3 perfect days in Sicily
I'll never forget when I rented a car in Palermo and drove around the entire coast of Sicily. It only takes 13 hours if you do it all at once, but of course I stopped at dozens of seaside towns, explored ancient ruins, and ate every cannolo I could find along the way. Everywhere I went, I saw influences from the Ancient Greeks and Phoenicians to the Arabs and Spaniards. This is what I love most about Sicily: It can’t be defined as a single thing. There’s a massive mix of cultures, foods, and festivals. That's why the island is one of the most exciting parts of Italy to visit.
Follow along with me on this three-day itinerary through Sicily, and remember, it's intended to be a road trip. Renting a car will give you ample time to explore, get lost, and see some unexpected sights along the way. Best of all, I’ve included Tripadvisor reviews and ratings, so you rest assured other travelers loved these places, too.
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DAY ONE
MORNING: Italian breakfast on the go
Any great Sicilian road trip starts in the capital city of Palermo. And when you’re in Palermo, you can’t leave without indulging in some sweet and savory pastries. Get a cannolo at Pasticceria Costa, where the fresh ricotta is filled with pistachios and oozes out the sides of the crispy crust. Finish with a cappuccino and get on the road early to beat the traffic.
Heading west out of the city, you’ll want to make a couple of quick stops. First, pull over at the scenic overlook for Castellammare del Golfo. There are multiple stops along the way, so you have your pick. This harbor town has a medieval-era fortress that sits at the end of a narrow peninsula.
Your second stop is the equally stunning town of San Vito Lo Capo. On the northwest corner of the island, San Vito is known for its crystal-clear waters and glorious beaches. Massive Mount Monaco hovers over the town, beckoning climbers and hikers.
AFTERNOON: Lunch, followed by lots of salt
Driving around the northwestern tip of the island, you’re soon heading south toward the bustling community of Trapani. This seaside town is famous for harvesting salt, and its salt flats are some of the largest in Europe. Learn about the process at the Museo del Sale. Tripani is also home to a nature reserve that attracts thousands of flamingos. Head to lunch at Cantina Siciliana, a favorite since 1958. It’s known for its curly busiate pasta topped with pesto alla trapanese, made with almonds and tomatoes.
After a satisfying lunch, drive 40 minutes south to the city of Marsala, known for its sweet wine. One of the better wine tasting experiences is at Cantine Florio, a winery built in 1833. You’ll learn about the history of Marsala wine and why it’s a mainstay in Italy.
EVENING: Olives, olives, and olive oil
The final stop on your first day is the town of Castelvetrano, about 45 minutes southeast of Marsala. Castelvetrano is renowned for its giant olives. The best place to taste olives and olive oil is at Case di Latomie, a resort with rows upon rows of olive and citrus trees. The resort’s pool and spa are a welcome sight after a full day of driving. The restaurant, which serves traditional Sicilian dishes, is a stellar spot for dinner.
TRAPANI AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- A Guided Tour of Trapani’s Salt Pans will get you fully immersed in the history of the salt trade in the region. It includes a visit to the Salt Museum.
- Led by a very knowledgeable local, a Trapani Food Tour lets you sample some of the best street food on the island.
- If you want to learn more about the sweet wines of Sicily, indulge in a Wine Tasting in a Historic Cellar in Marsala.
Travelers say: “The visit to the Salt Museum in Trapani was amazing. The museum is very small, but the guides are fantastic and make the visit worth it. Do yourself a favor and go and visit.” —@mcdl_82
Worthy detours along the way
DAY TWO
MORNING: Travel from Italy to Greece
Trust us, you’ll want to wake up early for this. Grab a cornetto and coffee at your hotel and make the 90-minute drive from Castelvetrano to Agrigento. You’ll be astounded as you watch the sun peek over the horizon and cast the perfect glow on the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples. Founded in 582 BCE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with some of the region’s best-preserved Greek temples. The Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento tells the story of what the Greeks and Romans—along with the Phoenicians, Etruscans, and Carthaginians—left behind.
AFTERNOON: A glass of wine and sunset views
From Agrigento, drive east for two hours to the walled city of Ragusa. Dating back to the second millennium BCE, Ragusa is famed for its Baroque architecture. Make sure to venture to the terrace around the Chiesa Delle Scale for one of the best views of the whole town.
The real attraction in Ragusa is the food, especially at the award-winning Duomo, helmed by Chef Ciccio Sultano. Close to the Baroque cathedral called the Duomo di San Giorgio, the restaurant is a culinary marvel, serving unusual dishes like spaghetti with sea urchins and lamb with squash fondant. Everything you think you know about Italian food will change over the course of a couple hours.
After strolling around Ragusa, head north to the very old, and very active, volcano of Mount Etna. Soaring to almost 11,000 feet, Mount Etna is one of the tallest volcanoes in all of Europe, making it visible from miles away. It’s great for hiking and makes a miraculous spot for a glass of wine while the sun sets.
EVENING: Dine in the shadow of the volcano
Once the sun sinks below the horizon, take the cable car down to the bottom of Mount Etna and make the hour-long drive north to the hilltop town of Taormina. Built by the Greeks in 396 BCE, it’s filled with remarkable sights like the Ancient Theater of Taormina. Make sure to stroll along Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and high-end restaurants. For another memorable meal, head to Principe Cerami. Much of the produce that ends up on your plate was grown in the rich soil of Mount Etna. The wines, mostly from Sicily, are worth the splurge.
MOUNT ETNA AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- An early morning Guided Tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the most spectacular ways to see this ancient Greek archaeological site.
- At the end of the day, you can’t beat a Tour of Mount Etna at Sunset. Do as the locals do and enjoy a glass of wine as the sky turns amazing shades of orange and yellow.
- On a Taormina Boat Excursion, you don’t just get to take in the spectacular coastline. You’re also free to take a dip in the emerald green waters.
Travelers say: “We spent only a few days in Catania, Taormina and Siracusa, so we didn’t have enough time to take a trip to Mount Etna. But we saw it from a distance from Taormina and Catania, too. It’s majestic with its snowy mountain peak! We must return and next time we will visit it.” —@laczkozsu
DAY THREE
MORNING: A seaside breakfast, Sicilian style
From Taormina, head south and have breakfast in Catania at Pasticceria Savia. For well over a century, this eatery has been serving some of the best croissants and cannolo in all of Italy. Once you’ve had your fill, take a quick jaunt around the center of the city, maybe ducking inside the handsome Monastero dei Benedettini.
AFTERNOON: A side trip you can’t refuse
It’s time for a three-hour drive that takes you to one of Sicily’s most infamous towns, Corleone. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Mario Puzo chose it as the backdrop for his epic novel, The Godfather. The small town has decided to lean into its connection to the book and the film, and you’ll find Godfather paraphernalia everywhere. The town’s most popular attraction is a mafia museum with a tongue-twister of a name: the Centro Internazionale di Documentazione sulle Mafie e del Movimento Antimafia. Most people just call it CIDMA.
Before leaving town, stop for a quick lunch at one of the umbrella-shaded tables scattered around outside Pizza Nasce. In a country where pizza is taken very seriously, Tripadvisor readers say this place serves some of the best in the area.
EVENING: Stroll through the markets of Palermo
The drive from Corleone back to Palermo takes only an hour, which will leave you ample time to explore Sicily’s capital. The markets here—especially Mercato di Ballarò, Mercato del Capo, and La Vucciria—are a great way to engage with local food vendors. Some of the street foods you need to try include arancini (fried rice balls) and pannelle (chickpea fritters).
If you haven’t spoiled your appetite, head to Osteria Mangia e Bevi for its famous fried pasta, or Trattoria Piccolo Napoli for eggplant caponata and fried sardines.
CATANIA AND PALERMO AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- The biggest city on the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania is a seafood lover’s paradise. A Catania Street Food Tour takes you to some of the city’s best fish markets.
- The Highlights and Hidden Gems of Palermo Tour brings you to spots that only locals know about. You’ll take in the sights and smells of the city’s traditional outdoor markets.
- If you prefer to make your own meals, take a Sicilian Cooking Class in Palermo. You’ll hit the markets to buy your ingredients, then learn how to prepare a feast.
Travelers say: “The markets of Palermo are loud, noisy and busy, but that is part of the attraction. Plenty of stalls selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, with enthusiastic vendors crying out across the market, inviting you to sample their produce. There were many locals shopping there, which is a sign of how good it is. People seemed to be enjoying their food very much.” —@SaleDamc
Worthy detours along the way
Know Before You Go
Sicily is hot. If you venture here in July or August (most things are closed in August), you won’t have a good time. Opt for April, May, June, or October, which have lovely weather, smaller crowds, and a calendar filled with festivals.
You’ll find most businesses closed on Sundays, especially in smaller towns. Quite a few restaurants and bars shut down on Mondays as well. In major cities like Palermo and Catania, tourist-oriented shops and restaurants remain open all week.
Markets and shops typically close for lunch and then reopen around 4pm. This is especially true in smaller towns and villages around the island.
In Castelvetrano, Agriturismo Case di Latomie is a resort surrounded by the region’s famed olive trees. It offers tastings and tours and can arrange visits to the archaeological sites in the area.
In Taormina, consider a stay at San Domenico Palace. The handsome hotel was prominently featured in the series White Lotus. Dine at the award-winning restaurant, or just soak in the sun at the pool overlooking the sea. Make sure to book one of the signature spa treatments—ideal after a long hike up Mount Etna.
Villa Igiea, a favorite of Tripadvisor readers visiting Palermo, is a boutique hotel in a turn-of-the-century palazzo that overlooks the Gulf of Palermo.
Public transportation: There are some trains in Sicily, but most run only between the major cities. Buses have many more routes, including to the villages and towns in the center of the island.
By car: Renting a car is by far the best way to see Sicily. Make sure you bring along plenty of small change for parking meters and toll booths. Some rule of thumbs about street parking: blue lines mean you need to use a meter, white lines mean the spots are reserved for residents, and yellow lines mean don’t park there at all. Our best advice: stick to parking garages.
By taxi: Taxis are available around the island, but can be expensive in major cities. Uber is available in most larger towns and cities.
Airport transfers: You’re likely to be flying into Palermo or Catania. Buses and taxis are available at both. You can also arrange for a car to be waiting for you with the highly rated Sicily Airports Transfer and Tour. Palermo has a metro system that can take you from the airport to the city center.