12-Day Sicily Itinerary: Beaches, Charming Towns & Nature in Early Autumn

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on September 20, 2025

1:00PM

Check-in to accommodation

Settle into your hotel or guesthouse in Taormina, a charming hilltop town with stunning views over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
EUR0, 1h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Don Ciccio

Enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes made from fresh, local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. Try their pasta alla Norma or fresh seafood.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30PM

Explore Taormina town center

Wander the picturesque narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and ancient architecture.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Capinera

A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Sicilian cuisine, perfect for a special first evening.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 2: Beaches & Ancient Theatre

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on September 21, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bam Bar

Famous for granita and pastries, start your day with a refreshing and authentic Sicilian breakfast.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:00AM

Isola Bella Beach

Relax at this beautiful small beach and nature reserve. Swim and sunbathe while enjoying spectacular views.
EUR5 for parking, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro

Savor delicious wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads in a friendly setting.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Explore this remarkably well-preserved Greek-Roman amphitheater, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline and Mount Etna.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00PM

Walk Corso Umberto

Stroll along the main street, browsing boutiques and sipping espresso at a café.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria RossoDiVino

Enjoy contemporary Sicilian cuisine with a great selection of local wines in a quaint atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 3: Mount Etna Day Trip

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your adventure to Mount Etna.
Included in stay, 0h30m

9:00AM

Guided Mount Etna Excursion

Join a guided tour to Europe's largest active volcano, including hiking near craters and exploring lava caves.
EUR60, 6h0m

3:30PM

Return and rest

Relax at your accommodation after the strenuous but rewarding hike.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante al Duomo

Try traditional dishes like Sicilian swordfish and local desserts in the heart of Taormina.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 4: Wandering & Beach

Taormina, Sicily, Italy on September 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Minotauro

Sample Sicilian pastries and espresso at this beloved local bakery.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:30AM

Visit Giardini della Villa Comunale

Relax in these lush public gardens with panoramic sea views and a tranquil setting.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:45AM

Free time to shop & explore

Wander the artisan shops and hidden alleys at your own pace.
EUR0, 1h15m

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Tiramisu

Enjoy fresh seafood and pasta dishes with a sea view terrace.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00PM

Relax at Lido Mazzarò Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing at one of the most popular beaches in Taormina.
EUR10 for sunbeds, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Nero D'avola

A cozy spot known for authentic Sicilian flavors and a charming atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 5: Travel to Cefalù

Cefalù, Sicily, Italy on September 24, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast before the transfer to Cefalù.
Included, 0h30m

10:00AM

Travel to Cefalù by train

A scenic 2.5-3 hour train trip west along the northern coast of Sicily to the charming coastal town of Cefalù.
EUR15, 3h0m

1:30PM

Check-in and lunch at Ristorante Kentia

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes with excellent views in central Cefalù.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00PM

Explore Cefalù Old Town & Cathedral

Wander charming medieval streets and visit the stunning Norman Cathedral with its famous mosaics.
EUR5, 2h0m

6:00PM

Sunset at La Rocca

Hike up the rocky promontory La Rocca for panoramic views of Cefalù and the sea during sunset.
EUR0, 2h0m

8:30PM

Dinner at Il Normanno

Well-regarded restaurant offering Sicilian specialties in a friendly ambiance.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 6: Beach & Hiking

Cefalù, Sicily, Italy on September 25, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Bar Duomo

Start with coffee and pastries near the Cathedral for an authentic feel.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:30AM

Beach day at Cefalù sandy beach

Relax on one of Sicily’s best sandy beaches with clear water and facilities nearby.
EUR0, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Locanda del Marinaio

Cozy place serving fresh fish dishes and local wine close to the beach.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30PM

Nature walk in Madonie Regional Park

Take a short drive or bus to the nearby Madonie Mountains for scenic nature trails and beautiful landscapes.
EUR10 for transport, 3h0m

6:00PM

Return and relax

Rest back in Cefalù and prepare for an easy evening.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Brace

A popular spot known for grilled meats and hearty Sicilian dishes.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 7: Relax & Culture

Cefalù, Sicily, Italy on September 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Gelateria Artè

Sweet start with gelato or traditional Sicilian cannoli and coffee.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00AM

Visit Cefalù’s Museo Mandralisca

Small museum with a fine collection of archeology, art, and the famous 'Portrait of a Man' by Antonello da Messina.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30AM

Free time to shop local boutiques

Discover handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs in the old town streets.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Tavernetta

Taste fresh pasta and seafood specialties with a cozy ambiance.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00PM

Afternoon at the beach or a spa

Choose to either relax more at the beach or indulge in a spa treatment in a local wellness center.
EUR50 for spa, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Il Covo del Pirata

Seafront dining with fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 8: Travel to Agrigento

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy on September 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00AM

Travel to Agrigento by train (with transfer)

Approximately 3.5-4 hours with one transfer; head south to Agrigento, famous for its ancient temples.
EUR20, 4h0m

1:30PM

Check-in and lunch at Trattoria dei Templi

Eat rustic Sicilian dishes near the archaeological site entrance.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00PM

Visit Valley of the Temples

Explore one of Sicily's most important archaeological sites with well-preserved Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BC.
EUR12, 3h0m

6:30PM

Relax at hotel

Unwind before dinner after a day of history and walking.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Il Re di Girgenti

Traditional Sicilian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and great wine pairings.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 9: Scala dei Turchi & Beach

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy on September 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria La Valle

Start with espresso and Sicilian pastries near the center.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00AM

Day trip to Scala dei Turchi

Visit the striking white limestone cliffs and relax on the beautiful beach below. Perfect for swimming and photography.
EUR5 transport, 4h0m

1:30PM

Beachside lunch at Lido Le Dune

Casual dining with seafood and Mediterranean dishes right on the beach.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30PM

Return to Agrigento, relax or visit local markets

Enjoy afternoon shopping or walking in Agrigento's town center.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistrot Greco

Delight in modern cooking with Sicilian ingredients in a cozy bistro setting.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 10: Nature & Relaxation

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy on September 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Relaxed breakfast before a nature day.
Included, 0h30m

9:00AM

Visit Torre Salsa Nature Reserve

A protected coastal area offering rugged beaches and Mediterranean wildlife, ideal for hiking and picnicking.
EUR5 entry, 4h0m

1:30PM

Lunch picnic at the reserve or nearby restaurant

Enjoy a packed picnic surrounded by nature or dine at a simple local trattoria.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return and spa treatment

Relax with a spa or massage at your Agrigento hotel.
EUR50, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria dei Templi (repeat)

Revisit this lovely spot for familiar Sicilian comfort food to close your trip.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 11: Departure Prep & Last Wanders

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy on September 30, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast & packing

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack for your departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Last stroll in Agrigento old town

Spend your last morning soaking up the atmosphere and shopping for souvenirs.
EUR0, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at a local trattoria

Enjoy a last leisurely Sicilian meal before heading home.
EUR20, 1h0m