day trip sicily

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.

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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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The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

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

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sicily?

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

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

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

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

Getting To & Around Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 to 10 Day Sicily Itinerary

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

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

Day 1 – Catania

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Catania

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Taormina, Mt Etna or Siracusa

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

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

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

Day 3 – Catania

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

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

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

Day 4 – Cefalu

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Palermo

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Palermo

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Palermo

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Monreale, Segesta & Erice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Trapani

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

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

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

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

Day 8 – Trapani

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

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

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

Day 9 – Marsala & Selinunte

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Agrigento

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

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

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

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

Day 10 – Agrigento

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

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9 Best Towns to Stay in Tuscany, Italy

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Tuscany Itinerary

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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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Sicily

Day trips from sicily.

• Sicily to Nicolosi
• Sicily to Taormina
• Sicily to Syracuse
• Sicily to Palermo
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

2. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

3. Etna Morning Trip

4. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

5. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

6. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

7. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

8. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

9. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

10. Half day tour in typical villages from Cefalù

11. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

12. Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo

13. Mount Etna Half-Day Tour - Small Groups From Taormina

14. Panarea and Stromboli boat excursion from Milazzo

15. Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

16. Mt. Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Catania

17. Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina

18. Etna Jeep Tour in the morning with lunch included

19. Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo

20. Mount Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Taormina

21. The Godfather Origins of Mafia: Corleone & Visit Monreale Duomo

22. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

23. Agrigento; Valley of the Temples, Scala dei Turchi from Palermo, Private Tour

24. Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania

25. Mt. Etna and Alcantara river full day tour from Taormina

26. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto

27. Private Monreale, Cefalù & Castelbuono Tour, from Palermo area

28. Etna Tour in 4x4

29. Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto one day small group Tour from Catania

30. Half Day Private Boat Tour on the Coast of Palermo

What travellers are saying.

Joining a single day tour, you will have time enough to reach and visit one, two or sometimes three locations before coming back to your hotel.

A professional English-speaking driver will be at your disposal for about 8 hours; he will be happy to share general information about the island with you.

Do you wish to have more detailed information about history and culture? You can decide either to sightsee the site on your own or hiring (at time of booking) a licensed local guide who will wait for you on the spot!

Tour Search

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• Active Tours
• Day Tours from Agrigento
• Day Tours from Catania
• Day Tours from Cefalu
• Day Tours from Modica
• Day Tours from Palermo
• Day Tours from Pozzallo
• Day Tours from Ragusa
• Day Tours from Siracusa
• Day Tours from Taormina
• Day Tours from Trapani
• Private Day Tours in Sicily
• Regular Day Tours
• Walking Tours

1–32 di 136 risultati

Private Half Day Tour Best of Siracusa

• Walking Tour + taxi

Taormina on your own – from Catania

Private tour to siracusa from catania, private tour etna and taormina from catania, piazza armerina and valley of the temples from catania, mount etna tour from catania.

• March - November

Full Day Tour to Noto, Ragusa and Modica from Catania

Half day tour best of siracusa.

• Walking Tour
• Small Group

Private Full Day Etna Jeep Ride from Taormina

• Nature & Outdoor

Taormina Walking Tour with Private licensed local Guide

Etna wine tour by jeep, full day tour to noto, ragusa and modica from siracusa, small group ragusa and modica tour from siracusa.

• Semi-Private

Full Day Tour to Mount Etna from Taormina

Full day tour to etna and taormina from siracusa, private taormina boat tour.

• April - October

Full Day Tour to Siracusa from Taormina

Palermo street food experience and monreale – half day.

• Small group
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Half Day Tour to Godfather Villages from Taormina

Marsala wine, olive oil and erice full tour from palermo.

• Regular Day Tour
• Tue & Fri

Siracusa Sailing Experience

Cooking class and ortygia market.

• Cooking class

Full Day Erice and Segesta from Palermo

• Tue & Sat

Mount Etna and Taormina from Palermo

• 11/12 Hours
• July - October

Piazza Armerina and Agrigento Group Tour from Palermo

• Thu & Sun

Private Tour to Piazza Armerina and Valley of the Temples from Taormina

Agrigento cooking class at home.

• Cooking Class
• Private or Small group

Collective Full Day Etna Jeep Ride from Taormina

• selected days

Day Tour Corleone and Countryside from Palermo

Dine with locals in agrigento & cooking show, olive oil, salt and wine tour from palermo.

• Food & Wine

Segesta, Wine and Monreale Tour from Palermo

• Archaeology, Wine & History

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Sicily

Day trips from sicily.

• Sicily to Nicolosi
• Sicily to Taormina
• Sicily to Syracuse
• Sicily to Palermo
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

2. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

3. Etna Morning Trip

4. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

5. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

6. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

7. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

8. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

9. Etna tour from Cefalù

10. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

11. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

12. Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo

13. Mount Etna Half-Day Tour - Small Groups From Taormina

14. Panarea and Stromboli boat excursion from Milazzo

15. Tour to Castiglione di Sicilia and visit to a winery

16. Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

17. Mt. Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Catania

18. Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina

19. Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo

20. Mount Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Taormina

21. The Godfather Origins of Mafia: Corleone & Visit Monreale Duomo

22. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

23. Agrigento; Valley of the Temples, Scala dei Turchi from Palermo, Private Tour

24. Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania

25. Mt. Etna and Alcantara river full day tour from Taormina

26. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto

27. Private Monreale, Cefalù & Castelbuono Tour, from Palermo area

28. Etna Tour in 4x4

29. Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto one day small group Tour from Catania

30. Half Day Private Boat Tour on the Coast of Palermo

What travellers are saying.

Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Palermo

15 Best Day Trips from Palermo

Palermo is the capital of the Italian island and autonomous region of Sicily; an island which is not only the largest in the Mediterranean but which has played one of the most important roles in both the region’s history and current affairs.

Palermo can trace its origins back almost 3000 years, to the times of the seafaring Phoenicians who built the first city here.

For the history lover, it’s an impressive place to visit; the surrounding areas are full of historic gems and artifacts just waiting to be uncovered.

In more recent history, Palermo is perhaps best known for its Mafia roots – a problem which is still very much part of life here, but which the average tourist will rarely even notice unless they undertake a novel, up and coming mafia tour along the coastline or into the mountains that surround the city.

Beach and outdoor lovers may simply prefer to enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the coast for what it is, rather than chasing Mafia legends, because Sicily is one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular islands.

Hike through mountains, lounge on the sands, and enjoy the constant, year-round warm weather that the island is renowned for. To help inspire your trip to Sicily, here are the best day trips from Palermo.

1. Mondello

The town of Mondello is just a ten-minute drive along the coast from Palermo and makes for one of the quickest but most spectacular escapes from the city.

Although the town is slowly being encroached upon by the expanding suburbs of Palermo, Mondello has retained its glorious beaches and white sands and is a very popular day trip for locals and visitors alike.

On weekends, especially in summer but even in the warm winters, you can expect this to be a busy and lively place. If you are looking for peace and quiet, Mondello is not the choice for you, but if you are looking for sun, sand and a taste of local life, then this is the place to visit.

Suggested tour :  From Palermo: Exclusive Mondello Coast Tour w/ Lunch

2. Monreale

Monreale is another small Sicilian town that is just a short day trip away from Palermo, but Monreale is found inland and it couldn’t be in a more dramatic location.

Sicily is a volcanic and mountainous island, and Monreale encapsulates this ruggedness with its position on the steep slopes of Monte Caputo.

The journey here is beautiful, as you are taken through the green valleys at the base of the mountain where for centuries the locals have farmed and harvested their unique produce.

The town of Monreale itself is incredibly historic; along with Palermo and the town of Cefalu – which is found some distance away on the coast – it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that recognizes all three destinations’ extensive Norman and Arab architecture and relics.

Recommended tour :  Monreale and Cefalù Half Day Tour from Palermo

Cefalu is the third part of the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palermo, Monreale, and Cefalu.

Cefalu is found along the coast and is famed for not only the expansive views over the Mediterranean but for the historic cathedrals and the surviving remnants of the old town that are found here.

This has become one of the most popular destinations in Sicily – particularly for day trippers from Palermo – and in peak season, the ramshackle streets can be overflowing with tourists, so try and visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

4. Piazza Armerina

History lovers will also enjoy a day trip from Palermo two hours south to Piazza Armerina, a small city which grew to importance during the Norman conquests of Sicily during the medieval period.

Before the Normans, many other Empires had left their mark on the city. Today, it’s an incredible place to explore if you have an interest in immersing yourself in the many different layers of history that are waiting to be found here.

One of the most important sites around the city is the site of the ancient Roman Mosaics, which are found in the ruins of a Roman villa in the nearby countryside. Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 4th century AD. Here, you can see some of the best-preserved examples of Roman artwork in the Mediterranean.

Suggested tour :  Piazza Armerina Full-Day Tour

5. Parco delle Madonie

Parco delle Madonie is the place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to search out some rural charm. This protected area encompasses hundreds of square miles of rolling hills and scenic views and there are some great hiking opportunities to be had in the region.

This is an area full of small, local villages, and local Sicilians who tend the land as they have for centuries. You can sample local produce straight from the fields, find home-cooked meals in small hamlets in picturesque settings, and enjoy the sublime scenery of a peaceful and quiet part of the island that’s untouched by tourism.

6. Corleone

Just an hour south of Palermo is the town of Corleone; a place that’s hidden away amongst the beautiful mountain scenery of inland Sicily and a place that is steeped in local legend and mystery – not all of it good.

Corleone is the hometown of the Corleonesi, one of Italy’s most infamous Mafia gangs.

Despite its notorious recent associations, the town has become somewhat of a surprise favorite amongst tourists in recent years.

The locals have established the intriguing Mafia and Anti-Mafia Museum of Corleone, a place which attempts to not only help the town move on from its Mafia roots but also to preserve the history rather than simply ignoring it.

It’s one of the most interesting day trips you can make from Palermo.

Available tour :  Corleone Full-Day Private Tour from Palermo

Trapani is found along the coast to the west of Palermo and is famed for the dense concentration of Salt Flats that are found in the area. This spectacular area stretches for kilometers to the coast and you can even visit the local Museum of Salt to learn more about the local history.

That history is extensive because salt has been harvested here on the flats for centuries – as far back as the 14th century – and even today the locals use many techniques that are unchanged in years.

8. Egadi Islands

The Egadi Islands are a small archipelago that is waiting off the coast of Trapani.

Just a few miles away from the city, these three islands offer visitors a glimpse at a life that has hardly changed in millennia.

Visit the small local villages, enjoy the peace and quiet of the rugged scenery, and escape the busy cities of Sicily in this spectacular getaway.

Erice is a small village that’s found just outside of Trapani and makes for a wonderful place to spend the day.

This charming village is found on top of a prominent hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean, offering sweeping views out to sea.

Erice is famed for the medieval fortresses which are found in great condition here, as well as the abundance of historic buildings in the old center which are great to explore.

Bestseller tour :  Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

10. Segesta

Segesta is one of the oldest human occupied locations in Sicily.

This was once a city of the ancient tribes who first occupied the island. Over the centuries, it became a place steeped in myth and legend, with the locals even purporting to be descendants of the survivors of Troy.

The ruins of Segesta are now an archeological site and the crumbling city walls that have been excavated are a striking sight to see, as are the hilltop temples and the vast Greek amphitheater.

11. Marsala

Along Sicily’s north-west coast is the town of Marsala. This makes for a great day trip from Palermo for many reasons. Like many other towns in the region, salt harvesting is a big industry; you can enjoy endless views over the spectacular salt pans that are found here.

The town is equally, if not more famous for, its production of the world-renowned Marsala Wine. You can visit some of the many wineries where the grapes are grown and the wine is bottled to learn more about it.

Included in :  Private Full-Day West Sicily & Wine Tour from Palermo

12. Agrigento

Agrigento is located on the shoreline of Sicily to the south of Palmero. It’s one of the best places to visit to see the ruins of the ancient Greek civilizations that once ruled the island.

In centuries past, some of the largest Greek cities in the Mediterranean were found in the area. Today you can visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the largest archaeological sites in Italy, where you can see the vast remains of the former glory of this lost civilization.

Available tour :  Full Day in Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

13. Mount Etna

Mount Etna is the largest volcano in Europe and this mammoth volcanic peak is still very much active.

Mount Etna is found on the eastern side of Sicily and its gigantic form dominates the skyline for miles around.

The peak reaches a height of over 3000 meters and the continual eruptions over the years have led to the surrounding area becoming a beautiful pasture of agricultural land.

It’s an Italian icon and a place not to be missed.

Suggested tour :  Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

14. Messina

The city of Messina is located on the far eastern tip of Sicily, overlooking the narrow strait that separates the island from mainland Italy.

It’s a historic city, where you can enjoy exploring many of the Norman cathedrals and buildings that are still found across Messina, alongside more contemporary Sicilian life and culture which is found everywhere.

15. Catania

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily and is found on the eastern coast, in the constant shadow of Mount Etna.

It has been destroyed by the volcano on several occasions.

The locals always rebuild and today Catania is a center of Sicilian culture, being particularly renowned for its glorious local dishes and cuisine.

15 Best Day Trips from Palermo:

• Piazza Armerina
• Parco delle Madonie
• Egadi Islands

Day Trip Sicily

Best Tours from Taormina

• Mount Etna Volcano
• Syracuse, Catania & Noto
• Godfather’s Villages
• Tindari & Messina
• Agrigento, Greek Temples
• Ragusa, Modica, Scicli
• Wine Experience
• from Messina
• from Taormina – Giardini Naxos
• from Catania
• Sicily Limo Service

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Top Day Trip in Sicily from Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Catania, Messina:

Mt. etna volcano (unesco).

SYRACUSE, CATANIA, NOTO (UNESCO)

THE GODFATHER'S VILLAGE

TINDARI, MESSINA

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10 perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily 

Last updated on March 9th, 2024.

Palermo, the capital city, or capoluogo, of Sicily makes an ideal standalone destination. 

A city that’s perfect for a long weekend or a city break, Palermo is brimming with travel potential. 

But this travel guide will focus on the places to visit outside Palermo, more specifically Palermo day trips.  

Instead of looking at it as ‘escaping’ from Palermo, these perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily will expand your options. 

The post will cover everything from day trips from Palermo by train or bus to Sicily day tours from Palermo. 

What is a day trip? 

I classify a day trip as a destination that doesn’t require hours’ long travel time from the starting point.

But because this is Sicily, there will inevitably be some day trip options that have longer travel times.  To help you plan accordingly, I’ve listed the various options by shortest to longest journey time. 

Palermo is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily to visit. A perfect Italy bucket list item, use this post to help plan your Italy trip . 

Where is Palermo? 

Palermo is located on the northern coast of Sicily.  

The closest Sicilian international airport is Falcone-Borsellino Airport ( Aeroporto Falcone-Borsellino di Palermo ), which is about 31km (19mi) northwest of Palermo.   

Situated along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city blends a rich tapestry of history, architecture and diverse cultures.  

We spent two days in Palermo visiting the city’s striking Arab-Norman palaces, Sicilian Baroque churches and fragrant food markets. If you’ve just one day in Palermo, careful planning is essential to ensure that you see the city’s best sights. 

10 perfect day trips from Palermo 

Day trips from palermo by train or bus  .

The great thing about Palermo is that the city does have a public transport system. Consisting of the train, bus, tram and metro, having these options saves you having to rent a car in Italy .  

The Palermo metro system consists of 3 lines (A, B, C) and primarily services destinations within the province. 

However, unlike the metro system in bigger cities like Milan, the metro in Palermo runs at a much slower pace. Trains run every 30 minutes and they service the local areas in Palermo. 

Instead, I’d advise sticking to using the buses in Palermo or taking the regional trains. They run more frequently and will more likely stop at your desired destination. 

I cover the topic of public transport, and other modes, in more detail in how to get around in Sicily . 

Mondello 

A beach day trip is always an option from Palermo given its prime position on the island. 

Taking a bus from Palermo to Mondello has a journey time of around 1hr. In comparison, traveling by car takes about 26mins. This is because the bus ride consists of taking 2 buses and likely factors in bus stops and traffic.  

There’s also the option to take a train from Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans train station. But bear in mind that there’s no direct line that will take you to Mondello. Instead, you’ll need to take bus 614 from Piazza Mandorle to Mondello and walk from here. 

Beach time 

Any memories about the journey will quickly dissipate once you set eyes upon the sandy stretch of fine white sand. 

Mondello Beach ( spiaggia di Mondello ) is a mecca for sun and sea seekers. A classic Italian seaside town, Mondello is also known for its striking pier and Liberty-style building.  

Should you prefer to extend your stay in Mondello, consider checking into Villa Olimpia . The seafront hotel has gorgeous sea view rooms and suites along with an outdoor swimming pool and private parking. 

Time permitting, you may want to also consider visiting nearby Addaura. Not far from Mondello Beach, the small coastal hamlet runs alongside the Christopher Columbus seafront ( Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo ). 

One of the best day trips from Palermo, Mondello is also one of the closest to the city. 

Cefalù 

Cefalù makes one of the most perfect day trips from Palermo for several reasons. 

For one, its beaches make Cefalù an instant hit among sunworshippers. Cefalù Beach ( Spiaggia di Cefalù ) was already popular among locals but gained a new following thanks to a TV show. 

The beach was just one of several filming locations of the HBO hit The White Lotus in Sicily .  

Apart from the beaches, Cefalù also boasts other attractions. They include the 12th century Cefalù Cathedral ( Duomo di Cefalù ) and La Rocca. 

The large rock formation overlooking Cefalù provides panoramic views of the coast and surrounding landscape. Hike to the top to enjoy the most spectacular views and to also explore the ruins of a medieval fortress. 

Tickets to climb La Rocca cost €5 ($5.45/£4.28).* It goes without saying that wearing appropriate shoes and bringing bottled water is a given. Aim to do this hike in the morning when it’s still relatively cool. 

How to get from Palermo to Cefalù 

A direct train will get you from Palermo Centrale to Cefalù in around 52mins. Its journey time makes Cefalù a great option for a half-day trip from Palermo. By car, it might take slightly longer at approximately 1hr 9mins. 

Day trips from Palermo Sicily by car 

Next on the list are some of the best day trips from Palermo Sicily by car. While public transport works for some places, for others, it’s simply not an option.  

In short, renting a car allows the freedom and flexibility to visit these destinations and with great ease. 

Scopello 

The drive from Palermo to Scopello takes you along a scenic route on the northwest coast of Sicily. Not factoring in traffic or stops, it should take around 1hr 11mins to get there. 

Scopello is a coastal town that’s situated within the province of Trapani. Visitors flock here to relax on its beaches, known in Italian as ‘cala’ (coves). Some of the most popular cala include: 

• Cala dell’Ovo 
• Cala Baialuce 
• Cala Mazzo di Sciacca 

Other iconic attractions in Scopello include the Scopello sea stacks ( Faraglioni di Scopello ) and the tuna fishery ( Tonnara di Scopello ). Visible off the coast, the Scopello sea stacks are dramatic limestone sea stacks rising from the sea. 

Overlooking the sea stacks is the ancient tuna fishery. Used for tuna fishing since the 13th century, the complex houses the tuna processing plant, warehouses and the Tonnara tower.  

Explore the nature in Scopello 

Another reason why Scopello makes one of the top day trips from Palermo is because of the surrounding nature. 

On the periphery of Scopello lies the Zingaro Nature Reserve ( Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro ). Within the reserve are more beaches and sandy bays for guests to enjoy.  

If planning on spending the day here come prepared.  

Bringing your own umbrellas and deck chairs is prohibited and there are no bars or eateries within the reserve. Lastly, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the paths between the beaches and to the parking area are rocky.  

Map: best day trips from Palermo Sicily

San Vito Lo Capo 

North of Scopello is another seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo. Driving from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo will take around 48mins, while from Palermo, it’ll take approximately 1hr 45mins. 

The small seaside resort is most famous for its beach ( Spiaggia San Vito Lo Capo ) that overlooks a sheltered bay.  

Like Mondello, it’s sandy and typically becomes overrun with tourists in the height of summer. A defining feature of San Vito Lo Capo is that the town sits in the backdrop of Monte Monaco. 

A park consisting of different trails, Monte Monaco offers hikers a challenging climb to reach its rocky peak. 

Spend the night 

While a day trip from Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo is doable, you may prefer to extend your stay. 

Nearby is the Temple of Segesta ( Tempio di Segesta ) which is around 1hr 5mins away. Dating to the 5th century, the Ancient Greek temple atop a hill makes for a spectacular sight. 

Mira Spiaggia is a charming hotel located on the seafront in San Vito Lo Capo. With a café and restaurant with a sea-view terrace, it might be worth staying a little longer.  

Trapani 

Swap one city in northern Sicily for another on the northwestern coast.  

With a drive time of around 1hr 25mins, a day trip from Palermo to Trapani is more than doable. 

The port city is situated on a crescent-shaped harbor facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.  

On the western tip of Trapani is the Torre di Ligny Watchtower Museum that overlooks the Egadi Islands. Dating to the 17th century, the archeology museum houses historical finds and has incredible views.  

Time permitting, I’d advise visiting Trapani’s famous salt pans at the Trapani and Paceco nature reserve. Located between Trapani and Marsala, the salt pans create a mesmerizing landscape and a unique day trip experience. 

Agrigento 

Discover one of Sicily’s most renowned archaeological sites on a Palermo to Agrigento day trip. 

We did this route as a Sicily road trip a few years ago and enjoyed it immensely. 

Visitors typically travel to Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples ( Valle dei Templi ). A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the archaeological park houses several well-preserved ancient Greek temples. One of these is the Temple of Concordia, one of the prime examples of a well-preserved Doric temple. 

Like with any top attraction, lines build quickly for Valley of the Temples especially during peak seasons. I advise booking skip-the-line tickets , arriving once the park opens and bringing plenty of water. 

There are eating and drinking facilities within the compound but it’s more expensive compared to bringing your own. 

How to get from Palermo to Agrigento 

It’s possible to travel from Palermo to Agrigento by car or by train. Driving takes around 2hrs while the train journey will take approximately 2hrs 4mins. 

Once arriving at Agrigento train station, it’s another 1.1mi (1.7km) or 24-minute walk to reach Valley of the Temples. 

Visiting Agrigento by car makes it easier to see another beautiful landmark in the region. The Turkish Steps ( Scala dei Turchi ) are a short 20-minute drive away from Valley of the Temples. The terrace rocks on white cliffs overlooking the sea easily make one of the best day trips from Palermo. 

Mount Etna 

The next series of best day trips from Palermo consist of longer journey times. 

Personally, I prefer to spend a night or two at the destination given the distance and driving time from Palermo. 

Day trips from Palermo to Mount Etna are doable but with a journey time of around 3hrs, planning is essential. 

Suffice it to say, the earlier you depart from Palermo, the better this option works as a Palermo day trip. 

Ways to visit Mount Etna 

There are several ways to visit and explore the mighty volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. They include:  Self-drive tour of Mount Etna (to a certain point) 

Joining a tour 

Seeing the towns and villages surrounding Mount Etna on the Ferrovia Circumetnea train 

We’ve done the self-drive tour of Mount Etna a few times. However, as part-time locals in Sicily, it’s an activity that’s easily accessible. 

For first-time visitors to Mount Etna, joining a tour works well for so many reasons. For one, you’ll get first-hand expertise from a local guide plus additional information and personal anecdotes about Mount Etna.

Another great reason to book a Mount Etna tour is the variety. The following tours show there’s something to suit all tastes and activity levels. 

• Mount Etna morning or sunset day trip with tasting from Catania 
• Guided volcano summit hiking tour with cable car from Catania 
• Mount Etna trekking trip off the tourist path from Catania 
• Etna wine and Alcantara gorge visit from Catania 
• Etna sunset (walk along Mount Etna’s lunar landscape) from Catania 
• Mount Etna and Taormina Tour from Palermo 

Catania 

On the east coast of Sicily lies the city of Catania.  

Another major Sicilian city on the island, there’s plenty of things to do in one day in Catania . 

The distance between Palermo and Catania is about 130mi (210km) or approximately 2hrs 32mins by car. A direct train also connects the two cities with a ride time of 2hrs 25mins. 

Many of the city’s attractions are situated within the city center. Walk through Porta Uzeda, visit Catania’s striking St. Agatha’s Cathedral and admire the views from Palazzo dei Chierici. 

Aeolian Islands 

Day trips from Palermo to the Aeolian Islands are doable but they can be long and tiring. 

The largest of the Aeolian Islands is Lipari. A beautiful island with plenty to see and do , I highly recommend visiting for yourself. 

We always take a ferry from the port of Milazzo to Lipari . From our home in Sicily , the distance is about 45mi (72km) or approximately 1hr by car. 

From Palermo, the distance is substantially longer, at around 126mi (203km) or 2hrs 30mins driving time. This doesn’t factor in the ferry ride to Lipari (1hr) or traffic leading to the port. 

There is a ferry service with Liberty Lines that will take you directly from Palermo to Lipari. However, ferry services are less frequent and more expensive than if traveling from Milazzo.

Speaking as a local, I’d advise spending a night or two in Lipari. La Settima Luna is a gorgeous beachfront hotel with terraces providing uninterrupted sea views. 

A closer island day trip from Palermo is Ustica.  

A small, yet pretty, island where Italians come to vacation , there’s a direct ferry available (3hrs 5mins journey time). The cost of a return ticket (without car) costs €24.29 ($26/£21)* per person. 

Taormina 

The final choice on the list of the best day trips from Palermo is Taormina.  

Again, given the distance and journey time, leaving early is advisable to enjoy a day trip from Palermo to Taormina. 

By car, the journey will take around 3hrs 11mins or 164mi (264km). 

The hilltop town of Taormina lives up to its hype though there are some things to know before visiting .

Main attractions in Taormina include visiting the ancient theater (Teatro Antico di Taormina) and relaxing on Isola Bella.   

My personal favorite thing to do in Taormina is watching the sunset from Belvedere di Taormina. One of the prime viewing spots in town, the colors never disappoint from this main public square. 

What are your thoughts on this guide listing the best day trips from Palermo Sicily? Which of these places would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below. 

*information correct at the time of publishing 

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

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What are the best day trips from Palermo Sicily?

1. Mondello 2. Cefalù  3. Scopello 4. San Vito Lo Capo 5. Agrigento

26 thoughts on “ 10 perfect day trips from Palermo Sicily  ”

Your post about day trips from Palermo has excellent ideas for getting out of the city and seeing more of Sicily. I’m already dreaming about hitting the beach at Mondello. It’s just an hour away by bus and sounds like the perfect spot to chill and catch some sun. Cefalù is another place that’s got my attention. It’s not just about the beach; the town has some ancient history to explore, like the old cathedral. And then there’s Agrigento with its famous Valley of the Temples. I can’t miss seeing those ancient ruins! This article’s got me planning my Sicily adventure. I add it to my bucket list.

Perfect! There are so many great day trips from Palermo and it won’t take up too much travel time 🙂

I have been thinking about a trip to Sicily for a while now – but I did not think of basing myself in Palermo and doing day trips from there. It seems the best way to do this is renting a car as public transport is not really feasible for many destinations. Trapani looks wonderful, maybe it is worth staying the night there. Thanks for this day trip suggestions.

There are some great options. I arranged it from closest to furthest away. For me, there are so many great options nearby 🙂

These places all look amazing – it would be tough to choose! The beach at Cefalù is so pretty, and I am not surprised that it has been a movie filming location!

Yes it is so pretty! And the town is a must see too 🙂

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A Detailed Sicily Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip

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So you have a week in Sicily – perfect for a little 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 another time for a solo road trip around the whole 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 town of Ragusa, and the islands of Favignana and Lipari).

Table of Contents

Sicily Itinerary: 7 Days in Sicily

Sicily is like a melting pot of different vibes thanks to its mix of conquerors over the years (African, Roman, Moorish, Spanish, French, Christians), giving it this cool blend of character that you can see in its architecture, food, and traditions.

It’s famous for its beautiful coastline, an active volcano called Mt.Etna ( a gentle giant, not an erupting Vesuvius ) where vineyards thrive, idyllic coastal towns, and amazing food like arancini, pasta a la nona, 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, San Vito Lo Capo, & 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 (has a party vibe)
• OPTION: Sicilian Cooking Class & Dinner in Palermo (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 for the afternoon and especially the sunset, I just preferred the beaches near Scopello because it’s on the way to Palermo.

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 Sarde a Beccafico 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 (before it closes)
• 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 road trip around 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 or Lipari 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 – Scopello – Erice – Isola Favignana – Cefalu – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna Winery – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Ragusa – Palermo
• 10 Days in Sicily Starting in Catania: Catania – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Ragusa – Erice – Scopello – Palermo – Cefalu – Island of Lipari – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna Winery – 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 – Cefalu – Island of Lipari – Taormina – Isola Bella – Mount Etna Wineries – Siracusa – Isola Ortigia – Noto – Ragusa – Agrigento Temples – Erice – Isola Favignana – 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, have 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! I personally opted to visit the wineries around Etna because hiking on this type of rock would kill my knees.

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.

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 (10-30%), and special mobile-only prices when booking through their app. 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?
• Is Sicily safe? Areas to avoid and safety tips by regular visitor.

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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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Sicily

Day trips from sicily.

• Sicily to Nicolosi
• Sicily to Taormina
• Sicily to Syracuse
• Sicily to Palermo
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

2. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

3. Etna Morning Trip

4. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

5. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

6. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

7. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

8. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

9. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

10. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

11. Sicilian Baroque Private Tour Treasures of Art and Culture

12. Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo

13. Mount Etna Half-Day Tour - Small Groups From Taormina

14. Panarea and Stromboli boat excursion from Milazzo

15. Walking tour Vendicari Nature Reserve, Tonnara and Noto Barocco

16. Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

17. Mt. Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Catania

18. Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina

19. Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo

20. Mount Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Taormina

21. The Godfather Origins of Mafia: Corleone & Visit Monreale Duomo

22. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

23. Agrigento; Valley of the Temples, Scala dei Turchi from Palermo, Private Tour

24. Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania

25. Mt. Etna and Alcantara river full day tour from Taormina

26. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto

27. Private Monreale, Cefalù & Castelbuono Tour, from Palermo area

28. Etna Tour in 4x4

29. Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto one day small group Tour from Catania

30. Half Day Private Boat Tour on the Coast of Palermo

What travellers are saying.

One week in Sicily: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

• One week in Sicily: Which Itinerary for 6, 7 or 8 Days?

You’re planning to visit Sicily for your next trip?

Great choice! Sicily is the ideal destination to spend a week of holidays in the sun, without breaking the bank. You will be able to enjoy magnificent beaches , breathtaking landscapes and numerous archaeological remains . All accompanied by the legendarily delicious Italian food.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared a detailed 1 week itinerary in Sicily , so you won’t miss anything during your trip!

In addition to showing you the best things to do and must-see attractions , I will give you tips as well as accommodation suggestions depending on your budget . Planning your 6, 7 or 8 days trip to Sicily will be easy as 1, 2, 3 !

As you can’t visit the whole Sicily in a week (you need 2 weeks for that!), please note that his itinerary is about the East coast of Sicily . I have also written a 10 days itinerary about the West coast , which you can find here: How to spend 10 days in Sicily (West coast) . It can also be done in one week.

I will now show you how to spend a week in Sicily!

Where to stay in Catane

Where to stay in ortigia, where to stay in taormina, other activities for 1 week in sicily, renting a boat in sicily, trip to sicily: flight prices, sicily 1 week tours, you’re traveling in sicily these articles will help you, itinerary: a week in sicily (east coast), 1) catania (1 day).

When booking your plane ticket to Sicily , you will have the choice between arriving in Palermo or Catania   international airports.

To visit the east coast, it’s best to land in Catania. Many airlines offer flights to this destination but the cheapest (in most cases) is undoubtedly Easyjet, with round-trip flights from 60€ (without checked baggage).

I told you, it’s possible to go on a trip to Sicily without breaking the bank!

When you arrive in Catania  and start your 7 days itinerary, the best way to get around is to rent a car.

If that’s your plan, I advise you to book it in advance on the internet to be sure to have your car. The best website to book your car is Rentalcars.com   for 2 reasons:

• It allows you to compare prices between all the rental companies . It’s the best way to save money!
• You can choose the “Full Protection insurance” when booking. You would get complete excess refund in case of car accident (or any damage done to your rental car) as well as rental agency’s scams. They are unfortunately very common in Sicily, they costed me more than 1300 euros, hopefully all refunded by Rentalcars.com Full Protection insurance!

That’s why it’s now the website I always use to book my cars when I go travel! You can go on the website by clicking here . I highly suggest you to bookmark it!

If you don’t want to rent a car, many buses and trains depart from Catania and serve the surrounding cities such as Syracuse or Taormina , but if you want to be completely autonomous, the best option is still to rent a car.

This is what we did for our one week road trip in Sicily !

Depending on your plane arrival time, you will have about half a day to visit the city.

I advise you to first visit  the piazza del duomo,  the heart of the city.  Sicily ‘s cities organisation is very simple: they all have their own piazza del duomo which concentrates a lot of monuments. Theses Piazza always are the starting point of a lot of beautiful small streets to wander in.

The piazza del duomo in Catania is recognizable by the emblem of the city that stands in its centre: the elephant fountain .

On the place, you can also admire the palazzo municipio or take a touristic train or bus ride around the city. It can be a good option if you want to start your stay in Sicily slowly!

But the must-see monument is Catania Cathedral (St. Agathe Cathedral), located behind the the elephant fountain . It can be visited every day of the week and free of charge! You will be able to admire the Saint’s relics and the tomb of a famous Sicilian composer: Vincenzo Bellini.

You can continue your visit of Catania by walking along the 2 main streets: the via Etnea which starts from the piazza del duomo and the via Crociferi . The must-see attraction on this street is the former Benedictine Monastery , which now houses the 2nd largest university in Europe. You can visit it freely or with a guide, and it will take you about an hour.

This half day in Catania is a great start for your week in Sicily!

If you want to spend more time in this city, I advise you read our guide of the best things to do in Catania.

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.
• City-In Hostel B&B : Located opposite Ursino Castle. Dormitory Bed from 17€, breakfast 3€. Free Wifi. Free public parking. Tip: Avoid rooms on the street side that are a little noisy.
• Tra L’Etna E Il Mare B&B : Located a kilometer from the piazza duomo. Large room with refined decoration from 50€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wifi. Additional: Free private parking. It’s for me the best value for money in Catania!
• Il Giardino Di Piazza Falcone : Situated about fifteen minutes’ walk from the piazza duomo. Large bright room from 68€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wifi. Public parking at 10€ per day. Additionally: a 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 (3 days)

Syracuse , located at 1-hour drive south of Catania is the 2nd stage of your one-week itinerary in Sicily .

Syracuse itself is a large modern city of little interest, so I recommend you find a much nicer and typical accommodation on Ortigia Island .

Spend your first day visiting the island and don’t hesitate to stroll along all the small alleys. Impossible to get lost, you will always fall back on the piazza del duomo or the Seafront.

Best things to see in Ortigia Island:

• The fish, fruit and vegetable market overflowing with freshness and bright colours.
• The harbour with its typical boats and its very special species of marine worms (you will quickly see what I am talking about!)
• The majestic piazza del duomo  with its cathedral, the town hall and many palazzo.
• The Castello Maniace offering a breathtaking view of the bay.
• The Fountain of Arethusa, the best place to see the sunset on Ortigia!

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 :

After this, enjoy a refreshing swim or a good coffee at the shady terrace of one of the island’s many restaurants.

And if you’re not on a diet, you can also enjoy an ice cream on the steps of the piazza, but let me  warn you: there is a high risk of addiction because they are so delicious!

For this second day of your one-week stay in Sicily , I suggest you to start your morning with a good walk along the Syracuse bike path .

To do this, you just have to leave Ortigia island by crossing the bridge and turn right, along the road by the sea. The starting point of the stroll is the piazzale dei Cappuccini , recognizable by its horses’ statues.

The walk offers many views of Ortigia and its surrounding cliffs. It is equally suitable for everyone because the path is flat and has no difficulty.

If you want to do something else than visiting the city, 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:

After a picnic or a good meal in one of the trattorias (Italian typical restaurants), you can spend your afternoon visiting the Neapolis Archaeological Park (also named Archeological Park of Syracuse).

Admission costs 10€ except on the first Sunday of the month, where it is free of charge . Be careful to plan sunscreen and hats, because there isn’t much shade!

You can as well see :

• A huge Roman amphitheatre almost completely carved out of the rock.
• A Greek theatre with a capacity of up to 20,000 people.
• The altar of Hieron II dedicated to Zeus and serving the sacrifices of animals.
• Ear of Dionysius  is a cave located in a limestone quarry more than 20 meters high.

For the archaeological park of Neapolis, plan about 2 hours of visit If you have some energy lef. You can combine this visit with the archaeological museum , located 500 metres from the park.

Another option is to opt for a guided visit of Neapolis archaeological park. 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:

Here is how:

Leave from Catania early in the morning to arrive in Syracuse around 9:30-10am

• Visit Ortigia Island in the morning
• In the afternoon, go to the  archaeological park of Neapolis.
• Go back on Ortigia Island (it’s where your hotel will be located) at the end of the day. Don’t miss the sunset at  Arethusa fountain !

It’s a quite busy day (but still enjoyable, don’t worry, you won’t spend your day running!), but it’s the best way to view all the must-see attractions I talk about it this itinerary!

For your last day in Syracuse, don’t hesitate to take your car to visit baroque cities around Syracuse.

The 3 best known are Noto , Ragusa and Modica . They are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their architecture and historic centres, and compete with each other for beauty.

• Things to see in Noto : Baroque palaces and churches along the corso Vittorio Emanuele
• Things to see in Ragusa : The San Giorgio Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo
• Things to see in Modica : Its historical medieval centre and its magnificent Baroque cathedral

if you are lucky enough to do a 8 days trip to Sicily, I advise you to spend one more night in Syracuse. This would allow you to be able to go to the beautiful nature reserve Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile.

An advice, spend the night in Ortigia rather than in Syracuse , the prices are not necessarily higher and the environment is much more pleasant.

• II Duomo :Located on the Piazza del Duomo , you can’t dream better as a location. A large room with a classic decoration. View on the garden or the square. Free Wifi and possibility of paid parking. Double room from 80€, breakfast included.
• TRE Archi B&B : Located 50 meters from the piazza del duomo, very quiet. Colorful and authentic room. Free Wifi. Double room from 50€, 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) Taormina (3 days)

Visit Taormina , the Sicilian Saint Tropez for the last leg of this one week tour in Sicily . Located about an hour’s drive from Catania, Taormina, perched on a cliff, deserves to linger for a few days!

A quick tip: you should find an accommodation close to Taormina , at the top of the cliff, so you can enjoy the magnificent morning view. As a pedestrian city , you don’t have to worry about traffic or noise.

Start this first day by discovering Corso Umberto, the city’s main street .

You will not be able to miss the place where all handicraft shops, clothing shops, groceries and restaurants are concentrated. Along your way, you can also see and visit churches like the Chiesa di San Giuseppe or St Nicholas’ Cathedral .

It will also be an opportunity to discover views over the valley, the sea and of course the Etna. Piazza IX Aprile is a must for sunset photos, thanks to its huge panoramic terrace.

You can also visit the only ancient monument in Taormina , its remarkably well-preserved Greek theatre.

To finish the morning and do some exercise before lunch go to via Circumvallazione , and climb the 300 steps stairs that will lead you to the heights of Taormina.

It will take you about twenty minutes to reach the top. From there, you can enjoy  a bird eye view of the city and its Greek theatre.  In addition, you have the privilege of admiring a magnificent little chapel partially carved in the rock: the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca .

Then go back down to Corso Umberto and take the time to choose a restaurant from the multitude of possibilities.

A little tip: if you want a bit of calm, shade and to escape from the crowd, buy a sandwich or a slice of pizza without forgetting the dessert (cannoli, ice cream, biscuits the choice is also impressive). Then go have your lunch at   the Villa Comunale public garden.

In the afternoon, after admiring it from Taormina, go down to Isola Bella and it’s beautiful pebble beach.

Many activities are available on site (click on the links to book):

• 2-hour kayak tour with an instructor who will show you the marine reserve around Isola Bella.
• 4-hour kayak tour , to explore a good part of the Taormina’s coast.
• Boat tour + Snorkeling : Get on the boat and enjoy several stops to observe the underwater fauna and flora around Isola Bella!

You can enjoy a half day of idleness and swimming , dive in its crystal clear waters or go for 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:

This 6, 7 or 8 days road trip in Sicily wouldn’t be complete without the island’s must-see visit: the Etna volcano !

You have been able to admire its imposing silhouette and threatening shade from many cities, but nothing beats the privilege of climbing its volcanic slopes and enjoying a unique atmosphere.

From Taormina there are 2 options to go to Etna.

If you have opted for a road trip in Sicily , you can choose to go by car yourself, it will take you about an hour to reach the refuge. Then, you will be free to spend as much time as you want there and to go to the top of the crater with the cable car or a  fo u r wheel drive vehicle .

The second option, which, in my opinion, is the most interesting, is to book an excursion from Taormina .

You won’t have to worry about anything: transportation, guide, cable car, 4-wheel drive vehicle and the equipment, everything will be organized and provided. You will be able to enjoy this exceptional place in complete safety.

If you want to do go to Etna during your stay in Sicily, I highly recommend you to book your trip with Getyourguide. It’s simple, they have the best English speaking guides! And the price is very good too.

Click on the following button for more info about the trip to Etna volcano:

On your third and last day in the region, I highly recommend you to take your car and visit the little village of Castelmola

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy , it’s located at only 5km from Taormina . It’s worth a look for its ruined medieval castle and its small alleys.

In the village and from the castle, there are numerous beautiful viewpoint , where you can admire the valley below and the Etna. And from the belvedere, top-notch view guaranteed! I also recommend you to taste local almond wine (drink with moderation 😋), a specialty of the village.

You can then continue your program by going to the famous Alcantara Gorges .

Located 50 minutes’ drive from Taormina , this site is a geological curiosity. The gorges have walls of more than 25 meters high and only 2 to 4 meters wide.

The peculiarity of this narrow canyon lies in the formation of its walls born from various lava flows coming from the northern slope of Etna.

This volcanic material cooled down in contact with the waters of the river and drew original shapes. Before going, keep in mind that this place is not necessarily made for swimming , because the water is very cold!

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!).

After this full day, return to Taormina for the last evening of your one-week tour in Sicily . Perhaps for a last swim at Isola Bella or a drink on a terrace, followed with a good meal.

There are several ways to reach the Gorges.

The first one is for a fee and is signposted by an entrance and a large parking lot that will allow you to park your car easily. You will then go down to the gorges by elevator and will be entitled to a guided tour. I t costs a minimum of 15€ per person.

The 2nd possibility (which I advise you) is to continue a little bit further along the road, you will find a small hut on the right side of the road.

You can buy Alcantara Gorges access ticket there for only 2€ per person. At this price you will use the municipal staircase to go down the gorges, but you can enjoy the place the same way for a much lower price!

• Hostel Taormina : Youth hostel located in the heart of Taormina. Dorm bed from 22.5€. Free Wifi. Breakfast excluded. Extra: a large panoramic terrace.
• Casa La via del Mare : Located halfway between the beach and Taormina historic city centre. Modern and bright room from 80€ per night. Breakfast included. Free Wifi. Extra: Free parking.
• Medea Residence  : Located 2 steps from the main street of Taormina. Apartment with kitchen, modern and bright. Calm down. Outdoor swimming pool. Free Wifi. Private paid parking: 10€ per day. Minimum of 3 nights’ rental for 210€ summing up to 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!

This is it for your 1 week itinerary in Sicily! You have been able to visit archaeological sites, take beautiful walks, discover baroque towns, see Mount Etna and even relax at the beach.

There is no doubt that Sicily is an ideal destination to spend a week of holidays at a low cost.

And if you’re disappointed that the holidays are over so quickly, think about making another trip to Sicily to visit the West coast!

You can check our Sicilian West coast itinerary here: How to visit the west coast of Sicily in 10 days.

If you feel like doing other activities during your one week trip to Sicily , you will have plenty of choice! Here is the list of the best activities you can do on the island:

Don’t hesitate to click on the following links to get more information and 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 sailboat + 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 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
• Day trip to the Aeolian Islands – Discover Lipari and Vulcano
• Special “The Godfather” tour , a must if you’re a fan of the movie!
• Excursion to the wineries on Etna + tastings.

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? 😊

Do not hesitate to give your opinion and suggestions on our one-week itinerary in Sicily!

Flight prices to Sicily vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . With it, you will be sure of getting the best price!

On the results page, do not hesitate to compare several sites to ensure that no fees are added to the final rates.

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

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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 49 comments.

I have read your 1 week eastern Sicily itinerary and would love your insight into a 1 week staring in Catania and ending in Palermo. We are from Toronto… I hope you will still answer me:-) We will rent a car and want a leisurely tour. Culture, sites, maybe a beach… wine and food.

Merci in advance,

Hello Bryan,

I am currently traveling in China and I am from my tablet, so I will try to answer you the best i can!

For this trip, I would recommend you to spend 1 day in Catania to visit the city (half a day is enough if your plane arrives in the morning)

Day 2, you can go to the Etna Volcano

Day 3, Taormina (morning visit the city + go to madonna della rocca, afternoon at Isola bella beach). You should go to castelmola at the end of the day and maybe have diner there. The view from there is fantastic!

Day 4 a day trip to aeolian islands (from Milazzo)

Day 5 you can go to cefalu. You can spend the rest of the day there! And then go sleep in Palermo.

Day 6 and 7: Visit the city of Palermo during the day, and maybe go to the opera in the evening, if you like it. Go to Monreale cathedral on your 7th day in Sicily in the morning and going back home!

You should have a look at my article about Palermo, you can find it here

I cannot help much more for now, but I hope it gives you some ideas!

Which islands would you recommend if only doing a day trip out of Milazzo? And would you say its best to just hop on the first ferry out and last ferry back?

Hello Ashley,

If you have only 1 day, there are 2 islands that aren’t too far: Vulcano and Lipari. You can choose to focus on one, or take a 1 day cruise that will give you a glimpse of both, like this one.

The other islands are, in my opinion, too far for a day trip unfortunately.

We have 3 days in Palermo and 3 days in Taormina, what can we comfortably fit in during our stay?

I am not sure if you are talking about accomodations (if yes, for how many people?) or activities to do during your stay in Palermo and Taormina?

If you are talking about activities, you should read the following articles, where I talk about itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 days:

The 10 best things to do in Taormina Visit Palermo: the 15 must see attractions

And if you have any questions about Sicily, don’t hesitate to let me know!

Looking to do west Sicily in 7 or 8 days. I like the list of things to do you wrote about. I’m just worried about renting a car in Sicily. What are your thoughts on that? Do I have any other choice? I don’t want to be stuck on a tour company. I want to go and stay as long as I want. I want to eat where I want. Thank you

Hello Phil,

As you said, if you want to do as you please, renting a car is the only solution. It’s really the best way to enjoy Sicily!

However, as I say in the article, the problem of car rentals in Sicily is the large amount of scams. It’s just crazy how car rental companies are dishonest there! I have even written an article in French about this, but it’s not translated yet.

The most important point is really to take the insurance when renting the car at Rentalcars.com . It’s really the easiest way to avoid fraud and travel with peace of mind.

About driving itself, they are a bit rough, but nothing too bad. They are just not very careful when parking, so bumper scratches can appear quickly (another good reason to always take the insurance!). As in many places in south of Italy, they also use the horn a lot for nothing, so don’t freak out! Even as a pedestrian it can be surprising at first.

I have a detailed article about car Rental in Sicily, but it’s in French, as I haven’t translated it yet :/ However, if you have any question, I will gladly answer them!

If I chicken out about the car, can you recommend a tour group that might be the next best way to go?

Unfortunately, I don’t have much info about group tours in Sicily for the english speaking market, so I prefer not recommending you something I am not 100% confident about!

Dear Vincent! We are planning to stay in Sicily about 10 days and will get to there from Rome.Can you advice how to enter into Sicily, a plane or train?

And how to allocate my time to this beautiful island? Pls help me out of this issue! And for the transportation, should I rent a car or use a public transportation??

Thanks much B. Rgds Frank Keum

Dear Frank,

To go from Rome to Sicily, the best way is to take the plane and land in Palermo or Catania. There are many cheap flights to Sicily from Rome.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry boat in Civitavecchia, a port near Rome. They are night ferries, and it takes 14h of boat to go from Rome to Palermo.

In 10 day in Sicily, it’s a good idea to focus on either the east or the west of the island (you will not have the time to see the whole Sicily, it takes at least 14 days for this).

As you have already read this article about the east coast of Sicily, you should also have a look at my 10 days itinerary in Sicily on the west coast. You can also read my TOP 20 best places to visit in Sicily , to get an idea of all the things you can see on the island.

For the transportation, you should definitely rent a car, you would waste too much time with the public transport.

And if you have any question about your trip organisation, don’t hesitate!

Hi Vincent,

I have no questions yet but would just like to say what a great post!!! It’s everything I needed and more, and thank you so much for being such a saint with the details. My husband and I are going on our very belated honeymoon and have decided to spend 8 day in Sicily, flying in from London. And I LOVE that I found this. Thank you and I hope I catch you in this globe one day!

Love from Singapore, Jane

I am glad my 7-8 days itinerary in Sicily is helping you to plan your honeymoon trip! If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Also, for more information, feel free to read all my articles about Sicily, they will give you a good grasp of what the island have to offer! You can find them by clicking here.

PS: I was in Singapore last week, it’s really a great city to visit! I will write a travel guide about it soon 🙂

Hello Vincent,

Are there any locations where I could stay at the same hotel the entire time but still do many activities? I am looking at an 8 day trip for my honey moon next March.

Thank you, Alysha

Hello Alysha,

For your 8 days honeymoon in Sicily, you have 3 choices, depending on what you would like to do:

– Staying in Catania is the most central place for sure, it’s easy to go to Taormina and Syracuse as day trips from there, as they are both about 1h driving away. However, Catania isn’t the most beautiful place to stay.

– Staying in Syracuse (ortigia island) is a great choice if you also want to go to Noto/Modica and Ragusa as a day trip. You would then visit Taormina + Castelmola village as a day trip too (doable, it’s small). It’s in my opinion the best choice if you really just want 1 hotel.

– Staying in Taormina: There are some very nice hotels there, but it’s a bit less convenient for the visits. Syracuse is a bit far, and there is quite much to do there (would require going 2-3 times as a day trip, including the Noto/Ragusa and Modica day trip). A good choice too, depending of what you prefer between amazing hotel/ease of planning the visits.

If you want to avoid driving too much, the best is still to take at least 2 hotels: 1 in Syracuse and 1 in Taormina.

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

Hello! Thank you for such a fab and informative page! I am visiting Sicily with a friend in June, and staying in Syracuse for the full week. Some of the West coast beaches look great, are they do-able as a day trip from Syracuse? We have hired a rental car. Thanks!

Hello Helen,

Thank you! I am glad my itinerary is helping you to plan your trip to Sicily.

Are you thinking about going to a particular beach in Western Sicily?

For exemple, if you want do go to the Scala dei Turchi (near Agrigente) which is one of the most famous, it would 2h30 by car from Syracuse.

However, there are also really nice beaches on the East coast. Most of them are located near Avola, south of Syracuse. The great thing is that they are a lot closer 🙂

Very helpful On the last leg of the trip do you return from the same arrival airport

Hello Rosie,

Yes after your stay in Taormina, you will return to Catania Airport (1 hour away by car).

Don’t hesite to ask if you have other questions.

Enjoy your trip to Sicily!

I will be going to Sicily for 6/7 days with family and friends middle of August.

What would be the best itinerary for mainly beaches and food? We really want relax and enjoy the landscape and not much of sightseeing. From what I google and being being watching mostly of the places I would like to go would be from Catania do Trapani (coast way).

Many of it is islands, I will write my list down here, I know it’s too big and I won’t be able to fit everything in, that’s why I would love your advice to where and what should we do with the time we have. We will have kids with us between 10 and 15 years of age. Also if you could advise regarding the ferries to those islands like time and costs would be wonderful! Based on the places you will suggest from my list below what would be your recommendation for places to stay?

– Lido Burrone (from Trapani) – Favignana – Lampedusa – Eolie Island – Stromboni Island – Vulcano Island – Spiaggia de Mondello (Palermo) – San Vito to Capo – Cala Azurra – Sciacca beaches – Cala Rossa – Spiaggia Fontane Bianche – Spiaggia Guidaloca – Blue Marino – Ortigia – Valley di Temples – Ragisa Iblia – Teather of Taormina – Cefalu – Catania – Agrigento – And off course Mount Etna

Hi Tatiana,

If you want to land in Catania and end your trip in Palermo (the biggest airport on the west coast), you can do the following itinerary:

– Day 1: Arrival in Catania – Go directly to Taormina (50 min) – Visit Taormina (Roman theatre + isola bella) – Night in Taormina

– Day 2: Etna – Night in Taormina

– Day 3: Going from Taormina to Castellammare del Golfo. During the day, you will stop in Cefalu and Mondello Beach. Night in Castellammarre

– Day 4: San Vito Lo Capo / Bue Marino Beach (it’s not in your list, but you can also go to Zingaro Nature reserve, the easy trail is very nice and there are great coves along the way). Night in Castellammarre

– Day 5: Full day in Favignana (Take the boat in Trapani / 30 mins to arrive there with Liberty Lines ferries). Night in Castellammarre

– Day 6: You can visit Valley of the temples, but it’s quite far (about 2 hours) + Sciacca Beach. If you want to visit nice temples, but closer, You can head to Selinonte instead (+ Sciacca Beach) Night in Castellammarre

– Day 7: Head to Palermo to take your return flight.

If you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

Hi Your information is really great !! We are planning a big family trip to Italy (15 of us) and are planning on spending two nights in Rome and visiting Rome and Florence (i day each) and then flying to Sicily for a week.

We think we want to do Palermo, Syracuse and Taormina in that week. Is this feasible?

We are also thinking that we want to maybe rent a villa for the week in Sicily or stay at an aguritismo for the week and drive somewhere each day?

Would you recommend this?

If yes, where would be a central place that we could get a really nice villa or aguritismo.

If you don’t think this is a good idea, what would you recommend ?

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Look forward to hearing back from you.

This sounds like a great trip!

Yes, it’s totally feasible to do Palermo, Syracuse and Taormina in one week in Sicily.

However, I would recommend to rent at least at 2 different places. 1 close to Palermo and the other one between Syracuse and Taormina.

With only 1 accommodation, you will be far from everything, that would mean at least 3h driving each day. You would really waste your time going back and forth!

So 2 accommodations is really the minimum, and personally I would do 3 accommodations, one in/close to each city.

The thing is, you will probably need to go 2 times in/around Syracuse to visit everything. Baroque towns such as Noto, Modica and Ragusa are also far easier to reach if you are staying around Syracuse.

So by staying relatively close (for example in the countryside between Syracuse and Noto), you will save a lot of driving time.

You can then book another place in/close to Taormina, which would be very convenient to visit the town and its surroundings.

So to sum it up:

– Minimum: 2 different places, 1 close to Palermo + 1 between Syracuse and Taormina

– Best (in my opinion): 3 different places, 1 close to Palermo + 1 between Syracuse and Noto/Ragusa/Modica (Sicily’s most beautiful baroque towns) + 1 around Taormina.

By the way, I believe you will rent cars in Sicily? If it’s the case, be careful, there are lots of scams there, like the “fake damage scam”. I have written an article about it, but it’s only in French at the moment.

You can find it here: How to avoid car rentals scams in Sicily (french) or find the automatically translated version here . (I have checked, and it’s readable, even if not perfect!)

If you have questions, of course, don’t hesitate to ask me.

For Palermo, you can read my article about the city here: The 15 best things to do in Palermo

and Here are my detailed articles for Syracuse and Taormina:

– The 15 best things to do in Syracuse + Itineraries – The 10 best things to do in Taormina + itineraries

As you are also going to Rome, you can read my articles about the city here.

You will find the list of the best things to do, an itinerary to visit the city in 1 day, the best accommodations in town as well as the skip the line tickets if you want to visit the Colosseum for example.

Simply click on the links to read the articles:

Rome: The 25 best things to do and see

Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!

Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets explained

If you need help to find good accommodations, please send me your exact travel dates, the number of adults/kids, as well as your total budget (+ the number of stops you want to do in Sicily, 2 or 3).

I can search for Rome and Florence too, no problem. Just let me know if you want to stay inside the city, in a central location or if you don’t mind. Also, will you always have a car?

Enjoy your trip to Italy, and of course, if you have any question, don’t hesitate!

Thank you so much for this excellent guide Vincent. Really helpful and detailed.

My husband and I are going to Scily in September for two week. Is it possible to do a circular trip around the in the East side e.g. Starting at Catania, drive to Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Agrigento, Enna, Taormina and back to Catania?

We will probably have about three basis over the two weeks.

Many thanks Lina

Hello Lina,

I’m glad my blog helps you to organize your trip in Sicily!

Yes, you can do a circular trip around the East side of Sicily in 2 weeks.

In 2 weeks you even visit the whole Sicily: East and West. You can have a look my article here: the perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Sicily .

If you prefer to stay on the East in only 3 cities, I will recommend you to stay:

– In Syracuse: visit Ortigia, Syracuse, Catania, Noto, Ragusa, Modica – In Agrigento: visit the valley of the temples, Agrigento old town, Scala dei Turchi, Sciacca, Torre Salsa and maybe Enna as a day trip. – In Taormina: visit Taormina old town, Castelmola, The Etna volcano. From Taormina, you also can do a day trip to the Aeolian Island or discover the best wineries around.

There isn’t much to do in Enna, so I wouldn’t recommend you to stay there.

You can find all my articles about Syracuse, Agrigento and Taormina here: Destination Sicily . It will give you a good idea of the best things to do in these cities and around!

And if you have any question or need help to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Blog and comments are so appreciated. Love it!

We are travelling 7 days in Sicily with a 14 months old. We were thinking visiting East and some parts of the West especially around San Vito Lo Capo for little beach treks. Our arrival and departure are in PMO.

After reading your advices, I found that it is too optimistic to travel East and West in 7 days especially with a little one.

I was thinking going to Taormina, staying there for local trips and Etna. How long would you suggest? Then stay in Cefalu for x days and finally, ending our trip around San Vito Lo Capo for x days.

What is the best road trip itinerary? We won’t count on museums or long day trip in the sun with our baby.

Much thanks!

Hello Priscilla,

Thanks, I’m glad my travel blog is helping you to plan your trip!

For your week in Sicily:

– You can stay 3 days in Taormina and do all the things I mention in this article: visit Taormina, Isola Bella, Mount Etna, Castelmola and Alcantara Gorges. But just to let you know: Taormina is about 3 hours drive from Palermo – Stay one night in Cefalù: there isn’t many things to do and it’s very small. But it’s a good stop to split the journey between Taormina and San Vito Lo Capo. – Stay 3 days around San Vito or Castellammare del Golfo. But this time again, it will take you around 3 hours by car to go from Cefalu to San Vito.

So if you really want to do these 3 places, it’s doable but keep in mind you will have to drive quite much.

That’s why in my itineraries, I suggest to do the East or the West for 7 days in Sicily. As you will arrive at Palermo airport, it would of course be more optimized to focus on the West part of the island.

If you have any other question to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to ask me!

Ciao Vincent Your guides were a great help in planning my 6 days on the east side. As we will be arriving on 28 Dec and departing on 3 Jan I’m interested in any advice you have for which towns to stay in during this winter holiday period. Would you still recommend Taormina and Ortygia? Grazie mille Frank

Hello Frank,

I am glad my itinerary article is helping you to plan your one week trip to Sicily!

About the towns, yes, Taormina and Ortygia are the best places to stay in winter, as it’s where most tourist attractions are located. You will be lucky to visit Taormina without the summer crowds!

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

Thank you Vincent. I will let you know how my Capodanno goes

Hi Vincent, hope you are well and really enjoyed reading this article!

My future wife and I are going on an Italian honeymoon in August this year, 7 nights on the amalfi coast, 4 nights in Rome and we were going to stay 7 nights on Ortygia as well.

Do you think 7 nights here would be too much? We are looking for a decent mixture or chilled and excursions. Is it easy enough to get day trips to Etna and Taormina? Also, is it possible to visit the Aeolian Islands from Ortygia or would you say it’s too far?

We will be looking to do everything by other methods of transport, ive never driven abroad before and Sicily doesn’t sound like the easiest place to drive!

I would absolutely love to hear any recommendations and advice on any of the above And also any suggestions if you had any, it would be massively appreciated 🙂

Thank you very much Mark

Congrats, that sounds like a really nice honeymoon trip!

I think 7 nights in Syracuse is too long, yes, as it will be a bit hard to go to other places, especially if you don’t have a car.

In my opinion, you should split your stay in Sicily: 3 nights in Syracuse and 4 nights in Taormina.

Taormina is a better starting point for day trips to the Etna and the Aeolian islands, as they are not really doable from Syracuse.

This would really allow you the make the most of your stay and discover a good chunk of the east coast of Sicily during your 7 days trip!

If you haven’t read it yet, you should have a look at my article about Taormina: It will give you a good idea of the best places to visit in town + the day trips you can do. You can find it here: The best things to do in Taormina .

If you want, you can also have a look at my article about Rome: The best things to do in Rome . It includes a list of the best places to visit as well as itineraries to plan your visit.

Enjoy your honeymoon, and don’t hesitate if you have other questions!

Thanks you very much for your response Vincent and for the suggestions and info, greatly appreciated.

Yeah we had thought initially about staying in Taormina, but saw a lovely hotel on Ortigia and changed our minds a bit. We were kinda looking for somewhere for the whole 7 nights as it will be the last leg of our honeymoon but Sicily is so big with so many great places its very hard deciding!

Do you have any recommendations for Western Sicily? Really liked a look at a couple of the islands of the west coast for day trips and also Palermo had been in our mind as well.

Thanks very much Mark

Hello Mark,

My pleasure! I am glad to help you plan your trip 🙂

For Western Sicily, I am not sure, do you mean: 1) Instead of staying in Ortigia? 2) As another leg of your itinerary? 3) As day trips? (unfortunately not doable, Syracuse to Trapani is a 4-hour drive one way! – Syracuse to Palermo is more than 3 hours one way, with a car. Both take even longer with public transports.)

Let me know!

Very much appreciated

Yeah I was meaning potentially instead of Ortigia? Quite a few thoughts going on in my mind now!

Too many nice places to see 🙂

Just wanted to here about any recommendations on the West side of the island and Palermo and then weigh them up with the East side and see what we think.

Where is your favourite part of Sicily?

Thanks Mark

The east and west are very different, and I personally love both!

To sum it up, you should:

– Choose the east coast of Sicily if you want: to discover typical Sicilian towns and visit the Etna. – Opt for the west coast if you would rather enjoy: nice beaches and islands, hiking next to the sea and world-class archaeological sites. Please note however that the west coast is less convenient than the east if you don’t rent a car (that’s even more true if you just want 1 accommodation.)

This is really up to you and your future wife!

If you haven’t read it yet, you should have a look at my “10 days on the west coast of Sicily” article. I can help you to adapt it for 7 days if you choose to go there.

You can also find all my articles about Sicily here: Sicily travel guides . They will help you to get a good grasp of what the island has to offer!

Hello. I enjoyed reading all your articles. I plan to visit Sicily late August early September of 2021. Hopefully travel will be okay by then. We plan to visit Panarea, Syracuse and Taormina. Flying into Catania. Do you think this is all doable in 10 days. We like to visit the sights but also love the beaches and just chilling out. Any help you can suggest will be appreciated. Thank you Diane

For your 10-day trip to Sicily, you will have the time to discover Panarea, Syracuse and Taormina, no problem! And you will also have some time to enjoy the beaches.

If you arrive in Catania, you should first visit Syracuse/Ortigia and then head to Panarea. It’s more convenient to end you trip in Taormina, as you will be close to Catania airport to catch your return flight.

Enjoy your stay in Sicily!

Hello! If i am planning to go in February would you add or change anything? Thank you!

Hi Kathryn,

If the weather is good enough, you can do everything I mentioned in this one week itinerary in Sicily in February (Except swimming of course!)

Enjoy your trip!

Hi Vincent, My adult son and I are flying into Palermo about 2150 on 8th July. We are staying a week and provisionally booked a hotel in Cefalu. We can cancel up to 2nd May with no holding deposit given. We are hoping to rent a car, but after a day or 2, so we can familiarise ourselves with the environment and their roads. It appears that it is very costly to get a shuttle bus or taxi from airport. We do not want to train it so late. Should we rebook a night in Palermo and travel in am by train. We like the idea of not moving from accommodation every few nights but also want to get to see and experience the best of Sicily but in a safe way. Your itinerary is brilliant, but realise we will not have time for all. What are your favourite places and accommodation Thank you A.

Yes, it must be quite expensive to take a taxi to Cefalu as it’s more than an hour’s drive from Palermo. And if you arrive at 10pm, the taxis switch to night time fares. So it would be best to spend the first night in Palermo.

On the other hand I advise you to rent the car directly on arrival because it’s more convenient and cheaper to rent the car at the airport. Especially if you rent the car in Cefalu and want to return it in Palermo, the rental company will surely charge you extra fees.

Another thing: is there any special reason to stay in Cefalu? Because there is not much to see around there, except Cefalu itself.

Regarding this itinerary, when you arrive in Palermo and if you have a week in Sicily, it’s better to visit the west of Sicily (Palermo, Scopello, Zingaro, Trapani, Erice, the Egadi islands, Segeste). Taormina, Catania and Syracuse are to the east. So, if you don’t want to change accommodation all the time, the best thing to do is to take 2 accommodations: 1 towards Palermo and 1 towards Trapani. You can find out more about the visits you can do here: – What to do in Palermo? – What to do in Trapani? – 10 days in Sicily (west coast) .

Hi, my husband is getting Italian citizenship and we would like to explore Sicily as a possible place to buy a vacation apartment. We are looking to go scope things out for 8 days, what would be your suggested itinerary to see Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina in that time? We don’t need to see every attraction, we just want to get a feel of the lifestyle in each area. Is it possible to do this by train or is renting a car a better option? Thank you for your consideration!

Hello Suzanne,

I really recommend that you hire a car to get around easily during these 8 days in Sicily.

You’ll have no trouble getting a good overview of Catania, Syracuse and Taormina in that time, as these 3 places are quite close together. Palermo, on the other hand, is more than 2h30 by car from Catania, so it’s up to you to decide whether you think you’ll have enough time to get there (or perhaps you could look into landing in Catania and departing from Palermo).

Thanks for very informative site. Don’t like to haul luggage much so please advise on picking one place to stay for a week in Sicily and the places to visit on daily excursions for end of March 2024

Thanks! I’m glad my one week itinerary in Sicily helps you to plan your trip.

Catania will be the most convenient but it’s not the nicest place to stay. Ortigia and Taormina are more beautiful and traditional. In terms of the things to do, you can visit all the places I mention in this itinerary. The journey time for each one will just be longer, but it’s doable.

Enjoy your week in Sicily!

Hi!!! I just came across your site and it’s been so helpful!!! My husband and I are planning to spend 10 days in sicily after my daughter graduates. I am finding it so hard to narrow down where to stay. We’d only like to have to switch hotels 4 times at the most. Areas of interest are Taormina, Cefalu, Scopello, Favignana, Ragusa, and Ortigia We don’t have interest in mount etna but love beaches, walking through old villages and food!!! Any advice would be appreciated! Bree

Hello Bree,

Thanks a lot! I’m glad my blog is helping you plan your itinerary in Sicily.

Based on the areas of interest you’ve listed, I’d recommend getting accommodation in: – Trapani to visit Favignana and Scopello. In this area, you can also visit the beach at San Vito Lo Capo, the Zingaro reserve and the village of Erice. You can find my selection of hotels here: What to do and where to stay in Trapani?

– In Ortigia. From here you can go to Ragusa. You can also get to Taormina from Ortigia, but it takes around 1:30 hours by car. You already have my hotel recommendations for Ortigia in this article.

– In Cefalu.

Enjoy your 10-day road trip in Sicily!

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