The Best of Sicily in 7 Days: An Unforgettable Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Are you planning a trip to Sicily and looking for an itinerary? Look no further! This seven-day itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and historic towns in Sicily. From the bustling markets of Palermo to the stunning beaches of Cefalù and Taormina, to the impressive Mount Etna and the charming town of Catania, and the ancient Greek theater of Syracuse, this itinerary has something for everyone. Get ready to explore the rich history, culture, and cuisine of this beautiful island in the Mediterranean.
Day 1 Palermo
Morning: Arrive in Palermo and check into your hotel. Start your day with a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, a beautiful Norman-style church with a mix of architectural styles. Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 90040 Palermo PA, Italy
Lunch: For lunch, try Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a historic bakery that has been serving traditional Sicilian street food since 1834. Try their famous panelle (chickpea fritters), arancine (rice balls filled with meat and peas), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza with tomatoes, onions, and anchovies). Address: Via Paternostro, 58, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Afternoon: Explore the bustling markets of Palermo, including the Ballarò Market, where you can sample fresh produce and local specialties. Visit the Norman Palace and the Capuchin Catacombs, a unique and eerie experience that showcases the mummified remains of Palermo's elite.
Dinner: For dinner, head to Osteria dei Vespri, a cozy restaurant that serves modern Sicilian cuisine. Try their risotto with red shrimp from Mazara del Vallo or their signature dish, spaghetti with sea urchin and dried tomatoes. Address: Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Day 2: Cefalù
Morning: Move to Cefalu (50 minute drive). Take a scenic drive to the picturesque seaside town of Cefalù and explore its historic streets and beautiful beaches. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning mosaics and architecture. Address: Piazza del Duomo, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Il Covo del Pirata, a seafood restaurant overlooking the sea in Cefalù. Try their mixed seafood grill or their spaghetti with clams and cherry tomatoes. Address: Via Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, 22, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
Afternoon: Head to the beach for some relaxation time. Cefalù has a beautiful sandy beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy the view.
OR Take a hike up to the Rocca di Cefalù, a massive rock formation that towers over the town. The hike can be challenging, but the views of the town and the sea are well worth it. Alternatively, take a stroll along the beach or visit the Mandralisca Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and artwork from the town's history.
Dinner: For dinner, head to Ristorante Le Chat Noir, a cozy restaurant that serves contemporary Sicilian cuisine with a French twist. Try their tuna tartare with avocado or their grilled swordfish with citrus sauce. Address: Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro, 78, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy
Day 3: Taormina
Morning: Move to the town to Taormina (3 hour drive). Drive to the beautiful town of Taormina, known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and its charming historic center. Visit the ancient Greek theater and enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the Belvedere Square. Address: Corso Umberto I, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy. Explore the winding streets of the town and enjoy the beautiful architecture and charming shops. Address: Via del Teatro Greco, 1, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Lunch: Stop for lunch at La Capinera, a gourmet restaurant with a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. Try their spaghetti with sea urchin and their grilled fish of the day. Address: Via Nazionale, 194, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach in Giardini Naxos, just a short drive from Taormina. Take a swim in the crystal clear water or rent a paddle boat for a fun afternoon activity.
Dinner: Indulge in delicious Sicilian seafood at Il Delfino, a cozy restaurant in Giardini Naxos. Try their mixed seafood grill and their spaghetti with clams. Address: Via Lungomare Schisò, 6, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy
Day 4: Mount Etna and Catania
Morning: Move to Catania (40 minute drive). Take a scenic drive to the stunning Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Take a guided tour of its impressive crater and learn about its geological history. Address: Rifugio Sapienza, Via Mareneve, 95030 Nicolosi CT, Italy
Lunch: Stop for lunch at A Putia dell'Ostello, a cozy trattoria in the charming town of Randazzo, known for its excellent meat dishes and traditional Sicilian pasta. Try their rigatoni alla Norma and their mixed grill of meats. Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 108, 95036 Randazzo CT, Italy
Afternoon: Visit the beautiful town of Catania, known for its baroque architecture and vibrant street markets. Walk through its historic center and visit the impressive Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
Dinner: Savor traditional Sicilian dishes at La Pagliazza, a cozy restaurant in the heart of Catania. Try their arancini, a typical Sicilian street food, and their pasta alla Norma
Day 5: Syracuse
Morning: Move to Syracuse (45 minute drive). Start your day with a visit to the ancient Greek theater, Teatro Greco. This stunning outdoor amphitheater dates back to the 5th century BC and offers incredible views of the city and the sea. Address: Viale Teatro Greco, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
After your visit to the theater, head to the nearby Parco Archeologico della Neapolis to explore the remains of the ancient city. Be sure to visit the stunning Ear of Dionysius, a unique cave with incredible acoustics. Address: Viale Paradiso, 14, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Lunch: For lunch, head to the historic Ortigia Island, the heart of Syracuse's old town. Here, you'll find a plethora of seafood restaurants and charming cafes. Try Osteria da Mariano for some delicious seafood dishes, including grilled octopus and swordfish. Address: Via Roma, 55, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Afternoon: After lunch, take a stroll through Ortigia's charming streets and visit the stunning Piazza del Duomo. The square is home to several beautiful Baroque buildings, including the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco.
Take a break from the heat by visiting the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, a fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of Syracuse and the surrounding areas. Address: Viale Teocrito, 66, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Dinner: For dinner, head back to Ortigia and try the traditional Sicilian dishes at Trattoria la Foglia. Don't miss out on the spaghetti alla bottarga, a local specialty made with salted and dried fish roe. Address: Via Cavour, 16, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Day 6: Noto
Morning: Move to Noto (30 minute drive). Visit Noto Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Nicolò. This Baroque-style cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning architecture and intricate details. Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 96017 Noto SR, Italy. Next, take a stroll along the main street of Noto, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This street is lined with beautiful Baroque buildings and serves as the main shopping and dining area in town.
Lunch: Savor traditional Sicilian cuisine at Ristorante Crocifisso in Noto, known for its fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes. Address: Via Cavour, 35, 96017 Noto SR, Italy Afternoon:
Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve, home to stunning beaches, wildlife, and archaeological sites. Address: Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari, 96017 Noto SR, Italy Dinner:
OR visit the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, a stunning Baroque palace that is open to the public. The palace features beautiful frescoes and ornate decor, and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the aristocracy in Noto. Address: Via Corrado Nicolaci, 24, 96017 Noto SR, Italy. Then visit the Church of San Carlo al Corso, another beautiful Baroque-style church in Noto. The church features intricate frescoes and artwork, and is a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts. Address: Via Francesco Crispi, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
Evening: For dinner, head to the Osteria U Locale, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Sicilian dishes with a modern twist. Address: Via Rocco Pirri, 23, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
OR Take a 30 minute drive to Marzamemi and indulge in authentic Sicilian flavors at Ristorante La Cialoma in Marzamemi, a charming seaside town known for its fresh seafood. Address: Via Regina Margherita, 20, 96018 Marzamemi SR, Italy
Day 7: Ragusa
Morning: Move to Ragusa (60 minute drive). Start your day with a visit to the beautiful and historic Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, located in the heart of Ragusa's historic center. Address: Piazza Duomo, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at Ristorante Duomo, located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista. The menu features traditional Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist. Try the pasta alla Norma or the seafood dishes. Address: Via Capitano Bocchieri, 31, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy.
Afternoon: Take a stroll through Ragusa Ibla, the historic district of Ragusa that is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, narrow streets and beautiful buildings. Don't miss the Palazzo Arezzo della Targia, which is one of the most important palaces in the city. Address: 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy
Evening: As the sun begins to set, head to the Giardino Ibleo, a beautiful garden located on a hill overlooking the city. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area. Address: Via XXV Aprile, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy
Dinner: For dinner, head to Trattoria La Bettola, a cozy and welcoming restaurant that specializes in traditional Sicilian cuisine. Try the arancini (fried rice balls) as an appetizer, followed by the caponata (a sweet and sour eggplant dish) or the pasta alla Norma for your main course. Address: Largo Camerina, 7, 97100 Ragusa RG, Italy.
Have a safe trip back home or on your onward travels!
Want to learn more about Sicily? Read our in depth guides to make the most of your time there!
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