Seven days in Sicily: the definitive itinerary

Sicily is a land of contrasts, an enchanting blend of breathtaking landscapes, a thousand-year-old cultural heritage, home of unmissable places, and a gastronomy that delights the senses. The historical and cultural heritage of Sicily is equally fascinating. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a treasure of antiquity, with its Greek temples still standing proud after centuries. Walking through the ruins of this UNESCO site is like taking a trip through time, imagining the greatness of the civilization that once dominated this land.

Sicilian cities, such as Palermo and Syracuse, tell millennial stories through their monuments and streets. From lively markets to archaeological sites, every corner of these cities speaks of a rich and complex history that has shaped Sicily over the centuries.

And what about Sicilian cuisine? A real gastronomic paradise. The arancine, cannoli, pasta alla Norma and a wide selection of fish delicacies represent only a small part of the culinary delights that this land offers. The authentic flavors and variety of traditional dishes make every meal an unforgettable experience. Then immerse yourself in this itinerary that we thought just for you. 

Your seven-day itinerary in Sicily begins in bustling Palermo, the capital city. Palermo is a mix of culture, history and delicious cuisine. After your arrival and a short stop at the hotel, we recommend exploring the two most iconic places: the Teatro Massimo and the Cathedral. The Teatro Massimo is one of the largest opera houses in Europe and is an extraordinary example of neoclassical architecture. Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture with Arab and Byzantine influences. Inside you can admire the walls of Roman times and lose yourself among the fabulous Byzantine mosaics.

After a morning of exploration, it’s time to delight your palate with Sicilian cuisine. Palermo is famous for dishes such as pasta with sardines, caponata and arancina, a delicious ball of fried rice filled with cheese, meat or vegetables. For an authentic dining experience, stop by a local restaurant for a lunch full of Sicilian flavors. As you will understand in these seven days in Sicily, the whole region is rich in unique flavors and flavors.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Ballarò market. This busy market offers a variety of fresh produce, from fish to spices. It is the perfect place to enjoy the energy and flavors of Palermo. Have fun bargaining. After the market, head to the Norman Palace, a majestic Norman palace that houses the Palatine Chapel, a jewel of Byzantine art with intricate mosaics.

In the evening we recommend that you conclude with a dinner in a local restaurant. Be sure to taste other Sicilian specialties such Sicilian cassata, a traditional dessert not to be missed.

From Palermo we suggest you move to Monreale: you can get there in about half an hour by car via the Provincial Road 69. You are therefore on the second day of your seven days in Sicily and you are in a city that is famous for its historic cathedral. The Cathedral of Monreale is renowned above all for its mosaics that cover almost every inch of space inside the church. These mosaics tell religious stories and represent one of the best examples of Byzantine art in Italy.

After your visit to Monreale, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, where you can taste typical Sicilian dishes.

In the afternoon, reach Cefalù, a picturesque town on the north coast of Sicily. The city is dominated by its majestic cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. After admiring the cathedral, you can stroll through the medieval streets, discovering local shops and cafes. The panoramic sea view is one of Cefalù’s main attractions, so make sure you take a walk on the beach and enjoy the scenery. And if the temperatures allow, give yourself a refreshing bath. Often, except the winter months of December, January and February the temperature is warm or mild. 

The third stage of your journey takes you to the charming Agrigento. After a journey of about 2.5 hours from Cefalù, you will reach the Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This ancient Greek city presents a series of well-preserved temples, which rise against the blue sky and create a magical atmosphere. It will be an amazing experience to walk through these ruins.

After exploring the Valley of the Temples, enjoy an authentic lunch near the site, where you can enjoy some of the local delicacies.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the life of the historic center of Agrigento. Stroll through the picturesque streets, discovering ancient buildings and local craft shops. Be sure to stop by one of the cafes for an espresso and cannolo, a classic Sicilian dessert.

The day ends with a traditional dinner in a trattoria agrigentina, where you can enjoy dishes such as pasta alla Norma or lobster alla catalana.

The fourth day of your trip takes you to Syracuse, a charming city on the east coast of Sicily. After a journey of about 2 and a half hours from Agrigento, reach the island of Ortigia, a gem of beauty and history. Start your visit by exploring the Cathedral of Syracuse, a masterpiece of architecture that stands on the main square of Ortigia. From there, you can walk along the cobbled streets and reach the Fonte Aretusa, an oasis of peace with a fresh water spring.

After a morning of exploration, we recommend taking a break for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Here, you can enjoy fresh fish dishes, including the famous swordfish alla ghiotta.

In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, where you can admire the Greek Theatre, a well-preserved structure that housed dramatic performances in antiquity. Not far from the theatre, you will find the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave with extraordinary acoustics.

The day ends with a dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea in Ortigia. This romantic atmosphere makes dinner an unforgettable experience.

The fifth day takes you to explore two of Sicily’s most fascinating baroque cities: Noto and Modica. Start your day heading towards Noto, a city famous for its extraordinary architectural heritage. The city is a superb example of Baroque art, with ornate buildings and elegant churches. Spend the morning visiting the main monuments, such as the Cathedral of Noto and the Palazzo Ducezio.

After a morning of exploration, stop by a local restaurant for a light lunch of local delicacies.

In the afternoon, drive to Modica, a city famous for its chocolate. Modica is also another baroque pearl with charming churches, including the Church of San Giorgio. A must is a visit to one of the local chocolatiers, where you can taste homemade chocolate in various flavors.

The day ends with a typical Modica dinner in a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional dishes such as pasta with pork sauce and chili chocolate.

The sixth day of your trip takes you to explore Ragusa and its charming streets. Start your day in Ragusa Ibla, the ancient part of the city. Here, you will be enchanted by the paved streets and the evocative baroque buildings. Be sure to visit St George’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in the city, and take a scenic walk along the balconies overlooking the valley below.

After a morning of exploration, stop by a local restaurant for a lunch of local specialties, such as regular pasta or a sword roll.

In the afternoon, visit Ragusa Superiore, the modern part of the city. Here, you can admire the Cathedral of San Giorgio and stroll through the elegant streets. The day ends with a dinner at a restaurant in Ragusa, where you can enjoy the unique flavors of Sicilian cuisine.

The last day of your trip takes you to Taormina, one of the most famous places in Sicily. Taormina is famous for its beauty and charm. After a trip of about 2.5 hours from Ragusa, reach this enchanting city.

Start your visit to the Greek Theatre of Taormina, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Sicily. This ancient theatre offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. It is an extraordinary place to explore the history of the island. If you have a few days you can also think of enjoying a show at the Greek Theatre, it is a truly unique experience, with a unique scenario.

After your visit to the theater, take a walk through the charming streets of Taormina, where you can shop, explore luxury boutiques and enjoy homemade ice cream. Your seven-day itinerary in Sicily ends with a dinner overlooking the sea in Taormina, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes and other local delicacies. This is a perfect opportunity to relax.