Sicily itinerary
Sicily Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Sicily is a captivating destination that offers a blend of history, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Here's a suggested itinerary and review to help you discover the best of Sicily, including its local food and wine specialties:
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- Arrive in Palermo and settle into your accommodation. Take a stroll through the historic center and visit the Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace.
- Explore the vibrant street markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria, where you can indulge in street food specialties like arancini, panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza).
Day 2: Palermo and Monreale
- Spend the day exploring more of Palermo's architectural treasures, such as the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the Catacombs of the Capuchins.
- Take a short trip to Monreale to visit the magnificent Monreale Cathedral and admire its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
- Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Palermo, savoring Sicilian dishes like pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and cannoli for dessert.
Day 3: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
- Travel to Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local trattoria, trying specialties like spaghetti ai ricci di mare (spaghetti with sea urchin) and pesce spada (swordfish).
- In the afternoon, visit a nearby winery to sample Sicilian wines, such as Nero d'Avola and Grillo.
Day 4: Syracuse and Ortigia
- Journey to Syracuse (Siracusa) and explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Marvel at the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Roman Amphitheater.
- Wander through the charming streets of Ortigia, the historical center of Syracuse. Discover the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa.
- Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Ortigia, savoring local seafood specialties like fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood) and cassata siciliana (a traditional Sicilian cake).
Day 5: Taormina and Mount Etna
- Head to Taormina and visit the ancient Greek Theater with its panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Take a stroll along Corso Umberto, the main street lined with shops and cafes.
- Enjoy a lunch of Sicilian pasta, such as pasta alla Norma, at a local trattoria.
- In the afternoon, take a guided tour to Mount Etna, where you can explore the volcanic landscapes and learn about the local winemaking traditions. Sample wines produced on the slopes of the volcano.
Day 6: Cefalù and the Madonie Mountains
- Travel to the picturesque town of Cefalù on the northern coast of Sicily. Visit the stunning Norman Cathedral and relax on the sandy beach.
- Venture into the Madonie Mountains, where you can explore charming villages like Castelbuono and try local specialties such as porchetta (roast pork) and artisanal cheeses.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Cefalù, savoring Sicilian delicacies like couscous alla trapanese (Trapani-style couscous) and cassata.
Sicily Review:
Sicily offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. The island's rich heritage is evident in its impressive archaeological sites, such as the Valley of the Temples and the Greek Theater. The local cuisine is a highlight, with its unique flavors and fresh ingredients. Sicilian dishes like arancini, pasta con le sarde, and cannoli are a must-try.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to sample Sicilian wines, such as Nero d'Avola and Grillo, at the many wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the region. The landscapes are diverse and breathtaking, from the majestic Mount Etna to the picturesque coastal towns and sandy beaches.
With a well-planned itinerary, you can explore the highlights of Sicily while immersing yourself in the local food and wine specialties. From Palermo to Syracuse, Taormina to Cefalù, Sicily offers a truly memorable travel experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Food and wine tasting in Sicily?
Sicily is a paradise for food and wine lovers, offering a rich culinary heritage and a diverse range of local specialties. Here are some food and wine experiences you can enjoy while tasting your way through Sicily:
1. Street Food in Palermo: Start your culinary journey in Palermo, where street food is a beloved tradition. Explore the bustling markets and try iconic street snacks like arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), and stigghiola (grilled lamb intestines). Visit popular spots like Antica Focacceria San Francesco or Ballarò Market to indulge in these delights.
2. Seafood in Catania: Catania, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is renowned for its seafood. Head to the vibrant fish market, La Pescheria, where you can find an array of fresh catches. Taste dishes like pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese) or pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers).
3. Winery Visits in Marsala: Explore the Marsala region, famous for its fortified wine of the same name. Visit wineries like Florio or Pellegrino, where you can take guided tours and tastings of Marsala wines, ranging from dry to sweet varieties. Learn about the winemaking process and discover the unique flavors and aromas of this traditional Sicilian wine.
4. Sweet Delights in Modica: Modica is known for its unique chocolate-making tradition. Taste the renowned Modica chocolate, which is produced using an ancient Aztec recipe brought to Sicily during the Spanish rule. The chocolate is characterized by its distinctive grainy texture and intense flavor. Visit renowned chocolatiers like Antica Dolceria Bonajuto to sample these artisanal treats.
5. Wine and Vineyards in Mount Etna: Explore the wine region around Mount Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes. The volcanic soil and altitude contribute to the production of exceptional wines. Visit wineries like Benanti or Planeta to taste wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. Enjoy wine tastings while taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards and the volcano.
6. Gelato in Noto: Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Baroque architecture, is also home to excellent gelaterias. Treat yourself to a scoop or two of artisanal gelato, made with fresh, local ingredients. Gelaterias like Caffè Sicilia or Gelateria Mastrociliegia are renowned for their delicious gelato flavors and high-quality craftsmanship.
7. Ricotta and Pastries in Agrigento: Agrigento is known for its ricotta cheese and traditional Sicilian pastries. Try cannoli, which are crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream, often flavored with pistachio, chocolate, or candied fruit. Visit pasticcerias like Pasticceria Cappello to savor these delightful treats.
These are just a few highlights of the food and wine experiences you can enjoy in Sicily. The island is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with each region offering its own specialties and flavors. So, immerse yourself in the Sicilian gastronomic scene, and let your taste buds savor the unique and diverse cuisine and wines of this beautiful island.
Sicily: where to stay?
Sicily is a beautiful and diverse island in Italy, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit various tastes and budgets. The best place to stay in Sicily depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some popular areas and towns to consider:
1. **Palermo**: The capital city of Sicily, Palermo is a great choice for those interested in history, culture, and city life. You can explore historic sites, markets, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
2. **Taormina**: This charming town is perched on a hill with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its ancient Greek theater, beautiful beaches, and upscale resorts.
3. **Catania**: Catania is Sicily's second-largest city and offers a mix of history, nightlife, and local cuisine. It's a good base for exploring Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.
4. **Syracuse**: Syracuse is rich in history and boasts impressive archaeological sites, including the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius. Ortigia, the historical center, is a picturesque place to stay.
5. **Agrigento**: If you're interested in ancient history, Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Greek ruins.
6. **Cefalù**: This charming coastal town offers beautiful beaches, a picturesque historic center, and easy access to natural attractions like the Madonie Mountains.
7. **Trapani**: A gateway to the nearby Egadi Islands and close to the salt flats of Trapani, this area is known for its seafood and historic sites.
8. **Marsala**: Famous for its wine, Marsala offers a relaxed atmosphere, historic sites, and beautiful beaches.
9. **Ragusa**: Part of the Val di Noto, Ragusa is known for its stunning Baroque architecture. Ragusa Ibla is particularly beautiful and a great place to stay.
10. **Aeolian Islands**: If you're looking for a unique island experience, consider staying on one of the Aeolian Islands, such as Lipari or Stromboli, known for their natural beauty and volcanic activity.
11. **Etna Region**: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider staying near Mount Etna to explore the volcano and its surroundings. There are many charming agriturismi in this area.
12. **The interior**: If you prefer a more rural and tranquil experience, consider staying in the interior of Sicily, where you can find agriturismi, country villas, and opportunities to experience local traditions.
When choosing your accommodation, consider your interests, budget, and the type of experience you want in Sicily. Whether you prefer a bustling city, a picturesque seaside town, or a peaceful countryside retreat, Sicily has something to offer every traveler.
How to get to Sicily, and view the map in real time.
To get to Sicily and view a map in real time, you can follow these steps:
1. **Choose Your Transportation**:
- By Air: The most common way to reach Sicily from international destinations is by flying. Sicily has several airports, with the largest being Palermo Airport (PMO), Catania Airport (CTA), and Trapani Airport (TPS). You can book a flight to one of these airports from your departure location.
- By Ferry: If you're traveling from mainland Italy or nearby Mediterranean countries, you can take a ferry to Sicily. There are multiple ports on the Sicilian coast, including Palermo, Messina, Catania, and Trapani, where ferries arrive.
2. **Use a Mapping App or Website**:
- Google Maps: Open the Google Maps app or website (maps.google.com) on your device.
- Enter your starting point and destination. In this case, input your current location (if you want real-time directions) and your desired destination in Sicily.
- Google Maps will provide you with directions and real-time information on your route.
3. **Navigation and Real-Time Updates**:
- If you're using a smartphone, you can enable GPS for real-time navigation and traffic updates. The app will provide turn-by-turn directions and live traffic data to help you reach your destination.
4. **Public Transportation**:
- If you plan to use public transportation within Sicily, you can use the "Transit" feature in Google Maps. It provides information on buses, trams, and other local transportation options.
5. **Alternative Mapping Apps**:
- In addition to Google Maps, you can use other mapping apps like Apple Maps, Waze, or a GPS navigation device for real-time directions.
6. **Online Flight/Ferry Tracking**:
- If you want to track your flight or ferry in real-time, many airlines and ferry operators offer tracking services on their websites or mobile apps. You can input your flight/ferry details to monitor its status and location.
Remember to have a reliable internet connection for real-time mapping. If you'll be traveling to remote areas without internet access, consider downloading offline maps for your navigation app in advance.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on transportation options, routes, and schedules, it's advisable to check with the respective airlines, ferry operators, or local transportation providers. Additionally, make sure to comply with any COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements that may be in place at the time of your trip.