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Roadtrips: CIRCUIT DE 14 JOURS EN SICILE

Cet itinéraire nous est proposé par Nicolas, fidèle locataire chez Van-Away , qui part chaque année en famille avec sa femme et leurs deux garçons en van aménagé .

Il nous propose ici ce circuit itinérant en Sicile, la plus grande île de Méditerranée , au large de la botte Italienne.

Le kilométrage indiqué part de Vintimille , pensez à ajouter les kilomètres aller-retour suivant votre lieu de départ.

Des temples Grecs à l’ Etna , de Syracuse à Palerme , des criques aux eaux turquoises aux petits ports de pêche … ce voyage riche en paysages et histoire passionnera aussi bien les petits que les grands et sera idéal en van ou fourgon aménagé .

• Long (> 9 jours et plus)

Table des matières

Jour 1 à 2 – lucca – villa san giovanni.

Pour rejoindre la Sicile plus rapidement, le meilleur moyen est le ferry au départ de Gênes avec la compagnie Grandi  Navi Veloci.

Et si vous préférez passer un plus de temps en Italie avant de filer vers le sud, n’hésitez pas à consulter notre roadtrip de 10 jours en Italie .

Vous pouvez autrement choisir, par exemple, la capitale Toscane : Lucca .

Belle entrée en matière pour vous immerger sans détour au cœur de la Toscane et de sa Dolce Vita.

Pour dormir : Cecina , au sud de Lucca coordonnées GPS = 43.284986,10.514358 Bel endroit pour passer la nuit, au calme avec vue dégagée 🙂

Le lendemain, dans un souci de temps, préférez prendre les autoroutes A11 et A1 en direction de Rome, plutôt que d’emprunter la nationale longeant la côte, à vitesse limitée, en mauvais état et sans intérêt.

Pour pouvez vous arrêter dormir au sud de Cartolano Coordonnées GPS = 38.948979,16.167388 Spot sur la plage, les pieds dans le sable, un peu bruyant car intercalé entre la ligne de chemin de fer, la route et les pêcheurs de nuit. En bref, pas l’endroit idéal mais suffisant pour passer la nuit et continuer la route le lendemain.

N’hésitez pas à utiliser l’application Park4night pour vos nuits lors de ce périple. Les spots donnés ont été testés, mais vous êtes libres de faire votre propre tracé !

Jour 2 – Taormina

L’ embarquement est très facile à Villa San Giovanni, avec un départ toutes les 30min, sans réservation, au prix de 39€ l’aller.

1ère étape sicilienne:  Taormina , haut lieu touristique de la Sicile pour son théâtre antique d’où vous pourrez jouir d’une vue panoramique exceptionnelle.

Conseil : Le village est situé sur un promontoire escarpé et pris d’assaut par les touristes. De ce fait, il est conseillé de se garer tout en bas, sur le parking du funiculaire (GPS = 37.855129,15.299705) avant de l’emprunter (parking + funiculaire payants). Cela vous permettra au retour de votre visite de plonger une tête dans la crique située juste à la sortie du parking. Attention, la crique reste très appréciée des touristes et vous risquez de vous battre avec votre serviette.

Pour passer la nuit : à 15km au sud de Taormina. Coordonnées GPS = 37°48’22.5’’N15°15’21.5’E Spot exceptionnel avec les roues du Van dans le sable à perte de vue. Vous pourrez vous rincer dans le ruisseau et en profiter pour recharger en eau le réservoir, au besoin.

Jour 3 – Catania

Au départ de la plage, nous vous conseillons de ne pas trop vous attarder sur la route de bord de mer qui est sinueuse et sur laquelle les traversées de village sont longues et étroites. Préférez plutôt l’autoroute, direction Catane .

De belles promenades vous attendent dans la deuxième ville de Sicile qui vit au battement de l’Etna. Son patrimoine architectural baroque lui a permis de s’inscrire au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco .

Note : si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez suivre le parcours vert ci-dessous du guide Michelin

A la sortie de votre visite, prenez la direction Etna et arrêtez-vous à Nicolesi, commune à la surprenante allure de petite station alpine qui contraste totalement avec la visite achevée de Catane. Terminez votre course tout en haut du volcan, sur le parking du Funivia dell’ Etna , où un panorama époustouflant s’offrira à vous pour passer la nuit.

Night Spot : parking du Funivia dell’ Etna. Coordonnées GPS = 37.699220,15.002061 Nuit fraîche mais vue extraordinaire !

Jour 4 – Etna

Un conseil: Levez-vous de bonne heure !!! et allez sur le crateri Silvestri Inferiore (GPS = 37.697171,15.005437) qui se trouve en bas du parking, afin de profiter du lever du soleil.

Pour la deuxième partie de la journée, direction la plage Punta Tonnara , endroit isolé et connu uniquement des locaux.

Pour la nuit : Punta Tonnara Coordonnées GPS = 37°17’32’9’’N15°11’535’’E Pour accéder au spot, prenez votre temps car le chemin est limite carrossable.

Jour 5 – Siracusa – Noto

Syracuse nous illumine par son infinité de palais, son Duomo et sa Piazza. Elle fait aussi partie des merveilles classées au patrimoine de l’Unesco.

Vous prendrez plaisir à vous promener en suivant le tracé vert du guide ci-dessous.

Pour les férus d’histoire, le cimetière militaire britannique rend hommage à tous les soldats du Commonwealth qui se sont battus lors de l’opération Husky en juillet 1943.(GPS = 37.074760,15.257950 à l’entrée de la ville sur la SS124).

Bon à savoir: Les restaurants sur la Piazza sont bon marché ! Profitez-en !

Et quoi de mieux que de clôturer la visite de Syracuse en allant profiter du coucher du soleil la terrasse Piazza XVI Maggio du village haut perché de Noto . A cet instant, vous profiterez tout en sirotant un Spriitz* de la lumière du soleil embrasant la pierre de la scénographie baroque, qui atteint ici une perfection inégalée.

Pour votre nuit, nous vous conseillons: la plage privée ‘’Cicirata beach –Spiaggia’’ Coordonnées GPS = 36°52’50.3’’N 15°08’11.9’’E Très bon accueil des gérants de la plage qui vous laisserons dormir sur leur plage à raison de 5€/nuit, puis 5€/demi-journée si vous voulez profiter d’avantage de ce cadre idyllique.

Pour info, une douche est proposée sur le parking de la plage.

Le cas échéant, vous pouvez vous poser en bord de plage gratuitement sur ces deux autres spots (GPS = 36.875680,15.137483 / 38.885220,15.139468) situés juste à côté de la plage privée.

*L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à déguster et consommer avec modération 😉

Jour 6 – Villa Romania del Casale

Il faut compter une journée pleine entre le temps de trajet pour accéder au site de la Villa Romania del Casale , sa visite, puis le trajet toujours aussi sinueux dans l’arrière-pays pour finir sur votre lieu de campement de la vallée des Temples à Agrigente .

L’accès à l’endroit n’est pas très engageant au premier abord mais vous dormirez très bien car c’est très calme et pas de passage. Ce spot permet également d’être très rapidement sur le site de la vallée des Temples. Ce qui n’est pas négligeable puisqu’il s’agit d’un des sites les plus visité de l’ile.

Jour 7 – Vallée des Temples – Agrigente

En 500 av.J-C, Akragas était en effet la 4ème ville du monde connu. Il faut imaginer une cité de 200000 habitants, sorte d’Eldorado de l’Antiquité, dont la richesse naturelle (blé, huile, vin, chevaux) avait été assez importante pour attirer les colons de Rhodes. Pendant 370 ans les Grecs en ont fait ‘’ la plus belle des cités mortelles ’’ selon le poète Pindare.

Petit conseil: Commencez tôt le matin la visite afin d’éviter autant que possible les hordes de touristes mais aussi afin de ne pas s’asphyxier sous la canicule, sachant que le site est long (3km) et particulièrement exposé au soleil. Pour info, garez-vous sur le parking ouest payant (le Porta V) sur lequel se trouve la billetterie. De là, nous vous conseillons de prendre un taxi qui vous amènera au point de départ de la visite, côté est et ainsi vous éviter de faire un aller-retour à pied long de 3Km. La vieille ville d’Agrigente présente peu d’intérêt, nous vous conseillons de continuer votre route.

Sur la route en direction du prochain lieu de campement, nous vous conseillons de vous arrêter le long de la SP68 en bord de falaise après avoir passé la ville de Punta Grande (GPS = 37.291658,13.472781) afin de contempler les fameuses ‘’ Scala dei Turchi ’’: majestueux !

Night Stop : plage de Siculiana Marina Coordonnées GPS = 37.334876,13.389762 Super spot au calme et fréquenté par les locaux uniquement.

Jour 8 – Selinunte

Superbe site archéologique Grec qui surplombe la mer. Quelques temples et son acropole sont dispersés sur une étendue semi-désertique.

Notre conseil: Tout comme la Vallée des Temples, prévoyez des bouteilles d’eau car le site est grand et exposé aux fortes chaleurs de l’été. Pour info, vous pouvez louer les services d’un train navette qui vous dépose d’un site à un autre.

Pour dormir : plage du Lido Torrazza Coordonnées GPS = 37.687821,12.493562 Spot idyllique pour passer une nuit et être bercé par le flot des vagues.

Jour 9 – Marais salants de Marsala

Après s’être prélassés et avoir profité toute la journée de l’ambiance Sicilienne sur la plage avec son café, ses glaces et son bistrot de plage, direction les marais salants de Marsala pour profiter des rayons du soleil couchant sur les marais salants.

Bel endroit pour siroter un verre: la terrasse de ‘’ La Finesta SulSale ’’ (GPS = 37.862546,12.484739 Saline della Laguna).

Note : L’endroit est particulièrement prisé, pensez à réserver votre table à l’avance.

Où dormir ?: Porticciolo di Salina Grande Coordonnées GPS = 37.953970,12.495573 Site agréable mais un peu dérangé par le va et vient des pêcheurs de nuit.

Un conseil: ne vous garez pas du côté intérieur du parking mais plutôt le plus proche possible du bord de mer pour ne pas vous faire attaquer par les moustiques.

Jour 10 – Trapani – Erice – Segesta

En remontant vers Trapani , vous continuerez à profiter pleinement des paysages somptueux des marais salants . Même si Trapani est un peu délaissée des touristes, la vieille ville dégage une certaine atmosphère avec une vie de quartier bien animée. N’hésitez pas à emprunter le tracé vert ci-dessous et au-delà, en longeant la digue en direction du musée ‘’Archéologia Marina ’’.

La suite de la journée se tient sur le village médiéval haut-perché de Erice , avec ses multiples églises (plus de 60), ses ruelles pavées et surtout ses panoramas spectaculaires sur Trapani, les marais salants et les îles Egadi .

Le site de Segesta vaut le détour avec son temple et son théatre plus en haut qui offre une vue remarquable sur la baie et les vestiges du château normand caché derrière le théatre.

Note : De la même manière que les sites précédents, il vous faut marcher entre les deux monuments mais des trains navettes payants peuvent vous transporter entre les deux points. Pensez à prendre sur vous de l’eau.

Avant de terminer votre course sur votre prochain lieu de campement, arrêtez-vous sur le belvédère ‘ ’Castellammare del’’ sur la route SS187 de la corniche afin de déguster de délicieux sandwichs Sicilien du foodtruck et profiter aussi de la vue imprenable sur la ville de ‘’Castellammare del Golfo’’.

Pour votre nuit :

Évitez le Parking de la Tonnara di Scopello Coordonnées GPS = 38.069247,12.821236 car bien qu’il soit indiqué parking ‘’Gratuit’’, le matin vous risquez d’être confrontés aux gérants peu scrupuleux qui vont vous demander de vous acquitter de 20€ (nuit + journée). En solution alternative, tentez plutôt les parkings en amont sur la SP63 situés proche de la plage (GPS = 38.056306,12.840188).

Jour 11 – Tonnara di Scopello

Profitez d’une journée dans un endroit insolite sorti tout droit d’un spot publicitaire ou d’un film. Ce petit paradis résume à lui tout seul la Sicile. Seuls Bémols : La place est privée et il vous en coûtera 7€/pers pour profiter de la journée sur des chaises longues disposées dans la cour de la Tonnara , telle une salle de cinéma. Victime de son succès, nous vous conseillons de venir très tôt le matin pour avoir une place de choix. In fine, ne serait-il pas plus judicieux de profiter du panorama de l’anse du bord de la route au lever du soleil (à vous de voir !) et profiter de la plage citée plus haut ?

Night Stop : Spiaggia San Cataldo Coordonnées GPS = 38.087331,13.077765 Superbe spot fréquenté par les locaux uniquement. Prenez-garde en arpentant le chemin de terre qui vous fait descendre sur la plage, celui-ci est limite carrossable. Un conseil : ne vous parkez pas trop près des pêcheurs de nuit qui sont bruyants, si vous voulez passer une nuit tranquille 🙂

Jour 12 – Palerme

La cité chargée aux près de 3000 ans d’histoire, façonnée par les Grecs, les Byzantins, les Romains, les Normands, Espagnols, nous donne le vertige par son amoncellement de richesse.

Note : Sans tomber dans la parano, nous vous conseillons d’être vigilants et de vous stationner sur des grands axes.

Pour dormir : Piana Calzata Coordonnées GPS = 38.005746,13.900773 Très beau spot pour passer une nuit tranquille et profiter le lendemain de la plage à perte de vue… Après cette journée bien chargée, laissez-vous prendre par l’ambiance de bar de plage au Pub 55 situé à l’entrée du chemin de la plage.

Jour 13 – Cefalù

Après avoir profité d’une matinée plage, direction Cefalù , magnifique ancienne ville de pêcheurs qui a su tirer parti d’un site de carte postale et de la présence de la plus belle cathédrale de Sicile .

Après avoir passé une journée baignée de soleil, direction l’autoroute afin de vous rapprocher autant que possible de Messine , votre dernière destination de l’île avant de reprendre le bateau.

Où domir ? Giammoro – Milnautica Coordonnées GPS = 38.212212,15.320175 Le spot peut paraitre un peu glauque, coincé dans une zone industrielle mais vous pourrez profiter du balai des va et viens des super tankers entrant au loin dans le port de la ville. L’endroit est au calme et vous pourrez bien dormir, bercés par le flot des vagues.

Jour 14 – Messine

Même si le tremblement de terre au début du XXème siècle a fait disparaitre beaucoup de son patrimoine, la ville de Messine mérite de s’y arrêter une demi-journée.

Après avoir flâné toute la matinée dans les rues de Messine, direction l’embarcadère pour un retour sur le continent tout aussi facile et rapide qu’à l’aller. Il vous faut maintenant remonter l’Italie le plus haut possible afin de vous rapprocher de la frontière française.

Idées pour dormir en remontant :

Outlet de Valmonte Coordonnées GPS = 41.760648,12.961961 Moment de détente shopping nocturne (fermeture 21H) après une journée de route chargée. Le parking du village de marques est propre et végétalisé et nous a permis de dormir en toute quiétude.

Autrement, pour les férus d’histoire qui ne sont pas tentés par l’esprit shopping, nous vous proposons de passer la nuit sur le Monte Cassino , haut-lieu de l’une des plus grandes batailles de la 2ème guerre mondiale. En sus de son passé chargé d’histoire, le site vous offrira un panorama extraordinaire, culminant à 516 mètres. Nous vous conseillons de visiter ce magnifique monastère reconstruit après-guerre et le cimetière Polonais en contre-bas. Coordonnées GPS = 41.489405,13.812948 PS : Vous trouverez des toilettes et un point d’eau sur le parking du monastère.

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10 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary Planner

By: Author Vagrants of the World Travel Writer

Posted on Last updated: February 3, 2023

Home >> Destinations >> 10 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary Planner

A Sicily road trip is not just a bucket-list-worthy tour. It’s an experience connecting travellers with the heart of Italy.

A road trip through Sicily is discovering some of the most delicious food in the world. Getting lost in the heart of a street market, asking for directions, only to have 20 people shouting directives at you.

It’s the warmth of its people, the beauty of nature and discovering the story of ancient history. It’s also the simple pleasure of balconies covered in freshly cleaned laundry in quaint narrow alleyways. Sicily is one of those surprisingly romantic Italian destinations that will steal your heart.

Table of Contents

All these experiences make Sicily not just Italy’s most famous island but the big sis of the Mediterranean. A unique connector between Africa, Europe, and all things in between. Step into this generous land, and plan an epic Italian road trip, Sicilian style.

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A Guide to the Ultimate Sicily Road Trip

All your Sicily road trip planning is covered in this guide. It has all the information you need to circle the island by car, camping tips, a look at costs, and optional side trips.

Learn how to get there, what to eat, and how to make the most of your Sicilian adventure.

This tailored map covers all the stops in this guide to road-tripping Sicily.

A Little About Sicily

Sicily is located south of Italy and is the largest island in the Mediterranean . Its history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlements from 10,000 BC, and Greek temples and villas established around the 8th century BC.

Sitting close to Africa, only 96 miles from Tunisia, the island also has strong historical influences (or was ruled by) from Arabs, Normans, and Byzantines, to name a few. So, it’s fair to say, Sicily has come a long way to become the melting pot of cultures the island celebrates today.

You Might Also Like: Discover Italy’s most beautiful cities – The Perfect Five Day Venice Itinerary and The Best Things to do in Rome

How to Get to Sicily

There are many ways to get to Sicily. The most popular is to cross the Strait of Messina by ferry from Villa San Giovanni -mainland Italy. The trip takes 20-40 minutes.

The costs vary – if you are crossing with a car, the season, and the time of your departure. However, you can expect to pay about 30-40 EU one way, with a standard-sized vehicle.

You can book your trip online or at the counter.

If you choose to cross by train, you’ll still need to take the ferry, and then reconnect with the train once you reach the island. If, for example, you hop on a train in Napoli, the journey would take just over 6 hours and cost 20-30 EU.

You can book your trip online or at the station.

Another option is to fly. There are two international airports in Sicily. One in Palermo -Sicily’s capital- and one in Catania. You can fly in pretty much from anywhere.

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How to Plan Your Sicily Road Trip

The main challenge of planning a road trip across Sicily is to pick between a slew of stunning places. That’s also a huge perk. Regardless of where you go, you will undoubtedly enjoy the unique experiences of every spot you visit.

With this in mind, this guide offers an itinerary covering many of Sicily’s main sights , plus additional and optional stops. The aim is to give you the most comprehensive experience of Sicily in 10 days. 

Where to Start Your Sicily Road Trip

If you are crossing from mainland Italy, you’ll start your journey in Messina. The big decision to make here is whether to begin clockwise or anticlockwise . As most of the main sights sit on the coastline, you’ll loop and finish in Messina. Or, if you are flying out – Palermo, or Catania.

Stops like Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Ragusa will take you away from the coast of Sicily and across the countryside.

It’s important to know there will be a lot of driving involved on this trip.

Where to Stay in Sicily

If you choose to stay in hotels, then you could easily spend a few nights in the main city hubs. However, if you are looking for a camping experience, it’s best to stick to small villages. Finding campgrounds around cities like Palermo, Catania, or Taormina can get complicated.

Sicily is well-developed for tourists, but finding parking in crowded city areas can be a curse. With narrow and tangled streets, many hotels don’t have designated parking so you will have to find your own.

Camping in Sicily

Camping, if done right, can be such a fantastic way to experience Sicily.

There are plenty of campsites all around and across the island, especially if you are not fussy about quality. So it is possible to just turn up and claim a spot for the night. Camping this way takes all the hassle out of bookings, check-in times, and most importantly, parking. Although, can be hit and miss, especially during peak season.

Wild Camping In Sicily

In the case that you don’t find a campsite, it’s important to have an understanding of the rules regarding wild camping in Italy.

Wild camping in Italy is forbidden by law. Yet, it’s not enforced equally across the country.

In the case of Sicily, the island is quite populated, so it can be hard to find a suitable area that’s off the road and not within private land. Of course, again, this is not legal, so only resort to wild camping if you have no other choice or are tired of driving and desperately need to catch some sleep. Although, in this case, it would be recommended to check locally for a hotel for the night. 

If you want to experience nature in full and decide to camp in Sicily, even if for only a few nights, make sure you plan and bring your camping and hiking gear with you.

Search Accommodation in Sicily Italy

If you decide to take the hotel option, you can search current hotel rates in Sicily here or use the map to see the best rates by region. 

Always check to see what each hotels cancellation policy is before booking. 

Be Prepared for Driving in Sicily

It may seem quite obvious, but driving in Sicily will demand 100% of your attention. Always prepare for the unexpected.

You’ll see everything from kids jumping on the front seat without a seat belt to cars without doors, and folks trying to intimidate you on the road. Try to relax, enjoy the experience, and go with the flow. Be careful, but also be assertive – stand your ground and don’t let other drivers fluster you.

Also, be mindful of the number of kilometres you’ll need to drive from spot to spot and plan your daily itinerary to allow for delays.

Tips for Driving in Sicily

• Driving in Sicily can seem chaotic, but there is a particular flow to it. A kind of organised chaos. Road rage can happen, but it’s merely a matter of how “expressive” people get on the road. Find a balance between not being carried away but holding your ground. Otherwise, other drivers may not respect you.
• The roads connecting the main sights along the coast are not great. Keep an eye on bumps and locals skipping road signs.
• Local coastline, inland, and southern Sicily roads are toll-free, except for the A20 and the A18 that are part of the freeway.
• You could indeed connect many towns with the freeway, but where the magic happens is on the local roads.
• When it comes to speed limits, it’s essential to know; even though many people don’t seem to respect them, you can get hefty fines if caught on camera.
• The same goes for parking. It can be hard to figure out if you can or cannot park in some areas. The worst part is, you may end up receiving a ticket at your residential address, and you’ll have to pay it. So, even if it seems no one is watching, try not to test your luck.
• Urban areas have a speed limit of 50 km per hour. State, provincial, and local roads range between 110 and 90 km per hour. Highways top it up at 130 km per hour.

Tips for Renting a Car in Sicily Italy

• Always rent from a trusted agency. Some local agencies have sort of ‘unwritten’ rules that could catch you out.
• Some agencies may try to accuse you of damaging the vehicle. Always take photos when you pick up your rental and when returning it.
• Take your international driving license with you -required for renting a car in Sicily.
• Read your contract, and be aware of the excess fees and type of insurance.
• If possible, rent a small car. Streets are narrow, and parking spots are extremely limited in crowded areas. In most cases, it is better (and less stressful) to park just outside town and walk or hop on a bus.

Rental Car Recommendations in Sicily

If you don’t want to rent a car on the mainland and take it on the ferry, you have various options for renting a car through reputable rental car companies once in Sicily. 

We always use Discover Cars as they aggregate the best local deals and have no fees and free cancellation. 

From Messina: If you arrive by ferry, you can collect a rental car from Messina – Compare car rental rates here for Messina .

If you are flying in, you can collect cars from all the main airports. This is the cheapest option if renting once you arrive in Sicily as there is a greater choice of companies. 

Check car rental rates for Palermo Airport here .  

Check car rental rates for Catania Airport here . 

Tip: Always check if you have car rental insurance included on your travel insurance or with your credit card company before paying any additional to the rental car company. 

What to Eat in Sicily

When travelling around Sicily, eating is just as important as sightseeing. Sicily is a big island, and each region boasts its typical cuisine and fresh produce. With this in mind, you will need to allocate some time to experiencing culinary Sicily. 

While Sicilian food deserves an article of its own to cover all the incredible food you can discover, here are five delicious traditional foods to try during your visit to Sicily.

Going to Sicily and not trying a cannoli should be considered a crime. If you could try only one thing, this would be it. Why? It’s tough to find proper cannoli anywhere else in the world. This cheap bite deserves a place in heaven. Cannolis consist of a fried tube-shaped pastry that’s filled with sweet ricotta.

Semi-frozen sugar and water in a range of flavours make up for a perfect summer treat. The Sicilian Granita is notable because it’s not a sorbet, nor an ice-cream. It’s more of a slushy, with crispy ice-flakes.

Arancini di Riso

An essential Sicilian snack. These fried crispy rice balls come filled with Ragu -minced beef tomato sauce-and peas, or mozzarella cheese. You’ll find these everywhere around Sicily.

Pane con la Milza

A locals’ favourite in the area of Palermo, the Pane con la Milza is a sandwich made with soft bread -like a burger bun- and stuffed with spleen. A delicious treat if you are into offal. 

Pasta alla Norma

Moving to the other end of the island, the Pasta Alla Norma is a traditional pasta dish from Catania. It consists of eggplant, basil, tomatoes, ricotta, and macaroni: a real belly and heart filler suited for vegetarians.

10-Day Road Trip Itinerary Sicily

Now that you are well on the way of becoming an expert on all-things-Sicily, it’s time to get the wheels turning.

This itinerary will start from Messina. After your arrival, you’d be heading East and do a full loop around the island, finishing on day 10, again in Messina.

It’s also possible to do it the other way round. The reason for starting toward the East is to tackle a bit of adventure at the beginning and catch some relaxing beach fun in the last few days.

Day 1 

Arriving in messina, and driving to taormina with a night by the etna volcano.

You’ve made it to Sicily – Benvenuti . As soon as you leave the ferry in your rental car, start driving south on the coast of Eastern Sicily. If possible, try to cross in the morning so you can spend the day enjoying your first stop, Taormina.

Taormina is one of the most touristic spots in Sicily. Known as the Sicilian St. Tropez, the hilltop village is an excellent starter for your Sicilian tour. It’s worth spending about half-day there, but it’s not the best overnight option if you are on a budget.

Walk along the main street – Corso Umberto, sit at the Piazza Aprile and contemplate the incredible panoramics from the top.

Greek Theatre of Taormina

Head to the Greek Theatre of Taormina for your first dose of Sicilian ancient history.

Tickets cost 10 EU, and the visit takes just under 1 hour. The theatre’s opening times change throughout the year – As a reference, during the summer season, it stays open until 6:30/7 pm.

There are quite a few options you can consider for the night. You could either stay around Taormina or drive a bit more and stay closer to Mount Etna. On day 2, you’ll be visiting the mighty Sicilian volcano so it might be worthwhile positioning yourself the night before if you have time. 

Another option is to spend the night anywhere near the East side of Mount Etna -which is enormous. If you’d rather be close to your starting point on day 2, then Nicolosi, Linguaglossa, or Zafferana Etnea should be your go-to’s. These villages are about 40 minutes to a 1-hour drive from Taormina and provide easy access to Mt Etna’s Funivia.

In the end, it will depend on whether you feel like driving a bit more, and if you are planning to devote a full day to exploring the Etna.

Get to Taormina from Messina

• Messina to Taormina via Highway A18/E45 – Just under 1 hour, 53 km.
• Messina to Taormina via local route SS114 – 1.5 hours, 51 km.

Day 2 

Exploring mt etna with a night in nicolosi.

On day 2, you should aim for an early start. There are different ways to explore Etna, so get your research together and map out a day to suit your preferences.

You can walk up, take the Funivia and then hike for about 1.5 hrs to the summit. Or you can book a tour. You can find numerous half and full-day tours here for all activity levels.

It’s important to know, once you get to the Rifugio Sapienza, you’ll be approached by tour guides telling you it’s not possible to hike up on your own. Don’t listen to them. Go to the gondola station, and they’ll give you the latest information.

As Mt Etna is always active, conditions may change from day-to-day.

A great way to explore without sweating bullets on the ascent is to drive to the Rifugio Sapienza, take the gondola, and then hike up for about 1.5 hrs. Take your time to explore and enjoy the incredibly unique landscapes.

If, after your hike, you still want more, drive towards Etna Nord and stop by one of its ‘rifugios,’ which are like huts or B&Bs, with restaurants -like the Rifugio Citelli .

The areas surrounding the huts also offer hiking. Etna Nord isn’t next to the main crater, but it’s still beautiful and worth exploring if you want to get a bit off-the-beaten-path.

Try to spend the night in Nicolosi or any of the villages on the way to Catania.

Getting to Rifugio Sapienza from Nicolosi or Zafferana Etnea

• From Nicolosi – 25 minutes’ drive, only 18 km.
• From Zafferana – 30 minutes’ drive, 19 km.

Nicolosi to Catania and Syracuse

On day 3, you will make your way back to the Sicilian Coast. A quick drive from Nicolosi, Catania offers quite decadent sights, baroque gems, and great markets.

Catania is the 2nd largest city in Sicily. Often overlooked by those favouring Palermo, Catania has its own identity and is excellent for spending either a half or a full day.

Focus on walking along the city’s main square and streets from where you’ll see the cathedral. Spend some leisure time at the Piazza Duomo and then make your way to the Castello Ursino.

Market lovers should head to the Catania Fish Market and the Piazza Carlo Alberto market. Vendors start selling their goodies around 7 am or 8 am every day and finish around 1 pm or 2 pm. The main market stays open till 7 pm on Saturdays.

Finish your day in Syracuse, about a 1-hour drive from Catania.

Getting from Nicolosi to Catania and Syracuse

• From Nicolosi to Catania – It’s a 30-40 minutes’ drive, 16 km via SP10 or SP42.
• Catania to Syracuse – Just over 1 hour, 65 km via E45 and SS114.
• It’s also possible to drive along the SS114 all the way from Catania to Syracuse along the coast.

Syracuse to Ragusa

Spend the morning wandering the streets of Ortigia, the tiny island next to Syracuse. The city is over 2500 years old and was one of the most important centres of the Mediterranean. If Magna Grecia is your thing, then Syracuse is well worth a stay.

Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Piazza Duomo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and walk to the Castello Maniace -on the southern tip of the tiny island.

Avoid driving into Ortigia, as it’s pretty much impossible to find a parking spot where you won’t get fined.

After exploring the ancient jewels of Syracuse, head towards one of the most beautiful countryside villages on your road trip around Sicily– Ragusa Ibla.

Ragusa Ibla is about 1.5 hours from Syracuse. The town is divided in two – Ragusa, and Ragusa Ibla. Ragusa Ibla, the historic baroque village, is where you’ll spend the afternoon.

What’s particularly special about Ragusa is the trip from Syracuse and how it characterises the Sicilian countryside. You’ll drive up and down hilly roads lined with olive trees, lemon trees, and distant farms.

Ragusa is a beautifully preserved baroque village on a hilltop. With countless stunning houses and churches, the best way to see Ragusa is to simply wander around up and down its pebbled maze of streets.

It’d be best to spend the night in Ragusa. On day 5 of your Sicily road trip, you’ll be heading to Agrigento, which is nearly a 3-hour drive. Of course, another option would be to stay half-way in between if time allows.

Getting from Syracuse to Ragusa

• Via SS194 – It’s an 80 km drive that takes about 1.5 hours.
• If you wish to add an extra stop in Noto, take the E45 and then the SS115. It’s also about 1.5 hours – 89 km.

Ragusa to Agrigento and Valley of the Temples

On day five you’ll head to Agrigento, where you’ll spend a half-day touring the Valley of the Temples. The drive takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

The Valley of the Temples, 2 km off Agrigento’s centre is a UNESCO Heritage site where you’ll get to experience the best of ancient Greece. Some say if you want to learn about the Greeks, you need to visit Sicily.

The Valley of the Temples is enormous. One thousand three hundred hectares of pure history. You’ll be visiting the main areas where massive Doric temples still stand proud. Agrigento was originally called Akragas, founded in the 6th century BC.

As with Syracuse, Akragas was a significant colony that saw the construction of this massive complex of temples during the 4th and 5th centuries BC.

Visiting Valley of the Temples

The visit to the temples takes between 3 to 5 hours. Visitors should be prepared for a day under the blazing Sicilian sun as there’s not a lot of shade to save you from the heat.

The complex is open from 8:30 am to 8 pm, so you could easily check into a hotel or hostel, enjoy the town’s cute historic area, and head to the temples later in the afternoon.

Tickets cost 12 EU and can be purchased online or at the Valley’s entrance.

Getting from Ragusa to Agrigento

• Between 2 to 3 hours on route SS115 – 132 km.

Agrigento to San Vito lo Capo

Ready for some downtime? San Vito lo Capo is a cute tiny town blessed with crystal clear waters, a beautiful beach, and a lively pedestrian street.

The pool-like waters, white sand, and stunning landscapes are ideal for some proper beach time of sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.

Take it up a notch and visit the ‘Riserva dello Zingaro’ for more splendid nature and summer vibes. Although, before heading to this natural reserve, check the official website -it can be closed due to fires or other reasons.

Getting from Agrigento to San Vito lo Capo

• Between 2.5 to 3.5 hours -depending on traffic- on route SS115 and SS119.
• For a drive on the coast and a side-trip to Trapani and Erice, stay on route SS115 all the way to San Vito.

San Vito lo Capo

Keep the chill going; you deserve it. If you haven’t visited the Riserva dello Zingaro, this would be a great day to do so.

However, if only one day of beach time and sun-basking is enough for you, you could spend half of day six exploring more of Agrigento -and head to San Vito later in the afternoon.

Alternatively, check out the beautiful old town of Erice and visit the Norman Castle.

If you are more of a city-seeker, then head to Palermo for a head start in this fabulous city.

San Vito lo Capo to Palermo

There’s A LOT to see and do in Palermo. You could easily spend 2 or 3 days wandering its streets and tuning into Sicily’s capital.

Palermo is truly a tale of many cultures. It belonged to the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, to the Arabs, and the Normans. It was under the Arabs’ rule that Palermo flourished and surpassed Syracuse as the main trading hub.

Visitors can see the legacy of all these great cultures by visiting some of Palermo’s main sights. The ‘San Giovanni Degli Eremiti’ church, the ‘Palazzo dei Normanni’ castle, the ‘Capella Palatina,’ and the ‘Teatro Massimo,’ to name just a few top spots.

However, merely walking Palermo’s streets and observing people go by is already a traveller’s treat.

When it comes to markets, Palermo rules, the main markets are Vucciria, Ballaró, and Capo. They are all around the historic districts and kick the day off around 7-9 am, remaining open until 7 or 8 pm. The ‘Mercato del Capot’ closes at 1 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.

You can spend the night in Palermo, or head to a campsite outside town.

Getting from San Vito lo Capo to Palermo

• The trip takes between 1.5 to 2 hours on route E90, or over 2 hours if travelling on route SS187.

Palermo to Cefalú

Prepare for the last stop of your Sicily road trip. On this day, you’ll head to Cefalú, one of the most famous villages in Sicily. Cefalú may have a little bit of everything – views, beaches, hiking, and great food, but the best of it lies in a golden glare lighting up just before sunset.

Cefalu has a beautiful historic centre and one of the most charming beaches you’ll ever see. If you are keen to work out a little bit, there are also some nice hikes as well as enjoying top views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the ‘Rocca di Cefalú.

Try to spend your last night in Sicily in Cefalú, as this is truly a charming little town.

Palermo to Messina

It’s day ten, and it’s time to wrap up and head back to Messina to catch the ferry. The drive takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so make sure to check your ferry’s schedule beforehand and allow for delays.

By now, you’ve eaten the best fresh food, mingled with the locals, sunbathed, connected with nature, and learned about the ancient cultures that thrived in Sicily’s abundant land. If you feel like weeping while you farewell the golden island, don’t blame yourself – it only means it’s time to plan your second Sicilian trip.

Know the Best Time to Visit Europe before planning your trip

More Towns and Islands Around Sicily

If you have more time to spare, or the energy to add more stops to your Sicily itinerary, then check these spots:

The main of the Egadi Islands, Favignana is a small paradise located off the coast of Trapani. There’s only one ferry operating the trip .

It’s possible to book the tickets online, and over the summer you’ll find many services throughout the day. The cost of a round-trip is about 23 EU -11.82 one-way, 30 minutes.

The Aeolian Islands

Visiting any or all of these 7 Unesco volcanic islands scattered along the Tyrrhenian Sea can easily become a trip in its own right. You could spend a week island hopping, hiking volcanoes, drinking sweet wine, and slowing down to match the islands’ flow.

Located off the coast of Sicily’s Northwest region, Messina, it’s also possible to visit the islands as a day trip departing from Milazzo – about 38 km from Messina.

As the departure points to the islands are between Palermo and Messina, this is a great way to finish your Sicily road trip or get it started if you decide to tour the island anticlockwise.

The Aeolian Islands are highly seasonal. If you visit over the winter months, you’ll find most shops and restaurants are closed. Check the islands’ ferry schedules and plan your itinerary. There are plenty of hydrofoil ferries heading there over the high season.

You’ll find Noto posted 38 km south of Syracuse. Noto is, just like Ragusa, a Sicilian Baroque gem. If you enjoy this architectural style, Noto should definitely be on your Sicily itinerary.

Savoca and Forza D’Agro

Attention Godfather fans. Do you remember Michael’s days in Sicily? Even though the story is set in Corleone, the actual scenes were shot in the medieval towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agro. One of the most remembered locations of the movie takes place at the Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone meets Apollonia’s father.

Both towns are only a 12-km drive from each other and can be visited within a half or a full day.

Bringing It All Together for the Ultimate Road Trip Around Sicily

You could easily spend two or even three weeks experiencing Sicily’s many villages, beaches, nearby islands, foods, and outdoor activities. The best way to plan your Sicily itinerary is to prioritise what resonates with you the most. Try to keep a balance between the main attractions and off-the-beaten, heart-filling little places.

As a last tip to make your stay in Sicily the most enjoyable, stay flexible. Don’t worry if you feel like changing plans last minute; some places will conquer your heart. Road tripping Sicily will be, in many ways, an intense adventure cloaked by the beauty and charm of the Mediterranean’s magic. Ci vediamo dopo, viaggiatori .

Discover Sardinia , Italy’s other most beautiful island.

About the Author

Martina Grossi

Martina is a travel writer and SEO Specialist from Argentina based in New Zealand. Like many Argentinians, Martina has Sicilian ancestors, which has taken her to explore the island in depth not once, but twice. Lover of road-tripping, camping, hiking, and nature, her travels focus on connecting with a destination’s vibe, other than ticking items off a bucket list. Find out more about Martina at The Global Curious .

Sicily Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Map

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An Incredible Sicilian Road Trip

Sicily is a gem of an island. Rich in Greek and Roman architecture, with stunning Baroque towns dotting the landscape, incredible natural wonders and fantastic outdoor adventures, a Sicilian road trip is the best way to see this eclectic Italian island.

From the rumbling peak of Mount Etna to the rugged interior and the delights of Palermo to the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples, Sicily has a wealth of experiences for you to explore as you road trip around the island.

Our Sicily road trip route and itinerary with an interactive map is a coastal trip, hitting all the top spots on the way to ensure you discover the very best of Sicily.

Things to Know About Sicilian Travel

Despite recent anti-Mafia movements, particularly strong in Palermo, the Mafia has retained much of the power in administrative and rural Sicily. 

However, there are strong signs now that the Sicilian people have had enough. Movements against the Cosa Nostra are gaining momentum and becoming visible across the island, especially in Palermo. Sicilians are  daring to believe  that things are changing.

If you’re fascinated by the Mafia, take this brilliant  Godfather private tour  which includes a visit to Castello Degli Schiavi, the beautiful and timeless villa used as a filming location for several Godfather films. 

The Sicilians don’t conform to carefree southern Italian stereotypes. Life has long been too hard and is dominated by hard work and not much money. Sometimes, locals can seem sullen and rude towards visitors, but if you persevere then you will see a different side of the Sicilian people, who are fiercely loyal and proud.

It helps to be able to speak even a little bit of the language, most Sicilian people really appreciate it when you make an effort even if you can’t pronounce ‘ cinquecentocinquantacinque’ five hundred and fifty-five!).

Sicily is a stunningly beautiful country, apart from the piles of rubbish literally everywhere. Waste is dumped all along the sides of roads and on any rough ground.

We were told by locals that it was a protest against the mafia’s control of administrative monies because no provision is made for the proper disposal of waste. Whatever the reason, you just have to learn to look past it.

Driving around Sicily on a road trip can be challenging. You need to be a confident driver to travel Sicily by car, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar rental car or campervan and intend to visit cities.

Driving routes in Sicily will often take you through small villages with narrow and twisting roads which can be disconcerting for visitors from the United States especially.

Italy is not known for the skill or consideration of its drivers, or the condition of the roads, so make sure you’re comfortable  driving in Sicily  before you embark on your Sicily road trip.

Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Sicily

Already on the continent.

If you are already on the continent, there are  boats to Sicily from all over Europe . You can sail to Palermo from Naples, Genoa, Sardinia, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Salerno and Tunisia.

If you’re not near any of those places, the chances are there is a route – the 24 hour crossing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome’s port) opens up possibilities from the Iberian peninsula. Hopping on a boat from Greece or the Baltic states across to Italy, or driving there from northern Europe, means Sicily is easily accessible from across the continent

If you choose to fly, you can head to Trapani, Palermo or Catania airports. Catania, on the east coast, is the best choice and a good road trip starting point if you are renting a car   or want to hire a motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic  on arrival. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

This is a perfect option if you only have one week in Sicily, long enough to see all the highlights of this amazing island, especially if you focus your visit on one area, such as the east or west coast.

Driving to Sicily from UK

If you’re planning to drive to Sicily from the UK , then the most direct route from Calais to Villa San Giovanni (for the shortest ferry crossing from mainland Italy to Sicily) will take you around 23 hours of driving time over 2260km.

It will cost approximately €160 in tolls and €400 in fuel, assuming 25mpg in 2023. If you are traveling to Sicily in a car you can check costs using the Via Michelin website , a handy resource.

Once you get to Villa San Giovanni, you will need to get a boat over to Messina in eastern Sicily. You can book online but it’s not necessary as there is no saving, and ferries cross at least every hour or so from a number of providers. It takes around 30 minutes to cross to Messina and will cost around €80 for a three month open return in a car.

RELATED POST – Driving to Italy from the UK – Routes & Tips

When to Visit Sicily

April to early June and late September to October are the best times to visit Sicily and travel or road trip. The temperatures are pleasant and you will have the added bonus of Sicily’s gorgeous wildflowers being in full bloom in the spring months. Avoid a trip to Sicily at Easter as this is considered high season and costs will rise exponentially.

It becomes really busy around mid-June , when schools are closed, and from July to mid-September , the coastal areas are extremely busy. Unless you plan to spend time at a seaside resort or on an island, avoid a Sicily visit in  August ; the heat is unbearable and most city businesses are closed as the locals take their holidays.

It is quieter from late October to mid-December . There are fewer tourists in the cities but sites and attractions do tend to close earlier and some will be closed altogether. The plus is that you’ll be able to enjoy warm winter temperatures across the island, especially if the African winds blow north. Things pick up again briefly during the Christmas holidays when many shops and museums have extended hours.

RELATED POST: Southern Italy: Discover the Best 33 Places To Visit

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

Sicily Road Trip Map & Itinerary

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Sicily
• The Rough Guide to Sicily
• DK Eyewitness Sicily 
• Sicily Road Trip Itinerary

Syracuse – Ragusa – Valley of the Temples – Scala dei Turchi – Marsala – Stagnone – Erice – Monte Cofano – Segesta – Scopello – Palermo – Cefalu – Taormina – Mount Etna

• Distance 900km
• Duration 2-3 weeks
• Drive Time 14 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Your Sicily Itinerary

This 14-21 day road trip will take you to all the key sites and highlights around the island. It’s easy to be flexible, if something doesn’t appeal, skip it and move on.  

Our absolute must-sees on this driving tour of Sicily are The Valley of the Temples , Palermo and Mount Etna . Do just these three things and you’ll get a flavor of this eclectic part of Italy, and see much of the wonderful landscape as you complete a perfect triangle across the island.

Syracuse (or Siracusa) is a city on the Ionian coast, known for its ruins, and makes the perfect first stop on your Sicily road trip itinerary. It has a vibrant and modern cafe culture, with lots of great bars and restaurants, and is perfect for an afternoon strolling the pretty streets, window-shopping, and admiring the architecture.

Head for the old town of Ortigia, on an island connected to the new city by the Ponte Umbertino. Cross from new to old and you’ll find yourself in another world, with magnificent ancient churches, a temple, local markets, and even a castle.  

There are also lots of small independent shops, bars, and cafes where you can sit outside and indulge in people-watching to your heart’s content.

Make sure to visit Piazza Duomo to see the Cathedral, a fascinating mix of pagan temple and Christian church. The Duomo stands on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Athena, built in 480 BCE. Behind the Baroque facade of the cathedral, Doric columns from the original temple are still visible.

Another must-see is the Fonte Aratuse, a fountain originating from a freshwater spring that creates a small semi-circular lake. Here there are fish, geese, and ducks, and the only naturally occurring Papyrus in Europe.  

• Where to Stay in Syracuse

Upmarket: Ortea Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Caportigia Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Ortigia Boutique Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Sicily . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

Ragusa is a hilltop city in southeast Sicily. Ragusa Ibla, the old town, is part of the Noto Valley World Heritage site listing. It is home to many baroque buildings, like the Duomo di San Giorgio, a beautiful church with gorgeous paintings and colorful stained-glass windows. 

There are impressive views from the Giardino Ibleo, a park with churches and fountains. In Ragusa Superiore, the city’s newer quarter is ornate Ragusa Cathedral, rebuilt in the center of town after an earthquake in 1693 destroyed the original. 

• Where to Stay in Ragusa

Upmarket: Villa Boscarino – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Via Pezza 100 – Booking.com | Agoda

The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

What an amazing entrance The Valley of the Temples has. Driving along the coast road heading west, you round a hill and there it is. Perched along the top of a ridge, temples literally lined up and waiting for you. It will be one of those ‘wow’ moments on your Sicily road trip when shock and awe hit you in equal measure.  

You can buy tickets for the whole site online  here . You may wish to take a tour, if you are interested in understanding the history and architecture, this is by far the best way to visit and you will come away with so much fascinating knowledge about those who lived and built here.

Start at 8.30am and spend an idyllic morning when you’ll have this UNESCO World Heritage site to yourselves. Marvel at the fact that you can walk through and around the temples and ruins and touchstone that was quarried and chiseled thousands of years ago. As it gets later, it will become busier with day trip bus tours arriving although the site is so large it did not really detract from the peace and atmosphere.  

The rediscovery of this ancient gem began towards the end of the eighteenth century when the first European travelers reached Sicily and discovered an unexpected and vast archaeological heritage.

The highlights are the Temple of Concordia , built around the 5th century and located along the Via Sacra. One of the best-preserved temples, the name Concordia comes from a Latin inscription found near the temple itself.

The Temple of Heracles (Hercules) is the oldest one here. Much of the temple was destroyed by wars and natural disasters and today has only eight columns left. The Temple of Castor and Pollux, the twin brothers born to Jupiter and the queen of Sparta, has only four columns left and has become the symbol of Agrigento.

If you want help finding your way around and understanding the history of this extraordinary place, then book our recommended Valley of the Temples skip-the-line guided tour , where a knowledgeable English-speaking guide will share the history and secrets of the valley.

• Where to Stay in Agrigento

Upmarket: Doric Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Colleverde Park Hotel- Booking.com | Agoda

Scala Dei Turchi

The Stair of the Turks, so called because marauding Turkish pirate ships were known to find shelter in the bay, is an incredible sight. On first inspection, the cliffs seem too perfect and too white to actually be real.  

The cliffs are made of soft limestone and blinding white marl, shaped, smoothed, and buffed over millennia by the sea and wind to look like a giant meringue, rising up from an impossibly blue surrounding sea.   

This candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status was closed by the Sicilian authorities in 2020, due to the lack of protection and care for the site. Every year, thousands of visitors clambered over the famous white rocks, causing erosion, stealing pieces of marl, and leaving rubbish behind, giving he local authority no choice but to action.

It is possible to see Scala dei Turchi from the sandy beach to the east, from the road above as you approach from the west, or from a boat. People do also slip through the gaps in the fencing on the beach to the south to climb the stairs, despite the site being officially closed.

• Where to Stay in Scala Dei Turchi

Upmarket: Masseria Agnello – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Scala Dei Turchi Resort – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Case Vacanze Bellavista – Booking.com | Agoda

Italy Travel Ideas

The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip

A Bucket List Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Beautiful Puglia – A Road Trip Itinerary

Tuscan Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete 2024 Guide

One Day in Palermo – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Segesta Sicily: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

The Best of Rome in 36 Hours

How to Hike Monte Cofano, Sicily

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

If you haven’t tried Marsala wine, it will be a totally unexpected and delicious surprise. Marsala is made in much the same way as sherry and port but has its own distinct flavor due to the requirement to use only certain varieties of grapes grown in and around Marsala. True Marsala contains flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, stewed apricot, and tamarind.  

This delicious fortified wine can be dry or sweet and many things in between, depending on how much cooked must is introduced to the wine. It is possible to do a tour and tasting at all the large houses, with Florio having the most atmosphere and interest in the cantina (cellar) .

Book this highly-rated winery tour with wine tasting to discover the tradition of Sicilian wine-making on a tour of the Florio Winery in Marsala.

• Where to Stay in Marsala

Upmarket: Hotel Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Viacolvento – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Villa Carlo Resort – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Sicily.

Stagnone Nature Reserve

Between Marsala and Trapani, the Regional Nature Reserve of the Islands of Stagnone di Marsala in western Sicily is a lagoon with four islands, formed around 5,000 years ago and characterized by shallow waters from 1-2m and in some places not more than 20-30cm.  

The lagoon was formed relatively recently due to sand movements because of underwater currents. This has caused the closure of a part of the sea that was originally open and therefore, as there are no currents necessary for replacement, the water has become more stagnant, with a temperature above normal.

Surrounded by a very salty environment, it the lagoon presents a unique ecosystem. Windmills and salt pans characterize the landscape of the natural reserve. The “Isola Grande” is the largest of the four islands, followed by Mozia, which was colonized by the Phoenicians in the eighth century and has a great archaeological heritage. Santa Maria and La Scola are the smallest islands.

The lagoon is an ideal place for kite surfing and is widely recognized as one of the best locations in Europe. There are approximately 30 kite schools along the northern coast of the lagoon, which are evident if there is any form of wind, just follow the hundreds of colorful kites!

It’s well worth taking a boat trip out into the lagoon and around the islands, to explore the natural landscape of the nature reserve and discover the story of salt and the people that produced it.

This highly rated Salt Road Tour With Winery Visit and Boat Trip hits three top attractions in one – you’ll visit one of Italy’s finest wineries and enjoy a guided tour of Marsala on this day trip, with a boat ride on the Stagnone Lagoon, as you travel along Italy’s Salt Road.

Salt Pans of Marsala

There have been salt pans in Sicily for over 2,500 years. The salt flats at Marsala have the perfect position with warm Saharan winds, shallow waters and hot summer sun. This is the perfect recipe to produce salt.

Production was at its peak in 1860, when 31 salt pans produced over 100,000 tonnes of salt a year. Much of this was exported across Europe and as far away as Russia and Norway. These days demand is diminished but there is still a market for salt produced in this way due to its 100% natural composition, which is said to enhance the flavor. 

Be inspired by the beauty of this immediately recognizable vista, with windmills dotting the horizon and piles of salt visible. It’s the perfect place for aerial photography if you have a drone.

Erice is a delightful and pretty medieval hill town that is a pleasure to wander through, and the views are amazing. Standing at 751m high, on top of a huge lump of rock, Erice is known for the Castello di Venere and its numerous churches. There are rumored to be 100 but it is definitely less than that! 

All visits to Erice start at Porta Trapani at the top of the hill, where the car park and cable station are. If the drive up isn’t for you, then get the f unierice  (cable car) from Trapani and park in their car park. This will cost you €1.50 for the first three hours and the cost of the cable car is €9.50 return. 

You will need three to four hours to wander through Erice’s medieval cobbled streets, visit a few churches and the castle, and throw in another hour or so for lunch. Try the reasonably priced and tasty pizzas at La Rustichella  in Piazza del Loggia, where you will also receive excellent customer service. 

The view from the castle ramparts and gardens is stunning. Trapani and the salt pans to one side, the tip of San Vito Lo Capo to the other. It goes without saying that you should try and go on a clear day.

Make sure to try some of Erice’s famous confectionary, made to ancient recipes of nuns in cloistered convents. If you like marzipan and have a sweet tooth you will be in heaven.

• Where to Stay in Erice

Upmarket: Il Carmine Dimora Storica – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Residence Erice Pietre Antiche & rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Elimo – Booking.com | Agoda

Monte Cofano

Monte Cofano is a distinctive, monolithic lump of limestone, which stands 659m high in the Monte Cofano nature reserve. 

As well as amazing hiking, Monte Cofano Bay has two sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, and fantastic rock pools. You can snorkel here as well as kayak and paddle board, and there are lots of places to park overnight if you’re in a self-contained campervan.

If Monte Cofano is too out of the way for you, there’s lots of other  incredible hiking in Sicily , an island known for its dramatic landscapes and gorgeous trails.  

RELATED POST – How to Hike Monte Cofano in Sicily

• Where to Stay in Monte Cofano

Upmarket: Baglio Giammaccaro – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Oasi da Paolo – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: B&B La mia Isola – Booking.com | Agoda

San Vito Lo Capo

From Cofano, it’s a hop and a skip up to San Vito Lo Capo, a very pretty beach-side town known for its fabulous crescent-shaped beach sheltered by Mount Monaco, and the lighthouse at Cabo San Vito.

In May every year, there is a kite festival held here – the beach explodes into color and dancing shapes and the town takes on a party atmosphere with stalls and pop-up cafes making the most of the (usually) fine spring weather.

• Where to Stay in San Vito Lo Capo

Upmarket: Baglio La Porta by Geocharme – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: I Mori Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Sabbia d’Oro – Booking.com | Agoda

Temple of Segesta

Segesta is a glorious temple and Roman amphitheater, incredibly well-preserved and picturesque. Easily accessible and set in beautiful rolling countryside, the Temple of Segesta is a must-see on your road trip of Sicily.  

A magical place, the setting between lush rolling hills, with far distant views to the sea and mountains, is perfection. The surrounding fields, with their exact rows of silver-green olive trees and vines, are archetypal Italian and just add to the atmosphere of Segesta.

The architecture of both temple and amphitheater is breathtaking. The temple is particularly interesting due to its unfinished nature and complexity. It is amazing that it has survived as intact as it is, given that until just a few years ago, visitors were able to walk inside and around the columns. 

RELATED POST – How to Visit the Temple of Segesta in Sicily

It works well to head to Scopello for lunch or dinner after a visit to Segesta. Scopello is a charming village with a small but beautifully formed bay, about a 30 minutes drive from Segesta.

There are also a number of excellent restaurants in the village, but make sure you book if you want to eat at a specific place. If you’re looking for a lively and fun lunch, try  Made ‘n Sicilia  (no booking required) which specializes in delicious Sicilian street food.  

• Where to Stay in Scopello

Upmarket: Tenute Plaia Agriturismo – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Torre Bennistra – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Residence Guidaloca – Booking.com | Agoda

Palermo is a vibrant and busy city that you must visit on your road trip around Sicily. A complex city, Palermo has been caught between West and East for millennia. With dazzling buildings, hidden corners, and chaotic markets, any visit to Palermo is exhilarating.

You must visit the food market which is on every day and situated in the area around Via Porta Carini. Here you can buy fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and pretty much everything else you can imagine. You can stop for a coffee and people watch, choose your fish and meat and have it cooked in front of you, to be eaten on a ramshackle table in the open air, or simply wander and take in the colors, sounds, and smells of this fabulous market.  

You should also visit the cathedral, although it is a little soulless and much less attractive than some other Italian cathedrals. In contrast, the Catholic church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini just off the Quattro Canti is spectacular and worth seeking out. 

Quattro Canti is a busy and thriving area of the city with live music, street art, and food stalls dominating the streets and lots of interesting shops and a great selection of gelateria . Grab a coffee and enjoy a bit of people-watching.

If you decide to take a horse and carriage ride, make sure you agree on the price and how long your trip will take before getting in. Negotiate on the first price given, even then you may well be asked at the end of the ride for an additional tip “for the horse”!  A carriage ride is a good way of seeing the major sites of Palermo quickly, and you can decide which ones most interest you for a later visit.

If you stay at a hotel without the benefit of a car park, research parking thoroughly before you get there. Palermo is manically busy with very limited parking and its quite possible to drive around for hours without finding anywhere.

If you need any more convincing, then these  six reasons why you have to visit Sicily’s crazy capital city  should help!

RELATED POST – One Day in Palermo – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Palermo

Upmarket: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hote l – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Posta – Booking.com | Agoda

Cefalù is a small town on the northern coast of Sicily.  It is a must-see in all the guidebooks and has a fine 12th century Norman cathedral at the edge of an attractive square.  

Cefalu is a modern-day masterpiece of marketing over substance. It is pretty enough to wander around, and you could happily spend a day meandering and taking in the old cathedral and harbor – it would not be a hardship.  

But you will have to dodge the large number of over-priced restaurants, cafes, and gift shops lining the streets which are thronged with guided tour parties, so go prepared!

• Where to Stay in Cefalu

Upmarket: Le Calette Garden & Bay – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Villa Totò Resort – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Ossuna Bay Hotel Boutique – Booking.com | Agoda

Taormina is a stunning town perched on a hill on the east coast of Sicily. It sits in the shadow of the active volcano Mount Etna, providing fabulous views across the landscape of the smoldering mountain.

Taormina is quite touristy but also very welcoming. Visit the  Teatro Antico di Taormina , an ancient Greek theatre still in use today. Close by, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches, and a narrow spit of sand connects the mainland to Isola Bella, a beautiful tiny island and nature reserve.

Taormina is well known for its gastronomic delights, welcome, and hospitality. This highly recommended small group food and wine tour will take you on a walking tour of Taormina to discover the best places to eat and drink, and you’ll get to sample the typical foods of Sicily paired with fine wines from the region.

• Where to Stay in Taormina

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Metropole Taormina – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Villa Sirina – Booking.com | Agoda

Mount Etna is the biggest natural wonder of them all!  She is Europe’s largest and most active volcano and stands a mighty 3,350m high. After Kilaueu on Hawaii, Mount Etna is considered the second most active volcano in the world.  

If that doesn’t put you off, you can get to the summit of Mount Etna, look deep into her craters, and hear the rumbling magma stirring. Getting to the top of Mount Etna will require a guided tour and will take a full day but the sense of achievement and wonder is worth the effort of getting there. 

Book this highly rated Mount Etna cable car, jeep, and hiking to the summit tour to hike in full safety with an authorized alpine and volcano guide, and marvel at the beauty and wonder of the highest active volcano in Europe.

After your epic climb, head down the mountain to Catania, a city that is missed by many but is worth a visit. Check out these  eighteen awesome things to do in Catania  for inspiration.

• Where to Stay in Catania

Upmarket: Palazzo Marletta Luxury House Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: B&B Palazzo Perrotta – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Habitat – Booking.com | Agoda

Sicilian Road Trip Resources

Sicily essentials.

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Italy.

• Search for affordable flights to Sicily with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Sicily with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Sicily with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Driving in Italy

Whether you’re traveling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive in Italy and Sicily;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Italy.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry a warning triangle, a spare wheel, and the tools to change a wheel, or a tire repair kit.
• It is not compulsory to carry a reflective jacket, first aid kit, spare bulbs, or a fire extinguisher but we would recommend you do.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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The most scenic road trips in Sicily: volcanoes, baroque beauty and fabulous food

Nov 18, 2021 • 5 min read

Explore the beauty of Sicily with our pick of the best road trips on the island © Martyn Goddard / Getty Images

Sicily’s mountainous interior and craggy coast are dotted with beautiful villages, ancient sites and natural wonders like active volcanoes.

Distances aren’t lengthy, which leaves more time to savor your discoveries. On these road trips (four by land, one by sea) you’ll fully explore the very best of Sicily . One constant on each of these adventures is fabulous food and drink.

West Sicily

Best for families.

Palermo–Marsala; 116 miles [186km]; allow 2–3 days

This drive, which has something for all ages, begins in Palermo . Follow the coast road in the west until you veer inland for Segesta . The famous archeological site here features a hauntingly beautiful Doric temple and a hilltop amphitheater with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Back on the sea, the delightful end-of-the-road village Scopello is the gateway to the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro . It’s a wonderland of hikes to hidden beaches, coves and steep headlands. Next, cut due west to Erice , perched high above a fairytale coastal landscape. Pause to try the locally famous lemon and almond pastries.

Down on the coast, don’t miss the legendary fish couscous in Trapani , where the historic harbor is part of the sickle-shaped spit of land occupied by the old town.

The Saline di Trapani has been a center for salt production since ancient times. Give your car a rest and take a short boat ride to the island of Mozia , home to one of Europe’s finest Phoenician archaeological sites. 

Finish the road trip in Marsala , renowned for its fortified wines both sweet and dry.

Around Mt Etna

Best for hillside culture.

Enna–Catania; 98 miles [158km]; allow 2–3 days

Begin your road trip in the imposing hill town of Enna , smack in Sicily’s geographic center. A climb to the Castello di Lombardia at the top of town affords fine views over the rolling landscape to the north, which you’ll soon be traveling through. 

Nearby, Calascibetta’s most impressive sight is its landmark cathedral, the 14th-century Chiesa Madre . Just northwest is the Necropoli di Realmese , boasting some 300 rock tombs dating from 850 BCE. 

An attractive baroque town further north, Leonforte’s drawcard is the lavish 1651 Granfonte fountain. Amidst four hills, the town of Nicosia revolves around central Piazza Garibaldi. Check out the churches and palazzi (mansions). Southeast, lovely Agira is a sloping hillside village capped by a medieval Norman castle.

Centuripe is a small town whose grandstand views of Mt Etna have earned it the nickname ‘il Balcone di Sicilia’ (the Balcony of Sicily). Stop in for tastings of local honey, pistachios and wine across the flanks of Mt Etna . Finish in cosmopolitan Catania , where edgy bars enliven Unesco-recognized baroque piazzas.

Mediterranean coast wonders

Best for ancient spectacles.

Syracuse–Marsala; 234 miles [376km]; allow 3–5 days

Start this trip in Syracuse and drive west, never straying far from the Mediterranean as you drive between beautiful cities and beguiling ruins.

First up, Noto’s golden-hued sandstone buildings make it the finest baroque town in Sicily. Due west, medieval Modica climbs steeply up both sides of a deep gorge. Take time to discover its Unesco-listed treasures. Set amid rocky peaks, Ragusa’s sloping tangle of a historic center is etched into the hillside.

Right below Agrigento , the splendid Valley of the Temples boasts the best-preserved Doric temples outside of Greece and is one of Sicily’s unmissable highlights. Seaside Sciacca dates to the 5th century BCE – today it’s a laid-back town with an attractive medieval core and excellent seafood restaurants. Just south and built on a promontory overlooking the sea, the mysterious Greek ruins of Selinunte are among the island’s most impressive, dating to around the 7th century BCE.

Finish the trip at Marsala, an elegant town of stately baroque buildings within a perfect square of Phoenician-era city walls. Its eponymous sweet dessert wines are the ideal end to the journey.

Mountainous Sicily

Best for traditional towns.

Round trip from Cefalù; 188 miles [303km]; allow 2–3 days

Discover Sicily’s more traditional side along the beautiful back roads of the Madonie and Nebrodi Mountains. From Cefalù head east along the coast, then climb towards the mountain town of Mistretta. Here, grand views of the little-visited Nebrodi Mountains and a distant Mt Etna unfold. After exploring the medieval village of Nicosia, continue south to Enna , a handsome hill town that marks Sicily’s geographic center. 

Snake back north via Gangi into the heart of the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie, a magnificent natural landscape dotted with hazelnut orchards, ash forests and photogenic hilltop towns. Centered around pretty Piazza del Popolo, Petralia Soprana (1147m) is the Madonie’s highest village. Explore the old stone streets and churches here and in nearby Petralia Sottana. A bit west, Polizzi Generosa is now best known as a trekking base for the Madonie.

Medieval Collesano features the Targa Florio museum , which celebrates the history of the Madonie’s storied mountain road race. Due east, Castelbuono is presided over by its magnificent 14th-century castle. Return north to the coast and Cefalù. 

Aeolian Islands

Great for island-hopping.

Milazzo–Alicudi; 116 miles [187km]; allow 2–6 days

One of Sicily’s best road trips barely includes any roads. Leave the car behind and hop a boat for this island-hopping adventure through the Aeolian Islands – seven volcanic beauties with seven distinct personalities, all connected by ferry and hydrofoil to Sicily’s north coast. 

Begin by cruising across the Tyrrhenian from Milazzo to Lipari , home to the islands’ only sizable town. Split your time between urban pleasures and excursions to the beaches and walking trails outside town. 

From Lipari, fast and slow boats fan out to the other six islands. Vulcano is just south and features black-sand beaches, mud baths and the signature smoking crater. Next up is lush green Salina , home to vineyards and famous capers. Further along, remote Filicudi features a hilltop ruin of a Bronze Age village, Alicudi is wonderfully off-the-beaten-track, and  Panarea has whitewashed villages. Save the most dramatic island for last: ever-erupting Stromboli , which offers superb hiking.

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

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

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

But first, why should you trust us?

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

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

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

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

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

Sound good? Off we go to Sicily!

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

How Many Days Do You Need in Sicily?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Start and End Your Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Sicily

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

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sicily?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Sicily

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

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

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

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

See? Said our guide. A suggestion. 

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

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

Public Transportation in Sicily

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

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

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

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

Planning Your Sicily Itinerary: Route Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

But what if you have less time?

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

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

7 Days in Sicily

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

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

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

Eastern Sicily in 7 Days

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

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

Western Sicily in 7 Days

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

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

10 Days in Sicily

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

Eastern Sicily in 10 Days

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

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

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

Western Sicily

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

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

Two Weeks in Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Complete Guide to Planning a Two Week Sicily Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Exploring Catania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Catania

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Catania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to Taormina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Taormina

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting Mount Etna on a Guided Tour from Catania

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

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

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

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

Visiting Mount Etna On Your Own

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

Without a rental car is a bit more complicated. 

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 & 5: Syracuse & Ortigia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Quick Geography Lesson

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

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

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

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

Getting to Siracusa

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

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

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

Things to Do in Syracuse & Ortigia

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

Visiting the Parco Archeologico Neapolis

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Things to Do in Siracusa and Ortigia

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

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

Where to Stay in Syracuse & Ortigia

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

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

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

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

Day 6 & 7: Val di Noto

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Do in the Val di Noto

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

Here’s how we would spend them. 

Exploring the Town of Noto

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

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

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

The Vendicari Reserve

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Afternoon / Evening in Marzamemi 

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

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

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

Where to Stay in the Val di Noto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Modica & Drive to Agrigento

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Do in Modica: A Nice City Walk

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

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

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

Day 9: Agrigento & Valle dei Templi

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Agrigento

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples)

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

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

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

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

How to Get There

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

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

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

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

Ticket Costs

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

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

More information here .

When to Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ticket Costs : 6 Euros per person. 

More information here . 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Castellammare del Golfo

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

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

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

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

Day 11: Day Trip to Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to the Park

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

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

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

Costs and Hours

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

What to Do in Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Know Before You Go

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

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

Days 12 – 14: Exploring Palermo

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

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

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

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

What to Do in Palermo

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Palermo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Do with More Time in Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Visit Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

AMAZING ARTICLE!

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

Thanks !! 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sicily Road Trip: Great Tips, Destinations and Map

Page Contents

SICILY ROAD TRIP

Sicily is an area of stunningly diverse scenery, and this Sicily road trip takes you from incredible canyons to creepy catacombs and from mountain towns to beautiful beaches. Our itinerary has a mix of experiences that can all be fitted into a week or more on a Sicilian road trip .

The ideas of places to visit include suggestions of additional day trips and experiences, so you could use the information in this article to plan a longer or shorter Sicily road trip itinerary, depending on your available time.

We took this Sicilian road trip as part of our larger Italy road trip , which was in turn, part of our year road tripping in Europe .

SICILY ROAD TRIP STOPS: SUMMARY

 Isola Bella

Planning a Trip to Sicily?

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SICILY ROAD TRIP MAP

This interactive map shows all of the places we visited on our campervanning trip through Sicily. Click the square symbol in the top right corner to expand the map, and you will see a key on the right-hand side.

Each town is highlighted with the main attractions added to the map as well. 

In addition, all of our campervan/motorhome stops are marked up with links to relevant camperstop reviews and information.

PLANNING YOUR SICILY ROAD TRIP

To plan your Sicily road trip, you’ll need to decide:

• When to visit ,
• The best way to travel on your trip,
• How you are getting to Sicily and then, the exciting part,
• Planning your Sicily road trip itinerary .
• Our FREE Road Trip Planner

We’ve discussed each of these below to help make your planning easier.

BEST TIME TO ROAD TRIP SICILY

With only one week in Sicily, it’s difficult to decide where to spend your time. The time of year you visit will impact your decisions as to places to visit on the island.

So, what is the best month to go to Sicily?

Sicily is a popular tourist destination, and therefore, in the summer months, it can become very crowded. Visitors and locals alike head to the coastal regions of Sicily as temperatures soar, along with accommodation rates.

If you still want warm weather but fewer crowds, then the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October will suit you better.

In Sicily’s winter months, the temperatures are cool, so there are far fewer crowds and room rates go down, along with the sea temperature. The chance of rain is also much higher.

Our Sicily road trip took place in mid-January, Sicily’s winter. We are crowd averse, so being able to enjoy many of Sicily’s sights without hordes of other tourists meant it was the perfect time for us to visit.

Bear this in mind when planning your own Sicily trip. And also when looking at our photos. 

What may seem an idyllic beach setting in our photos could very well be jammed-packed with sun worshippers in the summer months, as our photos of the beautiful Isola Bella beach above show.

Best Way to Travel Around Sicily

You may already have a motorhome or camper, or you may be looking at hiring a motorhome or renting a car. These factors will also determine where you begin and end your road trip.

We road-tripped Sicily in a motorhome, and we do love the freedom that kind of travel affords. We can be more flexible with our plans and adjust our itinerary to suit as we go along.

If you are looking for prices for hiring motorhomes or campers, then we recommend Motorhome Republic (now Go See ) as they can shop around for you and get the best quote.

☑️ If you are looking for MOTORHOME/CAMPER HIRE: Get a price from Motorhome Republic (now Go See) here

☑️ or CAR HIRE: check out the best deal from RentalCars.com or DiscoverCars.com

You may prefer to hire a car and book accommodation along the route, which, if you are travelling in the off-peak season, may work out cheaper in the long run for you.

You may also be able to base yourself in the same location for a few days and take day trips in the area rather than moving on to somewhere new all the time.

How to Get to Sicily

• By Air There are two main airports in Sicily: Catania and Palermo.
• By Car Ferry We caught the car ferry from Villa San Giovanni , in southwest Italy, to Messini, Sicily . Time:   30 minutes (Cost around €60 one way for a motorhome)

We were driving from mainland Italy, so it made sense to begin our trip in eastern Sicily. Once we’d road-tripped through Sicily, we were then heading off on a road trip through Spain . We needed to catch a ferry from Palermo, so again, it made sense to end our Sicily trip there.

☑️ Book the Ferry Villa San Giovanni Ferry Here

If you are driving from Europe, you could take the same route as us easily and either loop back or take the ferry elsewhere from Palermo.

Alternatively, you may be arriving by air and hiring a camper, motorhome or car once you arrive. All of these factors will influence where you begin and end your Sicily road trip.

Free Road Trip Planner – Make Life Easier

This Free printable Road Trip Planner comes in A4 or A5 and can be printed as many times as you like. Perfect to keep your planning and all necessary info in one place.

FREE Road Trip Planner

Please check your emails and confirm your email address for our FREE downloads.

🛞 For more planning tips and detailed information jump over to our post: How to Plan a Road Trip

BEST PLACES TO SEE ON A ONE-WEEK SICILY ROAD TRIP

We were campervanning on our Sicily road trip but this itinerary is just as suitable for a road trip by car and can be used to plan a shorter or longer itinerary.

1. TAORMINA

Taormina, a city on the eastern Sicilian coast, lies on a terrace against a backdrop of orchards and rolling hills. In the distance lies the towering  Mt Etna ,  the highest active volcano in Europe.

Inhabited for more than 2500 years, Taormina has been called home by the Arabs, Greeks and Italians. It has a rich history, but in more recent times, it has become a popular tourist destination because of its blue grottos, beaches, water activities and historical sites.

If you enter the old town from the north you’ll enter by the Messina Gates and then follow a pedestrian-only walkway through craft and antique shops, small streets and multicoloured alleys. 

Further along, by a large square, Piazza IX Aprile, you’ll come across the Chiesa di San Guiseppe. This historical baroque church is the centrepiece of the Piazza. The double-flight staircase of the church leads to an intricate portal constructed of different types of Taormina marble.

While at the Piazza, don’t miss the beautiful views across the ocean from the square’s observation point.

One of the main attractions of Taormina is its Ancient Greek Theatre.

It sits high on the hills, overlooking Taormina with views of Mount Etna in the distance. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is the second-largest Greek Theatre in Sicily (after Syracuse).

In summer, it’s used to stage concerts and festival events. 

Entrance fees to the Theatre cost €13.50 Euro and an extra €5 for an audio guide. If you are visiting in peak season though, we recommend a skip-the-line ticket to save time .

Here’s a video snippet of Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre. 

2. ISOLA BELLA

Under the watchful eye of Taormina town, you’ll find the beautiful ‘ Pearl of the Ionian Sea ’, Isola Bella. This is a small island and nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar. 

Privately owned until the 1990s, the island is now under the administration of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Depending on the tide, you may be able to get onto the island from the small sand strip connecting it to the bay.

Whilst near the island, a local boat owner offered us a trip to visit the Blue Grotto at the nearby island of Capri for €25 each, with a promise of about 45 minutes of boat sightseeing time. 

We’ve been told that it is easy to pick up boat tours in the area here.

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave, which has sunlight that passes through an underwater cavity. This creates a brilliant blue reflection that illuminates the water and cavern.

It was a very pretty sight but what we really enjoyed was the view across the bay to Mount Etna.

3. CASTELMOLA

Sitting over Taormina’s shoulder, lies the mountain town of Castelmola.

There was only one way to go to get to Castelmola from the beach — and that was up. Having made it about halfway, one of the earlier boat tour guides drove past and offered us a free ride to the Castelmola at the top of the hill.

We weren’t about to say no. David, a chatty Sicilian who also ran the local stand-up paddleboard /windsurf/kiteboard school, gave us a brief history of Castelmola and recommended we visit the old church on our way back down. 

The views from the summit of Castelmola were absolutely fantastic with Mt Etna seeming only an arm’s length away.

This small village is a natural terrace that has been built around the ruins of a Norman castle, with the walls being all that remain of the fortress.

After exploring Castelmora and taking in the magnificent views, take the downhill pathway leading towards Taormina and visit the Santuario Madonna della Rocca church. Carved into the rock in 1640, the church’s rocky roof is an interesting contrast to the white-washed walls and fresco decorations.

The steep descent from the church into Taormina offers magical views of the coast and nearby islands, including the Ancient Greek theatre of Taormina.

There are many Sicily tours and experiences that depart from Taormina , so while you are in the area, you may like to check out any that may interest you.

Tours and day trips from Taormina include:

☑️ Godfather and Mafia Tour with Sicilian Lunch

☑️ Etna Upper Craters Day Tour

☑️ Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorges

4. SYRACUSE

If you are a lover of history, then make sure to plan a stop on your Sicily itinerary, at Syracuse. It’s most famous for its Neapolis Archaeological Park which houses the largest Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily, Greek.

This huge amphitheatre, originally built in the 5th century BC, and further modified during the time of the Romans, had 59 rows and could once hold around 15,000 people.

5. CAVAGRANDE DEL CASSIBILE

The next stop on this Sicily road trip was Cavagrande del Cassibile.

If you enjoy a hike and dramatic scenery, then taking the trail down through the Cavagrande Canyon to the Cassibile River is something that you should add to your Sicily trip itinerary.

At the bottom of the Cavagrande, beside the river,  the rocks have weathered away to form natural steps/seating and the river cascades over several small waterfalls. 

>>> READ MORE: Hike to Cavagrande del Cassibile Canyon

A ‘must’ town on our Sicily road trip itinerary was Modica.

Modica is part of the Val di Noto area. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style.  Moreover, since 2002 it has been recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

However, it wasn’t so much the Baroque architecture, nor its prized Cathedral of St George , that was drawing us in.

I wanted to discover the secret surrounding one of my particular passions… Chocolate .

I was in search of Modica’s  Aztec-inspired chocolate, apparently one of the world’s best-kept secrets .

 … And not just one bar. I’d heard there were several flavours to sample.

We all know that whilst road tripping, the next bend in the road can often reveal a pandora’s box of treasures.

But , it can also result in: traffic mayhem, narrow streets, stressful situations and screams of,

“ Get me out of here “.

Modica was the latter.

Having left  Cavagrande Cassabile Canyon  behind us, our road trip route was taking us towards southern Sicily with visions of chocolate shops and tantalising tastings.

We’d been  travelling through Europe in our motorhome  for over 6 months by this time and tended to avoid driving into the major cities due to the amount of traffic, the size of our campervan and the added stress of navigation when there are five lanes of traffic to contend with.

The little town of Modica would be a breeze … or so we thought. It wasn’t. I t was hectic.

Even though it was winter, there was lots of traffic and oodles of narrow streets. But not only narrow. Parked cars lined up along them, making it almost impossible to get our campervan past. 

We were forced to drive on the pavement, got lost, reversed up for oncoming traffic numerous times and got lost again.

Do you know those road trip days that don’t quite go to plan? This was one.

Surprisingly, the lure of Aztec chocolate wasn’t enough to outweigh the desire to extricate ourselves from the neverending warren of twisting alleyways. So we beat a hasty retreat out of town.

Life on the road isn’t always rainbows and butterflies.

Other Baroque towns in the Val de Noto area are Noto, Catania, Ragusa, Palazzolo and Scicli.

So, if travelling through Sicily by motorhome, plan carefully where you may park and be forewarned of the narrow maze of streets. We’d love to hear about whether you make it to Modica’s many chocolate shops 🙂

We decided that our next motorhome stop for the night would be in Enna, an ancient city on the summit of a hill surrounded by cliffs. Enna is about as central as you can get in Sicily and as such, it’s known as the navel of Sicily .

After the mayhem in Modica, we studied the paper map, the GPS navigator and google maps methodically to ensure we found a viable way into Enna and knew exactly where we were going to park. 

We had our hearts set on a free campervan carpark right by the Castello di Lombardia in the old part of town.

You can never be quite sure about what type of motorhome parking you will be arriving at, especially when the overnight stops are free. Moreover, if there aren’t any reviews for that campsite it’s difficult to judge whether the site is a good choice.

At some sites, we just took one look and kept driving.

That’s what we thought we’d have to do arriving in Enna because all the double campervan parks were taken.

However, Lady Luck was on our side because just around the corner, we found a space for our 7.5m long beast. This park was still within the ‘zoned parking’ area so we were set for the night.

We set off to walk the Lombardia Castle perimeter and followed the signs to the viewpoint at the Rocca di Cerere.

Near the Castello di Lombardia is a small pathway to Rocca di Cerere, the site of the foundations of the Temple of Demeter. Although not much remains, it is a lovely spot to admire the magnificent views from this centrepiece of Sicily.

We awoke the next day to the persistent patter of rain on the roof. Luckily, this soon abated into intermittent showers. In our books, this falls under marginal but ‘still good enough’ conditions for sightseeing.

Fog shrouded the cobblestoned streets and it was surprisingly quiet for a Sunday morning.

The first on our list of things to see was the 14th-century Cathedral of Enna, in the centre of the old town.

A sole, local parishioner, Giovanni, introduced himself when he realised we were tourists and proceeded to proudly show us around. He was keen to show us the back area of the church, the Alessi Museum and tell us about hidden treasures.

Who doesn’t get excited when they hear the word treasure?

This ornately decorated room held the treasures of the cathedral in another locked room which included a gold crown embedded with diamonds, thousands of ancient coins and other collections . 

With the weather deteriorating, we left Enna and drove north on the A19, drawing ever closer to Palermo, the capital of Sicily and the final stop on this Sicily road trip.

8. PALERMO, THE CAPITAL OF SICILY

Not to be missed when road tripping through Sicily is Palermo, its vibrant capital.

It’s full of history, culture and diversity, and with the infamous Mafia Wars now behind it, Palermo is becoming the pearl of Sicily.

Originally founded in the 8th century, the city of Palermo has had many rulers. These include the Greeks, Romans and Arabs. However, the most recent ‘power’ to lose its hold over Palermo, was the infamous Mafiosa.

In 1992, the Mafia Wars came to a head, but since then, Palermo has gradually regenerated and reclaimed its heritage. Community and cultural spaces now dominate what was once no-go, derelict areas of the city.

Palermo was named the Italian Culture Capital in 2018 and UNESCO recommended that its historical centre be declared a world heritage site.

We managed to pack all these things to do in Palermo into one day.

1. VISIT THE PALERMO CATACOMBS

This was an interesting start to our Palermo visit. The Capuchin Catacombs house over 2000 mummies in the dark underground corridors of the Capuchin Monastery.

It is an eerie feeling walking among the dead, some propped up and hanging along the walls while others lay limply on shelves.  The experience evoked mixed emotions, but the children’s chapel area brought with it an intense sadness.

There, in pride of place, lays one of the last bodies to be mummified and displayed in the catacombs here. It is the tiny body of two-year-old Rosario Lombardo, known as Sicily’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ as she is preserved so well.

>>> READ MORE: Palermo Catacombs: The Mysterious and Macabre

2. STROLL AROUND OLD TOWN PALERMO

Stepping out of the catacombs and back into the land of the living, we walked to the street of  Corso Vittorio Emanuele.  This is the main road that runs through the old part of Palermo.

The street led us to the impressive Porta Nuova, the entryway to the old part of the city. This majestic archway with the two figures on either side of the gate represents the defeat of Tunis by Charles V in the 1500s.

If you love food you may like to take either of these Palermo tours:

☑️ Three-hour street food and history tour in Palermo

☑️ Private walking tour with lunch .

3. VISIT PALERMO CATHEDRAL

Walking further east along  Corso Vittorio Emanuele,  it is impossible not to miss the spectacular Palermo Cathedral.

It was built in 1185, but its attributes feature different architecture and styling due to the renovations completed over many centuries.

4. WALK BY THE SQUARE OF SHAME

In the heart of the historic centre, you’ll find the Praetorian Fountain. Here, twelve ancient Olympians, mythical animals and the rivers of Palermo adorn the ornate fountain.

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the fountain was considered a depiction of the corrupt municipality of Palermo.

For this reason and also because of the nudity of the statues, the square became known as ‘ Piazza della Vergogna ‘, the Square of Shame.

5. TAKE A TWIRL IN THE FOUR SEASONS

Next, we came to the octagonal Piazza Vigliena of Quattro Canti.

Here, four streets, separated by four Baroque buildings, lead into the piazza. Each building has a near-identical façade, apart from their fountains, which have a statue representing one of the four seasons.

6. TAKE A STROLL IN GIARDINO GARIBALDI PARK

A short walk away, heading east from the Piazza, sits the shady Giardino Garibaldi Park. Not only was this the place where the first police murder by the mafia took place, but, on a brighter note, it is also home to Palermo’s oldest tree, a venerable 25m high, 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig tree.

The Moreton Bay Fig, otherwise known as the Australian Banyan, is native to the east coast of Australia. Therefore we felt right at home standing beside this beauty.

7. LA CALA, PALERMO’S YACHT HARBOUR AND MARINA

Finally, we came to Palermo’s award-winning regeneration scheme, La Cala, Palermo’s yacht harbour and marina. It’s difficult to believe that before 2005 this was a dangerous, derelict area. 

Nowadays though, due to the city’s regeneration program, you will find luxurious yachts rocking and swaying in the sparkling turquoise waters.

These things to do are just the tip of the iceberg and there are so many other experiences or day trips from Palermo that you could plan into your Sicily Road trip.

☑️ Plan your Palermo experiences and day trips to other parts of Sicily by browsing these awesome options here

DRIVING IN SICILY

• In Sicily, you drive on the right.
• Seatbelts are compulsory
• Drivers licence (An international driver’s licence isn’t required if you hold a driver’s licence issued by an EU Member State )
• Vehicle insurance
• Vehicle registration document
• Reflective Vest – to be used when getting out of the car in an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
• Warning triangle – to be used in the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.
• 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
• 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor out-of-town roads
• 110km/hr (30mph) on major out-of-town roads
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
• In the event of rain or snow, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads.
• Cars with trailers or caravans: in urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph); on minor out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph); on major out-of-town roads 70 km/h (44 mph); on motorways 80 km/h (50 mph). 
• Camper vans weighing over 3.5 tonnes and under 12 tonnes: in urban areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph); on minor out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph); on major out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph); on motorways 100 km/h (62 mph). 
• Toll Roads : Most of the roads in Sicily are toll-free, but the A18 and the A20 do have Toll booths. Toll prices depend on the distance you travel,  so on entering a toll motorway you collect a ticket from an automated machine, and the ticket must then be presented at the toll gate upon exit. Tolls can be paid by cash, credit card, prepaid card or electronic tags.

This little ‘Ape’ car has certainly seen better days, but this type of car is found everywhere in Sicily. Perfect for the tiny roads… Lars definitely wished he was driving one of these instead of our 7.5-metre long motorhome on our Sicily road trip.

Don’t let this put you off renting or driving a campervan in Sicily though. Just be wary of driving in busy towns. Sometimes staying on the outskirts is easier and catching public transport into the cities is the better way to go.  

Having your own transport is the easiest way to explore Sicily, but you need to stay sharp and be very aware of what other drivers are doing at all times.

>>> READ MORE: The Best Motorhome Tips for Beginners

MORE POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT DRIVING IN SICILY:

• Some signage can be confusing or absent
• Know the towns you are going through, the number of the road may not be on the directional signs
• Drivers can be very erratic, too fast, too slow, aggressive
• Do not assume drivers in Sicily will follow the road rules – be ready for anything.
• Forget everything you know about ‘give way’ rules at roundabouts in Sicily
• Roads can be extremely narrow
• Be careful on blind bends — drivers can come around them like Speedy Gonzales
• Your GPS may not be accurate in some spots — ours sent us around in circles in Modica!

Where to Stay on Your Sicily Road Trip

We motorhomed around Sicily and have included our motorhome stops in our Sicily Road Trip Map above , as well as listing them below.

Sicily Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers

All of these camper stops are marked up on our Sicily Road Trip Map above.

• Giardini Naxos :  Paid campervan campsite  near Taormina with a view of Mount Etna in the distance. This campsite was very close to the local bus stop of Racenta, where you can catch a bus to Taormina for a €3 return. 
• Cavagrande del Cassabile – Free campervan car park beside the trail down to the Cassibile River. No facilities. 
• Enna – Free parking for campervan on the street, no facilities [ Note 2022: The parking may not be available now as Camper Contact is no longer listing it – if not then this campsite is an alternative:  Camping Agrituristica Paparanza ]
• Palermo – Paid Campervan Campsite,  Freesbee Motorhome Park , quiet with facilities (inc electricity)  and within easy reach of public transport to Palermo city centre. You can buy an all-day bus ticket at the office here, for about €3, and the bus stops right outside the campsite. The bus takes about 20 minutes to get into the centre of Palermo. 

Road Trip Accommodation in Sicily

If you are travelling by car and looking for accommodation on your Sicily road trip then we recommend finding the best deals on Booking.com — especially those that can be cancelled free of charge if you have a change of plans.

Sicily Road Trip … That’s a Wrap

This Sicily Road Trip 7-day itinerary has a mixture of experiences that can all be fitted into a week’s road trip through the country.

You can hike in Cassibile Canyon, climb the hill to Castelmola, visit the creepy catacombs in Palermo, stroll along Sicily’s beautiful beaches and sample the Sicilian fare.

We’d love to hear about your Sicily road trip and your favourite places…

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READ MORE ON ITALY:

• The Matera Alberobello Effect, Italy
• The Enchanting Alberobello Trulli
• Campervanning in Italy: Your Ultimate Guide

OTHER EUROPE ROAD TRIPS

• Croatia:  Croatia Road Trip: 10 Day Perfect Plan 
• Ireland:  7 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary 
• Albania:  Albania Road Trip: A country of surprises 
• Spain:  Spain Road Trip: Sensational Places and Itineraries
• France: Motorhoming in France: Your Ultimate Guide

PLANNING YOUR TRAVELS?

These are some of the travel resources we use when planning our trips.

• 🚘 Car Hire: We use DiscoverCars.com
• Motorhome/Campervan Rental : We highly recommend the  Motorhome Republic
• 🛏 Book Accommodation : We use  Booking.com  to find accommodation that suits our budget
• 🆓 Free Accommodation : Check Out TrustedHousesitters here
• Activities and Experiences:    Get Your Guide and Viator
• Travel Insurance : World Nomads
• 🥾 Travel Gear and Accessories: Check out our top picks  here —  Lifejourney4two page on Amazon  
• 🛒 Wall Art : Shop  our ETSY store

For a more  thorough list visit  our  Travel Resources page here.

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Sicily Road Trip: the Coast-to-Coast Itinerary

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Freelance writer for Indie Campers, currently trying to find herself in Indonesia but without much luck. Enjoys exploring weird and wonderful world cuisine — the less identifiable, the better.

Sicily by Car – 10-Day Road Trip to Sicily

Home | Travel | Europe | Italy | Sicily | Sicily by Car – 10-Day Road Trip to Sicily

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Taking a 10-day road trip to Sicily  was an incredible experience, as it was the first trip we took together. We wanted to visit Italy, and since we went in the summer, we decided on Sicily to avoid the heat and the tourists that overcrowd cities like Rome. Looking back, we fully enjoyed our journey exploring  Sicily by car !

Although there are many   things to do in Sicily , 10 days is plenty of time to tour the entire island and see the most important landmarks, especially if you rent a car.

Despite Sicilians’ reputation as bad drivers, we didn’t have any problems during our  10 days in Sicily . Of course, if you’re going to rent a car here, I recommend purchasing full coverage car insurance since our rental company tried to charge us for a scratch on the car that we weren’t responsible for. I also suggest checking our guide on how to find cheap rental cars .

But first, let me tell you how to optimize your time so you can take full advantage of your 10-day road trip in Sicily.

Best Sicily 10-day itinerary

While you can plan a  driving route in Sicily in fewer (or more) days, 10 days is enough time to drive around Sicily and see the island’s main attractions. To help you out, this is the best 10-day Sicily itinerary :

• Day 1 : Palermo
• Day 2 : Monreale and Cefalù
• Day 3 : Stromboli
• Day 4 : Taormina
• Day 5 : Climb Mount Etna
• Day 6 : Syracuse
• Day 7 : Noto, Modica, and Ragusa
• Day 8 : Agriento and Scala dei Turchi
• Day 9 : Selinunte, Marsala, and Trapani
• Day 10 : Zingaro Nature Reserve

Day 1: Palermo – The beginning of your road trip to Sicily

♦   20 miles (40 min by car)

My ideal  10-day Sicily itinerary  begins in Palermo , the capital city. Parking in the center of Palermo is indeed pure chaos, but the airport is about 40 minutes away, so it’s easier to pick up your rental car as soon as you land. That way, you won’t have to waste time making the journey back to the airport the next day.

There are lots of cool  things to do in Palermo , but you can see all the main points of interest in one day. If you don’t want to walk all day long, you can take this hop-on/hop-off bus , which follows two tourist routes that stop at all the important sites. You can also take this free tour  to get to know some of the most iconic attractions in the city.

If you’re going to explore on your own, I suggest spending the morning visiting the Teatro Massimo , the largest opera house in Italy; as well as the  Vucciria  market, where you can find all kinds of products from southern Italy. I also recommend visiting the  Praetorian Fountain  in Piazza Pretoria, the famous  Quattro Canti  square, and the  Palermo Cathedral , a magnificent structure that outshines the Monreale Cathedral.

Around lunchtime, be sure to check out the food at Vucciria market or Pizza Ferrari. We ate at this pizzeria and it was one of the best pizzas we had in Sicily. That said, the  arancini  at La Vucciria is also spectacular.

During your  driving tour through Sicily , you must stop at the  Palace of the Normans , one of the most historical places in Palermo. I recommend taking this  guided tour  in the afternoon to learn more about the palace, as well as the  Palatine Chapel  and the  Capuchin Catacombs .

Finally, if you’re into the nightlife scene, the best party spot is the area around La Vucciria.

Day 1 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations

For your first night in Sicily, I recommend staying in the city center so you can be close to all the main points of interest. Just be sure to  plan where you’re going to park  since some hotels don’t offer parking.

These are my recommended hotels for the first night of your  Sicily trip :

• Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – This hotel has private parking for $18/day
• Grand Hotel et Des Palmes
• Politeama Palace

Day 2: Monreale and Cefalù – Two cool places to visit in Sicily by rental car

♦   135 miles (3 hrs by car)

To make the most of day 2 of your  10-day Sicily itinerary , I recommend getting up early and heading to the  Monreale Cathedral . It’s about 30 minutes from the center of Palermo by car, and it’s one of the island’s most famous cathedrals, as well as a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site.

The next stop is Cefalù, which is about an hour’s drive away. This small coastal town is perfect for a  Sicily day trip  because you can see all the important places in one day. Some of the  top things to do in Cefalù  include climbing atop  La Rocca  for incredible views, visiting the Norman-style  Cefalù Cathedral and the Mandralisca Museum, and seeing the Fiume Cefalino  medieval wash-house.

Besides being so-called the Norman citadel, Cefalù is also famous for its lovely beaches, so I recommend taking this boat tour  to explore the coast. For something to eat, I suggest dining at Al Faro, which offers stunning ocean views. And, for dessert, check out the corner pastry shop at Piazza del Duomo, which has awesome cannoli.

To end this second day of your  Sicily road trip , drive to Milazzo, which is about an hour and a half away (95 miles). In the morning, you can take the ferry to the Aeolian Islands, a must-see during your  tour around Sicily .

Day 2 of your 10-day Sicily itinerary – Recommended accommodations

For the second night of your  10-day Sicily itinerary , I recommend sleeping in Milazzo. These are the best options near the ferry terminal:

• Eolian Milazzo Hotel
• Hotel La Bussola
• Hotel Milazzo

Day 3: Stromboli – The best place to see Sicily in 10 days

♦   2 hrs by ferry

From Milazzo, you can take a ferry to  Stromboli , one of the most beautiful places we visited during our  10 days in Sicily . I recommend taking the first ferry from  this company , which takes about 2 hours to reach the island.

Stromboli is one of the best Aeolian Islands, thanks to its active Stromboli volcano, a must-see during your  Sicily road trip .

Moreover, Stromboli has a lovely village full of narrow, white streets. You won’t see cars here, just bicycles, motorcycles, and classic Piaggo Apes, which are Italian three-wheeled vehicles. Walking through the town is a pleasant experience, and while you’re there, I recommend visiting the  Parish of San Vincenzo Ferreri  and the beautiful black sand beaches, such as the  Aeolus Grotto .

When it’s time to eat, head to La Terrazza di Eolo, which overlooks the Strombolicchio, a volcanic sea stack.

Thanks to its size, it’s easy to  visit Stromboli in one day . That said, I suggest staying overnight so you can take  this hiking excursion to the top of the Stromboli volcano to see the lava flows. Climbing the volcano without a certified guide is not only dangerous, but also illegal, so if you want to do this activity, be sure to book in advance.

Day 3 of your route through Sicily by car – Recommended accommodations

The best way to maximize your  Sicily day trip  is by staying overnight in Stromboli. The town is beautiful but quite small, so there aren’t many accommodations. I recommend booking one of these in advance so you can get a good night’s rest and continue  traveling around Sicily  in the morning:

• Hotel Ossidiana Stromboli
• Il Gabbiano Relais in Stromboli
• La Sirenetta Park Hotel

Day 4: Taormina – An essential stop on your road trip through Sicily

♦   2 hrs by ferry + 55 miles (1 hr 30 min by car)

After visiting beautiful Stromboli, the next thing to do on your  10-day Sicily itinerary  is to take the return ferry and head to  Taormina . This lovely city is about an hour and a half drive from Milazzo.

However, before arriving in Taormina, I recommend making a stop in  Savoca , especially if you’re a fan of  The Godfather . Here, you can walk through some famous areas that were featured in scenes from the movie, and it’s one of the best  things to see in Savoca .

As for Taormina, this city is known for its  Greek theater , which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. In the 19th century, it became a luxury tourist destination for European nobles, and today, it’s one of the most impressive sites in Italy.

Moreover, Taormina sits on a cliffside, over 650 feet above sea level, making it one of the most magnificent stops on your  Sicily road trip . Plus, there are many  things to do in Taormina . Besides visiting the Greek theater, you can walk along Corso Umberto Street and stop by the Duomo di Taormina cathedral and Piazza IX Aprile.

I also recommend riding the funicular down to  Isola Bella , a small island with a hidden residence that has housed several famous guests over the years.

For one of the best sunsets in Italy, go up to  Sanctuary Madonna della Rocca , where you’ll get stunning city views on one side while overlooking Mount Etna on the other.

Finally, if you’re looking for a good place to have lunch or dinner, I highly recommend  Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro , which was awarded the honor of second-best pizza in the world.

Day 4 of your Sicily trip – Recommended accommodations

Taormina is one of the best places to stay in Sicily, especially if you want a luxury hotel. So, for your fourth day traveling through  Sicily by car , I recommend these accommodations:

• Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel – Located in historical old town
• La Plage Resort – This hotel has a private beach
• Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel
• NH Collection Taormina

Day 5: Climb the Etna volcano – The best thing to do in Sicily in 10 days

♦   100 miles (2 hrs 15 min by car)

Mount Etna  is one of the most essential stops on any  Sicily road trip . Unfortunately, our tour got canceled because the volcano erupted right before we arrived in Sicily. However, if you have the chance to go, I recommend  this hiking tour .

During this excursion, you’ll take a guided hike to explore the stunning scenery of Mount Etna, 11,000 feet above sea level. You’ll ride a cable car and Jeep up the volcano, then do a 1.5-hour trek to the final summit.

This hike will take up your entire morning, but if you have the energy for it, you can take advantage of the natural beauty of  Gole dell Alcantara , a basalt canyon formed millions of years ago after a volcanic eruption.

While you’re in the area, you can also  visit Aci Trezza , a charming coastal village where you’ll find the popular Faraglioni, a group of small sea stacks formed by Etna’s volcanic activity.

We decided to spend the night here since we wanted some peace and quiet. However, if you prefer the nightlife, you can stay in  Catania , an important city in Eastern Sicily. It’s just 20 minutes away and even has an international airport.

If your  Sicily driving itinerary  includes an overnight stay in Aci Trezza, I recommend having dinner at  La Cambusa del Capitano .

Day 5 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations

For day 5 of your  Sicily road trip , these are the top hotels in Aci Trezza and Catania:

• Ciclope Resort – Aci Trezza
• Il Principe Hotel Catania – Catania
• Duomo Luxury Suites – Catania

Day 6: Syracuse – An essential stop on your route through Sicily by car

♦   70 miles (1 hr 40 min by car)

If you spent the night in Aci Trezza, I suggest waking up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise as it lights up the Faraglioni. Then, hop in the car, and drive about 1.5 hours to  Syracuse , another can’t-miss stop on your  10-day Sicily itinerary .

Syracuse is special because it’s one of the most historical Greek cities in Italy. While there are lots of attractions you can visit in  Syracuse in one day , I recommend booking  this tour , which will make the most of your time while teaching you more about the history of the town.

During the tour, you’ll visit the  Archaeological Park of Neapolis , where you’ll see a Greek amphitheater, the altar of Hiero II, the Ear of Dionysius cave, and the Greek theater. The tour also includes a stop on the island of  Ortygia  in the historical center of Syracuse. There, you’ll visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Fountain of Arethusa, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and other tourist attractions.

If you have time in the afternoon, I suggest going to the protected marine area of Plemmirio, which is just 20 minutes outside the city and boasts hidden coves.

Finally, take a break at  La Cambusa  in Ortygia, where you can enjoy some delicious food.

Day 6 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations

On the sixth night of your  10-day Sicily road trip , I suggest staying overnight in Ortygia so you can see this beautiful city at night. Here are my top hotel recommendations:

• Hotel Livingston
• Hotel Gargallo
• Hotel Henry’s House

Day 7: Noto, Modica, and Ragusa – Must-sees on your 10-day Sicily itinerary

♦   55 miles (1 hr 45 min by car)

On day 7 of your  driving tour of Sicily , you’ll get to explore the southeastern part of the island. This area suffered a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in 1963, in which nearly all the buildings collapsed. Afterward, the city attempted to rebuild the area in a style that later became known as Sicilian Baroque.

The three most important cities here are Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.  Noto , which is referred to as the Garden of Stone and an excellent example of Sicilian Baroque, is a must-see on your  10-day Sicily itinerary  if you want to witness this distinct architectural style.

Modica  is known for manufacturing cocoa, and the chocolate they produce here is made through a cold brewing process, similar to what the Aztecs did. Here, you can find the  Antica Dolceria Bonajuto , the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily.

Finally,  Ragusa  is a lovely town perched on a hill, and from here, you can see the areas affected by the famous earthquake. I suggest looking through our guide on  what to see in southeast Sicily  to find more things to do around Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.

On the other hand, if you prefer nature over history and architecture, you can skip one of these cities and instead go to the  Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve . Here, you’ll find lovely natural pools where you can swim and relax.

Day 7 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations

After this seventh day of  driving around Sicily , I recommend stopping in Ragusa since it’s the closest to your next stop. These are my favorite hotels in the area:

• Itria Palace
• De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel
• Iblaresort Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi – Essential stops on your Sicily road trip

♦   85 miles (2 hrs 20 min by car)

On your eighth day traveling around  Sicily by car , you’ll visit Agrigento, which has the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Here, you’ll find the Valley of the Temples, a highlight on any Sicily itinerary.

The Valley of the Temples, a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site, is an archaeological expanse containing several important ruins, such as the temples of Hera, Hephaestus, and Heracles. All of these temples are well-preserved, except for that of Hephaestus.

Visiting all of the temples in one day just isn’t possible, but this  e-scooter tour  will help you see the most famous ones while learning some little-known details you might have otherwise missed.

During day 8 of your  10-day Sicily itinerary , you can also visit the  Scala dei Turchi  (Staircase of the Turks). This white stone cliff has taken on a peculiar shape thanks to years of wind and water erosion, and it’s quite a popular sight, so I highly recommend it!

Day 8 of your route through Sicily by rental car – Recommended accommodations

After an intense day exploring the Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi, you’ll want to sleep in a comfortable bed. Here are the best hotels in Agrigento:

• Hotel Villa Athena
• Diodorus Luxury Experience
• Doric Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Selinunte, Marsala, and Trapani – The best things to see on your Sicily road trip

♦   105 miles (3 hrs by car)

On your 9th day  driving around Sicily , you’ll return to the western side of the island. It’s a lot of driving, so I recommend an early wake-up call so you can get on the road as early as possible.

As you make your way to Trapani, you might want to stop at  Selinunte , an archaeological site with ancient temples. While many of the structures are in ruins and it’s not clear who they’re devoted to, they’re still quite interesting.

Another pitstop I recommend is  Marsala , which is known for its amazing wine. There is no better way to enjoy this town than by taking a  winery tour with wine tasting .

Once in  Trapani , be sure to visit the beautiful historic center, which is free of cars. Here, you can walk around and discover the most intriguing attractions, such as Via Garibaldi, which is full of Baroque palaces. Also, be sure to walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele and check out the churches. After all, Trapani is known as “the city of 100 churches.”

Finally, end this portion of your  Sicily road trip with a visit to the Trapani Salt Pans, which take on an incredible glow at sunset.

Day 9 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations

These are the best accommodations in Trapani so you can recharge for the final day of your  driving tour through Sicily :

• Badia Nuova Apart Hotel
• Hotel San Michele
• Crystal Hotel

Day 10: Zingaro Nature Reserve – The last stop on your 10-day Sicily itinerary

For the last day on your  10-day Sicily itinerary , I recommend passing through  Erice , a gorgeous medieval town overlooking the water from nearly 2,500 feet above sea level. From here, you can get amazing views of the Trapani Salt Flats and the Aegadian Islands.

After this quick stop, you can visit the  Zingaro Nature Reserve , which boasts some of Sicily’s most incredible natural landscapes. While there are several trails, I recommend the one that runs along the coast and passes by a few coves and wild beaches. It’s a great way to see the native flora and fauna, too.

After a pleasant day in nature, continue your  driving route through Sicily  by heading back to Palermo.

On the way to the capital city, you can visit the  Temple of Segesta , which is in the city of the same name. While its construction was never completed, the temple has become one of the most impressive in Sicily, so it’s a must-see.

Day 10 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations

For your last night in Sicily, I suggest booking a room at one of the hotels I recommended in Palermo. If you have some time before your flight, you might want to spend some time exploring the capital city, visiting some places you couldn’t see your first time here.

If you’re short on time and have to catch an early flight, I recommend staying at a hotel near the airport:

• Residence Villa Rosa dei Venti
• Hotel Il Pirata
• CDSHotels Terrasini – Città del Mare

There you have it, a full itinerary to explore  Sicily by car in 10 days . All that’s left to do is start packing your bags!

Of course, you can modify this  Sicily driving tour  by skipping some attractions or adding a few more. If you don’t have that much time, I suggest skipping the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli. On the other hand, if you can afford an extra day or two, the Aegadian Islands are worth visiting, and  this excursion  from Trapani makes it very easy.

Finally, if you have any questions about the attractions and places in this guide, check out our article on the  best things to do in Sicily . You can also leave me a comment below and I’ll try to help you as much as I can.

I hope you enjoy your  road trip through Sicily  as much as we enjoyed ours! Happy travels!

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Ascen Aynat

17 replies on “ Sicily by Car – 10-Day Road Trip to Sicily ”

I’m planning a 14 night trip to Sicily with a car rental. Thinking of landing in Catania and: 3-4 nights Ortigia with trips to Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Marzamemi), 4 nights Taormina, 2 nights Cefalù, 4 nights Castellamare del Golfo with trips to San Vito Lo Capo, Scopelly, Trapani, Erice, Favignana, Segesta. Fly out of Palermo.

Do you have any suggestions on the itinerary? Are 4 nights in Ortigia too much? Would you break up the 4 nights in Castellamare to 2 nights in Castellamare and 2 nights in Trapani?

What route could you recommend…renting a car. Landing in Catania…want to visit Catania, Taormina, etna, Siracusa (the island specifically ) cefalu, agrigento, trapani & Palermo…. I was thinking of a few days in Catania-without a car…day trip company to etna, Taormina, transit to Siracusa for 1-2 nights on the island, back in Siracusa grab a car to travel west, return upon arrival in Palermo, then visit there for last couple days before our overnight ferry to Naples. OR Fly into Palermo, no car for a few days and visit trapani with a group tour, rent car on way out of Palermo to agrigento, Siracusa etc, Catania, etna, Taormina, cefalu, return to Palermo.

Thoughts? We thought we could take trains/busses but I’m hearing horror stories of schedules not being followed, broken down trains slower than busses…but busses are a free for all a few Sicilian bloggers said… my mom is 79 and is not prepared to elbow her way onto a bus lol

Sicily 12-13 days. Then 4 days a Amalfi coast, 2 nights Ischia, 2 Capri. 1 night Rome before departure.

Hi Janine, I liked your second itinerary better. I do recommend renting a car. Public transport in Sicily is not very reliable and you will save time renting your own car.

Enjoyed your blog. My husband and I plan to go this fall. We don’t speak Italian. Did you have trouble communicating, especially in smaller towns, or do you speak the language? I’ve been to a small town in Sicily about 4 years ago when my brother lived there. No one spoke English. So when I wasn’t with him, the only way I could communicate with the hotel staff (my shower door is broken; my hairdryer isn’t working, etc. ) was using a translation app. Now we’re considering hiring a tour company where we’d have a driver/interpreter. But you did it on your own. What problems, if any, did you run into? Thanks!

Dan lived in Italy for one year and can speak Italian. I don’t speak Italian but I remember communicating in English with no issues.

This looks like a terrific 10 day trip. How do we modify it if we arrive from the car ferry at Messina please? We are planning to travel to Sicily and drive in September 2022.

You are going to have so much fun! If you are arriving in Messina, just start with day 4 in our 10-day Sicily Road Trip itinerary (Taormina) and get to day 1-3 at the end of your trip.

Let me know if you have any other questions, Ascen

Wonderful summary! Thank you for this. Can you please clarify more on the car parking, driving and usefulness? We essentially want to do the same trip in a couple of weeks but unsure how a car can be accommodated (do we have to pay parking fees everywhere? Are roads easy to navigate?)

Another question: your trip was in July, which I assume is pretty hot weather – did you not need to be near the water/pools to cool off? Thanks a lot!

Thanks Rasha,

Driving in Sicily can be chaotic in big cities like Palermo or Catania, but it’s generally fine across the island. In some small popular towns and villages there are parking fees, like in Taormina, but we parked for free in most of the locations.

As regards the Sicilian heat, there are incredible beaches and delicious Sicilian ice creams to cool off 😉

Have fun in your trip! Dan

Hi Ascen, We are completing a 8 night road trip around Sicily in May 2020. Your blog is excellent and my husband is addicted to a good pizza so not doubt we will try your recommendation in Taormina. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Leanne

Great! You will find plenty of nice places where you can eat great pizzas. I miss Italy so much! Ascen

This is a wonderfully comprehensive 10 day itinerary to visit the north! I’ve been checking out many blogs since I plan to go in May 2020. Yours is one of the best if not the BEST! Please continue!! Could you do a 10 day itinerary for the South? How about one for seniors and one for families? Thank you and safe travels for the future.

Hi Marietta,

Thanks for your nice words!

We’ll try to add more itinerary options for the South in the future. Enjoy your trip to Sicily this year!

Awesome blog. Keep up the good work guys !

Thanks Antony! Glad to see you found our blog useful!

Have a nice trip in Sicily 😉

Really awesome. Loved it. Keep sharing your experience! Fantastically photographed!

Thank you Sarah! Thanks for your kind words 😉

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ROADTRIP SICILIË | De mooiste route voor twee weken

door Kim Nijmeijer | aug 12, 2023 | Italië , Roadtrips , Sicilië | 2 reacties

Sicilië. Het grootste Europese eiland in de Middellandse Zee, aan de voet van de Italiaanse laars. Het eiland heeft een grimmige geschiedenis – iets met criminele maffia – maar daar is vandaag de dag niet veel meer van te merken. In juni maakte ik een rondreis Sicilië van twee weken in een Fiat 500 en dat was een reis voor in de boekjes. De route die ik aflegde leg ik haarfijn uit in dit artikel. Ga mee op roadtrip Sicilië!

Lees ook: Heerlijk Sicilië: dit zijn 8x hoogtepunten

Laatste update: oktober 2023

ROADTRIP SICILIË

Route & planning rondreis sicilië.

Mijn roadtrip Sicilië stippelde ik van tevoren globaal uit en werkte ik ter plekke uit. Het fijne aan freestylend roadtrippen is dat je de vrijheid hebt om te gaan waar je wilt; mocht je ergens langer willen blijven, dan kan dat. Alleen de eerste overnachting en m’n huurauto boekte ik van tevoren en de rest regelde ik toen ik er eenmaal was. De route die ik aflegde ging van oost naar west en weer terug naar oost. In deze blog neem ik je mee van dag tot dag.

Lees ook: Het plannen van een rondreis of roadtrip doe je zo: 5 tips!

Route roadtrip Sicilië

Auto huren op Sicilië

De beste manier om over Sicilië te reizen is met de auto. Er is openbaar vervoer, maar niet tussen de kleine plaatsjes en naar afgelegen stukken, dus een auto is eigenlijk een must als je dingen wilt gaan zien.

Auto rijden op Sicilië is prima te doen. Italianen hebben een bijzondere rijstijl en die is nogal anders dan we op de Nederlandse wegen gewend zijn (lees: Italianen rijden als gekken, mag ik dat zeggen?). Zeker in de hoofdstad Palermo is het gekkenwerk, dus bezoek je de stad als dagtrip dan kun je hem eventueel met het openbaar vervoer bezoeken. De wegen op Sicilië zijn prima en goed onderhouden en ook de bewegwijzering is goed.

→ Ik boekte mijn vliegticket naar Catánia via Skyscanner bij en boekte er een Fiat 500 via Sunny Cars bij. Let bij het boeken van een huurauto op de kleine lettertjes en vooral op de verzekering. Aan te raden is om een volledige dekking te nemen. Zo ben je gedekt voor alle schade en is ook je eigen risico verzekerd. Als je vooraf je volledige dekking afsluit hoef je je tijdens je reis nergens meer zorgen om te maken. Bij Sunny Cars ben je altijd gegarandeerd volledig verzekerd.

Lees ook: Alles wat je moet weten als je op vakantie een auto huurt (+7 HANDIGE TIPS!)

Dag 1: Catánia

Op maandag vloog ik van Eindhoven rechtstreeks naar Catánia. De vlucht miste ik overigens bijna en dat leverde een enorme bak stress op, maar uiteindelijk kwam het goed. Catánia is een typisch Italiaanse stad. Mooi en ruig tegelijk met een heerlijk rauw randje. Hoewel de reviews over deze drukke plek niet altijd lovend zijn, vond ik de stad zeker de moeite waard om te bezoeken. De stinkende vismarkt, het grote plein, de leuke winkeltjes, je rolt in Catánia in mum van tijd het Italiaanse leven in.

Overnachting: Etnaview Apartments

Leuk verhaal: Racen tegen de klok om het vliegtuig te halen? Dat ging zo.

Dag 2: Catánia – Noto

Toch bleef ik maar één dag in Catánia. Op dag twee, aan het einde van de middag ging ik richting het zuidoosten, richting Syracuse. Maar omdat ik daar geen passende (lees: betaalbare) slaapplek kon vinden, breidde ik mijn zoekgebied ietwat uit en vond een te leuke bed & breakfast in het plaatsje Noto. En Noto is een juweeltje, kan ik je vertellen, hoewel ik daar op dag 4 pas echt achter kwam. Syracuse zelf is overigens ook prachtig.

Overnachting: San Pietro  

Dag 3: Syracuse

Dag 4: Noto/strand/Marzamemi

Tijdens een roadtrip of rondreis vliegen de dagen voorbij. Op de vierde dag van mijn rondreis bezocht ik eerst het stadje van mijn B&B, Noto. Noto is prachtig! Er is een kathedraal en een operagebouw en de met grote keien glad geplaveide hoofdstraat is beeldschoon. 

Dag 5: Agrigento – Tempelvallei – Scala dei Turchi – Trapani

De vijfde dag was een lange. Een roadtrip op zich. Van oost helemaal naar west, via zuid. Want in het zuiden kom je langs Agrigento en in de buurt van Agrigento ligt een tempelvallei. En deze Valley of the Temples staat op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO en niet zonder reden. De tempels zijn gebouwd een paar honderd jaar voor Christus en zijn het bewijs dat Sicilië Griekse wortels heeft. De tempels die nu nog te bewonderen zijn, zijn dus meer dan 2500 jaar oud en dat feit op zich is al een bijzonderheid. Een bezoek aan deze vallei is dan ook echt een must.

Dag 6: Trapani

Trapani is een westelijke kustplaats en staat bekend om de vele bootvluchtelingen uit Afrika die er nog steeds aankomen. Tunesië ligt echt op een steenworp afstand. Het barst in Trapani van de steegjes en pleintjes en straten, waardoor je geregeld verdwaalt, hoewel het centrum helemaal niet groot is en je door de ligging aan zee je steeds wel weer weet te oriënteren. Wat met name belangrijk is tijdens je bezoek aan Trapani is het eten. De keuken is namelijk nogal Afrikaans georiënteerd en vooral de viscouscous doet vermoeden dat je niet in Italië bent. Ook heeft Trapani zijn eigen pesto: de pesto alla Trapanese, gemaakt met tomaten, basilicum en amandelen.

Overnachting: Hotel San Michele

Dag 7: Rustdag en Erice

Erice (spreek uit: Erie-tsje) is een van de mooiste dorpen van Sicilië. Erice ligt bovenop een heuvel en ziet eruit alsof je zo in een middeleeuwse film stapt. Prachtige monumenten, kerken en zelfs een kasteel in een heuvelachtig decor maken Erice tot een unieke plek. Vanuit Trapani neem je de kabelbaan (funivia) omhoog, met een bus kun je vanuit het centrum bij de kabelbaan komen of je kunt gewoon lopen (4,5 kilometer). Je wordt meteen getrakteerd op heerlijk uitzicht over Trapani.

→ Tip: Als je in Erice bent moet je even langs de bakkerswinkel van Maria Grammatico , de zoete engel van Erice, zoals ze ook wel wordt genoemd. Zij maakt de lekkerste koekjes en taarten en die zijn inmiddels wereldberoemd in Italië.

Dag 8: Trapani – San Vito lo Capo – Palermo

Dag acht stond weer in het teken van rijden en wel van Trapani naar Palermo, met onderweg San Vito lo Capo. San Vito lo Capo is een baai in het noordwesten van Sicilië, omgeven door een enorme rotsberg die uitmondt in helderder dan helderblauw water. Omdat ik er in juni was, was het er afgeladen druk, waardoor het zo ongeveer niet mogelijk was deze fantastische plek goed vast te leggen. En dat is jammer, want het doet af aan de schoonheid van de plek.

Dag 9 en 10: Palermo

Palermo is een drukke, hete Italiaanse stad en als je voor je rust komt, ben je in deze stad niet aan het juiste adres. Toch is het zónde als je tijdens je verblijf op Sicilië deze stad niet bezoekt. Je vóélt er Italië zoals Italië hoort te zijn. Het échte Sicilië vind je in Palermo! Twee dagen lang liet ik me onderdompelen in deze bruisende, zinderende zelfs een beetje shabby stad waar ik het echte rauwe, Italiaanse leven proefde. Ik genoot enorm, want ik hou van rauw en karakteristiek en lekker eten en temperamentvolle mensen en Palermo heeft dat allemaal.

Overnachting: B&B Cala Peppa , middenin het centrum (ontzettende aanrader) → Lees ook: Palermo: 10x doen in Sicilië’s heerlijke, rauwe hoofdstad

TIP! Doe een fietstour door zinderend Palermo!

Dag 11: Palermo – Cefalù

Op dag 11 vertrok ik uit Palermo en stond de volgende stop op het ‘programma’. En dat bleek tevens de grootste verrassing van mijn rondreis te zijn. Cefalù is namelijk beeldschoon! Ook hier zijn pleintjes en steegjes en heuvels, zoals in zoveel plaatsen en steden, maar Cefalù spreekt om een of andere reden enorm tot de verbeelding. Het centrum van het plaatsje ligt aan een enorme rots die je kunt beklimmen, er ligt een prachtige kathedraal op het centrale plein en bovendien ligt Cefalú aan zee. Na een dagje ronddwalen rol je zo je handdoekje uit op het strand. Zalig!

Overnachting: Palazzo Villelmi , met uitzicht over het centrale plein en de grote rots. Heerlijke plek!

Lees ook: Charmant Cefalù op Sicilië, zó mooi is het er

Dag 12: Cefalù – Taormina

Met een zeer hart vertrok ik op dag 12 uit Cefalù, op weg naar Taormina, terug naar het oosten van het eiland. Een behoorlijke trip, die me helemaal langs Messina, waar je bijna het vaste land van Italië aanraakt, leidde. De route liep volledig langs de kust en liet me door ontelbaar veel tunnels rijden. Taormina ligt in de heuvels. Ik sliep er in een bed & breakfast en kwam er pas bij het uitchecken achter dat ik er de allereerste gast óóit was. Hoe bizar! En ik had het niet eens gemerkt.

Dag 13: Taormina

De dertiende dag was een zinderend hete zaterdag waarin ik het hele centrum van Taormina afstruinde, met als hoogtepunt het stokoude Griekse theater. Vanuit het centrum loop je er heel gemakkelijk naar toe en het leuke is dat het openluchttheater nog steeds in gebruik is. Ik keek mijn ogen uit terwijl ik over tweeduizend jaar oude stenen liep. Taormina is heuvelachtig en heeft daarom supermooie uitzichten over zee en bergen en bovendien is Taormina de perfecte uitvalsbasis voor een dagtrip naar de Etna-vulkaan.

Overnachting: B&B Al Civico Cinque , vlákbij het centrum en de hotspots

Dag 14: De Etna-vulkaan

Met een volledige excursie met alles erop en eraan toog ik me op zondagochtend richting een busstation en van daaruit vertrok mijn vooraf geboekte busreis naar de Etna-vulkaan. Of ik dat een volgende keer weer zo zou doen? Neen. De Etna is namelijk heel goed te bereiken per auto en zelfs tot 1900 meter hoogte kan je je prima met je eigen bolide redden. Vandaar kun je verder de vulkaan op hiken of met de kabelbaan omhoog tot 2500 meter en de laatste 500 meter rijden er af en aan jeeps of klim je lekker zelf. Zo ben je helemaal vrij om je eigen Etna-experience te maken.

Maar goed, een bezoek aan de Etna is een must als op Sicilië bent. Bovenop de vulkaan wachten  guides je op om richting de kraters te gaan en krijg je tekst en uitleg over het gesteente, de laatste erupties en wat lava zoal met je kan doen. Op sommige plekken vóél je de hitte van de vulkaan onder je voeten en dat is echt heel vet. Een heerlijke laatste dag van m’n roadtrip Sicilië.

Lees ook: Doen op Sicilië: de Etna vulkaan beklimmen

Dag 15: Taormina – Catánia – Eindhoven

Omdat mijn vlucht pas achter in de middag vertrok, had ik alle tijd om van Taormina terug naar Catánia te rijden, mijn huurauto in te leveren (de kilometertellerstand stond op 1150 kilometer) om nog ruim op tijd voor mijn vlucht terug naar Nederland te zijn. Op m’n dooie gemakkie sloot ik zo m’n heerlijke rondreis over Sicilië af.

Meer over Sicilië

Sicilië ligt aan de voet van de Italiaanse laars. Met een oppervlakte van meer dan 25.000 km² is het het grootste eiland in de Middellandse Zee. Er zijn eindeloos veel hoogtepunten op Sicilië. Mijn persoonlijke favorieten zijn Palermo, Céfalu en de Etnavulkaan, maar dat is voor iedereen anders. Ik schreef een stuk over de mooiste Sicilië bezienswaardigheden:

Lees ook: HEERLIJK SICILIË | Dit zijn 8x Siciliaanse hoogtepunten

Meer inspiratie over roadtrippen over Sicilië? Yvonne schreef op haar reisblog over haar roadtrip op Sicilië met haar gezin. Iets een andere route, maar vooral een heel ander gezelschap.

Op naar Sicilië voor je roadtrip

Vliegen op Sicilië kan vanaf Amsterdam en Eindhoven. Verschillende airlines vliegen dagelijks op Catánia of Palermo.

Vind vluchten naar Sicilië

Huur je auto op Sicilië (aanrader!)

Boek je hotels op Sicilië

Ga op tour op Sicilië

Dit artikel bevat  affiliatelinks.   Wanneer je iets boekt vanuit de linkjes in dit artikel ontvang ik daar een kleine commissie over. Zo kan ik deze site in de lucht houden en jou blijven inspireren met reisverhalen, reistips en mooie bestemmingen.

Meer Sicilië? Lees ook:

• HEERLIJK SICILIË | Dit zijn 8x Siciliaanse hoogtepunten
• TYPISCH SICILIË | 10x verliefd op Sicilië
• PALERMO | 10x doen in Sicilië’s heerlijke, rauwe hoofdstad
• SICILIË | Doen op Sicilië: de Etna vulkaan beklimmen
• SICILIË | Charmant Cefalù op Sicilië: zó mooi is het er

ALLE ARTIKELEN OVER SICILIË

Meer Italië? Lees ook:

• ROADTRIP ITALIË: 6x gave plekken voor een autorondreis door Italië
• ITALIË | Op vakantie naar Italië? 10x de mooiste plekken
• ALLEEN OP REIS NAAR ITALIË | 5x leuke ideeën voor je Italiaanse soloreis
• ITALIAANSE STEDEN | De mooiste steden van Italië: 10x inspiratie voor je stedentrip

ALLE ARTIKELEN OVER ITALIË

Hoi! Super leuk artikel! Ik vroeg me af of het ook te doen is met een Vespa scootertje met zijn tweeen en een kleine rugzak? Natuurlijk dan niet alle stops, anders is het denk ik te lang…

Hi Eva, ik denk dat je gelijk hebt dat de hele route te lang is op een scooter. Maar je zou een deel van het eiland kunnen doen. Bijvoorbeeld de oost- of juist de westkust. Hoeveel tijd hebben jullie? Gaaf idee trouwens hoor!

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• ROADTRIP SCANDINAVIË | Route voor een rondreis door Denemarken en Zweden
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Onderwerpen

Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

A 10 day sicily road trip: the best things to do, see, and eat.

Our 10 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive in Sicily (Siracusa) - check into La Via della Guidecca
• Day 2: Explore Siracusa
• Day 3: Siracusa to Modica via Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari and Noto - check into FerroHotel
• Day 4: Modica
• Day 5: Modica to Ragusa and onward to Piazza Armerina - check into Villa Clementine
• Day 6: Piazza Armerina to Palermo via Enna
• Day 7-9: Palermo - check into C'era Una Volta
• Day 10: Depart Sicily (Palermo)

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 1: SIRACUSA

Sicilian fountains.

Seaside Walks on Ortigia Island

Sicilian Baroque Churches

Aresthusa Fountain and the Papyrus Grotto of Siracusa

Greek Ruins near Siracusa

Boats in the Harbor

Stunning Sicilian Sunsets

Finding Dire Straits in Siracusa

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 2: A SICILIAN BIRDWATCHING INTERLUDE

The abandoned tuna plant.

Scurrying Sicilian Lizards

The Flamingos of Sicily

Sicilian Swifts

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 3: THE BAROQUE HILL TOWNS OF NOTO, MODICA, AND RAGUSA

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 4: PIAZZA ARMERINA

The bikini girls of piazza armerina.

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 5: ENNA

SICILY ROAD TRIP PART 6: PALERMO

Palermo's teatro politeama garibaldi.

Palermo's Crazy Traffic

• Spend 2 days in Milan on a weekend city break in Italy's fashion capital?
• Plan a winter weekend in Venice or Rome ?
• Find out why Trieste is worth visiting ?
• Spend the weekend in Bergamo (a top Ryanair destination !) and take a day trip from Bergamo to Lake Iseo ?
• Plan a weekend in Bologna and then travel from Bologna to Modena to Parma on an Emilia-Romagna food holiday ?
• Spent a day discovering things to do in Ferrara ?
• Enjoy the Dolomites by spending a day in Bressanone if you find yourself in Innsbruck, Austria ?

Palermo's Cathedral

Ferraris on the Streets of Palermo

A Sicilian Food Tour through Palermo

Palermo's Opera House

A Day Trip from Palermo to Monreale

Our 10 Day Sicily Road Trip Map

Summing Up Our 10 Day Sicily Road Trip Itinerary

Read more about our road trip to sicily, helpful links about visiting sicily.

• Visit Sicily
• Visit Ragusa
• Visit Palermo
• Streat Palermo Street Food Tour

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Road Trip en Sicile : L'itinéraire d'une côte à l'autre

Jours recommandés

Rédactrice indépendante pour Indie Campers, essayant actuellement de se retrouver en Indonésie, sans grand succès jusqu'à présent. Passionnée par l'exploration de la cuisine du monde, surtout par les traditions culinaires les plus étranges.

Road trip en Sicile: les meilleurs itinéraires pour 5, 7, 10, 15 et 21 jours

Visiter la sicile en voiture: nos 5 itinéraires road trip.

Vous avez décidé de partir faire un road trip en Sicile ?

Excellent choix de destination! Visiter la Sicile en voiture est le meilleur moyen d’optimiser le temps sur place et de ne louper aucun des incontournables de cette île magnifique. Pas de perte de temps dans les transports en commun et la liberté de choisir où et quand s’arrêter , ça ne se refuse pas !

Afin de vous aider à organiser votre voyage , je vous ai préparé 5 itinéraires de road trip en fonction de la durée de votre séjour en Sicile (1 semaine, 10 jours, 2 semaines, 3 semaines) et de votre aéroport d’arrivée.

En fin d’article, je vous donne également quelques conseils pour savoir la meilleure période pour partir et le budget à prévoir pour votre séjour.

Quel aéroport choisir pour débuter un road trip en Sicile ?

Louer une voiture pour un road trip en sicile, road trip en sicile: 5 jours ou moins, 1) catane (1 jour), 2) syracuse, ortygia et les villes baroques (3 jours), 3) taormina (3 jours), 1) palerme (2 jours), 2) agrigente (2 jours), 3) sélinonte (1 jour), 4) trapani (2 jours), 5) scopello (2 jours), 6) castellamare del golfo (1 jour), catane (2 jour), 2) syracuse (2 jours), 3) noto modica et ragusa (1 jour), 4) agrigente (1 jour), 5) selinonte (1 jour), 6) trapani (2 jours), 7) scopello et zingaro (1 jour), 8) palerme (2 jours), 9) taormina (2 jours), road trip en sicile de 3 semaines avec découverte des îles éoliennes, quand partir en road trip en sicile , budget pour un road trip en sicile, visiter la sicile en voiture: les choses à savoir avant de partir, road trip en sicile avec une agence, louer un bateau en sicile.

Les 2 aéroports principaux où vous pourrez atterrir en Sicile sont ceux de Palerme et de Catane .

Ils sont très bien desservis depuis la France, la Suisse ou la Belgique et les tarifs sont plus ou moins équivalents . Votre aéroport d’arrivée dépendra donc de la partie de la Sicile que vous souhaitez visiter.

Il vaut donc mieux privilégier Catane pour un séjour à l’Est et Palerme , si vous souhaitez plutôt visiter l’Ouest.

A savoir: qu’il existe également 2 autres aéroports, plus petits, à Trapani et à Comiso . Mais leur localisation fait que ce n’est pas forcément l’idéal pour débuter un road trip en Sicile.

Qui dit road trip, dit forcément location de voiture !

Le plus simple est de louer votre voiture en Sicile directement à l’aéroport. C’est là que vous aurez le plus de choix au niveau des loueurs et les tarifs sont plus avantageux que si vous louez votre voiture dans une agence en ville.

Pour mes road trip, que ce soit en Sicile, en Espagne ou à Malte , je passe toujours par le site Rentalcars.com . Il y a plusieurs bonnes raisons à cela:

• Comparer directement et facilement tous les prix des loueurs de voiture. Très pratique pour faire des économies mais également connaître les avis des anciens clients sur le loueur.
• Pouvoir bénéficier de l’assurance protection complète qui vous assure d’être remboursés en cas de vol, d’accidents ou même de petites rayures. Et en Sicile, ce n’est pas à négliger.
• L’annulation ou la modification gratuite.
• Ils proposent la garantie du meilleur prix: Si vous trouvez moins cher ailleurs, ils vous remboursent la différence.

Vous le savez peut-être, il y a de nombreuses arnaques à la location de voiture en Sicile et cela peut ruiner vos vacances très rapidement. Pour vous éviter de vous faire avoir, je vous conseille de lire mon article dédié: Location de voiture en Sicile: tout ce qu’il faut savoir!

Si vous souhaitez faire un Road Trip de 5 jours ou moins en Sicile, je vous recommande de lire mon article: Visiter la Sicile en 2, 3, 4 ou 5 jours – les meilleurs itinéraires.

Je vous y explique tout le nécessaire pour organiser facilement votre court séjour sur l’île en fonction de votre aéroport d’arrivée!

Road trip en Sicile: une semaine à l’Est

On entame les choses sérieuses avec ce premier circuit en voiture. Ici, je vous propose un exemple de road trip au départ de Catane pour visiter l’Est de l’île en voiture pendant une semaine.

Au programme de ce road trip de 7 jours en Sicile: Catane, Syracuse , l’île d’Ortigia et Taormina .

1er jour: Selon votre heure d’ arrivée à Catane, vous pouvez commencer vos vacances par faire une petite balade pour découvrir la plus grande ville de cette partie de la Sicile. Je vous conseille de commencer par la piazza del Duomo , qui, comme partout en Italie , constitue le cœur historique. Vous pourrez y admirer la fontaine de l’éléphant , le palazzo municipio et bien entendu le Duomo de Catane ou Cathédrale Sainte Agathe .

Poursuivez ensuite par les 2 artères principales: la via Etnea et la via Crociferi . Vous y trouverez des boutiques, des cafés ainsi que le monastère de Saint Nicolas l’Arène et quelques églises.

Pour tout savoir des choses à voir à Catane, vous pouvez lire notre article: Visiter Catane.

Poursuite de votre road trip en Sicile orientale le lendemain, en partant pour Syracuse et Ortygie , à 1 heure en voiture de Catane. Vous pouvez y prévoir d’y passer 3 nuits.

2ème jour, visitez l’île d’Ortigia:

• la piazza del Duomo
• le castello maniace
• la fontaine Aretusa.

Le troisième jour , le matin, je vous conseille de faire une promenade le long de la piste cyclable de Syracuse (départ de la piazza dei cappuccini). Vous serez ainsi proche du parc archéologique de Néapolis , votre activité de l’après midi! Ne manquez pas l’ amphithéâtre romain , le théâtre grec ou encore la fameuse Oreille de Denys.

Pour votre 4ème journée , prenez votre voiture pour faire le tour des villes baroques , au Sud de Syracuse. Classées au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, la visite de Noto, Ragusa et Modica est un incontournable d’un roadtrip en Sicile!

Vous pouvez trouver plein d’autres choses à voir dans notre article consacré à Syracuse: Que faire et voir à Syracuse ?

La dernière étape de ce road trip d’une semaine en Sicile, vous emmène à Taormina pour 3 nuits . Comptez 1 heure en voiture pour rejoindre Taormina depuis Syracuse.

5ème jour: découverte de la vieille ville de Taormina :

• Le Corso Umberto
• La Chiesa di San Giuseppe
• La Cathédrale de Saint Nicolas
• La piazza IX Aprile
• Le théâtre grec
• La via circonvallazione et ses escaliers montant sur les hauteurs.

Et pour finir, descendez à Isola Bella , la splendide plage de Taormina.

6ème jour: Comme un road trip en Sicile d’1 semaine ne serait pas complet sans la visite de l’Etna, c’est ce que je vous conseille de faire pour votre deuxième jour en ville. Comme vous visitez la Sicile en voiture, vous pouvez choisir de vous rendre directement la-bas.

Mais si vous ne souhaitez pas vous embêter avec le parking ou autre, vous pouvez aussi réserver une excursion organisée au départ de Taormina. Équipements, transports, guide sont inclus, ce qui est vraiment pratique.

7ème jour: Pour le dernier jour de votre circuit de 7 jours en voiture , allez voir l’un des plus beaux villages de Sicile: Castelmola . A seulement 5 km de Taormina, il possède un joli château en ruine et offre de beaux points de vue sur l’Etna et la vallée en contrebas.

Partez ensuite vous balader aux gorges de l’Alcantara , à 50 minutes de Taormina. Cet étroit canyon s’est formé à la suite de plusieurs coulées de lave, qui en refroidissant ont crée des formations rocheuses improbables.

En fin de journée, retour à Taormina pour une dernière nuit en Sicile.

Pour plus d’idées sur les lieux à voir à Taormina et aux alentours, vous pouvez lire notre article: Top 10 des choses à faire à Taormina.

Road trip en Sicile: 10 jours à l’Ouest

Pour ce deuxième exemple, je vous propose de faire un road trip au départ de Palerme pour visiter l’Ouest de la Sicile en voiture en 10 jours.

Au programme de ce road trip de 10 jours en Sicile:

• La Réserve naturelle du Zingaro
• Le temple de Ségeste.

1er jour: Après avoir récupéré votre voiture de location, rejoignez Palerme pour commencer à découvrir la ville.

Une petite balade dans le centre historique est la première chose à faire! A ne pas manquer:

• Le palais des Normands
• La cathédrale de Palerme
• La piazza Vigliena
• Le théâtre Massimo

Pour votre 2ème jour , poursuivez votre visite par un tour au marché de Ballaro, la visite du palais Abatellis et une promenade sur le Fioro Italico .

Vous pourrez alors faire une pause dans le jardin botanique ou les jardins de la villa Giulia . Vous pouvez également aller visiter les catacombes et finir la journée en vous rendant à Monreale, à 30 minutes en voiture de Palerme pour aller visiter la célèbre cathédrale.

Pour organiser au mieux votre visite de Palerme, n’hésitez pas à consulter notre article: les 15 choses à faire à Palerme.

Le lendemain (3ème jour) , suite de ce road trip en Sicile de 10 jours en descendant vers le Sud et Agrigente . Le trajet étant de 2h30, le mieux est de consacrer le reste de la journée à la baignade. Voici les 3 meilleurs endroits:

• A Capo Rosso Realmonte, à environ 25 minutes à l’Ouest d’Agrigente
• A la réserve naturelle de Punta Bianca, un peu plus loin au Sud Est d’Agrigente
• A la Scala Dei Turchi (mais vous y allez deja le lendemain, donc à vous de voir!)

Pour le 4ème jour , je vous recommande de vous lever tôt et d’aller visiter la vallée des temples d’Agrigente, lieu incontournable de la région. Remontez ensuite en voiture vers le centre historique d’Agrigente pour une petite promenade d’environ 1 heure à la découverte des monuments de la ville.

Finissez la journée en vous rendant à la Scala dei Turchi , un magnifique endroit propice à la baignade. C’est  l’endroit idéal pour admirer l’un des plus beaux couchers de soleil de toute la Sicile!

Si vous souhaitez plus de détails, je vous invite à lire mes articles détaillés:

• Les 10 choses à faire et voir à Agrigente
• Comment visiter la vallée des temples?
• La Scala dei Turchi: le guide ultime

Aujourd’hui (5ème jour) votre road trip à l’Ouest de la Sicile, vous emmène à Selinonte . Sur le trajet entre Agrigente et Sélinonte, vous pouvez vous arrêter à la plage d’Heraclea Minoa et visiter la jolie ville de Sciacca . Le programme de l’après-midi sera réservé à la visite du parc archéologique de Sélinonte. 

Vous retrouverez tous les détails de ce site archéologique dans notre article: Visiter le parc de Sélinonte.

6ème jour: Le lendemain, direction Trapani pour y passer 2 nuits.

Sur le trajet, vous pouvez faire un arrêt à Marsala pour déguster le vin du même nom et poursuivre ensuite en empruntant la route SP21 à la sortie de la ville. Cela vous permettra de passer par la route du sel , qui traverse les marais salants entre Paceco et Trapani . L’occasion d’admirer de très beaux paysages.

A Trapani, promenez-vous un petit peu dans le centre historique sur la Via Garibaldi ou le Corso Italia. 

Puis, pour l’après-midi montez jusqu’au village médiéval d’Erice , accessible en téléphérique ou en voiture depuis Trapani. Les 2 solutions offrent de beaux panoramas, à vous de chosir ce que vous préférez!

A Erice, vous pourrez déambuler dans les ruelles pavées et rejoindre le château pour profiter de points de vue sur Trapani et la mer.

7ème jour: Pour le deuxième jour à Trapani , je vous recommande une excursion sur les îles Egades , accessible en ferry depuis le port. Celle de Favignana est la plus proche, vous pourrez en plus en faire le tour en 1 journée en vélo (le meilleur moyen de la visiter). Prévoyez des stops baignades dans les criques !

Les incontournables de Trapani sont dans notre article: Top 10 des choses à voir à Trapani.

Pour ce 8ème jour de road trip autour de la Sicile de l’Ouest, direction Scopello, pour passer 2 jours dans les environs (50 minutes en voiture depuis Trapani).

Scopello est le point de chute idéal pour visiter la réserve naturelle du Zingaro , l’une des plus connues de l’île.

Depuis l’entrée Sud et après avoir payé l’entrée à 5€, vous pourrez vous balader le long d’un chemin qui longe la mer et donne accès à plusieurs criques en contrebas. L’occasion d’alterner la randonnée et la baignade. Le chemin aller retour prend environ 4 heures mais vous pouvez y passer la journée si vous vous baignez.

Tous les détails pour préaprer votre excursion sont dans mon article: Visiter le Zingaro .

Il existe aussi 2 autres plages à tester à Scopello: la plage de Guidaloca et celle de la Tonnara.

Le lendemain (9ème jour) , je vous conseille une balade dans les environs de San Vito Lo Capo , à 55 minutes en voiture. La route avant d’arriver à San Vito est superbe et vous pourrez vous arrêter vous baigner dans de petites criques. Si vous préférez les grandes plages de sable, poussez jusqu’à la ville, vous y trouverez votre bonheur.

Rejoignez ensuite la réserve naturelle du mont Cofano , pour une autre balade en bord de mer. Dans le même style que le Zingaro, mais avec des paysages tout de même différents, la promenade est super agréable.

10ème jour: pour conclure ce road trip en Sicile et finir la boucle entamée au départ de Palerme, rejoignez Castellamare del Golfo. A seulement 35 minutes de l’aéroport de Palerme, c’est la ville parfaite pour finir les vacances.

Mais avant, il vous reste un dernier site à ne pas manquer: le temple de Ségeste . Perché sur une colline, il offre un une belle vue sur les alentours.

Vous pouvez finir la journée à Castellamare par une balade dans le centre et une baignade.

Road trip en Sicile: 2 semaines pour faire le tour de l’île

Bonne nouvelle si vous disposez de 15 jours pour votre road trip , vous allez pouvoir faire le tour de la Sicile , d’Est en Ouest !

Le road trip de 2 semaines en Sicile que je vous propose se fait au départ de Catane. Il combine les 2 autres circuits en voiture dont je vous ai parlé juste au dessus, avec tout de même quelques petits ajustements pour optimiser les déplacements.

Premier jour: arrivée à Catane et visite du centre historique.

Commencez par la piazza del Duomo et la cathédrale, empruntez la Via Etnea pour rejoindre la piazza dell Universita et les 2 palais qui s’y trouvent. Baladez-vous dans les jardins de la villa Bellini et finissez votre tour par la Via Crociferi et ses nombreuses églises.

Le lendemain (2ème jour) , je vous conseille de faire une excursion à l’Etna . Depuis Catane, des agences proposent de vous y emmener directement. Le transport, le guide et l’équipement sont inclus.

Pour le top 12 des endroits à voir à Catane, c’est ici: Visiter Catane: les 12 choses à faire absolument .

La suite de ce road trip de deux semaines en Sicile vous mène à Syracuse et l’île d’Ortygie pour les 2 prochains jours.

3ème jour: Passez le premier jour dans Ortygie pour voir la piazza del Duomo, le temple d’Apollon, le port. Poursuivez par le Castello Maniace et admirez le coucher du soleil vers la Fontaine d’Aretusa.

Votre 4ème jour en Sicile ,   sera consacré à la partie « moderne » de Syracuse . En matinée, promenez-vous le long de la piste cyclable , au départ de la piazza dei Cappuccini . L’après-midi, visitez dle parc archéologique de Néapolis pour admirer l’amphithéâtre romain, le théâtre grec et l’oreille de Denys.

Les visites détaillées à faire à Syracuse et Ortigia se trouvent dans cet article: le Top 15 des lieux à visiter à Syracuse.

Pour 5ème jour de ce tour de la Sicile en voiture en 15 jours, passez la journée à découvrir les 3 villes baroques classées au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO que sont Noto, Modica et Ragusa. Entre les temps de trajets et les visites, comptez une journée entière et dormez vers Ragusa.

Aujourd’hui (6ème jour) , je vous emmène visiter la célèbre vallée des temples d’Agrigente , à 2 heures de Ragusa. Vous pourrez admirer les 8 temples de ce site archéologique très réputé de Sicile. 

Les informations pour organiser votre visite se trouvent ici: Visiter la vallée des temples: le guide ultime!

Non loin de là, vous pouvez monter faire une balade dans le centre historique d’Agrigente puis finir la journée en vous rendant à la Scala dei Turchi , l’un des plus beaux paysages naturels de Sicile.

Les détails pour y accéder, c’est ici: Comment aller voir la Scala dei Turchi?

Pour le 7ème jour de vos vacances, vous irez à Sélinonte . Sur la route, ne manquez pas la plage d’Heraclea Minoa pour la pause baignade et la ville de Sciacca pour faire un peu de tourisme. Arrivés à Sélinonte, consacrez votre après-midi à parcourir le parc archéologique pour voir vestiges des temples.

Pour organiser votre visite, je vous invite à lire mon article: Comment visiter les temples de Sélinonte?

Le lendemain (8ème jour) , rejoignez Trapani pour 2 jours . En chemin, arrêt à Marsala pour une dégustation du vin du même nom puis passage par la route du sel ( la SP21). Entre Paceco et Trapani, elle vous permettra de passer devant de nombreux marais salants et de profiter de beaux paysages.

Après une promenade dans le centre historique de Trapani , je vous conseille de rejoindre le village perché d’Erice. Vous pouvez choisir d’emprunter le téléphérique depuis la ville ou d’y aller en voiture. A Erice, vous trouverez un château  médiéval  et des remparts permettant de bénéficier d’un panorama sur toute la région alentour.

Le 9ème jour de votre road trip en Sicile, direction les îles les plus proches de Trapani: les îles Egades . Tous les jours, des ferrys permettent de les rallier depuis le port et notamment l’île de Favignana , la moins éloignée. Pour la visiter, le meilleur moyen reste de louer un vélo en arrivant et de faire le tour dans la journée , en faisant des pauses baignades dans les criques.

Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur Trapani et les îles Egades, vous pouvez lire mon article: Que voir à Trapani et aux alentours?

11ème jour: Continuez votre road trip en Sicile de 15 jours par Scopello et plus spécialement la réserve naturelle du Zingaro . Faites la randonnée qui relie les 2 entrées de la réserve, du Sud au Nord et revenez à votre point de départ. Et n’oubliez pas de profiter des jolies criques que vous croiserez sur votre chemin!

Plus de détails, c’est ici: Tous nos conseils pour visiter la réserve du Zingaro.  

Pour votre dernière étape (12ème jour) , je vous invite à rejoindre Palerme pour les 2 jours suivants et à partir à la découverte de ses bâtiments historiques.

A voir à Palerme:

• Le Palais des Normands et sa chapelle Palatine
• L’église Saint Jean des Ermites
• Les palais et les églises
• Le Foro Italico
• Le jardin botanique et les jardins de la villa Giulia

13ème jour: après votre premiere nuit à Palerme, allez voir le marché de Ballaro pour vous imprégner des saveurs siciliennes et de l’ambiance. Ensuite vous pouvez aller v isiter le théâtre Massimo (l’un des plus grands d’Italie) ou si vous êtes passionnés d’histoire, le musée archéologique régional de Sicile . Vous y trouverez notamment des vestiges des fouilles réalisées à Sélinonte.

Dans l’après-midi, partez à Monreale en voiture pour visiter sa cathédrale, reconnue dans le monde entier pour ses splendides mosaïques dorées à l’or fin.

Pour savoir quoi faire à Palerme en détails, consultez notre article: Les 15 endroits à voir à Palerme.

14ème jour: Pour la dernière étape et la fin de votre road trip en Sicile, je vous propose de vous rendre à Taormina.

Prenez la route du bord de mer en sortant de Palerme pour ne pas manquer la petite ville de Cefalu . Sa baie se retrouve sur toutes les cartes postales de Sicile, il ne faudrait donc pas repartir sans la photo souvenir !

A Taormina , c’est le centre historique qui vaut le détour. Passez par le Corso Umberto pour atteindre la Piazza IX Aprile . Puis, grimpez l’escalier jusqu’au sanctuaire della Madonna della Rocca pour admirer le panorama.

Redescendez vers les jardins de la Villa Comumale pour un peu de fraîcheur et finissez l’après-midi à la plage de Taormina: Isola Bella. 

Au moment du coucher du soleil, allez visiter le théâtre grec.

Le 15ème et dernier jour en Sicile, allez voir le petit village de Castelmola, à 5 km de Taormina. Le panorama sur l’Etna et les alentours vaut vraiment le coup d’oeil!

Ensuite, rendez-vous aux Gorges de l’Alcantara. Sculptées par les coulées de lave, le canyon offre des paysages étonnants.

Pour nos conseils de visite de Taormina et des Gorges, lisez ceci: Visiter Taormina et les alentours.  

Si vous avez la chance de faire un road trip de trois semaines en Sicile , vous allez pouvoir vous faire plaisir et prendre votre temps pour réaliser le tour de l’île.

Si vous visitez la Sicile en voiture en 21 jours, je vous conseille de reprendre notre exemple de road trip de 15 jours et de rajouter quelques jours pour partir explorer les îles Eoliennes.

Vous pouvez alors organiser votre circuit comme ceci:

• La première étape est facile, il vous suffit de reprendre le circuit en voiture précédent de 15 jours .
• Vous pouvez le suivre jusqu’à l’étape de Palerme.
• Ensuite je vous conseille de passer 2 nuits à Cefalù pour découvrir l’un des villages les plus photographiés de Sicile et passer l’autre journée au Parc naturel régional des Madonie.
• Les 5 autres jours seront réservés aux îles éoliennes situées au Nord de la Sicile. En partant depuis Milazzo, vous pourrez visiter Vulcano, Stromboli ou encore Panarea. Après l’Etna, c’est l’occasion d’admirer les 2 autres volcans célèbres de Sicile.
• Finissez le séjour par 2 jours à Taormina et sa magnifique plage d’Isola Bella, comme dans mon circuit de 15 jours.

Vous pouvez sans problème partir à n’importe quelle période de l’année en road trip en Sicile. Les températures sont en général plutôt clémentes, même en hiver. Il n’y a pas vraiment de « mauvaise période » à proprement parler.

Après tout dépend de ce que vous souhaitez faire et de vos centres d’intérêts.

Si vous souhaitez vous baigner et bronzer : les mois de Juin, Juillet, Août, Septembre et même Octobre sont à privilégier.

Si vous n’aimez pas la foule , et que vous pouvez vous permettre de partir en road trip hors saison : Mai-Juin et Septembre-Octobre sont idéaux. Vous pourrez faire trempette et profiter des sites touristiques sans le monde. C’est pour moi la meilleure saison pour visiter la Sicile en voiture.

Si vous préférez les visites de ville et de sites archéologiques , et que la baignade n’est pas au programme, les autres mois de l’année de Novembre à Avril sont parfaits.

Bien sur, vous ne serez pas à l’abri du froid ou de quelques averses, mais c’est le cas un peu partout en Europe à ces périodes. Par contre, attention à la neige qui peut s’inviter au sommet de l’Etna ou du Stromboli entre Décembre et Février et ainsi vous priver de la visite.

Pour vous donner un ordre d’idée de ce que peut coûter un road trip en Sicile, je vous ai préparé un tableau récapitulatif des coûts pour 2 personnes (basé sur nos différents séjours en Sicile).

Bien sur, cela peut varier énormément en fonction de vos habitudes en voyage et de vos choix de restaurants ou d’hébergements . Personnellement, nous mangeons au restaurant uniquement le soir (sandwich le midi) et privilégions des logements autour de 50 à 60€ la nuit. Et si vous avez déjà lu quelques articles, vous savez que mon budget « glaces » est assez conséquent ! 😆

Pour faire un tour de la Sicile en voiture , il est nécessaire de savoir quelques petites choses avant de partir:

• Les Siciliens ne respectent absolument pas le code de la route donc soyez vigilants notamment dans les ronds points, les feux rouges et les priorités.
• Vous vous ferez souvent klaxonnés, la plupart du temps sans raison ou simplement si vous hésitez une demi seconde avant de vous engager ou de démarrer au feu vert ! (Ce n’est pas méchant, donc pas d’inquiétude, ils ont juste le klaxon facile!)
• Les loueurs de voiture sont des arnaqueurs professionnels en Sicile , donc je me répète mais faites attention et passez par rentalcars avec la protection complète. Pour en savoir plus sur les différentes arnaques, n’oubliez pas de lire mon article sur la location de voiture en Sicile .
• Les autoroutes sont en général gratuites.
• L’essence coûte par contre assez cher, plus qu’en France. C’est donc un poste de dépenses à prévoir pour un road trip.
• Les routes sont plutôt en bon état.
• Ne laissez jamais, je dis bien JAMAIS, des objets de valeur dans votre voiture ou même quoi que ce soit à la vue. Les vols sont très fréquents en Sicile. Même si vous faites juste une pause baignade de 5 minutes, ne laissez rien traîner.
• Ne faites pas de trajet de nuit et si vous ne pouvez pas faire autrement, faites le plein d’essence en journée. Ne vous arrêtez pas sur une aire ou dans une station service la nuit.

Si je vous dis tout cela, ce n’est pas dans le but de vous faire peur, mais juste pour vous recommander de faire un peu attention.

Nous n’avons jamais eu de problèmes lors de nos road trip en Sicile mais c’est vrai que nous avons été plus attentifs à nos affaires que dans d’autres pays.

Par exemple, on préférait en général déposer nos bagages à l’hôtel le matin, quitte à faire un détour, que de les garder toute la journée dans la voiture. C’est sur que des fois, on ne pouvait pas faire autrement mais à ce moment là rien ne dépassait du coffre ou on se garait dans des parkings surveillés.

Maintenant que vous avez une idée de votre road trip pour visiter la Sicile, je vous recommande également de faire une demande de devis gratuit à une agence de voyage locale : Grâce à notre partenaire Evaneos, cela peut se faire en moins de 5 minutes! C’est gratuit, sans engagement et un professionnel du tourisme vous concoctera un séjour inoubliable!

De plus, les prix pour un autotour en Sicile façon road trip commencent à partir de 790 euros seulement pour 10 jours! Qu’est-ce que vous attendez? 😊

Si vous avez envie de louer un bateau pour faire une petite journée sympa en mer lors de votre itinéraire en Sicile , je vous recommande de passer par Samboat . C’est bien simple, ils ont l’offre la plus complète de location de bateau!

Bateaux à moteurs, voiliers, yachts, petits bateaux sans permis, avec ou sans skipper: vous aurez l’embarras du choix.

Alors, qu’attendez-vous pour réserver votre sortie en mer en Sicile? 😊

Et vous, qu’avez-vous prévu de voir lors de votre road trip en Sicile ? 

Guides de voyage Sicile

• Acheter le guide du Routard Sicile sur Amazon.fr
• Acheter le Lonely Planet Sicile sur Amazon.fr

Vous partez en voyage en Sicile? A lire également

Découvrez tous nos articles sur la Sicile: Tous les articles de Voyage Tips sur la Sicile sont répertoriés ici.

Les meilleurs circuits en Sicile : Notre sélection des meilleurs circuits en Sicile, pour un voyage de rêve sans se ruiner!

Location de voiture en Sicile : Tous nos conseils pour ne pas vous faire arnaquer! (à lire absolument)

4 étapes pour préparer votre voyage en Sicile : Le guide complet pour tout préparer de A à Z!

• Que faire en Sicile? Le Top 20 des lieux à découvrir
• Itinéraire: 2, 3, 4 ou 5 jours en Sicile – Nos suggestions d’itinéraires, de 2 à 5 jours!
• Itinéraire: Une semaine en Sicile : Itinéraire pour préparer votre voyage (Est de la Sicile)
• Itinéraire: 10 jours en Sicile: Itinéraire pour préparer votre séjour en Sicile (Ouest)
• Itinéraire: 2 semaines en Sicile: Itinéraire de 15 jours autour de la Sicile (Est + Ouest)
• Agrigente: Top 10 des choses à faire
• Catane: 14 Choses à faire et à voir absolument
• Palerme: les 20 choses à faire et à voir!
• Syracuse: Que faire et voir?
• Taormina: 10 Choses à faire et voir absolument
• Trapani: Top 13 des choses à faire et à voir
• Voyage en Sicile pas cher: Itinéraire, circuit, conseils et astuces
• Parc Archéologique de Sélinonte: Comment visiter un des sites archéologiques majeurs de Sicile.
• Réserve naturelle du Zingaro: Tous nos conseils pour visiter la réserve lors d’une très belle randonnée.
• Scala Dei Turchi: Conseils pour aller voir ce très beau paysage naturel de Sicile.
• Vallée des Temples d’Agrigente: Visiter le parc archéologique grâce à notre guide complet !

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Créateur du blog Voyage Tips, amoureux de voyages et de photographie. Je vous donne tous mes meilleurs conseils pour planifier votre prochain séjour.

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Discussion 20 commentaires.

Salut Vincent,

Je pars faire un road trip en Sicile avec des amis au mois d’Octobre. Est ce que tu penses qu’on pourra en profiter pour se baigner un peu ? On va faire le tour de l’île en 15 jours en suivant ton itinéraire. Est ce que tu aurais quelques plages sympas à conseiller ? Merci !

Salut Charly,

Oui, pas de soucis pour te baigner lors de ton road trip en Sicile au mois d’octobre. La température de l’eau est généralement bonne jusqu’à début novembre sur les plages de l’île.

Pour les plages, tu as:

• Vers Syracuse: celles proche d’Avola et le parc naturel del Plemmirio
• Vers Agrigente: la Scala dei Turchi
• Vers Selinonte: la reserve naturelle de Torre Salsa
• Vers Trapani: les plages des iles Egades + la reserve naturelle du Zingaro (Scopello)
• Vers Palerme: la plage de Mondello
• Vers Taormina: la plage d’Isola bella

Profites bien de ton voyage en Sicile !

je souhaiterais savoir si sur l ile de Vulcano il est possible de se déplacer à pieds depuis l ‘arrivée du bateau pour monter au volcan ou Gran Cratere et aller aux bains de boue?

Tout ça en une journée (arrivée le matin départ le soir) pour un retour à l’aéroport de Catane (voyage en septembre)

Si oui, quels sont les temps de marche environ?

Merci bonne soirée.

Bonjour Francine,

Oui c’est possible de tout faire à pied à partir du port. Pour monter jusqu’au cratère, il faut compter environ 1 heure de marche. Et les bains de boue se trouvent également juste à côté du port.

Je ne sais pas si vous devez prendre l’avion le soir même puisque vous dites que vous retournez à l’aéroport de Catane, mais il faut compter environ 45 minutes de traversée en bateau pour le retour + 2 heures de route de Milazzo à Catane. A vous de voir si vous pensez avoir le temps.

Bon road trip en Sicile!

Bonjour, quel excellent article! Nous irons un mois en Italie et passerons environ 5jrs en sicile. Est-il possible de traverser avec notre voiture de location?

Bonjour Jolyane,

Merci beaucoup! Je suis ravi que mon article vous aide à préparer votre road trip en Sicile.

La majorité des loueurs interdisent de traverser en bateau avec votre voiture de location entre l’Italie et la Sicile. J’ai fait une petite recherche et il est dit que seuls certains acceptent mais c’est très rare et je n’ai pas leur nom. Et honnêtement, même si vous trouvez un loueur qui accepte, je ne prendrais pas le risque car l’embarquement pourra quand même vous être refusé par la compagnie de bateaux.

En plus, pour aller de l’Italie à la Sicile, je vous recommande plutôt de prendre l’avion: c’est plus rapide et souvent bien moins cher.

Parce que rejoindre la Sicile en bateau depuis Gênes (par exemple), c’est un trajet d’au minimum 20h!

Si vous voulez plus d’informations sur la Sicile, je vous recommande aussi de lire mes autres articles. Vous les trouverez ici: Destination Sicile .

Et je ne sais pas où vous avez prévu d’aller en Italie, mais si vous avez prévu de visiter les Pouilles, Rome, Milan, Turin, Pise… Vous pouvez aussi regarder ici: Destination Italie .

N’hésitez pas si vous avez d’autres questions.

Bon voyage en Italie et en Sicile!

Merci pour ce super article. Nous aimerions partir fin septembre en Sicile, et faire dans notre circuit, les îles. Avez-vous une astuce pour laisser la voiture de loc sur place en Sicile, pour ensuite la récupérer une fois les îles visitées (pour environ 5 jours)?

Merci beaucoup! Ravi que mes idées de road trip en Sicile vous aide à organiser votre circuit.

Pour les îles éoliennes, le mieux est de laisser votre voiture dans l’un des parkings autour du port de Milazzo. Il y a plusieurs parkings gardés et qui organisent en plus des navettes pour vous emmener directement à l’embarquement des bateaux.

Voici leur site internet (il vaut mieux réserver en avance): – Mignon Parking – Garage delle Isole – Kingparking Milazzo

N’hésitez pas si vous avez d’autres questions pour organiser votre road trip en Sicile. Vous pouvez trouver tous mes articles sur l’île ici: Destination Sicile .

Bon séjour!

Bonjour Vincent, tes articles sur la Sicile sont très intéressants.

Nous avons débuté la planification de notre voyage de 4 semaines pour faire le tour de la Sicile, soit du 18 avril au 16 mai (parcours pas trop stressant).

Nous arrivons et partirons de Palerme. Nous aimons faire des randonnées, voir des beaux paysages , un peu de visite de sites historiques et un peu de la plage.

Mon itinéraire que je pensais suivre est le suivant (nous allons rayonner à partir de ces villes): – Palerme (prise en charge de l’auto le 18 avril et départ vers Trapani) – Trapani et iles Égades (18 au 23 avril) – Agrigento (23 au 26 avril) – Ragusa (26 au 28 avril) – Syracuse (28 avril au 2 mai) – Taormina (2 au 6 mai) – Iles Eoliennes (6 au 10 mai) – Cefalu (10 au 13 mai) – Palerme (13 au 16 mai)

Comme tu le vois, mon circuit suis le sens inverse de l’horloge…

Je me questionne, s’il serait préférable/optimal de faire le circuit inverse? Cela ferait en sorte que visiterait les éoliennes plus tôt (soit vers 21 au 25 avril). Est-ce que le temps risque d’être un peu froid et venteux sur la mer et les iles à cette période? La rando sur l’Etna se ferait vers le 27 avril : est-ce qu’il risque d’avoir de la neige au sommet? Ce circuit permettrait possiblement d’avoir plus de chaleur pour les plages du coté de Tripani et Égades vers la fin du voyage en mai (même si l’eau de la mer risque d’être encore fraiche) ???

Quel est ton opinion et recommandations?

Bonjour Luc,

Merci beaucoup! Ravi que mon blog vous aide à organiser votre road trip en Sicile.

L’itinéraire d’un mois en Sicile est parfait. Aucun problème, vous n’avez rien oublié et vous allez pouvoir bien profiter.

En ce qui concerne la température de l’eau, peu importe le sens du circuit, même mi-mai ce sera trop frais pour se baigner entièrement (tremper les pieds oui par contre si vous n’êtes pas frileux). Moi, je vous conseillerai de faire le circuit comme vous l’avez prévu: Palerme – Trapani – Agrigente etc… Comme cela il risque de faire plus chaud à partir de début mai et de Syracuse. Alors que c’est moins important s’il fait un peu moins chaud pour visiter Trapani, les îles Egades et Agrigente. Et comme vous le dîtes, c’est plus sûr niveau météo de prévoir les îles éoliennes plus tard dans le séjour.

Bon voyage en Sicile!

Merci Vincent pour ton feedback.

Nous prévoyons coucher à Lipari pour 4 nuits: est ce possible et une bonne idée de traverser avec notre voiture a Lipari afin de faciliter les déplacements… Nous ne serons pas durant la haute saison… Est ce limité aux résidents seulement??? Comment sont les routes sur cette ile???

Avec plaisir!

Vous pouvez traverser avec votre voiture de location pour aller à Lipari, ce n’est pas limité aux résidents. Par contre, vous serez donc obligé de prendre le ferry (et non pas les hydroglisseurs qui acceptent uniquement les passagers). Vous pouvez réserver votre traversée sur ce site: Siremar . Le ferry met 2h15 pour aller à Lipari depuis Milazzo. (attention quand même à vérifier auprès du loueur de voiture qu’il vous autorise à prendre le ferry avec)

Il y une route qui fait le tour de l’île mais je ne peux pas vous en dire plus sur son état car je ne l’ai pas emprunté.

Bonne journée,

Bonjour Vincent

Merci pour tous vos conseils, nous partons 10 jours en Sicile et pensions faire le tour complet de l’île en 10 jours. Mais en vous lisant j’ai l’impression qu’il faut compter plus de temps? belle journee astrid

Bonjour Astrid,

Merci beaucoup! Ravi que mes idées de road trip en Sicile vous aident à organiser votre voyage.

Oui, en effet je conseille généralement 15 jours pour faire le tour de l’île. On ne s’en rend pas forcément compte sur une carte mais la Sicile est une grande île et les distances sont importantes.

Il est possible de faire le tour en 10 jours mais c’est certain que vous ne pourrez pas tout voir quand même. Et il faut être prêt à faire pas mal de route et à changer d’hébergements quasiment tous les jours. Donc des vacances assez speed.

C’est pourquoi je recommande de se concentrer sur une partie de l’île pour avoir le temps d’apprécier, quitte à revenir faire l’autre côté la prochaine fois. 🙂 Ça dépend du type de vacances que vous aimez.

N’hésitez pas à me dire ce que vous avez décidé et si vous avez besoin d’aide pour organiser les étapes. Vous trouverez tous mes articles sur l’île ici: Destination Sicile .

Nous envisageons de partir à l’automne et notre idée était de prendre l’avion et louer un van afin de bénéficier d’une plus grande liberté .

Avez vous des conseils à donner pour ce genre de location. Je suis allée sur le site que vous conseilliez mais ne sont proposées que des voitures classiques.

Je vous remercie,

Bonjour Annick,

J’ai à chaque fois loué une voiture pour mes road trip en Sicile, donc je suis désolé mais je n’ai pas de recommandations pour un loueur de van. Surtout qu’avec le nombre d’arnaques qu’il y a déjà pour les voitures, je ne me permettrai pas de vous conseiller quelque chose que je n’ai pas testé. 😅

J’espère que vous trouverez quelque chose qui vous convient. Je vous souhaite un bon road trip en Sicile!

Je vous remercie beaucoup pour votre réactivité ainsi que pour toutes les informations que vous donner sur votre site, mine d’or pour construire notre voyage.

C’est très gentil.

Je ne sais pas si vous avez vu, mais tous mes articles sur l’île sont regroupés ici: Destination Sicile Il y en a peut-être que vous n’avez pas encore vu.

Bon voyage et bonne journée,

Bonjour Vincent, Nous prévoyant de partir pour 1 mois de prendre le bateau à Gênes afin de faire le circuit avec notre propre voiture. Penses tu que c’est un bon plan ? J’aimerai savoir si l’on doit prévoir tous les logements avant de partir ou bien peut on trouver des chambres facilement sans réservation, style RBNB etc;;; Notre voyage se ferait tout le moi de mai. J e vous remercie,

Bonjour Isabelle,

Il faut que vous regardiez les coûts de la traversée en ferry avec votre voiture pour les dates exactes de votre voyage mais normalement ce devrait être moins cher que de louer une voiture pour un road trip d’un mois en Sicile. Après, je ne sais pas ce que vous avez comme véhicule mais il vaut mieux que ce ne soit pas une « belle » voiture ou toute neuve car les Siciliens conduisent assez mal donc il y a des risques d’accrochage ou de rayure, et lorsque vous êtes garée dans la rue aussi. Surtout qu’ils s’en ficheront complètement si vous êtes immatriculée en France…

Il y a également beaucoup d’effractions (vitre cassée par exemple) donc ne laissez jamais rien trainer dedans. Je vous conseille de vérifier avec votre assurance ce qui est inclus ou non dans la prise en charge.

Personnellement je suis un adepte de la réservation en avance car je n’aime pas du tout perdre du temps une fois sur place à chercher. Mais je comprends que si vous partez un mois, vous avez envie d’avancer à votre rythme et que vous ne saurez peut-être pas exactement en avance où vous allez vous arrêter pour la nuit. Je vous conseillerai au minimum de réserver vos 2 premiers hébergements et de voir au fur et à mesure pour le reste. Après, si vous n’êtes pas trop difficile (niveau modernité), vous trouverez toujours quelque chose. Mais pensez quand même qu’en Mai il y a pas mal de jours fériés et que la saison commence en Sicile donc en vous y prenant au dernier moment, il se peut qu’il y ait moins de choix et vous payez plus cher que si vous aviez réservé avant de partir.

N’hésitez pas si vous avez d’autres questions. Je vous souhaite un bon road trip en Sicile!

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 Road trip en Sicile : itinéraire 1 ou 2 semaines

Road trip en Sicile : itinéraire 1 ou 2 semaines

Située à la pointe de l’Italie, la Sicile est la plus grande île de la Méditerranée. Elle regorge de paysages magnifiques, de trésors cachés et d’une histoire culturelle riche. J’ai apprécié sa grande diversité. En effet, vous pourrez profiter des plages mais aussi de la montagne, des villes historiques et des iles qui l’entourent.

Informations pratiques pour votre road trip en Sicile

✈️ où prendre ses billets d’avion pour la sicile .

L’avion est le moyen de transport le plus rapide pour aller en Sicile. Il y a deux aéroports principaux sur l’île : Palerme et Catane. Trouvez ici les meilleurs prix  de billets d’avion grâce à Ulysse.  Profitez de -10€  sur votre première réservation en vous inscrivant via  notre lien . Nous avons écrit un  article à ce sujet. 

Louer une voiture pour votre road trip en Sicile

J’ai réservé ma location de voiture via Discovercars . Cela m’a permis de trouver une offre moins chère chez le loueur Locauto . Tout s’est très bien passé, le loueur est juste en face du Terminal et la voiture était littéralement neuve (14km au compteur, première fois que ça m’arrive).

Pour ce road trip en Sicile, une citadine suffira car les routes sont bien aménagées et vous serez content d’avoir une petit voiture pour vous garer en centre-ville et circuler dans les ruelles étroites.

Louer un van  pour votre road trip en Sicile :

Le van constitue la façon la plus adéquate et idéale pour profiter au maximum, en toute  liberté,  sans contrainte, de chaque recoin de  la Sicile . Vous pourrez changer de cap tous les jours si vous en avez envie pour en voir un maximum mais à votre rythme. Trouvez le van parfait sur  Yescapa .

Quel budget pour une semaine de road trip en Sicile ?

La Sicile est une destination peu coûteuse, surtout si vous y allez en basse saison .  Voici le détail du  budget  pour mon  voyage de 2 semaines en Sicile   :

• Vols Lyon – Palerme : 140€ par personne
• Location de voiture : 500€ pour 2 semaines
• Frais d’essence : 180€ pour environ 1500 km parcourus
• Hôtels : 70€ la nuit en moyenne en mai
• Restaurants : 30€ par jour par personne pour 2 repas

Total pour 2 semaines   =  2 780€ pour un séjour de 14 nuits soit 1390€ par personne , hors activités.

Total pour 1 semaine   = 1 530€ pour un séjour de 7 nuits soit 765€ par personne , hors activités.

À noter : ce budget peut évidemment varier en fonction du prix des locations de voiture et des avions, mais aussi en fonction du standing des hôtels/restaurants que vous choisissez.

Quand partir en Sicile ?

Comme pour beaucoup de destinations européennes, la  meilleure période pour voyager en Sicile s’étend de mai à juin, puis de septembre à octobre. Pendant ces 4 mois, les températures sont douces et vous évitez les vacances scolaires. Ceci a deux avantages : des prix moins élevés et moins de touristes. Bon par contre je dois vous avouer que je n’ai pas eu de chance pendant mon séjour fin mai avec 5 jours de pluie sur les 14. Mais ça me donne une bonne excuse pour revenir bientôt.

Cependant, la Sicile est belle toute l’année et si les fortes chaleurs ne vous font pas peur, vous pourrez profiter des plages lors de l’été ou de la vue enneigée du volcan le reste du temps.

Combien de temps faut-il pour visiter la Sicile ?

Pour découvrir l’ensemble de l’île, je vous recommande de prévoir 2 semaines afin de pouvoir profiter de chaque étape. Cependant, il est également possible de partir en Sicile pour un voyage d’1 semaine.

Recommandation d’itinéraire de road trip en Sicile 2 semaines :

• Iles éoliennes
• Messine / Taormina
• Réserves Naturelles

Recommandation d’itinéraire de road trip en Sicile 1 semaine :

Road trip en sicile : que faire pour un voyage d’une ou deux semaines en sicile , jours 1 & 2 : palerme.

La première étape de mon voyage de 2 semaines en Sicile a été Palerme. On y trouve énormément de choses à faire et à voir !

Vous pouvez commencer par cette visite à vélo dans le centre historique , qui vous permettra de découvrir les magnifiques sites de la ville. Cette excursion se termine par une dégustation de cuisine typique, où vous pourrez savourer les délices culinaires siciliennes.

Si vous êtes adepte de la vie nocturne, découvrez la culture et la cuisine locale durant les douces soirées siciliennes. Cliquez ici  pour plus d’informations 😉.

Pour plus de détails, je vous invite à consulter mon article Que faire à Palerme ?

Jours 3 & 4 : Cefalù

Pour la suite de votre   road trip en Sicile , je vous recommande de réserver vos deux nuits suivantes à  Cefalù . Cette petite ville côtière, située à environ une heure de Palerme, est pour moi l’une des plus belles villes de Sicile. Vous pouvez profiter de la plage de sable fin, vous promener dans les petites ruelles de la vieille ville ou grimper sur le rocher qui surplombe la ville pour avoir une vue imprenable.

La cathédrale de Cefalù

Située au cœur de la vieille ville, la cathédrale de Cefalù , appelée aussi basilique cathédrale de la Transfiguration en italien, a été construite au 12ème siècle au pied de la Rocca. C’est l’endroit idéal pour prendre un verre en terrasse et vous aurez l’embarras du choix !

Point de vue de la Rocca

Pour le plus beau point de vue de Cefalù, je vous conseille de faire la randonnée jusqu’à la Rocca, une montagne offrant une vue imprenable sur la ville et la côte. Comptez environ 20 minutes pour le 1er palier puis 30 minutes de plus pour le point culminant.

L’entrée coute 5€ par personne et vous ne pouvez entrer dans le parc que de 8h à 16h30, mais le parc ferme à 20h le temps que vous puissiez profiter de la randonnée.

Où manger à Cefalù ?

Vous trouverez plein de petites adresses pour manger des pizzas ou du poisson fraichement pêché, dont certaines proposent également une belle vue mer. Attention aux adresses trop touristiques où les prix peuvent être excessifs. Beaucoup de restaurant font également payer les couverts à 2€ voir 3€ par personne. Je vous recommande de réserver une table au Porta Terra Ristorante !

Où dormir à Cefalù ?

Il n’y a pas beaucoup d’hôtels à Cefalu, surtout dans le centre. Vous trouverez de nombreuses offres pour des studios ou appartements. La Casa Vacanze Da Nenè est le meilleur rapport qualité-prix de la ville. Ce studio à moins de 70€ la nuit est situé en plein centre-ville et Angela saura vous accueillir de manière très chaleureuse.

Jour 5 du road trip en Sicile : Messine et Taormine

À cause de la météo je n’ai pas pu prendre le temps de visiter en profondeur ces villes. Mais je reviendrai car c’est une étape incontournable lors d’un road trip en Sicile .

Visite de Messine

Messine est une ville célèbre pour son détroit spectaculaire qui sépare la Sicile et l’Italie. Messine offre des paysages à couper le souffle. Vous pourrez notamment visiter la cathédrale, avec son magnifique clocher astronomique, ainsi que ses rues animées et découvrir la cuisine sicilienne authentique dans les trattorias locales.

BONUS : Visite des îles Eoliennes pendant 2 jours.

Si vous avez le temps lors de votre voyage en Sicile, je vous conseille vivement d’intégrer ces îles magnifiques à votre itinéraire de road trip.

Situé au large de Messine, cet archipel de 7 îles principales est un véritable paradis méditerranéen. Chacune des îles possède son propre charme unique. Lipari , la plus grande île, abrite des villages pittoresques et une impressionnante forteresse. Stromboli est célèbre pour son volcan en activité, offrant un spectacle nocturne époustouflant. Vulcano est connue pour ses sources thermales et ses boues curatives. Salina offre une nature luxuriante et des vignobles pittoresques.

Visite de Taormine

Petite ville médiévale, Taormine se situe sur une colline offrant une vue spectaculaire sur la mer. Vous pourrez notamment visiter le théâtre grec antique ou profiter des plages.

Où dormir à Taormine ?

Pour votre passage à Taormine, je vous recommande le Bed and Breakfast Arco dei Cappuccini . Comme vous pourrez le voir dans les avis, il n’y a rien à redire sur ce logement. Idéalement situé et équipé d’une grande terrasse, c’est le logement idéal pour profiter de la ville.

Jours 6 & 7 : Visite de Catane

Pour la suite de notre itinéraire de road trip en Sicile d’une ou 2 semaines, direction la 2ème plus grande ville de Sicile, Catane .

Visite du centre de Catane

Commencez votre exploration par la Piazza Duomo , le cœur de la ville, où vous pourrez admirer la magnifique cathédrale de Catane , un chef-d’œuvre baroque. Promenez-vous le long de la Via Etna , une rue animée bordée de boutiques, de cafés et de palais historiques, offrant une atmosphère dynamique.

Pour une expérience culinaire inoubliable, explorez les marchés de Catane, tels que le marché aux poissons de La Pescheria et le marché aux légumes de Piazza Carlo Alberto . Vous pourrez déguster des spécialités siciliennes, telles que les arancini et les cannoli, ainsi que les délicieux fruits de mer frais de la région.

Pour les amoureux de la nature, je vous recommande de visiter le Jardin Bellini , un parc public magnifique offrant une évasion paisible au milieu de la ville. De là, vous pourrez prendre le téléphérique pour monter au sommet de l’Etna et profiter d’une vue à couper le souffle sur la région environnante.

Comptez 3€ par trajet par personne, ouvert seulement de 8h à 13h.

Randonnée au sommet de l’Etna

Si vous souhaitez grimper l’Etna, il vous faudra obligatoirement un guide. Je vous conseille de réserver votre expédition en amont.

Le quartier historique

Si les monuments médiévaux vous intéressent, le Castello Ursino , un château médiéval, abrite le musée municipal de la ville. Vous pourrez y découvrir des collections d’art, d’archéologie et d’histoire locale, ainsi qu’admirer d’une vue panoramique sur la ville depuis les remparts du château.

Vous pouvez également visiter le Teatro Massimo Bellini , un magnifique théâtre du XIXe siècle où vous pourrez assister à des opéras, des ballets et des concerts. Les passionnés d’art contemporain apprécieront le Musée d’Art Contemporain de Catane, abritant des expositions d’artistes locaux et internationaux.

Les plages de Catane

Si la météo est clémente et que vous avez le temps, je vous conseille de vous rendre aux plages voisines de Catane . Les plages de sable noir de Playa di Catania et de Plaia sont idéales pour se détendre au soleil et se baigner dans les eaux cristallines de la mer Ionienne !

Où manger à Catane ?

Vous trouverez plein de petites adresses locales pour des prix entre 8 et 15€ par personne. N’hésitez pas à regarder sur The Fork pour bénéficier de réduction et gagnez 1000 Yums (soit 10€) en créant votre compte ici et en saisissant le code 7F45F083 lors de votre première réservation. Il y a de nombreuses offres de -30 à -50% !

Où dormir à Catane ?

Pour votre passage à Catane, je vous recommande de séjourner au Follow The Sun Catania . Idéalement situé et bien décoré, cet établissement possède un très beau rooftop avec une vue incroyable et le prix est d’environ 70€ la nuit selon la période. Difficile de trouver mieux !

Suite de l’itinéraire de 2 semaines de road trip en Sicile : que faire en Sicile ?

Jours 8 & 9 : visite de syracuse.

Pour continuer ce voyage de 2 semaines en Sicile , je vous conseille de vous arrêter à Syracuse, une ville chargée d’histoire et avec une architecture magnifique. Commencez par le cœur de la ville, le quartier d’Ortigia , une presqu’île au charme atypique. Perdez-vous dans ses ruelles étroites et découvrez notamment la cathédrale de Syracuse et le temple d’Apollon .

Vous pouvez également visiter le parc archéologique de Neapolis et son théâtre grec avec son amphithéâtre romain.

Si vous passez la soirée à Syracuse, je vous conseille de réserver une croisière au coucher de soleil pour l’apéro.

Jours 10 & 11 : Direction Agrigente

Pour cette 8ème journée de road trip en Sicile , je prends la route pour visiter le sud de la Sicile . Cette partie de l’île est moins touristique mais regorge de paysages sublimes et de petites villes locales pleines de charme.

Noto, Modica et Raguse

Sur la route pour Agrigente j’ai fait 3 stops. Noto , une petite ville baroque classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, fût le premier. Si vous venez en avril, ne manquez surtout pas la fête du Printemps de Noto , une fête très célèbre en Sicile où la ville s’illumine avec des décorations florales spectaculaires.

Modica et Raguse sont également classés à l’UNESCO et bénéficient d’un patrimoine riche et une architecture magnifique. Pour les gourmands, je vous conseille de goûter le chocolat de Modica qui est une spécialité locale !

Le centre de Raguse regorge de ruelles étroites typiques, qui mènent à la cathédrale San Giorgio , un magnifique monument baroque. Le jardin Ibleo est un lieu paisible à visiter. Avec ses allées sinueuses, ses fontaines et ses plantes méditerranéennes, il offre une atmosphère relaxante. Profitez de vues panoramiques sur la ville et plongez dans la tranquillité de ce magnifique jardin botanique.

J’ai déjeuné au restaurant Al Borgo avec vue sur la cathédrale pour seulement 10€ la salade + un chausson aux aubergines.

Située au Sud-Ouest de l’île, j’arrive à Agrigente, une ville historique célèbre pour ses vestiges antiques bien préservés. J’ai été émerveillé par la Vallée des Temples, le site archéologique le plus connu de la ville, avec ses temples majestueux qui font penser à la Grèce Antique. Vous pouvez réserver votre visite guidée en amont.

Je vous conseille de vous y rendre 15-20 minutes avant l’ouverture pour éviter les bus touristiques qui arrivent en masse. De plus, il y a un contrôle de sécurité qui fait perdre pas mal de temps… En étant le premier j’ai pu profiter des lieux calmement pendant au moins 30 minutes !

Les alentours sont également magnifiques, et principalement Scala dei Turchi , une immense falaise blanche impressionnante avec une vue imprenable sur la mer. Attention, à cause de l’érosion il est maintenant interdit de monter sur la falaise. Vous pouvez également voir de nombreux vignobles autour de la ville et pourquoi pas déguster des vins locaux.

Où manger à Agrigente ?

Le centre-ville n’est pas très grand et vous pouvez facilement vous promener dans la rue piétonne qui traverse la ville. J’ai notamment testé les pizzas de La Boccerie qui étaient vraiment bonnes avec des produits frais, pour un prix raisonnable (environ 12€).

Où dormir à Agrigente?

Si vous souhaitez loger dans le centre-ville pour profiter des nombreux restaurants et boutiques de la ville, je vous recommande Le Terrazze di Pirandello . Les chambres ne sont pas très belles mais vous serez en plein centre et la terrasse offre une vue imprenable sur la mer. De plus, le petit déjeuner est compris et le prix très doux: 50 à 70€ la nuit selon la période.

Jours 12 & 13 : Trapani et ses environs, fin du road trip en Sicile

Journée bateau en sicile.

Afin de profiter au mieux des environs, je vous conseille de louer un bateau pour la journée pour vous rendre sur les îles en face de Trapani. À seulement 30-40 minutes de bateau, vous pourrez découvrir les îles de Levanzo et Favignana . J’ai loué mon bateau sur Click&Boat qui recense toutes les offres à proximité et comme toujours, tout s’est bien passé.

Si vous allez direction Favignana , vous pouvez vous rendre à Cala Rotonda , une plage magnifique et facile d’accès, ou encore à Scalo Cavallo , des piscines naturelles un peu moins touristiques mais tout aussi jolies.

Levanzo est beaucoup moins habitée puisqu’il n’y a que 80 habitants ! Mais vous pouvez notamment admirer les maisons blanches du petit village et vous rendre à la plage Cala Faraglione , située juste à côté, avec une eau turquoise magnifique.

Randonnée à Monte Cofano

Pour ce 2ème jour dans la région de Trapani , je me suis rendu dans la réserve naturelle de Monte Cofano . Il existe une randonnée d’environ 30 minutes pour vous rendre au 1er stop où vous pourrez admirer un panorama sur les environs. La vue était incroyable et le sentier facile d’accès, même pour des enfants. Si vous êtes sportifs, vous pouvez vous rendre tout en haut de Monte Cofano . Comptez environ 45 minutes supplémentaires, mais le sentier est beaucoup plus raide.

Je me suis rendu à San Vito pour déjeuner et j’ai notamment mangé à la Trattoria Sapori di Marie , où j’ai dégusté un des meilleurs thons que j’ai gouté. Je vous conseille de réserver sur The Fork, vous pourrez profiter de -50% le midi (peut être pas en haute saison, à vérifier!).

Tonnarella dell’Uzzo

Pour l’après-midi, je me suis rendu à la plage Tonnarella dell’Uzzo , une crique magnifique et préservée du tourisme de masse à l’intérieur de la réserve naturelle de Zingaro. L’entrée coûte 5€ par personne, mais c’était pour moi une des plus belles plages que j’ai vu en Sicile . Attention, la plage est à environ 10 minutes à pied du parking et prévoyez de l’eau car il n’y a aucun bar ou restaurant.

Visite des salines de Marsala

Pour voir l’un des plus beaux couchers de soleil pendant votre voyage en Sicile , rendez-vous à Marsala , une petite ville proche de Trapani où vous pourrez voir les salines. Il existe un musée que vous pouvez visiter et de nombreux restaurants pour admirer le coucher de soleil tout en buvant un verre. Je me suis rendu à SEI Mama Caura car c’est la plus belle vue de la côte, cependant les prix sont un peu excessifs pour l’Italie : 10€ le spritz. Si vous voulez être en 1ère ligne, vous devez prendre la formule aperitivo à 30€ par personne pour une boisson et 3 bruschettas…

Où manger à Trapani ?

Ci vuela : sans doute l’un des meilleurs restaurants que j’ai eu l’occasion d’essayer durant mon séjour. Le service est top et les mets sont vraiment excellents ! Mention spéciale pour les bruschettas et le poulpe, un délice… Le prix est un peu élevé mais avec les -50% sur The Fork c’était raisonnable.

Ciao & Pepe : cette adresse possède un excellent rapport qualité prix. Vous trouverez des pâtes à 6€ ! Celles à la carbonara sont excellentes. Pour les gros mangeurs, je recommande quand même de prendre 2 plats ou au moins entrée + plat. Prévoyez de réserver en avance car ce restaurant est souvent recommandé grâce à ses prix !

Où dormir à Trapani ?

Si vous cherchez un oasis en pleine ville, je vous recommande de dormir au Giardini Mon Plaisir . Cette ancienne bâtisse construite dans les années 1920 était autrefois au milieu des champs. Aujourd’hui, la ville s’est étendue autour du Giardini, mais le propriétaire a su préserver une partie des jardins pour créer ce havre de paix à seulement 5 minutes du centre.

Le service était impeccable et le petit-déjeuner délicieux. J’ai pu faire un cours de cocktail, le mojito sicilien avec des oranges et citrons frais du jardin. L’hôtel propose aussi des vélos pour visiter le centre facilement et des pique-niques si vous partez en excursion la journée.

J’espère vous avoir aidé avec cet itinéraire de road trip en Sicile ! N’hésitez pas à me poser vos questions en commentaire et à partager l’article si vous avez apprécié. Vous recherchez d’autres inspirations en Méditerranée ? Retrouvez nos guides sur Palma de Majorque , Ibiza ou encore Minorque .

Cet article contient des liens affiliés. Si nous vous avons aidé à organiser votre voyage ou que vous souhaitez simplement nous soutenir, pensez à réserver vos activités et hôtels en Sicile en cliquant sur nos liens. Nous toucherons une petite commission et le prix reste inchangé pour vous bien évidemment. 🤍

Further Reading...

Road trip au Québec : itinéraire 1 semaine

Ski en Andorre

Saint François Longchamp : Séjour au Ski

Merci pour ton article !

Amoureux du Monde

Hello ! Avec grand plaisir 🙂

Bonjour, merci j’ai commandé une CB crédit et je vais réserver par ton lien 🤞

Bonjour, sur les groupe sur la sicile bcp de problème avec les voitures de locations, pb de carte de crédit assurance etc. Les gens conseillent les agents commerciaux pour être sûr mais en passant par votre liens le prix passent du simple au double même en prenant l assurance en plus du coup je suis perdue Peux tu m éclairer stp?

Hello Sophie, il faut se méfier des loueurs qui rajoutent une assurance obligatoire avec les cartes de débit oui… Le mieux c’est de choisir ta location sur le site que j’ai donné et d’appeler l’agence pour être sûr qu’il n’y aura pas de frais supplémentaires. Mais globalement, si tu prends une agence bien notée c’est ok 🙂

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Que faire à Palerme en Sicile ?

Que faire autour de thonon-les-bains : entre lac et montagne.

Article mis à jour le 2 octobre 2023 par Amoureux du Monde

Articles de la Sicile

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Une expérience inoubliable: un survol sur l’Etna en hélicoptère

Une visite au Château de Donafugata, près de Ragusa

Santo Stefano di Camastra

Louer un camping-car ou un van en sicile.

Voyager en camping-car ou en van en Sicile vous permet de parcourir l’une des plus belles îles de l’Italie d’une autre façon. Vivre un vrai « road trip » traversant les magnifiques paysages de la côte, des très belles plages, arriver près de l’Etna,..tout en vous arrêtant dans des campings pour dormir. Le camping-car ou le van vous permet de voyager en liberté , sans horaires, à votre gré, avec votre propre maison. La location d’un camping-car ou un van en Sicile permet alors de réduire les frais de voyage liés à l’hébergement.

Vous pouvez louer votre camping-car ou votre van pour voyager en Sicile sur cette page, en prendre votre véhicule une fois sur l’île dans plusieurs villes de la Sicile: Florence, Florence Gare, Catania. Ainsi que des aéroports de la Sicile: l’aéroport de Catania, l’aéroport de Palerme, l’aéroport de Trapani.

Partez à l’aventure en camping-car en Sicile, vous n’oublierez pas !!

Plus de renseignements: Voyager en camping-car et en van en Sicile

Réservation de camping-car ou van en Sicile

Vous pouvez réserver votre camping-car ou un van pour voyager en Sicile sur notre site. L’idéal est de faire la réservation en avance . Il suffit de chercher les dates et disponibilité sur le moteur de recherche suivant:

Liste de villes et aéroports en Sicile pour prendre le camping-car ou la van

Le plus commode est de réserver à l’avance pour garantir la location et prendre le véhicule dès notre arrivée. En Sicile les lieux de location sont limités aux aéroports et villes de Catane, Trapani et Palerme.

En dehors de Sicile vous pouvez louer votre camping car a Rome, Florence, Venice, Gênes, Bríndisi, Porto Torres, Alghero ou Cagliari. Si vous louez le camping car en dehors de la Sicile, demander à l’entreprise pour des éventuelles restrictions où coûts associés à votre déplacement en Sicile.

Autres sections de la Sicile

• Main content

I went on a 13-day road trip. Unpacking as soon as I got home was a game-changer.

• I returned from a 13-day van trip having gone five days without showering.
• Before I got clean, I unpacked and did a load of laundry.
• By unpacking first, I was able to completely relax post-trip. 

I propped open my apartment door and lugged in about eight bags.

I had a sack with 30 pounds of laundry, a suitcase with unworn clothes , and bags full of leftover groceries, laptops, books, and toiletries.

Beyond the overwhelming amount of items I needed to unpack was a smell — and that smell was me.

I had just wrapped up a 13-day road trip in a van , and the Ram Promaster I rented from the RV rental company Native Campervans didn't have a shower or bathroom. While I didn't mind popping into Planet Fitnesses and RV resorts here and there, I had procrastinated on showering toward the end of the trip.

When I arrived in Denver, I was on day five without a shower.

But before I turned on any hot water, I decided to spend a few hours doing chores.

By the time I was done, my belongings were put away, my bedding was clean, and I was stress-free.

This was far from the reality of how my trips typically end (usually, a suitcase full of dirty clothes sits in the corner of my home for a few weeks).

But the process of unpacking immediately helped me put an end chapter on my trip, which left me welcoming — instead of dreading — normalcy again.

I wanted a shower to signal relaxation. That wouldn't have been accomplished if I still had to unpack.

After four hours of driving that day, all I wanted to do was shower, crawl into a clean bed, eat dinner, and relax. But looking at the mess scattered across my apartment, there were a couple of chores that couldn't wait to be done.

I had food that needed to get into the fridge, and I needed to wash my comforter.

Setting out on the trip, I knew I would be sleeping in freezing temperatures and wanted the van to feel a little like home, so I packed my only comforter. While I didn't regret the choice, what I hadn't considered was that it'd need to be washed before it went back on my bed at home.

Unfortunately for me, my washer and dryer are in a separate building. This meant that I'd be popping in and out of my apartment building, something I didn't want to do in pajamas, but I also didn't want to shower and put on real clothes.

I opted to do something I typically don't do after trips: start and finish my laundry before I showered. The time between switching loads was also the ideal amount of time to put away everything else I had packed.

By the time my duvet comforter was dry, my apartment was tidy and I was finally ready to get clean and relax.

The experience taught me that setting up your home for success when you're back from a trip before relaxing is the way to go

I'm a procrastinator. I've left luggage sitting in my bedroom for weeks waiting to be unpacked.

I realized that having groceries and packing my comforter was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to unpack, and it gave me the gift of a tidy apartment.

Perhaps most importantly, getting my chores done immediately after a trip allowed me to fully relax. By the time I did finally shower, there weren't any tasks looming over me.

Instead, I could watch TV, eat takeout, and finally be clean without any post-trip stress.

For future trips — regardless of whether I'm traveling with perishables — I'll motivate myself to get clothes in the washer and get my apartment tidy immediately. It just might make the difference between dragging myself back to reality versus jumping into my real life, feet first.