I recently had the pleasure of exploring Sicily with in the company of my mother and brother. Our 14 day trip was filled with countless adventures and I’d like to offer some suggestions for anyone contemplating a similar journey. This is not the exact Sicily itinerary we followed but rather the itinerary I’d recommend for 14 days in Sicily along with some suggestions for extra days.
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What is Sicily
Sicily is a land of towering volcanoes, ancient ruins, and perilous seas. The island’s history, a labyrinth of invasions, conquests, and rebellions, has left a deep mark on its culture, resulting in a unique blend of Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences. The Sicilian people, though warm and hospitable, are known for their fiery tempers and passion for all things.
Read my 10 tips for planning a trip to Sicily.
- Day 1: Palermo
- Day 2: Monreale
- Day 3: Palermo
- Day 4: Cefalù
- Day 5: Segesta and Trapani
- Day 6: Erice and San Vito Lo Capo OR Aegadian Islands
- Day 7: Marsala and Selinunte
- Day 8: Valley of the Temples
- Day 9: Ortigia
- Day 10: Syracuse
- Day 11: Ragusa and Modica
- Day 12: Catania
- Day 13: Mount Etna
- Day 14: Toarmina
- What if you have more days?
Day 1: Palermo
Spend a few days exploring Palermo. Here’s a Palermo Quick Start Guide: How to get to Palermo, getting around Palermo, where to stay, where to eat, and what to expect.
Start off with a walking tour to familiarize yourself with the city. Make sure your tour includes time to visit the Palermo Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel, and Teatro Massimo.
Here are some options for guided tours and here is my self-guided walking tour.
You’ll spend the night in Palermo.
Day 2: Monreale
On your second day, head to Cattedrale di Monreale. If you finish up early, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on Mondello Beach.
You’ll spend the night in Palermo.
Day 3: Palermo
And on your third day in Palermo, head back to any sights you didn’t have enough time to explore during your walking tour on the first day.
You’ll spend the night in Palermo.
Day 4: Cefalù
Take the train to Cefalù for the day. Cefalù is a charming seaside town that offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its picturesque setting, with its medieval cathedral dominating the skyline and its sandy beaches stretching along the coast, makes it an enchanting destination. Be sure to hike La Rocca, enjoy a gelato in Piazza Duomo, and walk along Porto Vecchio.
You’ll spend the night in Palermo.
Day 5: Segesta and Trapani
At this point you’ll want to head to the Palermo Airport to pick up a rental car that you’ll need for the rest of this Sicily itinerary.
Your first stop is Segesta. Segesta Archeological Park is a desolate expanse where the remnants of a forgotten civilization cling to existence. A magnificently well-preserved Doric temple stands proudly as a reminder of a bygone era. Nearby, an ancient theater perches on top of a steep hill. Segesta is located in the middle of nowhere so is also offers solitude in abundance, a serene escape from the crowds. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Segesta.
Then head to Trapani and explore the town before getting dinner and enjoying the sunset. Trapani is a sun-kissed coastal Sicilian gem, inviting visitors to wander its labyrinthine embrace. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Trapani, and here’s a self-guided walking tour.
You’ll spend the night in Trapani.
Day 6: Erice and San Vito Lo Capo OR Aegadian Islands
You have two options for today, unless you want to just add on an extra day.
We chose to visit Erice. Nestled precariously on a mountaintop above Trapani, Erice isn’t for the faint of heart. Cobbled streets wind more like a tipsy donkey path than a sidewalk but the destination is delightful. Weave between fragrant pastry shops, castles, churches, ancient stone walls, and stunning views using my self-guided walking tour.
If you have time after exploring Erice, head San Vito Lo Capo to relax on the beach.
Alternatively, take a day trip to the Aegadian Islands. The Aegadian Islands are a group of three islands off the coast of Trapani. Favignana is the largest island and is known for its beaches, caves, and tuna traps. Levanzo is the smallest island and is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Here are a couple well-rated tours to try:
- Egadi Islands Tour: Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani
- Favignana and Levanzo: Island tour by rib boat from Trapani
You’ll spend the night in Trapani.
Day 7: Marsala and Selinunte
Get back in your car today and make your way to Marsala, the next stop on your Sicily itinerary. The village of Marsala is known for its namesake fortified wine. Head to Cantine Florio for a Marsala wine tour and tasting. Make a reservation here. Tours start at €25 and last a little over an hour.
Then head to Selinunte Archaeological Park. It is the largest archaeological area in Europe at about 670 acres, and was once home to one of the largest Greek colonies on the island, dating to 600 B.C. Tour the ruins of seven Doric temples, as well as the necropolis. Here’s my full guide to visiting Selinunte.
You’ll spend the night in Agrigento.
Day 8: Valley of the Temples
Today you’ll explore the nearby Valley of the Temples, a must-see for those seeking ancient wonders. Among the highlights of this archaeological site, the Temple of Concordia stands out as one of the best-preserved Doric temples in existence. As you wander, you’ll encounter other fascinating remains, including aqueducts that once carried water, intricate mosaic floors, and a tomb. We visited this site on a tour that I’d suggest you avoid at all costs if you hope to make it home in one piece.
You’ll spend the night in Agrigento.
Day 9: Ortigia
Head to Syracuse today. The streets of Syracuse are a maze of narrow alleyways, lined with crumbling ruins from the city’s long and storied past. There are temples, theaters, and catacombs to explore, all of which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Syracuse. Spend today exploring Ortigia using this self-guided walking tour of Ortigia to guide you along.
You’ll spend the night in Syracuse.
Day 10: Syracuse
Spend today exploring more sights around Syracuse such as the Archaeological Park of Neapolis (a vast complex of ancient ruins), the Catacombs of San Giovani (extensive catacombs that lie under the Basilica di San Giovanni), the modern Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime, and the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi (a top archeological museum with an extensive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts).
You’ll spend the night in Syracuse.
Day 11: Ragusa and Modica
Hop in your car for a day trip to explore Ragusa and Modica. Ragusa is a labyrinth of winding streets and grand squares. Its baroque architecture, with its intricate carvings and ornate facades, is a testament to the island’s artistic heritage.
Nearby Modica, known for its chocolate production, is another gem of Sicilian Baroque. Its steep, narrow streets are lined with imposing churches and palazzos, each a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity.
You’ll spend the night in Syracuse.
Day 12: Catania
Pack up and make your way to Catania this morning. Catania, a vivacious Sicilian city, pulses with a contagious energy. The streets of Catania are lined with Baroque churches and palaces, but they are also pockmarked with the scars of volcanic eruptions. You’ll spend the rest of your day exploring Catania so here’s everything you need to know about visiting Catania and here’s a self-guided walking tour.
You’ll spend the night in Catania.
Day 13: Mount Etna
Today you’ll take a day trip to Mount Etna. The slopes of Mount Etna are covered in a lush green forest, and its summit is capped with snow. The mountain is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions. Etna is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to marvel at its beauty and power, to hike and to drink wine.
Since this is a day trip and you will be returning to Catania at the end of the day, you can choose to drive or join a tour and I’d highly recommend the latter. Here are a few tour options:
- Tour Etna & Wine Tasting – We did this and it was fantastic.
- From Catania Etna at Sunset half day tour
- Etna Morning Tour with Lunch Included
- Mt. Etna nature and flavors half day Tour from Catania
- Catania: Etna Morning Jeep Tour
You’ll spend the night in Catania.
Day 14: Toarmina
The last stop on your Sicily itinerary is another day trip to Taormina. The streets of Taormina are filled with tourists, and the views from the town are simply breathtaking. The town is built on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, and it offers stunning views of Mount Etna. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Taormina and here’s a self-guided walking tour.
Since this is a day trip and you will be returning to Catania at the end of the day, you can choose to drive, take the train, or join a tour. Here are a few tour options:
- Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania
- Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania
You can either spend the night in Catania or head to the airport as this is the end of your 14 days in Sicily.
What if you have more days?
Exactly how you spend your time in Sicily will be up to you, but here are a few more things you could add to your itinerary.
- Stay an extra night in Trapani to take a day trip to hike, snorkel, swim, or sunbathe at Zingaro Natural Reserve.
- Stay an extra night in Agrigento to do a day trip to Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th century A.D. villa filled with intricate mosaics.
- Head to Messina at the end of your trip. You could spend a day exploring that city, take a day trip to swim in the Pool of Venus, or plan a trip to see the Stromboli Volcano at night. You can also catch a train to mainland Italy from Messina.
Still want more ideas to add to you Sicily Itinerary? Here are the top 29 Sicily travel experiences.
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