Sicily Road Trip from Catania Airport

This 10-day journey takes you on a spectacular circuit of eastern and southern Sicily, from the vibrant streets of Catania to the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento, from pristine beaches to baroque masterpieces, and from coastal villages to Europe’s largest active volcano.

The driving distances are manageable, with no day requiring more than 2-3 hours on the road. This gives you ample time to enjoy each destination rather than rushing through. The circular route ensures you’ll experience many of Sicily’s highlights – from the historic cities of Catania and Siracusa to the baroque splendors of the Val di Noto, from the ancient wonders of Agrigento to the natural majesty of Mount Etna – before returning to Catania for your departure.

My tip here, don’t try to visit all of Sicily in just 10 days, not even in two weeks. Sicily is a big island that deserves at least 3 weeks, possibly 4. Otherwise, you will end up spending most of your time driving around but not actually experiencing the places.If you fly to Palermo, I suggest a road trip in the northern-west side of Sicily.

Detailed Descriptions for Sicily Road Trip

DAY 1: CATANIA – Gateway to Eastern Sicily

After arriving at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and picking up your Sicilian rental car, you’ll make the short 15-minute drive into the heart of Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city. Built in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania has a distinctive character with its baroque architecture constructed from dark volcanic stone, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright Sicilian sun.

Begin your Sicilian adventure in Piazza del Duomo, the city’s main square and the perfect introduction to Catania’s unique charm. The square is dominated by the city’s symbol – the Fontana dell’Elefante (Elephant Fountain), a curious monument featuring an ancient lava stone elephant topped by an Egyptian obelisk. According to local legend, this elephant (affectionately called “u Liotru” by locals) has magical powers that protect the city from Etna’s eruptions.

From the square, step into the magnificent Catania Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant’Agata). Originally built in the 11th century over the ruins of Roman baths, the cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Inside, you’ll find the Chapel of Sant’Agata, which houses the relics of the city’s patron saint.

After visiting the cathedral, take a stroll along Via Etnea, Catania’s main shopping street that runs straight through the city center with Mount Etna visible at its northern end on clear days. The street is lined with elegant baroque buildings, shops, cafés, and pastry shops where you can try your first authentic Sicilian cannolo or granita.

For lunch, head to La Pescheria, Catania’s vibrant fish market that operates every morning except Sunday. Even if you’re not buying fish, the atmosphere is captivating – vendors shouting their offers, fresh seafood displayed on beds of ice, and the pungent smells of the sea. Around the market, you’ll find several small restaurants serving the freshest seafood – try Osteria Antica Marina for an authentic experience.

In the afternoon, explore more of Catania’s historic center. Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Piazza Stesicoro, partially excavated from beneath the modern city, offering a glimpse into Catania’s ancient past. Then make your way to Castello Ursino, a 13th-century castle that now houses the Civic Museum with its collection of archaeological finds and art.

As evening approaches, join the locals for the traditional passeggiata (evening stroll) along Via Etnea or the elegant Via Crociferi, lined with baroque churches and monasteries. For dinner, venture into the streets around Piazza Università where you’ll find numerous restaurants serving traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Try Trattoria La Siciliana for classic dishes like pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata) or sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines).

End your first day with a gelato from Savia, a historic pastry shop and café that’s been serving Catanians since 1897. Their pistachio gelato, made with nuts from nearby Bronte, is legendary.

My suggested accommodation in Catania: B&B Palazzo Bruca

My personal tip: For a spectacular view of Mount Etna and the city, head to the rooftop terrace of the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena (part of the University of Catania). This massive monastery complex is one of the largest in Europe, and while the monastery itself is worth visiting, the view from the top is the real highlight – especially in the late afternoon when the light on Etna is particularly beautiful.

DAY 2: CATANIA TO SIRACUSA – From Volcanic Stone to Ancient Greece

After breakfast at your Catania accommodation, spend your morning visiting any sites you missed yesterday. If you haven’t already, make time for Castello Ursino, the imposing fortress built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. Once standing at the water’s edge (before lava flows changed the coastline), the castle now houses the Civic Museum with its collection of Greek and Roman artifacts, medieval weaponry, and paintings.

Around mid-morning, begin your journey south to Siracusa (Syracuse), one of Sicily’s most beautiful and historically significant cities. The drive takes about an hour along the coastal highway, offering glimpses of the Ionian Sea along the way. If time allows, consider a brief stop in Acicastello to see the Norman castle built on dramatic black lava cliffs.

Arrive in Siracusa by lunchtime and head straight to Ortigia, the small island that forms the historic heart of the city. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, Ortigia is a maze of narrow medieval streets, baroque piazzas, and ancient Greek remains all packed into an area less than 1 square kilometer.

Park your car at one of the lots at the entrance to Ortigia (cars are restricted in much of the historic center) and begin exploring on foot. Start at Piazza Archimede with its ornate Fountain of Diana, then make your way to the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, one of Sicily’s most beautiful squares.

The cathedral here is unique – it was originally a Greek temple to Athena built in the 5th century BCE, later converted into a Byzantine church, then a mosque during Arab rule, and finally a Christian cathedral. You can still see the massive Doric columns of the original temple incorporated into the cathedral’s structure.

For lunch, try one of the restaurants around the piazza or venture into the smaller streets for more authentic options. Sicilian Street Food offers excellent arancini (fried rice balls) and other local specialties perfect for a quick lunch.

After lunch, continue exploring Ortigia. Visit the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring right next to the sea that has been revered since ancient Greek times. According to mythology, the nymph Arethusa was transformed into this spring by the goddess Artemis to escape the river god Alpheus. The spring is surrounded by papyrus plants – the only place in Europe where papyrus grows naturally.

Spend the afternoon wandering through Ortigia’s charming streets, discovering hidden courtyards, small churches, and local craft shops. Make your way to the southern tip of the island to see the Castello Maniace, a massive fortress built by Frederick II in the 13th century that guards the entrance to Siracusa’s harbor.

As evening approaches, find a spot along the western side of Ortigia for sunset views over the harbor. For dinner, try Osteria da Mariano for authentic Sicilian cuisine in a cozy setting, or splurge at Ristorante Dioniso for more upscale dining with a focus on fresh seafood.

Check into your Siracusa accommodation for the night. If you’re staying on Ortigia, you’ll be able to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the island after dark, when the ancient buildings are beautifully illuminated and the piazzas fill with locals enjoying the cool evening air.

My suggested accommodation in Siracusa: Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel

My personal tip: While most tourists stick to the main streets of Ortigia, venture into the less-visited northeastern part of the island near the Jewish Quarter (Giudecca). Here you’ll find the oldest mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) in Europe, discovered beneath a medieval palazzo and accessible by guided tour. The area also has some of the most authentic restaurants on the island, where you can dine among locals rather than tourists.

DAY 3: SIRACUSA – Ancient Wonders and Archaeological Treasures

Dedicate today to exploring Siracusa’s incredible archaeological heritage, which rivals that of Athens or Rome. After breakfast, head to the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the mainland part of Siracusa, about a 25-minute walk or short drive from Ortigia.

The park contains some of the most impressive Greek and Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. Start with the Greek Theater, one of the largest in the ancient world, capable of seating 15,000 spectators. Built in the 5th century BCE and later modified by the Romans, the theater is still used for classical performances during the annual Greek theater festival in May and June.

If you’re visiting during this time, try to catch a performance – there’s nothing quite like watching ancient Greek drama in the same space where it was performed 2,500 years ago.

Near the theater, you’ll find the mysterious Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio), a limestone cave with unusual acoustics. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius used the cave as a prison for political dissidents, and its shape allowed him to eavesdrop on their conversations.

The name was given by the painter Caravaggio when he visited in the early 17th century. Step inside and test the remarkable acoustics for yourself – even a whisper can be heard clearly throughout the cave.

Continue to the Roman Amphitheater, slightly less well-preserved than the Greek Theater but still impressive. Unlike the Greek Theater used for dramatic performances, this arena was built for gladiatorial combats and other bloody spectacles during the Roman period.

Also within the park, you’ll find the Altar of Hieron II, a massive structure over 650 feet long where up to 450 bulls could be sacrificed simultaneously, and the Latomie, ancient stone quarries where thousands of Athenian prisoners were held after their failed invasion of Sicily in 413 BCE.

For lunch, there are several casual restaurants near the archaeological park. Try Archimede for good, reasonably priced Sicilian cuisine in a location convenient to the park.

In the afternoon, visit the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums. The collection spans prehistory to the Greek and Roman periods, with highlights including Greek sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from the ancient colonies of Sicily. The museum provides context for the ruins you saw in the morning and helps bring ancient Siracusa to life.

If time allows, visit the Catacombs of San Giovanni, early Christian burial tunnels that rival those of Rome in scale but see far fewer tourists. The guided tour takes you through a fascinating underground network that dates back to the 4th century CE.

Return to Ortigia for the evening. For dinner, try Ristorante O’Scià for excellent seafood or Sicilia in Tavola for traditional Sicilian dishes with a creative twist. After dinner, enjoy a gelato or granita from Gelateria Fiordilatte while strolling along Ortigia’s seafront promenade, taking in the evening atmosphere of this magical island.

My personal tip: If you’re interested in how ordinary Siracusans lived in ancient times (not just the elites who built the grand theaters and temples), visit the small but fascinating Tecnoparco Archimede near the archaeological park. This open-air museum features working reconstructions of ancient Greek and Roman technology, including many inventions attributed to Archimedes, Siracusa’s most famous citizen. The water screws, catapults, and other devices offer a hands-on understanding of ancient engineering that’s perfect for both adults and children.

DAY 4: SIRACUSA TO MARINA DI AVOLA – From Ancient Stones to Golden Sands

This morning, take your time for a final exploration of Siracusa. Perhaps visit any sites you missed on Ortigia, or simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café in Piazza del Duomo, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic island one last time.

Around mid-morning, check out of your accommodation and begin the short drive south to Marina di Avola, a journey of about 25 km that should take around 30 minutes. The route follows the coastline, offering beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.

If time allows, consider a brief detour to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a protected coastal wetland that’s home to flamingos, herons, and other migratory birds, as well as several pristine, undeveloped beaches.

Arrive in Marina di Avola by lunchtime. This pleasant seaside resort is less well-known to international tourists than many Sicilian destinations, giving it a more authentic, local feel. The town is famous for its wine production, particularly the rich red Nero d’Avola grape variety that originated in this area.

Check into your accommodation and then head to one of the beachfront restaurants for lunch. Try Da Luciano for excellent seafood with sea views, or for something more casual, pick up arancini and other Sicilian street food from one of the small vendors along the lungomare (seafront promenade).

After lunch, it’s time to enjoy Marina di Avola’s main attraction – its beautiful beaches. The town has several sandy beaches with clear, shallow water perfect for swimming. The main beach, right in front of the town, offers sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, as well as beach bars serving drinks and snacks. For a quieter experience, head to Spiaggia Gallina just south of the main beach, which tends to be less crowded.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, or if you’re feeling more active, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the coastline from the water. The sea is typically calm in this protected bay, making it ideal for water sports.

In the late afternoon, take a stroll along the lungomare, the seafront promenade that runs the length of Marina di Avola. As the day cools, you’ll see locals emerging for their evening passeggiata, families with children enjoying the playground areas, and fishermen preparing their boats for the evening catch.

For dinner, try Ristorante La Terrazza for excellent seafood with a view, or head into the historic center of Avola town (about 2 km inland) for more dining options. Avola’s historic center has a charming baroque layout with a hexagonal main piazza and several beautiful churches worth exploring if you have time.

After dinner, enjoy the relaxed evening atmosphere of Marina di Avola with a stroll along the beach or a gelato from one of the seafront gelaterias. The sunset views over the Ionian Sea are particularly beautiful from this stretch of coast.

My suggested accommodation in Marina d’Avola: Pantanello Rooms

My personal tip: While in the Avola area, try to taste some authentic Nero d’Avola wine from local producers. This grape variety, now famous worldwide, originated in this very region. For a special experience, arrange a visit to Cantina Palmeri or another local winery for a tasting. Many also offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities, giving you insight into Sicily’s ancient winemaking traditions.

DAY 5: MARINA DI AVOLA TO NOTO AND BACK – Baroque Splendors and Beach Relaxation

Today you’ll take a day trip to Noto, one of Sicily’s most beautiful baroque towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site, while still having time to enjoy the beaches of Marina di Avola. After breakfast at your accommodation, drive inland to Noto, a journey of just 10 km that takes about 15 minutes.

Noto is often described as the perfect baroque town, rebuilt entirely after the devastating earthquake of 1693 that destroyed much of southeastern Sicily. The town was reconstructed in the prevailing baroque style of the time, using local honey-colored limestone that glows golden in the sunlight. The result is a remarkably harmonious urban ensemble that feels like an open-air museum of baroque architecture.

Park your car outside the historic center (there are several parking lots near Porta Reale, the main entrance to the old town) and begin your exploration on foot. Enter through Porta Reale and follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street that runs through the heart of Noto. This wide, straight avenue is lined with palaces, churches, and convents, all built in the same golden limestone and elaborate baroque style.

Your first stop should be the Cathedral of San Nicolò, which dominates Piazza Municipio in the center of town. The cathedral’s impressive façade and grand staircase make it one of Sicily’s most photographed churches. Unfortunately, the dome collapsed in 1996, but it has been meticulously reconstructed and the cathedral reopened in 2007.

Next, visit Palazzo Ducezio, now the town hall, located opposite the cathedral. If it’s open, go inside to see the Hall of Mirrors, a beautiful room modeled after Versailles. Continue along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, stopping to admire the Church of San Carlo, the Church of Santa Chiara, and the elaborate balconies of Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, which are supported by grotesque figures and mythological creatures.

For a panoramic view of Noto and the surrounding countryside, climb the bell tower of the Church of San Carlo. The view of the town’s golden domes and rooftops against the green landscape and blue sky is unforgettable.

By now it’s probably lunchtime, and Noto offers several excellent dining options. Try Ristorante Manna for creative Sicilian cuisine in an elegant setting, or for something more casual, Caffè Sicilia is world-famous for its granita (Sicilian semi-frozen dessert) and traditional sweets – their almond granita with brioche is the perfect light lunch on a hot day.

After lunch, spend a little more time exploring Noto’s side streets, which are less crowded but still offer beautiful architecture and glimpses into local life. Visit the Church of San Domenico with its distinctive concave façade, and if you’re interested in art, the Civic Museum in Palazzo Astuto houses a small but interesting collection.

In the mid-afternoon, drive back to Marina di Avola for some beach time. After the cultural immersion of Noto, the refreshing waters of the Ionian Sea will be particularly welcome. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or perhaps trying a water sport like windsurfing or paddleboarding if you’re feeling energetic.

For dinner, try a different restaurant in Marina di Avola – perhaps Ristorante Retroscena for excellent seafood in a casual setting. End your day with a moonlit walk along the beach or the lungomare, reflecting on the contrast between Noto’s baroque splendors and the natural beauty of Sicily’s coastline.

My personal tip: If you’re visiting between late May and early June, try to catch Noto’s Infiorata festival, when one of the streets (usually Via Nicolaci) is decorated with intricate mosaics made entirely of flower petals. The designs change each year but are always spectacular. Even if you miss the festival, look for almond sweets in Noto’s pastry shops – the area is famous for its almonds, and local confectioners create beautiful marzipan fruits and other treats that are as much art as food.

DAY 6: MARINA DI AVOLA TO SCICLI – Baroque Gems Off the Beaten Path

After breakfast and perhaps a final morning swim at Marina di Avola, check out of your accommodation and begin your journey to Scicli. The drive of about 55 km should take around an hour, taking you through the beautiful Sicilian countryside and several small towns of the Val di Noto region.

Scicli (pronounced “sheek-lee”) is one of Sicily’s most charming baroque towns but sees fewer tourists than its more famous neighbors like Noto and Ragusa. This gives it a more authentic, lived-in feel that many visitors find refreshing. Like other towns in the area, Scicli was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in the elaborate baroque style, but it has a distinctive character all its own, nestled in a dramatic setting between rocky hills.

As you approach Scicli, you’ll notice cave dwellings in the limestone cliffs surrounding the town – these are the Chiafura, ancient habitations that were used until as recently as the 1950s. If you’re interested, you can visit them later in the day.

Arrive in Scicli by late morning and find parking near the center (there are several small lots and street parking available). Begin your exploration on Via Francesco Mormino Penna, the main street and a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right. This elegant street is lined with baroque palaces and churches, including the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista with its distinctive bell tower.

Visit Palazzo Beneventano, considered one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Sicily, with its ornate balconies supported by grotesque figures and mythological creatures. The palace is private, but its spectacular façade can be admired from the street.

For fans of the Italian detective series “Inspector Montalbano,” Scicli offers a special treat – the town hall doubles as the police station “Commissariato di Vigàta” in the TV show. Even if you’re not familiar with the series, the building is worth visiting for its beautiful courtyard and the view from its balcony.

For lunch, try Osteria Tre Colli for excellent local cuisine in a cozy setting, or for something quicker, pick up arancini and other Sicilian street food from one of the small bakeries in town.

After lunch, continue exploring Scicli’s treasures. Visit the Church of San Bartolomeo, the town’s patron saint, with its impressive staircase, and the Church of Santa Maria la Nova with its beautiful majolica floor. Then make your way up to the Church of San Matteo, perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the town. The church itself is no longer in use, but the climb is worth it for the panoramic views of Scicli and the surrounding valleys.

If you’re interested in the Chiafura cave dwellings, you can visit them from a path near the Church of San Matteo. These ancient habitations carved into the limestone cliff offer a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that continued in Sicily until relatively recently.

In the late afternoon, check into your Scicli accommodation. For dinner, try La Grotta for excellent seafood in a unique setting – part of the restaurant is carved into the rock face, creating a cave-like dining room that’s both romantic and distinctive.

After dinner, take an evening stroll through Scicli’s beautifully illuminated streets. The baroque buildings take on a magical quality in the evening light, and you’ll likely see locals enjoying their evening passeggiata, stopping to chat with neighbors and friends in the small piazzas.

My suggested accommodation in Scicli: Dammusi

My personal tip: If your visit coincides with a weekend, check if there’s a performance at the Teatro Italia, a beautiful small theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events. Even if there’s no performance scheduled, it’s worth asking if you can peek inside to see the beautifully restored interior, which is a fine example of a traditional Italian theater.

DAY 7: SCICLI TO AGRIGENTO – From Baroque to Ancient Greece

After breakfast in Scicli, check out of your accommodation and begin the longer drive to Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast. This journey of about 140 km will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, but the route takes you through some beautiful countryside and coastal areas.

If time allows, consider a brief detour to Modica, another beautiful baroque town famous for its distinctive chocolate made using ancient Aztec methods brought to Sicily by the Spanish. A quick stop to explore the town center and pick up some chocolate makes a perfect break in your journey.

Continue west along the southern coast of Sicily, passing through a landscape of rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that eventually gives way to more dramatic coastal scenery. As you approach Agrigento, you’ll begin to see the ancient temples appearing on the ridge – your first glimpse of the Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

Arrive in Agrigento by early afternoon and check into your accommodation. Have a quick lunch – try La Posata di Federico II in the historic center for good, reasonably priced Sicilian cuisine – then head straight to the Valley of the Temples to make the most of the afternoon light, which is perfect for photography.

Despite its name, the Valley of the Temples is actually located on a ridge outside Agrigento. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains the remains of seven Doric temples built during the 5th and 6th centuries BCE when Agrigento (then called Akragas) was one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily.

Begin your visit at the eastern entrance, where you’ll find the best-preserved temples. The Temple of Concordia is the highlight – almost perfectly intact, it’s one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, rivaling even the Parthenon in Athens. The secret to its remarkable preservation is that it was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century CE, which saved it from being dismantled for building materials.

Continue to the Temple of Juno (Hera), dramatically positioned at the edge of the ridge with beautiful views of the countryside and sea beyond. Though less complete than the Temple of Concordia, it’s still impressive with its rows of columns standing against the blue Sicilian sky.

As you walk through the archaeological park, you’ll also see the remains of the Temple of Heracles (the oldest of the temples), the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus (which was one of the largest Greek temples ever built, though now largely in ruins), and several other structures including ancient city walls, necropolises, and an early Christian cemetery.

The site is quite large, and a complete visit takes at least 2-3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in the summer months when it can be very hot. There is little shade in the archaeological park, so also bring sun protection.

As the afternoon progresses, the golden light on the honey-colored temples becomes increasingly beautiful, making for spectacular photos. If possible, stay until close to sunset when the temples are illuminated by the setting sun – a truly magical sight.

Return to Agrigento town for dinner. The historic center, known as the Girgenti quarter, is a maze of narrow medieval streets built on the site of the ancient Greek acropolis. For dinner, try Ristorante Concordia for excellent seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes, named after the famous temple you visited earlier.

After dinner, take a stroll through Agrigento’s historic center. The Via Atenea is the main street, lined with shops, cafés, and baroque buildings. The Cathedral of San Gerlando, with its impressive bell tower offering views over the city, is worth a visit if it’s open in the evening.

My suggested accommodation in Agrigento: Alloggio della Posta Vecchia

My personal tip: While most visitors focus exclusively on the Valley of the Temples, make time to visit the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento if possible. Located near the archaeological park, it houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient city, including pottery, sculptures, and architectural elements. The giant telamons (massive stone figures that once supported the Temple of Olympian Zeus) are particularly impressive and help you visualize how truly monumental some of these temples were in their original state.

DAY 8: AGRIGENTO AND SCALA DEI TURCHI – Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders

Today you’ll divide your time between Agrigento’s historic center and the stunning natural formation of Scala dei Turchi. Begin your morning with a more thorough exploration of Agrigento’s old town, which has a distinctly different character from the baroque towns you’ve been visiting. With its medieval layout and narrow winding streets, it feels more like an inland hill town than a coastal city.

Start at the Cathedral of San Gerlando, built in the 11th century and modified many times over the centuries. The interior contains several important works of art, including a 13th-century wooden crucifix and an impressive painted ceiling. From the cathedral, you can enjoy panoramic views over the city and, in the distance, the Valley of the Temples and the sea beyond.

Wander through the historic center, exploring its small churches, palaces, and museums. The Church of Santa Maria dei Greci is built on the foundations of an ancient Greek temple, and you can still see some of the original columns inside – a perfect example of Sicily’s layered history. The Monastery of Santo Spirito contains a small museum with a collection of traditional almond pastries made by the nuns, which you can purchase as souvenirs.

If you’re interested in writer Luigi Pirandello, who was born near Agrigento, you might visit his house-museum located a few kilometers outside the city. The Nobel Prize-winning author is buried in a simple tomb in a pine grove on the property, according to his wishes.

For lunch, try one of the small trattorias in the historic center. Trattoria dei Templi offers good, authentic Sicilian food at reasonable prices, including local specialties like pasta with sardines and wild fennel.

In the afternoon, drive to Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps), located about 15 km from Agrigento near the town of Realmonte. This spectacular natural formation is a bright white marl cliff that rises from the blue Mediterranean Sea in a series of natural steps, creating one of Sicily’s most iconic landscapes.

The name “Turkish Steps” comes from the ancient raids by Saracen pirates (often generically called “Turks” by locals), who would anchor their ships in the protected bay and climb these natural steps to attack nearby villages. Today, it’s a peaceful spot popular with both tourists and locals for swimming and sunbathing.

Just a reminder here, access to the actual Turkish Steps is now closed. There are however great beaches around that you can easily enjoy. Spend the afternoon swimming in the clear waters enjoying one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal spots.

Return to Agrigento for dinner. For your last night in the city, try Ristorante Re di Girgenti for an upscale dining experience featuring creative interpretations of traditional Sicilian dishes, or for something more casual, La Posata di Federico II offers excellent pizza and pasta in a friendly atmosphere.

DAY 9: AGRIGENTO TO TAORMINA – Crossing Sicily

Today involves the longest drive of your trip as you cross Sicily from the southern coast to the eastern coast. After breakfast and checking out of your Agrigento accommodation, begin the journey to Taormina, a distance of about 230 km that will take approximately 3 hours of driving time.

The route takes you through the heart of Sicily, a landscape of rolling hills, agricultural land, small towns, and occasional mountain ranges. This is a side of Sicily that many coastal-hugging tourists never see, offering a glimpse into the island’s rural interior.

If time allows, consider a stop in Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the most extensive and best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world. Dating from the 4th century CE, the villa’s floors are covered with remarkably detailed mosaics depicting hunting scenes, mythological stories, and everyday Roman life.

The famous “Bikini Girls” mosaic, showing young women exercising in garments similar to modern bikinis, is particularly notable. A visit takes about 1-2 hours and makes a perfect break in your journey.

Continue east toward Taormina, with Mount Etna increasingly dominating the landscape as you approach. Arrive in Taormina by mid-afternoon and navigate to your accommodation. Be aware that Taormina’s historic center is largely pedestrianized, so if your hotel is within the center, you may need to park in one of the large parking structures at the edge of town and walk or take a shuttle to your accommodation.

After settling in, begin exploring Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful and popular destinations. Perched on a terrace of Monte Tauro with spectacular views of the coast and Mount Etna, the town has attracted visitors since the 18th century when it became a highlight of the Grand Tour.

Start your exploration at the Ancient Greek Theater (Teatro Greco), Taormina’s most famous monument. Built in the 3rd century BCE and later expanded by the Romans, the theater is remarkable not just for its good state of preservation but for its breathtaking setting, with views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos beyond the stage.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the summer arts festival, you might catch a performance of music, dance, or theater in this ancient venue – an unforgettable experience.

After visiting the theater, stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s elegant main street that runs the length of the town. Lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés housed in medieval and Renaissance buildings, it’s the perfect place for the traditional passeggiata. The street connects the two main gates of the town – Porta Messina to the north and Porta Catania to the south.

Take time to explore the small side streets and staircases that lead off Corso Umberto, discovering hidden corners, small churches, and beautiful gardens. Visit Piazza IX Aprile, a terrace offering spectacular views of the coast and Mount Etna – it’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the volcano and sea are bathed in golden light.

For dinner, Taormina offers numerous excellent restaurants. For a special experience, try Ristorante Al Duomo near the cathedral for excellent Sicilian cuisine with a creative touch, or for something more casual, Trattoria Da Nino offers authentic local dishes at reasonable prices.

After dinner, enjoy Taormina’s lively evening atmosphere with a stroll along Corso Umberto, perhaps stopping for a gelato or a drink at one of the many cafés. The town is beautifully illuminated at night, and the atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed – the perfect setting for your penultimate evening in Sicily.

My suggested accommodation in Taormina: Le Chevalier

My personal tip: While Taormina’s main attractions are certainly worth visiting, make time to explore the less touristy areas as well. The small village of Castelmola, perched on a hill above Taormina, offers even more spectacular views and a quieter atmosphere. You can reach it by a scenic 30-minute walk up a medieval stairway path or by local bus. Once there, try the famous almond wine at Caffè San Giorgio and enjoy views that encompass not just Taormina and Etna, but a vast stretch of the eastern Sicilian coast.

DAY 10: TAORMINA TO ETNA TO CATANIA – Fire and Ice

For your final day in Sicily, you’ll experience one of the island’s most dramatic natural wonders – Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. After breakfast in Taormina, check out of your accommodation and begin the drive to Etna, a journey of about 40 km that takes approximately 1 hour.

The most common access point for visiting Etna is Rifugio Sapienza on the southern slope, located at an altitude of 1,923 meters. As you drive up the winding road to the rifugio, you’ll notice the landscape changing dramatically – from lush Mediterranean vegetation to pine and birch forests, and finally to the stark volcanic terrain of black lava fields and ash.

Arrive at Rifugio Sapienza by mid-morning. Here you’ll find parking, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the base station for the cable car that can take you higher up the mountain. There are several options for exploring Etna, depending on your interests, physical condition, and the current volcanic activity:

1. Basic exploration: From Rifugio Sapienza, you can walk to the Silvestri Craters, extinct craters from the 1892 eruption. This is a relatively easy walk suitable for everyone and requires no special equipment or guides. The lunar landscape of these craters gives you a taste of Etna’s volcanic nature.
2. Cable car experience: Take the cable car (funivia) from Rifugio Sapienza to an altitude of 2,500 meters. From the upper station, you can explore the area independently or join a guided tour in a 4×4 bus that takes you even higher, to about 2,900 meters. This option gives you a more comprehensive Etna experience without requiring serious hiking.
3. Guided hiking tour: For the most immersive experience, join a guided hiking tour that takes you to areas you couldn’t safely access independently. These tours are led by certified volcano guides who know the terrain and current conditions. They can take you to active craters, recent lava flows, and spectacular viewpoints, explaining the volcano’s geology and history along the way.

Whichever option you choose, be prepared for changeable weather conditions. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy at higher altitudes, so bring layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and water. The terrain is rough and uneven, so proper footwear is essential.

Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring Etna, marveling at the raw power of nature evident in the volcanic landscape. The views from the mountain are spectacular, encompassing much of eastern Sicily and, on clear days, even the Italian mainland.

For lunch, you can either bring a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants at Rifugio Sapienza. Bar Etna offers simple but good food with a focus on local products, including honey from bees that feed on Etna’s unique flora.

In the mid-afternoon, begin your descent and drive to Catania Airport for your departure. The drive from Etna to the airport takes about 1 hour.

My personal tip: If you’re interested in Etna’s wines, consider including a visit to a winery on the volcano’s slopes as part of your Etna experience. The volcanic soil produces distinctive wines, particularly reds made from the Nerello Mascalese grape. Wineries like Tenuta delle Terre Nere or Cottanera offer tours and tastings that provide insight into this unique terroir. The wines of Etna have gained international recognition in recent years, and tasting them where they’re produced adds another dimension to your understanding of how this remarkable volcano shapes the life and culture of eastern Sicily.

Sicily 10-Day Road Trip: Timeline Table