Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a top pick for those who love road trips. With its diverse scenery, stunning shores, ancient settlements, and charming hamlets, this place offers a journey through history and cultural richness. Below you’ll find the plan for an ideal driving tour across Sicily.
Day 1-2: Palermo
The journey starts, as it should, in Palermo, the dynamic heart of Sicily, where you can admire Baroque structures, bustling food markets, and stunning historical sites. Be sure to meander down its winding lanes and explore the lavish interiors.
Palazzo dei Normanni
and its Palatine Chapel, or the famous Palermo Cathedral, a unique blend of Norman, Gothic and Arabic styles. Moreover, don’t miss a visit to the street food markets such as Ballarò, where you will try typical Sicilian street food, including
the famous
arancini
(stuffed rice balls) and
cannolo
.
Prior to departing from Palermo, we strongly suggest making time to explore the adjacent town of Monreale. The cathedral here, adorned with golden mosaics and featuring a serene cloister, stands as a remarkable example of Norman architecture in Sicily.
Interested in discovering Sicily? These articles can assist you with planning your visit:
- What should you try eating in Sicily? Here are some of the top Sicilian cuisine options.
- Sicily: 4 accommodations to reserve for an escape on the island
- When is the ideal season to travel to Sicily?
Day 3: Cefalù
Approximately an hour’s drive from Palermo, you’ll find the idyllic village of Cefalù nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and a striking rocky cliff. This quaint destination is renowned for its enchanting historic center with winding lanes and particularly for its magnificent Norman cathedral, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Following your stroll through the winding cobblestone lanes and after sipping coffee in the central plaza, unwind at one of Cefalù’s sandy shores. For those seeking an adventure, scaling up to the summit of the Rocca offers a breathtaking vista of both the town and the ocean below.
Day 4-5: Taormina
Next, proceed eastward to one of
The most favored spots in Sicily include Taormina.
Sitting atop a hill, this town provides stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea and, when visibility is good, the impressive Mount Etna, Europe’s renowned active volcano. Renowned for its Greco-Roman theater, Taormina boasts both significant historical value and panoramic sights of the mountain and the ocean.
Stroll through the town’s public gardens, then make your way down to the beachside.
Baia di Mazzarò
Or use the cable car to explore.
Isola Bella
, a tiny safeguarded island connected to the shore by a slender sandy isthmus.
Day 6: Mount Etna
No journey to Sicily would be finished adequately without
exploring Mount Etna
One of the planet’s most dynamic volcanoes awaits exploration. Starting from Taormina, follow the route towards Etna Park. Within this park, you have the option to approach the craters via well-trodden hiking paths or opt for an adrenaline-pumping guided tour up to the peak. Atop the volcanic mountain, spectacular vistas unfold before your eyes—think moon-like terrains interspersed with historic lava streams and panoramic stretches of the Sicilian shoreline.
As you make your descent, take a detour to visit one of the numerous wineries nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, offering an opportunity to sample distinctive vintages cultivated in the region’s nutrient-abundant volcanic earth.
Day 7-8: Exploring Syracuse and the Isle of Ortigia
Proceed further south into Syracuse, a destination brimming with historical significance within Sicily. This city was established by ancient Greeks and boasts an abundance of archaeological riches. Be sure not to miss the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, featuring a Greek theater alongside remnants from Roman times.
Nonetheless, it is the Isle of Ortigia – the historical heart of Syracuse – that draws the majority of tourists. This small treasure is teeming with bustling piazzas, cozy cafes, quaint cobblestone streets, and landmarks like the Syracuse Cathedral, which was constructed upon an old Greek temple. Ortigia serves as an ideal spot for leisurely walks along its harborside and relishing an ice cream as the sunset paints the sky above the ocean.
Day 9: The Valley of the Temples located in Agrigento
When heading west, make sure to visit the impressive Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, which stands out as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites globally, featuring remarkably well-conserved Greek temples. Notable among them is the Temple of Concord, a stunning example of ancient architectural excellence.
The valley is enchanting, particularly during sunset when the temples light up, casting a nearly surreal ambiance.
Day 10: Scalata ai Turchi
To conclude your journey, make sure to visit the renowned Scala dei Turchi, situated close to Agrigento. This pristine white limestone formation, eroded by the sea into stepped terraces, offers a breathtaking view of the coastline.
At this spot, you have the option to take a dip in the clear blue waters or relax on the pristine white rocks while admiring the scenery.