We explored Sicily on a road trip in March, and it quickly became one of our favorite islands in Europe. We spent our days driving along beautiful coastlines, exploring hilltop towns, swimming in hidden coves, and eating way too many cannoli and fresh seafood! What we loved most is how varied the island feels; there are chaotic, atmospheric cities, as well as tranquil beaches and untouched landscapes. Follow our full Sicily road trip route and all our favorite stops along the way.
Sicily Road Trip
Day 1: Catania
It’s the first day of this incredible Sicily road trip! With a beautiful backdrop of Mount Etna and a lively local atmosphere, the port city of Catania is a great place to kick off the adventure. We found half a day enough to explore the center and see the city’s top sights, so don’t worry if you arrive after midday.
- Dive into a wine bar or two!
- Relax in the peaceful Villa Bellini Gardens
- Climb to the top of Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata church for an eagle-eye view of Catania and the volcano
- Negotiate in La Pescheria (one of the biggest fish markets in Sicily)
From the Airport
The largest airport in Sicily is in Catania, where we started our road trip. We rented our car here, but you can also take a short 10-minute train from the airport to the center of town (1.90 EUR / 2.09 USD).
Where to Stay in Catania
As we only allocated one night in Catania, we wanted to stay in the historic center, close to the top spots. Anywhere close to the Cathedral or Via Etnea is a good location, and there are plenty of accommodation options for every budget.
Day 2-3: Taormina
An hour’s drive north from Catania is the stunningly picturesque clifftop town of Taormina (our favorite stop on this 14-day Sicily itinerary!). We stayed for two full days, exploring the atmospheric streets, ceramic shops, and island beaches with crystal clear water.
Tip: One of our favorite things to do in Taormina was to take in the panoramic views at sunset from Piazza IX Aprile. Make sure to have a cold aperitivo in hand! ;)
Visiting Mount Etna on your Sicily Road Trip
Taormina is also very close to the majestic Mount Etna, and you can do a half-day tour of the volcano from here. Many tours also include local food and wine tastings, as the volcanic earth makes it the perfect place to grow grapes.
How to get from Catania to Taormina
It took us an hour to drive from Catania to Taormina. But we found parking almost impossible, so we ended up parking in the Lumbi parking garage just outside. The price is 5 USD for two days, including a free shuttle bus to the center.
If you don’t have a car, you can travel by train on your Sicily itinerary. There are frequent trains from Catania along the coast that cost less than 10 USD and take approximately 2 hours.
Where to Stay in Taormina
Taormina has two main areas: the historic center on the clifftop and the beach (although both are connected by cable car). Choose your accommodation depending on where you want to spend most of your time.
Day 4-5: Cefalù
Located on the island’s north coast is the beautiful old fishing town of Cefalù! Summer is never-ending in this ancient, romantic town, home to sun-drenched squares, fantastic restaurants, and traditional ceramic shops.
We loved the beautiful Molo di Cefalù pier, with its beach views and typical Sicilian houses. We visited in March, but locals told us that in summer, this is where everyone dives into the harbor to cool off!
Also read: What to do in Sicily, Italy.
How to get from Taormina to Cefalù
It is a 2.5-hour drive along the stunning coastline to reach Cefalù, which lies right in the middle of the north coast of Sicily. Parking can be an issue here, but we managed to find free parking in Porto Presidiana. From here, a shuttle bus takes you into town for 5 EUR.
Where to Stay in Cefalù
If you don’t feel like walking far, choose accommodation in the old town. We stayed in the new town, which, although not as pretty, is much cheaper. We loved our accommodation: Baronetto B&B (book a room here).
Day 6-7: Palermo, Sicily
No Sicily road trip would be complete without a visit to Palermo, the island’s capital. We’d heard mixed reviews, but even though it was hectic, we absolutely loved this city and had the best food on our trip!
Note: The Mafia has left its mark, and although it is still a very real presence, there is now a strong anti-Mafia movement working hard to rebel against it.
Palermo is also famous for its incredible street food and fantastic open-air markets. You’ll find many stalls selling traditional Sicilian delicacies, such as hot chickpea fritters, crispy cannoli, and spleen sandwiches!
- Mercato di Ballaro: Our favorite! It’s the oldest and biggest market and has an incredible vibe if you like a little chaos ;)
- Mercato del Capo: A little less chaotic and very picturesque
- Mercato di Vucciria: This is the best market for evening street food and live music
How to get from Cefalù to Palermo
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Palermo
The historic center is the best place to base yourself, as you are within walking distance of the main sights and attractions. The La Kalsa neighborhood is a good option for those on a budget.
While you’re in Trapani:
- Explore the old town
- Walk in the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, and swim at Tonnara di Scopello
- Drive or take the cable car to the medieval hilltop town of Erice
- Take the ferry to Favignana Island, and explore by bicycle
- Sunbathe at the breathtaking beach of San Vito Lo Capo
- Discover the fascinating ruins of the Temple of Segesta
How to get from Palermo to Trapani
It is a 1.5-hour drive from Palermo to Trapani. On the way, we made a stop at Baia di San Cataldo, an old bunker built on a clifftop with gorgeous coastal views. Alternatively, there is a direct train from Palermo, which takes approximately 2 hours.
Where to Stay in Trapani
Stay in the historic center of Trapani, or go for more rural accommodation in the countryside or by the sea. If you’re looking for something unique on your Sicily itinerary (14 days), this converted watchtower near Scopello looks very special.
We’ve added it as a stop on this 14-day Sicily itinerary because of its proximity to the extraordinary Valley of the Temples, an impressive collection of ancient Greek structures built on the hillside over 2000 years ago.
Spend the late afternoon exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ancient ruins scattered among a grove of lemon and olive trees. We recommend staying for sunset, which illuminates the temples before they are lit at nightfall.
Afterward, we returned to town for a relaxed Sicilian dinner, finished with the locally renowned pecorino gelato at Le Cuspidi!
How to Visit Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is open 8:30 AM – 7 PM. During the high season (July-September), it stays open until 11 PM weekly and midnight on weekends. It costs 10 EUR to enter.
We drove to the Valley of the Temples, but you can also take the bus from Agrigento for 1.50 EUR.
How to get from Trapani to Agrigento on your Sicily road trip
It is just over 2 hours to drive from Trapani to Agrigento. On the way, we had a break at the Turkish Steps (Scala dei Turchi), a set of white limestone cliffs formed into natural steps that lead down to the sea. This is the exact location.
Where to Stay in Agrigento
There are many hotels and B&Bs in town. Alternatively, spend the night in an agriturismo to wake up to lovely views of the Sicilian countryside.
Day 12: Ragusa
The hilltop town of Ragusa, in the beautiful Val di Noto, is known as the birthplace of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The town is split into two parts, separated by a deep ravine, but the upper part offers the best views.
How to get from Agrigento to Ragusa
This stretch of the Sicily road trip from Agrigento to Ragusa along the south coast took us just under two and a half hours. Unfortunately, public transport options are more limited in this area, but buses are available.
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Ragusa
Stay in the Ragusa Superiore, the newer area with fantastic views over the old city. Alternatively, choose Ragusa Ibla, where you are surrounded by stunning architecture and the charming atmosphere of the old town.
Day 13-14: Siracusa (Final Days of your Sicily Road Trip)
As the end of our Sicily road trip was getting near, we embraced the true Dolce Vita lifestyle in the picturesque town of Siracusa. The old town is located on Ortigia Island, connected to the rest of Siracusa by two small bridges.
We loved how quiet it was; there aren’t many cars, so the quiet streets and tiny alleyways are great for walking.
- Admire the ancient ruins of a Greek temple
- Browse the Ortigia market for fresh fish and local wine
- Swim off the rocky beaches
- Cycle along the Rossana Maiorca coast path
- Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to impressive Ancient Greek ruins
How to get from Ragusa to Siracusa
It is a 1.5-hour drive from Ragusa to Siracusa. On the way, we passed through the town of Modica, famous for Aztec chocolate!
From Siracusa to the Airport
From Siracusa, it took us 1-1.5 hours to drive back to the international airport in Catania. It’s roughly the same amount of time to take the train.
Where to Stay in Siracusa
We based ourselves on the island of Ortigia, which is the most picturesque part of the town. Ask your hotel about where it is best to park before arriving.
How to Visit Sicily in a 2-week road trip
This Sicily road trip starts and ends in Catania, which has the island’s main international airport. However, there are five other airports in various cities.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Italy to any port city on the island. Most of these allow cars, making it the perfect option if you are planning an extended road trip around the whole country.
There is also a train from the mainland, which is transported over the Strait of Messina by ferry.
Getting Around Sicily
By Car
We recommend following this 14-day Sicily itinerary by car; having our own wheels meant we could explore at our own pace and visit more out-of-the-way destinations.
We found parking in Sicily quite difficult, especially in the historic centers, which have limited parking. In bigger cities, we’d park the car on the fringes of town and take buses into the center or book parking directly with our hotel.
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Train and Bus
If you’re not able to do a Sicily road trip, you can also travel around Sicily by public transport. However, this generally takes longer, and timetables aren’t always reliable. Trains run between most big towns, but days 11-14 of the Sicily itinerary may be more difficult as you will need to take buses.
Our Favorite Accommodations
Sicily offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit your budget. Although there are not many hostels in the smaller towns, there are plenty of affordable guesthouses and B&Bs. Here are our favorites from each destination on the Sicily road trip:
- Catania: Dome, Bed, Book & Breakfast Landolina, The Yard Hostel
- Taormina: B & B Teatro Greco 39, Hotel Le Chevalier, Vilagos Apartments and Loft
- Cefalù: Al 33 Giri, Cortile Umberto I, Lirma B & B
- Palermo: Sui Tetti di Balarm Boutique Rooms, Family Affair, Canceddi B & B
- Trapani: Villa le Torri B & B, BADIA NUOVA Apart Hotel, Le Cupole Suites and Apartments
- Agrigento: Villa La Lumia Suites and Apartments, Casa Tita, B & B Triskéles
- Ragusa: Bed and Breakfast Terra del Sole Ibla, A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel, Pura Vida Barocca
- Siracusa: Palazzo Alfeo Aparthotel, La Maison, La Residenza del Reginale
How Much Does a 2-week Sicily road trip Cost?
Sicily is a relatively affordable destination, with our most significant expenses being accommodation and car rental. It also depends on the time of year you visit. We visited in March when prices were lower (but there was less open). In the summer, it’s generally more expensive, with prices peaking in September.
Is Sicily Safe?
We found Sicily a very safe place to visit. Although the mafia is still active on the island, they have much less influence than before, and they don’t generally pose a threat to tourists. Just keep an eye on personal belongings when out and about, and don’t leave anything in your car overnight.
Tip: Mount Etna is an active volcano, so always follow local advice and guidelines and check government websites before traveling.
Best Time to Visit Sicily for 2 Weeks
We loved doing our Sicily road trip in March. The weather was warm and sunny, and there were fewer crowds. That said, not all restaurants and attractions were open yet, and the atmosphere wasn’t always as lively as we’d like. May would be perfect!
While June-August are extremely popular months, September is actually the busiest month and, therefore, the most expensive.
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