Welcome to what you need to know about Sicily! This summer I was lucky enough to visit Sicily and I want to share my top tips. After experiencing Sardinia in the summer of 2023, I was very eager to continue exploring Italy’s islands. Luckily, I caught a direct flight from Copenhagen to Catania, which set the trajectory for my Sicilian road trip. Many people fly into the capital, Palermo, in the north, which will lead you on a different adventure. As someone who always works on the road, I took time off in Sicily. The summer heat, crowds and moving and grooving were exhausting and Sicily was the perfect place to take a break.
Sicily’s rich diversity stems from its complex history, shaped by Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. Each culture left a lasting mark, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and language. The rugged terrain, charming towns, and down-to-earth people quickly stole my heart. Below are my top takeaways for what you need to know about Sicily to have a magical trip. Enjoy!
Renting a Car
Renting a car in Sicily allows you to explore the island’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. In my opinion, renting a car is a must. Luckily this is very easy from the Catania or Palermo airports. You’ll have easy access to remote beaches, charming villages and historic sites often off the beaten path. Public transportation can be limited, so a car ensures you won’t miss out on any hidden gems. Plus, driving through Sicily allows you to experience the breathtaking views of its countryside and coastline firsthand. My itinerary below leaves you with the highlights of a southeastern Sicily road trip. Car pick up and drop off for this route are both at the Catania airport.
Pro Tip ~ The island’s tiny towns and even tinier parking spots favor small cars, so consider this when choosing your rental.
Itinerary, part 1
Continuing with what you need to know about Sicily, here are our itinerary part 1 highlights.
• Catania – settle in, and explore the city center. Visit Piazza del Duomo, Catania Cathedral and the Fontana dell’Elefante. Stroll through Via Etnea and enjoy the vibrant street life. You only need a full day and night here however, if your flight gets in late, plan for 2 nights. Bohéme Mixology Bar for craft cocktails and Rasoterra for late-night pizza were huge Catania highlights for me!
• Brucoli – on our drive down to Siracusa, Brucoli was the perfect town to stop for lunch and a swim. Ristorante Al Castello offers stellar ocean views and fresh seafood options. If you want a remote, luxury, resort stay ‘Mangia’s Brucoli Autograph Collection’ is your spot.
• Siracusa – Siracusa was just behind Taormina as our favorite place in Sicily, and two to three nights here are perfect. This town is a blend of ancient history and modern life, with ruins scattered throughout the city. Ortigia is the tiny island at the tip of Siracusa. It is the perfect place to stay for quaint walking streets and lively markets. Although touristy, we took a tuk-tuk tour to get the lay of the land and loved it.
We saw historical sights and even a Caravaggio painting at the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia in the flesh. Don Peppinu in Ortigia had the best vegan chocolate gelato of my life; I levitated out of my body. Zefiro Solarium was the perfect place for daytime beach club vibes. I highly recommend these 2 places!
Itinerary, part 2
Onward with the itinerary, part 2 – more tiny roads and kind locals.
• Noto & Marzamemi – these quaint places are an hour south, and two to four nights will do you right. Noto is a beautiful baroque town with golden stone buildings that glow in the afternoon sun. The grandeur of Noto Cathedral and the intricacy of Palazzo Nicolaci make strolling feel like walking through an open-air museum.
Marzamemi, on the other hand, is a peaceful fishing village with colorful boats bobbing in the harbor and charming piazzas perfect for a slow lunch. Both cities are breathtaking in their own way and well worth your time.
Pro Tips ~ Parking in Sicily can be stressful. Researching ahead of time to book accommodation that offers a parking solution is well worth it. Also, to catch the ferry to Malta, you must head farther south to the Porto Di Pozzallo.
Taormina
• Taormina – a must know about Sicily is that we saved the best for last! This was the perfect place to spend our last 3 nights while cut down on driving. Taormina is a hilltop town with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna, making it one of the most picturesque places in Sicily. Visiting the Teatro Antico di Taormina was a huge highlight for us; we even caught a Jimi Sax concert here! Be sure to see if something is showing while you are visiting. Corso Umberto, the main street, is lined with boutiques, cafes and historic landmarks. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, spritz and luxury shopping.
My favorite thing about Taormina is glam or mom-and-pop options are all within reach and equally as fabulous. We stayed on the beach level at Mazzarò and took the cable car up to Taormina daily. Personally, this felt like a win to roll out of bed to the beach or boat and then have a nice dinner in town on the cliff.
Food and Drinks
Following our noses and asking the locals for recs led us to incredible food and drinks in Taormina. Here are the highlights!
• Vineria Modì – your tasting menu, Michelin star, fancy dinner kind of place. The sommelier left a lasting impression on me with his smile and knowledge. I loved their elevated macaroni, bursting with herbs and flavors. The deconstructed tiramisu was excellent and still makes me salivate thinking about it. Sit on their patio and be ready to be dazzled with perfect hospitality.
• Ristorante Pizzeria Taormina – we learned about pizza Roma from a local, and thank goodness we found it here. The crust is baked until crispy without toppings, and then they are added afterward. This leaves you with a crunch in every bite. I couldn’t help but order the Bronte (pistachio pizza), and it was a winner.
• Taverna Don Nino – you must get here for their rigatoni with creamy pistachio sauce! It is a life-changing dish that takes time to cook right. Sicilians do magical things with pistachios as they grow on the island in the town of Bronte. I couldn’t believe pasta this good was from the bag. The sweet owner even brought it out to show the goods. Dreaming of a return!
• Timoleone Cocktail Bar – the perfect place for a nightcap with an extensive gin list. The servers give great recommendations and the food is all vegetarian. Come in the evening for romantic outdoor seating and lighting on the stairs. A classic European moment!
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its frequent eruptions shape its dramatic landscape. Catania or Taormina are the best launch spots for Etna. The terrain ranges from lush vineyards and orchards at its base to barren lava fields and craters near the summit. Hiking trails and tours allow you to explore the diverse environment, offering incredible views of the countryside and the Ionian Sea. Be sure to plan clothes and footwear for various weather patterns if you hit the beach and mountains.
We found the ‘Etna Rosso’ red wine from the region very light and day-drink friendly. It’s not a wine I will seek out, but it’s worth a few glasses while visiting. Vineyards and hiking Mount Etna in one day, what is not to love? Returning to Catania for your departure flight is the perfect ending after Mount Etna or Taormina.
Favorite European Islands
Sicily is a significant departure from Rome, Lake Como and Venice. It’s salty, rugged, friendly and one of my favorite European islands thus far. As I wandered through the ancient streets, there was a sense of mystery and old world charm around every corner. The island’s vibrant culture and sweet locals create a feeling that lingers in your heart long after you leave. I hope you now know about Sicily a bit more and that these tips inspire you to embark on your Italian adventure.
My best advice is to travel slowly and take at least 3 nights at your main stops. If you have 7-10 days, pick a region and don’t overthink it. Sicily is a large island, and if you want to see the whole thing at a leisurely pace, I recommend spending at least a month. With so much to do and savor, I’m dreaming of a return to this captivating place and I am sure you will be too, 😘.
Con amore,
<3 Racheli
PS ~ If you love Italy’s more rugged side, be sure to check out our Apulia tips here!
Sicily is dreamy and I feel much more prepared for when I visit! Thank you for the Reks!
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We are so glad to hear that, you are welcome!