Five Days of Family Fun in Sicily: Exploring Siracusa and Etna

  • Day 1: Visit Ortigia Island in Siracusa
    1 hour drive from Catania Fontanarossa Airport

    Ortigia Island is the historic center of Siracusa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming streets and alleys and admire the Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of Syracuse, and Fonte Aretusa.

  • Day 2: Explore Mount Etna
    2 hour drive from Siracusa

    Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and a natural wonder that should not be missed. Take a guided tour to learn about the geological history of the volcano, explore the lava caves, and take the cable car for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Day 3: Visit Taormina
    1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Mount Etna

    Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Walk along Corso Umberto I, the main street filled with luxurious shops and restaurants, visit the ancient Greek Theater, and cool off at the nearby Isola Bella beach.

  • Day 4: Explore Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
    3 hour drive from Taormina

    The Valley of the Temples is a stunning archaeological site with ancient Greek ruins. Explore the well-preserved temples of Concordia, Juno, and Jupiter, and admire the panoramic views of the sea and countryside.

  • Day 5: Relax in Mondello Beach
    2 hour and 30 minutes drive from Agrigento

    Mondello Beach is a popular spot for families with its crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy some water sports. Take a stroll and explore the town’s lively promenade lined with restaurants and ice cream shops.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ortigia Island Visit (3 hours, free)
  • Mount Etna Tour (6 hours, 60 EUR per person)
  • Taormina Sightseeing and Beach (8 hours, 100 EUR for two)
  • Valley of the Temples Tour (4 hours, 60 EUR per person)
  • Mondello Beach Relaxation (3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 22 EUR for two people

Transportation

The best way to explore Sicily is by renting a car for the duration of your trip. This will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit multiple destinations in a day. The estimated cost for renting a car in Sicily is around 25 EUR per day, and the estimated travel time between destinations ranges from 1 hour to 3 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the beautiful beaches of San Vito lo Capo or the stunning mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. If you have less time, consider skipping Agrigento and spending more time exploring Siracusa and Taormina.

Airports

There are two airports serving Sicily: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and Palermo Airport (PMO). CTA is located 4.5km southwest of Catania and is closer to Siracusa and Etna. PMO is located 35km northwest of Palermo and is closer to San Vito lo Capo and Piazza Armerina.

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