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Sicily By Car In 8 Days

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

Sicily by car allows you to see ancient cities such as Ragusa at twilight

This was a great trip…a bit fast, but still a wonderful experience. Try to see Mt. Etna from the inside…

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

By Jim Ferri

I’d been aching to travel around Sicily by car for a long time.

people in a cafe - tour of sicily

Two long-ago Sicily tours, to Siracusa and Palermo, had wet my appetite. I had found the island and its people so different from the rest of the country that I knew I had to return. Today it is firmly entrenched as one of the top places to visit in Italy .

In Sicily, you find the differences with the rest of Italy great. In fact, people here don’t identify themselves as Italian but as Sicilian, likely because so many different cultures have dominated this largest and most important island in the Mediterranean .

At one time or other Sicily has been conquered by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. And each conquering people left its cultural legacy on the island, which is still seen today.

The east and south (with the most ancient Greek temples in the world – more than Athens , in fact) are decidedly Greek.

The western half of Sicily is a mash-up of Arab and Norman, readily seen in its dazzling architecture. In the south-central area, the Romans left their footprint in a villa with the most exceptional Roman mosaics in the world.

East, west, north and south, Sicily is a place still relatively unknown to travelers, that’s begging you to explore. And the best way is to see Sicily is by car. Keep in mind, however, that you could spend a lot of time behind the wheel here if you enjoy long road trips. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, about 10,000 square miles / 2,500 square kilometers in size.

people on a street seen while touring Sicily by car

Planning / Budgeting a Tour of Sicily By Car

The total cost of my car (an economy from Avis in Catania, prepaid in the U.S.) was $223. Gas was an additional $143.

Hotel costs for eight nights totaled $1,120. I selected only hotels with free wi-fi, free breakfast, and a parking area. All were booked online (non-refundable to get the lowest price) before leaving the U.S. In each section below you’ll find their names, addresses, and my comments.

Many guidebooks suggest a tour of Sicily lasting a week or so, carving out a section or two of the island to dig into deeply. I, though, wanted see more of Sicily by car and complete the trip in about the same amount of time.

I was able to complete my tour of Sicily – driving approximately 900 miles around the entire island in nine days and eight nights. There were early mornings, of course, and, at times, long stretches between stops. But since the main roads are well maintained, you can move about fairly quickly.

You will need GPS when driving in Sicily, either built into the rental or a portable one brought from home. As a backup, you can also use your cell phone and Google maps.

An 8-Day Driving Tour of Sicily

When Seeing Sicily By Car, Rent and Return At the Same Airport

There are two airports in Sicily, Fontanarossa in Catania , and Falcone Borsellino in Palermo , the two largest cities in Sicily. Some guides suggest renting a car in one city and leaving it in the other.

When seeing Sicily by car a better idea is to rent your car in Catania. Then make a full circuit of the island and  return it in Catania. Then you’ll not miss some must-sees, plus you‘ll save on the rental since you’ll be returning it to where you rented it. You’ll also be familiar with where to return your vehicle, which can be a nightmare in some Italian airports.

a large cathedral - tour of sicily

Skip Catania and Make Syracuse Your First City in Sicily

Since your time will be tight when seeing Sicily by car, skip Catania altogether. It’s an industrial city with little to see. It’s best to concentrate on more fertile areas during a driving tour of Sicily.

After renting my car at the airport in Catania, I made the hour drive to Syracuse, which, along with Catania and Messina, was the center of Magna Graecia . You’ll find a lot of Grecian history in Sicily, which, architecturally speaking is more Greek than Greece .

Home to Plato, Pythagoras, and Archimedes, Syracuse was once the most powerful city in the Mediterranean. You see vestiges of its heritage in the Greek and Roman Theaters and in the Museo Archeologico Regionale , which holds the mother load of items found in archaeological digs in the area, 18,000 pieces in all.

If you’re short on time, stick to the area of Ortygia, the island connected to the city by a small bridge. Wander its streets and alleyways and don’t miss the Piazza del Duomo . Visit the church, which encompasses a 5 th -century BC temple to Athena behind its Doric columns, one of the most spectacular in Sicily. The piazza is also a good place to stop for a drink at the cafe across from the Duomo.

My hotel was the Grande Albergo Alfeo , Via Nino Bixio 5 Syracuse. Just a few blocks walk to Ortygia, but street parking was a problem. Cost $147.17 per night.

a tour group on a street - cities in Sicily

Baroque Sicily By Car

The following morning I set out early for Noto, the central city in the Valley of Noto , further south.

For the most part, I found Noto only moderately interesting, nothing near what I expected after all the guidebook raves about it being the most Baroque city in Italy. I discovered its small-ish Old Town did have Baroque character, but it was nothing like Lecce in Puglia where the Baroque old town is quite expansive .

It was mid-morning and already quite hot when I headed for the Duomo, which opened at 10am (it’s open only from 10 to 12 and 4 to 6:30 pm).

The Cathedral was worth both the wait and the climb up its three flights of stairs to see the beautiful frescos inside. Although women are forbidden entry if they have bare shoulders or are wearing shorts, you’re given a shawl to drape around yourself. There’s no entry fee although there is a little basket for offerings at the door when you exit.

old balconies on a building - cities in Sicily

Ragusa, A Beautiful City In Sicily

I was soon off to Ragusa , which along with Modica, is part of the Noto Valley. During the one-hour drive, I was captivated by the countryside flecked with olive groves and vineyards, with stonewalls running across hillsides in every direction. It was June, and there were flowers everywhere you looked. Although the countryside was rugged, everything seemed quite orderly, as if it was painted on canvas.

people in a cafe - cities in sicily

I loved Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s split into two distinct cities. Following a devastating 17 th -century earthquake, some inhabitants decided to build a new town in Baroque style on the plateau above the old. Others chose to stay put and rebuild the old town, now called Ragusa Ibla, the atmospheric city in the valley below. It’s a beautiful place to walk and climb around for an afternoon. It’s a must stop whether you’re seeing Sicily by car or tour bus.

My hotel was the Villa Boscarino (Via L.A. Muratori, 63 Ragusa), a modern hotel built inside a small historic building. You’d likely never find it without GPS (but you shouldn’t be driving around Sicily without GPS anyway) since it’s outside the normal tourist area of the “new” city. On the other hand, it’s only 10 minutes from Ragusa Ibla. It was very comfortable with a good staff, although breakfast was a bit spartan. Cost: $96.44 per night.

tour sicilia km

Piazza Armerina

Soon after leaving Ragusa on the two-hour drive to Piazza Armerina, I found myself in Sicilian wine country . The numerous vineyards, their vines covered with netting as protection from birds, gave the area the look of a giant checkerboard.

people looking at mosaics - cities in Sicily

Turning further inland to Piazza Armerina, I was surprised that many cutouts on the road were littered with garbage. It was something I hadn’t seen elsewhere (in fact, this was the only area in Sicily I found this).

The drivers also seemed to be more aggressive, riding close behind awaiting the opportunity to pass. The torrid summer sun has baked many of the old road signs here beyond recognition. (No one, it seems, removes and replaces them—they merely plant a new sign further down the road.)

While driving in Sicily, on secondary roads you often come across large tractors crawling along the roadway. They  remind you that you’re in serious farm and wine country. All about you little-abandoned stone homes seem to be everywhere, while every so often a little village pops up out of nowhere on the monochromatic hillside.

I was not staying in Piazza Armerina, only making a detour there en route to Agrigento to see the famous Villa Romana del Casale, the hunting lodge of an important Roman , now a UNESCO Heritage site. It has the most extensive and best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world, including the famous “bikini girls.” It was worth the detour.

a large scultpure in front of a temple seen on a driving tour of Sicily

Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples

Include Agrigento on any driving tour of Sicily. Visit it, and you quickly understand why. It’s a 1½-hour drive southwest of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.

At one time it was a town of 200,000, Agrigento’s crown jewel is a valley containing the spectacular ruins of five Greek temples, which in their day rivaled those of Athens. Park your car and take the three-mile walk along the main avenue. There’s also a small shuttle tram.

It’s a beautiful and interesting site that contrasts significantly with the view of the unappealing modern city in the distance.

My hotel was B&B Via Dei Templi, Via Panoramica Della Valle Dei Templi 5 Agrigento . It’s well positioned in a small apartment right as you enter the town, so you don’t get caught up in city traffic. Next door is a good restaurant, the Trattoria Dei Templi. The rate for the B&B was $76.92.

people looking at a greek temple - Mt. Etna

From Agrigento, I set out early on the longest leg of my driving tour of Sicily, a six-hour, 200-mile drive to Palermo, with stops along the way. It wasn’t as daunting as it might seem; in fact, it was an enjoyable and exciting day.

My first stop was in Selinunte, a 1½-hour drive westward . Once the most westerly settlement of Magna Graecia , it was settled about 600BC but was later destroyed by the Carthaginians. What remains today are the ruins of five temples and an acropolis.

One of the temples, the Temple of Hera, has been reconstructed from the ruins. Although the remainder of the site appears to be a jumble of ruins, Selinunte is actually one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.

awoman and children shopping - Mt. Etna

The Salt Pans and Erice

woman on a bicycle near a windmill - Mt. Etna

I took the coastal road to Trapani, another 1½-hour drive because I wanted to see the salt pans that dot the salt marshes near the town of Nubia. I expected to be one of the few there, but when I arrived, I found several dozen people as inquisitive as me.

It is still a working area harvesting salt from the sea. It’s peppered with windmills used to pump water in and out of the saltpans, and there’s also a small museum worth the €3 entrance fee.

I spent about an hour there, and another half-hour driving to Erice, a little medieval village with its head in the clouds – literally.

Erice sits on a mountaintop above Trapani . You reach it via cable car (€9 round trip / €4 under 16) or a severely winding road going up the steep mountain. I chose the latter and found a crowded parking lot outside the city gate. I also found a village entirely enveloped in fog, with a temperature 14° lower than at sea level.

Erice survives on tourism and a fledgling wine industry. Walking along its medieval stone streets, it felt ethereal in the fog. I stopped in the popular Michelle’s pastry shop for some treats and a cup of cappuccino before heading back to my car. I would never have seen the saltpans and Erice if I wasn’t seeing Sicily by car, which provided great flexibility.

an ornate church with gold leaf - airports in sicily

Palermo: Chaos, Culture and Charm

My target that afternoon was Palermo, the capital, most significant, and the best-known city in Sicily . It was about a 2½ –hour drive, not counting the time I spent en route at Segesta, often described as the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. Right off the Autostrade, Segesta is quite easy to get to . Seeing it was another benefit of doing a self-drive tour of Sicily.

Raucous Palermo was the diametric opposite of serene Segesta. As soon as you enter the city, you’re met with a torrent of traffic rarely experienced elsewhere.

Despite its traffic woes, Palermo is a fabulous city with a lot to offer. Both the Normans and Arabs have left great cultural and artistic legacies through the town. Don’t miss the Arab-Norman art in the Cappella Palatina, the Cathedral, the Norman Palace, Ballarò Market in the Albergheria Quarter, and Quattro Canti at the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda.

The incredible Cathedral at Monreale, a half-hour from the central city, is the epitome of Norman-Arab art and architecture. It is one of the most spectacular places you’ll see in all of Italy. And there’s plenty more, too much, in fact, to list here.

motorbikes parked - problem seeing Sicily by cat

Dealing With the Car Problem

I had been warned not to drive in Palermo while seeing Sicily by car, which turned out to be valid advice. In addition to the incredible traffic, street signs are lacking, and GPS within the city is often useless. On one occasion I wound up driving through the city’s busy Ballarò Market where the crowded walkways were only inches wider than my car. One solution is to find parking garages about Palermo .

people walking - airports in sicily

But I needed my car in Palermo to continue onward in two days and to reach sites outside the city. My solution was to find a hotel where I could leave my car for most of the time, and then depart the city early on Sunday morning when traffic was light. The strategy worked quite well.

I had initially booked a room at the Hotel Garibaldi, but when I arrived, I found they had overbooked. They subsequently moved me to the Hotel Vecchio Borgo , a few blocks away at Via Quintino Sella, 1. My room was comfortable, but I had to pay €18 per day for parking right in front of the hotel. Cost of the hotels was $403.24 for two nights (excluding parking).

an man walking along a beach - airports in sicily

Charming Cefalù

After leaving the chaos of Palermo, arriving in Cefalù was like a dream . Calm, green, clean and quiet, it’s more like the French Riviera than the rest of Sicily.

The beaches along the cobalt-blue sea along the north coast of Sicily are beautiful and much cleaner than elsewhere. It’s the beach that attracts many to popular Cefalù , although the village still retains its medieval character.

In addition to its beach, Cefalù is renown for the Byzantine mosaics in its Norman cathedral, built by Norman King Roger II after he landed at the village after a tumultuous sea crossing.

I would have liked to stay in Cefalù longer, even another day, but I needed to drive to Taormina and Mt. Etna, a three-hour drive across the interior.

people walking along a street - Mt. Etna

Taormina, a Requisite Stop on the Grand Tour

My driving tour of Sicily put me on the Autostrade across central Sicily, from Cefalu to Catania. It took me through  valleys below craggy mountains and soft rolling hills covered with olive trees and grazing cows. From Catania, it was an easy one-hour drive north to Taormina.

Once a colony of Syracuse, Taormina remains the most popular holiday destination in Sicily . It can trace that popularity back to the 19 th century when it was a requisite stop on the Grand Tour of Europe, most likely thanks to its mountain-top location with superb views of the sea, coastline, and Mt. Etna. It’s still a very charming place.

people in an ancient greek theater - Palermo

Along the Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, little alleyways climb up and down the hills on both sides. Everywhere you turn you see nothing but shops and restaurants and gelaterias and cafés. Midway, at Piazza IX Aprile, the view down to the sea and the coast is spectacular. Just as dramatic is the view of, and from, the 3 rd -century BC Greek Theater.

My hotel in Taormina, where I stayed two nights, was the Hotel Condor at Via Dietro Cappuccini 25. The cost was $68.73 per night. The room was simple but comfortable and the breakfast good. There was an added fee for parking in a secure nearby lot, which you’re required to pay in cash.

people walking along the rim of a volcano - palermo

Mt. Etna, the Highlight of My Tour of Sicily

Few volcanoes on earth are as well-known as Sicily’s Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano .

It’s a massive mountain so large it generates its own weather patterns. That can be problematic since weather at the top can change quickly, resulting in canceled tours. Nevertheless, I had made up my mind I was going to see it up close near the top. It turned out to be the highlight of my driving tour of Sicily.

I had gotten directions from my hotel on how to reach Rifugio Sapienza at 5,900 feet. From Sapienza you take a six-person cable car higher up the mountain. 

people looking at a mountain - palermo

It was a fantastic place, like nothing I had ever seen anywhere in Europe. Also a bit cool – 2°C on a hot June day, ensuring a brisk business for jacket rentals for €4 each.

The best time to visit it is in early morning . If you’re seeing Sicily by car that’s easy to do, but difficult on a tour. By late morning clouds drift in, increasing the possibility for inclement weather. Going early also ensures you’ll find available parking. Park on the roadway, and you can be ticketed.

After my tour of Etna, I drove to Syracuse to overnight before my morning flight from Catania to Rome. There I chose the Hotel Posta at Via Trieste 33 (rate: $95.12) with parking in an adjacent lot. Breakfast was good, although for dinner I visited one of the outdoor cafes around the corner.

You may also enjoy: A Guide to Sampling Wines and Wineries in Sicily / Best Places to Visit in Europe – 9 Worth a Detour / Best Places in Italy (You Likely Don’t Know)

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August 5, 2019 at 10:43 pm

Traveling to Sicily in Oct. This was a great read and good info. Since we are on our own instead of a tour, planning our 10 day itinerary is challenging considering everything to see on our be Island! Thanks for the advice!

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August 6, 2019 at 11:04 am

I’m glad is was helpful Barbara. If I can help with any other info, let me know.

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August 21, 2019 at 10:30 am

Hi thanks for the info. If we choose to stay only in the east and center of the island where (which cities) would you suggest to stay? Thanks

August 21, 2019 at 11:18 am

Hi Lili, Syracuse / Siracusa is nice – especially the old section – and that would give you access to everything along the east coast, as well. It’s a half-hour or so from Catania airport, and 1 1/2 hour drive to Taromina in the north or Ragusa to the south. In the center of the island I’d suggest Agrigento because of its group of Greek temples. From there Piazza Armerina with its Villa Romana del Casale is a 1 1/2 hour drive. If you’re not planning on renting a car, you’ll find organized day tours from many cities also. Does this answer your question? If not, please let me know. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

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September 29, 2019 at 1:42 pm

Hi really enjoyed this article thank you. We are flying to Palermo and hoping to stay somewhere close by, near to the beach. Where would you reccomend please? Also hoping for some sunshine! ? cheers

November 8, 2020 at 8:35 am

Hello Sharon, I just saw that I never answered your question. I apologize. Have you already taken the trip?

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February 3, 2020 at 11:24 am

how was the actual drive? Were there certain areas you found more challenging besides the capital? Were the hill towns difficult? I’m planning on doing this a single woman, expect going to avoid the capital. Thanks!

February 3, 2020 at 12:17 pm

Hi Shawna,I really enjoyed this trip. I covered a LOT of ground because I was driving quite fast at times. You can cover just about everything I did if you skip Palermo, which I’d recommend a single woman do. But I would still try to visit Monreale, if you can, since it is beautiful. Noto and Ragusa were easy to get to from Siracusa since there’s a good highway connecting them. My drive to Piazza Armerina took me across some wide swaths of farmland and when I finally reached the town I had trouble locating the road to the Villa Romana del Casale. I was fine, however, after I finally asked someone for directions.From there to Agrigento was an easy drive. The drive from Agrigento to Erice was long and tiring. If you’re going to skip Palermo, you can head striaght to Cefalù. I wish I was able to spend an overnight there but it don’t work right with my plan to get to Taormina, which I enjoyed. If you’re staying in Taormina (the most interneational of all the Sicilian cities) the drive up into the town can be a bit daunting since in town you’re on a winding and narrow road which is going uphill. If you stay here make certain your hotel (or whatever) has a place for you to park. Mine did, but it was in a secure lot down the street, which was fine with me. Also, they never told me that I had to pay for the parking in cash until I was checking out (I didn’t have the cash and balked about it and they finally put it on a credit card). If you’re going to Mt. Etna get very specific directions and a map. It’s really worth the drive, however, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. I hope that’s helpful – if you have other questions, let me know. I’ll be glad to answer them. Jim

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August 2, 2022 at 7:29 am

Enjoyed your trip’s description. I am planning to visit there in October with my kid. I will hire car in the airport and stay 4 days in Sicily. I will visit Etna and other UNESCO Heritage sites. But do not know if I will be able to cover all. Do you have any suggestion about travelling acrosss Suicily with kid? Thanks in advance.

August 2, 2022 at 3:50 pm

Hi Sazzadur, You won’t be able to see a lot of Sicily kn 4 days since the island is so big (it’s the largest in the Mediterranean. If I were you I’d only visit the east coast, where there is a lot to do and see. How old is your kid? Jim

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August 11, 2022 at 9:55 am

Sounds exactly like the type of vacation we would love. I have no problem driving but I hesitate to drive in Palermo. Is parking outside of the city and leaving the car for 2 days in secured parking a viable option? We love the outdoor markets and in my research it appears Palermo’s markets are great!! I Was thinking that maybe we could use your itinerary starting in Palermo instead of Catania? We are planning 10 days. Do you feel your tour was rushed?

August 12, 2022 at 8:42 am

Hi Stan, Up until I arrived in Palermo, my tour was rushed because of the distances. And 10 days would be less rushed than my 8 days, so that would be a bit easier. I think it’s a great idea to start in Palermo, since then you don’t have to worry about parking the car. Jim

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January 6, 2023 at 6:42 pm

Hello, I enjoyed your article and learned something too. I like the idea of driving – its faster than the trains and I can’t do buses but once I drive to my hotel (3 friends and I are planning to go for 12 days) , I don’t really want to then have to drive to each ‘sight’. Do the hotels have various guided tours to the sights in the area? If I don’t reserve anything I don’t want to get stuck being unable to see the various sights. Thank you!

January 12, 2023 at 3:43 pm

Hi Stacey, You’ll find that in some cities like Agrigento, Ragusa and Palermo the sites are either in the city or are quite near it. You can easily visit them by taxi. Others, such as Selinunte, Erice and Cefalù are further out and you can pay them a quick visit for a couple of hours en route to another city. In my opinion, a good thing to do is to have the hotel in which you’ll be staying make arrangements for a tour guide who can show you around while you’re in each city. Still another idea – since there is only 4 of you – is to have guide/driver with a comfortable van drive you around Sicily on your trip. That way you’ll be able to see a lot more, and a lot faster, than you would on your own. You would also save on the cost of a car rental and you won’t have to find a guide in a dozen or so different places. You’ll have your own expert (whose references you’ll be able to check in advance) to show you the best of Sicily. And overall, I think this will also be the least expensive way. I hope this is helpful and that you have a wonderful trip. Jim

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February 28, 2023 at 4:47 pm

Your article is very informative and helpful. How would you find a guide/driver to drive around a small group in some of the cities you mention? I would like to have that arranged before checking into a hotel. Thank you.

March 4, 2023 at 6:07 pm

Hi Linda, I would contact the tourist office of each city and ask them for recommendations. By doing that you’re usually assured of getting a good reliable guide. If you have an insurmountable problem doing this, please leave another comment here. Jim

March 13, 2023 at 4:50 pm

Thank you so much. I will give that a try.

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  • Route planner

Tour of Sicily

Across Sicily in 5 days via some of the most beautiful villages on the island. Starting and ending from Catania, the tour will start and end with an ascent of Mount Etna. In between, the route will explore the national parks, pretty villages, and tows such as Modica, Ragusa Ilba, Cefalu, Castelmola, Sperlinga or Troina to name a few.

Do it yourself

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

Tour of Sicily - Jour 1 - De Catane à Sant'Agata di Militello

Tour of sicily - jour 2 - de sant'agata di militello à cefalù, sign up to discover places like this.

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Tour of Sicily - Jour 3 - De Cefalù à San Biagio Platani

Tour of sicily - jour 4 - de san biagio platani à modica alta, tour of sicily - jour 5 - de modica alta à catane, like this collection, collection stats.

  • Distance 763 mi
  • Duration 55:28 h
  • Elevation 83,375 ft 83,375 ft

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The Road Reel

14-Day Sicily Itinerary: An Epic Sicily Road Trip (+map)

Planning a two week Sicily road trip itinerary and looking for the most interesting places to visit, things to do, and the best route to take? I got you covered with my detailed 14 day Sicily itinerary (extendable to 16 days).

Although it is impossible to see absolutely everything on the biggest Italian island in just a couple of weeks or even one month, the good news is that two weeks in Sicily by car is enough time to visit different parts of the island . In just a couple of weeks, you can drive the perimeter of the island from west to east and north to south and see the best of Sicily’s natural and historical sights, and experience intriguing Sicilian culture .

From pristine Sicilian beaches and postcard-perfect coastal towns like Cefalù to the greatest baroque architecture of Val di Noto, chaotic but charming streets of Palermo, climbing the smoking Etna volcano, and wandering back in time through the alleyways of mysterious medieval villages in Madonie mountains, just to name a few highlights and must-visit places included to this two-week road trip in Sicily route .

Moreover, to help you easily plan an unforgettable trip, besides the best places to visit in Sicily and fantastic things to do , I also include driving distances and times , suggestions for accommodation, and great places to eat in each location. I also share some useful miscellaneous tips about traveling in Sicily.

Following my ultimate Sicily in 2 weeks itinerary, you will discover not only popular places but also many wonderful hidden gems where the authentic Sicilian experience unfolds.

Keep on reading to find out how to visit Sicily in two weeks and see the best of this Italian island!

Sicily road trip itinerary- cefalu a guy on motorcycle in old harbor

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

14-day Sicily itinerary

2 weeks in sicily road trip itinerary overview (14-16 days).

  • DAY 1 Catania
  • DAY 2 Agira and Gagliano Castelferrato
  • DAY 3 Gangi (Madonie mountains)
  • DAY 4 Cefalù
  • DAY 5-6 Palermo
  • DAY 7-8 Castellammare dell Golfo and Zingaro Nature reserve
  • DAY 9 Favignana island
  • DAY 10-11 Trapani
  • DAY 12- 13 Ragusa (with an optional stop at Valley of Temples) and Modica
  • DAY 14 Syracuse
  • DAY 15 Etna hike (with an optional afternoon in Taormina)
  • DAY 16 Catania (flight day)

Total distance: approx. 1158 km (720 miles)

Time on the road: approx. 18.5 hrs

Travel essentials for 2 weeks in Sicily, Italy

  • My TOP TIP : The best way to explore Sicily is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
  • Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Sicily from your location.
  • Sleep: find your perfect accommodation in Sicily on Booking.com .
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider. For the cheapest travel insurance on the market check SafetyWing .
  • eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers an eSIM card with up to 20 GB (7 to 30 days) data packages for Italy and Europe.

6 useful things to know before heading on a road trip to Sicily

1. how many days do you need to see the entire island of sicily.

You need at least 10 days to cover the full perimeter of Sicily at a quite fast pace. However, the reasonable amount would be a minimum of 14 days to see the highlights of Sicily at a medium pace, spending 1, 2, or 3 nights in each place of interest. Ideally, I would recommend 3 weeks to even a month for a slow-paced trip. This would allow exploring not only the mainland of Sicily but also include several days of island hopping on Aeolian islands.

2. What is the best way to get around Sicily?

The best and easiest way to independently explore Sicily is by car. Public transport connects bigger cities like Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento, and Trapani. However, getting to the smaller towns, the transportation is not as frequent, and commuting time is much slower than by a car. Also, some wonderful mountain villages or secluded beaches are only accessible by private transport.

Therefore, renting a car for a trip to Sicily was a no-brainer for us. It also allows moving around at your own pace.

I found the best car rental prices for my road trip in Sicily with DiscoverCars.

Rent a Car in Sicily

Look for the best rates for your rental car at Discovercars.

RELATED READS: If you are wondering, what is it like to drive in Sicily , you may want to read my post about it here .

old men sitting on the bench next to blue fiat- sicily driving tips

3. How long does it take to drive around Sicily?

Just to give you a rough idea of the driving times in Sicily, it takes approximately 3-4 hours to tackle around 300 km from East to West.

For example, Trapani to Catania is 3.5 hours drive (315 KM), and similarly, Palermo to Syracuse is 3 hours drive covering 260 KM. Going into the hinterland of Sicily may take around 1-2 hours from the coast, depending on the exact location. In general, driving in central Sicily through the mountain villages is slower than touring the main roads around the coast.

However, you won’t be driving long distances on this road trip every single day. In fact, there is only one day on this itinerary that requires a very long drive from Trapani to Ragusa with a stop in between.

4. Getting to Sicily

There are 3 main international airports in Sicily. You will most certainly land at one of them. They are located in Trapani in the West, Catania in the East, and Palermo (capital city of Sicily) in the North West.

It is also possible to reach Sicily by ferry. One of the main ports connecting Sicily to the mainland of Italy is Messina (the eastern part). This would be an entry point for those of you traveling by road from Southern Italy (as we did).

Also, there is a long-distance ferry from Napoli and Salerno which takes around 11 hours to reach Sicily at the port of Palermo.

5. Where should I go- East or West Sicily?

Your entry point to Sicily and the duration of your stay will most likely determine which part of the island you will choose to explore.

If you have anything less than 10 days to spare, focus either just on the Eastern or the Western part of the island. That being said, if you land in Catania, your best bet is to explore the eastern and southeastern parts of Sicily. On another hand, if you are landing in Palermo or Trapani, with limited time in mind, focus on the west and northwest side of the island. In this case, you will also have an option to add a day trip to Egadian islands which are just a short 30min ride by ferry from Trapani.

If you have a couple of weeks or more, you can then aim to tour the whole island.

  • Related reads: 30+ Useful Sicily Travel Tips .

6. What is the best time to visit Sicily?

The best time to visit Sicily is from the end of April-May and September to the beginning of October. These months are the shoulder season for traveling in Sicily.

You can expect pleasant temperatures on the coast and very few tourists. Have in mind that the water in May can still be a little chilly but it is already suitable to swim. Meanwhile, the temperature in the mountains can drop as low as 8 degrees Celsius, so plan to take some layers.

In September, on another hand, water temperatures are perfect, keeping the warmth accumulated during the summer heat. Also, the national Italian holiday season (which is in August) is already over, so crowds are fewer and accommodation prices are lower.

I would suggest avoiding July and August if you can as those are the most expensive and busy months to travel in Sicily.

The off-season would be suitable for those of you who do not care about swimming and just want to enjoy Sicilian culture and food.

How much does it cost to travel in Sicily?

These are the main expenses for traveling around Sicily. The estimates are based on this 14-16 days road trip route, taking into account car rental, petrol, accommodation, food, and attractions.

  • Petrol cost for two weeks- 185 EUR- based on the estimated distance of this route and petrol consumption of 8 L per 100 KM, with petrol price averaging at 2 EUR/L. (in Italy petrol prices range from 1.8 EUR to 2.2 EUR)
  • Accommodation cos t – 50 EUR-150 EUR per night for 2 people.
  • Car rental cost – 20 EUR per day (budget, but can be double or even more if booked last minute).
  • Dinner (eating out)- 20-30 EUR per person with starter and main, and one drink.
  • Pizza (any time of the day)- 5-12 EUR per pizza (depending on the place).
  • Coffee- 1EUR for an espresso, 1.5EUR-2 EUR for a cappuccino or latte macchiato.
  • Dolce (pastries)- 1EUR-3EUR per pastry.
  • Soft drinks- 2 EUR for sparkling water or soft drinks like coca-cola at a bar/restaurant.
  • Alcohol – 3-7 EUR for a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz.
  • Museums/Churches – 3EUR-15EUR per entrance (the most we paid for the entrance was at Norman Palace in Palermo and Monreale Cathedral in Monreale).

The estimated average daily spending per person (based on a trip for 2 people) is around 110 EUR per day . Definitely, the cost can be higher or lower. The factor that can hugely influence the budget is accommodation and daily meals. The cost of petrol is more or less fixed, car rental is whatever the best deal you can get .

Our 2-week Sicily Road Trip Route Map

About this 2-week Sicily itinerary (14-16 days)

This itinerary for a 2-week road trip in Sicily is a loop starting and ending in Catania. Although originally, we travelled to Sicily from the South of Italy, crossing the strait of Messina from Villa San Giovani by ferry (with a car).

My Sicily itinerary is a bit unconventional compared to what you may find on other blogs. It focuses more on the off-the-beaten path places around the island rather than ticking off all the tourist hotspots. However, I still have included several popular and well-known destinations such as Cefalu seaside town, or the capital Palermo, for example.  

Following this route, in 14 days we visited a selection of amazing places in the east, north, west, and south of Sicily . At each destination, we spent 1 or 2 nights, depending on how many points of interest were in the area. Each day we tried to limit driving time to a couple of hours only. However, a couple of days are required to be on the road longer. Nonetheless, we made sure to have some nice pit stops along the way.

For a dynamic trip in Sicily experience, I included a mix of everything: beaches and mountains, nature reserves as well as atmospheric medieval hilltop towns, colorful markets, and cultural sights featuring the finest baroque architecture. That being said, it is a must to have a car to reach some of the locations on this Sicily road trip route.

a man sitting on a colorful boat surrounded by many boats in Aspra town in Sicily

At a glimpse at my 2-week itinerary, you may notice that some of the most popular touristic hotspots like Taormina, or Valley of Temples in Agrigento are not included (even though you can find them recommended in almost every blog and travel guide).

The reason behind my choice is that I prioritized more local experience, and exploring beyond the most famous attractions. If I had more time in Sicily, I might have stopped at some of those touristy places too.

Nonetheless, every traveler has different interests and preferences. Therefore, I still have mentioned the most popular sights in Sicily that you could add to your itinerary.

We traveled during the second and third week of May which proved to be a perfect time before the busy tourist season takes full swing.

tour sicilia km

Sicily in 2 weeks: road trip itinerary day by day

Day 1: catania (1 night).

If you land in Catania, your Sicily journey starts and ends in the second biggest town of Sicily. If you are not planning to spend more than one night in Catania at the beginning of your trip, I recommend immediately picking up your rental car at Catania airport (also returning it to the same airport will save a huge amount on your car rental costs).

In case you decide to allocate more time in Catania and are not planning on driving outside the city, then you can pick up your car later. I also recommend doing it at the airport as it is cheaper than in the city.

Nonetheless, having limited time in Sicily, I suggest spending a day in Catania itself for the main sights as there are so many more other interesting things to see in Sicily.

tour sicilia km

THINGS TO DO IN CATANIA

Catania is the second biggest city in Sicily (after the capital Palermo). Originally founded by Greeks in 729 BC, and later conquered by Romans around 250 BC, Catania, just like all of Sicily, underwent numerous conquests. Besides Greeks and Romans, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, and Spaniards passed by leaving their footsteps.

As if that was not enough challenge, in the middle ages, the city was destroyed by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and then rebuilt in Baroque architecture style in the 18 th century.

Today Catania is a bustling town where you can experience an authentic urban lifestyle of Sicily, and admire some of the most impressive architecture.

Top tip: avoid driving in Catania. The town is walkable. Leave your car at the accommodation and go for a “passeggiata” (a nice stroll around the town in Italian).

Main things to do and see in Catania- quick list:

  • Start from Piazza del Duomo (with the famous elephant fountain) and the Duomo di Catania (Catania Cathedral)
  • Stop by at Pescheria- a local fish market, just behind the Piazza del Duomo. This particular activity would be interesting for street photographers. Note that it is quite a stinky and bloody experience. The fish market is open daily in the mornings (except on weekends).
  • Take Via Etnea- a famous street from where you can see the famous Etna volcano in the background.
  • Head to Piazza dell’Universita and explore pallazo dell’Universita and pallazo San Guiliano- two famous palaces in Catania
  • If you still have more time, visit Villa Bellini Gardens characterized by its many fountains.
  • Finally, if you love peeking into churches, then head to Via Crociferi  to see  the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena .

If you prefer some guidance when visiting cities, then it is worth checking this Catania Walking Tour , or if you are a food lover, the Food tour of Catania by night offers some off-the-beaten path experiences.

sicily road trip itinerary- a woman with a dog in sicily street

WHERE TO STAY IN CATANIA?

There is no shortage of fantastic accommodation choices in Catania. After doing some research, I shortlisted the following B&B’s and apartments

Casa Verdi- House for Travelers – 9.7/10-beautiful rooms and dorms for travelers on a budget, 23 EUR/ 24.5 USD. Find out more HERE .

Living Suite Catania Pacini – 10/10- beautifully decorated rooms with ornamental tiles, featuring a private balcony. Central location close to Piazza del Duomo and other points of interest in Catania. 57 EUR / 62 USD per night. Click HERE for more info.

Minimal Chich Teatro Massimo Bellini – 10/10- as the name suggests this is a contemporary chic duplex apartment featuring an elevated bedroom accessible by a staircase, including a washing machine (a rare find), and is situated in the historic center of Catania. 96 EUR/103 USD per night. Find out more HERE .

Gorgeous Flat with Opera view- 10/10- truly pretty authentic one-bedroom apartment in a historic building in the heart of Catania. 152 EUR/ 163 USD. Find out more HERE .

Le Suited Del Duomo -9.3/10- right in the Piazza del Duomo, modern rooms with spa bath, 132 EUR/ 141 USD. Click HERE to book.

WHERE TO EAT IN CATANIA

When in Catania, stop by at Comis Ice Café for a fantastic gelato, pistachio granita, and awesome cannoli.

If you love to eat fish, Fishiaria restaurant has great reviews and yummy-looking dishes.

DAY 2: Agira and  Gagliano Castelferrato (overnight in Agira)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 85 KM (53 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 20 MIN
  • Stops:  Gagliano Castelferrato

Gagliano Castelferrato

On the second day, head directly to the heart of Sicily following scenic roads with mount Etna views along the way. When I was looking for less explored places in Sicily, I have come across a magical town in Enna province called Gagliano Castelferrato (iron castle). Guarded by the craggy rock, the ancient town is said to be founded in 1900 BC, originally named Galaria.

Gagliano Castelferrato is not yet under the tourists’ radar but it has already been named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy ( Borghi più belli d’Italia ). Indeed, the name is well deserved taking into account the intriguing setup of the town that features a Gothic town center, an ancient rock castle, and splendid panoramic mountain views all around.

Nestled at the foothills of the imposing rock and surrounded by lush green valleys, Gagliano Castelferrato reminds me of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in the Basilicata region of South Italy.

A few things you can do in this small gorgeous mountain town of Sicily are to wander around its quiet streets and visit Chiesa Madre San Cataldo- the 14th-century church set atop the town with beautiful views all around.

Also, climb the Rocca Castle for even better panoramic views and a mini-workout. The ancient castle is carved directly into the rock backing up the town of Gagliano Castelferrato.

Initially, I was willing to spend a night in this magical place, however, there was no accommodation to be found. Therefore, I picked a place to sleep in the nearest town of Agira (6 KM from Gagliano Castelferrato).

drone shot of gagliano castelferrato- mountain town

Initially planned as an overnight spot, Agira turned out to be a picturesque age-old town perched atop the steep hill (mount Teja). I have to admit, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that our blindly picked mountain village is also a very charming medieval settlement boasting panoramic views of Mount Etna.

According to the legend, the village of Agira was founded before the Trojan war by Greeks in 1194 BC, and was originally called Agyrion, with the name derived from the violent Sicilian tyrant Agyris.

The lively historic town center is situated around the piazza Francesco Crispi and Parrocchia S. Antonio Da Padova church .

There are numerous churches worth visiting, including two fine Norman examples, the remains of an Arab-Byzantine fortress and a synagogue, testifying to the presence of a Jewish population several hundred years ago.

A little further away from the historic center, you can find a neighborhood of the Rocche di San Pietro which dates back to Arab times in Sicily. Called Arab Quarter, it is one of the last places in Sicily entirely attributable to Arab art.

Fun Fact: Apparently Agira was recently put back on the map due to an enormous Sicilia Outlet Village- a shopping town with over 100 boutiques dedicated to discounted fashion products from high-end brands such as Prada, Armani, Versace, and similar.

a man crossing a street in agira town in sicily

WHERE TO STAY IN AGIRA?

There are only a few accommodation options to choose from in Agira:

Talia – 9.5/10 cozy bright rooms with private bathroom and American breakfast. 72 EUR/ 77 EUR. Find out more HERE .

Case al Borgo- Agira Centre – 9.3/10 provides apartments around Agira, some with fantastic views overlooking the mountains, breakfast included. Management features the restaurant, free wi-fi, garden and a swimming pool. 89 EUR/ 95 USD. For more info click HERE .

Casa Albergo La Terza Stella – 8.4/10. We stayed here. Instead of a room as described on Booking, we got the whole one-bed apartment in the historic center of Agira. Run by a local photographer Franco (we suspect it was his own bachelor apartment) accommodation was simple but good enough for one night. A classic Italian breakfast of pastry and coffee was served at a bar downstairs. 60 EUR/64 USD. You can find out more HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN AGIRA?

Belvedere – a cheap restaurant offering local food on a terrace with fantastic panoramic views.

Bottega delle Cassatelle – a pastry shop that sells one of the best typical deserts in Sicily- Cassatelle di Agira – a pastry filled with chocolate and dried fruit. In fact, Agira town was the only place we could find this pastry and it is one of the best!

DAY 3: Gangi (1 night)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 52 KM (32 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 10 MIN
  • Stops:  Sperlinga

On day 3, we make our way to one of my absolute favorite places in Sicily- a mysterious Gangi (pronounced “gan-chee”), located in the province of Palermo. Surrounded by spectacular Madonie mountains and overlooking mount Etna, the early days of Gangi are tied to the mythical Greek city of Engyon.

Named the most beautiful village in Italy , Gangi dates back to 1200 BC and was founded by Cretans. It was destroyed during the War of Sicilian Vespers and rebuilt approximately in the 1300s of this era. This is how we know the Gangi of today.

The town of Gangi raises up in layers of bright color houses glued side to side like a Lego game. While dozens of narrow cobblestone streets zigzag between the buildings leading your way up the Marone Mount, which is the base of Gangi.

Gangi is a true hidden gem filled with rich history and charm. Once a ghost village, selling abandoned homes for 1 EUR, today it seems to slowly come to life and gain a little bit of attention from a few curious travelers like myself.

At the time of our visit, Gangi was covered in fog. Although mount Etna was nowhere to be seen due to the weather, we will forever remember the mysterious atmosphere of the streets in the clouds.

RELATED READS: Check my complete guide to Gangi mountain town in Sicily, Italy .

medieval mountain town aerial shot in sicily

Other places to visit near Gangi

Madonie mountains are home to many historical villages. You can easily base yourself in Gangi for a couple of nights and explore other frozen back-in-time medieval villages like Petralia Soprana, Petralia Sotanna, Polizzi Generose, or Sperlinga.  Also, Madonie mountains are a perfect place to have some wifi detox. Internet, although available in most of the accommodations, is as slow as the life of the mountain villages.

Finally, if walking up and down the steep cobblestone streets hasn’t made your legs tired yet, you can try some of the many hiking trails . There are some wonderful trekking routes of different lengths and difficulty levels in the Madonie National Park.

WHERE TO STAY IN GANGI?

B&B IL GALLETTO R. – 9.4/10- We stayed at this cozy and comfortable homestay with easy parking (important!) situated almost at the top of the town, in close proximity to the main historical parts and a couple of good local restaurants. Included breakfast was fantastic and plentiful (sweet as usual in Sicily). 50 EUR/ 54 USD per night. Click HERE for more info.

RESIDENCE VENTIMIGLIA – 9.6/10- modern and bright apartment in the heart of Gangi, features a terrace with mountain views and is a perfect option for a longer stay. It also includes a sweet Sicilian breakfast available to have in the café outside the apartment. 90 EUR/96 USD per night. Find out more HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN GANGI?

Baglio Tramontana -we had one of the best dinners in Sicily in this pizza restaurant which also offered a selection of different kinds of pasta (the porcini mushroom tagliatelle was incredible), and pizza was great as well.

Capricci di Gola – a pastry shop in the lower part of the town which had an amazing selection of different local sweets and coffee.

a man walking in a foggy street of Gangi in Sicily

DAY 4: Cefal ù (1 night)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 60 KM (37 miles)
  • Suggested stops:  Castelbuono

On day 4 we left the misty Madonie mountains in search of sunshine. We headed to one of the most picturesque seaside towns in North Sicily- Cefalù . Nestled at the foothills of an imposing rock, and washed by the salty waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Cefalù (pronounced shef-a-loo) is an ancient fishing port featuring a picture-perfect beach set against the old town walls.

Today Cefalù is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily , attracting thousands of sun-seekers during the summer months. Luckily we were traveling during the shoulder season, the beginning of May. But even at this time, the main street Corso Ruggero in the old town of Cefalù was quite busy. Especially at the Piazza del Duomo. It was packed with hundreds of visitors during the day.

Nonetheless, chilly water and stormy weather kept Spiaggia di Cefalù (Cefalù beach) completely empty. And since swimming was only for the bravest that day, we opted to explore the charming backstreets of the old town without the crowds.

drone shot of cefalu town in sicily

Here are a few things you can do while in Cefalù:

  • Enjoy the sunshine and swim at Spiaggia di Cefalù o(also called Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio -the iconic Cefalù beach backed by rustic old buildings) or Spiaggia Libera (free beach stretching along the promenade leading to the old town)
  • Wander and get lost in the backstreets of the historical center in Cefalù. Here you will find plenty of gelaterias to grab a granita or brioche with gelato, and also countless souvenir shops and hidden restaurants.
  • Sip a coffee at the bustling Piazza del Duomo . This is the most touristic spot in Cefalù. But if crowds are not your scene, come to Piazza del Duomo after sunset- the plaza is empty and Duomo during the blue hour looks way more magical than during the day.
  • Hike up La Rocca di Cefalù to Castello di Cefalù (castle) for wonderful views of the orange roofs of the old town and a coastline stretching all the way to Palermo in the west and Capo d’Orlando in the east (284 m elevation gain).
  • Find the medieval wash house ( lavatoio medievale ) located on Via Vittorio Emanuelle . Wrapped in a myth of being built of the river flowing with tears of a nymph who cried over her dead lover, Lavatoio is a wonderful example of the life in Cefalù back in old days.
  • Catch the sunset at the old harbor of Cefalù. This place is magically beautiful. I simply couldn’t put my camera away. The dramatically dark clouds rolling over La Rocca with the sun casting over the facades of old buildings is a dream come true scene for photography lovers. The best iconic views can be caught at the end of the cement outcrop stretching into the sea from the small harbor beach.

a man with red umbrella walking on a rainy street in cefalu at night, sicily

WHERE TO STAY IN CEFALU?

Cefalù is one of the most popular places to visit in Sicily, therefore booking accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended. Prices of accommodation are also higher than in other places around Sicily. If you are driving, I recommend looking for a place NOT in the historic center but somewhere nearby within a walking distance. Also, check if the hotel or homestay offers free parking, if at all.

Villa Margherita – 9/10 – We stayed here. Villa turned mini-hotel with a very helpful owner who even spoke English (not common in Sicily). Great breakfast was included (with savory options too). Villa has a big private inner yard to park your car safely and the historic town is no more than 10 min away, beach just a few steps away. 102 EUR/ 110 USD for the month of June (was slightly cheaper in May). Click HERE for more info.

Amori di Sicilia – 10/10- 2-bedroom apartment. If you are looking for fully equipped accommodation in the historical center of Cefalu, maybe for a longer stay, this might be a good option. Downside- no parking available.111 EUR/ 120 USD per night. Find out more HERE .

Hotel La Plumeria – 8.8/10- Hotel at the heart of Cefalu, offering rooms with fantastic balconies overlooking the old town, towers of Duomo and La Rocca, free parking, continental breakfast included. 152 EUR/ 163 USD per night. Find more info HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN CEFALU?

Options of places to eat in Cefalù old town are countless. However, the best places with fewer tourists are always in the backstreets and not on the main road. Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, almost at the back of the old town has some hidden away cozy places, some of them set on the seafront.

  • Al Ristoro Di Re Ruggero is one of them-offers warm and welcoming service and great local food.
  • Squagghio Icecream is also on Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro. This was our gelateria to go with one of the most amazing real mango ice creams I ever had in my life (the second one was in Portugal).

lady in purple dress, men in suits and little girls in white princess dresses on a wedding photoshoot in sant'ellia town in sicily

DAY 5-6: Palermo (2 nights)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 76 KM (47 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR 30 MIN
  • Stops:  Sant’Elia, Aspra

The rough, unpolished, crumbling down, loud and chaotic but undeniably charismatic Palermo is a complete contrast to everything else I saw in Sicily.

In the capital of Sicily, you can experience authentic unfiltered city life. You see people hustling to make their living at the doorsteps of the most enchanting gold-plated churches, and head-spinning palaces. Quite a number of immigrants from Africa and Bangladesh are calling Palermo their home- something you don’t find in small towns of Sicily.

Wide streets dotted with glorious architecture, busy markets, billions of bars and street food stalls, dodgy alleyways, beggars, completely confused tourists, religious ceremonies- there were so many things going on at the same time in Palermo.

Surprisingly, spending a couple of days in Palermo was like a fresh breather and a curiosity boost after the sleepy mountain towns and slow-paced fishing villages.

drone shot of palermo fountain of fame and mount pelegrino in the background

Things you can do in Palermo:

  • Treat your senses with sounds, smells, sights, and flavors at Ballaro morning market . Coming to full life at around 10-11 AM, a colorful and authentic like back in old days market will offer quite an entertainment. The highlight is the cheerful vendors shouting and singing serenades about their strawberries. You can find fantastic street food, bread, vegetables, meat, fish, home utensils, and clothes- they sell it all at the best prices at Ballaro in Palermo.
  • Visit the famous architectural monuments- Cathedral of Palermo, Palace of Normans with golden mosaics of Palatine chapel , admire the red domes of the  St. John of the Hermits church, Martorana and Santa Caterina Churches and fountain of shame ( Fontana Pretoria ).
  • Stroll through pedestrian streets of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda intersecting at Quattro Canti (four corners)- the heart of the historic district of Palermo.
  • Try as much street food in Palermo as you can because it is said to be the best in the world! You will find famous arancini with all sorts of fillings (not only the usual meat).
  • Drive to Monreale for the impressive Unesco listed Monreale cathedral and the best bread in the region. Built in the 12th century, Monreale cathedral and its cloister contain the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one building. 2200kg of gold were used to create Monreale mosaics depicting scenes of the New and the Old Testament. Undoubtedly, those Byzantine mosaics are one of the most magnificent in the world. We have spent almost an hour just admiring the craftsmanship and detailing. Once you finish exploring the cathedral, head to any Panetteria (bakery) in town to buy some delicious Monreale bread- it was definitely the nicest one we had in Italy.
  • Visit nearby seaside towns . We stopped at Aspra and Sant’Ellia when driving from Cefalù to Palermo- those are small fishing villages with a fantastic atmosphere, and opportunities to swim and meet locals.

Top Tip: Park your car at the accommodation and walk. Driving in Palermo is a bad idea due to traffic. Also, the historic center is easily walkable. If you stay a little bit outside of the historic center, it is a good idea to catch a public bus or a taxi just to avoid the headache of driving and looking for parking.

a statue of Chris being carried in Palermo historic center at night in Sicily

WHERE TO STAY IN PALERMO?

LA CASETTA NORMANNA – 10/10- Apartment located in the historical center of Palermo, with free parking and a garden. 100 EUR/ 109 USD per night. Click HERE for more info and the latest prices.

Ai Tre Mercati – 9.6/10- Bright simple rooms with balcony, close to Ballaro market and other historical center attractions, excellent Italian and continental breakfast included, very helpful and knowledgeable host (which is a bonus, especially in Palermo). 114 EUR/122 USD per night. Find out more HERE .

Storie di Palermo – 9.1/10- Accommodation is located in the historical center of Palermo close to Fontana Pretoria and Palermo Cathedral. Huge rooms are decorated with beautiful colorful tiles. 82 EUR/ 88 USD per night. Check for more info HERE .

N’Amuri di Casa – 10/10- simple but cozy one-bedroom apartment (can host up to 4 people) in the historical center of Palermo features a small balcony and offers free parking. 90 EUR/ 97 USD. Find out more HERE .

CATHEDRAL VIEW APARTMENTS -9.6/10- absolutely stunning and spacious 2-bedroom apartment in a historical building with a balcony opening up to the views of Palermo Cathedral. 335 EUR/360 USD per night. Check for more info HERE .

What to eat in Palermo

  • All sorts of arancini. A classic one has the meat filling. However, in Palermo, you can find many different types of fillings to choose from- mozzarella, salmon, swordfish, mushroom, and many more.
  • Try different types of seafood. A great place to and value is at Ballaro market where you can pick your treat from the many different stalls. You can also find cozy market restaurants with colorful covers where you can break for delicious semi-street food lunch.
  • Cassata siciliana al forno at Caffè del Kàssaro . My favorite Sicilian cake, as usual with ricotta. But this one is different from the rest I have tried in Sicily.

coffee cup in palermo

DAY 7-8: Castellammare del Golfo and Lo Zingaro Nature reserve (2 nights in Castellammare del Golfo)

  • Stops:  Monreale Cathedral

A couple of days in busy Palermo was just a perfect amount of time for us, although you could spend there much longer, or make it as a base for visiting nearby attractions.

Now we are heading North West with a short stop inland at Monreale Cathedral and back on the coast to the seaside town of Castellammare del Golfo. It will be our base for 2 nights. The main plan here is to hike Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve . The entrance to the reserve is conveniently located only 15 min drive away from Castellammare del Golfo.

tour sicilia km

Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is Sicily’s first protected area established in 1981. It features several nature trails. One of the most popular is a relatively easy 7km one-way (14 km round trip) trail above the coast with 6 wild beaches you can stop at for a swim. Lo Zingaro became popular recently and is definitely one of the most visited natural places in Sicily due to its spectacular panoramas.

Entrance fee: 5 EUR per person per day, opening hours from 7 AM to 5 PM during the summer months and 8 AM to 4 PM off-season (winter, late autumn).

Top tip: bring snacks and water because there are no supplies along the trail except one sandwich kiosk at the South entrance side. Also, although doable in several hours, you might want to dedicate almost a full day to Lo Zingaro as you may not notice the time spent sunbathing and swimming in crystal clear waters.

RELATED READS: Make sure to also check my full guide to Lo Zingaro nature reserve in Sicily, Italy .

Castellammare del Golfo

Named after the seafront castle ( Castello Arabo Normanno ) overlooking a large gulf, Castellammare del Golfo was founded in the 6 th century BC Elymians as a commercial port.

The slopping streets and staircases of the Castellammare lead to the picturesque marina (old harbor) dotted with fishing boats and small fancy yachts. Seeing so many fishing boats docked around, you can naturally expect to find some great fresh seafood restaurants. Choices of which are plentiful in Castellammare.

There is no shortage of sandy and pebble beaches in the area of Castellamare del Golfo. The most accessible is Cala Petrolo beach situated east of the historical center. I wouldn’t recommend swimming there; it didn’t look clean and the setup of the massive concrete wall behind was not appealing at all.

Instead, head further east to Spiaggia Playa (around a 20min walk from the old town)- a long stretch of sandy beach backed by many restaurants and cafes. Spiaggia Playa is a swimming place loved by locals and gets busy during the peak summer months.

Alternatively, drive 10 minutes West of Castellammare del Golfo to the wild beaches Cala Bianca or Cala Rosa. You will have to navigate your way from the main road to one of the hidden turns leading to those pristine beaches.

Head to Belvedere Castellamare del Golfo for scenic views overlooking the town and stretching as far as Palermo.

drone shot of the seaside town in sicily

WHERE TO STAY IN CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO?

Le Sette Meraviglie – 9.7/10 – simple and bright one-bedroom apartments with balcony and sea view, offer free parking. 94 EU/101 USD. Find out more and book HERE .

B&B Nencioli – 9.8/10 – nicely decorated spacious rooms with balconies are offered in this B&B which is also located in the historic center of Castellamare del Golfo. Continental breakfast is also included. And served at a terrace with a beautiful view, free parking included. 109 EUR/117 EUR per night. Find out more and book HERE .

Atrium – 9.8/10 -located 10 min walk from the beach, the accommodation offers elegant rooms with terrace or balcony, free parking, shared kitchen, and exceptional continental breakfast included. 88 EUR/ 94 USD per night. Find out more and book HERE.

Santina -9.5/10 – bright fresh rooms, fantastic seaside views, and great terrace, free parking and breakfast included. 264 EUR/ 283 USD per night. Find out more and book HERE .

Gastronomical tip: try cassatelle – ricotta and chocolate-chip-filled pastry in a sweet dhow, usually deep-fried. It is a specialty of Castellammare del Goflo, and you can find it all around the town. Our host in Palermo recommended roadside bar La Sorgente which specializes in cassatelle pastries. Trust me they are really good, so we came back multiple times.

DAY 9: Favignana (Egadian islands) (1 night)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 42 KM (26 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 50 MIN
  • Parking:  Leaving the car for the night in Trapani

The time spent in Castellammare del Golfo and Lo Zingaro was slow-paced and relaxed. To extend our semi-chilled vacation(considering that we always move around and explore places), we decided to spend one night in Favignana . It is located on the west coast and is reachable by 30 min ferry ride from Trapani.

Favignana is the largest of the three Egadian islands, but still small enough to tour its aquamarine beaches on an old-school bicycle. The other two islands are tiny Levanzo and the wild one- Marettimo.

Favignana can be paralleled to the laid-back island life of the Caribbeans – a perfect place just to do nothing, go on a slow beach hopping with many stops for an ice-fresh granita.

For this reason, the best way to explore Favignana island is by bicycle, electronic bike, or scooter. There are countless rental spots ( Noleggio Bici e Motorini ) just outside the ferry port and in the old town.

blue water beach with rocky shores

Things to do on Favignana island

  • Beach hopping. The noteworthy ones are Calla Rosa, Calla Azzurra, Spiaggia Lido di Burrone, and our favorite the unique Bue Marino- an old query turned beach with impossibly blue waters.
  • Catch the sunset at Cala Rotonda located on the western part of the island which was completely wild and scenery wise reminded me of the Turkish side of Cyprus.
  • Just do nothing- it is an island to slow down, sip some aperitivo, coffee, or granita- whatever your preference is. A perfect place for that is tiny Favignana’s historical center, the Piazza Europa- one of the two main old town squares (the other one just 50 meters away is Piazza Madrice).
  • Try street food- tuna burgers to be specific. Pescheria Florio at the corner of Piazza Europa is a place to go (we ate there countless times during our 1.5-day stay).
  • If you have more time, catch a boat to Levanzo island and spend a couple of hours there. Marettimo is further away, with fewer daily connections, and also the wildest out of all 3 islands. You should visit it if you have more than a night in Fivignana.

READ MORE: my complete guide to Favignana and Egadi islands, Sicily .

Top tip: if you are arriving in a rental car, park it for the night in a large parking lot at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Trapani. It wouldn’t make sense to bring the car to Favignana- costly and you won’t need it. Parking in Trapani costs only 5 EUR for a day (and that’s the maximum you can pay in one shot). Therefore, if you are visiting the Egadian islands only for one night and need to leave your car in Trapani, this is a perfect option. Note that you will have to walk 15 minutes to the ferry from the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele parking lot.

tour sicilia km

WHERE TO STAY IN FAVIGNANA?

Cave Garden Roo ms- 9.7/10- we stayed here and it was amazing-located a few kilometers inland but free pick up and drop off from the ferry is provided. If you planning on renting a bike, it is a perfect place to stay. The family-run hotel features special cave rooms which are very modern and extremely comfy beds. The place was very peaceful, the breakfast amazing, and the hosts were absolutely incredible. Highly recommend! 60 EUR/64USD per night. Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

Residence Scirocco e Tramontana – 9.3/10 – Fantastic one-bedroom apartment with beach vibes, overlooking the sea and close to the ferry port. 155 EUR/166 USD per night. Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

Casa Vacanze Senia Del Rais – 9.4/10 – vacation house, located inland of Favignana, free pick up and drop off from the port is included. 147 EUR/ 158 USD per night. Check for more info, availability, and booking HERE .

DAY 10-11: Trapani (2 nights)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 90 KM (56 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 2 HRS
  • Visiting:  Erice and San Vito Lo Capo

Trapani is the biggest port town in West Sicily which also has an airport. On my first visit to Sicily back in 2016, Trapani was where I landed. The old town of Trapani isn’t huge and features an atmospheric waterfront facing the west side (great for sunsets). You probably won’t need more than half a day to explore Trapani’s historic center at a slow pace.

a girl running at sunset in trapani waterfront, siciyly

Top Tip: Trapani is a perfect base for exploring Western Sicily because many attractions are within a 30min to 1-hour drive.

Things to do around Trapani

  • Visit Erice- a mountain-top town frozen back in time.

You may wonder if, after seeing a few mountain towns of Madonie, you really need to see another one. The answer is yes. Erice is absolutely unmissable on your Sicily trip and it is different from what you may have seen before.

Erice is a well-preserved medieval town, with narrow cobblestone streets winding up and down, pretty piazzas, churches, castles, and incredible views overlooking Trapani on one side and Monte Cofano Natural Reserve on the other. Driving the classic hairpin mountain road, you will find Erice situated 751 meters above sea level and often covered in its personal cloud. To catch the misty views, and great light, and to avoid crowds (tour buses start floating in at around 9 am) aim to come early morning. Also, you can come for an evening stroll with an opportunity to catch a beautiful sunset.

There are quite a few wonderful viewing points around the whole perimeter of Erice. But one of the best ones opens up from Gardino del Balio – the garden next to Balio Castle (which is also open for visitors).

Useful Tip: if you are not keen on driving the windy roads, you can take a cable car from Trapani. A round trip costs 9 EUR per person). Coming back during the sunset time by cable car is also a fantastic experience.

gorthic church arch and gate at sunset in erice town sicily

  • Visit Monte Cofano Natural Reserve.

Heading up north towards San Vito Lo Capo, Monte Cofano Nature Reserve is home to some of the best sceneries in Sicily. You can go on a light hike around the Reserve, or stop at one of the less crowded beaches in Macari (Spiaggia di Macari) . An interesting detour is Grotta Mangiapane – a tiny cave village turned museum. The cost for the visit is a donation of your chosen amount.

tour sicilia km

  • Visit San Vito Lo Capo beach .

San Vito lo Capo located at the very northwestern tip of the island is considered one of the best beaches in Sicily. No wonder it became a popular summer destination as it features a long stretch of white sand beach dotted with colorful umbrellas and divided into free and private sections.

A number of bars and restaurants dotted along Via Lotaranea Lungomare, plus fantastic views of the nearby mountain is a full package for those who love bustling seaside towns.

I have to admit San Vito Lo Capo wasn’t my cup of tea- it was just a little too busy even in May. But I can see why it is a great hangout spot, especially for teenagers and students, and also families since the sea access is quite shallow.

Dessert Tip: When in San Vito Lo Capo, try “fredo caldo” desert at Cavalluccio Marino coffee bar. Couscous is also a specialty there but I didn’t particularly enjoy that dish.

a man walking on a beach in Macari sicily

  • Visit Segesta temple

Well-preserved and based in gorgeous surroundings, Segesta temple and the theatre are the remains of a former ancient city founded by Elymes. Segesta is 30 min drive from Trapani. The visit will cost you roughly 12 EUR. There is a separate fee for the shuttle bus taking visitors to the site. You must leave your car at a paid parking and also pay a 6 EUR entrance fee for visiting the temple and theater.  Note that the theater is located a little bit higher up on Mount Barbaro 400 meters above sea level. If you are not keen on walking, there is another shuttle bus for 1.5 EUR one way which can take you there.

  • Visit Favignana island on a day trip. If you don’t want to spend a night in Favignana, Trapani is a perfect base for a day trip to the Egadian islands. Connections from Trapani to Favignana are frequent and you can enjoy a relaxed day without having to spend the night.

A fisherman fixing his net in Favignana port, Sicily

WHERE TO STAY IN TRAPANI?

Le Cupole Suits & Apartments – 9.7/10- spacious minimalistic and bright apartments in the heart of Trapani with private parking available. 101 EUR/108 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Tra I Mari – 9.7/10- One-bedroom house in the historic center of Trapani with free parking available, perfect for a longer stay in Trapani. 116 EUR/ 125 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Room of Andrea Hotel – 9.2/10- a boutique hotel offering elegant rooms in the historic center of Trapani, buffet breakfast included. 162 EUR/174 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Dimora Botteghelle – 9.5/10- charming B&B with beautiful rooms featuring traditional arched stone walls, 1 min walk from the beach in Trapani historical center. 128 EUR/ 136 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

WHERE TO EAT IN TRAPANI?

Boca Pizzeria Trattoria – not exactly in Trapani old town but only 10 min drive in Rigaletta town. This place was my number one Pizzeria in Sicily serving super delicious pizzas on focaccia type of dough with a very generous amount of toppings. Sevice was unmatched considering how busy this place in the middle of nowhere gets. Reservation in advance is recommended. We came without one but super-efficient restaurant manager made sure to get us a table in under 10 minutes.

DAY 12- 13: Ragusa and Modica (2 nights in Ragusa)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 313 KM (194 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 4 HRS 50 MIN
  • Stops: Punta Bianca
  • Alternative stop: Valley of Temples

This leg of the journey is the longest on our road trip. We will be heading from Trapani to the baroque gem Ragusa . Along the way, I have included an off-the-beaten-path stop at Punta Bianca – a rival to the more well-known Scali dei Tuchi (Turkish Steps) in Agrigento province.

a dog at a white rock with abandoned house in the background and a woman in bikini walking behind

Alternative detour: If you are keen on history, ruins, and temples, then along the way, instead of Punta Bianca, you can stop at the famous Valley of Temples in Agrigento . We were not too keen on visiting this tourist sight and only witnessed it from afar while driving on SS115 road. It was quite a bizarre view- an ancient Temple of Concordia backed by the soviet type of urban landscape of Agrigento.

greek temple as seen from the road with agrigento town in the background

Instead of Valley of Temples, we chose to explore quite an unusual sight of Punta Bianca- a unique white rock beach with a lonely abandoned house. It was a bumpy off-road drive to the parking spot, and a short 500 meters walk down the steep hill to the beach.

The views here are different from what we saw everywhere in Sicily. With beautiful natural surroundings, Punta Bianca is a great stop for photography lovers. I advise coming during the sunset (we were there during midday, and even at that time the scenery looked impressive).

We spent a good couple of hours shooting and trying to swim at Punta Bianca (it is not ideal for swimming, although there is another beach nearby that looked more suitable for swimming).

Important: Don’t step in the small bushes in this area. We saw a black long snake hiding and apparently, there are a lot of them in the area. Nothing to worry about, just avoid those small bushes and stick to the clear sandy paths.

Ragusa is one of the UNESCO baroque towns that belong to Val Di Noto – a crown jewel of southeast Sicily and an absolute must-visit.

The town of two souls-Ragusa is divided into the modern city and the ancient Ragusa Ibla- the baroque lounge. The split of the town happened after the 1693 earthquake. Ragusa Superior, today known as the modern Ragusa, was rebuilt based on efficiency, while the prettier and more atmospheric Ragusa Inferior or Ragusa Ibla (the lower part of town) was rebuilt in baroque style and now is a quickly growing tourism magnet.

Still, it doesn’t seem to be completely discovered and you can pleasantly enjoy the maze of Ragusa’s street free of crowds.

ragusa ibla duomo di san giorgio at night with lights

The main architectural landmark of Ragusa is Duomo di San Giorgio . The piazza surrounding the Duomo comes alive at night with its many bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or dinner.

Meanwhile, the iconic views of Ragusa Ibla can be seen from Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale (the church of Saint Mary of the Stairs).

ragusa ibla views from Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale at sunset

The most pleasant time to explore Ragusa is early mornings when the streets are completely empty. At this time, you will only meet a few elderly people gathering at a local cafeteria sipping espresso and reading newspapers (and probably being the last generation to actually read old-school newspapers in this digital era).

While at sunset, head for the viewing point at Panoramica su Ragusa Ibla to watch the golden hues of the sunset painting the buildings followed by the street lights slowly illuminating the alleyways and churches.

Read my complete Guide to Visiting Ragusa: Sicily’s town of two faces.

ragusa ibla panoramic views at dusk

Modica- the town of chocolate

Modica is another town that belongs to Val di Noto and is particularly famous for its special cold-processed chocolate. Being a huge fan of dark chocolate, I headed directly to the oldest chocolate factory in town- Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, and joined their chocolate tour (with tasting included).

Other than plenty of typical Modica chocolate places, Modica is also renowned for its great baroque architecture. One of the most important architectural masterpieces is the Duomo di San Giorgio . 250 steps leading to it are connecting the lower (basa) and upper (alta) parts of Modica.

Most of the historical part is located in Modica Alta. Therefore there are plenty of steep inclines to deal with. We visited during midday and it was quite a challenge to walk around. Even in mid-May, the heat is already unbearable. For this, we found a cozy Bar del Duomo on the side of Duomo di San Giorgio and ordered chocolate granitas (a must-try in Modica) to cool down.

oldest chcolate factory in modica

Other places to add to the itinerary of Val di Noto

  • Noto town. We haven’t included Noto in this itinerary but it is probably the most famous town out of all Val di Noto Baroque towns. It is said to be the most beautiful at sunset time when the buildings of the historic town are glowing in golden light.
  • Scicli is the smallest town in Val di Noto and can be added to the day trip from Ragusa via Modica as all three towns are relatively close by.

WHERE TO STAY IN RAGUSA?

When choosing our accommodation in Val di Noto, I couldn’t decide between Modica and Ragusa. It turned out that picking Ragusa as our base was the best choice as the town itself is also more charming than Modica. Therefore, if you also have doubts, go for Ragusa.

Amaca Iblea – 9.3/10- A cozy one-bedroom apartment in a historic building featuring fantastic views of Ragusa Ibla. We stayed here and it was one of my favorite places in Sicily. Parking is free but not easy to find in the old town, however, the host will help to sort this out. 53 EUR/57 USD per night. For more info, availability and bookings click HERE .

Epoca – 9.6/10- enchanting rooms in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, has beautiful terrace and breakfast is included, free parking is also available. 132 EUR, 141 USD per night. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

Giardino Sul Duomo – 9.3/10- modern rooms with wood-beamed ceilings in a guesthouse offering a garden and a pool, a great view of Ragusa Ibla, and some rooms overlooking the Cathedral. 134 EUR/ 144 USD per night. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

A.D. 178 Boutique Hotel – 9.7/10- gorgeous boutique hotel perfectly combining art, contemporary design, and classic Baroque architecture. Each room is also different. Located at the very heart of Ragusa Ibla. 200 EUR/213 USD per night. For more info, availability and booking click HERE .

From Day 14 our route was meant to continue back to South Italy, through Messina port. We only shortly stopped at a tiny hill-top town of Savoca where some of the Godfather’s scenes were filmed.

However, if we had 3 more days to spare in Sicily, the places suggested below would have been definitely added to the route.

As you may have more time than us, it is likely that you will definitely want to include the following must-visit sights in East Sicily.

DAY 14: Ortigia Island (the historic center of Syracuse) (overnight in Syracuse/Ortigia)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 77 KM (47 miles) Ragusa-Syracuse.

The gem of the Eastern part of Sicily is the baroque island of Ortigia (or Ortygia) – in a lack of a better word-an appendix or an extension of the Greek town of Syracuse. 

Pedestrian-friendly Ortigia is renowned for its cultural heritage with a significant Greek influence. A UNESCO landmark, Ortigia was inhabited for over 3000 years and plays an important role in shaping the Mediterranean culture over the centuries.

Today, Ortigia attracts many culture lovers who will have a delightful time exploring its exquisite piazzas with impressive church facades and suggestive tiny streets. Whitewashed sun-kissed houses surrounded by crystalline sea and many restaurants are said to serve the food just as good as the one in Palermo.

Moreover, Ortigia is less touristy than Taormina and more polished than Catania.

Meanwhile, mainland Syracuse is the birthplace of Archimedes (a famous mathematician, philosopher, and inventor) with Neapolis Archeological Park , home to 5 century BC Greek theater, being an important historical attraction. While Valley of Temples in Agrigento is the most significant site showcasing how strong Greek influence was in south-east Sicily, the ruins of Neapolis in Syracuse come close to second.

tour sicilia km

WHERE TO STAY IN ORTIGIA?

For your reference, and also for my future visit, I have shortlisted the following accommodation options to stay in Ortigia.

Il Duomo – 9.4/10- set in a 19th-century building this accommodation provides good value for money for the central location, a sweet breakfast is also included. 94 EUR/101 USD price per night. Find out more info, availability, and bookings HERE.

B&B Porta Marina Ortigia – 9.2/10- Located in a historical building, the B&B offers classic rooms with balconies and sea views. A sweet and savory breakfast is also included. 152 EUR/ 163 USD per night. Click HERE for more info, availability, and bookings.

Henry’s House – 8.9/10- Located in Ortigia, this unique boutique hotel provides artistically decorated rooms and offers a special experience. A terrace overlooking the sea is available in the common area. Pricey option but definitely popular and different.  246 EUR/ 264 USD per night. Click HERE for more info, availability, and bookings.

DAY 15: Etna hike (afternoon in Taormina) (overnight in Taormina or Catania)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 156 KM (97 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 2 HR 46 MIN (estimated time if the night is spent in Taormina)

Etna – Europe’s most active volcano , constantly keeping inhabitants of the surrounding villages on edge.  You have probably seen pictures of the mighty volcano spitting lava flames and fuming like a giant dragon.

The active volcano is not something you aim to conquer but you can still take a careful glimpse at its crater from afar. The highest point you can reach in Etna is 3326 meters above sea level.

You have 3 options to visit Etna:

  • Self-guided hike (cheapest but hardest option) starting at the base camp of Rifugio Sapienza at 1910 m above sea level. Here you can park your car and start a grueling 1416 meters climb over challenging terrain with very steep inclines.  Recommended only for confident and fit hikers.
  • Semi-self-guided hike. You can cut off the grind by taking a cable car from Rifugio Sapienza to 2500 m base (33 EUR per person round trip), and then a 4×4 bus to 2920m (24 EUR per person round trip). From here you will only have to hike the crater area.
  • Guided tour . Apparently, the most popular way to visit Etna volcano. The prices of guided tours range significantly. Possibly one of the best deals is this one on Get Your Guide (only 45 EUR per person, not including cable car cost).

tour sicilia km

It will take you around half a day to visit Etna volcano. After, you have an option either to return to Catania or spend the night there before your flight (depending on your schedule). Or, visit Taormina as an afternoon trip, or even spend a night there before you head back to Catania airport the next day.

Taormina is the most famous mountain town in Sicily featuring an imposing Greek theatre set against the beautiful panorama of the Sicilian coast. It is also the most touristic town in Eastern Sicily. Although Taormina looks pretty in the pictures, we had no intention of visiting it on our trip mainly because of it being overrun by tourists (we experienced over-tourism in Positano, and it was just not for us).

Nonetheless, there is a reason people come to visit certain places.  Undoubtedly Taormina must have its charms and spending a night there might give you an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and stroll tourist-free old town streets during the early morning or late evening hours.

Since you are in the area, it is also worth stopping by Savoca- a tiny hill-top town famous for the Bar Vitelli , where one of the famous scenes of the Godfather movie was filmed. Note that the bar itself is heavily overpriced, but if you are a fan of the film, it is worth having an espresso in this special place which still keeps the original setup as seen in Godfather.

tour sicilia km

WHERE TO SPEND A NIGHT IN TAORMINA?

Taormina won’t come cheap as it is a very popular destination. However, there are plenty of options not immediately in the historic center. The below ones got my attention:

B&B GRECO HOME – 9.8/10- beautiful bright room in an accommodation that also offers a common terrace, and continental breakfast, and only 950 meters to the beach is included, private parking is also available. 112 EUR/ 120 USD per night. Click HERE for more info, availability, and booking.

Villa Le Terrace Charming Rooms- 9.5/10- situated outside the busy Taormina historic center Villa Le Terrace features a fantastic terrace with mount Etna views. Rooms also have balconies with a fantastic panorama. 160 EUR/ 170 USD per night. Click HERE for more info, availability, and booking.

DAY 16: Catania (flight day)

  • Driving distance:  approx. 70 KM (43 miles)
  • Total driving time:  approx. 1 HR  (driving time from Taormina to Catania International Airport)

And that’s a wrap for our Sicilian road trip, sadly…  But with a strong feeling that we will soon be coming back to this gorgeous Mediterranean island of Italy.

I hope you will find this 14-day Sicily itinerary inspiring and useful when planning your own Sicily road trip. If you have any questions regarding traveling around Sicily, do not hesitate to drop me a message.

More Italy travel guides and resources

Sicily travel guides.

  • Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Sicily and Driving Stress-Free
  • Renting a car in Catania, Sicily
  • Renting a car in Palermo: what you need to know
  • Epic Road Trip for 2-weeks in Sicily itinerary
  • Essential Sicily Travel Tips .
  • 21 spectacular places to visit in Sicily 
  • How to visit Favignana island, Sicily
  • Guide to hiking Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
  • Visit Gangi mountain town in Sicily
  • The most beautiful small coastal towns and fishing villages in Sicily.
  • The most charming mountain towns in Sicily .
  • Which is better: Amalfi Coast or Sicily?

General Italy travel guides

  • Browse all my  blog posts about Italy   HERE .
  • Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of  15 Best Road Trips in Italy.
  • Thinking of renting a car in Rome? Read my guide to  How to rent a car in Rome .

Italy travel resources

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

  • HIRE A CAR : Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
  • CHEAP FLIGHTS: find the cheapest and the best flight combinations with Skyscanner .
  • ACCOMMODATION: find your perfect stay on Booking.com .
  • VISA: apply for a Schengen visa easily at iVisa . Use OneWayFly to reserve dummy flight tickets/hotels if required for your visa application.
  • eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers an eSIM card with up to 20 GB (7 to 30 days) data packages for Italy and Europe for reasonable rates.
  • GUIDED TOURS:  Find the best day tours in Italy on  GetYourGuide .
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: Book a private transfer to any location in Italy with GetTransfer .
  • FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED OR DELAYED? You may receive compensation of up to 600 EUR. Consult and get support from AirHelp or Skycop .

tour sicilia km

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Giro di Sicilia - Tour of Sicily

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Race information

tour sicilia km

  • Date: 01 October 2021
  • Start time: 10:15
  • Avg. speed winner: 40.834 km/h
  • Race category: ME - Men Elite
  • Distance: 180 km
  • Points scale: 2.1.Stage
  • UCI scale: UCI.WR.1.Stage
  • Parcours type:
  • ProfileScore: 143
  • Vert. meters: 3095
  • Departure: Sant'Agata di Militello
  • Arrival: Mascali
  • Race ranking: 90
  • Startlist quality score: 186
  • Won how: 22.2 km solo
  • Avg. temperature:

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The Sicilian ( LP)

10 days from Palermo to Taormina Riviera

tour sicilia km

The Sicilian

Starting at: $ 2699

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2024 Tour Details

  •  Tour Highlights & Sightseeing
  •  Itinerary and Meals

 Accommodations

 optional excursions.

  •  Know Before You Go

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Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Traditional granita, cannoli, Marsala wine, and a tasting at Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, only sweeten the experience on this Undiscovered Tour of Sicily.

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*Book and deposit a select 2024 Globus Tour to save an additional $500 off per person on the land price. Booking must be made and under deposit between January 4, 2024 - March 2, 2024, for select travel dates in 2024. Offer applies to select tours only. Does not apply to Custom Tours, Escapes by Globus or Independence by Globus single city stays. Offer combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Applies to new bookings only. The applicable promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. Available from participating GFOB offices only. Promotional offer is in USD. PRMX0812 PRMX0812

 DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing:.

LF

 Meals

 meals & itinerary.

Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 6 three-course dinners

 Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

AIDA SLABIC

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" Italy has always been my passion. Every day, there is something new to discover and experience. Amazing cities of art, spectacular countryside, lake and mountain scenery, great cooking classes to learn about its worldwide famous cuisine, wine tastings, and much more. You can never have enough of it! What's my favorite place in Italy? Hard to tell! You're sure to experience something special that you'll take home in your heart. Once in Italy...let Globus and me help you enjoy the very best of it! "

LINO NEFANDO

" My life is a journey... Born in Southern Italy, my passion is history and rediscovering the traditions and the most refined art of this country. I love to share with my customers on the Globus tours moments of the breathtaking coastlines, the monuments and the unbelievable recipes of Italy. Follow me, I am going to make you live the Italian experience as if you were a part of this never-ending show. "

MERCURE PALERMO CENTRO

Mazara del vallo, mahara hotel & wellness, della valle, poggio del sole resort, mercure siracusa prometeo, taormina riviera, hellenia yachting hotel.

The following optional excursions may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).

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Sicily Tours & Trips

From delicious ricotta-filled cannoli's in Palermo to adrenaline rush adventures up to Mount Etna in Catania, Sicily has something to suit all types of travelers. Whether you are a foodie, an adventurer or a history-lover, a tour through Sicily can help you discover the island's hidden treasures.

223 Sicily tour packages with 1,008 reviews

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Food & Culinary
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Christmas & New Year

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

Sicily I amazing. Sicily Activities gave us an excellent tour. It was very personalized, particularly taking into account the needs of our 82 year old mom. The pace was slow as she needed it to be. They even rented an electric wheelchair for her, at no extra cost and the guides helped us carry it. We loved the overall experience.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests) Tour

Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests)

A fun tour. The group I travelled with made quick friends. Most of the accommodations were acceptable. Taormina was a treat staying at the Splendid hotel. Marcus our guide in Palermo was exceptional. I felt the food and wine experiences were average.

New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days Tour

New Tour of Sicily from Palermo 10 Days

We had the best tour guide ever. Placido is an asset for your company. He make sure that everything went smooth and his knowledge is academic.

Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 8 days 2024 Tour

Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 8 days 2024

Great tour overall..

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania

Generally good tour, food quality was poor at times Guides English pronunciation was poor at times. Needs to use an online translate to learn how to pronounce better.

Sicilian Landscapes: Catania-Catania (8 days/7 nights) Tour

Sicilian Landscapes: Catania-Catania (8 days/7 nights)

Tiring. But then I AM 80 years old. We saw a lot and maybe more than was needed for survey I would have liked to have a little more down time at hotel much like our last trip to Venice with Gate 1. Would suggest touring till three where possible then or a break and something less Strenuous in evening if needed. Overall a great experience with a knowledgeable,pleasant Guide with good company. Al
  • €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 10 days from Palermo 2024 Tour

Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 10 days from Palermo 2024

wish the tour guardian’s english I could understand better

Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour) Tour

Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)

Very pleased with the tour. The guides were personable and well informed. The hotels very nice and the chosen restaurants and variety of offered foods exceeded expectations. Only complaint is that I wish tips had been included. There was a lot of confusion as to who should get tipped and what was the appropriate amount. All in all I feel that it was a great mix of seeing Sicily yet having free time to explore independently.

Absolute Sicily: Palermo - Palermo (10 days/9 nights) Tour

Absolute Sicily: Palermo - Palermo (10 days/9 nights)

Placido was very informative and he could not have been better in this regard. Part way through the trip however he started chatting with Angelo a lot and was quite loud so anyone near the front of the bus had no “quiet time” when needed. He was however very good at looking after everyone too. Some of the hotels left something to be desired while others were fantastic! Too much tome was spent in places that offered little while other stops offered much to see but little time to see them. Get rid of the shopping stop on the way back to Palermo as it was a waste of time. We came to see the country not go to a mall. Rearrange the tour a little and it would be much better. Hotel in Catania offered no air conditioning and no opportunity to move to a area that did have it and our dinners were in the basement. It’s a good thing we are a happy group. Tour radar has been wonderful and attentive but I would not use the same tour group again

Splendours of Sicily Tour

Splendours of Sicily

Chose it because we had never been to Sicily and there is so much there ...where do we go? ... thought it would be good to learn from the experts. Comprehensive! We will be back! Vittoria, the leader, very knowledgeable very helpful, very well organised. Food venues chosen were varied with a good variety of excellent Sicilian foods. Guides at the various locations were super ... feel Vittoria selected them specially. Hotels OK. Lot of travelling, lot of walking ... had to opt out twice ... we were knackered! Highly recommended

Explore Southern Sicily Tour

Explore Southern Sicily

Tour was fabulous. Our tour leader Luca was amazing - incredibly knowledgeable, organized and helpful. Our tour group of 14 got along well and we really enjoyed each other’s company. Luca organized an optional dinner each evening and all opted to attend every dinner. We saw amazing sites and ate fabulous food. I would love to do another G Adventures tour.

Sicilian Secrets Tour

Sicilian Secrets

The trip was well organized. The guide - Placido certainly knew his subjects and was very happy to answer questions. The accomodation was all very good as were the breakfasts. .The group was large and I didn't realise that when I booked. Also you did need to be fit ( I am) but some people found the wakking/steps very difficult

Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes Tour

Northern Sicily: Islands & Volcanoes

Magical Sicily - 7 Days Tour

  • Active Adventure

Magical Sicily - 7 Days

Oh Guide was wonderful and I enjoyed all of our tours.

Sicily and Malta Tour

Sicily and Malta

My Art Collection has proven to be an outstanding tour operator, delivering an exceptional travel experience. From their well-crafted itineraries to their knowledgeable guides, every aspect of our journey was meticulously planned and executed. Their commitment to customer satisfaction shone through in every interaction. We were left truly amazed and enriched by our journey. If you're looking for a reliable and enriching travel experience, My Art Collection is the way to go. Their dedication to providing unique and memorable adventures makes them a standout choice in the world of tour operators.

Reviews of Sicily Tours

I can’t say enough good things about our experience in Sicily thanks to Mossimo and his team. Excellent, informative tour guides…Denise, Carlos, Antonio and Sem. The cooking class may have been the highlight, but all of the activities were fun and the pace of the tour, planned activities/free time mix was perfect. Will definitely recommend!

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Sicily Road Trip Itinerary – Self Drive

  • self drive holiday

Sicily Road Trip Planner:

After we wrote this post  about  ‘ Things to know before you self-drive in Sicily ’ , we got a lot of questions about places we traveled across Sicily on our road trip. Yes … we are Sicilian … but we usually travel around our island!

Be it 1 week or 10 days, this itinerary will help you while driving around Sicily and covers most of the beautiful and famous spots in Sicily making it one of the best road trips in Sicily.
With such a pleasing experience , we would recommend that everyone should go road trippin in Sicily at least once in a lifetime! Assisting you in your road trip adventure is your travel buddy. So, here it is – Tour of Sicily

Road trip preparation for self drive holiday:

Well, for a good road trip, what do you need? A reliable and cost effective car and a comfortable place to rest for the day after a long day on the road.

I know you are nodding your head there. Let me ease this process for you by listing a couple of websites which we always use on our travels.

You can book the car rental using  Tour of Sicily , so that we can select the car that matches your taste and budget.

Accomodation

With so many booking sites and hundreds of B&B and Hotels, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits your taste.

That is where this site comes into picture.

Tour of Sicily has a great selection of hotels which have been used for other clients. We do know their locations, facilities and quality. Furthermore, here in Sicily the hotel rating is completely different from the other side of the world and, because of it, we have created our own rating in: -3 star properties: moderate and B&B -4 star properties: moderate, first class, boutique … and a few B&B who are charming and with character -5 star properties: deluxe, luxury

Self drive Sicily itinerary

We list some places you can visit on your self drive holiday in Sicily.

  • Palermo , Capital of Sicily and the Arab-Norman Route
  • Monreale and the Mosaics at the Dome
  • Erice , the Marzipan and the Venus Castle
  • Salt Way Road  between Trapani and Marsala
  • Marsala, Saltpans and the Wine
  • Selinunte and Belice Nature Reserve
  • Agrigento , Kolymbetra Park and Turkish Steps

Piazza Armerina and the Roman Villa of Casale

  • Caltagirone , the Capital of Sicilian Pottery
  • Syracusa  mainland and Ortigia Island
  • Noto Valley : Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli and the Donnafugata Castle
  • Syracusa-Ragusa Nature Parks and Reserves: Pantalica Necropolis, Vendicari and Cavagrande del Cassibile
  • Etna Volcano , the most famous highlight of Sicily
  • Taormina and Surroundings: Taormina, Castelmola and the Godfather villages (e.g. Savoca)
  • UNESCO sites in the entire Sicily

Our Recommended Sicilian Road trip Itinerary 

Let me split the tour in 5 legs.

First leg of the journey:  Palermo Second leg: Marsala Thirth leg:  Agrigento Fouth leg: Syracusa Fifth leg:  Taormina

Lets look at each stop and see what we recommend to do there and from there!

Palermo Main Town

You can fly into Palermo and flew out of Catania.

From Palermo airport to join the town you can: catch on the Public Bus — Prestia and Comandè Bus Company — with a very great schedule with departure every 0,30 hour from the airport spending a few euros. You can book the ticket in advance or pay it on the spot.

And, you can also take a Regular Multilingual Walking Tour of Palermo : -from Tuesday to Sunday, half day h 9AM at eur 38 per person LINK -from Tuesday to Saturday, half day h 2PM at eur 38 per person LINK

If you are a Meal-Lover do not miss our small size   collective Street Food Walking Tour  admiring the Massimo Theatre (external view to the Palermo Opera House), then explore a suggestive and lively  open-air market , a place with strong Arab influences, resembling a souk, with picturesque stands of fresh fish, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. During the tour you will have the opportunity to observe local people in their daily activities and to savor foods that a real Sicilian people love to eat!  T asting of typical street food is included . The walking tour through the ancient center of Palermo is around 3-4 hours and you will visit several monuments including Piazza Pretoria and the Cathedral. Contact us for it !

What to see and What to do while in Palermo

tour sicilia km

Welcome to the world’s most conquered city! A multicultural legacy in one timeless place where North meets South and East meets West. t’s in the air. And in the splendid churches, castles and palaces. A touch of the Classical with a taste of the Medieval and the Baroque. Even the food is a polyglot cacophony of flavours from every era: Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese. Palermo has been home to Phoenician traders, Roman patricians, Arab emirs, Norman kings and at least two medieval Holy Roman Emperors, and the spirit of each lives on. What is Palermo? This eclectic crossroads of Mediterranean and northern European civilization is more than a museum.

It’s a vibrant — even chaotic — city whose unique culture has been forged and molded by three millennia of history emerging from three continents. There’s no other place on earth like Palermo, and to discover the history of this singular city is to experience something of the diverse worlds that have created something which has evolved into its own culture.

The streets of old Palermo are an intriguing labyrinth of outdoor markets, subtle niches and long-forgotten secrets — almost a subculture unto themselves. After nine centuries street markets still evoke the atmosphere of Arab souks. Only the Baroque churches and palazzi on the same narrow streets remind you that you’re in Italy, but then “Italy” has existed as a modern concept only since the middle of the nineteenth century; Sicily — ruled from Palermo as a Fatimid emirate and then as a Norman kingdom — transcends this by many centuries.

Palermo’s Norman Palace epitomizes the city’s heritage of diversity. It was built by the Normans upon the foundations of an Arab castle, al-Kasr. This, in turn, had been constructed in the ninth century on the site of a Punic (Phoenician-Carthaginian) structure. The Normans’ first chapel, built in the Romanesque style very late in the eleventh century, is now the “crypt” beneath the Palatine Chapel of the twelfth century. Today all can be visited.

After blissful 2 days of roaming in Palermo, hopped onto Monreale for a half day, which was just next door to Palermo. You can join Monreale by taxi or Public Bus spending a few euros. Monreale is far away from Palermo only 15/20 minutes driving distances each way.

Palermo Surroundings

1. Monreale

tour sicilia km

The cathedral and cloisters at Monreale are frequently cited as the island’s greatest Norman buildings.

They date to the twelfth century, when the Norman ruler William II, known as William the Good, founded a Benedictine monastery here; this Duomo was its abbey. In competition with the great cathedral being built down down the road in Palermo, Monreale’s cathedral was finished rapidly and extravagantly; William wanted this to be an important royal church where he and his successors would be buried, though these plans didn’t last beyond his own burial.

The upper part of the cathedral’s interior is completely covered in gleaming gold mosaics; more than 6,000 square metres of mosaic.

They were almost certainly created by Byzantine craftsmen, and the combination of Norman, Byzantine and Islamic art and architecture here is a spectacular demonstration of the influences which created Sicily’s most glorious era. In the apse, above the altar, the greatest image is of Christ Pantocrator, draped in a blue robe, his hand raised in blessing. Below him and around the walls are depictions of saints, including St. Thomas a Becket (two rows below Christ, helpfully labelled). The central nave is lined with pictures from the Old Testament. Look out for the lovely sequence of scenes of Noah’s ark, with animals being coaxed on and off the boat, and passengers crammed in like Ryanair customers peering through windows. In the side naves are scenes from the life of Christ. For a small charge, you can buy a ticket to view the  tesoro  – the treasury of the cathedral – to get a closer look at some of the mosaics, and to visit the cathedral’s panoramic terrace. Once you have seen the cathedral and taken your fill of the mosaics, have a look at the exterior and the marvellous decoration on the apse.

After exploring Palermo  and Monreale, now you can pick up a pre-booked rental car, thus flagging off your Sicilian road trip! For the entire day you can self drive to Cefalù and get back to Palermo in the afternoon.

tour sicilia km

The city is dominated by a monumental rock that rises up to 270 metres in height already known to the Phoenicians as “ promontory of Hercules ” on which the  Temple of Diana  stands, a megalithic building linked to the worship of the water, as indicated by the nearby cistern dating from the ninth century BC. The historic district is lying in the shadow of this bastion and clings around its beating heart which is undoubtedly the  Duomo , a gigantic cathedral built by Roger II, the Norman.

There are many sights to see in  medieval Cefalù  as well.

Entirely carved out from the rock and active until recently, is the  Medieval washhouse . After descending its suggestive lava stone, curved steps, we find ourselves in a half-covered space hosting a number of ancient basins, fed by the Cefalino river that flows out from twenty-two iron lion-shaped mouths.

In this special setting, full of  history and culture, we are thrown back into the  past, among songs screamed by the Sicilian laundresses, busy in their daily ritual.

It’s absolutely a must to see in Cefalù, for a magnificent taste of Sicilian Medieval life.

After this interesting immersion in art and culture, you just have to look for a good spot in front of the wonderful sea and order fresh fish while waiting for the sunset and for the spectacle of the enlightened port brightening the night up.

Next morning, early breakfast and departure for Marsala for a couple of nights there, with a stopovers to Erice and the Salt Way Road. Spend two days in Marsala

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Two solutions to join Erice: drive by car up to the hilltown or park the car on the slopes of Erice hilltown and use the cable car. WE DO RECOMMEND to use the cable car where you can park the car and catch on the first cable car available.

From the time the cable-car approach the uptown, until your way back to the slopes of Erice, everything is amazing! During the cable car ride: look at the Tyrrhenian coast in the Gulf of Trapani and the tip of San Vito lo Capo at the horizon, and on the other, the port of Trapani, Saltpans and the  Egadi islands .

In spite of several of tourist inflow every day, much of Erice’s natural beauty is preserved to retain its charm. The proof of which are the narrow medieval roads just enough to pass only one local vehicle one way direction only.

To discover Erice,  let’s begin our tour from Porta Trapani  and walk through the alley streets and the squares, bordered by churches and palaces that, in open spaces, reveal majestic landscapes. Erice is famous for its numerous churches, indeed it was known as the city with a hundred churches.

Among the most beautiful places, there is the  Spanish neighborhood . It is said that this area was made during the Spanish ruling in order to accommodate Spanish soldiers, as it was mandatory for every city of Sicily. In Erice, a blockhouse was built, which we have fascinating remains, and a church dedicated to the cult of S. Antonio; however, the Spanish neighborhood was never finished because the soldiers were housed in the nearby castle.

Erice’s symbol is the Venus Castle ( Castello di Venere ), built by the Normans who used materials from the temple of Venus in Erice, from which the castle takes its name. The castle was surrounded by towers and beside them there is the  Balio , a wonderful garden from which you enjoy an  extraordinary panorama .

tour sicilia km

Let’s taste the  famous sweets of Erice . We have a great choice among historical laboratories of sweets from Erice. There are sweets made from ancient recipes of the nuns of cloistered monasteries.

Decorated like lace, the  marzipan sweets  are stuffed with preserved cedar. The  genovesi ericine  are filled with hot custard and sprinkled with icing sugar.  Mustaccioli , classic or honey types of cookies, are flavored with a hint of clove. Finally, the marzipan fruits, almond based, with soft and natural colors, cannot miss in this list.

Salt Way Road between Trapani and Marsala

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The tourist paths for visits to the salt flats wind their way around the great basins and, running along the edges of the tanks of seawater – which glistens in the sun as it crystallizes – finally reach the mounds of salt. These mounds are topped by a series of recently restored windmills that recall the days when they were among the main instruments for pumping the water and grinding the salt.

A panorama that has to be enjoyed, preferably at sunset, when everything becomes tinged with red. We then arrive at the salt pans  Saline Ettore Infersa  ( Admission fee: payable on the spot at the ticket office ) which offer a truly unique landscape. Windmills, first introduced during mediaeval times, dot the horizon, a testament to how things were once done, though one or two continue to function, pumping water through the sluice gates into or out of the various basins. Piles of harvested salt, neatly covered with terracotta tiles, lie between the road and the basins waiting to be despatched.

If you have the chance, await the sunset …. is amazing taking a Prosecco here in the bar which is next to the Saltpans. Colours, sky, sea, salt hills, windmills …. trust us and drink your prosecco here!

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A significant date in Sicilian wine history is 1773, the year John Woodhouse began producing what was destined to become one of the island’s best loved products: Marsala.

Woodhouse understood immediately that the decent local wine could be transformed using  in perpetuum  techniques (similar to the solera system used to make sherry). The addition of alcohol would not only fortify the wine but also help it survive the sea journey back to England intact. It was an instant success with the British, and soon other entrepreneurs, such as Ingham and Whitaker, were exploiting the wine’s popularity.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the English dominion in Marsala-making was brought to an end by the arrival of Vincenzo Florio , one of Italy’s first tycoons, who bought up much of the land around Marsala. Cantine Florio, though in different hands today, remains one of the best producers of Marsala, and a visit of their enormous barrel-filled winery is recommended.

For most of the 20th century, Sicily continued to produce enormous quantities of grapes, most of which were exported to be added to wine made elsewhere in Italy and France.

Plan with us the visit to the Florio Winery with wine tastings … is a must no miss

If you are a Gastronomy Lover let us indulging you in the local culinary tradition or Cooking Class. Busiate pasta with pesto or a cous cous soup with fish …. the culinary tradition here in this part of Sicily is definitely delicious! Contact us to arrange a Meal Experience!

Our Sicilian experience continue with the amazing visit of the most imposrtant archaeological sites: Selinunte on the way to Agrigento. Here we spend 2 days.

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We do recommend to hire a Licensed Local Guide to visit this huge Archaeological Site.

Located on the south west coast of Sicily, Selinunte (named Selinos by Greeks) was one of the richest and most important cities for Magna Grecia. Unfortunately, it was turned into ruins by a fierce attack of Carthaginans who massacred or took into slavery its inhabitans.

Undoubtedly, its ruins runk among the most remarkable and fascinating archaeological sites in Sicily. The archeological site is the largest in Europe.

If you are passionated about history and archeology, or just curious and eager to see world’s wonders, you will spend very suggestive time by visiting this coffer brimming with Mediterranean history.

Furthermore, Selinunte benefits from a beautiful position: it overlooks the sea and it is surrounded by golden beaches.

To the west lies the archaeological site of  Selinunte , to the east, the seaside resort  of Porto Palo. In between is a 3km stretch of sandy beach, dunes, and coastal flora: the  Belice Nature Reserve .

Instituted in 1984, the Belice reserve is a wonderful place to visit in all seasons. Beach lovers will always find space on its generous sands during the spring, summer, and autumn, and swimmers will appreciate the cleanliness of its waters. In the cooler months, it’s a great spot for a brisk walk, following the disused Castelvetrano-Sciacca railway line while working up an appetite for a long lunch at La Pineta, a traditional seafood restaurant at the western extremity of the beach.

For nature lovers there’s also plenty to see. The dunes alternate with depressions, which form saltwater pools when the tide comes in. A vibrant, hardy range of flora thrives on the sandy, saline terrain, including sea daffodils, sea rocket, wild asparagus, lentisk, and tamarisk. On the fertile banks of the river delta grow towering reeds and bullrushes, while carob trees, dwarf palms, and the occasional pine rise discreetly above the dunes.

During the afternoon continue onto Agrigento from the sea. The view of the Greek temples and the hilltop city backdrop is one of the most memorable panoramas in Europe.

Two days in Agrigento to visit the amazing Valley of the Temples , the Kolymbetra Park and the Turkish Steps .

Agrigento, the Kolymbetra Park and the Turkish Steps

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Walking on the temple hill with the huge doric temples all around us, is an impressive experience. The  temple of Hercules  is the most ancient of the temples of Agrigento. This ancient building has an extremely elongated structure.

The  temple of the Concord  is one of the greatest attractions of the archaeological park.It was build in doric style with six columns on the frontside. During the middleage, the temple was transformed into a Christian church..

At the highest point of the hill is setted the  Juno Lacinia temple . This hexastyle peripteral temple is the best preserved of the valley toghether with the temple of the Concord.

The other buildings are in the other area of the archaeological park, on the other side of the street (same ticket for entrance).Here are the ruins of the huge  temple of Olympian Zeus .The structure of this temple was supported by giant figures named Telamons (visible near the temple and in the archaeological museum of Agrigento with a reconstruction). The construction of this temple began in the fifth century B.C. but the building was never finished. In size it was only second to the temple of Diana in Ephesus. The  temple of Castor and Pollux  is an other famous sicilian panorama. The doric columns were raised up again in the nineteenth century. Near this temple it is also possible to visit the sanctuary of the chtonic divinities and the  Kolymbetra gardens .

Many people visit the  Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily and completely miss the luscious botanical garden called the Kolymbetra .

The history of the garden dates back to around 500 BC when the Greeks occupied Sicily. The garden was established as part of the ancient town of Akragas (today, Agrigento), once home to some 200,000 people. Because the area was mostly arid at the time, an extensive irrigation system was developed and as a result, a lush garden conceived.

What makes the garden so unique is the combination of ancient ruins  and  flora and fauna as well as many plants no longer cultivated in the Agrigento region but still grown here. You’re even allowed to pick citrus fruit off the trees and consume it right there on the spot! There are small bins all over to avoid littering as well as streams where you can wash your sticky fingers thereafter.

The citrus fruit is as fresh as anything and there is nothing like sitting in the sun eating a freshly plucked piece of fruit in utter tranquility. Thank heavens there were not a lot of  tourists around either! As you can imagine this made the experience even more special.

Then, a short drive to join the Turkish Steps

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One of the most stunning natural sites to visit in Sicily is the  Turkish Steps  or the  Scala dei Turchi .

It is a rocky cliff on the coast of Realmonte and conveniently located only 15 minutes away from Agrigento. It is  one of the best spots to relax and take a break from site seeing as well as to enjoy a nice dip in the ocean .

The Turkish Steps in Sicily are beautiful white cliffs that have eroded in a way that looks like a staircase sloping into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. It is an amazing spot to  take photographs  and to  dive into the warm ocean  off of the amazing white cliffs. You can walk along the cliffs or simply lie out and take in the sun on this truly unique geological formation.

Furthermore, the name of the site comes from the Arab pirates who anchored their boats on the cliffs while they pillaged surrounding villages. The stone is specifically Marl which has eroded from the elements over the ages. Wet clay is supposedly good for the skin so many beach goers cover themselves in the sediment while they take in the sun. Think of it as a giant white natural lounge chair sloping into the ocean, which also has a clay spa built right in!

This natural wonder is  a perfect place to absorb the rays, enjoy a romantic sunset or hike along the coastline .

Maybe even take a nice bottle of Sicilian wine and just relax while looking at the incredible view!

After exploring Agrigento area , now you can continue to Syracusa with a WOW recommended stopover to visit the Roman Villa or Villa Romana del Casale located in Piazza Armerina and shopping time in Caltagirone which is famous for the lovely pottery.

We do recommend to spend in Syracusa 3 to 4 days … there are so many amazing sites to visit from here!

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The Villa Romana del Casale (trans. Roman Country Villa) in Piazza Armerina is considered to be one of the most important exemplars of an official governmental residence, attributed to the elaboration and exceptional beauty of its architectonic and decorative elements. Dated back to  320-350 A.D. , the villa most likely belonged to a member of Rome’s senatorial class, probably a governor of the Eternal City itself ( Praefectus Urbi ). However, some scholars would maintain that the villa was built and eventually expanded upon the official commission of an Imperial functionary of a rather high order; they have identified this person to be Maximian, a Tetrarch (one of four co-Emperors) of Diocletian.

Archaeologists undertook an important excavation project in the mid-18th Century, bringing to light 37,674 sq ft of  mosaic flooring  – figurative and geometric – along with  wall mosaics , columns, statues, capitals and coins. The theme of the mosaics? They are essentially, in part, paeans to the homeowner himself, and they are done, one might add, with a certain profundity and eloquence. Moreover, much of the house exhibits a definite influence from North African art styles, leading diggers and academics to believe that some of the construction workers from the African Continent.

In the mosaics, the viewer can detect varying styles and narrative cycles: one is dedicated to mythology and to Homeric poems, while another refers to nature and scenes from the Roman aristocracy’s quotidian life.

Caltagirone, the Capital of Sicilian Pottery

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Tourism and ceramics are the most important resources of this pretty town where every corner tells an interesting and ancient story: the name itself comes from an Arabic term that meant  “Castle of pottery jars” . Plenty of extraordinary works of art are still preserved in the city’s Museum of Pottery, where some of the terra-cotta objects date back to the period of Magna Grecia.

The outstanding quality and creativity of Caltagirone’s ceramics is best admired in the most famous landmark of the town:  the monumental Santa Maria del Monte staircase , whose 142 steps are all decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles, using the typical colors, shapes and patterns of the most traditional pottery production and art. If you happen to be around by that time, don’t miss the marvellous show of the staircase illuminated by thousands of candles creating an artistic image on Saint James’ day (July 25th).

As it happened for the other baroque towns of the Noto Valley, Caltagirone was destroyed by the massive earthquake of 1693 and then rebuilt with a very perceivable baroque imprinting: its  elegant historical centre  includes beautiful examples of the most typical Sicilian baroque architecture, such as the church of San Giorgio and Santa Maria del Monte, located on top of the famous and colourful monumental staircase and rich in invaluable paintings and statues.

Together with elegant and refined palaces and churches, the historical centre of Caltagirone is studded with a multitude of  tiny lovely boutiques and shops selling beautiful ceramics , pottery and terra-cotta works of art from the local laboratories: a souvenir is compulsory!

After a long day-self-drive-transfer-tour connencting Agrigento to Syracusa with the two recommended stopovers to Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone you arrive in Syracusa.

In Syracusa spend 2 or 3 or 4 days or 5 days … or more visiting the Town of Syracusa (which involves also Ortigia island) as well as the amazing villages outside Syracusa which we will shown you below in this article.

Syracusa Mainland and Ortigia island

Today you can park your car and we recommend to hire a Local Guide which is able to escort you to visit the most important local highlights.

Like in Palermo, Syracusa city centre is padestrian with ZTL restrictions  so is convenient for you walk to explore and use taxi to cover the long distances.

To hire a Local Guide feel free to contact Tour of Sicily and decide with them to hire the local guide for half day or a full day .

Of course, you can inquiry Tour of Sicily also for e.g. – Syracusa Cooking Class and Open Air Market – An amazing Boat Tour around the Ortigia island

Syracuse is a city on the south eastern coast of the Italian island of Sicily.

As one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, Syracuse has a wonderful collection of historical sites from both the ancient Greek and Roman time periods. Furthermore, this city was considered one of the main powers in the Mediterranean sea during these ancient times and allied with both the Spartans and Corinthians.

In ancient times, the rulers of Syracuse were embroiled in various battles with enemies such as Carthage and the Romans. Today the city has a budding economy, mainly driven by tourism, shipping and agriculture.

Syracusa is a window into the ancient history of the Mediterranean and Europe.

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This was a center of Greek, Byzantine and Judaic civilization.

Physical evidence of these three cultures can still be seen today, making Ortygia a fascinating place to visit for anybody curious about the historic patrimony we have inherited from classical mythology, early Christianity and medieval Judaism.

Let’s explore the  best things to do in Syracuse :

1. Archaeological Park

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The Archaeological Park in the western part of Syracuse is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the region.

Within this fantastic area is a series of ancient ruins and the most renowned is the Greek Theatre.

Created in 470 BC, this ancient amphitheatre played host to some legendary play writes such as Aischylos and Sophocles, and has a diameter of 138 metres. is a series of ancient ruins and the most renowned is the Greek Theatre.

Today, much of the originally semi-circular seating survives in fantastic condition, although it is sometimes covered with wood to preserve its quality.

Furthermore, you can still see sections of the stage and scenery buildings.

This is one of the best preserved theatres in Sicily and is a must see attraction when visiting Syracuse.

Another true gem within the Archaeological Park in the western part of Syracuse is the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie and teh Dionisio Ear.

2. Ortigia Market

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The market is  colorful and lively  and, as in many markets, is characterized by the cries of the vendors. It is not, however, the chaotic atmosphere of a North African souk; on the contrary, what is surprising is that absolute order reigns in certain stalls, with piles of produce stacked in meticulous rows and aligned with geometric precision.

It’s best to go as early in the day as possible, especially in the warmer months, not only to avoid the heat of the South but also to ensure the best  selection of goods  (and of course to have the rest of the morning available for other activities).

3. Piazza Duomo

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Other notable structures include the Palazzo della Sovrintendenza, the town hall, and the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia.

Furthermore, there is also a beautiful garden and a series of restaurants and cafes.

On certain days, a local market is held here which is the perfect place to pick up a bargain.

4. Juwish Quarter and the Mikva – Ritual Jewish Bath

Up until their  expulsion by the Spanish sovereign in 1492 , Jews  constituted a very important portion of Syracuse . They amounted at times to a third of the population, which is to say several thousand people.

The Jewish community of Syracuse was, in fact, the  most populous in Sicily after that of Palermo .

The Jewish presence in Syracuse was already documented in Roman times and counted among its population numerous and rich merchants and bankers. This presence, maintained into the Byzantine age, was increased during the Arab domination of the area thanks to the influx of Sephardic populations from North Africa, where several Berber tribes converted to Judaism prior to Islam.

Although the Jewish presence in Syracuse preceded the date by which all of the Jewish populations of Catholic countries were obligatorily confined to ghettos (starting in 1555), a large part of this population preferred to collect voluntarily in a “ Jewish quarter .” This was for very practical and emotional reasons but also for understandable self-protection, and the practice can be credited with giving birth in modern cities to neighborhoods of prevalent ethnic populations, such as “Italian quarters,” “Chinese quarters”, and so forth.

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For half a millennium the existence of this space was forgotten. The conversion of to the existing building above the mikvah into a hotel, however, revealed its long access stairway, and the earth (five truckloads!) covering it was removed. Then, the discoverers found the space perfectly preserved yet full of fresh water up to the ceiling.

Mikvah of Syracuse –Ritual Jewish Bath —  appears today to visitors as a rectangular principal room, entirely excavated in the limestone rock (to a depth of 18 meters / 59 feet). Its ceiling is supported by four pillars, and the floor is punctuated with three dug baths. Its walls contain three side niches, two of which also feature a bath. One of the side niches intersected a circular well, probably from the Hellenistic period.

An opening in the ceiling provides ventilation and illumination, which runs to the surface next to the current access to the stairs.  In the past, the small amount of light provided by this shaft was the only illumination available, save for the addition of oil lamps. Examples of these lamps were found during the excavation and are now displayed in a case in the hotel above.

According to the most recent scholarship, this space may be the most ancient ritual Jewish bath left to us in Europe: the period of construction suggested by scholars is, in fact, the  6th century A.D. , in the peak years of the  Byzantine period .

For what reasons did the Jewish community of Syracuse take it upon itself to conduct this impressive work?  For religious reasons. The water of the mikvah had to be “living water,” that is to say it can ebb and flow without human intervention. The constant subterranean filtration of that depth guaranteed such a characteristic, even in the middle of an island. This was the reason why the this space required such deep excavation into the subsoil: the stagnant water at surface level was not appropriate for ritual use, so the search for an appropriate water source moved deep underground.

Still today, with the out-flowing canal being obstructed by work conducted in modern times, the owner of the hotel has to regularly operate the pumps (obviously not during tours). If this is not done, the water that continuously filters through the walls of the tubs will again fill them.

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Since ancient times the fountain was, in fact, cited by poets and writers (Pindar, Moschus, Ovid, Virgil, and then John Milton, Alexander Pope, Gabriele D’Annunzio), and even inspired the Polish composer  Karol Szymanowski .

In ancient Greek myth, the origin of the spring was attributed to the fate of a nymph,  Arethusa , who was transformed by the goddess Artemis into a spring to escape the stalking courtship of  Alpheus  (son of the god Oceanus). He, in despair, was in turn transformed into a river by Zeus and thereby succeeded to finally mix his water with that of Arethusa. The myth probably attempts to explain the brackish taste of the water that results from the infiltration of the bordering sea. Take note that the fountain has changed in appearance many times over the centuries and the last alteration was in 1540 when, constructing ramparts around the island of Ortigia, the Spanish reduced the lake created by the spring of approximately 200 meters to the much smaller, semicircular pool (at the foot of the wall) that one sees now.

These overlying walls were demolished in 1847, with the bases of the ramparts transformed into the Belvedere (redesigned in 1947) that one can admire today.

This pond also has a second peculiarity: at its center a collection of  wild papyrus  has grown for millennia.

This thicket, together with the similar growths along the Ciane/Anapo river, constitutes the only wild papyrus existing in Europe. 

To the delight of youngsters, freshwater fish and domesticated ducks swim in the deep water of the spring.

6. and more important highlights

We cannot write a poem and tehre are too many sites to see in Syracusa and Ortigia. Let us just mention them e.g.:

– Maniace Castle : The castle that covers the entire point of the island of Ortigia is situated on the spot where a temple of Hera once stood and later served as the location for the palaces of the Greek “tyrants” of Syracuse and of the Roman administrators stood). The present castle, though, takes its name from its first builder, the  Byzantine  general  George Maniakes ,  who liberated Syracuse from Arab rule  for a few years (1040-1043), and fortified the port at this point.

– Syracusa Dome : a monument of singular charm, and its extraordinary characteristics are virtually unequalled in Italy. The building was, in fact, made by enclosing the columns of a Doric Greek temple of the 5th century BC , which, resultantly allowed the temple to survive  virtually intact. The imposing Greek columns are still clearly visible both inside and outside the church. While keeping up with the times and changes of religion (Greek temple, church, mosque, and then a church again), the site has remained a place of worship for a good two and a half millennia!

– The Hypogeum of Piazza del Duomo:  The limestone that exists in and around Syracuse is relatively soft and easy to cut. This feature made it practical and economical to dig cisterns, aqueducts, and catacombs,and also to mine building stone. Stone quarries have been found not only on the margins of the ancient Greek city but even directly on the island of Ortigia itself. The ground beneath Syracuse, after millennia of mining, is thus crossed by a dense network of passages and tunnels, many of which are extremely impressive.

– Santa Lucia alla Badia:  Overlooking the  Piazza del Duomo  is the whimsical façade of the  Church of Santa Lucia all Badia . A Baroque-Rococo blend of styles, the church is crossed by a long balcony enclosed by tall, wrought-iron railings, behind which sits the cloister for the nuns of the convent. From this secluded location they could observe the ceremonies of taking place in the town piazza. The bright interior of the single-nave church is relatively bare and decorated with  modern sculpture and modest paintings . The remarkable exception, however, is the masterpiece recently placed on the high altar: The Burial of Saint Lucia by  Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

– Castello Euralio:   is the largest castle dating back to Greek times that survives until the present day and one of the most important Greek monuments in Sicily.  Castles, as one knows, are created for fortification during war, and as soon as the opportunity presents itself they are razed to the ground either during or after a war. In spite of this, thanks to the fact that a large part of this building was dug directly into the rock, part of the structure of this particular castle survives (a case more unique than rare). The castle is impressive in size despite two and a half millennia having passed since its construction and despite the hardships it endured: of the wall’s original height of 8-10 meters / 26-32 feet,  today their highest point is a mere 3 meters / 9 feet.

-Catacombs of San Giovanni:  Along with the  Catacombs of Santa Lucia , those of  San Giovanni make up the part that is easiest to visit in the whole complex of Syracuse’s catacombs, which in terms of expansiveness and articulation are second only to   those of Rome . The atmosphere that permeates this underground place is extraordinary, full of charm and mystery.

– Puppet Lab and Theater:  The charm of the traditional “Puppet Theater” (or “ Opera dei pupi “, the Sicilian marionette show) is such that it is common to find foreign tourists, who do not speak Italian, at the performances offered for more than a century by the Vaccaro-Mauceri family. Born in the 19th century by adapting to the cultural nostalgic love for the chivalrous knights of Charlemagne and that of 16th century writer  Torquato Tasso ’s  Liberation of Jerusalem  and  Ludovico Ariosto ‘s  The Frenzy of Orlando , the puppet theater has become an art form in itself, to the point of outliving the models from which it developed. Today it has been proclaimed an “ Intangible Heritage of Humanity” Site by UNESCO .

Surroundings of Syracusa

Now … how long you will spend in Syracusa? Based on your stay you can decide how to spend the time!

There are a lot to see and explore in the Syracusa’s surroundings:

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Marzamemi , It is an enchanting  fishing village , not far from the famous “regina barocca” (baroque queen)  Noto ; it features in its blue venues of its waters and the pure white of the, kissed by the sun, houses.

It is  Marzamemi , with its  tunny fishing nets  dated 1600, one of the most important in Sicily, with its docks for yachting boats, ruins of ancient vessels, narrow alleys, beaches impressed at sight, traditional cuisine which highlights the strong and original fishing tastes, and the wise processing of fishing products (red tuna bottarga), very often matched to the  tomato  of the nearby Pachino .

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A native of Porto Empedocle, Sicily, author Andrea Camilleri set the investigations of his famed character, Inspector Montalbano in fictional Sicilian locations.

He gave his book’s cities imaginary names such Vigata, Marinella, or Montelusa, yet he based them off of Sicilian towns he knew. The subsequent television series recreated these imagined cities in the splendid landscape of eastern Sicily, between the provinces of Syracuse and Ragusa (namely Syracuse, Brucoli, Noto, Marzamemi, Modica, Donnafugata, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla).

The commissioner’s office of Vigata (the town hall) and the police headquarters of Montelusa (Palazzo Iacono), for example, are found in Scicli, while its main square is that of the Duomo of Ragusa Ibla. Donnafugata Castle is the home of mafia boss Sinagra and not far away one finds the “hamlets of Marinella” with the Commissioner’s house (in reality Punta Secca) and the ancient, early Christian catacombs of the Grotta delle Trabacche (“The Terracotta Dog” episode). Returning to Syracuse, you can visit the infamous “La Mannara” beach with its atmospheric ruins of industrial architecture of the Fornace Penna (at Punta Pisciotto). Then you can head to Noto and Marzamemi, where the last series set several murders and investigations, and finally to Brucoli, north of Syracuse itself, with the castle and splendid beach that also hosted a few episodes. In addition to Montalbano, you can also experience the locales of the great cinema of Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard (set at the Castle and in the majestic Donnafugata park). One can also chart the cinematographic course of   Gabriele Salvatores ’ Sud in Marzamemi, a location in which other film directors (Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Giuseppe Tornatore, Nello Correale, to name a few) chose to shoot their films.

Let us also enphasize a village which is considered the Sicilian town with an ancient segret: Made in the Sicilian town of Modica, the Aztec-inspired chocolate is one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

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Unlike the often over-sugared and creamy snack we know as chocolate, the original xocoàtl was bitter and used to enhance sauces for meat dishes, grated over salads or eaten on its own as a dietary supplement. If prepared with certain spices, it was considered an aphrodisiac.

In Modica, generations of families have followed the same techniques, using metates crafted with lava stone from Mt Etna. Locals would mix the chocolate paste with sugar, “cold working” it so that the sugar doesn’t get hot enough to melt; it gives the treat an unusual but deliciously crunchy texture. Then, they would incorporate flavours typically enjoyed on Sicily such as lime oil or pistachio. Today, flavourings are occasionally adapted to more modern tastes such as the current European fashion for sea salt chocolate.

The first shop we encountered is the grand  Antica Dolceria Bonajuto , which dates back to the 1880s, and is still run by the family who founded it. When the rest of Europe began to develop a taste for milk chocolate in the 19th Century, the Bonajuto family eschewed the practice and continued making dairy-free, dark chocolate in the Aztec style. All along the counter were dishes filled with samples infused with chilli, cinnamon, lemon oil, sea salt, vanilla, caramel and other flavours.

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We can recommend no better day out in the Province of Syracusa and Ragusa than a visit to the Castello di Donnafugata . Those among you who love the Commissario Montalbano TV series, the on screen adaptation of Andrea Camilleri’s detective novels, will recognise the building. It is featured in some episodes of the series as the villa of Mafia boss Balduccio Sinagra.

Recently fully restored, the Castle, with its white façade and Venetian Gothic loggia, gives me a warm feeling of pleasure every time I see it, perhaps because it is a castle that could have illustrated a book of fairy tales and there is an immediate sense of recognition.

Disappointingly, though, the Castle’s name, whose literal translation would be “the woman who fled”,  is just the result of a linguistic corruption and not a reference to any romantic escape.  In the tenth or eleventh century, the Arabs, finding a fresh water fountain on the site, built a fortification there and named it “Ayn As Jafat” [“Fountain of health”]. This became “Ronnafuata” in dialect and later “Donnafugata.”

Another illusion held by some visitors is that the Castle is the Donnafugata mentioned in  “The Leopard”  – there are even some guide books and websites which tell you that this is so – but it is not. Nevertheless, when I am there I like to imagine the ladies of the Prince of Salina’s household living in such surroundings and, if I listen carefully, I am sure I can hear the swish of their crinoline skirts upon the floors.

One Day Trip to Pantalica Nature Reserve

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It is a vast, vast canyon (“cava” in Sicilian) of nearly 4,000 hectares and unique characteristics: At the top is unique archeological testimony from the prehistoric to the Byzantine ages; on the steep limestone cliffs there are about 5000 cave tombs carved in the rock; and at the base, a river flowing through lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Pantalica is truly breath-taking, a good part of it still to be explored. It is a realm of silence, of raptors flying over these deep and mysterious gorges, of the most excellent example in the world of funerary architectural ruins. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a megalithic building (Anaktoron) of unknown origins.

The reserve comprises the Anapo river valley on of the longest rivers on the island and the principal river of the Iblean mountains, that over time eroded the limestone over which it flows, living rise to the characteristic canyon surrounding the archeological site of Pantalica.

There are two Karst cave, the cave of the bats and the Found cave. But Pantalica is, first of all, the valley of the River Anapo, clear and fresh. The water is inhabited by crayfish and the painted discoglosso, a rare frog

Give a look at our Tour shown on:  https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/pantalica-and-anapo-valley-1-day/

One Day Trip to Cavagrande del Cassibile – Hike and Swim

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Give a look at our Tour shown on:  https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/cavarande-canyon-1-day/

After a few –or more — days spent in Syracusa is the time to move to Taormina, the world famous resort town of Sicily.

Spend in Taormina 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or more days and decide how to spend the overnights

Let’s explore the  best things to do in Taormina :

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1. Greek Roman Theatre

The ancient Greeks loved to construct their buildings in beautiful scenic locations and  here they found the pairing of Etna and the Naxos bay, with a wonderful view, when sky is clear, to can admire  Calabria coasts.

It is, surely, the main monument of the city, not only for its intrinsic artistic value, but also for the scenic location in which it is placed. The view enjoyed from up there is even defined as the view par excellence, the one that is not to be missed when in Sicily.

2. Walk Around and Explore

There are several sites to see in Taormina which are located in the hill of the town and not far away from the Greek Roman Theatre. Walk in Corso Umberto Street, sit in a bar and drink a cappuccino or eat a granita with brioche –a sort of sorbet and ice cream–, visit the Palazzo Corvaja … and if you want to swim, take the cable car ride down to Mazzarò and swim in the blue sea … or take a Taormina boat tour wih us

You can also decide to hire a local guide to visit the town

If you are a Cooking Lover indulge your senses in a half day cooking class with a local chef. Tour of Sicily can book it for you as shown on  https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/taormina-cooking-class-to-learn-from-our-chef/

Taormina Surroundings

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1. Etna Volcano

EUROPE’S HIGHEST VOLCANO,  Mount Etna is one of most active of the world.  Its impressive size ( more than 3327 meters  high  with an average basal diameter of 40 km)  overlooks  the whole region.

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In relation to the different altitudes and exposure of the slopes, Etna offers a high biodiversity with a rich Mediterranean scrubland and numerous wood species:  birches  with clear bark, evidence of ancient glaciations, oaks ,  beeches ,  pines ,  brooms  of Etna and  chestnut trees . In the area of Sant’Alfio we find the oldest and largest tree in Europe, the  Hundred Horses Chestnut , awarded with the title of  UNESCO Messenger of Peace.

A day tour to spend is necessary and is a must not miss

If you are active and hiker guy do not hesitate to check our amazing Hiking Tour: Etna Hiking and Descent by the volcano ash

If you want to handle the day tour to the Etna Volcano on your own give a look at our blog:  https://www.tourofsicily.com/etna-volcano-in-a-pocket/

If vice-versa you are looking us to plan a funny experience including the visit of local wineries and wine tatsings do not use your vehicle but ask us to hire a private WD4X4 Land Rover as shown on  https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/etna-alcantara-gorges-wineries-by-jeep-ride-from-taormina/

2. Castelmola and the Almond Wine

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If with a single glance you can you can catch the Ionian coast, the monumental  Etna , the Bay of  Giardini-Naxos , the  Cape of S.Alessio , the strait of  Messina  and the Calabrian coast, either you are on Google Maps or you are in Castelmola.

This small village above  Taormina  is a real genuine natural terrace built on the ruins of a Norman castle that, over time has assumed a concave and smooth shape, similar to that of a millstone (grindstone). Therefore, it is easy to guess the origin of the name. It is an instant contraction of “Castle” and “Mola”.

Of the whole fortress we can admire just what remain of the norman walls. A plaque from the tenth century with Greek-Byzantine engravings placed on the façade of the cathedral states: “ This castle was built under Costantino, patrician and strategist of Sicily “.

A easy way to join Casstelmola from Taormina is taking the Public Bus who leaves next from Porta Messina –Messina Gate–. Ticket costs a few euros and you can purchase the ticket on the spot or buy the round trip tickets in the bar next to the bus-stop. The ride is around 20 minutes by bus each way.

The square is a mosaic of white lava stone, bordered by tree-lined and shady pavements that open up onto the lookout where you can see Taormina from. In general, the urban design is very nice, the street names, the street numbers and signs are almost always in stone and wrought iron. The doors and windows of the houses are framed in Taormina stone and the houses are covered in light colours ranging from a delicate yellow to antique rose. The Sicilian style roof tiles are still on the roofs and, excluding some questionable buildings from the 60s to 70s, everything is as you would expect from a Sicilian village.

A half day tour to spend in Castelmola

Still on the on the square overlooking the historic  Caffè S. Giorgio , founded by monks in 1700. The special feature of this building used as a tavern, in addition to the album that collects the signatures of famous people who have passed through Castelmola since 1907, has the authorship of one of the most distinctive products of the village:  the almond wine .  Don Vincenzo Blandano, the historical owner of the café, used to welcome people, coming to visit the village. This drink, made with almonds and oranges essences is, probably, one of his invention.

3. Savoca and the Godfather Movie

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This small town set in the rock of a hill of dual tip, experienced the interest of kings, popes and Archimandrite prelates, in a succession of periods of serious crisis and prosperity. The basalt blocks lying on roads leading between separate small houses, freshly restored with Sicilian tiles on the roofs and windows framed in stone, then following streets in the rock here you’ll find extremely fragmented ruins and old cisterns.

A half day tour is recommended to visit Savoca

Up high, overseeing, are the ruins of the  castle Pentefur , a building of questionable origin, perhaps Phoenician, Arab or maybe Norman. It is a bastion which, over time, claimed the title of the Royal Castle, by the will of Philip IV of Sicily. In medieval times, the village of Savoca was surrounded by a wall with double entrance built by the Normans. It is an imposing structure that still remains the City Gate today, a pointed arch made of local stone.

Finally, there is the  Church of San Nicolò , which seems almost stretch out into space, built as it is on a massive outcrop of rock. It has three wide aisles and an austere atmosphere of the steep fortress over the valley. The curious thing is that the church was one of the famous  sets  of the  film  “ the Godfather ” along with the  Bar Vitelli , housed inside eighteenth century  Palazzo Trimarchi . A Byzantine mural has recently been uncovered which depicts St. John Chrysostom, the father of the Christian Church of the East.

If you get to Savoca and you are hungry, you can enjoy typical fresh homemade  tagliatelle pasta , dressed with a wild fennel and pork meat ragù sauce or alternatively, the maccarruna, fresh  macaroni  pasta with pork rind in winter and with aubergine in the summer.

The gastronomy of Savoca, refers to the rural and Sicilian culinary traditions: we can try  piscistoccu ,  dried cod cooked with plenty of extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, green and black olives, capers, chili, potatoes, celery, u  cunzatu breads  local homemade bread that is baked in a wood oven and seasoned with extra – virgin olive oil, salt , pepper, to Cuzzola, a fresh pasta sourdough , fried in olive oil and roasted on charcoa. Don’t miss  granita ca ‘ zzuccarata  is a lemon granita served with zzuccarata,a very crisp local biscuit topped with sesame seeds.

And now we are at the end of our tour. Tomorrow you can self drive to Catania airport and drop your car off.

Hope you have appreciated all teh information shown in the article and feel free to contact Tour of Sicily Tour Operator to customize your tour, decide what to see and what to do, focus all on the gastronomy, wine, experiences, landscape …. as you have read, the island of Sicily has so many important locations which are awaiting for you.

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THE 10 BEST Sicily Tours & Excursions

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1. At Casa Di Cilla

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2. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

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3. Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Messina

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4. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

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5. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

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6. Sicilian Cooking Class

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7. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

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8. Etna Morning Trip

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9. Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

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10. One-Hour Excursion to the Alcantara Gorges by Quad

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11. Private Tour to Taormina and Castelmola from Messina

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

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13. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

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14. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

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15. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto

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16. Palermo Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

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

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18. Cooking class in Taormina With Chef Massimo

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19. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour

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20. Sunset on a boat in Palermo with Palermo by boat

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21. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

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22. Cesarine: Pasta & Tiramisu Class at Local's Home in Palermo

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23. Etna Wineries Tour - Small Groups from Taormina

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24. Mini cruise between Levanzo and Favignana on the yacht "SHALIMAR IV" 22.

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25. Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

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26. Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos

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27. Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour (Small Group)

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28. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

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29. Cooking Class Taormina with Local Food Market Tour

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30. Cooking Class with Seaview with Chef Mimmo

What travelers are saying.

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Sicily: Tours Information

Journeying through Sicily on a new coast-to-coast pilgrimage route

 Marialicia Pollara (right) and Silvana Marsalisi by the crucifix overlooking Corleone.

 “It’s here that you can see the real Sicily,” says Miri Salamone, staring into the abyss. Clouds swamp the valley below and fog floods mountain gullies, dissolving even Sutera’s hilly peaks from view. Visibility, as it has been for days in the veiled heartland of Sicily, is about as far as you can kick a stone; something I’ve done regularly in recent days, stumble-walking along mountain ridges in near whiteout, halfway across the interior of the island. “From there,” says Miri, squinting up to the fast-vanishing bell tower crowning the town’s highest point, Monte San Paolino, “you can often see as far as Mount Etna one way and Palermo the other.” She smiles apologetically for the unhelpful weather. “This is the ‘balcony of Sicily’.”  Even with crystal-clear views, you need to look hard to see the ‘real Sicily’ that Miri speaks of. As the Sutera native notes on a soggy tour around her town, this shapeshifting island of many identities is far more removed from the Italian mainland than the few miles of Tyrrhenian Sea would suggest. But here, in the sparsely populated inland, a place few Sicilians — let alone Italians — bother to visit, you’ve the best chance. For along ancient routes cutting a path from the Tyrrhenian to the Mediterranean is a region that tells Sicily's story.  Along the old trade roads and pilgrims’ ways that forge a path through this forgotten land, Byzantine pottery litters the earth; shepherds’ huts sit cheek-by-jowl with churches where religious celebrations owe as much to Moorish Spain as St Peter’s; and local ‘Christian’ names are likely to recall ancient Greek origins. Here in Sutera, about as far from either coast as you can get, the town’s patron saint has Persian heritage and the domed houses of the old town, Rabato, reveal an Arabic legacy, as does the neighbourhood’s name (Rabato comes from ‘rabad’, Arabic for ‘village’). Sandwiched between Europe and Africa, for centuries Sicily marked a strategic point on the world map. Once a colonists’ prize, today the island is infamous, moans Miri, for its regions ravaged by organised crime, and for abandoned rural houses that sell for €1 as part of a drive to reinvigorate Italy’s underpopulated reaches. 

The scenic village of Castronovo.

The scenic village of Castronovo.

Two teens kick a football around a modest piazza that juts over Rabato’s largely abandoned dwellings, which are carved into the gypsum of a breakneck cliffside. Miri stops to point out the boys. “When children are born here — just one or two each year — they’re celebrities,” she says. Teenagers more so, as few resist the bright lights of the coast or the pull of the wealthy mainland. Local legend has it there’s treasure in these hills: a chest of gold hidden in cave-studded cliffs, only to be discovered if three men dream simultaneously of its location. But in this part of Sicily, they can’t wait for a dream. In Sutera and a dozen other villages lining the ancient sea-to-sea roads that slice through the island’s north, they’ve taken fortune into their own hands with an ambitious project to boost tourism: reopening a new walking route along millennia-old pilgrims’ trails.

Fresh cannoli at Caffè del Corso Biscari, Santa Cristina Gela.

Fresh cannoli at Caffè del Corso Biscari, Santa Cristina Gela.

Ten years ago, a group of Italian friends — historians, archaeologists, naturalists among them — began mapping Sicily’s inland routes as described in the Norman texts of crusading knights. Dating back over 1,000 years, these forgotten trails once formed part of the oldest and most popular pilgrim itineraries in Europe: the Via Francigena (‘the Frankish route’) from Canterbury to Rome and southeast to the Holy Lands. The Sicilian section, a 600-mile network of trans-island roads, paths, trading routes and trazzere (grazing tracks), was used for centuries by everyone from the Greeks to the Romans, Normans, Arabs, Aragonese and more, each leaving treasures and traces that can still be found today.  A monumental project to revive the route, involving 80 local authorities and six dioceses, came to fruition in 2017. Along the main artery, the 112-mile Magna Via Francigena, walkers can collect stamps to fill their pilgrim’s passport at participating venues along a route that runs through the island’s north between the coastal cities of Palermo and Agrigento. In the latter’s cathedral, a testimonium certificate awaits triumphant trekkers; hopefully, weather permitting, this will include my friend and me. 

Totò Greco in his cellar in Prizzi, sharing the wine he produces with hikers.

Totò Greco in his cellar in Prizzi, sharing the wine he produces with hikers.

Blind faith

My passport gets its first stamp high over the Plain of the Albanians, outside Palermo. The ricotta that stars in Sicily’s most priapic export — cannoli — comes from sheep grazed in these arable lands. Sadly, the sole cafe open in the tiny town of Santa Cristina Gela is out of the sweet pastry treats. By way of substitute, we pack panini for a picnic en route and get our passport stamped by the barista, one of numerous pilgrim-welcoming locals at participating venues the length of the Via, in bars, chapels, shops and B&Bs. On the road skirting hills covered in the wild herbs that give ricotta its earthy-sweet flavour, my luggage has travelled ahead by car to tonight’s hotel, part of a service offered by select operators serving the Via. It’s late autumn, Sicily’s storm season, and four Belgians are the only other walkers today. “We meet annually to go hiking, mostly around the Mediterranean,” says Mark, an anglophone and the self-appointed spokesperson for the group, with whom we cross paths in coming days. They forge ahead, all utility shorts and well-worn boots, leaving my companion and me to the steady pace we’ve established over years walking together. A clattering storm scuppered our previous night’s sleep, and we set out under a still-bruised sky, bags under our eyes heavier than daypacks, but bolstered by bullet-strong espresso. 

View of Sutera‘s ancient Rabato quarter.

View of Sutera‘s ancient Rabato quarter.

The sky threatens again as we climb above Sicily’s breadbasket country, where canyons of palm, aloe and prickly pear cactus look incongruously subtropical among brown wheat fields and muddy livestock. A detachment of semi-feral dogs defends the few shuttered hamlets we pass, their warning barks undermined by wagging tails. The Via’s red-and-white striped waymarks, painted onto posts at frequent intervals, encourage us onwards along dirt tracks becoming indistinct in the mist. A sudden, tree-whipping wind signals a storm seconds before it hits. Clouds roll across the ground like a pyroclastic flow, followed by the kind of rain that has powerful contempt for waterproof clothing. Mud becomes clay, knee-deep and with a quicksand ferocity that claims one of our shoes. Digging it out, it’s barely laced before it must be removed again for us to wade through rising bogs and ford rivers where streams had recently been. Hours on, the muddy trudge becomes about as fun as poking a stick in your eye (which I know to be true, as this happened while bending to tie a mud-drowned bootlace). Onwards, more blindly than before, we’re saved by a miracle just outside the shrine of Tagliavia. It’s not the face of the Virgin Mary, as seen on a rock here by two shepherds in 1800, but the offer of help via WhatsApp. Finally finding reception, my phone pings with messages from ‘friends’ of the Francigena. Along with trip notes, maps and an offline GPS-enabled app, my tour operator, UTracks, has plugged me into a network of local volunteers, offering assistance to pilgrims with everything from a hot meal to an affordable bed for the night or, when needed, an unofficial SOS service. 

 Marialicia Pollara (right) and Silvana Marsalisi by the crucifix overlooking Corleone.

“We usually rescue people who’ve overheated,” says Marialicia Pollara, whose four-wheel-drive meets us at the head of a washed-out track. “There’s not a stick of shade en route.” Francigena, quite the Goldilocks walk, is just right in spring, when it’s not too hot, not too cold. “That’s when it’s full of wildflowers,” says Marialicia. “But you’re especially unlucky now.” Instead of autumn’s short-lived storms, we’ve apparently walked into the tail-end of a cyclone, where “a flash flood took a car out last week”. Thanks to winter floodplain detours, the Via is accessible year-round. “But this is crazy weather,” says Marialicia, motoring us out of the downpour, as the priest at Tagliavia’s chapel takes in a Czech pilgrim whose tent stands no chance tonight. At her guesthouse in Corleone, La Bicicletta Rossa, we’re joined by Marialicia’s husband, Carmelo, for a family dinner. Homemade lentil soup and farm-fresh ricotta, drizzled with jade-green olive oil just in from the harvest, is a supper worthy of a waterlogged pilgrimage.  

Street scene in the old town of Prizzi.

Street scene in the old town of Prizzi.

Stories of stoicism

“The Mafia wasn’t born in Corleone — it’s all over Italy,” says Federico Blanda. We’re standing beside a photo of a young man shot dead on a nearby cobbled street. It’s one of numerous blood-splattered images of organised crime in 1970s and ’80s Italy lining the walls at Cidma, the anti-Mafia museum set in a former Corleone orphanage. “I used to hate seeing people here on the trail of Don Corleone — a fictional film character,” says guide Federico. “But I’ve realised we must use the opportunity to tell the real story.” And the real story isn’t one of romanticised Godfather feuds, but one of resistance. Beyond a gut-punching gallery of photojournalism by Letizia Battaglia, a vast archive of court documents details the 474 Mafiosi tried in Palermo’s Maxi Trial — which lasted almost six years — by such steel-nerved judges as Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone.  “Judges, journalists, campaigners: they paid with their lives for their bravery,” says Federico. Cidma celebrates these fallen heroes, murdered by the Mafia in retaliation. “Back then, we were a population of 10,000; just a handful were Mafia. Yet Corleone’s people still live with the stigma.” He smiles: “So, I love it when visitors come looking for a myth and leave talking about Falcone.” As the Via brings more visitors, Corleone’s story has more chance of being heard. Stacked spectacularly across tabletop mountains and plunging canyons, the town is a stellar stage on which the Magna Via Francigena zig-zags mercilessly, passing churches and monasteries where pointy-hatted brotherhoods gather in spring for Easter celebrations. “It’s another story little known beyond our island,” says Federico of the region’s Semana Santa processions that challenge Spain’s for pomp and scale, but draw none of the international crowds.  We follow the San Nicolò river as it tumbles from Corleone in a chain of waterfalls that once powered the region’s mills. As small-scale wheat production declined, locals couldn’t turn to the tourism that bolstered the coast. “People don’t arrive here just passing by,” says Totò Greco, another friend of Francigena, whom I meet in the nearby teetering hilltop town of Prizzi, far from any main road. “But now, people can cater to pilgrims.” Prizzi had no hotels previously, so, like Marialicia and many Via locals, Totò transformed a family house into a hip, hostel-style B&B. He’s also set up an association — Sikanamente, named after the surrounding Sicani hills — to incentivise resident youngsters to stay in the area.

At Prizzi’s sizeable archaeology museum, Totò shows off Roman coins and jewellery, as well as other artifacts dating back as far as 5,000 BC, which were mostly found on Sicani’s slopes. I’m particularly taken with a third-century clay-sculpted foot, which bears a remarkable resemblance to my walking boots. Then it’s off to Totò’s cantina to sample this season’s wine. Like a growing number of enterprising young locals, Totò is transforming an old masseria (country farm) into a vineyard, learning how to make wine, reviving native grape varieties and employing local artists to design labels. “You have to create your own path as no one is teaching you how to do things here,” says his colleague, Gabriella Lo Bue. Like many entrepreneurs I meet, Gabriella has recently returned to Sicily after years working abroad, partly due to pandemic constraints, but also because of the prospects the pilgrimage brings. “We all bring skills with us and new ways to promote the region,” she says. “It’s exhausting but exciting.” These bright new horizons do not extend to the weather. A storm explodes again over Casale Margherita, our next overnight stop, where the owner, Carmelo, refuses to let us continue on foot. “The river’s burst its banks,” he says, chasing us in his pickup truck the following morning. “It’s just not safe — I’ll drive you to the next hill.” Carmelo’s organic farm and gourmet hotel is a new investment. “Tell everyone about us,” he yells, as he waves us off on the hair-raising climb to Sutera. With roads once again running like rivers, we meet the stoic Belgians who jumped a railway track to avoid the river crossing. Raincoats defeated by the endless deluge, they now carry village-bought brollies, one in powder blue with a white lace-effect trim. They trudge away uphill resembling a huddle of old ladies off to the shops.

Luis Gomes de Teran’s Boy with a Stone Earring, one of the artworks enlivening the town ...

Luis Gomes de Teran’s Boy with a Stone Earring, one of the artworks enlivening the town of Grotte.

“Even now, religion is at the centre of our town,” says Miri, when we meet again. “Church bells still shape our day.” Three special bells placed at intervals mark the pilgrims’ climb up Monte San Paolino, over an ascent of 157 steps carpeted with fallen pinecones from which nuts are gathered to make a local pasta with raisins. On reaching the bell at the summit — a one-ton gift from the Vatican — I haul a huge rope pulley, thus sounding a bass chime that makes my teeth shake and sends lizards scuttling through the undergrowth. Our path is blessed, it seems, from here onwards. Sunlit trails of chalk and shale line rolling hills towards the sea, now looming on the horizon and making my coast-to-coast pilgrimage finally seem like a visible reality. “All of Sicily is a dimension of the imagination,” wrote Leonardo Sciascia, the region’s great novelist, who was born in Racalmuto. I make a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage to his 1930s museum-piece apartment: a highlight of this town, which offers shiny boutiques, palm-shaded piazzas and a grand, 19th-century theatre. Sciascia’s novel Sicilian Uncles has been worth the extra weight in my backpack, painting the island’s complex mid-century portrait, caught between US and German occupation, Italian and Sicilian identities. 

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 Ciardonelli, a local sweet treat made with almonds, figs and ricotta, Caffè Marconi, Grotte.

“In Sicily, we have many stories of identity and transformation,” says Alessandra Marsala, whom I meet at Caffè Marconi in the little hillside town of Grotte. “Perhaps it’s the influence of Greek legends,” she continues. “Or because so many nations have left their mark here,” adds her dad Carmelo, the cafe’s owner. The old town’s cave dwellings that once housed shepherds gave Grotte its name, but its murals now make the place renowned. Over the past five years, a community project to engage local and international artists has transformed the once-abandoned old town into a vast outdoor gallery. One house has a facade depicting, over two storeys, a snake-woman, recalling the Sicilian legend of La Biddina, a heartbroken girl whose sorrow turned her into a serpent. Many other images are illusions that only appear depending on their angle of view. The energy these murals have brought to this tiny town is palpable.  Also in the air is the scent of mpignolata — pastries filled with fried onion and pancetta that line stomachs on St Martin’s Day (11 November), when the year’s new wines are celebrated. We are, of course, quickly invited to a festive lunch, where handmade arancini and fresh cannoli with local ricotta play starring roles. My English reserve marvels that wherever the Via has taken us, rain or shine, it truly feels as if we’re meeting family. Carmelo drops us at the trail head, first jumping a fence to scrump some corbezzolo for us. Gathering a handful of the gem-like fruit of the strawberry tree, he waves heartily at the distant farmer who looks on, mouth agape. “We’re all family here,” he laughs.  

Testimonium of the Magna Via Francigena, received in Agrigento. The stamped certificate certifies the completion of ...

Testimonium of the Magna Via Francigena, received in Agrigento. The stamped certificate certifies the completion of the pilgrimage.

I trail a shepherd and his flock downhill to Aragona, where some of the treasures of Sicily’s wealthiest families are found. Here, local count Luigi Naselli was crowned Prince of Aragona by Spain’s King Filippo IV. His castle, completed in the 18th century, is frescoed by Flemish painter Guglielmo Borremans and surrounded by gothic churches in which ecclesiastical museums shine with decorated ex-votos, Venetian religious robes and even a bejewelled scrap of the Turin shroud. Yet, away from the coast and its stellar archaeological site, Valley of the Temples, Aragona is woefully overlooked. It’s a fine place for a fortifying plate of spaghetti all’aragonese, laced with the region’s legendary pistachio nuts. It’s best sampled at Lo Sperdicchio, a family-run restaurant where pilgrims can touch a lucky wine barrel painted with local saints and get their penultimate passport stamp. In Agrigento, where the Med shines blue and the Via’s medieval villages feel like a dream, my journey’s end is announced with a locked door. Agrigento’s towering cathedral, where views stretch back to Sutera’s peaks and across to Africa, is shut for renovation. I stand outside foolishly as Agrigento goes about its smartly dressed Sunday business. But as ever, the friends of the Francigena step in. A WhatsApp message pops up, telling me that the cathedral’s pastor, Don Giuseppe Pontillo, will sign my testimonium once he’s finished mass in a neighbouring church. The padre does as promised, ironically warning of the dehumanising dangers of mobile phone communication. I ask him if he’s completed the pilgrimage. He gives me a stern look as if to say: you think I have time for that? “But it is what we all desperately need,” he says. “To make real connections with our world and with each other.”  

Getting there & around Ryanair flies non-stop between Stansted and Palermo. Other airlines, including British Airways , ITA and Swiss serve Sicily seasonally or fly via their European hubs.   Average flight time: 2h50m.  Hourly trains run between Palermo and Agrigento with a journey time of 2h.

When to go The Magna Via Francigena is accessible year-round. Winter detours take hikers above floodplains, but spring is by far the best time to travel, when the route is rich with wildflowers and storms are scant. Temperatures vary with altitude. As a guide, Sutera — one of the highest points on the route — ranges from around 9C in January to 30C in July.

Places mentioned Archeology museum , Prizzi.  Cidma Sikanamente Casale Margherita La Bicicletta Rossa Grotte mural project Access to Sutera’s pilgrim bells must be booked in advance. 

More info Sicily Tourism The Magna Via Francigena Trail: Sicily on Foot, From Coast to Coast, by Davide Comunale (Terre). €16 (£13)  Sicilian Uncles, by Leonardo Sciascia (Granta). £8.99

How to do it Utracks offers self-guided tours of the Magna Via Francigena. Eight days costs £870 per person, including seven nights’ B&B in three-star hotels, B&Bs and an agriturismo. It also includes a road book, maps, navigational app, luggage transfers, emergency hotline and SMS alert and pilgrims passport. 

Published in the March 2022 issue of  National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Tour of Sicily

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Intermediate

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Join us on on the beautiful island of Sicily on our brand new 7 day tour.

Exlore the south of the island (the region with the best riding!) Arrive to Buccheri, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, ride through Noto, and on to Ragusa. For the grand finale transfer east to climb the slopes of the iconic Mount Etna.

Taste fabulous local food. Discover the historic towns of Modica, Noto and Catania, stay in stunning 4* luxury hotels.

8 days / 7 nights

TOUR highlights

Visit Noto and Cafe Sicilia

Stay in Buccheri, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

Taste Siclian wines, made from vines grown in the fertile volcanic soil around Etna

Vist Donnafugata castle

Stay on an organic farm and enjoy farm to table dining

Climb the active volcano of Mount Etna

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Rated 2 out of 4 our Intermediate tours are designed for sporty people who are looking to enjoy some more challenging rides. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.

Welcome to Sicily!

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Welcome lunch | Evening meal

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Masseria Zafferaneto

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Warm-up ride, 20km, 100 m

Ortigia Loop Ride & an evening in Syracuse

Breakfast | Picnic lunch | Evening meal

Ortigia loop ride, 90 km, 1000 m

Buccheri to Ragusa Ibla via Noto

Antico convento dei cappuccini.

Buccheri to Ragusa Ibla, 80km, 800 m

Loop ride to Modica

Ibla loop ride to Modica, 60km, 400 m

Ragusa to Baglio Occhipinti & Donnafugata Castle

Baglio occhipinti.

Ragusa to Baglio Occhipinti via Scicli and Donnafugata Castle, 80km, 500 m

Rest day! Discover Milo

Wine resort villagrande, mount etna up to rifugio sapienza.

Mount Etna to Rifugio Sapienza, 55km, 1450 m

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THE TOUR IN DETAIL

Ride support.

Full Support

Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.

We work with an industry leading guide to guest ratio – expect up to 4 guests per guide on the trip with guides leading the way on the road and a support vehicle close by at all times. Note that for groups of 4 riders or less this tour is run as a guided trip without the support vehicle.

The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.

Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.

All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.

The Masseria Lo Zafferaneto stands in a 19th century structure which has been remodelled into a stunning hotel. The hotel is immersed in nature and surrounded by breathtaking views. It’s an enchanted place in which to enjoy the simplicity of Sicily of the past.

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lozafferaneto.it

Stay in the peaceful rooms of the ancient Capuchin Convent of Ibla. The history of the building unfolds over the centuries, a silent witness over the valley to the events that struck this part of Sicily. The Capuchin Friars arrived in Ragusa in 1537. Today the Convent has been restructured and transformed: the ancient Cenobio has become a restaurant; the cells of the Capuchin Friars a Hotel, the oratory a small convention center; the library, the study room and the  scriptorium a School of Mediterranean Haute Cuisine and Nosco with its Study and Research Center on Sicilian food and wine.

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anticoconventoibla.it

A rural retreat in the heart of the countryside. A group of 17th century buildings have been remodelled to form a luxury retreat surrounded by an organic farm. Evening meals are prepared using produce from the land. Discover an enchanted place that is dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olive trees and to the production of quality wine.

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baglioocchipinti.it

Stay on one of the oldest winery estates in Sicily located between the high slopes of Mount Etna and the Taormina bay on the coast.

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wineresortvillagrande.it

Wilier Filante SL

The Wilier Filante SL guarantees a first-class weight, a precise ride and a great aesthetic clarity thanks to the integrated cables. Carbon Monocoque frame with full internal cable routing Electronic Shimano 105 Di2 shifting Carbon wheels Chainrings: 50/34, Cassette: 11-34

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Basso Astra

An endurance all-road bike that increases versatility with features that lean closer to gravel. Enojy a comfortable performance carbon frameset, an electronic SRAM Force AXS groupset and a MicroTech RE38 Carbon wheelset. 48/35 chainrings and 10-36 cassette

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Cannondale Synapse

A smooth and fast endurance road bike desgined for long, comfortable rides. The Synapse is lightweight, comes with built-in lights for safety and has a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset. Built with a Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheelset. 50/34 chainrings 11-34 cassette

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Giant Revolt E-Bike

A versitle drop bar e-bike for road, gravel and mixed terrain adventures. A lightweight aluminium frame, smooth-riding tubeless tyres and a comfortable D-Fuse seatpost give you the ability to ride any road, any route. The 500 W battery delivers long-distance pedalling support and is seamlessly integrated into the frame. The bike is simple to activate - press the on/off button and you're ready to go!

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During the past 10 years, Mario has lived in different countries, but now he's back home in Conegliano to ride every steep hill in the area! Despite his focus on road cycling, he's had some amazing moments with his beloved steel gravel bike! Mario has been a member of the ESC Team since 2019 and couldn't be happier! He looks forward to seeing you on the road soon!

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LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION

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HOW TO GET HERE

Arrive to Catania Airport

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MEETING POINT

Catania Centrale Train Station

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Group shuttle to Catania Centrale Train Station

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES

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ACCOMMODATION

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Group arrival & departure transfers from Catania centre

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BIKE RENTAL

High-end road bike rental is included in the tour

EAT SLEEP CYCLE LOCATION

Italia! Pizza! Pasta! The Giro! Italy is a classic cycling destination with a huge variety of landscapes to explore & a history steeped in cycling culture. Italy is best enjoyed from April through to June and in the Autumn months.

RESERVATION & PAYMENT

A deposit of €500 will secure your place on the tour.

50% is due 6 months before the departure of the tour.

The final balance is due 2 months before the tour departure.

20 May 2024

27 May 2024

7 October 2024

14 October 2024

DOUBTS? CONTACT US

What happens if i need to cancel the trip.

We have a flexible cancelation policy – please take a look at our cancellation policy at the time of booking. If you have any doubts please reach out and we’re happy to help.

Is the tour the right level for me?

We rate our tours from Level 1 (Leisure) to Level 4 (Epic). Each tour contains a description of the level, expected daily ride time, distance and elevation. If you have any doubts we’re more that happy to speak to you on the phone and help to find you the perfect trip!

What about bikes? Can I hire one or should I bring my own?

We recommend that you hire a bike for your tour and will work with you after you book to help you to choose the best size and model for your ride style. If you prefer to bring your bike, it’s no problem. Please be aware that on some of our epic trips we charge a supplement to transport your bike box to our finishing location. If you have any doubts, please ask!

Is insurance included?

Insurance is not included in our tour packages. We highly recommend contracting travel insurance at the time of reservation with a company from where you are from.

Health insurance which covers you for illness or injury whilst cycling in your chosen destination is mandatory, we’ll ask you for details of your insurance providor before you travel.

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Wild Rover Travel

Sicily: Magna Via Francigena

Walk the ancient coast- to-coast trail from Palermo to Agrigento

Sicily: Magna Via Francigena

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  • Hiking in Italy
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  • Walking Holidays

Roam the pure natural landscape of Sicily’s rural backcountry

Stay in villages full of history, such as Sutera, with its Arabic maze of alleys

Experience the enthusiasm, hospitality and pride of the Sicilian people

Try traditional Cannoli pie filled with ricotta, pistachios and candied orange

Immerse yourself in the artistic melting pot of chaotic Palermo and the magnificence of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

Hiking the Magna Via Francigena

The Magna Via Francigena is not a trip or a holiday, it’s a “journey” of discovery that, like a budding wild flower, slowly opens up to reveal a vibrant, colourful and scented heart. Leave behind the bustling art-filled cities and archaeological sites that line the coasts of Sicily and step by step, village by village, traverse one of Italy’s last frontiers.

As the main overland connection between the north and the south coast, the ancient road between Agrigento and Palermo was a historically important trade route in Sicily which facilitated movement of people, animals and goods across the island. The Magna Via connected the two major harbours of the past: Agrigento and Palermo, via a system of Trazzere (old gravel roads) that linked every village of the backcountry. Over time, the route was shaped by the successive invading forces of Greeks, Arabs and Normans, and was used for millenia by pilgrims and travellers alike.

To walk the pilgrim route today means to explore authentic Sicily at a slower pace, as people did in the past centuries, and discover the very heart of the island with its hidden gems: archaeological and natural sites as well as masterpieces of art set amidst the rugged beauty of inland Sicily. Step out of your comfort zone and welcome the casual, unexpected and unorthodox and get to know the genuine character of this enchanting, controversial island.

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

After settling into your city centre hotel, find an outdoor table to sit with a cappuccino or granita and take in the sights and sounds of this cultural melting pot. The Baroque art, Byzantine architecture and medieval buildings and monuments you see around you are the result of centuries of invasions by Arabs, Greeks and Normans. Take a stroll through the markets of Capo, Vucciria and Ballarò, which are reminiscent of Arab souks. In the evening, why not visit the famous Teatro Massimo – the largest opera house in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe.

Overnight: Palermo

Day 2: Palermo to Corleone

Distance: 26.5 km | Ascent: 872 m | Descent: 769 m | 7 hrs approx.

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 690 m | 5 hrs approx.

Your first walking day begins with a short transfer to Santa Cristina Gela, by the Lake of Piana degli Albanesi. After a stroll and a cassatella (fried cannolo – a local delicacy) you will start your walk towards Corleone. To shorten the walk you can ask your driver to drop you at Sant’Agata instead, a little further along the route.

You climb along the antica trazzera (old route) towards the Santuario Maria S.S. del Rosario di Tagliavia. According to legend, in 1800, two shepherds found a rock with the sacred image of the Holy Mary. In the same place, while digging, they later discovered a miraculous spring of water that is said to have healed King Ferdinando I of Bourbon. The Sanctuary, erected in 1841, is a must-stop along the pilgrimage route.

The path finally leads you to Corleone, a town renowned as the birthplace of several Mafia families; it was immortalized by Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather”. While here, it is a must to visit the CIDMA: Mafia and Anti-Mafia Movement Museum.

Overnight: Corleone

Day 3: Corleone to Prizzi

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 860 m | Descent: 430 m | 5 hrs approx.

As you leave Corleone, don’t miss the waterfall delle due rocche , about 10 mins out of town. From there, your walking path takes you through vineyards and open fields, passing masserie (country farms) where you may be lucky enough to be offered a taste of some freshly made ricotta! Eventually, you reach the lake of Prizzi, from where a steady climb takes you into town. Treat yourself to a cannolo with pistachio and candied orange!

Overnight: Prizzi

Day 4: Prizzi to Cammarata

Distance: 24 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 960 m | 5½ hrs approx.*

A large part of today’s walk is within the tranquil woodlands of the Carcaci Natural reserve, home to numerous species of birds of prey. Leaving the forest, you will encounter the ruins of the abandoned village of Carcaci, with its cosy rural houses and small stone church. The last section takes you past some typical straw huts to the old town of Castronovo, from where a short pre-arranged transfer will take you your hotel in Cammarata (20 mins).

*You can also shorten today’s walk by 5 km with a transfer in the morning, by request.

Overnight: Cammarata

Day 5: Cammarata to Sutera

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 850 m | Descent: 820 m | 5 hrs approx.

Before starting out on your walk, be sure to stop for some local delicacies at the central Bar Sicilia . Fully energised, you are then ready to commence your hike; first along the railway, then gradually uphill to Acquaviva Platani. The last part of the path to Sutera – a little gem on the other side of the rock face you see in front of you – is along a stunning ridge. Get lost in the maze of alleys and chalk houses of the Arabic neighbourhood, called Rabato and visit the rich ethnographical museum.

Overnight: Sutera

Day 6: Sutera to Racalmuto

Distance: 22 km | Ascent: 920 m | Descent: 1080 m | 6 hrs approx.

First descending to the bed of the Platani river, you ford it and climb on the other side to Milena. Here the path climbs into the hills that surround the village and gives you a panoramic overview of the nearby valleys.

Racalmuto is the hometown of the famous Sicilian writer Leonardo Sciascia.

Overnight: Racalmuto

Day 7: Racalmuto to Aragona – train to Agrigento

Distance: 11.5 km | Ascent: 225 m | Descent: 332 m | 3 hrs approx.

On the last stage of your walk you pass through several nice villages such as Grotte and Comitini, where life slowly follows the rhythm of the seasons. A “must do” is to taste the local arancini (fried rice balls filled with ragù, spinach or ham). When you reach Aragona, you take the train to Agrigento where you can enjoy a free afternoon to explore the old town or the Valley of the Temples.

Overnight: Agrigento

Day 8: Arrivederci Agrigento!

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights with us. Consult the ‘Location’ tab for info about onward travel.

Getting there and away

Sutera on the Via Magna Francigena, Sicily

Tour Reviews

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I did a 6-night solo-trek across Sicily, via the Magna Via Francigena, having gone through Wild Rover to plan the trip for me. Everything went incredibly smoothly: the communication with Niall before and during the trip was thorough, informative, friendly, and always prompt (e.g. he provided an extensive package of travel documents and guides; he always promptly and clearly responded to my questions); the luggage transfers worked out perfectly; all of the hotel/inn/B&B accommodations were wonderful and conveniently located; the directions were easy-to-follow and clear. Everything was outstanding! I hope to go through this company again for my next camino.

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This was our first self-guided walking tour. We wanted to slow down and see/experience Sicily beyond the cities and major attractions. We really enjoyed this trip. The countryside is beautiful. March was a good time as the fields were green and the wildflowers blooming. Each hill town has its own character. Niall was very helpful in the planning stages and was very responsive to my questions. The luggage transfers went smoothly. Accommodations were comfortable and clean, and the hosts very helpful with restaurant suggestions. Highly recommend this trip.

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8 things to know before going to Sicily

Jamie Ditaranto

Mar 1, 2024 • 5 min read

Multigenerational group of tourists  standing in front of panoramic view of Mediterranean Sea

Sicily has a ton of personality and a few unique quirks – here's what you need to know © Jimena Roquero / Stocksy

Sicily is an island of mythic proportions, highly regarded for its natural beauty and the deep well of history it embodies in its ancient archaeological sites and luxe palazzos. A proud triangle, the island has three coastlines and two island chains and is home to the most active volcano in Europe, the indomitable Mount Etna .

In pursuit of claiming my Italian citizenship, I spent five summery months living in the Sicilian heartland, exploring the coast and ruins and immersing myself in the daily life of small-town Sicily. Preceded by its mafia history (both the fictional and the real), it is often misunderstood by visitors coming to the island with Godfather-inspired expectations, but there is a lot more to discover in Sicily beyond the stereotypes.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting.

1. Fly in and out of two different airports

The most efficient way to plan a tour through Sicily is to fly into Palermo and leave from Catania , or vice versa. Palermo and Catania are the island’s two largest cities and are located at opposite ends of the island. Each has its own airport with direct flights to the mainland and other European cities. There is also a small airport in Trapani, on the west coast – ideal if you want to visit the Egadi Islands – but here you’ll only find flights to and from mainland Italian airports.

A man and woman sit in a car while driving in Sicily. The camera is looking out the front windshield to reveal a historic town ahead

2. Public transport in Sicily is not for the weak

Traveling by train through Sicily is convenient if you stick to the coasts and plan to travel out of main hubs like Palermo, Messina or Catania. However, the schedules are not always reliable, so you should plan plenty of buffer time into your itinerary if you choose to do Sicily without a car. Many of Sicily’s major destinations, like beachy San Vito Lo Capo and the historical hilltop town of Erice , are inaccessible by train, but you can get there by bus. Forgoing a car rental in Sicily is doable, but your trip will be much easier with a set of wheels.

3. Plan to move around

Sicily’s major attractions are dispersed throughout the island, so you will feel limited if you choose one city as your base for the whole trip. There are so many wonderful towns and islands, beautiful hotels, charming bed-and-breakfasts and a vast array of sights – from the ruins of Agrigento to the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands , and all the historical villages and sunny vineyards in between. 

4. Understand the real history of the mafia

Sure, you can buy plenty of Godfather merchandise when you get to Sicily, but you will have a deeper appreciation of the reality of the island’s mafia history if you take the time to understand it as a tragic story, not one to be idealized. 

In Palermo, there is a free museum at the No Mafia Memorial , which details the history of organized crime in Sicily and tells the story of Falcone and Borsellino, two heroic judges who were assassinated during the mafia wars of the 1990s. In Corleone – not actually where the movie was filmed – you can also visit CIDMA , a documentation and education center that dives deeper into the saga of the Maxi Trial, a three-year criminal trial that convicted over 300 people involved in organized crime.

A close up of Sicilian granita ice creatm with a brioche bun blurred in front

5. Italy’s dining dogmas still apply, but one popular breakfast will surprise you

If this isn’t your first time in Italy, you probably already know where Italians stand when it comes to pineapple on pizza, cappuccinos after lunch and chicken in pasta – they will not hear of it. Sicily follows these same rules, but one tradition is likely to delight your inner child: ice cream for breakfast. Italian breakfasts are always sweet, but Sicilians take it to the next level by enjoying either gelato or granita, a type of shaved ice, sandwiched between a fluffy brioche bun first thing in the morning.

6. Sicily’s multicultural history makes it a unique destination

Separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina, this region of southern Italy has its own cultural identity thanks to its long history of being conquered and influenced by rulers from all over the world. Each culture, from the Greeks and Romans to the Arabs and Crown of Aragon, left its mark in some way. These influences can be found in food – like Sicily's love of couscous – and urban planning and architecture. Whether you’re walking in a city with ancient Greek foundations like Ortigia or delighting in the Baroque streets of Noto , you’ll feel the difference in style but an overall ambiance that is still distinctly Sicilian.

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7. You can drink the tap water

Like the rest of Italy, you’ll find many public fountains with free water that is safe to drink unless otherwise marked as “non-potable.” Unless you're advised otherwise, tap water in Sicily is good to drink, but you will find many locals prefer the taste of bottled water. Like elsewhere in Italy and Europe, if you ask for water at a restaurant, they will bring you a bottle and charge you for it. However, if you order an espresso at a cafe bar, it usually comes with a small cup of water on the side to cleanse your palette before you sip.

8. Sicily is the frontier of Europe’s migrant crisis

Ever the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily is one of the main arrival points for refugees seeking asylum in Europe. This is a particularly large issue for the distant Italian island of Lampedusa , which is closer to the coast of Africa than it is to Sicily. The high number of arrivals has at times overwhelmed select areas of Sicily, but in my experience, the effect on the tourism industry has been minimal. Still, it’s wise to educate yourself about these current events before you arrive.

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Sicily by motorbike

A tour of Sicily by motorbike is a wonderful adventure. Travelling on the roads, from coast to coast, from city to city, can be a daily discovery. Beautiful mountains soften into gentle hills until they reach the plains, surrounded by places rich in history and culture. The mild climate all year round is certainly one more reason to do it by motorbike.

There are many possible itineraries for all tastes.

The classic tour goes around the coast and lasts about a week : starting from Messina , once you have disembarked after crossing the Strait , take the SS113 state road that runs along the Tyrrhenian Sea to Palermo for 250 km.

The first stop is Tindari . The Sanctuary can already be seen along the road and, looking down, we can admire the amazing Oliveri beach with its lakes and stretches of sand. Continuing on our route, we reach Gioiosa Marea. The name makes us think of the beautiful pebble beach of Capo Calavà . We pass through Brolo , known for its tasty Nebrodi meats, and then through the enchanting Capo d’Orlando and Santo Stefano di Camastra , which is renowned for its ceramics. As you follow this road, you are sure to have already fallen in love with Sicily!

You’ll be captivated by the landscape with the outline of the Aeolian islands that will follow you until you reach Cefalù. The town deserves a stop to visit the Cathedral, which is part of the Arab-Normann UNESCO heritage route, which leads us all the way to Palermo .

A motorbike is the ideal vehicle for dealing with the traffic, as the locals in Palermo well know.

Look for motorbike parking spaces, which are free so you won’t get a fine. Among the many architectural and artistic gems on offer, be sure not to miss the Cappella Palatina , which is listed as a UNESCO heritage site, and the historical markets ( Capo , Ballarò and Vucciria ). Go up corso Calatafimi to reach the Cathedral of Monreale (this stop is also included in the UNESCO Arab-Norman heritage itinerary) and continue on to the Abbey of San Martino delle Scale .

We set off for Trapani following the E90 and then the SS 186. Stop for lunch in Castellammare del Golfo : enjoy incredibly fresh fish in one of the many trattorias by the sea! This is the ideal area to delight yourself with the famous Trapani-style cous cous with fish. Don’t forget cassatella for dessert.

The next stops are the Bay of Guidaloca , Scopello (the ancient town known for pane cunzato ) and the Riserva dello Zingaro where you can dive into the Mediterranean from some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily .

Get back on road 187 as far as Erice , a medieval town on the mountain about Trapani . A beautiful panoramic road will take you to one of Sicily’s oldest villages. Visit the Castle , buy some colourful handmade rugs (perhaps a small one given that you’re travelling by motorbike) and sweets made from almond paste. From the incredible hairpin bends, a breath-taking view of the Egadi islands opens up.

Having seen Trapani from above, don’t miss out on a visit to its historic centre . Now is the time to take the Via del sale (Salt Road) that leads from Trapani to Marsala . And if you find yourself at the Mozia dock in time sunset, you will leave a piece of your heart behind.

Visit Marsala and Mazara del Vallo : the Dancing Satyr is unmissable! So are the Caves of Cusa and Selinunte and Segesta .

Take the SS 115 to reach Sciacca , a lovely seaside town.

Between Sciacca and Agrigento you can find Eraclea Minoa and the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve , which is ideal for those who prefer to avoid crowded beaches.

Agrigento , with its Valley of Temples , shows us an enviable collection of Greek art. Next, set off on a longer stretch that will take you straight to Ragusa Ibla, Noto , Marzamemi , Scicli and Ispica , stone gardens with a wealth of history. After the full immersion in baroque architect , head towards the natural oases by the sea: Calamosche and the Riserva di Vendicari .

Aim for Syracuse to visit magnificent Ortigia and then make your way to beautiful and lively Catania .

Next up are the baroque Acireale and Timpa , the sea stacks of Acitrezza , then continue on to Taormina , Castelmola and, finally, Etna , which dominates the landscape

Europe’s largest active volcano is an amazing destination. Its altitude (3,350 metres) offers the chances for your two wheels to take on winding routes with a lot of fun. Valle del Bove towards Zafferana Etnea , Linguaglossa , Randazzo and Bronte are just a few of the very evocative places where the fire of the volcano contrasts against the harshness of the slopes and the water of the hidden lakes. There are also great opportunities for olfactory enjoyment here, with unmistakable smells such as wild fennel, olive trees and pistachio .

The routes that pass through the natural parks are also ideal for motorbike travel, such as those that lead you to adventures between Madonie and Nebrodi , Monti Sicani and Gole dell’Alcantara, where we find landscapes suspended in time between pastures, shepherd’s hut and bubbling streams, far removed from the more traditional paths.

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Dimensione Sicilia Incoming Operator & DMC

Plan your dream holiday in Sicily with our travel experts

Sicily tours 8 days

Dimensione Sicilia Incoming Operator & DMC

Dimensione sicilia incoming operator & dmc.

Dimensione Sicilia is an incoming operator located in the eastern part of Sicily near Catania and next to the Etna mountain. For 36 years our experienced and professional team has been organizing tailor-made travel packages both for groups and individuals, themed tours as well as congresses and incentive trips for clients from all over the world. Travelling with us means living a unique experience and a memorable holiday! We deeply know our native island and its hidden beauties and we truly love it, for that we aim to let your travel in Sicily unique. Our leading products are the escorted Sicilian Secrets tours of Sicily which combine the south of Italy and Sicilian minor islands also; the new self-drive eco-tours and special travel ideas for all budgets!

Sicilian Secrets Tour of Sicily – Regular Departures 2024

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Sicilian Secrets Guided Tour of Sicily

Guided tours of Sicily with guaranteed departures all year round. Come with us to discover our/this amazing Island!

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Custom-Made Trips for Groups

Tailor made tours for groups are professionally created in accordance with travellers needs and wishes for a never to be forgotten holiday!

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Sicilian Minor Islands

Discover with us the beauty of Sicilian archipelagos! They are a treasure whose brightness will make your holiday unofrgettable!

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Self Drive Tour of Sicily

Visit Sicily on your own, just choose your destination and we will take care of everything for you for an amazing holiday!

Eco-Tour della Sicilia in auto elettrica

Eco-tours of Sicily

Jump aboard on an electric car to discover the beauties of Sicily. You will be fascinated by its breathtaking landscapes and its treasured historic houses!

City Break ed Escursioni in Sicilia

City Break and Daily Excursions

If you have just a weekend to visit Sicily our City Break ideas as well as our daily excursions can meet your needs to discover the beauties of Sicily in a short time! Departures from Catania, Palermo, Taormina and Cefalù.

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For the Italian descendants who live abroad, we plan the best travel experience to discover their roots and family history

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Incentive Travels & Meetings

As a DMC Dimensione Sicilia organizes in the most efficient way your congresses, incentives and conventions. We take care of everything for a successful outcome of your special events!

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Saracen Sands Hotel Palermo

Saracen Hotel Palermo

Placed in front of the the charming marine protected area of Isola delle Femmine, the Saracen Sands Hotel & Congress Centre covers an area of more than 3 hectares overlooking a white sandy beach and a turquoise crystalline sea… Set into a luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation and thanks to its prime location it is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday to spend with family and the right choose for your special events! Whether it is a private party or a congress our professional and qualified staff will support and welcome you with the warmth of Sicilian hospitality!

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Dimensione Sicilia at ITB 2024

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Dimensione Sicilia will be in Berlin from March 5th to 7th for the ITB 2024, at the Regione Sicilia’s stand

Dimensione Sicilia at BIT 2024

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Dimensione Sicilia Incoming Operator will be in Milan for the next edition of the BIT 2024 from February 4th to 6th at Regione Sicilia’s stand

Dimensione Sicilia at FITUR 2024

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Dimensione Sicilia waits for you from January 24th to 28th at FITUR – Madrid 2024

Dimensione Sicilia at WTM London 2023

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Dimensione Sicilia is waiting for you at WTM London 2023, from 6th to 8th November, at Regione Sicilia’s stand.

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Visit our blog, a real and virtual journey among secrets of Sicily!

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Cicloposse Bike Tours

Sicily Bike tour

Sicily Bike tour

Cycling Val di Noto: Ragusa, Noto, Modica

At the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Europe, Sicily is pure magic. Cycle the breath-taking landscapes around, Syracuse: a Greek-Roman-Byzantine-Bourbon-Arab-Norman-Aragonese-Italian city with an island historical center Ortigia, and Val di Noto – area of Unesco Heritage sites which includes many city visited on this tour!

Wow Moments

  • Relax over a glass of Nero d’Avola wine in Noto’s historical city center
  • Handmade Cannoli siciliani sweet with ricotta cheese
  • Ride along the coast to a just-caught seafood lunch in the village of Marzamemi
  • Spend a day in the Baroque city of Ragusa, home to a booming foodie scene and one of the most iconic skylines on the island
  • Taste Sicily’s famous granita at one of the best spots in the main square of Noto

Marzamemi & Porto Palo  southernmost point of Italy

This bike route winds entirely across the countryside of the Hyblaean area, biking on this path will be an amazing chance to discover and visit many of the marvellous naturalistic sites which embellish this part of land. You set off at Cava d’Ispica, a 13 km-long canyon still preserving its untainted ecosystem, then you cross an area famous for the presence of the oldest trees in Sicily which leads us to Frigintini, a village clustering farms devoted to high-quality production. The next step is the crossing of another valley, chiselled by Fiumara creek, heading to Scicli from Modica.

Sicily Adventure

This itinerary will lead you through the discovery of Europe’s most southern shoreline with its marvellous beaches of golden, satin sand from the Sahara desert and its lush Mediterranean dune vegetation.

Tours starts in Noto – arrival on your own or transfer from Catania airport or from Siracusa. Noto, capital of Sicilian Baroque a nd a living art gallery. Its historical center is rich with churches, aristocratic palaces, stately piazzas and beautiful streets, both grand and small which wind harmoniously about one another. A perfect location for the shooting of the world-wide known TV series Commissario Montalbano . Noto, along with every other city in the area, was completely razed by a devastating earthquake in 1693, after which the noble aristocracy decided to rebuild the city stone‐for‐stone, 3km from its original site. Welcome meeting at your hotel set in the old town, after the briefing and the bike fitting, it’s time for visit the city or enjoy an APERITIVO on the stunning terrace of your hotel.

Loop Bike ride in Noto area towards the mountainous inland. Stop at “Cavagrande del Cassibile” reserve. Today a loop ride brings us along secondary roads which snake through Noto’s inner mountain area. Hop on your bike along a climbing to San Corrado and then continue riding through the country toward the ruined site of Ancient Noto . Then continue riding through the country toward Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve . Here the landscape begins to change, now dominated by Sicily’s Grand Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, whose steep walls descend 800 feet to a picturesque river below. The land is protected for it’s fascinating geology. From here you can stretch your legs on a fun downhill passing through Avola Antica and then toward Avola with amazing views over the Ionian coast and its seaside-villages. The final part heads to Noto, passing through a quiet and lively rural district with some farms and farmhouses along the way. You will follow an old back road connecting the two towns. Once again in the historic Noto, we suggest you to visit “Caffè Sicilia” well known for its pastry made of almond, granita and ice-creams.

Distance: 44 km / 27 mi. Ascent +1010 m.

Bike ride from Noto to Portopalo di Capo Passero. Your today’s destination is the Southernmost point of Sicily and Italy, Portopalo di Capo Passero, an old fishermen village. On your track, the Roman Villa Tellaro,a 4th century partially‐excavated palace boasting magnificent floor mosaics they tell stories of roman life with scenes of hunting, erotic dances, Illiad tales, an unusual geometric designs, a visit won’t be missed. Riding through Contrada Buonivini, the cradle of Nero d’Avola. The easy routes run through vineyards, citrus and almond groves offering spectacular views. All around, old palm groves and modern cellars are scattered, just pick one for a guided tour and a degustation. Arriving at Marzamemi is a dive in the past: the milieu of tonnare, the boat sheds for tonnaroti and their houses, the palace of the local ruling aristocratic family have been restored and converted into restaurants, cafés and boutiques. Just few kilometers more to reach Portopalo with nice beaches around and an important fishing port. Here you can taste the best local and fresh fish! We suggest to approach the village, walking along the pedestrian area with some restaurants, cafés and boutiques that brings you to beach and its clear water with the view of the ancient tuna factory, the small island of Capo Passero and the fishermen houses.

Distance: option A: 35 km / 21 mi   |   +210m.   OR   Option B: 75 km / 44mi   |     + 800m.

Bike ride from Portopalo to Modica. Your ride follows the cycle paths of wine in Val di Noto softly entering Noto countryside to cross Tellaro valley along the river. Once on top a stunning view of the Hyblean Plateau will delight you. Bike ride from Portopalo to Modica. In this stage you will get acquainted with a varied food production of peasant tradition, from bread to scacce, from honey to cheese oil and wine. A lovely view of the extreme eastern spur of Hyblean Mountain s, marking the border between the Siracusa and Noto provinces. The peaceful and quiet mule-track is shaded by the wide crowns of carob trees skirting it for many kilometres. Get in Modica along its lively rural district. This section of the route, along old roads and the typical carob tree and old farmhouse with its continuous series of ups and downs is quite demanding, but your effort will be rewarded by views of unequalled beauty at each turn or hill. A panoramic downhill will disclose you the beauty of the monuments of Modica The stroll continues in the historic neighbourhoods of the city centre: alleys, little steps and medieval streets will lead you to the spectacular stairways of the most majestic churches. Modica is well worth a break to revel in the sweets of Sicilian pastry and the delicious chocolate.

Distance: Option A: 30 km / 19 miles |  +605m.  Or  Option B: 59 km / 37 miles | +1186m.

Loop bike ride from Modica to Ragusa This moderate to challenging ride, rise and fall stage unrolls like a film of snapshots from the past: olive and carob trees, farmhouses and villas of the past rural aristocracy. You arrive in the magnificent Baroque city of Ragusa. With 18 UNESCo Heritage monuments, the entire historical center is a fun and fascinating maze of archways, exquisite Baroque churches, staircases, and stately palaces. You’ll explore on your own the public gardens, the Cathedral of San Giorgio, or just relax with a chocolate granita. Then you will come back to Modica. For dinner, choose from many wonderful restaurants, from hole‐in‐the‐wall trattorias to Slow Food Oserie or Michelin‐starred restaurants.

Distance: Option A: 30 km / 19 mi.les |  +605m. Or   Option B: 59 km / 37 miles  +1186m

Bike ride from Modica to Donnalucata You leave Modica going on through the Fiumara valley surrounded by a lush vegetation: this wild wooded part of the route lead you straight to Scicli’s historic centre. To start, you go along the ancient street leading from Scicli to Donnalucata, stretching above a typical Iblean cave. After about 4 km you will reach a panoramic street hanging between countryside and sea; here you meet Sgarlata farmhouse, renowned for its ricotta cheese and delicious flavoured caciotte( you will experience a cheese-making laboratory and a tasting under request), and the Milizie cloister, legendary ground of the battle between Normans and Saracens. The cycling path goes on plunging into olive trees, carobs and almond trees. This itinerary goes on a panoramic road coasting the Irminio river valley. Once we get to its mouth we suggest a stop to hike on the paths of the reserve. You will pedal through a still-preserved rural area, among Scicli and Modica, where many estates appear, testifying a rich agriculture in the last centuries: just appreciate this flavours from the past, visiting genuine and family-run farms; you’ll sample mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Along the coast road you meet Sampieri and its ancient fishermen houses . Here you can opt for some relax in one of the many chalets, beaches or cliffs at Costa di Carro and Punta Pisciotto . Keep going along the Southernmost coastline in Europe, just head towards the East, reaching Donnalucata and Punta Regilione on the cycle path.

Distance: Option A: 37 km / 22 miles | +215 m OR   Option B: 65 km / 40 miles  |  +600 m

After breakfast, end of tour. Private transfer to train station or to Catania- Comiso Airports is available, from where you can take the train to Cagliari or other destination on the island.

sicily cycliing tour

best period : March to November - Expect July & August

Difficulty : medium, total distance : 300 km / 187 miles in 5 stages.

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TOUR REVIEWS

Tour reviews.

Ciao Giuliana, My wife, Margaret, and I returned from our Sicily bike trip. Era meraviglioso! The hotels were wonderful and the biking was very enjoyable (though fa troppo caldo alcuni giorni). We especially enjoyed our time in Noto at the Hotel Gagliardi. Raffaele is a great guy, and we really enjoyed meeting him. He was very helpful with all details. And the new GPS system worked perfectly. Voremmo ritornare presto per un altro giro! Grazie per tutto,

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Price & Inclusions

Price Cost: € 1750    per person in double occupancy Single room supplement € 690

Inclusions Six nights in four & three-star superior hotels Six breakfasts All Baggage transfers RideWithGPS App: tracks, route notes, off-line navigation Trip notes: Sightseeing & meals suggestions Maps with elevation gain Delivery bike at Noto hotel & bike fitting Pick-up of bikes and gear in Donnalucata Keepsake Cicloposse water bottle Sales taxes

Not Included Bike Rental per entire tour Hybrid bike   euro 180 Road bike | E-Bike | Gravel bike     euro 250

City Tax   each village charges a tax per each day between euro 0,70 to 2,50.

Optional Cooking lesson Cheese tasting Wine tasting

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Sardinia Beaches Bike Trip

Breath-taking seascape

luxury bike tour

Hills&Wheels Luxury Retreats

Super Tuscany

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Corsica Bike Tour

Bastia,Centuri, Ile Rousse, Calvi

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Sicily bike rental and tours

Bicycle Adventures in Sicily & Beyond

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the grand tour of sicily by mountain bike

Tough climbs, raw gravel roads through yellow corn fields.

The Mountain Bike Tour of Sicily is mainly developed on secondary roads, dirt roads and trazzere. In some points it intercepts some of the itineraries or paths already present in Sicily. On the other hand the oldest roads are of all and can be traveled on foot or by bike to move in an alternative way from one city to another.

This route is quite challenging but certainly spectacular. GPS tracks are continuously reviewed due to changes in the terrain that make roads no longer viable, or simply because we have found a better alternative for practicability or spectacularity.

The tour can be done both clockwise and anticlockwise and is not currently reported, as soon as we will publish a smartphone app that can show the itinerary and the position of the user to follow the track.

Off Road Adventures in Sicily - Epic Mountain Bike Tour Around the Island

Very often we make the mistake of thinking that Sicily is a flat and simple region to be tackled by bike. In reality, the island has many elevations especially in the central part. The coast line, although it is winding, does not have great elevations, so much so that in the maximum point the 400 meters are not exceeded.

Inside you can pedal up to over 2000 meters of Mount Etna or up to the tops of the numerous mountain ranges that in some cases exceed abundantly the 1700/1800 meters.

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It is not always a good idea to transport your bike on the plane or long-distance trains, but it is much easier to transport the bike by boat. To avoid unnecessary risk and damage to your precious mountain bike, you can rent a bike in Sicily, there are many companies that deal with bike rental in Palermo, rent a bike in Catania, rent a bike in Trapani or rent a bike in Agrigento.

Our bike rental is called Inspiring Tours, which is also a tour operator able to rent bikes throughout Sicily and organize cycling holidays throughout Sicily.

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Bike rental.

This itinerary allows you to take advantage of all the essential services to make your cycling holiday in complete tranquility (bike rental, insurance, bike transport, bicycle rental, bicycle touring guides, bike assistance, telephone assistance for cyclists) like those offered by the website www.sicilycycling.com

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elevation gain and road types

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actractiveness

Bike suggested.

Mountain Bike / Gravel

Not popular

fitness skills

Gpx track of the itinerary.

This is the temporary track of the Giro della Sicilia by mountain bike. We will make many changes to it, a second of the viability of some roads in spite of others.

In some points this itinerary is much more famous and certainly more structured. At the moment the itinerary does not have signage and it will be possible to orientate itself with the app that will be published soon. Good road!

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Eurovelo 6 on a Specialize Awol gravel bike

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𐤟 Giro della Sicilia 2024: registration open

Giro della Sicilia 2023

In 2023 the Giro della Sicilia will bring all participants to know the enormous naturalistic, cultural and artistic heritage of the Madonie, a protected natural area and included in the UNESCO Global GeoParks network.

The cycle-sport formula provides an alternation of cycling moments where it is possible to pedal in total relaxation at a controlled speed, enjoying the landscapes that the Sicilian mountains offer, to moments of healthy competition where you can give your best during the timed sections.

Giro della Sicilia

Piano Battaglia

Sunday 28/05/2023 Piano Battaglia (RIFUGIO MARINI) 77 km – 1770 EG (Campofelice, Collesano, Piano Battaglia, Campofelice) We go up for 37 kilometers, changing landscapes, in the upper part the woods will keep us company up to the “highest beech forest in Europe” in Piano Battaglia

Giro della Sicilia

CRONO: Mongerrati – Piano Battaglia (12,6 km – 6,1%)

Giro della Sicilia

Monday 29/05/2023 Pollina (THEATER PIETRA ROSA) 93 km – 1670 EG (Campofelice-Collesano-Isnello-Castelbuono-Pollina-Finale-Sant’Ambrogio-Cefalù, Campofelice) Panoramic tour with crono that takes us to the Pietra Rosa Theater in Pollina where you can enjoy a splendid view of the mountains and the sea.

Giro della Sicilia

CRONO: Intercomunale di Pollina – Teatro Pietra Rosa (Pollina) (8,9 km – 7,4%)

Giro della Sicilia

Wednesday 31/05/2023 Geraci 143 km – 2600 EG (Campofelice, Cefalù, Gibilmanna, Castelbuono, Geraci, Petralie, Castellana, Polizzi, Collesano, Campofelice) The longest and most demanding stage of the tour with a fascinating crono with the last stretch in cobblestones and arrival in the “UNIQUE AND SUGGESTIVE” medieval square.

Giro della Sicilia

CRONO: Castelbuono (about km 22.5 of the SS286) – Geraci Piazza (14.5 km – 4.9%)

Giro della Sicilia

La Targa Florio

Thursday 01/06/2023 La Targa Florio 110 km – 1900 EG We travel the low Madonie among splendid agricultural landscapes with the mountains in the background. Caccamo, Montemaggiore Belsito. Alia, little-known villages that will enchant us with their historical beauties and local specialties.

Giro della Sicilia

CRONO: SS 121 Termini – Caccamo (8,3 km – 5,0%)

Giro della Sicilia

Lascari/Gratteri

Friday 02/06/2023 Lascari/Gratteri 82 km – 1310 EG (Campofelice, Lascari, Gratteri, Isnello, Castelbuono, Sant’Ambrogio, Cefalù, Campofelice) A short stop in the mountains that “runs along the sea” the breathtaking views will never leave us.

Giro della Sicilia

CRONO: Lascari – Gratteri (10,4 km – 5,5%)

Giro della Sicilia

Rent your bike or your e-bike

Thanks to our partner Sicicla, you can rent your vehicle to join the 2023 edition of Giro della Sicilia!

GUIDELINES TOUR OF SICILY 2024 PREMISE Any changes to these Regulations, more or less restrictive, could be applied if new rules are issued to contain the spread of the risks of contagion from COVID-19 or in the case of specific needs of the L ocali administrations. For the entire duration of the event, cyclists and all the staff present must comply with the anti-gathering rules, the use of PPE and in general all the anti-Covid 19 rules issued by the Government, the National Health Authorities and the Local Administrations. We invite you to keep up to date by consulting our website www.girodellasicilia.com

All competitors at the time of registration accept in its entirety these regulations.

ARTICLE 1: GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS The Società Sportiva Dilettantistica GS MEDITERRANEO PRO organizes from 26 May to 31 May 2024 the Giro della Sicilia, an international cycling event (road bike) open to all cyclists-sportsmen and cyclists-amateurs in good standing with the membership for the current year. From this year the event is also open to e-bikes. The dates established for the stages are: Stage 1 26/05/2024 Stage 2 27/05/2024 Rest 28/05/2024 Stage 3 29/05/2024 Stage 4 30/05/2024 Stage 5 31/05/2024

ARTICLE 2: REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS The event is open to all cycle-sportsmen and cycle-amateurs of both sexes over the age of 18 in good standing with the membership for the current year. It should be noted that the event is open to all members of the FCI and the Sports Promotion Bodies, in possession of sports medical fitness for the practice of competitive cycling (DM 16/2013), and to foreign cyclists in possession of a UCI license valid for the current year, issued by their National Cycling Federation. It is possible to register through the www.girodellasicilia.com website. By registering for the event, the competitors declare that they have read this regulation, accepting it unconditionally in everyseparate way and that they are not in any of the subjective conditions referred to in Article 3 of this regulation (Ethical Declaration). This declaration is assimilated to the self-certification required pursuant to and for the purposes of Presidential Decree no. 445 of 28 December 2000. Anyone who makes false statements is punished under the Criminal Code and special laws on the subject. Participants without a cycling license must present, on the occasion of registration and in any case no later than the start of the race, a medical certificate attesting to the status of suitability for participation in a competitive cycling sports event. This certificate must be valid for all the days of the race. They will also have to sign the temporary membership, which must be requested at the time of registration to the secretariat of the GS MEDITERRANEO, in order to regularize their position from an insurance point of view, at a cost of € 10.00 per single stage. The SSD GS MEDITERRANEO PRO declines all responsibility for the coverage / services offered by the policy. Professionals and / or elites are admitted exclusively for promotional purposes and will not be able to participate in the rankings, nor distort the outcome of the event by actively participating in it and conditioning the final outcome. The chip for time controls and measurements is mandatory. For those who do not have it, a loan service will be activated on deposit. The organization reflects exclusively in relation to the services and contents of the cycling event. Failure to participate in the event, in case of serious and proven impediment, may entitle you to a free ticket for participation exclusively in the event of the following year, upon presentation of a written application and at the sole discretion of the Organization.

ARTICLE 3: ETHICAL STATEMENT Participation in the Giro della Sicilia is not allowed to subjects who: 1. were found positive at the anti-doping controls accredited by the U.S. C.I., by the National and International Olympic Committee and by WADA, whether scheduled or by surprise, or have refused to undergo anti-doping and / or health protection controls, scheduled or unexpectedly; 2. were found with altered values of the biological profiles monitored in the Biological Passport, according to the current regulations of WADA and the U.S. C.I., without it being demonstrable a real genetic and / or physiological condition capable of motivating the alteration of the profiles; 3. have been found in possession of drugs or substances that are biologically or pharmacologically active, prohibited or subject to restriction of use in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory provisions on doping, without any plausible, detailed and documented justification and in any case without any detailed medical prescription; 4. have adopted medical practices not justified by documented pathological or therapeutic conditions, aimed at or suitable for modifying the results of anti-doping controls on the use of prohibited drugs; 5. have been sanctioned by sports and/or ordinary justice, for a period exceeding 6 (six) months, for reasons related to doping; 6. have been subjected by the judicial authority to personal coercive measures or investigations for facts related to the violation of anti-doping legislation; 7. are in the temporal conditions that do not allow membership as amateur cyclists (referred to in resolution no. 6 of 29.7.2013 of the National Cycling Council), namely: • Professional athletes: for the 4 years following the last contract; • Elite (without contract): for the 2 years following the last membership in the category; • U23 athletes: for the two years following the last membership in the category; • U23 athletes with only one year of membership in the category: for 1 year following the last membership; • Elite women for the 2 years following the last membership in the category. The ethical declaration, like the medical certificate, constitutes an indispensable document for the regular registration to the event. In the absence of the same you will automatically lose the right to participate in the event and any payment made for the purpose of registration can not be refunded except for payments made before March 31 which can be refunded only in the event of restrictions due to the COVID 19 emergency.

ARTICLE 4: SECURITY The event is of a cycling-sports nature and the relevant rules provided for by the FCI regulation must be respected. Although there is an Escort service, the roads are open to traffic (except for the timed section, unless otherwise indicated). The highway code must always be respected even in the timed section. Competitors must never pass the car at the beginning of the race and must maintain an appropriate behavior and comply with the Rules of the event. IT IS MANDATORY TO USE THE HARD HELMET APPROVED AND FASTENED FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE RIDE. THE INDICATIONS OF THE RACE DIRECTOR MUST BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO. COMPETITORS WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PROVISIONS MAY BE IMMEDIATELY EXCLUDED FROM THE EVENT AND IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS THOSE RESPONSIBLE WILL BE REPORTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW. A road book will be included in the race pack and will contain detailed indications of the entire route, of the partial and total distances, of the passage times to the starting points of timed sections, to the refreshments and to the arrival. In order to guarantee the expected assistance, escort service and refreshments, the indicated times and the scheduled time gates must be respected, which are also easily respectable by everyone even at a comfortable cycling pace. Starting from the end of the timed section and/or other point specified by the organization, athletes will be given the opportunity to pedal at a free pace in a manner to be defined by the race direction. The organization does not guarantee timely medical and mechanical assistance to participants who will decide the option “free ride” Every single stage will be provided in GPX format to the participants.

Each participating cyclist, being aware that the roads traveled are not manned by the organizing company, nor by anyone else, must consider himself on a free personal excursion on roads open to traffic, so he is considered a normal road user, he has the obligation to wear a helmet and to comply with the rules of the Highway Code. Competitors will be followed by rescue vehicles and technical assistance vehicles (cars and motorcycles).

ARTICLE 5: LOGISTICS The organizing company will arrange refreshments and supplies along the routes of the stages in the indicated locations. The refreshments and supplies also have the function of regrouping the group of participants in the sections of the route at controlled speed and at the end of the sections of the route at free speed with chronometric detection. The duration of the stops will vary according to the organizational needs of the event. At the end of each stage the rankings will be exposed. There will be no stage awards. The organization provides all participants with a free “bag-drop” service to be able to find their own clothing bag at the end of the timed sections (refreshment). A plate must be attached to the bag/backpack to facilitate identification. It should be noted that: – the clothing bag must be delivered directly to the vehicle that takes care of the transport strictly 15 minutes before the start of the stage; – the clothing bag will be returned only at the end of the stage; – the organization is not responsible for any loss of the clothing bag, part of it or its contents.

ARTICLE 6: COLLECTION OF THE RACE PACK In order to collect the race package, participants must be in possession of the documents referred to in Article 2 and show a valid identity document. The president or manager of the participating companies must show the list of participants and make available, if requested by the race judge, the official cards. Competitors must give consent for the use of personal data as required by privacy legislation for the purposes related to the performance of the event. The race pack will contain the number to be applied visibly on the handlebars and the dorsal number, the road book with information on the route, heels for the bag / transport bag, gadgets and vouchers for refreshments.

ARTICLE 7: TECHNICAL ASPECTS In all the stages there are one or more sections of the route at free speed with chronometric detection. At the end of each stage the absolute and category rankings will be exposed. The summary data of the day will also be made available online on www.girodellasicilia.com. The timing and checks will be carried out with an electronic system. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to make the appropriate variations to the routes in case of situations that may compromise the safety of the participants and the success of the event. At the secretariat of the Giro will be exposed an info panel for communications to competitors. The panel can also be used by individual competitors for any communications to other participants in the event.

ARTICLE 8: CHECKS, RANKINGS, AWARDS

Checks All participants must be members of a cycling club regularly affiliated to the Cycling Federation of the country of origin and / or other sports promotion body recognized by the National Olympic Committee and must have the relevant official card issued for the current year by the Federation (or promotion bodies for Italian participants). The President of the cycling club, or his representative, must dispose of these badges if requested by the race judge. Rankings To enter the rankings it is necessary to have completed in their entirety the stages (not only the timed sections) provided for in Article 1: • The Sunday of the tour (stage 1) • Long tour (all stages) For e-bikes, a separate ranking will be drawn up, the modalities of which will be established according to the number dandthe participants.

Awards Will be awarded the first 3 absolute male and female and category. Prizes will also be awarded to the largest team, individual surprise prizes and a celebratory medal. The rankings will be displayed daily. The categories are: Elite Woman 19-29, Master Woman 1 30-39 anni, Master Woman 2 40-49 anni, Master Woman 3 da 50 anni in poi. Elite 19-29, Master 1 30-34 years, Master 2 35-39 years, Master 3 40-44 years, Master 4 45-49 years, Master 5 50-54 years, Master 6 55-59 years, Master 7 60-64, Master 8 from 65 onwards. If the participants are not in sufficient number, the categories will be merged at the sole discretion of the Race Management and communicated at the beginning ofthe stage.

ARTICLE 9: COMPLAINTS AND FCI REGULATION Any complaints must be received by the jury in compliance with the provisions of the FCI Technical Regulations. For anything not covered by these Regulations, the Technical Regulations in force of the FCI and the related implementing rules apply.

ARTICLE 10: ANTI-DOPING At the end of each stage it is possible to control doping by the competent bodies, therefore, before leaving the arrival area, the competitors must make sure that they have not been chosen for the aforementioned control.

ARTICLE 11: RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ORGANIZER AND INDEMNITY Ssd GS MEDITERRANEO PRO declines all responsibility for itself and its collaborators, for accidents or damage to persons or things, which may occur before, during and after the event or as a result of the same. Each participant indemnifies from any liability of a civil, criminal and administrative nature the Organization, collaborators, volunteers, bodies and all the subjects involved in various ways in the event for any harmful event that should happen to their person or that was caused by their conduct. Participants also undertake not to leave their bicycle and personal property unattended. It is understood that in case of theft or damage to your bicycle, personal property and any other means of transport, no liability or any request / claim against ASD GS MEDITERRANEO PRO can be charged. The member also undertakes to compensate the ASD Giro delle Dolomiti in case of damage to the image and reputation of the event, of the ASD GS MEDITERRANEO PRO, deriving from the behavior of the member himself not in accordance with the rules of this regulation and the spirit of the event

ARTICLE 12: CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT If for reasons of force majeure or any other event not attributable to the organization, the event does not take place, the amount of participation will neither be refunded nor considered valid for the following year.

ARTICLE 13: VARIATIONS The organization reserves the right at any time to make changes to the route and to this regulation at its sole discretion. The website www.girodellasicilia.com is the official information organ of the event, therefore all official communications will be made known on the site.

ARTICLE 14: SIGNATURE – PRIVACY – TRANSFER OF IMAGE RIGHTS By signing the paper registration form or by sending the signed form online in pdf format, the competitor declares to be in possession of a medical certificate of fitness for competitive activity, to be in possession of a regular card, insurance for civil liability towards third parties, to have read this regulation, accepting it unconditionally in all its points and expresses consent to the use of his personal data. The use/processing of personal data means any operation or set of operations concerning the collection, registration, organization, storage, consultation, processing, modification, selection, extraction, comparison, use, interconnection, blocking, communication, dissemination, cancellation and destruction of data, even if not recorded in a database. Pursuant to art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/03 the participant has the right to exercise access to personal data, as well as to obtain information about his data; request cancellation, blocking, updating, rectification, integration and opposition to processing, by contacting the Data Controller – SSD GS MEDITERRANEO PRO, based in Palermo – Via Principe di Belmonte, 102. By signing the paper registration form or by sending the signed form online in pdf format, the participant also expresses his consent, so that any photos, videos, audio and / or video recordings, of any kind, produced on the occasion of the Giro delle Sicilia can be freely stored, reproduced, published and marketed by the Organization, without the right to any related compensation and / or compensation by the participant. In particular, the participant expressly authorizes the Organization, together with its media partners, to use still or moving images that may portray him during his participation in the race, on all media, including promotional and / or advertising materials. The participant agrees that such data, materials will be made available to photographers and / or professional photo-studios specifically appointed by the Organization for the realization of photographic services on the race.

ARTICLE 15: PENALTIES By signing the paper registration form or by sending the signed form online in pdf format, the competitor, together with the representative of his team, self-certifies the non-existence of sports, civil and / or criminal sanctions, even if discounted, for facts related to doping and declares not to have taken – and not to take – substances included in the anti-doping list of the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) – https://www.wada-ama.org/en/what-we-do/the-prohibited-list. The false self-certification will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. In case of positivity to the anti-doping controls carried out, or of positivity ascertained in the following 6 (six) months in other sporting events, the competitor is required to pay the Organizing Committee of the Giro delle Sicilia, as compensation for the serious damage caused to the image of the event, the sum of € 50,000.00 (fifty thousand euros / 00). If it belongs to a sports association, the latter will be jointly and severally obliged to pay this penalty. The sums that will be forfeited by the SSD GS MEDITERRANEO PRO, as compensation for damage to the image, will be entirely donated to youth sports activity.

ARTICLE 16: DISQUALIFICATIONS The organization reserves the right to take measures in the event that it detects unsporting behavior of the participant tending to distort the order of arrival of the timed section.

The participation with bib of another competitor, the transfer of the bib to others or other serious fact that will be detected by the Organization will cause either the immediate exclusion from the event or the exclusion from the ranking and disqualification from the event from one to five years. In the most serious cases, the disqualification may be for life. It appeals to the civic sense of the participants in order not to throw garbage along the streets. Competitors who throw objects of all kinds outside the refreshment points will be subject to disqualification for the current edition and for the next one. Disqualifications imposed by the F.C.I. during the year may lead to exclusion from the starting list at any time at the sole discretion of the organization. It is strictly forbidden, under penalty of disqualification or exclusion, the use of bicycles equipped with any kind of support or aid of an electrical and / or electronic type. For a correct and safe conduct of the competition, the data of the vehicles that should illegally follow the competitors and pass through the space forbidden to normal circulation, or in the space between the beginning and the end of the race, will be collected by the inspectors of the organization and delivered to the jury and the competent police body, for any measures both sports and infringement of the Highway Code.

ARTICLE 17: INFORMATION Official site: www.girodellasicilia.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 335 744 7433 (Guido)

ARTICLE 18: APPLICABLE LAW AND LANGUAGE These Regulations are subject to Italian law and only the text in Italian is authentic. For anything not expressly regulated, reference is made to the legislation in force in the Italian legal system.

Guidelines E-bike

E-BIKE REGULATION TOUR OF SICILY 2023 Giro della Sicilia will be opened to e-bikes. The e-bike cyclists, however, will not compete with the cyclists of the “muscle bikes”, but will be competing with each other for the “regularity” of their sports performance. The e-bikers will follow the caravan of the Tour of Sicily and then the routes of the established stages, will be able to participate in the refreshments and benefit from all the services offered by the Organization (trailblazer cars, technical escort bikes, ambulance, medical service, etc.). They will have the same chip as the other cyclists and will make “regularity classification” in the timed sections. The e-bikers will start at the tail of the last cyclist at the beginning of the timed section that they will have to travel at an average speed of 20 km / h , in order not interfere any way with the other cyclists in the race. At the end of the relevant stages the following rankings will be drawn up: 1. The Sunday of the tour (stage 1) 2. Long tour (all stages) To enter the rankings it is necessary to have completed the stages in their entirety, not just the timed sections. The first three of each ranking (which will be unique for men and women) will be awarded if they have kept exactly the average of 20 km per hour in the timed sections or who have come as close as possible to it (more or less). Owners of assisted / electric bikes at the time of registration also have the opportunity to choose to participate in the Tour of Sicily in exclusively cycling mode. Fermo remaining as specified above, for “electric cyclists” the same rules apply as other cyclists and set out in the 2023 Regulations which are intended to be accepted in its entirety at the time of registration, always bearing in mind that every cyclist, with electric bike or not, participant in the Tour of Sicily , being aware that the roads traveled are not manned by the organizing company, nor by anyone else, must be considered in free personal excursion on roads open to traffic, so he is considered a normal road user, has the obligation to wear a helmet and to comply with the rules of the Highway Code.

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