Sicily is an island with so much to offer, and it’s often skipped on the typical tourist route through Italy due to its being away from the mainland and requiring more than just a few days to truly experience it. A trip to Sicily is a trip in itself; it’s not a destination to add to a multi-country European itinerary because it truly deserves at least 5-10 days to soak in all its goodness.
Ten days is the ideal amount of time to really have enough time to cover a good amount of ground, but of course, like any destination, you could spend well over 10 days here. This sample itinerary covers key cities and seaside towns. You’ll eat amazing food, experience the rich history of the island, and lounge on the beautiful beaches.
Day One: Catania
Fly into Catania from mainland Italy. Catania is a bit chaotic but very charming in its own way. It sits at the base of Mount Etna, an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Catania is buzzing with busy piazzas, gorgeous architecture, and a constant hum of daily life. It’s not as polished as some other gems in Sicily, but it’s worth a visit for at least a day or two.
Must-Do Activities 🏛️
Once you arrive, there is lots to explore. Here are some top ideas:
- Piazza del Duomo: The heart of the city, home to the Elephant Fountain (Catania’s quirky symbol) and great people-watching
- Cattedrale di Sant’Agata: The city’s beautiful Baroque cathedral dedicated to its patron saint. Open daily from 7:30AM–12:30PM and 4PM–7PM
- La Pescheria (Fish Market): Go first thing in the morning for the full experience, where you’ll see all the hustle and bustle. Open 8am to midday from Tuesday-Saturday
- Via Etnea: Main shopping street with Mount Etna views on clear days
- Castello Ursino: A medieval castle built by lava stone that somehow survived multiple eruptions. Hours can vary, but it’s commonly open from 9am-7pm most days except sometimes Monday, depending on the season
- Teatro Romano & Odeon: Ancient Roman ruins tucked right into the modern city, open from 9am-5pm
- Monastero dei Benedettini: One of the largest Benedictine monasteries in Europe and a UNESCO site open from 9am-5pm
- Lungomare di Ognina: Seaside promenade for sunset walks and ocean views
Must-Try Foods 🍝
You’ll also want to eat and enjoy all the delicious food Catania has to offer. You’ll find amazing food all over Italy, but some specifics to Catania to add to your must-try list are:
- Arancini (Catania-style): Bigger and cone-shaped to resemble Mount Etna, usually filled with ragù
- Pasta alla Norma: Catania’s signature pasta dish made with fried eggplant, basil and ricotta. I’m not a big eggplant person, and I tried this dish at La Vuciata, and it was SO good
- Cipollina: Puff pastry stuffed with onion, tomato, and mozzarella
- Horse meat (carne di cavallo): Very traditional here, often grilled or in sandwiches
- Salsiccia al ceppo: Spiced sausage grilled over wood or lava stone
- Scacciata: A stuffed flatbread, kind of like a Sicilian pizza-meets-focaccia situation
- Granita & brioche: A must, especially for breakfast like a true local. It’s exactly how it sounds, brioche bread/bun with delicious granita
- Minne di Sant’Agata: Dome-shaped pastries honouring the city’s patron saint
Aperitif
If you’re looking for a place for an aperitif, aka the Italian happy hour, here are some places that come highly recommended:
- First Lounge Bar (some of the best cocktails in the city)
- Doc (very local aperitif)
- Razmataz Wine Bar (lots of local wines to try)
- Vermut (vermouth bar – super unique, we loved it here)
Day Two: Mount Etna Day Trip
On day two in Catania, you’re going to want to do a day trip to Mount Etna. There are SO many different itineraries you can choose from and book. From private tours, to group tours, to tours that take you on hiking expeditions, to more laid back, wine tasting and sightseeing tours. There seriously is something for everyone, and you can easily do these as a day trip.
When we were visiting, it was our honeymoon, so we opted to splurge on a private tour that took us to Mount Etna and its lava fields, and to a special homemade lunch on a Pistachio farm that was just for us. It was super unique and one of our favourite experiences on our trip. You can book it here. However, if you want something more budget-friendly, here are a bunch of different options. Airbnb Experiences and GetYourGuide also have great tour options.
Day Three: Syracuse
Next stop on your Sicily adventure is Syracuse. To get there, a train takes just shy of 1.5 hours from Catania. Book via Trenitalia. We left a little bit later in the morning (around noon) to give us a bit more time in Catania before heading onwards, but you can pick and choose how much time you’d prefer in each destination based on how much you want to do.
Syracuse is a seaside city split between the vibrant old town of Ortigia Island and the mainland. It’s packed with Greek theatres, Roman ruins, and beautiful piazzas. Here is how you’re going to spend the perfect couple of days there…
Lunch 🥪
Once you arrive in Syracuse, you need to head for lunch at Caseificio Borderi. It is only open from 9AM-4PM and closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly, but make sure to add this somewhere in your itinerary. I still think about the sandwiches from this spot, but be prepared for a wait because it’s popular and tables are limited (but you can always take them to-go)! We loved it so much, we went back again the next day for some wine and one of their charcuterie boards.
Must-Do Activities 🏛️
Here are some options for how you can fill your afternoon, but don’t feel like you need to fit it all in; you can save some for tomorrow.
- Wander Ortigia Island: Ortigia is the historic heart of Syracuse and is a tiny, walkable island connected to the mainland
- Piazza del Duomo: One of the prettiest squares in Sicily, especially at golden hour
- Syracuse Cathedral: Built right into an ancient Greek temple. Open Monday-Saturday from 7:30AM-7PM and Sunday 7:30AM–12:30PM and 4PM–8PM
- Ortigia Market (Mercato di Ortigia): A great spot for foodies and to get a feel for local life. Open Monday-Saturday 7AM-1:45PM
- Beaches: Cala Rossa or Spiaggia di Arenella, if you want to swim
- Castello Maniace: A stunning seaside castle at the tip of Ortigia Island. Open Monday & Sunday from 8:30AM-12:45PM, and Tuesday-Saturday 8:30AM-3:45PM
Must-Try Foods 🍝
Like every city in Sicily, there are some specialties that you’re going to want to try:
- Fried pasta “alla siracusana”: A combination of anchovies, breadcrumbs, and cherry tomatoes
- Spaghetti alla bottarga: Common along the Ionian coast, including Syracuse. Bottarga (cured fish roe) is a local specialty here
- Zuppa di mare: Typical seafood soup made with fresh local seafood and shellfish
- Tuna “alla ghiotta”: Sicilian-style tuna dish
- Cavati alla siracusana: A pasta with pork sauce
- Mpanata: A kind of stuffed pizza pocket
- Granita with Avola almond: Avola almonds are from the nearby town of Avola, so you’ll find this version here
- Occhi di Santa Lucia: Almond paste with cherry that is strongly tied to local Saint Lucia celebrations in Syracuse
Day Four: Syracuse
On day two in Syracuse, Sicily, you’ll want to book tickets ahead for the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Visit early in the day to beat the heat and the crowds. This park is a must-do for ancient history lovers. It is a huge outdoor site on the mainland of Syracuse where you step back 2.5K+ years and walk through some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman ruins in Sicily. Highlights include the massive Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius (a cave with insane acoustics). Hours are Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM-3:30PM and Sunday from 8:30AM-12:30PM.
After your morning at the Archaeological Park, plan to get to any of the activities from the day before that you didn’t get to on day one. Another popular activity that can be perfect for a hot day is to get out on the water. There are several tour companies offering boat tours.
Day Five: Palermo
Next up, you’re going to head to Palermo, Sicily’s capital city. Since Palermo is on the other side of the island from Syracuse, the quickest way to reach it without a car is actually by bus and will take just over 3 hours. Book via Interbus.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the bold, bustling, and vibrant capital city that is filled with chaotic markets, stunning churches, street food stalls, and, of course, centuries of history. Palermo can be a sensory overload in the best way, and we really enjoyed our time here.
Must-Do Activities 🏛️
There is so much to do in Palermo, and also many places you can day trip to. Here are some of the things you can explore in the city itself:
- Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina: Stunning Arab-Norman palace with one of Sicily’s most breathtaking mosaics. Open Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM-4:30PM and Sunday 8:30AM-12:30PM
- Cattedrale di Palermo: A mix of architectural styles from centuries of history. Gorgeous from the outside and worth a climb to the roof for city views. Open Monday-Friday from 9:30AM-1:25PM, Saturday 9:30AM-5:25PM, and Sunday 9AM-12:25PM
- Teatro Massimo: One of Europe’s largest opera houses. Beautiful from the outside but you can also do a guided tour of the inside or catch a show here
- Quattro Canti & Piazza Pretoria: Baroque squares perfect for photos and people-watching. In Quattro Canti, as the sun shifts, a different facade is illuminated
- Ballarò Market: Palermo’s busiest street market filled with fresh produce, street food, and a dose of fun chaos. Open 8:30AM-8PM daily, except Sunday when they usually close up around 12:30PM
- Vucciria Market: Historic market that’s quieter by day but still full of character and street food. Open in the morning to early afternoon, and becomes a party on Friday’s & Saturday’s in the evening with vibrant nightlife and street food. Normally it is closed on Sunday’s
- Via Maqueda: Main pedestrian street with shops, cafés, and piazzas
- Capuchin Catacombs: A bit out from the city centre, the Catacombs are the city’s most eerie historical attractions. Open daily from 9AM-12:30PM and 3PM-5:30PM
Must-Try Foods 🍝
- Caponata: Sweet and sour eggplant medley with celery, tomatoes, olives, and capers
- Arancini: Risotto balls. You can find these everywhere, but Ke Palle has a fantastic selection of different kinds
- Pasta con le Sarde: Pasta with Sardines. Da Bartolo is a great place to try this
- Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta: Swordfish steaks in a rich tomato sauce adorned with olives, capers, and herbs
- Pane e Panelle: Chickpea fritters
- Pani ca Meusa: Sandwich filled with spleen and lung. Sounds crazy, but it’s a popular late-night “drunk food,” and it’s really good
BONUS❗ The best, most unique cannoli experience you’ll have
You need to try cannoli at I Segreti del Chiostro. It is located not far from Quattro Canti, hidden away in a historic monastery. It’s easy to miss, but it’s worth the adventure. We loved it so much that we went back twice! You can follow my Instagram video for more visual directions.
Day Six: Palermo
On your second day in Palermo, I would recommend joining a tour. Palermo’s history is deeply tied to the Mafia. It has influenced everything from politics, business, daily life of locals, and has shaped the city’s development, economy, and everything in between. As a tourist, it’s important to learn about this part of Palermo and Sicily’s culture to better understand the culture and what you can do to be a responsible tourist.
I joined a No Mafia Tour with Addiopizzo Travel, an organization that aims to educate tourists by offering Mafia-free tourism and tips on how to be a more ethical traveller. The tour is a 3-hour walking tour and gives a great overview of the history of the Mafia in the city. The company also offers several other tours if you’d rather partake in another tour during your time in Palermo.
➡️ To read more about the tour, check out my post here.
After the tour, I suggest opting for any of the activities from day five that you didn’t get to in Palermo. Later on in the evening, catch a food tour with Streaty to get a chance to sample (and learn about) the vibrant street food scene in the city. I opted for the Food Stalls and Backstreets Tour, but they offer some different ones to choose from, including ones during the day if you prefer to do that instead of the No Mafia Tour.
➡️ To read more about the food tour, you can see my full experience here.
Day Seven: Cefalu Day Trip
Cefalu is a great day trip spot that helps you slow down on your vacation. It is a seaside town that sits between the mountains and the sea, and it has a laid-back vibe that feels different from Sicily’s bigger cities. It is a great spot to escape to for a day from Palermo, as it only takes about 45 minutes by train to get to (or an hour if you’re driving).
You can most definitely pick from any of the beach clubs when you arrive in Cefalu, rent a set of chairs and umbrellas, and spend your day just sitting on the beach. Most beach clubs have everything you need for the day, like changing rooms, washrooms, and bars/restaurants. During high season, these beach clubs can be very busy, and most are first come first serve. Plan to arrive early!
You can also spend part of your day at the beach and another part exploring. Here are some things that are worth exploring or doing in the town:
Hike up La Rocca for panoramic views. This hike usually takes about 1.5-2 hours round-trip. It is primarily uphill, so you’ll want to do this early in the morning or late in the afternoon on a hot day. Make sure you bring water and wear proper footwear. You could always go claim your chairs at a beach club first, go do the hike, and come back to them for some R&R in the afternoon.
Piazza del Duomo is the dreamy main square full of places to drink and eat, and the Cefalù Cathedral. Take some time in the piazza and walk around the narrow streets, little shops, and cafes.
There are about 20 trains that run between Palermo and Cefalu per day, every 1-2 hours, so you can easily hop on a train when you’re ready to leave for the day.
Day Eight: Trapani
On day eight, you’ll want to venture towards Trapani from Palermo. A bus is the quickest way to go, which takes around 1.5 hours. Book tickets in advance here. If you are visiting Sicily later in the season (eg. October), you may want to stay in Palermo or closer to Sicily’s main cities. As Trapani can become a sleepy little town, the weather is more unpredictable, and without a car, there is less to do when the weather isn’t working in your favour. However, during high season (June-September), Trapani is the gateway to the Egadi Islands and a must-do on your itinerary.
Must-Do Activities 🏛️
- Trapani Salt Pans (Saline di Trapani e Paceco): Windmills, salt mounds, and unreal sunsets. This can be challenging to get to without a car, but you can totally join a tour that includes transportation to make it easier. They are open 24-hours and can be stunning at sunset if you can time it right
- Stroll the old town (Centro Storico): Narrow streets, beautiful churches, and waterfront views. Trapani is incredibly charming to just roam around
- Museo Pepoli: Local art, coral jewellery, and history in a former convent. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9AM-5PM and Sunday 9AM-12PM
- Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata: Important religious site with beautiful interiors, open 7AM-12PM and 4PM-7PM most days
Must-Try Foods 🍝
Due to its coastal location and North African influence, Trapani has some unique specialties that you can only try here. Here are some must-eats:
- Couscous di pesce: The signature dish of Trapani that includes fluffy couscous topped with rich fish stew. I tried it at Taverna Caupona, and it was really tasty. Unlike any other dishes we had during our time in Sicily
- Busiate al pesto trapanese: Hand-twisted pasta with tomatoes, almonds, garlic, basil, and olive oil
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, calamari, shrimp, all the seafood is naturally so fresh and delicious here
- Tuna dishes: Especially from nearby Favignana. Look for tuna steaks, carpaccio, or pasta with tuna
- Pane cunzato: Rustic bread loaded with tomatoes, olive oil, anchovies, and cheese
- Arancini: Although you’ll find these across Sicily, the seafood versions here are especially good. Try them at Bernardo Bakery. We loved them so much that we went twice
BONUS❗A fun local bar experience
If you want to drink with the locals at a hole-in-the-wall bar with average wine, then you need to visit Tenute Adragna. We had so much fun here, sitting at a little table out front, sipping house cocktails and wine, and people-watching as the locals came and went. It’s cheap and a great spot for after-dinner drinks.
Day Nine: Trapani
On your second day in Trapani, you’ll want to take a day trip. There are two great options below based on the time of year you’re visiting and the weather.
Egadi Islands 🏝️
I wanted SO badly to go to the Egadi Islands. It looked absolutely stunning and was something I was really looking forward to on our honeymoon. Unfortunately, since we were travelling in October, this was the only bad weather day we had, and our trip was cancelled. Hopefully, you have better luck because the Egadi Islands are a small group of islands that are just off the coast of Trapani. They’re famous for their crystal-clear water. The three main islands are:
- Favignana: The most popular and easiest to visit, known for turquoise coves, bike-friendly roads, and old tuna fisheries
- Levanzo: Tiny, quiet, and postcard-pretty with great snorkelling
- Marettimo: The wild one, with hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, and fewer crowds
The best way to visit the Egadi Islands is to join a boat tour. We booked this one-day tour, but tons offer different tours and itineraries.
Erice 🏰
An alternative to the Egadi Islands, if being out on the water isn’t your thing, the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you are visiting in off-season, is Erice. Erice is a medieval hilltop town that is perched high above Trapani, and it feels like stepping back in time. It has cobble-stoned streets, stone buildings, ancient churches and historic castles. It’s actually known for its high number of historic churches, given its small size, and you can make an entire day of just wandering the streets and popping in and out of the cool, different churches, cute little shops, and scenic views of the coast, salt slats and Egadi Islands (on a clear day).
On our visit to Erice, since it was last-minute, we hired a driver through our hotel; however, you can get a taxi yourself or take the Trapani-Erice Cableway, which was unfortunately closed when we were visiting, but can get you to Erice in just 10-minutes.
Day Ten: Travel Day
Day ten isn’t going to be an exciting one because you need to make your way back to Palermo in order to get a flight back to mainland Italy to head home.
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