Article mis à jour le 6 Aug 2024

Road trip in Sicily : 1 or 2 week itinerary

Situated at the tip of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It boasts magnificent landscapes, hidden treasures and a rich cultural history. I enjoyed its great diversity. You can enjoy the beaches as well as the mountains, the historic towns and the surrounding islands.

Practical information for your road trip in Sicily

✈️ Where can I buy plane tickets for Sicily ?

The fastest way to get to Sicily is by plane. There are two main airports on the island : Palermo and Catania. Find the best airfares here with Ulysse. Take advantage of €10 off your first booking by registering via our link.

Rent a car for your road trip in Sicily

I booked my rental car through Discovercars. This allowed me to find a cheaper deal with the rental company Locauto. Everything went very well, the rental company is right in front of the terminal and the car was literally brand new (14 km on the odometer, the first time this has ever happened to me).

For this road trip in Sicily, a city car will suffice, as the roads are well laid out and you can use a small car to park in the city centre and get around the narrow streets.

Hire a van for your road trip in Sicily :

A van is the ideal way to make the most of every corner of Sicily, with complete freedom and no restrictions. You can change course every day if you feel like it, to see as much as possible at your own pace. Find the perfect van on Yescapa.

What budget for a week’s road trip in Sicily ?

Sicily is an inexpensive destination, especially if you go in the low season. Here are the budget details for my 2-week trip to Sicily :

• Flights Lyon – Palermo : €140 per person
• Car hire : €500 for 2 weeks
• Petrol costs : €180 for a journey of around 1,500 km
• Hotels : €70 per night on average in May
• Restaurants : €30 per day per person for 2 meals

Total for 2 weeks = €2,780 for a 14-night stay, i.e. €1,390 per person, excluding activities.

Total for 1 week = €1,530 for a 7-night stay, i.e. €765 per person, excluding activities.

Please note : this budget may obviously vary according to the price of car hire and flights, but also according to the standard of the hotels/restaurants you choose.

When to go to Sicily ?

As with many European destinations, the best time to travel to Sicily is from May to June, then from September to October. During these 4 months, temperatures are mild and you avoid the school holidays. This has two advantages : lower prices and fewer tourists. On the other hand, I have to admit that I was unlucky during my stay at the end of May, with 5 days of rain out of 14. But that gives me a good excuse to come back soon.

However, Sicily is beautiful all year round and if you’re not afraid of the heat, you can enjoy the beaches in summer or the snow-capped volcanoes the rest of the time.

How long does it take to visit Sicily ?

To discover the island as a whole, I recommend that you allow 2 weeks so that you can make the most of each stage. However, it is also possible to go to Sicily for a 1 week trip.

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Recommended itinerary for a 2-week road trip in Sicily :

• Palermo
• Cefalu
• Aeolian Islands
• Messina / Taormina
• Etna
• Catania
• Syracuse
• Agrigento
• Trapani
• Nature Reserves

Recommended itinerary for a road trip in Sicily 1 week :

• Palermo
• Cefalu
• Agrigento
• Trapani
• Nature Reserves

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Road Trip in Sicily : what to do for a one or two-week trip to Sicily ?

Days 1 & 2 : Palermo

The first stop on my 2-week trip to Sicily was Palermo. There’s so much to see and do here!

You can start with this cycling tour of the historic centre, which will allow you to discover the city’s magnificent sites. The tour ends with a tasting of typical Sicilian cuisine, where you can savour the culinary delights.

If you’re a nightlife enthusiast, discover the local culture and cuisine during the balmy Sicilian evenings. Click here for more information 😉.

For more details, check out my article What to do in Palermo ?

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Days 3 & 4 : Cefalù

To continue your road trip in Sicily, I recommend that you book your next two nights in Cefalù. This small coastal town, about an hour from Palermo, is for me one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily. You can enjoy the fine sandy beach, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or climb the rock overlooking the town for a breathtaking view.

For the more adventurous, you can discover Cefalù on a paragliding flight !

Cefalù Cathedral

Located in the heart of the old town, Cefalù Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Transfiguration in Italian, was built in the 12th century at the foot of the Rocca. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a drink on the terrace, and you’ll be spoilt for choice !

The Rocca viewpoint

For the best view of Cefalù, I recommend hiking up to La Rocca, a mountain offering a breathtaking view of the city and the coast. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the first level, and another 30 minutes to reach the highest point.

Entrance costs €5 per person and you can only enter the park from 8am to 4.30pm, but the park closes at 8pm so that you can enjoy the hike.

Where to eat in Cefalù ?

You’ll find plenty of little places to eat pizzas or freshly caught fish, some of which also offer a beautiful sea view. Beware of overly touristy places where prices can be excessive. Many restaurants also charge €2 or €3 per person for cutlery.
I recommend booking a table at Porta Terra Ristorante !

Where to stay in Cefalù ?

There aren’t many hotels in Cefalù, especially in the centre. There are plenty of offers for studios and flats. Casa Vacanze Da Nenè is the best value for money in town. This studio apartment costs less than €70 a night and is located right in the centre of town. Angela will give you a very warm welcome.

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Day 5 of the Sicily road trip : Messina and Taormina

Because of the weather, I wasn’t able to take the time to visit these towns in depth. But I’ll be back, as they’re a must-see on any road trip in Sicily.

Visit to Messina

Messina is a town famous for the spectacular strait that separates Sicily from Italy. Messina offers breathtaking scenery. You can visit the cathedral, with its magnificent astronomical bell tower, as well as its lively streets and discover authentic Sicilian cuisine in the local trattorias.

BONUS : Visit the Aeolian Islands for 2 days.

If you have time during your trip to Sicily, I strongly advise you to include these magnificent islands in your road trip itinerary. Located off the coast of Messina, this archipelago of 7 main islands is a veritable Mediterranean paradise. Each of the islands has its own unique charm.

Lipari, the largest island, is home to picturesque villages and an impressive fortress. I stayed on the island for 24 hours and hired a scooter to go round. It takes about 1 hour without photo stops. But the landscapes are so beautiful that it took me 2h30 ! I’d like to recommend 4 unmissable spots :

• Alavanca : viewpoint over the small island of Salina.
• Belvedere Quattrocchi : magnificent viewpoint over the island of Vulcano.
• Osservatorio Geofisico : the perfect spot for a sunset with a breathtaking view of Vulcano.
• Corso Vittorio Emanuele II : the island’s main street, this is where you’ll find the shops and restaurants. I recommend you try the arancini at Mancia E Fui or the specialities at Subba.

 Vulcano is famous for its thermal springs and healing mud. Salina offers lush countryside and picturesque vineyards. One day on the island is enough. I was lucky enough to explore the island with a local guide, and the views of the volcanoes were just incredible. You can find him on Manawa along with lots of other activities such as paragliding from Lipari.

I’m sorry I didn’t have time to visit Stromboli. The island is famous for its active volcano, which offers a breathtaking night-time spectacle. It gives me a good reason to come back. After that, you can also visit Stromboli from Messina, just to see the volcano, by day and by night.

Visit Taormina

Taormina is a small medieval town set on a hill with spectacular sea views. You can visit the ancient Greek theatre, enjoy the beaches or take a trip out to sea to see the dolphins.

Where to stay in Taormina ?

For your stay in Taormina, I recommend the Bed and Breakfast Arco dei Cappuccini. As you’ll see from the reviews, there’s nothing to fault about this accommodation. Ideally located and with a large terrace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the city.

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Days 6 & 7 : Visit to Catania

For the next stage of our one- or 2-week road trip itinerary in Sicily, we head for Catania, Sicily’s 2nd largest city.

Visit the centre of Catania

Start your exploration in Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city, where you can admire Catania’s magnificent cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece. Stroll along Via Etna, a lively street lined with shops, cafés and historic palaces, offering a vibrant atmosphere.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, explore Catania’s markets, such as the fish market in La Pescheria and the vegetable market in Piazza Carlo Alberto. You can sample Sicilian specialities such as arancini and cannoli, as well as the region’s delicious fresh seafood.

For nature lovers, I recommend a visit to the Bellini Garden, a beautiful public park offering a peaceful escape in the middle of the city. From here, you can take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Etna and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

It costs €3 per person per trip, and is only open from 8am to 1pm.

Hiking to the summit of Etna

If you want to climb Mount Etna, you’ll need a guide. I advise you to book your trip in advance.

The historic quarter

If you’re interested in medieval monuments, the Castello Ursino, a medieval castle, is home to the city’s municipal museum. Here you can discover collections of art, archaeology and local history, as well as enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the castle walls.

You can also visit the Teatro Massimo Bellini, a magnificent nineteenth-century theatre where you can enjoy operas, ballets and concerts. Fans of contemporary art will love Catania’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses exhibitions by local and international artists.

The beaches of Catania

If the weather is fine and you have the time, I’d recommend visiting Catania’s neighbouring beaches. The black sandy beaches of Playa di Catania and Plaia are ideal for relaxing in the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea !

Where to eat in Catania ?

You’ll find plenty of small local eateries costing between €8 and €15 per person. Don’t hesitate to check out The Fork for discounts and win 1000 Yums (i.e. €10) by creating your account here and entering the code 7F45F083 when you make your first booking. There are many offers from -30 to -50%!

Where to stay in Catania ?

For your stay in Catania, I recommend staying at Follow The Sun Catania. Ideally located and well decorated, this establishment has a beautiful rooftop with an incredible view and the price is around €70 a night depending on the period. It’s hard to beat that !

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Continuation of the 2-week road trip itinerary in Sicily : what to do in Sicily ?

Days 8 & 9 : Visit to Syracuse

To continue this 2-week road trip in Sicily, I recommend a stop in Syracuse, a city steeped in history and with magnificent architecture. Start in the heart of the city, the Ortigia district, a peninsula with an atypical charm. Lose yourself in the narrow streets and discover the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Temple of Apollo.

You can also visit the Neapolis archaeological park and its Greek theatre with its Roman amphitheatre.

I recommend booking this excursion to explore the sea caves around the island of Ortigia.

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Days 10 & 11 : Heading for Agrigento

For this 8th day of my Sicilian road trip, I hit the road to visit southern Sicily. This part of the island is less touristy, but it’s full of sublime scenery and charming little local towns.

Noto, Modica and Ragusa

On the way to Agrigento I made 3 stops. Noto, a small baroque town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the first. If you come in April, don’t miss Noto‘s Spring Festival, a very famous event in Sicily where the town lights up with spectacular floral decorations.

Modica and Ragusa are also UNESCO sites and boast a rich heritage and magnificent architecture. For those with a sweet tooth, I recommend you try Modica’s chocolate, a local speciality !

The centre of Ragusa is full of typical narrow streets leading to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a magnificent Baroque monument. The Ibleo Garden is a peaceful place to visit. With its winding paths, fountains and Mediterranean plants, it offers a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy panoramic views over the city and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this magnificent botanical garden.

I had lunch at the Al Borgo restaurant overlooking the cathedral for just €10 for a salad + aubergine turnover.

Agrigento

Situated in the south-west of the island, I arrived in Agrigento, a historic town famous for its well-preserved ancient remains. I was amazed by the Valley of the Temples, the city’s best-known archaeological site, with its majestic temples reminiscent of Ancient Greece. You can book your guided tour in advance.

I’d advise you to get there 15-20 minutes before it opens to avoid the tourist buses that arrive en masse. What’s more, there’s a security check which wastes a lot of time… As I was the first to arrive, I was able to enjoy the site calmly for at least 30 minutes !

The surrounding area is also magnificent, especially Scala dei Turchi, a huge, impressive white cliff with a breathtaking view of the sea. However, due to erosion, it is now forbidden to climb the cliff. If you wish, you can take a boat trip. You can also visit the many vineyards around the town and why not sample some of the local wines.

Where to eat in Agrigento ?

The town centre isn’t very big and it’s easy to stroll along the pedestrian street that runs through the town. In particular, I tried the pizzas at La Boccerie, which were really good and made with fresh produce, at a reasonable price (around €12).

Where to stay in Agrigento ?

If you want to stay in the town centre to take advantage of the many restaurants and shops, I recommend Le Terrazze di Pirandello. The rooms aren’t very nice, but you’ll be right in the centre and the terrace offers a breathtaking view of the sea. What’s more, breakfast is included and the price is very reasonable : €50 to €70 a night depending on the season.

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Days 12 & 13 : Trapani and surrounding area, end of road trip in Sicily

A day on a boat in Sicily

To make the most of the surrounding area, I recommend hiring a boat for the day to take you to the islands opposite Trapani. Just 30-40 minutes away by boat, you can discover the islands of Levanzo and Favignana. I hired my boat on Click&Boat, which lists all the offers nearby, and as always, everything went smoothly.

If you head for Favignana, you can go to Cala Rotonda, a beautiful beach that’s easy to get to, or to Scalo Cavallo, where the natural pools are a little less touristy but just as pretty.

Levanzo is much less populated, with just 80 inhabitants ! But you can still admire the white houses of the little village and go to the Cala Faraglione beach, just next door, with its magnificent turquoise waters.

Hiking in Monte Cofano

For my 2nd day in the Trapani region, I headed for the Monte Cofano nature reserve. There’s a hike of around 30 minutes to get to the 1st stop where you can admire a panorama of the surrounding area. The view was incredible and the path easy to access, even for children. If you’re more sporty, you can go to the very top of Monte Cofano. It takes about 45 minutes longer, but the path is much steeper.

San Vito

I went to San Vito for lunch and ate at Trattoria Sapori di Marie, where I tasted some of the best tuna I’ve ever tasted. I’d advise you to book on The Fork, you’ll be able to take advantage of a 50% discount at lunchtime (maybe not in high season, check !).

Tonnarella dell’Uzzo

For the afternoon, I headed to Tonnarella dell’Uzzo beach, a beautiful cove preserved from mass tourism inside the Zingaro nature reserve. Admission costs €5 per person, but for me it was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Sicily. The beach is about a 10-minute walk from the car park, so make sure you bring plenty of water, as there are no bars or restaurants.

Visit the Marsala salt works

To see one of the most beautiful sunsets during your trip to Sicily, head to Marsala, a small town near Trapani where you can see the saltworks. There’s a museum you can visit and plenty of restaurants where you can watch the sunset while enjoying a drink. I went to SEI Mama Caura because it’s the most beautiful view of the coast, although the prices are a little excessive for Italy : €10 for a spritz. If you want to be in 1st line, you have to take the aperitivo formula at €30 per person for a drink and 3 bruschettas…

Where to eat in Trapani ?

Ci vuela : without doubt one of the best restaurants I tried during my stay. The service is top notch and the food is really excellent ! Special mention for the bruschetta and the octopus, which is delicious… The price is a bit high but with the 50% discount on The Fork it was reasonable.

Ciao & Pepe : this restaurant offers excellent value for money. You’ll find pasta for €6 ! The carbonara pasta is excellent. If you’re a big eater, I’d still recommend 2 courses or at least starter + main course. Make sure you book in advance, as this restaurant is often recommended thanks to its prices !

Where to stay in Trapani ?

If you’re looking for an oasis in the middle of the city, I recommend staying at Giardini Mon Plaisir. This old building, built in the 1920s, was once in the middle of the fields. Today, the city has spread out around the Giardini, but the owner has managed to preserve part of the gardens to create this haven of peace just 5 minutes from the centre.

The service was impeccable and the breakfast delicious. I was able to do a cocktail lesson, the Sicilian mojito with fresh oranges and lemons from the garden. The hotel also provides bicycles for easy access to the centre and picnic lunches for day trips.

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I hope I’ve helped you with this road trip itinerary in Sicily ! Don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section and to share the article if you liked it. Looking for more inspiration in the Mediterranean ? Check out our guides to Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca.

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