, spending 1, 2, or 3 nights in each place of interest. Ideally, I would recommend 3 weeks to even a month for a slow-paced trip. This would allow exploring not only the mainland of Sicily but also include several days of island hopping on Aeolian islands.

4. Where to stay in Sicily

Instead of changing accommodation every night, I recommended picking a few bases in Sicily from where to explore different towns and places in the area.

For example, bigger cities like Catania, Palermo, Trapani are perfect places to stay for a few days and go on day trips to nearby destinations. If you are visiting the hinterlands, then stay in one of the hilltop villages to explore the area and other small towns nearby.

Having a home base for at least 2-3 nights works best and helps to save time packing up and checking in to a new hotel or B&B every night. In this guide, I share recommended places to stay at each leg of the trip.

• Accommodation: I always book my stays through Booking.com . This accommodation search site provides a variety of places to stay for any budget. Also, as a returning customer of Booking.com, you get some great Genius discounts. Tip: always check the booking cancelation policy, and if possible, choose accommodation with the most flexible cancelation terms. I usually book places that I can cancel as close to the trip as possible to be on the safe side in case my plans change.

5. How long does it take to drive around Sicily?

Driving across Sicily typically takes 3-4 hours to cover about 300 km from East to West. For instance, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Trapani to Catania (315 km) and a 3-hour drive from Palermo to Syracuse (260 km).

Travel times to the interior from the coast can vary, generally taking 1-2 hours, with slower speeds through central Sicily’s mountain villages compared to the coastal roads. While this road trip includes one long driving day from Trapani to Ragusa with a stop in between, most days involve shorter distances.

• Related article: What is it like to drive in Sicily.

6. Where should I go- East or West Sicily?

Your entry point to Sicily and the duration of your stay will most likely determine which part of the island you will choose to explore.

• If you have less than 10 days, focus either on the Eastern or the Western part of the island. That being said, if you land in Catania, your best bet is to explore the eastern and southeastern parts of Sicily. On the other hand, if you are landing in Palermo or Trapani, with limited time in mind, focus on the west and northwest side of the island. In this case, you will also have the option to add a day trip to Egadian islands which are just a short 30-minute ride by ferry from Trapani.
• If you have a couple of weeks or more, you can then aim to tour the whole island of Sicily, ticking off all the highlights and some less-visited places in Sicily .
• Related article: 30+ Useful Sicily Travel Tips .

7. What is the best time to visit Sicily?

The ideal times to visit Sicily are late April to May and September to early October , during the shoulder seasons. These periods offer mild coastal temperatures, fewer tourists, and better prices for accommodations, especially after the busy and costly peak months of July and August.

While the coastal waters may be slightly chilly in May, they are comfortably warm in September. Remember to pack layers for cooler mountain temperatures. If swimming isn’t a priority, the off-season is great for enjoying Sicilian culture and cuisine without the crowds.

Our 2-Week Sicily Road Trip Route Map

14 day Sicily itinerary: day-by-day

Day 1: catania.

• Stay: 1 night in Catania at Minimal Chich Teatro Massimo Bellini $$

If you land in Catania, your Sicily journey starts and ends in the second biggest town of Sicily. If you are not planning to spend more than one night in Catania at the beginning of your trip, I recommend picking up your rental car at Catania airport .

If you decide to allocate more time in Catania and are not planning on driving outside the city center, then you can pick up your car later. I also recommend doing it at the airport as it is cheaper than in the city.

Nonetheless, having limited time in Sicily, I suggest spending a day in Catania for the main sights as there are so many other interesting things to see in Sicily.

• Related article: Tips for renting a car in Catania Airport.

THINGS TO DO IN CATANIA

Catania is the second biggest city in Sicily (after the capital Palermo). Originally founded by Greeks in 729 BC, and later conquered by Romans around 250 BC, Catania, just like all of Sicily, underwent numerous conquests. Besides Greeks and Romans, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, and Spaniards passed by leaving their footsteps.

As if that was not enough challenge, in the Middle Ages, the city was destroyed by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and then rebuilt in Baroque architectural style in the 18th century. Today Catania is a lively town where you can experience an authentic urban lifestyle of Sicily, and admire some of the most impressive architecture.

Travel tip: avoid driving in Catania . The town is walkable. Leave your car at the accommodation and go for a “ passeggiata ” (a nice stroll around the town in Italian).

Things to do in Catania:

• Start your first day from Piazza del Duomo (with the famous elephant fountain) and the Duomo di Catania (Catania Cathedral)
• Stop by at Pescheria- a local fish market, just behind the Piazza Duomo. This particular activity would be interesting for street photographers. Note that it is quite a stinky and bloody experience. The fish market is open daily in the mornings (except on weekends).
• Take Via Etnea- a famous street from where you can see the famous Etna volcano in the background.
• Head to Piazza dell’Universita and explore pallazo dell’Universita and pallazo San Guiliano- two famous palaces in Catania
• If you still have more time, visit Villa Bellini Gardens characterized by its many fountains.
• Finally, if you love peeking into churches, then head to Via Crociferi  to see  the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena .

If you prefer some guidance when visiting cities, then it is worth checking this Catania Walking Tour , or if you are a food lover, the Food tour of Catania by night offers some off-the-beaten path experiences.

WHERE TO STAY IN CATANIA?

There is no shortage of fantastic accommodation choices in Catania. After doing some research, I shortlisted the following B&B’s and apartments.

Le Suited Del Duomo $$$ -9.3/10- right in the Piazza del Duomo, modern rooms with spa bath. Click HERE to book.

Minimal Chich Teatro Massimo Bellini $$- as the name suggests this is a contemporary chic duplex apartment featuring an elevated bedroom accessible by a staircase, including a washing machine (a rare find), and is situated in the historic center of Catania. Find out more HERE .

Living Suite Catania Pacini $$ – beautifully decorated rooms with ornamental tiles, featuring a private balcony. Central location close to Piazza del Duomo and other points of interest in Catania. Click HERE for to book.

Gorgeous Flat with Opera view $$- a very pretty authentic one-bedroom apartment in a historic building in the heart of Catania. Find out more HERE .

Casa Verdi- House for Travelers $- beautiful rooms and dorms for travelers on a budget. Find out more HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN CATANIA

• When in Catania, stop by at Comis Ice Café for a fantastic gelato, pistachio granita, and awesome cannoli.
• If you love to eat fish, Fishiaria restaurant has great reviews and yummy-looking dishes.

DAY 2: Agira and  Gagliano Castelferrato

• Driving distance:  approx. 85 KM (53 miles).
• Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 20 MIN.
• Stops:  Gagliano Castelferrato.
• Stay : 1 night in Agira at Case al Borgo- Agira Centre .

Gagliano Castelferrato

On the second day, head directly to the heart of Sicily following scenic roads with spectacular views of Mount Etna along the way. When I was looking for less explored places in Sicily, I came across a magical small town in Enna province called Gagliano Castelferrato (iron castle). Guarded by the craggy rock, the ancient town is said to be founded in 1900 BC, originally named Galaria.

Gagliano Castelferrato is not yet under the tourists’ radar but it has already been named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy ( Borghi più belli d’Italia ). Indeed, the name is well deserved taking into account the intriguing setup of the town that features a Gothic town center, an ancient rock castle, and splendid panoramic mountain views all around.

Nestled at the foothills of the imposing rock and surrounded by lush green valleys, Gagliano Castelferrato reminds me of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the Basilicata region of South Italy.

A few things you can do in this small gorgeous mountain town of Sicily are to wander around its quiet streets and visit Chiesa Madre San Cataldo- the 14th-century church set atop the town with beautiful views all around.

Also, climb the Rocca Castle for even better panoramic views and a mini-workout. The ancient castle is carved directly into the rock backing up the town of Gagliano Castelferrato.

Initially, I was willing to spend a night in this magical place, however, there was no accommodation to be found. Therefore, I picked a place to sleep in the nearest town of Agira (6 KM from Gagliano Castelferrato).

Initially planned as an overnight spot, Agira turned out to be a picturesque age-old town perched atop the steep hill (mount Teja). I have to admit, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that our blindly picked mountain village is also a very charming medieval settlement boasting panoramic views of Mount Etna.

According to the legend, the village of Agira was founded before the Trojan war by Greeks in 1194 BC, and was originally called Agyrion, with the name derived from the violent Sicilian tyrant Agyris.

The lively historic town center is situated around the piazza Francesco Crispi and Parrocchia S. Antonio Da Padova church .

There are numerous churches worth visiting, including two fine Norman examples, the remains of an Arab-Byzantine fortress and a synagogue, testifying to the presence of a Jewish population several hundred years ago.

A little further away from the historic center, you can find a neighborhood of the Rocche di San Pietro which dates back to Arab times in Sicily. Called Arab Quarter, it is one of the last places in Sicily entirely attributable to Arab art.

Fun Fact: Apparently Agira was recently put back on the map due to an enormous Sicilia Outlet Village- a shopping town with over 100 boutiques dedicated to discounted fashion products from high-end brands such as Prada, Armani, Versace, and similar.

WHERE TO STAY IN AGIRA?

There are only a few accommodation options to choose from in Agira:

Talia $$- cozy bright rooms with private bathrooms and American breakfast. Find out more HERE .

Case al Borgo- Agira Centre $$ – provides apartments around Agira, some with fantastic views overlooking the mountains, breakfast included. Management features the restaurant, free wi-fi, garden and a swimming pool. For more info click HERE .

Casa Albergo La Terza Stella $ – We stayed here. Instead of a room as described on Booking, we got the whole one-bed apartment in the historic center of Agira. Run by a local photographer Franco (we suspect it was his own bachelor apartment) accommodation was simple but good enough for one night. A classic Italian breakfast of pastry and coffee was served at a bar downstairs. You can find out more HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN AGIRA?

• Belvedere – a cheap restaurant offering local food on a terrace with fantastic panoramic views.
• Bottega delle Cassatelle – a pastry shop that sells one of the best typical deserts in Sicily- Cassatelle di Agira – a pastry filled with chocolate and dried fruit. In fact, Agira town was the only place we could find this pastry and it is one of the best!

DAY 3: Gangi

• Driving distance:  approx. 52 KM (32 miles).
• Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 10 MIN.
• Stops:  Sperlinga.
• Stay: 1 night in Gangi at RESIDENCE VENTIMIGLIA

On day 3, we make our way to one of my absolute favorite places in Sicily- a mysterious Gangi (pronounced “gan-chee”), located in the province of Palermo. Surrounded by spectacular Madonie mountains and overlooking mount Etna, the early days of Gangi are tied to the mythical Greek city of Engyon.

Named the most beautiful village in Italy , Gangi dates back to 1200 BC and was founded by Cretans. It was destroyed during the War of Sicilian Vespers and rebuilt approximately in the 1300s of this era. This is how we know the Gangi of today.

The town of Gangi raises up in layers of bright color houses glued side to side like a Lego game. While dozens of narrow cobblestone streets zigzag between the buildings leading your way up the Marone Mount, which is the base of Gangi.

Gangi is a true hidden gem filled with rich history and charm. Once a ghost village, selling abandoned homes for 1 EUR, today it seems to slowly come to life and gain a little bit of attention from a few curious travelers like myself.

At the time of our visit, Gangi was covered in fog. Although mount Etna was nowhere to be seen due to the weather, we will forever remember the mysterious atmosphere of the streets in the clouds.

• Related article: Guide to Gangi mountain town in Sicily, Italy .

Other places to visit near Gangi

Madonie mountains are home to many historical villages. You can easily base yourself in Gangi for a couple of nights and explore other frozen back-in-time medieval villages like Petralia Soprana, Petralia Sotanna, Polizzi Generose, or Sperlinga.  Also, Madonie mountains are a perfect place to have some wifi detox. Internet, although available in most of the accommodations, is as slow as the life of the mountain villages.

Finally, if walking up and down the steep cobblestone streets hasn’t made your legs tired yet, you can try some of the many hiking trails . There are some wonderful trekking routes of different lengths and difficulty levels in the Madonie National Park.

WHERE TO STAY IN GANGI?

B&B IL GALLETTO R. $- We stayed at this cozy and comfortable homestay with easy parking (important!) situated almost at the top of the town, in close proximity to the main historical sites and a couple of good local restaurants. Included breakfast was fantastic and plentiful (sweet as usual in Sicily). Click HERE for more info.

RESIDENCE VENTIMIGLIA $$- modern and bright apartment in the heart of Gangi, features a terrace with mountain views and is a perfect option for a longer stay. It also includes a sweet Sicilian breakfast available to have in the café outside the apartment. Find out more HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN GANGI?

• Baglio Tramontana had one of the best dinners in Sicily in this pizza restaurant which also offered a selection of different kinds of pasta (the porcini mushroom tagliatelle was incredible), and pizza was great as well.
• Capricci di Gola – a pastry shop in the lower part of the town which had an amazing selection of different local sweets and coffee.

DAY 4: Cefalù

• Driving distance:  approx. 60 KM (37 miles).
• Stops:  Castelbuono.
• Stay: 1 night in Cefalù at Hotel La Plumeria .

On day 4 we left the misty Madonie mountains in search of sunshine. We headed to one of the most picturesque seaside towns in North Sicily- Cefalù . Nestled at the foothills of an imposing rock, and washed by the salty waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Cefalù (pronounced shef-a-loo) is an ancient fishing port featuring a picture-perfect beach set against the old town walls.

Today Cefalù is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily , attracting thousands of sun-seekers during the summer months. Luckily we were traveling during the shoulder season, the beginning of May. But even at this time, the main street Corso Ruggero in the old town of Cefalù was quite busy. Especially at the Piazza del Duomo. It was packed with hundreds of visitors during the day.

Nonetheless, chilly water and stormy weather kept Spiaggia di Cefalù (Cefalù beach) completely empty. And since swimming was only for the bravest that day, we opted to explore the charming backstreets of the old town without the crowds.

Here are a few things you can do while in Cefalù:

• Enjoy the sunshine and swim at Spiaggia di Cefalù o(also called Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio -the iconic Cefalù beach backed by rustic old buildings) or Spiaggia Libera (free beach stretching along the promenade leading to the old town)
• Wander and get lost in the backstreets of the historical center in Cefalù. Here you will find plenty of gelaterias to grab a granita or brioche with gelato, and also countless souvenir shops and hidden restaurants.
• Sip a coffee at the bustling Piazza del Duomo . This is the most touristic spot in Cefalù. But if crowds are not your scene, come to Piazza del Duomo after sunset- the plaza is empty and Duomo during the blue hour looks way more magical than during the day.
• Hike up La Rocca di Cefalù to Castello di Cefalù (castle) for wonderful views of the orange roofs of the old town and a coastline stretching all the way to Palermo in the west and Capo d’Orlando in the east (284 m elevation gain).
• Find the medieval wash house ( lavatoio medievale ) located on Via Vittorio Emanuelle . Wrapped in a myth of being built of the river flowing with tears of a nymph who cried over her dead lover, Lavatoio is a wonderful example of the life in Cefalù back in old days.
• Catch the sunset at the old harbor of Cefalù. This place is magically beautiful. I simply couldn’t put my camera away. The dramatically dark clouds rolling over La Rocca with the sun casting over the facades of old buildings is a dream come true scene for photography lovers. The best iconic views can be caught at the end of the cement outcrop stretching into the sea from the small harbor beach.

WHERE TO STAY IN CEFALU?

Cefalù is one of the most popular places to visit in Sicily, therefore booking accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended. Prices of accommodation are also higher than in other places around Sicily. If you are driving, I recommend looking for a place NOT in the historic center but somewhere nearby within a walking distance. Also, check if the hotel or homestay offers free parking, if at all.

Hotel La Plumeria $$$ – Hotel at the heart of Cefalu, offering rooms with fantastic balconies overlooking the old town, towers of Duomo and La Rocca, free parking, continental breakfast included. Find more info HERE .

Amori di Sicilia $$- 2-bedroom apartment. If you are looking for fully equipped accommodation in the historical center of Cefalu, maybe for a longer stay, this might be a good option. Downside- no parking available. Find out more HERE .

Villa Margherita $$ – We stayed here. Villa turned mini-hotel with a very helpful owner who even spoke English (not common in Sicily). Great breakfast was included (with savory options too). Villa has a big private inner yard to park your car safely and the historic town is no more than 10 min away, beach just a few steps away. Click HERE for more info.

WHERE TO EAT IN CEFALU?

Options of places to eat in Cefalù old town are countless. However, the best places with fewer tourists are always in the backstreets and not on the main road. Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, almost at the back of the old town has some hidden away cozy places, some of them set on the seafront.

• Al Ristoro Di Re Ruggero is one of them-offers warm and welcoming service and great local food.
• Squagghio Icecream is also on Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro. This was our gelateria to go with one of the most amazing real mango ice creams I ever had in my life (the second one was in Portugal).

DAY 5-6: Palermo

• Driving distance:  approx. 76 KM (47 miles).
• Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 30 MIN.
• Stops.:  Sant’Elia, Aspra
• Stay: 2 nights in Palermo at Ai Tre Mercati .

The rough, unpolished, crumbling down, loud and chaotic but undeniably charismatic Palermo is a complete contrast to everything else I saw in Sicily.

In the capital of Sicily, you can experience authentic unfiltered city life. You see people hustling to make their living at the doorsteps of the most enchanting gold-plated churches, and head-spinning palaces. Quite a number of immigrants from Africa and Bangladesh are calling Palermo their home- something you don’t find in small towns of Sicily.

Wide streets dotted with glorious architecture, busy markets, billions of bars and street food stalls, dodgy alleyways, beggars, completely confused tourists, religious ceremonies- there were so many things going on at the same time in Palermo.

Surprisingly, spending a couple of days in Palermo was like a fresh breather and a curiosity boost after the sleepy mountain towns and slow-paced fishing villages.

Things you can do in Palermo:

• Treat your senses with sounds, smells, sights, and flavors at Ballaro morning market . Coming to full life at around 10-11 AM, a colorful and authentic like back in old days market will offer quite an entertainment. The highlight is the cheerful vendors shouting and singing serenades about their strawberries. You can find fantastic street food, bread, vegetables, meat, fish, home utensils, and clothes- they sell it all at the best prices at Ballaro in Palermo.
• Visit the famous architectural monuments- Cathedral of Palermo, Palace of Normans with golden mosaics of Palatine chapel , admire the red domes of the  St. John of the Hermits church, Martorana and Santa Caterina Churches and fountain of shame ( Fontana Pretoria ).
• Stroll through pedestrian streets of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda intersecting at Quattro Canti (four corners)- the heart of the historic district of Palermo.
• Try as much street food in Palermo as you can because it is said to be the best in the world! You will find famous arancini with all sorts of fillings (not only the usual meat).
• Drive to Monreale for the impressive Unesco listed Monreale cathedral and the best bread in the region. Built in the 12th century, Monreale cathedral and its cloister contain the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one building. 2200kg of gold were used to create Monreale mosaics depicting scenes of the New and the Old Testament. Undoubtedly, those Byzantine mosaics are one of the most magnificent in the world. We have spent almost an hour just admiring the craftsmanship and detailing. Once you finish exploring the cathedral, head to any Panetteria (bakery) in town to buy some delicious Monreale bread- it was definitely the nicest one we had in Italy.
• Visit nearby seaside towns . We stopped at Aspra and Sant’Ellia when driving from Cefalù to Palermo- those are small fishing villages with a fantastic atmosphere, and opportunities to swim and meet locals.

Top Tip: Park your car at the accommodation and walk. Driving in Palermo is a bad idea due to traffic. Also, the historic center is easily walkable. If you stay a little bit outside of the historic center, it is a good idea to catch a public bus or a taxi just to avoid the headache of driving and looking for parking.

WHERE TO STAY IN PALERMO?

CATHEDRAL VIEW APARTMENTS $$$-9.6/10- absolutely stunning and spacious 2-bedroom apartment in a historical building with a balcony opening up to the views of Palermo Cathedral. Check for more info HERE .

Ai Tre Mercati $$$- 9.6/10- Bright simple rooms with balcony, close to Ballaro market and other historical center attractions, excellent Italian and continental breakfast included, very helpful and knowledgeable host (which is a bonus, especially in Palermo). Find out more HERE .

LA CASETTA NORMANNA $$- Apartment located in the historical center of Palermo, with free parking and a garden. Click HERE for more info and the latest prices.

Storie di Palermo $$- Accommodation is located in the historical center of Palermo close to Fontana Pretoria and Palermo Cathedral. Huge rooms are decorated with beautiful colorful tiles. Check for more info HERE .

N’Amuri di Casa $$- simple but cozy one-bedroom apartment (can host up to 4 people) in the historical center of Palermo features a small balcony and offers free parking. Find out more HERE .

What to eat in Palermo

• All sorts of arancini. A classic one has the meat filling. However, in Palermo, you can find many different types of fillings to choose from- mozzarella, salmon, swordfish, mushroom, and many more.
• Try different types of seafood. A great place to and value is at Ballaro market where you can pick your treat from the many different stalls. You can also find cozy market restaurants with colorful covers where you can break for delicious semi-street food lunch.
• Cassata siciliana al forno at Caffè del Kàssaro . My favorite Sicilian cake, as usual with ricotta. But this one is different from the rest I have tried in Sicily.

DAY 7-8: Castellammare del Golfo and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve

• Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 20 MIN
• Stops:  Monreale Cathedral.
• Stay: 2 nights in Castellammare del Golfo at Santina .

A couple of days in busy Palermo was just a perfect amount of time for us, although you could spend there much longer, or make it as a base for visiting nearby attractions.

Now we are heading North West with a next stop inland at Monreale Cathedral and back on the coast to the seaside town of Castellammare del Golfo. It will be our base for 2 nights. The main plan here is to hike Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve . The entrance to the reserve is conveniently located only 15 15-minute drive away from Castellammare del Golfo.

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is Sicily’s first protected area established in 1981. It features several nature trails. One of the most popular is a relatively easy 7km one-way (14 km round trip) trail above the coast with 6 wild beaches you can stop at for a swim. Lo Zingaro became popular recently and is definitely one of the most visited natural places in Sicily due to its spectacular panoramas.

Entrance fee: 5 EUR per person per day, opening hours from 7 AM to 5 PM during the summer months and 8 AM to 4 PM off-season (winter, late autumn).

Top tip: bring snacks and water because there are no supplies along the trail except one sandwich kiosk at the South entrance side. Also, although doable in several hours, you might want to dedicate almost a full day to Lo Zingaro as you may not notice the time spent sunbathing and swimming in crystal clear waters.

• Related article: guide to Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily, Italy

Castellammare del Golfo

Named after the seafront castle ( Castello Arabo Normanno ) overlooking a large gulf, Castellammare del Golfo was founded in the 6 th century BC Elymians as a commercial port.

The slopping streets and staircases of the Castellammare lead to the picturesque marina (old harbor) dotted with fishing boats and small fancy yachts. Seeing so many fishing boats docked around, you can naturally expect to find some great fresh seafood restaurants. Choices of which are plentiful in Castellammare.

There is no shortage of sandy and pebble beaches in the area of Castellamare del Golfo. The most accessible is Cala Petrolo beach situated east of the historical center. I wouldn’t recommend swimming there; it didn’t look clean and the setup of the massive concrete wall behind was not appealing at all.

Instead, head further east to Spiaggia Playa (around a 20min walk from the old town)- a long stretch of sandy beach backed by many restaurants and cafes. Spiaggia Playa is a swimming place loved by locals and gets busy during the peak summer months.

Alternatively, drive 10 minutes West of Castellammare del Golfo to the wild beaches Cala Bianca or Cala Rosa. You will have to navigate your way from the main road to one of the hidden turns leading to those pristine beaches.

Head to Belvedere Castellamare del Golfo for scenic views overlooking the town and stretching as far as Palermo.

WHERE TO STAY IN CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO?

Santina $$$- bright fresh rooms, fantastic seaside views, and a great terrace, free parking and breakfast included. Find out more and book HERE .

B&B Nencioli $$$- nicely decorated spacious rooms with balconies are offered in this B&B which is also located in the historic center of Castellamare del Golfo. Continental breakfast is also included. And served on a terrace with a beautiful view, with free parking included. Find out more and book HERE .

Le Sette Meraviglie $$- a simple and bright one-bedroom apartments with balcony and sea view, offer free parking. 94 EU/101 USD. Find out more and book HERE .

Atrium $$- located 10 min walk from the beach, the accommodation offers elegant rooms with a terrace or balcony, free parking, a shared kitchen, and exceptional continental breakfast included. Find out more and book HERE.

Pastry tip: try cassatelle – ricotta and chocolate-chip-filled pastry in a sweet dhow, usually deep-fried. It is a specialty of Castellammare del Goflo, and you can find it all around the town. Our host in Palermo recommended roadside bar La Sorgente which specializes in cassatelle pastries. Trust me they are really good, so we came back multiple times.

DAY 9: Favignana (Egadian islands)

• Driving distance:  approx. 42 KM (26 miles) to Trapani then 30 minutes by ferry.
• Total driving time:  approx. 50 MIN
• Parking:  Leaving the car for the night in Trapani.
• Stay: 1 night in Favignana at Cave Garden Rooms .

The time spent in Castellammare del Golfo and Lo Zingaro was slow-paced and relaxed. To extend our semi-chilled vacation(considering that we always move around and explore places), we decided to spend one night in Favignana . It is located on the west coast and is reachable by 30 min ferry ride from Trapani.

Favignana is the largest of the three Egadian islands, but still small enough to tour its aquamarine beaches on an old-school bicycle. The other two islands are tiny Levanzo and the wild one- Marettimo.

Favignana can be paralleled to the laid-back island life of the Caribbeans – a perfect place just to do nothing, go on a slow beach hopping with many stops for an ice-fresh granita.

For this reason, the best way to explore Favignana island is by bicycle, electronic bike, or scooter. There are countless rental spots ( Noleggio Bici e Motorini ) just outside the ferry port and in the old town.

Things to do on Favignana island

• Beach hopping. The noteworthy ones are Calla Rosa, Calla Azzurra, Spiaggia Lido di Burrone, and our favorite the unique Bue Marino- an old query turned beach with impossibly blue waters.
• Catch the sunset at Cala Rotonda located on the western part of the island which was completely wild and scenery wise reminded me of the Turkish side of Cyprus.
• Just do nothing- it is an island to slow down, sip some aperitivo, coffee, or granita- whatever your preference is. A perfect place for that is tiny Favignana’s historical center, the Piazza Europa- one of the two main old town squares (the other one just 50 meters away is Piazza Madrice).
• Try street food- tuna burgers to be specific. Pescheria Florio at the corner of Piazza Europa is a place to go (we ate there countless times during our 1.5-day stay).
• If you have more time, catch a boat to Levanzo island and spend a couple of hours there. Marettimo is further away, with fewer daily connections, and also the wildest out of all 3 islands. You should visit it if you have more than a night in Fivignana.
• Related article: a complete guide to Favignana and Egadi islands, Sicily .

Travel tip: if you are arriving in a rental car , park it for the night in a large parking lot at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Trapani. It wouldn’t make sense to bring the car to Favignana- costly and you won’t need it. Parking in Trapani costs only 5 EUR for a day (and that’s the maximum you can pay in one shot). Therefore, if you are visiting the Egadian islands only for one night and need to leave your car in Trapani, this is a perfect option. Note that you will have to walk 15 minutes to the ferry from the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele parking lot.

WHERE TO STAY IN FAVIGNANA?

Residence Scirocco e Tramontana $$$- Fantastic one-bedroom apartment with beach vibes, overlooking the sea and close to the ferry port. Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

Casa Vacanze Senia Del Rais $$ – vacation house, located inland of Favignana, free pick up and drop off from the port is included. Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

Cave Garden Rooms $- we stayed here and it was amazing-located a few kilometers inland but free pick up and drop off from the ferry is provided. If you planning on renting a bike, it is a perfect place to stay. The family-run hotel features special cave rooms which are very modern and extremely comfy beds. The place was very peaceful, the breakfast was amazing, and the hosts were absolutely incredible. Highly recommend! Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

DAY 10-11: Trapani

• Driving distance:  approx. 90 KM (56 miles).
• Total driving time:  approx. 2 HRS.
• Stops:  Erice and San Vito Lo Capo.
• Stay: 2 nights in Trapani at Room of Andrea Hotel .

Trapani is the biggest port town in West Sicily which also has an airport. On my first visit to Sicily back in 2016, Trapani was where I landed. The old town of Trapani isn’t huge and features an atmospheric waterfront facing the west side (great for sunsets). You probably won’t need more than half a day to explore Trapani’s historic center at a slow pace.

Travel Tip: Trapani is a perfect base for exploring Western Sicily because many attractions are within a 30min to 1-hour drive.

Things to do in Trapani

• Visit Erice- a mountain-top town frozen back in time.

You may wonder if, after seeing a few mountain towns of Madonie, you really need to see another one. The answer is yes. Erice is absolutely unmissable on your Sicily trip and it is different from what you may have seen before.

Erice is a well-preserved medieval town, with narrow cobblestone streets winding up and down, pretty piazzas, churches, castles, and incredible views overlooking Trapani on one side and Monte Cofano Natural Reserve on the other. Driving the classic hairpin mountain road, you will find Erice situated 751 meters above sea level and often covered in its personal cloud. To catch the misty views, and great light, and to avoid crowds (tour buses start floating in at around 9 am) aim to come early morning. Also, you can come for an evening stroll with an opportunity to catch a beautiful sunset.

There are quite a few wonderful viewing points around the whole perimeter of Erice. But one of the best ones opens up from Gardino del Balio – the garden next to Balio Castle (which is also open for visitors).

Useful Tip: if you are not keen on driving the windy roads, you can take a cable car from Trapani. A round trip costs 9 EUR per person). Coming back during the sunset time by cable car is also a fantastic experience.

• Visit Monte Cofano Natural Reserve.

Heading up north towards San Vito Lo Capo, Monte Cofano Nature Reserve is home to some of the best sceneries in Sicily. You can go on a light hike around the Reserve, or stop at one of the less crowded beaches in Macari (Spiaggia di Macari) . An interesting detour is Grotta Mangiapane – a tiny cave village turned museum. The cost for the visit is a donation of your chosen amount.

• Visit San Vito Lo Capo beach .

San Vito lo Capo located at the very northwestern tip of the island is considered one of the best beaches in Sicily. No wonder it became a popular summer destination as it features a long stretch of white sand beach dotted with colorful umbrellas and divided into free and private sections.

A number of bars and restaurants dotted along Via Lotaranea Lungomare, plus fantastic views of the nearby mountain is a full package for those who love bustling seaside towns.

I have to admit San Vito Lo Capo wasn’t my cup of tea- it was just a little too busy even in May. But I can see why it is a great hangout spot, especially for teenagers and students, and also families since the sea access is quite shallow.

Dessert Tip: When in San Vito Lo Capo, try “fredo caldo” desert at Cavalluccio Marino coffee bar. Couscous is also a specialty there but I didn’t particularly enjoy that dish.

• Visit Segesta temple

Well-preserved and based in gorgeous surroundings, Segesta temple and the ancient Greek theatre are the remains of a former ancient city founded by Elymes. Segesta is 30 min drive from Trapani. The visit will cost you roughly 12 EUR. There is a separate fee for the shuttle bus taking visitors to the site. You must leave your car at a paid parking and also pay a 6 EUR entrance fee to visit the temple and theater.  Note that the theater is located a little bit higher up on Mount Barbaro 400 meters above sea level. If you are not keen on walking, there is another shuttle bus for 1.5 EUR one way which can take you there.

• Visit Favignana island on a day trip. If you don’t want to spend a night in Favignana, Trapani is a perfect base for a day trip to the Egadian islands . Connections from Trapani to Favignana are frequent and you can enjoy a relaxed day without having to spend the night.

WHERE TO STAY IN TRAPANI?

Room of Andrea Hotel $$$- a boutique hotel offering elegant rooms in the historic center of Trapani, buffet breakfast included. 162 EUR/174 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Dimora Botteghelle $$$- charming B&B with beautiful rooms featuring traditional arched stone walls, 1 min walk from the beach in Trapani historical center. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Le Cupole Suits & Apartments $$- spacious minimalistic and bright apartments in the heart of Trapani with private parking available. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Tra I Mari $$ -One-bedroom house in the historic center of Trapani with free parking available, perfect for a longer stay in Trapani. 116 EUR/ 125 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN TRAPANI?

• Boca Pizzeria Trattoria – not exactly in Trapani old town but only 10 min drive in Rigaletta town. This place was my number one Pizzeria in Sicily serving super delicious pizzas on focaccia type of dough with a very generous amount of toppings. The seevice was unmatched considering how busy this place in the middle of nowhere gets. Reservation in advance is recommended. We came without one but super-efficient restaurant manager made sure to get us a table in under 10 minutes.

DAY 12- 13: Ragusa and Modica

• Driving distance:  approx. 313 KM (194 miles).
• Total driving time:  approx. 4 HRS 50 MIN
• Stops: Punta Bianca or Valley of Temples.
• Stay: 2 nights in Ragusa at A.D. 178 Boutique Hotel .

This leg of the journey is the longest on our road trip. We will be heading from Trapani to the baroque gem Ragusa . Along the way, I have included an off-the-beaten-path stop at Punta Bianca – a rival to the more well-known Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) in Agrigento province.

Alternative detour: If you are keen on history, ancient ruins, and temples, then along the way, instead of Punta Bianca, you can stop at the famous Valley of Temples in Agrigento . We were not too keen on visiting this tourist sight and only witnessed it from afar while driving on SS115 road. It was quite a bizarre view- an ancient Temple of Concordia backed by the soviet type of urban landscape of Agrigento.

Instead of Valley of Temples, we chose to explore quite an unusual sight of Punta Bianca- a unique white rock beach with a lonely abandoned house. It was a bumpy off-road drive to the parking spot, and a short 500 meters walk down the steep hill to the beach.

The views here are different from what we saw everywhere in Sicily. With beautiful natural surroundings, Punta Bianca is a great stop for photography lovers. I advise coming during the sunset (we were there during midday, and even at that time the scenery looked impressive).

We spent a good couple of hours shooting and trying to swim at Punta Bianca (it is not ideal for swimming, although there is another beach nearby that looked more suitable for swimming).

Important: Don’t step in the small bushes in this area. We saw a black long snake hiding and apparently, there are a lot of them in the area. Nothing to worry about, just avoid those small bushes and stick to the clear sandy paths.

Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa is one of the Val di Noto baroque towns- a UNESCO world heritage site – a crown jewel of southeast Sicily and an absolute must-visit.

The town of two souls-Ragusa is divided into the modern city and the ancient Ragusa Ibla- the baroque lounge. The split of the town happened after the 1693 earthquake. Ragusa Superior, today known as the modern Ragusa, was rebuilt based on efficiency, while the prettier and more atmospheric Ragusa Inferior or Ragusa Ibla (the lower part of town) was rebuilt in baroque style and now is a quickly growing tourism magnet.

Still, it doesn’t seem to be completely discovered and you can pleasantly enjoy the maze of Ragusa’s street free of crowds.

The main architectural landmark of Ragusa is Duomo di San Giorgio . The piazza surrounding the Duomo comes alive at night with its many bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or dinner.

Meanwhile, the iconic views of Ragusa Ibla can be seen from Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale (the church of Saint Mary of the Stairs).

The most pleasant time to explore Ragusa is early mornings when the streets are completely empty. At this time, you will only meet a few elderly people gathering at a local cafeteria sipping espresso and reading newspapers (and probably being the last generation to actually read old-school newspapers in this digital era).

While at sunset, head for the viewing point at Panoramica su Ragusa Ibla to watch the golden hues of the sunset painting the buildings followed by the street lights slowly illuminating the alleyways and churches.

• Related article: Guide to Ragusa: Sicily’s town of two faces

Modica- the town of chocolate

Modica is another town that belongs to Val di Noto and is particularly famous for its special cold-processed chocolate. Being a huge fan of dark chocolate, I headed directly to the oldest chocolate factory in town- Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, and joined their chocolate tour (with tasting included).

Other than plenty of typical Modica chocolate places, Modica is also renowned for its great baroque architecture. One of the most important architectural masterpieces is the Duomo di San Giorgio . 250 steps leading to it are connecting the lower (basa) and upper (alta) parts of Modica.

Most of the historical part is located in Modica Alta. Therefore there are plenty of steep inclines to deal with. We visited during midday and it was quite a challenge to walk around. Even in mid-May, the heat is already unbearable. For this, we found a cozy Bar del Duomo on the side of Duomo di San Giorgio and ordered chocolate granitas (a must-try in Modica) to cool down.

Other places to add to the itinerary of Val di Noto

• Noto town. We haven’t included Noto in this itinerary but it is probably the most famous town out of all Val di Noto Baroque towns. It is said to be the most beautiful at sunset time when the buildings of the historic town are glowing in golden light.
• Scicli is the smallest town in Val di Noto and can be added to the day trip from Ragusa via Modica as all three towns are relatively close by.

WHERE TO STAY IN RAGUSA?

When choosing our accommodation in Val di Noto, I couldn’t decide between Modica and Ragusa. It turned out that picking Ragusa as our base was the best choice as the town itself is also more charming than Modica. Therefore, if you also have doubts, go for Ragusa.

A.D. 178 Boutique Hotel $$$- gorgeous boutique hotel perfectly combining art, contemporary design, and classic Baroque architecture. Each room is also different. Located at the very heart of Ragusa Ibla. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

Epoca $$- enchanting rooms in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, has beautiful terrace and breakfast is included, free parking is also available. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

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. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

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. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

From Day 14 our route was meant to continue back to South Italy, through Messina port. We only shortly stopped at a tiny hill-top town of Savoca where some of the Godfather’s scenes were filmed.

However, if we had 3 more days to spare in Sicily, the places suggested below would have been definitely added to the route.

As you may have more time than us, it is likely that you will definitely want to include the following must-visit sights in East Sicily.

DAY 14: Syracuse and Ortigia Island

• Driving distance:  approx. 77 KM (47 miles) Ragusa-Syracuse.
• Stay: 1 night in Ortigia at Il Duomo .

The gem of the Eastern part of Sicily is the baroque island of Ortigia (or Ortygia) – in a lack of a better word-an appendix or an extension of the Greek town of Syracuse. 

Pedestrian-friendly Ortigia is renowned for its cultural heritage with a significant Greek influence. A UNESCO landmark, Ortigia was inhabited for over 3000 years and plays an important role in shaping the Mediterranean culture over the centuries.

Today, Ortigia attracts many culture lovers who will have a delightful time exploring its exquisite piazzas with impressive church facades and suggestive tiny streets. Whitewashed sun-kissed houses surrounded by crystalline sea and many restaurants are said to serve the food just as good as the one in Palermo.

Moreover, Ortigia is less touristy than Taormina and more polished than Catania.

Meanwhile, mainland Syracuse is the birthplace of Archimedes (a famous mathematician, philosopher, and inventor) with Neapolis Archaeological Park , home to 5 century BC Greek theater, being an important historical attraction. While Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is the most significant archaeological site showcasing how strong Greek influence was in south-east Sicily, the ruins of Neapolis in Syracuse come close to second.

WHERE TO STAY IN ORTIGIA?

For your reference, and also for my future visit, I have shortlisted the following accommodation options to stay in Ortigia.

Henry’s House $$$- Located in Ortigia, this unique boutique hotel provides artistically decorated rooms and offers a special experience. A terrace overlooking the sea is available in the common area. Pricey option but definitely popular and different.  Click HERE for more info, availability, and bookings.

B&B Porta Marina Ortigia $$- Located in a historical building, the B&B offers classic rooms with balconies and sea views. A sweet and savory breakfast is also included. 152 EUR/ 163 USD per night. Click HERE for more info, availability, and bookings.

Il Duomo $$–set in a 19th-century building this accommodation provides good value for money for the central location, a sweet breakfast is also included. Find out more info, availability, and bookings HERE.

DAY 15: Etna hike and Taormina

• Driving distance:  approx. 156 KM (97 miles)
• Total driving time:  approx. 2 HR 46 MIN.
• Stops: Mount Etna hike.
• Stay: 1 night in Taormina at Villa Le Terrace .

Etna – Europe’s most active volcano , constantly keeping inhabitants of the surrounding villages on edge.  You have probably seen pictures of the mighty volcano spitting lava flames and fuming like a giant dragon.

The active volcano is not something you aim to conquer but you can still take a careful glimpse at its crater from afar. The highest point you can reach in Etna is 3326 meters above sea level.

You have 3 options to visit Etna:

• Self-guided hike (cheapest but hardest option) starting at the base camp of Rifugio Sapienza at 1910 m above sea level. Here you can park your car and start a grueling 1416 meters climb over challenging terrain with very steep inclines.  Recommended only for confident and fit hikers.
• Semi-self-guided hike. You can cut off the grind by taking a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to 2500 m base (33 EUR per person round trip), and then a 4×4 bus to 2920m (24 EUR per person round trip). From here you will only have to hike the crater area.
• Guided tour . Apparently, the most popular way to visit Etna volcano. The prices of guided tours range significantly. Possibly one of the best deals is this one on Get Your Guide (only 45 EUR per person, not including cable car cost).

It will take you around half a day to visit Etna volcano. After, you have an option either to return to Catania or spend the night there before your flight (depending on your schedule). Or, visit Taormina as a late afternoon trip, or even spend a night there before you head back to Catania airport the next day.

Taormina is the most famous mountain town in Sicily featuring an imposing Greek theatre set against the beautiful panorama of the Sicilian coast. It is also the most touristy town in Eastern Sicily. Although Taormina looks pretty in the pictures, we had no intention of visiting it on our trip mainly because tourists overrun it (we experienced over-tourism in Positano , and it was just not for us).

Nonetheless, there is a reason people come to visit certain places.  Undoubtedly Taormina must have its charms and spending a night there might give you an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and stroll tourist-free old town streets during the early morning or late evening hours.

Since you are in the area, it is also worth stopping by Savoca- a tiny hill-top town famous for the Bar Vitelli , where one of the famous scenes of the Godfather movie was filmed. Note that the bar itself is heavily overpriced, but if you are a fan of the film, it is worth having an espresso in this special place which still keeps the original setup as seen in Godfather.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAORMINA?

Taormina won’t come cheap as it is a very popular destination. However, there are plenty of options not immediately in the historic center. The below ones got my attention:

Villa Le Terrace Charming Rooms $$$- situated outside the busy Taormina historic center Villa Le Terrace features a fantastic terrace with mount Etna views. Rooms also have balconies with a fantastic panorama. Click HERE for more info, availability, and booking.

B&B GRECO HOME $$- beautiful bright room in an accommodation that also offers a common terrace, and continental breakfast, and only 950 meters to the beach is included, private parking is also available. Click HERE for more info, availability, and booking.

DAY 16: Catania (flight day)

• Driving distance:  approx. 70 KM (43 miles)
• Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR  (driving time from Taormina to Catania International Airport).

And that’s a wrap for our Sicilian road trip, sadly…  But with a strong feeling that we will soon be coming back to this gorgeous largest island of Italy.

Sicily travel costs

These are the main expenses for traveling around Sicily. The estimates are based on this 14-16 days road trip route, taking into account car rental, petrol, accommodation, food, and attractions.

• Car rental cost – approx. 20 EUR per day (can be cheaper if traveling off-season, or more expensive in summer). For the best car rental deals in Sicily, book through Discovercars .
• Petrol cost for two weeks- 185 EUR- based on the estimated distance of this route and petrol consumption of 8 L per 100 KM, with petrol price averaging at 2 EUR/L. (in Italy petrol prices range from 1.8 EUR to 2.2 EUR).
• Accommodation cos t – 50 EUR-150 EUR per night for 2 people. Check available hotels at HERE .
• Travel insurance – around 5 EUR per day per person. Get yours with a 5% discount HERE .
• Dinner (eating out)- 20-30 EUR per person with starter and main, and one drink.
• Pizza – 5-12 EUR per pizza (depending on the place).
• Coffee – 1EUR for an espresso, 1.5EUR-2 EUR for a cappuccino or latte macchiato.
• Dolce (pastries)- 1EUR-3EUR per pastry.
• Soft drinks – 2 EUR for sparkling water or soft drinks like coca-cola at a bar/restaurant.
• Alcohol – 3-7 EUR for a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz.
• Museums/Churches – 3EUR-15EUR per entrance (the most we paid for the entrance was at Norman Palace in Palermo and Monreale Cathedral in Monreale).

The estimated average daily spending per person (based on a trip for 2 people) is around 110 EUR per day . Definitely, the cost can be higher or lower. The factors that can hugely influence the budget are accommodation and daily meals. The cost of petrol is more or less fixed, car rental is whatever the best deal you can get .

I hope you will find this 14-day Sicily itinerary inspiring and useful when planning your own Sicily road trip. If you have any questions regarding traveling around Sicily, do not hesitate to drop me a message.

More 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.
• 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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Planning a Trip in Sicily

At 25,708 sq km (9,926 sq miles), Sicily is not only the largest island in the Mediterranean but also the largest region in Italy. This triangle-shaped land symbolized by the mythological three-legged Trinacria is home to the first known parliament in the western world ( Palermo ), the oldest continental tree ( Sant'Alfio, near Catania), the highest and most active volcano in Europe ( Mount Etna ) and the vastest archaeological park ( Selinunte ).

Additionally, there are jewels that testify to Sicily's glorious Classical past ( Agrigento, Syracuse, Segesta, Tindari, Morgantina, Piazza Armerina ), unique styles of baroque architecture crafted in response to devastating earthquakes in the southeast ( Catania, Noto, Scicli, Ragusa, and Modica ), and, sadly, modern yet hideous postwar concrete monsters ( Palermo, Catania, Messina, Agrigento ).

The colors and natural contrasts are shaped by the elements like nowhere else on earth; African and Alpine fauna live spectacularly on the same island. At times you might think Sicily is some sort of paradise, but it takes only an SUV or a scooter roaring down a chaotic Palermo or Catania street to give you a reality check. Then, of course, there are the Sicilians themselves: The descendants of Greek, Carthaginian, Roman Vandal, Arab, Norman, and Spanish conquerors are welcoming yet suspicious, taciturn and at the same time garrulous, deeply tied to traditions yet always yearning to break away from distasteful precedents, namely the Mafia. Thousands of years of domination may have created these stark contradictions, but they have left an archaeological, cultural, and culinary legacy like no other in this world. In Goethe's words, "the key to it all is here."

Many first-time visitors to Sicily wrongly believe that it doesn't take much time to see the entire island. Nothing could be farther from the truth -- not only is it the largest island in the Mediterranean but it is Italy's largest region. Travel from Palermo to Syracuse, at opposite ends of the island, can take up to 4 hours by car.

Given this vastness, plan to stay at least a week, and that's just to see the highlights with lots of traveling in between. Unless you've decided to stay in one place and make daytrips, the best -- if not the sanest -- way to see most of the island is to fly into either Palermo or Trapani, located in western Sicily, and travel eastward, winding up your trip in Catania and flying out from there. Although the considerable network of buses and trains will take you where you want, renting a car at the airport gives you the most flexibility, as motorways are efficient and, for the most part, free of charge. That is, of course, if you're ready to take on the daredevil road rules of Sicily.

Know Before You Go -- Before visiting monuments and sites, it's always a good idea to check their websites to confirm when they are open. Schedules can change from one day to the next, and you'll spare yourself needless expense and disappointment.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Need help for my itinerary (first time in Sicily) - Sicily Forum

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Need help for my itinerary (first time in Sicily)

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I'm planning my next trip in Sicily for somewhere between mid-September to mid-October.

I spent many hours reading guidebooks and browsing the web to made a list of what I want to see.

Here is my first draft so far:

01- Quebec City to Montréal

03- Palermo

04- Palermo

05- Palermo (day trip to Cefalù by train)

06- Palermo (tour of Segesta, Trapani salt pans and Erice???)

07- Palermo to Agrigento

08- Agrigento (Valle dei Templi)

09- Arigento (day trip to Selinunte???)

10- Agrigento to Ragusa

11- Ragusa (day trip to Noto ???)

12- Ragusa to Ortigia

13- Ortigia

14- Ortigia (day trip to Siracusa)

15- Ortigia to Taormina

16- Taormina

17- Taormina (The Godfather tour)

18- Taormina (day trip to Mt. Etna )

19- Taormina to Catania

20- Catania to Montréal to Quebec City

I know it's not perfect yet, but at least it covers pretty much what I want to see.

For your information, I'm in my mid 40s, traveling solo and I will be using public transportation only.

The absolute must for this trip are Segusa, Selinunte and Valle dei Templi (I love archaeological sites), the Godfater tour (I love this movie), Mt. Etna hike and to visit some nice cities and admire beautifil sea views. I'm not into nightlife, shopping, art museums, beaches (I would like to see a few, but not spend much time). I would much rather do everything on my own than go with group tours (the exception being the Godfather tour).

Here are my questions :

1- Is mid-October warm enough to dine outside?

2- Can I go to all those places using public transportation?

3- I don't know the best way to handle the Segasta, Eric and Selinunte part. Would it be better to base myself in Trapani and do day trips from there (and avoid the tour which I don't like)? But that would require added at least one more day.

4- For the Regusa part, I would like to visit at least one other city around, but I have read some many different opinions about Modica, Scicli and Noto, I'm not sure which one to choose? If I go with Noto, would it be easier to day trip from Ragusa or from Siracusa?

5- My itinial plan was to leave for 17 days, and I'm now at 20, what would you cut if you had to?

In short, those are all the places I want to go, but I'm not sure what would be the optimal way to getting to all those places.

Thank you for your help!

9 replies to this topic

Again, without a doubt.

I am certain that you want to visit Taormina but honestly, given your interests I might advise skipping that town entirely....

You can walk from Ortigia to Siracusa, so no worries there....not a full day trip.

For me, and this is only MY own taste, I would skip Cefalu on this trip and spend more time in Palermo .

MAYBE, go to the lovely coastal city of Trapani after Palermo and spend a night there to see the city and salt pans, and maybe Erice. Trapani is so appealing; we spent three nights there and did not have time to go to Erice (I'd been before). We took a tour of the salt pans which was interesting but with your limited time....would you consider skipping that?

I wish I could offer help on the public transport but I cannot. On my most recent trip we hired drivers to take us from town to city to town, etc. That is quite costly but it did save a lot of time...for us.

Where exactly does this Godfather tour visit??? I've heard of it, but do you think it really is worthwhile??? Maybe someone here can offer information that I am unable to do.

On my first visit to Sicily I drove to the town of Corleone and, frankly, there was not very much for the young traveler to see there....do remember that many towns are closed up during the lunch break.... I ADORE the Godfather film, but what would you gain from visiting wherever this tour takes you??? Apologies as I have not done any reading on it.......perhaps you will read responses from others here who have taken the tour and can comment.

Did you happen to watch the WHITE LOTUS and see the scene in which F. Murray Abraham and Michael Imperioli attempt to visit a small village to reconnect with their Sicilian relatives, only to be very disappointed in the encounter???

Sicily is a large island and it takes time to get from A to B and time to explore. It's best to include 1/2 day for every 'travel day' as travel time is always more than just the posted train/bus schedule. That means 3 nights somewhere, for example, does not equal 3 days in a location; it is 2-2.5 days and that's because you have to get there from your previous destination or airport arrival. 5 nights = 4-4.5 days; 2 nights = 1-1.5 days, etc. Also, public trans is limited on Sundays, so you might think about that when creating your logistics.

I know you said it's important that you visit Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento's Temples...but the quest to visit Selinunte is an outlier...and since you are traveling via public trans, the Segesta, Eric, Selinunte day (in my opinion) is too much. First you pack up and travel to Segesta for a few hours, Erice is minimum 1/2 day, Selinunte is a vast site taking hours...and remember, there's travel time getting to each destination and then also on to your next lodging's destination. What are you doing with your luggage at all these stops?

We drove for 9 days out of our 15-day adventure in Sicily...I'm not really able to advise on whether you can take public transportation to all of these places and not spend 1/2 your time standing in bus/train stations and being on the road.

Recommend staying in Ragusa Ibla (the old town of Ragusa )...stay 3 nights and take a day trip to Modica. There isn't any need to see all of the baroque towns...you can give Noto a pass. I would stay in Ortigia 4 nights, reducing your time in Taormina .

IDEA with optional day trips

Palermo 4 - Cefalu

Trapani 3 - Segesta, Erice

Agrigento 1 (mid-stop when crossing the island)

Ragusa Ibla 3 - Modica

Ortigia 4 - Siracuse

Taormina 3 - Mt. Etna , Godfather tour

take the easy bus back to Catania airport departure morning.

Pace 4-3-1-3-4-3 = 18 nights.

@anonymous05,

- What would you visit with the added time in Ragusa Ibla? Modica? Scicli? Noto ? Other?

"I would cut time in Taormina"

- I would use Taormina mostly as a base for The Godfather tour and for a day trip to Mt. Etna . That leaves me only one full day for the city itself. From what I read, there are lot of things to see there and nearby (ex: Lido Mazzarò and Castelmola). If I cut one day in Taormina, that would leaves me only with the travel day from Ortigia , which is not much. You would still cut time in Taormina?

"We took a tour of the salt pans which was interesting but with your limited time....would you consider skipping that?"

- I was actually wondering if the salt pans are worth it? Is it a must see? I might do wihout it.

"Where exactly does this Godfather tour visit"

- It visits Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, which were filming locations for the movies (the town of Corleone in the movies is not the actual town). I chose a tour for this as those places are not easily reached by public transportation.

"Did you happen to watch the WHITE LOTUS"

- I did not, but I heard about this movie. I will for sure watch it before my trip.

Thank you for all your advices!

@Chester9cat,

"I feel like you're wishing to cover a lot of places and encourage you to take a breath",

- Yeah I know, when I travel, I always want to see everything I want to see, so I don't need to come back.

I don't use vacations to relax :) I travel light and I'm use to that though.

"It's best to include 1/2 day for every 'travel day' as travel time is always more than just the posted train/bus schedule"

- That's why I never plan to do anything on those travel days, what I visit on those days is a bonus in my mind.

"Also, public trans is limited on Sundays, so you might think about that when creating your logistics."

- That's my main fear. I will try to have only two Sundays there, but that won't be easy for logistics for those two days. Are all public transportation closed on Sundays or is it still possible to travel?

"the Segesta, Eric, Selinunte day (in my opinion) is too much."

"Recommend staying in Ragusa Ibla (the old town of Ragusa )...stay 3 nights and take a day trip to Modica."

- You whould choose Modica over Noto ? I have read many different opinions about which towns to visit around Ragusa (and yes, I would stay in Ragusa Ibla).

"Agrigento 1 (mid-stop when crossing the island)"

- Is one night enough? I want to visit the Valle dei Templi . That would be quite rushed and means no time at all for Agrigento. Is Arigento not worth a visit?

Thank you too for all your advices!

hi again...i think a lot of your questions can only be answered by you...if you can increase your vacation time, you'll be able to see more of the sites that interest you. If you can not travel on a Sunday but instead create an itinerary where you are exploring and staying put in a base destination that day, then that logistical challenge will be solved. It's not that there isn't any transportation on Sundays; it is just limited and certainly not convenient for most tourist's schedules.

From everything I've read in guidebooks, here on TA and our own experience in Noto , I would say yes, I would choose Modica over Noto and I haven't been to Modica. We found Noto to be much like a movie set...it felt removed, only there for tourists and within 2 hours we had explored quite a bit. This of course was years ago and perhaps the atmosphere has changed. The towns we visited around the eastern region were Ortigia , Siracuse, Noto, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla and Caltigirone. Sadly, we didn't have time for Modica.

- From what I've read on my guidbooks, it seems to have more things to do and see in Noto. But I've made many researches over the internet, and some people prefers Noto, others Modica, others Scicli. I guess I'll choose the one that is the most easily accessible from Ragusa . I wanted to visit two of those four cities, as I think it's not necessary to visit all four.

"Is the town of Agrigento more important to you than another destination?"

- Not at all actually. The only reason I wanted to go there at firt was to visit the temples. But while there, I

could have visited the old city a little bit, go see the Scala dei Turchi and the Porto Empedocle.

"take the easy bus back to Catania airport departure morning."

- There's no need to stay in Catania before my flight just to make sure I won't miss it? If this is the case and the bus schedule is a good fit for my flight (and reliable), I might just cut that day off in Catania, as you suggested.

Like you said, there is so much to see and I know I wan't be able to see it all.

I will have to make tough decisions obviously.

I'm just trying to figure out where to base myself and how to get around using public transportation.

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10 best places to visit in sicily for first time visitors.

After 10 years of visiting the island, you could say I’ve become a little bit of an expert on the best places to visit in Sicily. There is so many destinations and must-see-sights in Sicily that it can be hard to narrow it down and know which ones to visit, especially if you’re a first time visitor to the island. So I’ve listed some of my top suggestions below to help you and ensure you don’t miss any of Sicily’s top highlights. I have even included the best way to visit too!

Sicily is an island that is abundant with fascinating sights, historic places of interest and ancient wonders. For first time visitors, it can be quite overwhelming to look at all the places worth visiting pinned on your map and know which ones to visit first.

While it may look small on the map, the island is large and vast, in fact you would be forgiven if you forgot you were on an island at all. There are certainly some sights in Sicily that have a priority over others and these I have mentioned below.

However, it would be unwise to try and fit all of these places into a single visit (unless you have 2 weeks plus). Sicily’s charm will surely persuade you to visit the island time and time again, so if this is your first time visiting, allow yourself the time to visit a few of Sicily’s top sights as well as time to simply enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace of island life.

1. Taormina

Idyllically perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea, Taormina has been one of the best places to visit in Sicily for a couple of hundred of years and is one of my favourite places to head to in the early evening when the sun is setting and you get this amazing view.

Beautifully restored medieval buildings, breathtaking views around every corner and a giddy network of winding streets strewn with shops, bars, and restaurants make it a great place for a stroll around, with an authentic Italian atmosphere. At the very back of the town lies a Teatro Greco. As the name suggests it’s a Greek theater estimated to of been built around the 3rd Century. The views from the theater are spectacular, taking in a (usually) smoking Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos down below.

You can drive to Taormina and park your car at the bottom of the town where there is a large multi-story car park. There is also a train station in Taormina, but this is right at the bottom of the down and you’d have to take a bus to the top or make the steep walk uphill.

2. Mount Etna

The most active volcano in Europe and by far the biggest dominating attraction in Eastern Sicily, Mount Etna is a must visit and easily one of the best places to visit in Sicily. It is an easy day trip from Catania or Taormina by bus or by car (although car is recommended). You can also take a guided tour.

If you head to Etna Sud you have the option to walk around some of the older craters on foot or take a cable car ride to 2,900m, from there it is a 2-4 hour round trip to the summit craters, although there is no need to go that far to get a good feel for the majesty of the mountain. The other point of departure is Etna Nord (Piano Provenzana) from where you may walk or take 4X4 buses up to the observatory at 2,400m. You may walk to the summit craters from there. I would highly advise to not go venturing to the main craters of Etna without a qualified guide.

3. Agrigento – Valley of the Temples

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Sicily, then make sure you include a visit to Agrigento. The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO archaeological park consisting of eight temples (and various other remains) built between about 510 BC and 430 BC: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Hephaestos, the Temple of Demeter, and the Temple of Asclepius (the God of Medicine).

Agrigento can be visited as a day trip from Catania or Palermo although an early start is recommended. During the summer, I also recommend wearing a hat and bringing plenty of water as shady is minimal.

4. Piazza Armerina and Villa Romana del Casale

Another of Sicily’s top tourist attractions lies in Piazza Armerina, a small town in the middle of the island which I recommend visiting from Catania and by car. Some of the worlds best-preserved mosaics can be seen at the famous but remote Villa Romana del Casale ( a car is definitely needed to reach here). Schedule half a day to see and visit the entire estate.

Built in the middle of the 4th Century AD as a hunting lodge by a Roman patrician, here you can see some of the most extensive Roman mosaics. The villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind. It is especially noteworthy for the richness and quality of the mosaics which decorate almost every room; they are the finest mosaics still intact in the Roman world. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and entry is around 10 Euro per person.

5. Syracuse (or Siracusa)

Siracusa is one of those places in Sicily that you have to visit. Without visiting would be like missing an essential part of the island. This city has an incredible amount of archaeological sites and some great architectural buildings.

It is by far my favourite city in Sicily. The archaeological site, situated in the northwest of the town, is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek (and Roman) remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theatre that dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. There is also remains of a Roman theatre and the famous “ Ear of Dionysius ”, a 20m-high, slender pointed arch cut into the rock face that develops inwards for about 65m.

There are also the famous Catacombs of San Giovanni. Although not a massive highlight they are worth seeing if you have time. Running for kilometres under the city, these catacombs were excavated for the most part between 315 and 360 A.D. and remained in use until the end of the 5th century. Unfortunately, after thousands of years of looting, what survives is only the “bare bones” of the building, stripped of coloured plaster, mosaics, stone slabs, and even small objects that were incorporated into the enclosures to distinguish one tomb from another.

6. Ortigia – Siracusa’s island heart

The best way to see the island of Ortigia is just to wander. It’s difficult to get lost (it measures just 1 km by 500 meters and has lots of little streets that all look the same) but packed with over 2,500 years of history. We often come here at night as it’s a great place to soak up some Italian nightlife, wander past the harbour showcasing the yachts and sailing boats of the elite and also drop by the famous fountain of youth (La Fonte Aretusa).

Half a dozen Greek poets wrote the tale of the nymph Arethusa, who was bathing in the Alpheus River in Greece one day when the god of that river took a liking to her. She begged for deliverance from his advances, and Artemis in pity turned the nymph into a spring, allowing her to escape underground. She travelled under the sea to emerge here, in Siracusa. Alpheus, though, was hot on her heels and came gushing out in the same spot, mingling his waters with hers for eternity. Apparently this, to the Greeks, was romantic. They used to say you could toss a goblet into a spring at Arcadia in Greece and it would pop up here.

Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily, is one of those cities with its own very distinct, unique character, a city of mystery where reality often outperforms the traveler’s imagination and preconceived stereotypes.

Visiting Palermo is still somewhat of an adventure in a world where so many places have become tourist-friendly to a fault. You won’t find many restaurants with menus translated into 5 different languages, you may have trouble communicating in English in many places, and some parts of the old town center have remained untouched since they were bombed during the war.

Nonetheless, Palermo is in my opinion another of Sicily’s best places to visit and if you happen to visiting the top half of the island or are visiting for a short time, its a great place to base yourself, with a myriad of day trips from Palermo within easy reach of the city.

Sicily’s second largest city is Catania. It lies on the Eastern side of the island along the Ionian coast, sitting in the shadows beneath Mount Etna. In 1669 Catania was covered in lava from Mount Etna and then, just 24 years later in 1693, an earthquake shook the town down to its foundations.

Most of the old town was rebuilt, and as ever resourceful was rebuilt using lava, therefore Catania is described as being a rather dull and grey city. There are a couple of nice piazzas and the Duomo is worth a visit. The atmosphere is what really brings you to the city, the bustling fish markets, the people and the smells. There is a place in the city that is also renowned for horse meat if that’s your thing! Or if not give it a try..although the signature dish of Catania is Pasta alla Norma, that consists of fried chunks of aubergine, a rich tomato sauce, and salty ricotta cheese….. Buon appetito!

Catania is the ideal city base for those looking to hit up the Eastern and Southern coast, and with so many day trip options you’ll never get bored!

9. Isola Bella

Located at the foot of Taormina, this small pebble beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Sicily. You could easily spend the day there snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Ionian sea, rock pooling amongst the rocks, relaxing on the sun loungers or even taking a short boat trip to the caves near by.

The islet is connected the mainland beach by a very narrow strip of pebbled beach. At high tide it is covered in water but at low tide you can walk straight across.

There are two beaches here, a public beach where you can lay down your towel or a paid beach where you can hire sun loungers with umbrellas and use the lido services.

10. The Aeolian Islands

If you’re visiting Sicily for the first time, then you may not want to leave the mainland but a day trip to the Aeolian Islands just north of Sicily are not to be missed! These seven small inhabited islands are somewhat unspoiled and are very much steeped in history, myths and legends.

Most day trips to the Aeolian Islands leave from Milazzo. We took a day trip to the islands of Vulcano, Lipari, and Salina using the public ferries. Most day trips will drop you off at one of the ports on the islands. Getting around is fairly simple, you can walk around the ports and small towns easily, however, we hired a scooter so we could see as much as we could in the short 3 or 4 hours you have on each island. It allowed us to get to some remote beaches and drive through some of the small picturesque towns.

The island of Vulcano is famous for its mud baths (‘fanghi’) and its still smoking main crater. Depending on the wind, you might be immediately hit by the characteristic sulphurous smell coming from the hot springs. (Smells of rotten eggs! Yuk!) A swim in the shallow shores on the beach is also good fun, with thermal hot water seeping through the rocks bubbling to the surface. It is almost like a natural jacuzzi.

I would advise bringing water shoes here as the rocks can be quite slippery and sharp. There’s a shower on the beach if you want to have a rinse and the sulphur smell sticks to your skin! It’s 1 Euro for about 60 seconds. There also isn’t a great deal of choice in restaurants. We bought a small packed lunch with us anyway and 2 bottles of water with us in a backpack!

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36 thoughts on “ 10 Best places to visit in Sicily for first time visitors ”

I have just added Sicily to my bucket list. Looks like a great place for a self-drive holiday. Terrific blogs, keep up the good work!

It’s so beautiful , we spent weeks No problems driving, easy to get around.

Thank you! Sicily is the perfect place for self drive holidays. There is so much to see and so much history. It often gets missed out on peoples lists! Glad I have inspired you to go…I can’t wait for my next visit in August 🙂

My friend is from Sicily and we spent three weeks there but I was about 14 and didn’t appreciate it for a second, although i did have my first calzone…would love to go back now 😉

I go every year! I love it! 10 weeks and I’ll be there! 🙂

How easy is to to drive there? We are staying in a town called Scicli and we realized it isn’t on the most popular side of the island, any suggestions? Love your posts

Hey Nicola! It is super easy there to drive and in fact hiring a car is the easiest and best way to get around. Scicli is a nice place, and I wouldn’t say it is on the wrong side of the island. You’re not too far from Syracuse (great beaches and historic city of Ortigia) and some really fascinating catacombs, and Greek ruins. You also have Agrigento not too far to the west and Caltagirone to the north (about an hour) which is famous for ceramics. Worth a visit for their famous steps. Feel free to email me if you want any advice 🙂

Four of us are planning a trip to Sicily in May. We want to try to visit on our own instead of doing a tour. We will start in Palermo and end in Catania and plan on visiting most of the places you mentioned in the best 10. Any recommendations of where to stay in Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Taomina (please include Agriturismos)? Also, are we better off getting a driver in each city we visit? Or should we rent a car and drive ourselves?

Hi MaryAnn, May is a great time to go to Sicily (not so hot!). My first question would be how long are you planning on spending there? If you are starting in Palermo and ending in Catania then you’ll need a minimum of 10-14 days. Sicily is small but the distances are long as there are mountains you have to go around 😉 I would suggest: 2 Days in Palermo 2 Days in Agrigento (you need a full day to see the Temples or half day is your speedy – bring plenty of water and sun hats!) – and a full day for Piazza Armerina. There is also Caltagirone (worth stopping at). Then base yourself in Siracusa for 3 days or so so you can visit the beach, Ortigia and Cava Grande (you must be very physically fit to go there). And then finally in Catania so you can do the other sites. I highly recommend just renting a car. In May it won’t be expensive especially if split between 4 people. It is really the most convenient and cheapest method of getting around in Sicily. Just be prepared for tolls (so have change and coins with you always) and bad driving! As for accommodation – feel free to email me your dates or your trip and I’ll be more than happy to find suitable accommodation for you. I know too many to list here! 🙂

Do you have to worry about bogus car damage when you rent a car? I had read that in someone’s posts?

Well Sicilian’s dont have the best reputation for driving but in the 9 years I’ve been going we have never had any damage to our car rentals ever. Sure there are posts out there that warn you of it because like in any place – damage can happen at any time. Also don’t be too worried about it. As long as you have insurance on the car you’ll be fine.

The rental agency tried to charge us for bogus damages to wheels. I advise taking video and or photos of car when you pick it up and allow ample time when you return it. I was able to get the charges removed by contesting the credit card fee.

We love the Verdura in Sciacca near Agrigento. The Turkish steps is a must too! Visit the restaurant for the ambiance and experience! Scalia deco Turchi.. Yummy ! We rented a car and it was very reasonable.

Scala dei Turchi is still on our list of places to visit!

I live in Sicily and there’s a lot more to it than the main towns. If you travel west from Agrigento you have Sciacca, Marsala, Menfi and many beautiful places overlooking the sea.

Of course I completely agree! I’m married to an Sicilian (Leo) and we explore more and more of the island every year! You should check out our latest post about Western Sicily!

Hi there! Thank you so much for all your posts-I find them really helpful!Could you please give me some advice: myself and 2 teenage girls are going to Sicily on June. The flight is to Palermo. We are staying for 10 days and would like to spend say 5 days just to chill out on the beaches and 5 days to see the island (sure, Etna etc). How would you advice to organise out trip, to make we got the spirit of Sicily?:)Thank you so much! Ina

Hi Ina, If you are arriving in Palermo I would spend at least one day there because it is truly a magnificent city and it would be a shame to skip it. You could then hire a car and head west to one of the beaches near Scopello, Trapani or near San Vito Lo Capo. 10 Days is a short period of time to see a lot of the island, especially if you plan on spending 5 days on the beach. If you want to see Etna, I would suggest basing yourselves near Catania. If you’re not a city person, try Acireale, or Taormina (beautiful place) but be warned this area can be expensive in June. From there you can see Etna, Taormina, and Syracuse.

The other option would be to skip Palermo altogether, hire a car and drive directly down to Syracuse, base yourselves there as they have beautiful beaches there and then use the evenings and late afternoons when its not so hot to explore nearby towns. Perhaps you’ll see more of the Eastern side of the Island this way, and save West for another visit since travel times can drain a lot of your precious time. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any other questions 🙂

Shelley I am wondering if you know the area of Acquaviva Platani …I am not sure I have that spelled correctly. A group of 5 of us are looking to visit Sicily in October and are hoping to look up our father’s roots there. We understand it is in the middle of the island so are trying to figure out what other areas we should visit and how long in each area. Of course we also need to figure out if we should rent a car. Some are saying there is often little parking and with 5 adults we are wondering if we will be able to fit into a small car or if they have larger cars/vans? WE are exploring lodging options now. I’d appreciate any help you can give me.

Hi Sharon, I do not know the area but its relatively close to Agrigento (half an hour) where the Valley of the Temples is located. That can be easily done in a day. You need a car to get around Sicily for sure. Public transport is sparse. There are a lot of car rental companies for Sicily, which can be picked up at Trapani, Palermo or Catania airport (Palermo is probably the best for you). You may find it easier to find lodging in or around one of the bigger cities, near Agrigento or Palermo and drive in perhaps. I do not know the area so I can’t advise. Regarding other places to visit, I would first pick an area of sights you are most interested in seeing, and how long you will be in Sicily first. If you’re there for a week or two, then choose between West & Palermo or East & Catania. Feel free to email me with your itinerary and I’d be happy to help and advise.

Hello, My Husband and I are traveling with to teens to Sicilia in October. Would that be still warm enough to swim and which beaches you would reccomend. Thank you Tanya

Hi Tanya, I have never been to Sicily in October, but the weather should still be decent (low 20s degree Celsius). Locals still swim in the water up until November, although the water will be a little chillier than September. I would recommend heading to Siracusa area. They have some wonderful beaches in this area and some great things to do should the water be too cold or the weather turn. Hope this helps! 🙂

I’m heading to Catania for work for two weeks in mid May and bring my wife, 9 yo daughter, and 7 yo daughter. We plan to stay the first two nights in the center of Catania but want to mix it up for the remainder of our stay. I have one weekend off from mid afternoon Friday until Monday morning. Working typical 8-4 schedule throughout stay. Our first time to Sicily. Recommendations for food, lodging, adventure, etc!? We are open for all ideas. Thanks. The Squires Family

Depends on whether you want to tour or relax. With two yungins I would think a Beach is in order. Taormina is a great place to spend the weekend. You have a bit of archeology , culture, town life., and one of the best views in Europe – there is a saying that goes dying and going to Taormina. Several hotels have pools, or alternatively you can stay below (Giardino) and bus. If you stay in Taormina there is a gondola to the beach. For tourist adventures try a hike to Etna, which is Galway between Catania and Taormina

Exactly what I would recommend. 🙂

Erice? Segesta? And do not go the Castellammare del Golfo – its too crowded (as Yogi used to say). Agrigento at night by the lights is a must. Enna is worth visiting. And Marsala is not bad itself. BTW, Bono is from Sciacca – we met his cousin there a few years ago at a Cantanti. (I probably have it misspelled)

5 adults and one baby are looking to do a tour around Sicily next year. We have been to Taormina before and loved it. We are looking to find “reasonable” priced accommodation in the centre of Taormina, with parking for 2 cars. At least 3 bedrooms. Do you have any recommendations? Happy to go a bit further out if necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Kerry – I would look at some villas that are located close by in the area – they can actually work out cheaper than a hotel in some cases. I know of a few and can book them for you. Just let me know and I can send you some prices. Otherwise, there are hotels close by in Giardini Naxos that are reasonably priced and suitable for families.

I need to know wher to go Palermo or Catania I only have 4 days can you please help me I will rent a car and i want to see the most beatufull places

Hi Dora – In my opinion, both are great options. If you want to visit the top sights like Etna, Siracusa, Taormina then I suggest going to Catania. If you want Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, and smaller towns and Trapani then go to Palermo. Feel free to email me if you want me to help you plan your trip. I’d be happy to help. Samantha 🙂

Hi there! I have been dreaming of going to Sicily for years and finally have the trip booked for May. Looking to spend 6 days and definitely have a more is less mentality. We love outdoor activities whether active or taking in beautiful sights, exploring small hidden gem towns and trying all the best food spots. I would love your advice on how to structure a great trip where we can soak up Sicily and get a great taste without spreading ourselves too thin. Thank you!!

Hi Lindsay, Firstly I would ask where you are flying into as with 6 days I would recommend either sticking to the north or the south. If you are flying into Catania, then you could easily take in Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Catania and Etna for example. Etna is great for the adventure, there is also the Caba Grande (also quite adventurous) or the Gole Alcantara. For food, basically anywhere in Sicily, you will find good food. Taormina is a little touristy, so if you’re looking for somewhere not so busy, drive to Castiglione di Sicilia or Noto, Modica…6 days isn’t a lot of time but base yourself either in the North or the South (I wouldn’t attempt to do both). In the north, you have Palermo, Cefalu, Monreale, Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. If you want, feel free to email me personally and we can discuss your itinerary is better detail 🙂 [email protected]

Hi! I enjoyed reading your post. I’m planning a last minute trip to sicily first week of September (7 days, we’re a couple and we arrive at Catania). We like both beaches as well as activities but want to be realistic in what we plan to see in 7 days. We”ll stay in the south / east probably? Any advice and tips for airbnb / agriturismo? Thanks!!!

Hi Josephine, I don’t have any tips for airbnb’s in Catania unfortunately (as I only know hotels). Agriturismo’s are more likely to be out of the city in the countryside which can be nice if you are close to Etna. You might find a few near Giarre or Milo (just up from Catania). Its a great spot, close enough to the city, but you can easily visit Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse and other points of interest from there as it has easy access to the highway. In terms of beaches, you have Isola Bella near Taormina and Giardini Naxos as well in this area. There are smaller local beaches as well all along the coastline (drive from Giarre to Giardini and you’ll find loads of lidos). It won’t be as busy either! 🙂

I am looking to travel to Catania Palermo Noto Cefalu Agrigento Taormina. Due to time limitation I hope not to figure out myself. Can u recommend a reliable travel agent I can book the tour with. Travelling late jun for 10 days. From Australia.

Hi Pat You can send me your trip details and I can definitely help you. Are you looking to join a group tour or travel independently? My email is [email protected]

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More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

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Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Sicily

Discover the romance of this dreamy Mediterranean island.

Ah, Sicily. This Mediterranean island, located just off the tip of southern Italy, has been the backdrop for countless stories; it's famously where The Godfather was set, and more recently was the playground for a host of characters in season two of The White Lotus . We have no questions about why: This island paradise is about as dreamy as it gets. With everything from ancient Roman ruins to sweeping vistas of the sea, an active volcano, and charming towns filled with list-topping restaurants and award-winning hotels, Sicily is the stuff of honeymoon dreams.

"On the high bell curve of Italian experiences , Sicily has it all," says Zoe Shapiro, founder and CEO of Stellavision Travel, Inc. , an Italy-centric travel company. "The cuisine is my favorite in the country, the beaches are stunning, the history is fascinating and well preserved, and the island's modern culture is thriving, too," she explains. "On your honeymoon , you could partake in as many of those as you'd like because Sicily is also the perfect host: Welcoming and hospitable when you want, personal and private when you crave an intimate moment."

As if you need any more convincing, we have a full guide to the most romantic hotels, the best things to do, and where to eat to ensure that your Sicilian honeymoon is a true dream come true.

Meet the Experts

• Zoe Shapiro is the founder and CEO of Stellavision Travel, Inc. , an Italy-centric travel company.
• Aida Mollenkamp is the founder, editor-in-chief, and travel planner of Salt & Wind Travel , a boutique travel company that she runs with partner and creative director Kristen Kellogg .

Related: How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Italy

Planning Your Sicily Honeymoon

Because Sicily is located so close to the rest of Italy, it's easy to hop right over, so many travel experts will suggest a honeymoon that combines other parts of Italy with the island. But rest assured that there is plenty to do in Sicily alone if you choose to plan a honeymoon entirely around the destination.

"Sicily has everything that people appreciate about Italy—incredible food, welcoming locals, rich history, and stunning sights—but it’s a place all its own," explains Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel . "The island has inspired numerous legends and many a love story over the ages so it has romance in its DNA."

Here are our Sicily must-know tips for planning the ultimate honeymoon :

Brides Tips

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

• When to Go: High season in Sicily is June through September—this is when the weather is warmest, but also the most highly-touristed period and when airfare and hotel prices will be highest. For those in search of lower rates and milder temperatures, shoulder seasons like early spring or late fall are ideal.
• How Much Time to Spend: While Sicily is small compared to some of its other European counterparts, given that it takes a multi-leg flight to arrive from the U.S., it's best to allow 10 days to two weeks for a relaxing honeymoon in the destination.
• Getting There: Flying to Sicily's main international airports, Palermo or Catania, is the best way to travel from the U.S., however, keep in mind that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Sicily, so travelers will need to transfer through a main hub in Europe or elsewhere in Italy.
• Transportation: Trains, buses, and taxis are all widely available and often affordable within Sicily. Within individual towns, walking is very common, as are bikes and mopeds/scooters.
• Must-Pack: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, bathing suits, sandals, good walking shoes, light layers, and dressy outfits for nights out on the town (but keep in mind that Sicily is typically laid-back).

Where to Stay During Your Sicily Honeymoon

If you envision waking up as newlyweds in sumptuous accommodations overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, your options here are bountiful. From small, boutique hotels to luxury resorts, honeymooners are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic accommodations.

"There are really unique hotel properties in Sicily and something from nearly every traveler from modern design to historic villas and whitewashed seaside resorts," notes Mollenkamp.

Seven Rooms Villadorata

"At Seven Rooms Villadorata , every room is a suite hovering over a magical courtyard," explains Shapiro. "The hospitality is second to none, and they have fused the deluxe hotel experience with the intimacy of an extremely posh bed and breakfast." 

Rocco Forte Villa Igiea

Located on the perimeter of bustling Palermo, this storied 19th-century palazzo offers a serene escape from the buzz of the city, replete with rooms and suites furnished beautifully with antiques and luxurious fabrics. Its proximity to both the city, Mount Pellegrino, and the Tyrrhenian Sea make it the ideal home-away-from-home, putting travelers at the heart of myriad activities.

Belmond Villa Sant Andrea

This famously glamorous resort perched over the Mediterranean is unparalleled when it comes to an opulent and romantic stay in Taormina. The property was built in 1919, and timeless elegance can be seen throughout the manicured gardens, the hotel's fine art collection, and the heavenly rooms (think marble bathrooms, king-sized beds, and ocean-view balconies).

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

If you fancy a White Lotus -style hotel experience, look no further than San Domenico Palace (where the second season of the series was filmed). Built within a reimagined 14th-century covent, everything at San Domenico feels luxurious, from the iconic waterfront infinity pool to the spacious guest rooms appointed with sophisticated, chic décor. Guests can enjoy strolls through the Italian Gardens, dinners at a Michelin-star restaurant, and proximity to all that Taormina has to offer.

Dimora delle Balze

The architecturally-stunning 19th-century Diomora delle Balze was conceived as an Ode to Sicilian culture, and oh, does it deliver. The countryside estate has a relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful gardens and orchards surrounding the walls of the property. With just 11 rooms, Dimora delle Balze feels like a luxurious farm stay complete with rustic-chic accommodations (which give a nod to Sicilian traditions), ample opportunities to get outdoors, and proximity to both Noto and Siracusa.

Things to Do During Your Sicily Honeymoon

Because Sicily has so many pockets of culture, honeymooners will have no trouble filling up time with everything from catching sunsets over the sea to hiking and exploring hole-in-the-wall gems throughout Sicily's sweet towns. Mollenkamp notes that it's a particularly good fit for couples who are interested in food and wine and want a mix of cultural exploration and relaxation. "Most of our honeymoon clients travel there for two to three weeks and enjoy a mix of the bustling cities like Palermo and Catania, historic towns like Taormina and Noto, wine country time in Mount Etna or Victoria, and seaside relaxation in Cefalu or the Aeolian islands," says Mollenkamp.

Ready to start planning your days? These are a few of our experts' can't-miss activities for the perfect itinerary.

Catch Live Music at the Greek Theater Taormina

Taormina's ancient Greek Theater frequently offers live music shows and this is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening in this beautiful hillside city.

Take a Private Sunset Cruise

You will be, after all, surrounded by water—so why not opt for a romantic sunset cruise on the sea?

Enjoy a Seaside Couples Massage

Inquire at your hotel about booking a couples massage with waterfront views and fresh ocean air.

Hike Mount Etna at Sunrise

A trip to Sicily wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mount Etna, the island's active volcano. Elevate your experience by hiking the mountain at sunrise (and don't forget to bring cannoli to enjoy at the top).

Take a Cooking Class

Cuisine is the heart and soul at Sicily. There are ample opportunities all over Sicily for private or group cooking classes to learn about the local cuisine first-hand.

Explore Historic Towns

For couples who want to learn about Sicily's rich history, Mollenkamp recommends wandering through the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Noto, or the seaside villages of Trapani and Cefalu.

Visit the Palermo Botanical Gardens

If you find yourself with a few hours to spare in Palermo, waste no time visiting the striking Orto Botanico di Palermo , which boasts some 5,000 cultivated species.

See the Valley of the Temples

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily (on the southwestern coast), is one of the world's most splendid examples of ancient Greek art and architecture, and a can't-miss for history buffs.

Where to Eat During Your Sicily Honeymoon

True to Italian form, the food in Sicily is simply divine. Whether you choose to pop into family-run eateries for fresh pasta or book fine dining experiences (of which there are plenty), honeymooners will find fresh, seasonal ingredients and local delicacies around every corner. A few can't-miss items include granita, pasta alla Norma, and—of course—cannoli.

La Galleria

Couples staying in (or just visiting!) the bustling hub of Palermo should opt for dinner at La Galleria , a Sicilian restaurant situated just behind the iconic Norma Cathedral. Outdoor tables along a quiet street offer respite from the busy city, and it's the perfect place to enjoy expertly-crafted Sicilian fare.

If you find yourself in Catania, Il Sale is the place to go for a fine dining experience complete with homemade-style cuisine and a warm atmosphere.

Villa Zuccaro

We couldn't provide a guide to Sicily without including an excellent pizza joint. Known as one of the best pizzerias in Taormina (and even in all of Sicily) Villa Zuccaro offers traditional and inventive pizzas from an award-winning chef.

Lido Torre di Guidaloca

For those in search of fresh seafood served right by the water, this Guidaloca Beach local favorite is laid back and serves up some of the best fresh fish when you need a break from the sun.

Osteria da Carlo

Located in Siracusa, Osteria da Carlo is a must-try for those in search of a high-end restaurant with a Sicilian-style seafood menu.

Caffe Sicilia

It may be worth a day trip to Noto just to try Caffe Sicilia's delectable cannoli, which are prepared traditionally (with Marsala and pork fat), and stuffed to order.

Budgeting for a Sicily Honeymoon

As with any popular European destination, Sicily can be very pricey during the peak season, from June until November. Airfare from the U.S., as well as local hotel rates, will soar during this period (and can surpass $1,000 for a roundtrip flight), so for those looking to travel on a budget, opting for the shoulder season (or even the off season, which would be non-holiday winter dates) is the best way to save some money. Honeymooners could easily spend $100-200 a day on food and transportation, without airfare and accommodations factored in.

Up Next: Best Tuscany Honeymoon Hotels of 2023