A region and destination all of its own, planning the perfect Sicily itinerary can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. With so much to offer, figuring out how to spend 7 to 10 days in Sicily is a bit of a daunting task when you’re trying to fit in everything there is to see. With electric cities, beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and charming towns, Sicily is one of the most dynamic places to visit in all of Italy.
Whether you’re visiting Sicily as a stand-alone destination or it’s part of a longer trip to Italy, there is so much to see and do on the Mediterranean’s largest island that it certainly deserves its own itinerary. So if you’re wondering what to see and do in this Southern Italian region, follow this Sicily itinerary to plan out your ideal route across this inimitable island.
How Many Days in Sicily?
When planning out your itinerary you’re going to need to figure out how many days to spend in Sicily in order to do this island justice. This can seem a bit overwhelming when you consider all there is to see and do here and you don’t want to cram too much into too short a period of time.
Therefore, if you want to see the highlights of the island, have time to explore the two largest cities and see a number of places surrounding, then plan to spend at least 7 days in Sicily.
With a week in Sicily, you’ll be able to spend a proper amount of time in the two main cities (which means you don’t need to choose between Catania vs Palermo) along with exploring some smaller towns (like Taormina and Cefalu) and seeing some incredible sites like the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.
If you want to get quite a holistic view of the island, then spending 10 days in Sicily is going to be your best bet. With a 10-day Sicily itinerary, you can do all of the things you could with a week plus add on a stop somewhere else and explore more.
Even if you plan 10 days in Sicily, you’re still not going to be able to get to all of the top spots the island has to offer, so if you have 2 weeks or more, this could be ideal — especially if you want to circumnavigate the island.
Getting To & Around Sicily
Though it is an island, Sicily is well-connected to the rest of Italy and to the majority of Europe. It is home to three international airports and has extensive train and ferry connections depending on where you’re coming from.
If you’re planning a stand-alone Sicily itinerary, it’s likely that you’re going to be flying into the island. As mentioned there are three international airports on the island that vary in the level of traffic.
The busiest and highest-traffic airport (and where you will most likely be flying into) is Catania airport located just outside of Sicily’s second-largest city. This airport has countless connections to many different destinations across Europe and beyond.
The Sicilian capital of Palermo also has its own airport with quite a few connections across Europe, so that is another viable option when it comes to arriving in Sicily. There is also a small airport outside of Trapani, as well, that mostly serves destinations in Italy along with a handful of other European destinations.
Sicily is also accessible via train, which is a great option if you’re tacking on a trip here to an extended time in Italy. It can be a great idea to visit Sicily after, say enjoying some time exploring Puglia or wandering around the Amalfi Coast. There are direct trains to Sicily from cities like Rome and Naples to most major hubs on the island. You can view schedules here.
The island is also accessible via ferry from a number of neighbouring ports. For instance, if you want to visit Sicily before or after exploring the lovely nation of Malta, you can enjoy direct ferry connections.
Once in Sicily, you have a few options when it comes to getting around. You can easily get around here on foot when you’re exploring the major cities. In fact, even if you want to – for instance – go on a day trip to Taormina from Catania, it is easy to do this via bus or train.
Train connections between the major cities and towns are extensive and affordable, so this can be a good option if you’re happy to stick to city centres during your Sicily itinerary. However, in order to do this particular route for 7 to 10 days in Sicily, it’s highly recommended to hire a car.
With your own car, you will have the flexibility to make stops along the way between destinations and the ability to explore more of the island with far more ease.
Driving in Sicily definitely has a negative reputation, however, I didn’t find it as bad as I had built it up in my head (particularly on the highways, where driving was easy) so long as you keep aware and drive defensively.
If you want to rent a car while in Sicily, we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to find deals across a range of major car hire companies.
7 to 10 Day Sicily Itinerary
Without further ado, this is how to spend 7-10 days in Sicily. If you only have 7 days in Sicily, make sure to read the entry under day 7 carefully in order to properly plan out your Sicily itinerary.
This route is done easiest with a car, however, it isn’t entirely necessary to rent a car for the first couple of days in Catania, especially as most of the day trip options are easily accessible via public transport.
Day 1 – Catania
The easiest place to start any Sicily itinerary is in the island’s second-largest city of Catania. Home to the highest-traffic airport in the region, this city is a logical jumping-off point to exploring the splendours of this beautiful island.
Catania can often be overlooked in lieu of Palermo or more picturesque Sicilian destinations, however, it is absolutely worth visiting this lively metropolis.
Spend your first day in Catania exploring the highlights of the city centre including the Piazza Duomo, the epic fish market and taking in the views of the city and Mt Etna from the Chiesa Badia di Sant’Agata. You can book a walking tour here.
End your day with a leisurely aperitivo in one of Catania’s lively bars and get some delicious street food (or dine in one of the city’s top restaurants!) for dinner.
Where to Stay in Catania
Hotel Centrum – For those travelling on a mid-range budget, this hotel is a great choice. Centrally located behind the Teatro Bellini, it is within easy reach of the top sites in Catania. They have a number of great rooms available and offer breakfast each morning. Click here to check their availability
Liberty Hotel – This luxury hotel is a great high-end choice in Catania. They have a number of plush rooms on offer, a buffet breakfast each morning, an airport shuttle available and a perfect location for exploring the highlights of the city. Click here to check their availability
La Dimora del Barbiere – If you’d like to have your own flat during your time in Catania, then this is a great place to choose. There are a range of flats to choose from (varying in size) and an excellent location for exploring Sicily’s second-largest city. Click here to check their availability
The Yard Hostel – For budget and solo travellers, this hostel is a perfect choice. They have a great, central location, offer both dorm and private rooms and have a number of great common areas that make socialising easy. Click here to check their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Catania!
Day 2 – Catania
On day 2 of this Sicily itinerary, you have a choice. You can either take this day to dig deeper and explore more of Catania (this is what I would recommend) or, if you’ve had your fill of the city, you can opt to go on a day trip to somewhere nearby. The latter is a good option if you feel you can’t choose just one of the many day trip options from Catania.
If you choose to remain in the city, spend your day wandering through the Mercato di Piazza Carlo Alberto, enjoying the tranquillity of the Villa Bellini and visiting some of the other top sites of the city that you may have missed on your previous day.
Day 3 – Taormina, Mt Etna or Siracusa
Day three of your Sicily itinerary should be dedicated to taking a day trip from Catania. One of the most popular places is the town of Taormina, which is known for its ancient Greek theatre and beautiful coastline surrounding it.
It’s also a popular option to go to Mt Etna, whether it be to take the cable car and hike around the craters or to sip wines grown in the foothills.
Finally, another great option is to head south to the city of Siracusa (Syracuse). This city boasts some more incredible ancient ruins and it is a unique and beautiful place to explore.
Day 4 – Cefalu
Day 4 of your Sicily itinerary is a travel day with your eventual destination being the capital city of Palermo, where you’ll spend the night.
The drive from Catania to Palermo is only about 3 hours and it is mostly along a well-maintained and paved highway. However, keep in mind that driving into Palermo can be a bit hectic and stressful, so make sure you are prepared.
While en route to Palermo, plan to make a stop in the beautiful town of Cefalu. Located on the north coast of Sicily, you can enjoy a lovely beach here, take in views of the Aeolian islands and get lost in the charming old town.
There are gorgeous views of the surrounding cliffside and a great, laid-back vibe here that makes it very much worth exploring.
Cefalu is located about an hour from Palermo and you can reach the town in about 2-2.5 hours from Catania, so it makes for the perfect stop along the way without adding much to your journey time.
Where to Stay in Palermo
Alma Hotel – This 3-star hotel makes for a great option for mid-range travellers in Palermo. It is centrally located, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and they offer a buffet breakfast each morning. Click here to see their availability
Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is an excellent luxury option in Palermo. It is centrally located for exploring the highlights of the Sicilian capital, they have countless plush rooms available and a number of other amenities to ensure you have a great stay. Click here to see their availability
Appartamento Piazza Pretoria – This 2-bedroom flat is a great option for those looking for a self-catering option in Palermo. It has an excellent location near the Pretoria Fountain and Quattro Canti and comes fully equipped with everything you may need. Click here to see their availability
A Casa di Amici Boutique Hostel – For those travelling on a budget or solo, this hostel is a great choice for you. They have a good, social atmosphere, offer both dorms and private rooms and it is well-located to explore all Palermo has to offer. Click here to see their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Palermo hotels!
Day 5 – Palermo
Plan to spend the fifth day of your Sicily itinerary exploring the lively, electric city of Palermo! As Sicily’s capital city, planning to spend at least 2 days in Palermo is absolutely essential if you’re going to be spending any amount of time in this region.
Spend your first day in the city taking in some of the top sites in the city centre along with some of the city’s intoxicating markets.
Wander around the Quattro Canti, the Pretoria Fountain, beautiful churches, the Palermo Cathedral and the Mercato di Ballaro among many other things. You can even organise a guided walking tour or a street food tour!
End your day with an aperitivo before heading to La Vucciria to really take in the energy of this lively city at its famed night market.
Day 6 – Palermo
The sixth day of your 7 to 10 days in Sicily should also be devoted to exploring Palermo because there are likely a number of places that you haven’t seen just yet.
Spend your morning taking the Massimo Theatre, the Archaeological Museum and gorging yourself on arancini and caponata at the Mercato di Capo.
In the afternoon, head out to Mondello Beach, a lovely stretch of sand located to the north of the city. After spending a few hours lounging on the beach, head to Monte Pellegrino to enjoy some spectacular views over Palermo, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding area.
Day 7 – Monreale, Segesta & Erice
If you only have 7 days in Sicily, this will be the final day of your Sicily itinerary and you should, instead of making your way to Trapani, plan to do a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo.
However, if you are planning a 10-day Sicily itinerary, then use this day to make some pit stops while en route to the coastal city of Trapani.
The first stop on your drive to Trapani should be in the town of Monreale, which is only located about 10 kilometres outside of Palermo. This town is well-known for its beautiful cathedral and gorgeous mosaics.
After exploring a bit of Monreale, drive to the archaeological site of Segesta. Located about an hour outside of Palermo, this is home to an excellently preserved ancient Greek temple and a beautiful amphitheatre.
The two sites are located a bit away from each other (and the theatre is up quite a steep hill), so it’s recommended to take the shuttle bus up the hill to see the amphitheatre. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Make your final stop for the day be the lovely hilltop town of Erice. Located on a hill overlooking Trapani, Erice is absolutely beautiful and boasts incredible views (especially on the drive up — you can also take a cable car from Trapani, however) and picturesque cobble lanes and alleyways.
End your day in Trapani, enjoying the lovely location on the confluence of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas.
Where to Stay in Trapani
Hotel San Michele – Located in the centre of Trapani, this hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range travellers to this western Sicilian city. They have a number of clean, cool and comfortable rooms available and offer breakfast each morning. Click here to see their availability
Room Of Andrea Hotel – This 4-star hotel is the perfect choice for those looking for a luxe stay in Trapani. It has an excellent location for exploring the city and its surrounding area, a number of plush rooms available and plenty of other wonderful amenities to ensure your stay is a great one. Click here to see their availability
Residence La Gancia – If you’d like your own space in Trapani, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. It is centrally located close to the highlights of the city and they also have a number of fully-furnished apartments available. There is also a bar and fitness centre on site. Click here to see their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Trapani hotels!
Day 8 – Trapani
Day 8 of this Sicily itinerary should be devoted to exploring lovely Trapani. Though this is a major metropolitan area, the historical centre of Trapani is quite compact and you can easily explore the top sites within the span of a morning.
In the afternoon, you have a few options. You could opt to head to the beach (there are several lovely beaches within a stone’s throw of Trapani’s centre) and soak up the sun for the rest of the day. Or you could hop on a ferry and spend a half-day exploring the nearby island of Favignana.
As the sun begins to set, make sure to hop in the car and head to the salt pans located just south of the city centre. Sometimes, you can even see flamingos enjoying the salinated waters here.
Day 9 – Marsala & Selinunte
On the penultimate day of your Sicilian adventure, it’s time to leave Trapani and make your way along the south coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento – but, of course, there are plenty of stops to make along the way!
The first is in the coastal city of Marsala. This town is famous for its eponymous fortified wine, but it also boasts a charming historical centre and some salt pans that are very similar to those in Trapani.
Afterwards, make your way to Selinunte, a lovely archaeological park located on the south coast of Sicily. This park includes the ruins of countless temples and other ancient sites and it is absolutely fascinating to wander around. Its location on the coast also boasts incredible views of the Mediterranean, as well.
If you’re looking for a great meal, we highly recommend heading to Trattoria Casa Mia in the town just a few hundred metres from the park entrance. It is a bit unassuming, but this ended up being one of our favourite meals during our time in Sicily.
From Selinunte, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive before you reach Agrigento.
Where to Stay in Agrigento
Hotel Exclusive – Located in the centre of Agrigento, this hotel is a great base for exploring all this area has to offer. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and they also have a great breakfast available each morning. Click here to see their availability
Doric Boutique Hotel – This luxury hotel is a great option when exploring the area near Agrigento if you’re after a plush stay. They are expertly poised for exploring the Valley of the Temples, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and there is a restaurant, bar and spa/wellness centre on site. Click here to see their availability
A Cantunera LittleHouse – For those looking for their own space while visiting Agrigento are sure to love this two-bedroom house. It is well located to explore the area and it comes fully furnished and well-equipped with everything you may need for a great stay in Sicily. Click here to see their availability
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Agrigento hotels!
Day 10 – Agrigento
Spend the final day of your 10 days in Sicily exploring the highlights surrounding the town of Agrigento. This area is most famous for being home to the Valley of the Temples, which is an incredible archaeological site that houses seven ruined Greek temples – including some of the best-preserved temples in the world.
Plan to spend the morning exploring the Valley of the Temples – you need at least a couple of hours in order to do the park justice. Stop for lunch in Agrigento proper before making your way to the beautiful Scala dei Turchi.
These are beautiful white cliffs that cascade into the sea and very much resemble a staircase. If you want to fight the crowds and try and find a place to park, you can even climb over the cliffs and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean.
From the Scala dei Turchi, head to Lido Rosello. This is a beautiful beach located right next to the cliffs and it provides incredible views of the Scala dei Turchi with a fraction of the crowds. End your Sicily itinerary by lounging on the beach and enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds you.
Have More Time?
If you have more than 10 days in Sicily, then there are countless ways to extend your trip. The first thing that springs to mind is to plan to spend a day or two in the southeast of the island around Siracusa. You can spend a day or two exploring the city itself and another couple of days heading to the hill towns in the nearby Val di Noto.
If you want to get a bit off the beaten path, then you could also head to the Aeolian islands and spend a bit of time hopping around this gorgeous and historic archipelago.
Planning a Sicily itinerary is one of the most fun trips to map out in all of Italy. An island with so much to offer, there is no wrong way to visit this incredible place.
Looking for travel insurance before visiting Sicily? World Nomads offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.
Are you planning to visit Sicily? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
