6 days · 13 stops · 5 nights
Set off from Catania on a six-day journey along Sicily, among seaside villages, art cities, and coastal landscapes. From the Ionian coast you’ll reach Ortigia and Noto, then continue on to the Valley of the Temples, Erice, and the salt pans of Trapani. The route ends in Palermo, with a stop in Monreale among mosaics and Norman architecture. A rental car can make getting around easier: plan your stops and check road conditions, parking, and visiting hours in advance.
6 days: each stop shows hotels for that day's night.
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The trip begins at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, the main airport in eastern Sicily. If you plan to explore the coast by car, pick up your vehicle at the airport and check the parking and insurance conditions before setting off.
Spend the first part of the day in Catania, among scenic squares, lava-stone architecture, and the aromas of the market. In the afternoon, head to Aci Trezza for a stroll along the seafront and a break with a view of the Faraglioni.
Explore the historic center starting from Piazza del Duomo and continue on to the lively Pescheria, ideal for discovering local flavors. Wear comfortable shoes and check the opening hours of the monuments; to visit the center, leave the car in a parking area outside the ZTL.
This seaside village is famous for the Cyclops rocks and its seafront promenade, perfect for a sunset stroll. During the busiest periods it’s best to arrive early and check parking options; bring suitable shoes if you want to explore the rocks.
Make your way to Taormina and dedicate the day to its historic center, between the Ancient Theatre and the elegant streets overlooking the Ionian Sea. In the afternoon, go up to Castelmola, a panoramic village ideal for admiring the coast and Mount Etna; consider travel times and parking, especially in high season.
Stroll along Corso Umberto and visit the Ancient Theatre, which offers a splendid view of Mount Etna and the sea. In high season, buy tickets in advance and leave your car in the parking areas on the edge of the center, which is largely pedestrianized.
Head to this small village perched above Taormina to wander among stone alleys and panoramic terraces. The road is winding and parking can be limited: consider arriving early and bring comfortable shoes for the climbs.
Continue toward Syracuse to explore Ortigia, with its bright squares, narrow lanes, and glimpses of the sea. In the afternoon, head to Noto and admire its Baroque center; to enjoy both stops without rushing, leave in the morning and check parking areas and ZTL zones.
Stroll through the ancient heart of Syracuse among Piazza Duomo, the seafront, and the alleyways leading to the market. The center is largely pedestrianized and subject to a ZTL: leave the car in an outside parking area and bring water with you on hot days.
Discover the Baroque historic center, with the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the palaces overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobbled streets and check the opening hours of the monuments; during busy periods, it’s a good idea to arrive early.
Spend the morning at the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most striking archaeological sites, and take your time exploring the area on foot. In the afternoon, head to the Scala dei Turchi to admire the coastal scenery: check access arrangements and any bathing restrictions in advance.
Explore the archaeological park among Doric temples, paths, and views over the Agrigento countryside. The site is extensive: wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check opening hours and tickets before your visit, especially in the warmer months.
The famous pale cliff overlooking the sea offers one of the most iconic views on the Agrigento coast. Access may be regulated or restricted for safety and conservation reasons: check the latest rules and choose footwear suitable for the terrain.
Cross western Sicily between the medieval village of Erice and the landscapes of the Trapani salt pans. If conditions and driving times allow, continue on to San Vito Lo Capo for a break by the sea; the day involves plenty of driving, so set off early and check the roads.
Stroll through the cobbled lanes of the medieval village and stop at the panoramic viewpoints, where your gaze stretches across the coast. Bring a light jacket because it can be windy at altitude, and check road or cable car conditions before setting off.
Among pools, windmills, and salt mountains, the salt pans offer especially striking views at sunset. Choose a permitted stopping area and find out about visiting and museum hours; in summer, bring water and sun protection.
End the day on the light-sand beach or with a walk through the town center, overlooking a turquoise sea. In high season, traffic and parking can take time: consider arriving early and bring everything you need for the beach.
Spend the day in Palermo, a lively, layered city of markets, squares, and monumental architecture. Round off the journey with a visit to Monreale and its famous Norman complex; keep traffic and the city’s ZTL zones in mind, especially if you need to reach the airport the same day.
Explore the historic center among the markets, churches, and palaces, letting yourself be guided by the scents of the local cuisine. For easier getting around, park outside the restricted traffic zones and check the opening hours of the monuments and markets.
A few kilometers from Palermo, Monreale is famous for its Cathedral and its splendid golden mosaics, as well as for the view over the Conca d’Oro. Check the visiting hours and access rules for the complex; at times of greatest crowding, it’s advisable to arrive early.
The itinerary ends at Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport, on the island’s northwestern coast. If you’re returning a rental car, allow extra time for traffic and the return procedures, following the company’s instructions.
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