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„Exploring the world without leaving Sicily?“…of course it is possible!

Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Bourbons, French and even the Habsburgs were once here, leaving numerous traces. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is considered the heart of Italy. Not only does the island have a lot to offer in terms of hundred years of history, it is also the country’s most culturally rich region.

I make no secret of it: I fell madly in love with this island and lived here for more than a year. My roots are in Tuscany, but I am definitely Sicilian at heart.

The guide I’ve created for you goes from 2 to 4 weeks. I would definitely take at least 2 weeks, because the island is big, diverse and absolutely worth seeing.

1. Sicily Guide for 2-4 weeks

There are two airports, or rather three, but two important ones that you will fly into: Palermo and Catania. From both airports you can easily get to the city centre by train or bus (6-7€). As a start for your Sicily trip I recommend you: 

Palermo | North-West coast

Recommended stay: min. 4 nights

It is the capital of the island and, with the Trapani region on the north-west coast, represents the Arab-Norman influence.

Be sure to visit the Norman Palace (“Palazzo dei Normanni”), walk along the Via Maqueda and explore the Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti and don’t forget Piazza Pretoria with its beautiful Florentine-style fountain. In the end, you’ll end up at the harbour, enjoy the sunset with a good sprizz.

Sicily is also all about street food, so be sure to stop by the Mercato Ballarò for fresh ricotta from the oven, grilled potatoes or the world-famous fried rice balls called arancine. For dinner, I recommend the restaurant Sapuritò and for dessert, you can get very good gelato at Brioscià.

Day trips

While you’re in Palermo, you must visit Cefalù (40 minutes by train) and Mondello (20 minutes by bus). There you will find two fantastic beaches, which are the most beautiful in Sicily!

Furthermore, explore the ancient archaeological site in Agrigento, the famous Valley of the Temples (“Valle dei Templi”). It is located in the south of the island and can be easily reached by train from Palermo in two hours.

Catania | East Coast

Recommended stay: min. 7 nights
Accommodation: Holiday Home Magazine*

Take a Flixbus (15,- €) to get easily to the East coast, where to find a strong greek influence. It takes about 3 hours from the bus station in Palermo to Catania, a great base to explore amount of beauties.

Catania is a very romantic city during the day, shrouded in the ash of the Etna volcano. In the evening it changes its face and becomes a bit “underground”. For party people, it’s the best place in Sicily for a bar hopping.

But before you turn night into day, I recommend the Cathedral Square, where you can visit the famous the Elephant Fountain, the Cathedral of Saint Agathe and the Abbey of Saint Agathe. Here, high above the rooftops, a magnificent view of the city awaits you. Hidden behind the Cathedral Square is the vibrant fish market, La Pescheria, which also offers plenty of street food.

Via Etnea is the city’s main street, where you’ll find countless shopping opportunities, as well as the University Square. Let yourself go, turn into the side streets and you’ll find cool aperitivo bars and restaurants. At some point you will arrive at Parco Bellini, which invites you to relax in the sun.

Cafeteria Spinella is located opposite the park, ideal for the typical Sicilian breakfast “brioche and granita”, delicious cappuccino and much more. I can also recommend the Trattoria Achille. Sicily is famous for its fish kitchen, but Catania is for its barbecues with horse meat.

Day trips

You don’t need to rent a car to visit Taormina, with its beautiful Isola Bella, Siracusa, once the most beautiful city of the Magne Grecia, and Bronte, the Vatican of pistachio. Easily to reach by bus and train.

If you want to climb the volcano Etna, Sicily’s landmark, you won’t get far without a car. I booked a guided day tour with getyourguide* and always have fond memories of the nice hike.

To visit the city of Noto, you will also need a car. It’s worth a day trip because the famous Noto Valley starts here and has a beautiful beach called “Lido di Noto”, ideal in the afternoon after day tripping!

Ragusa | South East Coast

Recommended stay: min. 2 nights
Accommodation: Balate Dimora in Centro*

If you plan to spend more than two weeks in Sicily, I highly recommend the Val di Noto (Noto Valley), my absolute favourite region. Here you will find the influence of the Spanish Bourbons and architecture in the Sicilian baroque style.

As a starting point, I recommend the city of Ragusa, which you can reach by bus from Catania (approx. 1.5 hour drive), you end up in the upper town “Ragusa Alta”. Worth mentioning here is Ragusa Ibla, the old town, which is located further down on a 500m high mountain. Either you get on the bus at the Ragusa bus station, the ticket costs around €1.50, or you walk, which is what I did. The view will blow you away, guarantee it! Don’t take the stairs for it, but walk down the roadway.

On the way, you’ll come across the little church with the blue dome, Santa Maria dell’Itria. In the old town are the Duomo di San Giorgio and the Giardino Ibleo park. Let yourself drift here too, the small alleys have many surprises in store. For a sundowner, I recommend a sprizz on the Santa Maria delle Scale.

If you pass by the Cafeteria Donnafugata, try Scaccie, the queen of focaccia! They are only available in the Ragusa area, with the classic tomato and mozzarella or with ricotta and spinach and other fillings. That’s a moro is definitely the place to end the evening with a delicious pizza.

Day trips

The towns of Modica and Scicli are perfect for a day trip by train on your Sicily journey. Be sure to visit the Chocolate Museum in Modica, considered the chocolate capital of Europe, and let yourself be captivated by the baroque charm of Scicli.

In the mood for beach and sun again? Then head to Marina di Ragusa, which you can reach by bus from Ragusa in about 30 minutes. The holiday resort is considered the St. Tropez of Sicily, has crystal-clear water and a beautiful, long promenade.

If you haven’t already done so, rent a car and drive to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. From there you can also see the Scala dei Turchi and jump into the sea!

2. How to get back

There are two options for the last day. Either by bus from Ragusa to Palermo or to Catania, which also has an airport.

The first time I travelled Sicily, I arrived in Palermo and took the return flight from Catania.

3. Practical Informations

Train & bus

In my opinion, Sicily has a good infrastructure. The majority of the stops and visits I’ve created for your Sicily guide will be easily and comfortably done by train and bus. I highly recommend it for the beautiful views alone, and in the spirit of slow travelling.

Scooter

Unlike in most European countries, you don’t need an A license to rent a 125cc scooter anywhere in Italy, a B license is perfectly sufficient. However, I would still advise you to only get one if you are experienced and confident in driving. Traffic in Sicily might be a bit wild, especially in high season.

Cities as base

I have always used the specified accommodation as a base for various day trips. You can, of course, do some hopping, especially if your budget allows it, like Catania for a few days and then go on to Siracusa and stay there for another few days. Let your gut decide where you feel comfortable.

Siesta

Siesta, the afternoon break, is very strictly observed. This means it’s better to do your food shopping in the morning or in the afternoon. Many supermarkets are closed from 13:00 – 16:30!

Insider tips

On your travels through Sicily, always let the locals inspire and advise you. Sicilians are very welcoming and warm-hearted people, they will give you valuable tips that will round off your journey even more.

To complete your planning, check out my blog post to find a suitable and cheap flight.

*the recommendations are not related to any advertising.