Sicily: the island with the tallest active volcano in Europe, some of the best-preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece, and a history that is just as rich as the Sicilian wines. But what is the best way to explore the largest island of Italy? I have created this post for those who want to visit Sicily without missing anything important. Look no further; I’ll show you the perfect 11-day Sicily Itinerary in this post!
Getting there & Getting around
Due to Sicily being an island, you’re most likely to arrive by plane. There are two airports on the island: Palermo International Airport and Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.
You can basically do this road trip from either airport because it is a loop that goes past Palermo and Catania.
I’d recommend renting a car for this road trip. Sicily does offer a lot of public transport such as buses and trains, but because of delays, cancellations, and timetables that are merely a rough orientation to passengers, it is recommended to rent a car if you want to see most of the island.
However, if you’re able to add a couple more days to the itinerary or skip some things, that will provide you with more flexibility making public transport a bit more doable.
When to visit
Sicily is a great year-round destination, so it depends on what you’re interested in. I myself went in the summer, and I’m not entirely sure whether I’d do that again. So, you’ll have to see for yourself what suits you best!
- Summer: Perfect to hit the beach. Summers in Sicily are hot and dry, the temperatures range between 30°C and 35 °C.
- Shoulder season (May-June & September-October): Best for architectural and cultural gems combined with sun. Temperatures range from 20 °C to 25 °C. Perfect for that holiday feel, yet not too hot to do anything, and you can still comfortably swim in the Mediterranean up to mid-September.
- Low season (November-April): Great for (indoor) sightseeing, and skiing (on Mount Etna). It’s way too cold for a swim, but the temperatures rarely drop below 10 °C. The bonus is that there are barely any tourists.
11-day Sicily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Catania
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. You can decide to pick up your rental car at the airport or pick it up once you leave Catania. Within Catania itself, you will not need a car, everything is within walking distance.
There are plenty of things you could do in Catania, but it does depend on your arrival time. I’d recommend staying for one or two nights in Catania (two if you arrived late).
- Visit Catania Cathedral: This stunning Cathedral is located in the heart of Catania and the entrance is free.
- Get the best view of Catania: Visit the Abbey of St Agatha, a baroque-style church with a dome you can access for an amazing view of the city.
- Buy some fresh food at the fish market: Located in Piazza Pardo, the fish market is not to be missed!
Check out this post for 12 things you can do and see in Catania.
Where to stay?
- Bed & Breakfast: Eh13 Luxury Accommodation has views of Mount Etna and Villa Bellini and is located 40m from the city’s main street.
- Budget: San Max Hotel, is located right on the city’s main street in a historic building, and it has a pool.
- Mid-range: Il Principe Hotel Catania, is located in Catania’s historic centre and also has an American piano bar.
- Luxury: Liberty Hotel is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Catania, rooms are fitted with stylish furniture and include a mosaic marble bathroom. There is a daily breakfast buffet.
Day 2: Explore Catania or book a Mount Etna Hike
You can decide what you’d like to do today! If you arrived late yesterday, I’d recommend using this day to explore Catania. If you have already explored Catania I’d recommend packing your bags, going on an Etna tour and then driving on to our next hotel in Taormina/Letojanni.
The drive from Catania to Mount Etna takes about 57 minutes, from Mount Etna to Taormina takes 1 hour and 7 minutes.
There are multiple Etna tours you can take, there truly is something for everyone! For those looking for adventure I’d recommend a summit tour; for those who aren’t in a good shape, but still want to see Mount Etna I’d recommend a simple day trip; and for those who want to go by themselves, there are some of the smaller craters you can visit without a guide.
So what tours would I recommend? Well:
I went on the summit craters walking tour and I’d do it again in a heartbeat, it was amazing. I’m not in the best shape myself, nevertheless, it was perfectly doable. Our guide made sure we’d take the easiest routes to the highest point possible, which wasn’t the actual summit due to volcanic activity. The views were absolutely magnificent, and our guide taught us a lot about the landscape.
The tour lasted 6 hours. Helmets, walking sticks, and walking shoes were all provided. Do keep in mind that you have to pay an additional €68 for the funicular and the 4×4 jeeps that will bring you halfway up. Furthermore, it can get quite cold up there so do bring some warmer clothes (especially if you’re not visiting in summer). During my visit in summer, it was about 20 °C up there, to me, a Dutch person, that is t-shirt weather. The Sicilian guides did not agree. They gave me an extra coat when I asked whether my cardigan was warm enough. I did not use any of them! Although, I do recommend bringing it, ideally a waterproof coat because the weather can change very quickly up there.
After your visit to Mount Etna, it’s time to drive to your next hotel. There are actually 2 options: You can stay in Taormina, which is more expensive due to it being a tourist hot spot, or you could go to the less busy and cheaper Letojanni, which is a 15-minute drive from Taormina and it has a beach!
Where to stay?
- Budget
- Letojanni: Maniel Beach Hotel: Located right at the beach. The bus stop is 100 m from the hotel and takes you to Taormina in 15 minutes.
- Taormina: Jonic Hotel Mazzarò: is located 30 metres from the funicular to the city centre. Most rooms offer views of the Ionian Sea.
- Mid-range
- Letojanni: Albatros Beach Hotel: has a private beach, free parking and free wifi.
- Taormina: Il Piccolo Giardino GH Superior: is right in Taormina’s historical centre (pedestrian zone), has free wifi and stunning mountain views.
- Luxury
- Letojanni: Park Hotel Silemi: has a pool and a private beach. From there it’s only a 10-minute drive to Taormina, Parking and wifi are free. Buses to Taormina leave regularly from just outside the hotel.
- Taormina: UNAHOTELS Capotaormina: unique experience because the hotel is perched on a rock, offering amazing views of Giardini Naxos Bay and Isola Bella island. Has a sea-water pool and a private beach. Moreover, there is a free shuttle bus to/from Taormina centre.
Day 3: Explore Taormina
Taormina is one of my favourite Sicilian places. It is a small hilltop town, that is popular among tourists, and that is not without a reason: Taormina is a very cute town, with lots to see. Depending on the season you’re travelling in, I’d recommend parting your day like this; either start or end the day by exploring the town. Especially in summer temperatures, it would be wise to explore the town early in the morning, or in the afternoon when temperatures have dropped.
I personally started my day by exploring Taormina and then spending the rest of the day at the beach to cool down, but you could totally flip this around if you’d like to.
So what does Taormina have to offer? A must-visit is the ancient theatre of Taormina, which is the second largest of its kind in Sicily. Nowadays you can visit the theatre for its history or you could actually go there for shows or concerts (Louis Tomlinson has performed there!).
Additionally, there are multiple churches you could visit, for example, the church of St. Joseph. Another sight not to miss, whether you want to swim or not, is Isola Bella, a tiny island that has become a nature reserve. Isola Bella is partially attached to the mainland. There is a little museum right on the island which informs you about the history of Lady Florence Trevelyan, who created the reserve. Just seeing the island was definitely a highlight of my trip.
Check here what else you can see and do in Taormina.
End your day at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Ionian sea, whilst the setting sun is colouring the sky in different kinds of pink. That is the magic of Taormina!
Day 4: Mount Etna/Rest day
Travelling can be so exhausting hence why day 4 would be perfect for a rest day at the beach or, if you’re still energized and haven’t been to Mount Etna yet, you could book a tour to Sicily’s tourist hotspot! Check out some of my favourite tours, you can find them on day 2.
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge & Novara di Sicilia
It is time to head to your next hotel in Palermo, but it is a rather long drive to Palermo, so I suggest making two stops along the way: the first one being the Alcantara Gorge.
Taormina to Alcantara Gorge: 41 minutes by car
Alcantara Gorge to Novara di Sicilia: 48 minutes by car
Novara di Sicilia to Palermo: 2 hours and 31 minutes by car
The Alcantara Gorge is, is not an ordinary gorge because of the incredible rock formations that were formed about 8,000 years ago. The large lava flow from Mount Etna got cooled down so quickly, it crystallized and turned into ballast rock columns that reach 30 metres at some points. The crystal clear river continued carving a path through the columns resulting in the Alcantara Gorge.
There are various ways to explore the Alcantara Gorge, most of them start at the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park. You could for example go on one of the short trails to get the best views of the river from above. Additionally, information signs along the way will inform you of the legend surrounding the icy water: the god Vulcano had warmed the water of the river to show his love for Venus who loved to bathe in the river, but when that love was not returned he punished Venus by turning the water ice cold. On top of that, it is said that men who bathed in these waters find virility and women virginity.
Once you have finished the trail it is possible to go down to the river itself. You could either take the stairs down or take the elevator. Down there, it is possible to get into the water although I must remind you that the water is cold!
To those seeking more adventure, it is possible to go river trekking, body rating or canyoning. Check out the Botanical and Geological Park’s website for current prices.
After having spent a couple of hours at the Gorge it is time to continue since there still is a long journey ahead of you. The route to Palermo from the Alcantara Gorge is a winding road taking you through the mountains that provide you with a wonderful glimpse of rural life. Worry not about the winding roads because the roads are pretty well maintained in Sicily!
We stumbled upon the mountain village Novara di Sicilia by sheer coincidence, and what a wonderful gem is that. To this day I still regret not stopping there for a drink or some gelato. Novara di Sicilia is Sicily’s best-kept secret, Not many tourists have found it yet, despite it being one of Sicily’s most beautiful villages. The village is the archetype of a typical medieval village. Take some time to roam the streets and visit the main sights: Duomo di Novara di Sicilia – Parrocchia Maria SS Assunta and Chiesa di Sant’Antonio abate.
There is one more optional stop I personally didn’t make but you might like. Along the way to Palermo is Cefalù, a small fishing port located in the north. Its truly Italian vibe has attracted many tourists for years. Cefalù has a bit of everything; a beach, water activities, a hike to the castle, a historical centre, you name it, and you’re driving right by it anyway!
Although I totally get it if you just want to get to your next destination: Palermo.
Where to stay?
- Budget: Hotel Elite is located in Palermo’s shopping district, has a buffet breakfast with a variety of healthy food and fresh froot, and it has a bar.
- Mid-range: Hotel Tonic is located in the centre of Palermo, the main highlights are a 5-minute walk away. Has got a generous breakfast buffet and 24-hour reception.
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes is located right outside the restricted traffic area, and Massimo Theatre is a 5-minute walk. Rooms are decorated with traditional furniture and fine fabrics. Breakfast is served in a luxurious hall and includes Sicilian specialities.
Day 6: Explore Palermo
Palermo is often seen as the rough-edged capital of Sicily, a place that some love and others hate. Although my expectations might have been a little too high it is still worth the hype! Palermo is different to any other Sicilian city, mainly because of its history, but that is what makes the city stand out.
Palermo has these beautiful architectural wonders like the Cathedral of Palermo, Teatro Massimo, and the Fountain of Shame, but if you expect the whole city to look like that (like I did) you might be disappointed. Architectural wonders are intertwined with asphalt roads (fortunately without traffic), crumbling paint, and vendors selling cheap and hysterical toys. But you know what, that is what gives this city character, which is something that took me a while to appreciate.
Palermo is a wonderful city that should not be missed because it has so much to offer: Mafia walking tours, street food, Cappuchin Catacombs and so much more!
Check out this post for 16 things you can do and see in Palermo.
Day 7: Beach Day/Zingaro Nature Reserve
Day 7 is up to you again. You could spend it exploring Palermo again or you could spend it at the beach. There are two beaches near Palermo that are worth mentioning: Mondello Beach and San Vito Lo Capo.
Mondello Beach is, with a 20 minutes drive, the nearest of the two. It is a white sandy beach in the shape of a crescent. The water is a gorgeous shade of turquoise and there are plenty of things to do other than sunbathing, for example, people-watching at the promenade, windsurfing, or getting gelato at one of the shops. It can be pretty busy in summer though!
San Vito Lo Capo is a lot further away with a drive of 1 hour and 54 minutes, but this is thé beach that is on every ‘top 10 beaches in Sicily’ list. It has another white sand beach in the shape of a crescent with clear azure water. It is not a hidden gem though, so especially in summer, you should expect a crowd. The beach is pretty long, but most of it is taken by bed rental companies. There is a free part, but that gets crowded quickly so don’t arrive too late!
Another option for those who don’t feel like spending a full day at the beach is to visit Zingaro Nature Reserve. This reserve is known for its 7km coastal trail past rugged cliffs, blue bays and a variety of colourful flora. There are two entrances, but the south entrance at Scopello is the closest to Palermo (1 hour and 15 minutes by car).
The 7-kilometre trail will bring you past 6 different bays:
- Cala della Capreria
Because it is so close to the southern entrance it will get busy rather quickly. It is a pebble beach which is easily accessible and there is the possibility to swim to a smaller cove. - Cala della Disa
3.6 kilometres from the southern car park is a pebble and sand beach. You can access the shallow water easily, but due to the high cliffs this beach will be in shade after 12 pm, so keep that in mind if you want to visit this beach. - Cala Barretta
3.9 kilometres from the southern car park. This is the smallest beach on the trail. - Cala Marinella
5km from the southern entrance. This is a tiny cove which is only accessible via the water. You need to climb over large rocks making it less suitable for families or weak swimmers, but it does mean that it is the least crowded space of all. - Calla dell’Uzzo
6.4km from the southern entrance. This beach is pretty close to the northern entrance making it another popular beach. It is one of the larger beaches though, but expect a crowd at all times. - Calla Tonnarella
Another beach that gets extremely busy during summer because it is only 700 metres away from the northern entrance. You won’t need an umbrella for this beach for the surrounding cliffs provide shade at various points throughout the day. It is a pebble beach with easy access to the water.
If you want to do something a little more challenging there are longer trails. Upon entrance, which costs €5,00 you will receive a map showing the different trails and points of interest such as small museums.
What to bring?
- Sunglasses and a hat: especially in summer. It can get scorching hot and the trail provides no shade.
- Plenty of water: see above. You cannot get drinking water during the hike.
- Sturdy shoes: you don’t need hiking boots for the 7km trail, but do bring some sturdy shoes.
- Swimming stuff: you’re going to want to take a dip in that refreshing water.
- Suncream: Don’t want to return like a lobster.
- Parasol: Unless you pick a beach/bay with shade.
- Scuba mask/snorkel: If you like snorkelling, this is a great spot to go to!
Day 8: Erice
This is where my itinerary starts to deviate from the Tui Fly & Drive. The Tui Fly & Drive would go to Marsala on day 7, but I personally didn’t like Marsala that much. In my opinion, there wasn’t that much to do and see except for visiting Erice, but Erice could be visited from Palermo as well. However, if you don’t feel like going on a day trip to something that is further than an hour away you could decide to stay at Trapani or Marsala for a night.
Those cities might not be a must to me but Erice is! Erice is a wonderfully preserved medieval town towering 751 metres above sea level. It is best explored by simply roaming around. You will find small, pebbled, streets, two castles and a stunning view of the ocean and the city of Trapani.
There are multiple ways to get to Erice, but I recommend taking the funicular from Trapani, which is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Palermo. A return ticket costs €9,50 and you can park right in front of the funicular (although you have to be cautious of scammers, that will ‘help’ you pay for your ticket. Always do it yourself at the ticket machine, which is cash only. We never experienced anything like this, but it’s always best to be cautious!)
You could also drive there yourself, but keep in mind that it is a winding, small road that brings you to Erice. Not great for the inexperienced driver, and I must say, taking the funicular is an experience on its own.
When in Erice make sure not to miss Pepoli Castle, Venus Castle, the Garden of Balio, and one of the many churches.
Day 9: Valley of Temples & Scala dei Turchi
It is time to say goodbye to Palermo and drive to the next place you’ll be staying at for the night: Agrigento. Over there are two more of Sicily that cannot be missed: The Valley of Temples and Scala dei Turchi.
Palermo to Agrigento: 2 hours and 10 minutes by car.
Plan a couple of hours to explore the Valley of Temples which is an impressive archaeological site with seven remains of Greek temples – including some of the best-preserved temples in the world! Tickets are €10, unless you are under 26, then you can get a discount.
Get some lunch in Agrigento and bring your swimming gear to the next destination: Scala Dei Turchi, also known as the Turkish Stairs, a name that derives from the piracy raids that happened over time. The Turkish pirates found shelter beneath the limestone cliffs.
Nowadays the cliff in the form of a staircase is a UNESCO World Heritage site. People used to be able to walk on these ‘stairs’ but as of February 2020, it is no longer prohibited to enter the site. This is to protect the site from erosion and vandalism. You can still admire the view though!
It is up to you to decide what you’d like to visit first: the Valley of Temples or the Scala dei Turchi. Do keep in mind that there is no shade at the Valley of Temples, so I do not recommend visiting it during the hottest part of the day. In summer, you can visit the site until 7:30 pm (it closes at 8 pm).
Where to stay
- Budget: Hotel Agrigento Home is an Aparthotel located in the Agrigento train station. It offers free private parking, free wifi and modern-styled rooms.
- Mid-range: Hotel Exclusive is a luxurious hotel with mid-range prices. It has views of the Valley of Temples and the Mediterranean Sea, free wifi and free parking. Additionally, the dining room is available to guests 24 hours a day for breakfast and snacks.
- Luxury: Hotel Villa Athena is located within the Valley of Temples in an 18th-century villa, has a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, gree parking and free wifi.
Day 10: Modica, Ragusa & Noto
It is time to head to our last hotel of the trip, but not without a few stops along the way. Today you are going to drive to Syracuse with stops in Ragusa, Modica and Noto.
Agrigento to Ragusa: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Ragusa to Modica: 24 minutes
Modica to Noto: 46 minutes
Noto to Syracuse: 35 minutes
Ragusa, Modica and Noto are UNESCO baroque-style towns that are often visited by tourists for their picturesque appearance. The towns are often compared to an open-air museum. Visit Ragusa’s Duomo di Sanh Giorgio, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory in Modica, and the main street (Corso Vittorio Emanuele) in Noto, and these are just a couple of examples of what to do in these architectural paradise towns!
Either have dinner in one of the three towns or go for dinner in Syracuse, where you’ll be staying for the night. Ortygia island is the historical centre of Syracuse with plenty of cute restaurants, definitely check one of those out if you decide to eat in Syracuse.
Where to stay:
- Budget: Calafatari B&B is located near the historical centre, and has a balcony, modern interior and air conditioning.
- Mid-range: Hotel Casa Mia is located 3 minutes away from Ortygia in a charming building of the late 19th century. The rooms come with vaulted ceilings and family antiques.
- Luxury: Caportigia Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Ortygia, has a sun terrace with panoramic views, and rooms have elegant and modern decor.
Although Ortygia is the place to be, I do not recommend staying there for the night when you’re travelling with a rental car. Ortygia is a restricted traffic area, so you’ll most likely have to park outside of Ortygia which can be rather expensive.
Day 11: Syracuse
Syracuse will be the last destination on this trip. Try to book an evening flight if that is possible, if not, you might want to skip one or two of the rest/beach days so that you’ll have more time to explore Syracuse. It takes 42 minutes to drive from Syracuse to Catania Airport.
Syracuse is a 2,700-year-old city that used to be one of the major powers of the Mediterranean. Due to its age, the city is mostly known for its rich Greek and Roman history. Nowadays it is even listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
There are plenty of things to do and see in Syracuse. Start with a visit to Ortygia island, the historical centre of Syracuse, which was my favourite part of Syracuse. The island is not very big (and you don’t need a boat to get there) but you’ll still be able to spend a couple of hours strolling around and gawking at the beautiful architecture. Up next you could either walk (31 minutes) or take the bus to The Archeological Park which basically is an open-air museum. You cannot find one but two ruins of historical theatres: the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Map
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed reading this travel itinerary as much as I enjoyed writing it. Sicily truly is a versatile destination with something for everybody, so hopefully, this post will help you plan your next visit!
See you next time!
Love,
Sharon
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