Oh, sweet Sicily… thinking back on my time on this idyllic island still makes me smile. Idyllic small towns, theatrical beaches, a mountain in the middle of the volcano, and food that spoils you at any other place.
Sicily isn’t just Italy’s largest island; it’s a full sensory experience. Ancient temples or turquoise beaches, pistachio gelato or live music playing in the cobbled streets, the island is everything.
I had one week in Sicily, and I wanted to make every moment count. If you ever plan to visit Sicily, this 7-day Sicily itinerary covers the best towns, beaches, and experiences the island has to offer.
It’s the perfect balance of adventure, food, history, and relaxation, a route that any traveler could follow (or tweak) to fall in love with this island just like I did.
How to Get Around Sicily
Traveling across Sicily is easiest if you rent a car. Public transport is fine between big cities, but you’ll miss the hidden gems.
I booked mine through Discover Cars, and it was smooth, affordable, and totally worth it.
Driving in Sicily isn’t as wild as people make it sound. Just stay alert, avoid narrow alleyways in old towns, and you’ll be fine.
If you want a more flexible adventure, consider renting a campervan through Motorhome Republic. Sicily’s coastal roads were made for slow drives, scenic stops, and sunset picnics.
The Perfect Sicily Itinerary for 7 Days
Day 1: Palermo – History, Chaos & Cannoli
No better way to start your Sicily trip than in Palermo, the beating heart of the island.
This is a chaotic, harmonious, and splendid city, a city of extremes that somehow seems to work quite well.
I started my morning at the Palermo Cathedral, a stunning mix of Arab-Norman architecture with arches and intricate carvings. Then, I wandered over to the Ballaro Market, where locals were shouting prices, frying seafood, and laughing like family.
I smelled at once of espresso, roasted peppers, and citrus. I grabbed arancini (deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragu) from Ke Palle no regrets.
After exploring the colorful backstreets, I took a slow walk toward Massimo Theater, one of Italy’s most famous opera houses, and ended my day at Antica Focacceria San Francesco, enjoying pasta and a glass of Nero d’Avola while a band played nearby.
Stay: Better and Better BnB – trendy, peaceful, and only a short stroll away from the old town.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Sicily for your first night, Palermo’s old town is perfect, full of charm, food, and easy access to every landmark.
Day 2: San Vito Lo Capo – Sicily’s Beach Paradise
After breakfast, I picked up my rental car and headed west toward San Vito Lo Capo, about 1.5 hours from Palermo.
The road itself was beautiful, with its curvy coast roads and mountain vistas and sea peeps so blue that they didn’t seem any more real.
San Vito Lo Capo is easily one of the best beaches in Sicily, with long stretches of white sand, turquoise water, and that laid-back “do nothing all day” vibe.
I spent hours floating in the water, eating granita, and just watching kids play soccer on the beach. I tested couscous with seafood (a specialty meal in this place) as my lunch.
You have time, you see; you can get a short boat tour along the coast, the cliffs and sea caves are unbelievable.
That evening, I drove two hours to Agrigento, ready for ancient history the next morning.
Day 3: Agrigento – Temples & White Cliffs
The next morning, I headed to Scala dei Turchi, a massive white cliff that looks like it’s been carved by gods. You can no longer walk upon it to shield it, but even downwards, it is astounding.
Afterward, I spent the afternoon exploring the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The ancient Greek ruins there are beautifully preserved, especially the Temple of Concordia, which glows gold under the sun.
In case you desire to know more about the history of the site, there is a guided walking tour on the site, which is worth it.
Before sunset, I drove about an hour east to the small town of Ragusa Ibla for the night. The journey across the Sicilian hinterland, vineyards, olive trees, golden hills, was therapeutic.
Stay: La Dolce Vita – Luxury House, an over-the-top Baroque-style B&B with balconies overlooking the valley.
Day 4: Modica, Ragusa – Taormina (via Noto & Scenic Coast Route)
Leaving Ragusa Ibla that morning felt bittersweet. The sun was only now setting up, and the bells were ringing in muffled strokes between the paving.
I made a quick detour to Modica, a nearby town famous for its ancient chocolate made using Aztec methods (seriously grainy, rich, and so addictive). If you’re a foodie, don’t skip Antica Dolceria Bonajuto; it’s a living museum of Sicilian desserts.
From there, I drove north through the countryside, past olive groves and sleepy vineyards, toward Taormina, the crown jewel of Eastern Sicily. The drive took about four hours, but I stopped often. Sicily has this way of making you pull over just to breathe in the view.
By the time I arrived in Taormina, I finally understood why everyone calls it the most beautiful town in Sicily. Perched high above the sea, this place is pure dreamscape, with ancient theaters, pink bougainvillea, and glimpses of Mount Etna smoking quietly in the distance.
I wandered down Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, where every turn led to gelato shops, street musicians, and balconies dripping with flowers. The view from Piazza IX Aprile took my breath away — the sea below, the volcano ahead, the golden light of sunset melting everything together.
If you have time, visit Villa Comunale di Taormina, a peaceful garden where the air smells like jasmine, and you can see the whole coastline from above.
Dinner? Try Ristorante Rosmarino. My homemade pasta was served with pistachio pesto, shrimp, one of those times when I am never again going to leave Italy.
Day 5: Mount Etna Adventure
The morning following was all adventure.
From Taormina, I joined a small group tour up to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The road itself was picturesque, with vineyards, volcanic wasteland, and little villages carved out of the rock of time immemorial.
We rode the cable car halfway up, and as we ascended out of it, the air grew cooler and the scene lunar, black sand and sulfur smoke and steam hissing out of the earth. Standing there, surrounded by craters, I realized how alive Sicily really is.
No Sicily travel itinerary would be complete without a day at Mount Etna, the fiery heart of the island.
Our guide gave us the descriptions of the eruption layers, of farmers who received their homes after the lava flows to rebuild them, and of it being humbling.
If you’re not into long hikes, there are easier tours too, like the Mount Etna volcano tour by jeep or ATV. But when you can bear a little walking, go the whole distance; the panorama at the summit is fantastic. On one side, there is the sea, and on the other is the smoking mouth of the volcano.
We ended the day at a local winery on the slopes of Etna, sipping red wine grown from volcanic soil. It was good, smoky, and everything.
Back in Taormina, I took a late-night walk to Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the beach by a narrow sand path. It appeared to be a fairytale under the moon.
Day 6: Alcantara Gorge – Cefalu
After a quick espresso and cornetto, I drove to Alcantara Gorge, a hidden natural wonder carved by ancient lava flows. The columns of the volcanic rocks are flawless in terms of geometric shapes, and the cold water flowing between them is crystal clear.
I did not think that I would enjoy it that way; it was like the cathedral of nature.
You can either follow the best trails on top or walk through the icy water below (it is freezing, but it is worth it). Some brave souls were doing body rafting, floating down the canyon in wetsuits.
I went on to Cefalu, 2.5 hours west of lunch, after lunch, and oh, what a climax. Imagine a medieval town sitting right on the edge of the sea, with terracotta rooftops, sandy beaches, and the La Rocca mountain looming above it all.
I parked close to the harbor of the past, and I spent the evening walking amid the cobblestone streets with cafes and ceramic stores. This was an unreal sunset over the beach with the soft orange light bouncing off boats and soccer players on the sand.
The seafood risotto and local wine were served at Il Normanno. Simple, perfect, Sicilian.
Day 7: Palermo – The Grand Finale
No Sicily trip feels complete without Palermo, so I saved it for the end.
The drive from Cefalu took about 1.5 hours, and arriving in Palermo felt like stepping into a sensory explosion: horns honking, markets shouting, church bells ringing, espresso machines hissing.
My first stop was the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, with its mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic architecture. Then I wandered into the Ballaro Market, where vendors were selling everything from swordfish to olives the size of plums. The scent alone would render you light-headed (in the finest).
For lunch, I grabbed arancini from Ke Palle, followed by cannoli and fresh granita from a street stand. Palermo has some of the best Sicilian street food on the island, chaotic, flavorful, and full of character.
In the afternoon, I visited the Massimo Theater, then relaxed at a nearby cafe, watching life unfold like a movie.
Afternoons, I was at the waterfront, and was witnessing the final Sicilian sunset of the journey.
Seven days. Seven shades of beauty. And I swear, Sicily itinerary has this way of making you feel alive again.
Final Tips Before Your Sicily Trip
Plan ahead, but stay flexible. Sicily rewards spontaneity. You can be driving along its coasts, or you can be taking a train, and in each of the detours, you will find something magical.
For smooth travel, book through Discover Cars or Motorhome Republic, and save this Sicily travel guide 2025 for future reference.
From Palermo’s street food to Mount Etna’s fiery peaks, Sicily isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you.
Whether you follow this Sicily itinerary exactly or customize it, every road and village holds something magical.
FAQs – Sicily Itinerary (2025)
How many days are enough for Sicily?
For most travelers, 7 days in Sicily is perfect to see the highlights of Palermo, Taormina, Ortigia, and Mount Etna. If you have more time, stretch it to 10 days to explore places like Cefalu and Ragusa Ibla at a slower pace.
Is the Amalfi Coast or Sicily better?
The Amalfi Coast is posh yet busy. Sicily is bigger, more authentic, and cheaper, ideal for a road trip. From ancient temples in Agrigento to beaches in Cefalu, you’ll get more variety here.
What’s nicer, Palermo or Catania?
Palermo is historical, full of energy, and perfect for food lovers. Think Ballaro Market, Palermo Cathedral, and arancini. Catania feels calmer and is great for exploring Mount Etna or Taormina nearby.
Can you do a Sicily itinerary by train?
Yes, you can! Trains connect Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse. But for smaller towns like Marzamemi or Agrigento, renting a car through Discover Cars makes travel easier and faster.
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