Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, is the perfect introduction to this beautiful island. Start your day by visiting the Piazza Pretoria to admire the glorious fountain, Fontana Pretoria, before heading to the Norman Palace for a glimpse of ancient history. Then, head to the Teatro Massimo, one of Italy's largest opera houses, to take a guided tour of the structure's stunning interiors, after which you can take a stroll on the lively streets of Quattro Canti.
Explore the idyllic town of Cefalu, located on the northern coast of Sicily. Wander its maze of atmospheric streets to encounter an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, or relax on the stunning sandy beaches. Join a picturesque drive along the coast to Palermo, and stop at an agriturismo farm on your way back to experience the essence of rural Sicily.
Head as far northeast as the train will take you to the bustling city of Messina. The impressive Cathedral of Messina is the must-visit attraction here, and the Bell Tower offers a fantastic view of the Strait of Messina. Capuchin Monastery is another highlight of the city, housing catacombs which date back to the 16th century.
Discover the charming town of Taormina, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Take a leisurely stroll down the Corso Umberto, lined with chic boutiques and restaurants offering traditional Sicilian fare. Take the bus to Isola Bella, a picturesque island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. Take in the panoramic views of the vista from the vantage point of the Greek Theatre.
In the fascinating city of Catania, you can marvel at the grandeur of the Baroque Architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, and the city's emblematic architecture and Italian charm as you explore the food markets and souvenir stalls. Visit the Castle Ursino and the Benedictine Monastery, and enjoy the glorious views of Mt. Etna.
Travel to the historic city of Syracuse, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, the site of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the legendary Roman amphitheater. Spend the afternoon at the beach or explore the vibrant old town and the Fonte Aretusa, a natural spring embedded amongst stunning flora.
Visit the Baroque town of Noto. Stroll its charming, honey-colored streets and admire its impressive 18th-century cathedral, Cattedrale di San Nicolò. Highlights here include the stunning balconies adorned with ornate carved motifs, the Piazza del Municipio, and the excellent food markets. If time allows, visit the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve.
Take a day trip to the mesmerizing Valley of the Temples, apparently the finest collection of ancient Greek ruins outside of Greece. Walk down the Via Sacra, or Sacred Road, lined with a variety of temples and structures, and see the majestic Temple of Concordia, among others, which date back as far as the 5th century BC. Embrace the stunning views of rolling hills and the emerald sea from here.
Journey to the charming coastal town of Trapani, and visit its mesmerizing fish market located in the old town. While here, explore the baroque-style arches, colorful houses, and the stunning views of the sea from the pier. Take a stroll to the Santuario dell'Annunziata, a magnificent church that boasts grandeur and Italian craftsmanship to the highest degree.
Take a break from the mainland and hop aboard a ferry to Favignana Island—a shallow and stunning outcrop surrounded by pink and azure waters. Explore the small and charming town and catch a performance at the Ex Stabilimento Florio, an imposing structure once serving as a factory for processing red tuna.
There are plenty of train and bus services that run throughout the regions encompassing Palermo, Catania, Agrigento, and Syracuse however, renting a car would be more convenient if you wish to explore the island at your own pace. All major towns in Sicily are served by bus, but the train timetables are not always accurate so be prepare to wait longer periods for trains sometimes. The average daily cost of renting a car in Sicily can range from 20-40 EUR and travelers can expect to spend 10 EUR on transport costs per day.
If you have some time to spare, head to the Egadi Islands to explore the stunning natural beauty in the region. If you have to truncate your itinerary, consider shortening your time spent in Messina, and maybe Agrigento and Taormina. For the more adventurous travelers, take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands, located 48 km from Lipari.
Every major city in Sicily, including Palermo, Catania, and Trapani, has its own international airport. Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the busiest and most popular airport in the region. The airport is located approximately 8 km from the city center with direct flights from cities including Rome, Milan, London, and Frankfurt. Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) is about 34 km from the city center, and Trapani's Vincenzo Florio Airport (TPS) is approximately 22 km from the city center.