Ultimate Sicily Guide-8 days
How to get from Palermo Airport to the city?
First things first, this link has very useful info about how to get to the city so be sure to check it out before coming to Palermo. We took a train to the city, it was cca 6 euros.
Also, I am so sorry upfront but the page doesn't allow me to put pictures vertically so you will maybe have to turn your head a little :)
Day 1: Palermo - The Heart of Sicily
Welcome to the Unfiltered Charm of PALERMO! 🍕💼
Imagine if Naples and Palermo had a friendly rivalry. Naples has pizza, Maradona, and a whole lot of Christians. Palermo? Well, we've got arancini, a sprinkle of Mafia drama, and nature that'll make you say, "Is this real life?" 🍊🕵️♂️🌳
Morning:
1. Teatro Massimo:
Start your day with a visit to Italy's largest theatre. Admire its grand architecture and rich history.
2. Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio all'Olivella:
A beautiful, free-to-enter church that offers peace and historical charm.
3. Chiesa di San Domenico Palermo:
Another stunning church, free of charge and full of history.
Afternoon:
4. La Vucciria Market:
Dive into the vibrant local market, perfect for some Sicilian street food and souvenirs.
5. Marina Palermo:
Take a leisurely stroll along the marina, enjoying the sea breeze.
6. Orto Botanico Palermo:
For 7 euros (4 euros for ages 6-25), explore the lush botanical gardens and enjoy a coffee at the café.
This their official page, check the open hours and tickets here:
7. Cathedral of Palermo:
Visit this iconic cathedral, free to enter and rich in history.
Evening:
8. Piazza Pretoria:
Known for its impressive fountain, it's a great spot for photos.
9. Quattro Canti:
This historic crossroad is perfect for evening strolls and people-watching.
10. Via Maqueda:
Enjoy some delicious street food at Passami u Coppu, known for the best arancini and cannoli in town. Also, there are a lot of restaurants there, with a lot of different options. Usually, it gets really crowded around 19:30-20:00 (7:30-8:00 PM) so maybe it is best to come a little before that. Also, keep in mind that Italians work in two shifts and that everything opens around 19:00.
11. Cagliostro Ristorante:
End the day with a pizza night at this popular spot.
Souvenir Tip:
Look for Trinacria, the symbol of Sicily, to bring a piece of Palermo home with you. Read all about the symbol here:
Day 2: Favignana - Island Paradise
To get to Favignana from Palermo, you must take an early bus from a local bus company called Segesta (ticket cca 8 euros). CHECK when the last bus is going so you can buy the Liberty Lines ticket before that.
Liberty Lines is a local ferry company that operates around Sicily. The ticket to Favignana is cca 15 euros and it is best to buy it upfront. It also goes on other islands and is half cheaper than going on a guided tour.
FEW IMPORTANT NOTES:
We went around 15th August. It was very hot and in Favignana, there is not a lot of places where you can buy water or the bottle of water is 2 euros. TAKE A LOT OF WATER!!
Also, wear a hat to protect your head and wear an SPF 50 because the sun is really strong.
Plus, take water shoes, some of the beaches are beautiful but have large rocks.
Morning to Evening:
1. Rent a Bike or Scooter:
For 10 euros per person, explore the island at your own pace. The best is to arrive very early (we arrived around 8:30-9 AM) and there were only normal bikes left, the electric ones were all rented. You cannot reserve the bike so be mindful of that.
2. Spiaggia di Marasolo:
Start your beach-hopping adventure at this beautiful spot.
3. Cala Grande:
A perfect spot for a swim and some relaxation.
4. Spiaggia di Lido Burrone:
Continue your beach tour with more swimming and sunbathing.
5. Cala Azzurra:
Known for its stunning, clear waters and biogenic sand.
6. Cala Rossa:
End your day at this rocky beach, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
This is a short list of the beaches that we visited. All of them were beautiful but even if you decide to go to Favignana, wherever you go, every beach has something special. For us, the best one was Cala Azzurra, and yes, it was crowded but it was beautiful.
Day 3: Riserva di Capo Gallo
Morning to Afternoon:
Travel:
Depending on where you are in Palermo, take a train from Palermo to Palermo Sferracavallo using the Trenitalia app (a few euros), then a bus to Barcarello (1.50 euros).
Hike:
Enjoy a short, one-hour hike with free entrance, offering breathtaking views.
More about the trail you can see here on Google Maps reviews:
If you are interested about the geology and how those huge rocks came to be, here is a great page to read all about it:
Beach Day:
Spend the rest of the day bathing and relaxing. Remember to bring food and plenty of water.
BONUS TIP:
If you loooove sandy beaches, visit also Mondello beach (it is also accessible by public transport).
Day 4: Messina and Transfer to Catania
Now it is time to get to the other side of the island! But, first, you just have to see Messina, such a beautiful town with their own beer (called Messina) with sea salt!
Morning:
1. Transfer: Travel from Palermo to Messina via Trenitalia.
Afternoon in Messina:
2. Astronomical Clock and Cathedral of Messina: Spend a few hours exploring these historic sites.
3. Local Beer: Try the local Messina beer with sea salt for a unique taste.
Evening:
4. Travel to Catania: Take the train to Catania.
5. Evening Stroll: Enjoy a leisurely walk through Catania and eat some dinner at Vermut.
Day 5: Catania - Vibrant and Historic
Catania is Sicily's second-largest city by area and population, after Palermo, and the largest conurbation on the island. Situated on the east coast at the base of Mount Etna, it serves as the capital of the Metropolitan City of Catania, with a population of over 1.1 million. Founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian Greeks, Catania has faced numerous natural disasters, including devastating earthquakes and eruptions from Mount Etna.
Despite these challenges, Catania thrived in the 14th century and the Renaissance, becoming a cultural and artistic centre. It hosts Sicily's first university, established in 1434, and is associated with figures like composer Vincenzo Bellini and writer Giovanni Verga. Today, it is the industrial and commercial hub of Sicily, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its late-Baroque architecture and the largest airport in Southern Italy, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport.
Morning to Afternoon:
1. Fontana dell'Elefante: Start your day at this iconic fountain.
2. Fontana dell'Amenano: Another beautiful fountain worth seeing.
3. Piazza del Duomo: Explore this historic square.
Lunch:
Secret Spot:
Discover the beauty of the San Berillo district, my favorite part of the city. Worth also seeing at night for dinner, very romantic.
Again, be mindful of their work hours! Check the restaurants before. Usually they work from morning to 12-13:00 and then again in the evening.
Afternoon to Evening:
4. Via dei Crociferi: Wander through this historic street.
5. Basilica della Collegiata: Visit this stunning basilica.
6. Via Etnea: Explore the main street, full of shops and cafes.
8. Via Santa Filomena: End your day at this charming, a little bit pricey, restaurants.
Day 6: Siracusa - Ancient Wonders
Nestled on Sicily's southeastern coast, Syracuse is a treasure trove of ancient history and stunning architecture. This charming city, the capital of the province of Syracuse, boasts a rich Greek and Roman heritage, captivating amphitheatres, and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
Syracuse was founded 2,700 years ago by Greek settlers from Corinth and Tenea. It quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the Mediterranean's most powerful city-states. Its influence spread across Magna Graecia, earning high praise from Cicero, who called it "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." In its heyday, Syracuse rivalled even Athens in size and importance.
Wandering through the city, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient times. Don't miss the chance to visit the birthplace of Archimedes, the brilliant mathematician and engineer.
Syracuse's location by the Gulf of Syracuse, with its dramatic offshore depths, adds to its allure. Despite its ancient origins, the city has a vibrant modern-day presence. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply looking for a picturesque escape, Syracuse promises an unforgettable journey through time and beauty.
Morning to Evening:
1. Ortigia Street Market: Start your day exploring this vibrant market. Food, souvenirs, clothes, you can find everything there!! Best to go there in the morning, the souvenirs and food are really cheap!
2. Fountain of Diana: Admire this beautiful fountain.
3. Temple of Athena: Visit this historic temple.
4. Arethusa Spring: A picturesque spring with a rich mythological background.
5. Archimedes Statue: Pay homage to the great mathematician.
6. If you have some time left, go to the local beach or try VERY CHEAP BUT FABULOUS ARANCINI (and pasta) for only 2.50 euros!!! At PastaRun restaurant.
Day 7: Alcantara and Isola Bella - Natural Beauty
Ready for a new adventure? You have two options: book an expensive tour to the Alcantara River, or take the more budget-friendly route and use public transport. It requires a bit of patience, but the journey is absolutely worth it!
Morning:
1. Travel to Alcantara:
It’s a bit tricky, so pay attention. First, buy train tickets from Catania to Taormina Giardini (a few euros).
From there, you have several options to reach the Taormina Center bus station. The cheapest option is the Trenitalia Taormina Link bus, which costs €1.50. Tickets can be purchased online or on the bus. Etna Trasporti and Interbus also serve this route.
These buses will take you to the Taormina bus station, where you can buy tickets for the Interbus to the Alcantara River (return ticket approximately €6). Note that buses run every hour, so it's best to start early in the morning.
Check the timetable here:
2. Explore Alcantara:
Important thing to remember so you don't end up in a tourist trap!
There are two entrances to the Alcantara Gorge: the public entrance, listed on Google Maps as Gole dell’Alcantara-Ingresso Comunale, and the main/private entrance, Gole Alcantara Parco Botanico e Biologico.
The public entrance costs only € 1.50-2 and requires a walk down a long flight of steps. In contrast, the private entrance charges € 13 in the high season, €10 in the shoulder season, and € 7 in the low season. This fee includes a lift to and from the riverside, which can be convenient for families with young children or those with mobility issues.
Despite the added convenience of the lift and proximity to the largest parking lot, there is no need to pay extra for the private entrance. The gorge is the same regardless of which entrance you use. For a more budget-friendly option, head to the Ingresso Comunale and enjoy the same stunning views without the extra cost.
This blog helped me a lot, so read it before going:
3. Swimming and Relaxing: Spend the day bathing and relaxing. Don't forget the water shoes!
Afternoon:
4. Isola Bella:
Continue your relaxation and enjoy the scenic beauty. To get there just take the same bus from Alcantara back to Taormina Bus station. From there go by the stairs down to the beach. The views are stunning.
Travel Tip:
Pay attention to the train schedules using the Trenitalia app to ensure smooth travel.
Day 8: Mount Etna - A Volcanic Adventure
To be honest, at this point, we were pretty much tired from constant travelling so my boyfriend and I decided to take a private tour through Get Your Guide. It was worth it. The only thing that I would change was spending more time at Mt Etna.
If you are interested in getting there by public transport, this blog has in detail everything you need to know:
Travel Options:
You can take a bus (runs once in the morning and once in the afternoon, but it's risky) or book a tour via GetYourGuide or arrange a taxi/rental car with a group.
Recommendation:
Booking a tour is advisable for a more organized and less stressful experience.
Enjoy!
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