Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea – is an absolute delight with its picturesque medieval cities, world-class cuisine and dreamy beaches. It is one of my favourite parts of Italy, so I am really excited to share my 10-day itinerary with you. Over the ten days we will visit Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Siracusa and the iconic Mount Etna. 

From the dynamic energy of Catania’s bustling markets to the splendour of Palermo’s historic monuments, I have no doubt that you will be captivated by Sicily. In this blog post, I will suggest what to see and do in each location but won’t give you a rigid checklist to follow. Perhaps your trip will coincide with a local or seasonal event that you just can’t miss. Maybe you will want to sightsee until your feet are throbbing, or spending hours relaxing in a piazza watching the world go by. However you spend your time in Sicily, I am sure it will be magical. So andiamo! Let’s go explore Sicily!

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Getting around Sicily

For this itinerary, we will be using buses and trains to travel around Sicily. There is a really good network of buses on the island, mostly run by Interbus, Etnatrasporti, SAIS Autolinee and Flixbus. I suggest searching for routes, prices and timetables on Omio, which is a really straight-forward, easy-to-use website. You can buy bus and train tickets directly from Omio, and download them as e-tickets onto your phone. Most of the main cities in Sicily are reachable by train, but the journeys are often slower than taking the bus. Catania is the only city with a metro system, which mostly brings people from the suburbs into the city centre. 

You can book train tickets via Omio or the official train site Trenitalia. You can also buy tickets in-person at the station. If you buy a physical ticket, remember to validate (stamp) it before boarding the train (the stamping machines are usually green or orange). Otherwise you might get a hefty fine!

If you want to rent a car for ultimate flexibility and freedom, you can compare prices and find the best deals with Discover Cars. Pre-booking is advised to find the best deals, especially during the busy summer months. It’s a good idea to rent a smaller vehicle as Sicily has a lot of narrow streets and tight roads, and pay for the full insurance in case of bumps and scratches (Sicilians have a reputation for being crazy drivers!). For getting around the cities themselves, taxis are widely available and Free Now is a popular alternative to Uber (which isn’t widely available).

Day 1 & 2 – Palermo (2 nights)

Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, it’s time to explore Sicily’s diverse, multicultural capital city. Palermo is steeped in history, best exemplified in the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, built in a medley of architectural styles. Climb a stone staircase to the cathedral’s rooftop for panoramic views across the city. 

While you’re exploring Palermo, don’t miss the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel with its mesmerising Byzantine mosaics, and Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a 12th-century church with distinctive red domed roofs. Other highlights include the Norman Palace, Piazza Pretoria and Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest theatres. There are some gorgeous churches in the city, like Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and Chiesa del Gesù. 

Palermo is a city for food lovers; immerse yourself in Palermo’s vibrant markets, like the bustling Mercato del Capo, where you can sample authentic Sicilian street food. Not sure what to try first? I suggest arancini (fried rice balls), cannoli (crispy pastry rolls filled with sweet ricotta cheese), crocchè (potato croquettes) and panelle (fried chickpea fritters). Once you’ve had your fill of delicious street food, you might be craving some rest and relaxation. Why not head to the beach? You have two great options close to Palermo. Mondello is a coastal town easily reached by car/taxi, and Cefalù, one of the most picturesque spots on the whole island, is just 30 minutes away by train.

Check out my 2-Day Palermo Itinerary for First-Time Visitors for tons of sightseeing ideas

Where to stay in Palermo

For a short stay, choose accommodation in the historic city centre. The main streets in the centre are Via Vittorio Emanuele, Via Roma and Via Maqueda. Look for an apartment or hotel on a side street near one of these roads, so you can reach the main sites on foot while not being disturbed by the bars and restaurants.

Day 3 & 4 – Catania (2 nights)

After two full days in Palermo, it’s time to visit Catania. It’s the perfect base to visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. There are lots of tour companies organising trips to Etna; depending on your budget you can ride a cable car up the volcano for spectacular views, or ride up in 4x4s to the volcano summit. Not sure which tour to choose? Getyourguide has really highly-rated tours such as Guided Volcano Summit Hiking Tour and Summit and Crater Guided Trek Tour. You can read all about my experience visiting Mount Etna here.

There’s a lot more to Catania than just Mount Etna. Its historic centre is full of beautiful buildings such as Cathedral of Sant’Agata (Catania’s gorgeous cathedral), Fontana dell’Elefante (a fountain featuring a smiling elephant and an Egyptian obelisk) and Ursino Castle (a mediaeval fortress built in the 13th century). For 360° panoramic views of the city, head to the viewing platform on Badia di Sant’Agata, then step back in time to Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò L’Arena (a UNESCO World Heritage 16th-century monastery). 

Catania is a great place to try authentic Sicilian cuisine, such as pasta alla norma (pasta with aubergines and salted ricotta) and pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines). Make sure to visit the daily fish market; a bustling hub of activity, with a truly impressive array of freshly caught seafood. If you want something more relaxing, the city park Giardino Bellini is the perfect spot for people-watching, indulging in delicious snacks and resting your tired feet after two full days of sightseeing. 

Find out “What To Do, See And Eat In Catania” with my detailed travel guide

Getting to Catania

The easiest way to reach Catania is via bus from Palermo bus station. Sais Autolinee operates this route for €14 per adult. It takes 2hr 40 minutes. You could take a Flixbus but their route is slower at 3hrs and more expensive (between €19-28 one-way).

It is possible to go via train, but it’s not direct. You have to change at Dittaino or Messina, depending on the train you take. It costs €16.40 per adult, and takes around 3hrs 30. 

Where to stay in Catania

If you want to stay in a very central, convenient location look for accommodation near Piazza del Duomo, Via Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Etnea. I stayed in Benedettini Home and definitely recommend it. The location is ideal; tucked away down a quiet side street, just minutes away from a lot of restaurants, cafes, bars, churches, tourist attractions and the famous Catania Fish Market. The apartment is well-equipped and as a solo female traveller, I felt very safe and comfortable.

Day 5 & 6 – Taormina (2 nights)

Taormina is Sicily’s most elegant, picturesque town, perched on a hilltop. Explore this enchanting town by wandering through its charming cobblestone streets, visiting boutique shops and art galleries, and enjoying long, leisurely dinners in restaurants overlooking the sea.

The top tourist attraction is Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek-Roman theatre still in excellent condition. Relax on beautiful beaches like Mazzarò Beach, accessible by a scenic cable car ride. If the tide’s out, you can walk to a beautiful tiny island called Isola Bella. For an easy day trip, visit Alcantara Gorges to marvel at the unique rock formations. Alternatively you could visit Mount Etna if you didn’t manage to make it there from Catania.

Day and night, Piazza IX Aprile is the place to be for people-watching and sipping locally-produced wine or cocktails. For a sweet treat, head to Bam Bar for irresistible granita (flavoured, shaved ice) served with whipped cream and brioche bun. For me, the best flavours are almond, lemon and coffee.

Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Taormina for lots of ideas about what to see and do in the city

Getting to Taormina 

I recommend getting the Interbus bus to Taormina. It costs €5.10 and only takes 1hr 10. It is a really regular service; there’s a bus on average every 15 to 30 minutes during the day.

You can also take the train; the journey costs €6.30 and takes 1hr 20. However, the train will end at Taormina-Giardini, so you will need to get a 15-minute shuttle bus to the city centre or jump in a taxi.

Where to stay in Taormina

Taormina has accommodation for all budgets, from cute little B&Bs to glamorous hotels (think “White Lotus” style – the second season of the TV series was filmed here!). My husband and I stayed in this GORGEOUS apartment in Taormina, with incredible views from the terrace. The apartment is quiet and secluded, outside of the city centre. It’s on one of the steepest hills I have ever walked up, so it might be better reached by car.

Day 7 & 8 – Siracusa (2 nights)

Next on the itinerary is Siracusa, my favourite place in Sicily. There are so many places to explore in the city of Siracusa, and on the adjoining island Ortigia. Head first to Piazza del Duomo, where you can find the cathedral Duomo di Siracusa, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. Wander through Ortigia’s narrow alleyways, discovering charming boutiques, cafes, markets and hidden piazzas. Don’t miss the Temple of Apollo (an ancient Greek temple dating back to the 6th century BC) and Fontana di Diana, dedicated to the Roman Goddess. Take time to relax and unwind on the waterfront promenade, taking in the picturesque sea views and the grand Castello Maniace.

Make sure to venture off of Ortigia island, so you don’t miss the Neapolis Archaeological Park to see the Greek and Roman amphitheatres, and Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with remarkable acoustics. For something off the beaten track, visit Chiesa di Santa Lucia Extra Moenia to see an original Caravaggio’s painting. 

Discover What To Do, See And Eat In Siracusa with my detailed travel guide

Getting to Siracusa

If you’d rather take the train to Siracusa, you need to walk five minutes to Catania Centrale. Trains to Siracusa cost €8.40 and take around 1hr 10 mins. There is a train every 90-120 minutes (check the schedule on Trenitalia to see if it lines up with when your bus gets into Catania). 

Firstly take a bus or train back to Catania (again I’d suggest Interbus as it’s the quicker option). The bus will terminate at Via Archimede – Autostazione, which is the same bus station you need for Siracusa. So you can simply go to the ticket office to buy a ticket for the next bus to Siracusa, or buy one from the Interbus website on your approach to Catania. Interbus has buses every 30 minutes from Catania to Siracusa, costing €6.20 and lasting 1hr 20 mins. 

Where to stay in Siracusa

Most people visiting Siracusa actually choose to stay on the historic island of Ortigia, which is connected to Siracusa via a bridge. There is an abundance of hotels and guest houses on Ortigia and you’ll be a short walk from many of the attractions mentioned on this itinerary. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget or want to be closer to the bus and train stations, stay in Siracusa.  

I’ve personally stayed in this Ortigia apartment and this Siracusa apartment. Each apartment was conveniently within walking distance of the train station, the main bus station and the major tourist attractions.

Day 9 – Siracusa to Catania (1 night)

Today is the day to leave Siracusa and travel to Catania in preparation for your flight home. When you leave Siracusa depends entirely on when your flight is and which city you want more time in. You might choose to take an afternoon or evening train or bus to Catania to maximise your time in Siracusa. Or you might want to travel up in the morning and give yourself almost a full day in Catania. 

Wherever you spend the day, it’ll be an opportunity to explore any remaining sites, do some last-minute shopping and indulge in more of Sicily’s delicious cuisine.

Getting to Catania

You can take the bus or train back to Catania, simply reserving the journey you did two days before. Interbus has buses every 30 minutes from Siracusa to Catania, costing €6.20 and lasting 1hr 20 mins. Alternatively, the train costs €8.40 and takes around 1hr 10 mins. 

Day 10 – Last day in Catania

All took quickly, it’s time to leave Sicily. Although you will be sad to leave, you’ll be taking unforgettable memories with you. I imagine it won’t be long until you’re planning a return visit to Sicily!

Have more than 10 days in Sicily?

If you are lucky enough to have more time in Sicily, consider adding Noto, Modica and Ragusa. These three towns are home to magnificent Baroque cathedrals and churches, along with cute cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

Staying Connected in Sicily: SIM Cards & Internet Tips

If you need reliable internet during your holiday and don’t want to rely on temperamental public Wi-FI, check out Airalo. This company offers E-SIM cards which can be used in 200 countries. My husband and I have personally used Airalo several times and find the E-SIMs to be very easy to set up and use. Airalo offers E-SIM cards for 7, 15 or 30 days, with a variety of data packages, making them perfect for long and short trips!

I hope this itinerary has made you excited to visit Sicily. Keep in mind that it is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it based on your interests, your budget, the time of year you visit and how you want to move around the island.

If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow