Palermo is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Visit the Cattedrale di Palermo with its mix of Norman, Gothic and Baroque styles, and see the Byzantine-style Capella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni. Cap off the day with a stroll through the bustling Ballarò Market.
Take a day trip to the charming seaside town of Cefalù, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and visit the iconic Cefalù Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll around the medieval old town and enjoy some delicious Sicilian fare at one of the many restaurants.
Visit the stunning ancient Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Marvel at the impressive temples and other structures that have stood the test of time for thousands of years. End the day with a spectacular sunset view over the temples.
Explore the ancient walled city of Syracuse, where you can see remnants of its Greek, Roman and Baroque past. Visit the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis to see the ancient Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater, and the stunning Ear of Dionysius. Take a stroll through the charming island of Ortigia to see the beautiful Fonte Aretusa.
Take a day trip to the volcanic wonder that is Mount Etna. Hike up one of the many trails for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the smoking volcano. For an extra thrill, take a guided tour of one of the many lava caves created by the volcano.
Visit the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Visit the ancient Greek Theater of Taormina, stroll along the beautiful Corso Umberto I for some shopping and people-watching, and relax on one of the nearby beaches.
Take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands, a stunning archipelago of volcanic islands. Swim in the turquoise waters, hike up to the stunning Stromboli volcano, and explore the charming towns of Lipari and Vulcano.
Explore the beautiful town of Trapani, which is famous for its salt pans, stunning Baroque architecture, and delicious seafood. Visit the Torre di Ligny and see the stunning views of the sea, and walk around the charming historic center to see the many churches and palaces.
Visit the charming town of Marsala, which is famous for its sweet wine and ancient history. Visit the Chiesa Madre and the Museo degli Arazzi to see some impressive art and architecture, and take a stroll through the charming historic center. End the day with a wine tasting at one of the many local wineries.
Spend your last day in the vibrant city of Palermo, enjoying some of its many museums, markets, and architecture. Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas to see some impressive ancient artifacts, and the Teatro Massimo for some breathtaking opera performances. End the day with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Getting around Sicily can be affordable and straightforward, with a combination of trains, buses, and ferries. The Trenitalia website is a useful resource for train schedules and tickets, while regional bus lines such as Interbus and SAIS Trasporti offer frequent and affordable bus connections. Ferries to the Aeolian Islands run from several ports, with Liberty Lines being a popular option. Expect to spend around €60 on transportation during your trip.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the charming town of Ragusa, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine. If you have less time, consider skipping the Aeolian Islands or Mount Etna. Sicily is known for its delicious street food, so be sure to try some arancini, panelle, and cannoli during your trip.
Sicily has two international airports: Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) in Palermo and Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Catania. Both are served by several international airlines and offer connections to many European cities. Falcone-Borsellino Airport is located about 35 km west of Palermo and can be reached by train or bus, while Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is located about 4 km from Catania's city center and can be reached by bus or taxi.