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15 Best Sicily Tours

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of the most spellbinding parts of Italy. Shaped like a ball being kicked by the Italian boot, the island is home to turquoise waters and white sand beaches, UNESCO listed Greek temples, and one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes, Mount Etna.

The main cities on the island are the capital Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Taormina. Each of them offers a totally different but unforgettable experience of the island.

Because of the Godfather, Sicily is well known as a stronghold of the mafia, but this shouldn’t put you off. In fact, you can even take part in tours which will show you how locals are fighting against the mafia.

One of the best things about Sicily is the food. When you’re here, don’t miss arancini (delicious filled and deep-fried rice balls), an array of bread and pasta, and of course, cannoli. You could even try a cooking class so that you can impress your friends and family with what you’ve learned on your trip.

To help you navigate the biggest island in the Med and make the most of your trip, here’s our list of the 15 best tours in Sicily.

1. Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour

This wonderful three-hour tour of Palermo will see you wandering through the beautiful historical center of Palermo and trying some of the best traditional foods that the city has to offer.

A knowledgeable and professional guide will show you some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Cathedral, Piazza della Vergogna, and Quattro Canti. In between the sights, you’ll stop off to try five different street-foods, a drink (alcoholic or soft – your choice), and the famous cannoli.

Not only will this give you a taste of the island’s food, but you’ll learn about the capital of the island too.

2. Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna

No trip to Sicily is complete without a visit to one of Europe’s highest volcanoes, Mount Etna. But this is a tour with a difference; instead of exploring on foot, you’ll make your way there on a quad bike.

This exhilarating tour will take you through the Alcantara gorges towards one of Sicily’s best-known winemaking regions, Castiglione. You’ll see ancient lava flows and have the chance to explore Coruccio caves before climbing to almost 2,000m to appreciate Etna.

Insurance and an expert guide are included in the price of this tour.

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3. From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour

If you’d prefer to see Mount Etna in a less adrenaline-packed way, this sunset tour from Catania is a great alternative to an ATV. On this six-hour tour, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who is not only knowledgeable about the mountain but all of the nature that calls it home.

Your guide will lead you up to 2,000m via soft trekking, where there is a lookout point over the Bove Valley. You’ll see Etna’s volcanic crater and explore one of the volcano’s many caves.

As you enjoy the sunset, you’ll be treated to a street-food snack and a glass of wine, all included in the price.

4. Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola 5-Hour Tour

Take advantage of hotel pick-up and drop-off on this fantastic five-hour tour from Catania. You’ll head to the seaside town of Giardini Naxos comfortably by bus, before heading further along the Ionian Coast to the village of Castelmola.

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to swim in the cool blue waters of the Ionian Sea and visit a nature reserve on the island Isola Bella.

Round the day off at the hilltop town of Taormina, which offers views of Mount Etna. See ancient fortresses and theatres, and for a little extra, there is also the opportunity to visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, which is still in use today.

5. Inspector Montalbano Locations Tour of Southeast Sicily

This tour is a real treat for any fans of the novels by Andrea Camilleri or the TV show starring Luca Zingaretti. Although the towns are given invented names in the books, they’re based on real Sicilian locations.

Your English-speaking driver will pick you up in an air-conditioned car before you head to the sights of Mànnara (Vigata) and Punta Secca (Marinella). There’s even a chance to enjoy a meal in the Da Enzo a Mare restaurant, where the fictional inspector spends a lot of time – although this is not included in the price of the tour.

6. Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

One of the most famous and critically-acclaimed films of all time, The Godfather is based on the book of the same name by Mario Puzo.

This six-hour tour allows you to follow in the footsteps of Don Corleone into the hidden corners of Sicily that you’d never even dream of visiting by yourself. You’ll visit some of the film’s most recognizable locations, such as St Lucy’s Church and the cathedral of Forza d’Agro, where two of the wedding scenes were shot.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Catania or Taormina, an English-speaking guide, and transport in an air-conditioned car or minivan.

7. Palermo: Anti-Mafia 3-Hour Walking Tour

Unfortunately, the Mafia isn’t nearly as glamorous as it’s made out to be in the Godfather and other popular culture; it’s a huge problem in Italian and Sicilian society. The Mafia has decimated Italy’s economy and the involvement of high-level politicians, judges, and bankers has been exposed in recent decades. On a smaller scale, shops and restaurants are expected to pay “protection money,” with dire consequences if they refuse or don’t keep up with their payments.

This three-hour tour is a fantastic way to learn about the local businesses that are standing up to Mafia extortion with the “Pago chi non paga” movement, which culminates in the Antica Focacceria San Francesco restaurant.

The cost of the tour includes a donation to the organization Addiopizzo, the group which supports those businesses who refuse to pay extortion money.

8. Noto, Modica, and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

Enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off in Catania or Taormina to discover Sicily’s baroque side. You’ll visit the towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa, and discover some of the island’s most fascinating architecture.

Get acquainted with the town of Noto, rebuilt after a 1693 earthquake destroyed the town. Then, you’ll head on to Modica, where a visit to Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory is in store. Round off your day at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ragusa, a testament to the Baroque period.

You’ll be transported between the sites in a comfortable, air-conditioned car or minivan driven by your guide for the day.

9. Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour

The ideal trip for the history buff in your life, this tour will enable you to discover Sicily’s Ancient Greek influences in the towns of Syracuse and Noto.

This eight-hour tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide and is available in three languages. They will show you the remains of Ortygia’s Apollo and Athena temples, before visiting other ancient Greek sites.

Not only does this trip show you the Greek history of Sicily, you can also feast your eyes on Caravaggio’s paintings in Syracuse’s Basilica de Santa Lucia.

Round the day off by visiting the Baroque village of Noto, which dates as far back as the Early Bronze Age.

10. From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Full-day Tour

This tour is a relaxing full day cruise which will enable you to see two of the breathtakingly beautiful Aeolian islands via private motorboat – there’s even a bar on board.

Take a stroll along the white sand of Panarea’s beaches before wandering the cobbled streets of the island, which are lined with shops, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family.

You’ll then head to Stromboli, aka “the lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” so called because it’s one of Italy’s three active volcanoes. If you’re lucky, watch the lava spitting out of the crater against the backdrop of the Mediterranean sunset.

11. Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

The west of Sicily isn’t as popular with tourists as the east, but after going on this tour, you’ll be wondering why that is. First stop is the ancient Greek site of Segesta, one of the island’s best-preserved archaeological sites.

Then, you’ll head to the incredible Erice, a medieval town perched precipitously on top of a hill overlooking the blue of the Mediterranean. Finally, see the famous salt pans of Trapani.

The whole day will be full of spectacular seaside views. There’s no need to worry about transport, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

12. From Catania: Alcantara Valley by Mountain Bike

This is a great tour for the most adventurous visitor. The two-hour duration means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day relaxing or seeing more of the island’s captivating sites.

The Alcantara Valley is where you’ll find the unusual Gurne dell’Alcantara, a group of 16 lakes and waterfalls formed on the basalt riverbed of the valley. Your qualified mountain biking guide will regale you with information about the area, as well as making sure you’re safe and comfortable during your trip.

Most of the trip is in the lowlands, so don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced mountain biker.

13. Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Taormina

The Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most popular visitor attractions; you certainly won’t want to miss seeing them while you’re on the island. This day trip is a great way to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, although you may have to pinch yourself to be reminded that you’re not in Greece.

Enjoy the island’s landscapes in a luxury air-conditioned car, which will pick you up from either Taormina or Catania, while a multilingual guide gives you information about the day ahead.

You’ll be provided with a delicious packed lunch, full of Sicilian street food treats, which you can enjoy before visiting the stunning Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale.

14. From Trapani: Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo

A chance to witness some of Sicily’s lesser-visited yet enchanting coastal islands, take this cruise to discover the charms of the Egadi Islands, off the west coast. The eight-hour tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy a stroll through the streets of Favignana, or even better, relax on the beautiful beaches and work on your tan.

Get back on the boat for lunch and wine, before heading to the smallest of the Egadi Islands, Levanzo. Here, you’ll have a chance to see Neolithic cave paintings or simply explore the port town.

Bring your swimming costume as there’ll be a chance to stop for a swim in the sea on the leisurely voyage back to Trapani.

15. Sicily 8-Day Small Group Tour

If you have plenty of time, this eight-day tour is perfect for a comprehensive Sicilian experience. Enjoy three nights in Taormina, two in Syracuse, and two more in Palermo, plus the luxury of being transported around in an eight-seater Mercedes minivan.

You will have a local guide for the majority of your activities, which include several food tastings, visits to quaint mountain villages, and walking tours of all the towns and cities where you’ll stop.

This tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience of the Mediterranean’s largest island.

15 Best Sicily Tours:

• Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour
• Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna
• From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour
• Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola 5-Hour Tour
• Inspector Montalbano Locations Tour of Southeast Sicily
• Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour
• Palermo: Anti-Mafia 3-Hour Walking Tour
• Noto, Modica, and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania
• Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour
• From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Full-day Tour
• Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo
• From Catania: Alcantara Valley by Mountain Bike
• Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Taormina
• From Trapani: Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo
• Sicily 8-Day Small Group Tour

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Awe-inspiring culture in all the seasons

A great island to spend your all-seasons vacations.

With its scorching summers, warm springs and falls and very mild winters, Sicily is an amazing year-round destination

Sicily in winter is amazing. Travel to Sicily to enjoy exclusive and awe semi-private tour of Sicily to explore the most important local highlights in 6 days!

Winter is officially gone and spring in Sicily is a lovely season: the mild climate allows locals and tourists to finally spend the day outside, enjoying the scents of Sicily and some fresh air while – good news! – it’s not too warm and, above all, cities are not so crowded as they are during the summer months!

A destination that can satisfy everyone: holidays dedicated to relaxation, nature, and excursions. This is the famous Trinacria, as the ancient Greeks called it. And where to go to spend an unforgettable summer in Sicily?

Once again, we’re here to tell you that Sicily is a perfect destination for fall-break tours: the atmosphere is more intimate and romantic, temperatures are still very pleasant and even the most touristic sights are less crowded and therefore more enjoyable!

One Day Tours chosen for you

A great way to see the most important sicilian highlights in just one day.

Whether it's joining a group for a day tour, or assemble several day tours, regular day tours can be a really fun way to travel. From social to cultural benefits, there are many different reasons why signing up for a guided tour makes more sense than trying to go it alone.

Exclusive Private Day Trips customized according to your wishes and needs! Offer yourself the vacation you need avoiding crowded groups and standardized tours. Experience the true beauty of Sicily!

While molecular-gastronomy trends are tempting, the truth is that the best food is still usually found at home. Explore with us the reasons why dine at home is different compared with dine in a local restaurant!

A Selection of Transfer with possibility to include sightseeing along the itinerary to optimize the time during your independent tour of Sicily.

Our Shore Excursions are the best solution to visit the most outstanding spots of Sicily reachable from your port of call, in a private form and with the convenience of a fixed package price!

Leave the Cookie Cutter Tours Behind and enjoy our special active experience to the hight european volcano: hike to the summit, quad bike, off-road, climbing, jeep, water trekking, body rafting and more!

We offer a transfer service with an Italian-speaking driver who will fulfil all your needs. Our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning system and ensure a smooth, comfortable and secure trip to the passenger.

If you are looking for a unique experience during your trip in Sicily, flying over the active craters at the summit of Mount Etna or at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or at the Greek Roman Theatre in Taormina ... will surely meet your desires.

Tour of Sicily gives you the opportunity to live incredible boat experiences along the wonderful coasts of Sicily, jewel of the Mediterranean Sea.

Discovering a living legacy over generations. In Sicily the existence of genealogical records and the use of a surname in a specific family over many centuries often permits a lineage to be traced, generation by generation, to circa 1500!

Hoist the sails and go! Wind and Sea help us to begin our adventure to Protectd Sea Nature Parks next to Palermo, the amazing Ortigia island from Syracusa; Isola Bella snorkeling experience from Taormina; the Zingaro Park, Scopello and San Vito lo Capo from Trapani ... Get ready to discover the sailing world of Sicily and beyond!

Our top 4 things to do in Sicily

It’s the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Tour through Sicily. 

Siracusa and Ortigia

Charming taormina, palermo and monreale, etna volcano experience, one day shore trips: italy, sicily and malta.

What’s not to love about Italy? The food, the wine, the history—it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of la bella Italia. Discover the best that these Italy cruise ports have to offer, like renaissance art and culture in Tuscany, the ruins of a fallen empire in Rome, the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world such as Venice.

Lying off the coast of southwestern Italy, this captivating island offers stunning sea views, quaint medieval hill towns, Greek and Roman Temples and Theatres, amazing mosaics and Arab monuments, rustic cuisine and fine wine. Make the most of your time by booking a Sicily shore trips from Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Trapani and Messina!

The tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, history and beautiful beaches. Begin your trip in Malta’s tiny yet stunning capital city. UNESCO described this charming city as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.’

GET READY TO GO ACTIVE: hiking, walking, biking and multi-adventure!

Our Sicily Bike Tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups with a flexible level of assistance. Cycling Sicily Bike tours and bike rental specialist in Sicily.

Climb into the incredible culture, mediterranean terrain, and unbelievable beauty of volcano, mountains, necropolis, archeological sites, valleys and forests on a hiking tour and walking holiday in Sicily!

River trekking consists of walking stretches of streams and rivers, diving into pools of crystal clear water and swimming or letting yourself be carried away by the current. It is therefore a fun, exciting and suitable activity for everyone, ideal for fully experiencing nature!

Go on an adventure among hidden underwater landscapes and treasures and discover Sicily’s underwater treasures!

Europe’s highest Volcano, Mount Etna is one of most active of the world. Its impressive size ( more than 3327 meters high with an average basal diameter of 40 km) overlooks the whole region.

Add to your wish list this fantastic adventure and sign up for a day of excitement, participating in a truffle hunt alongside beautiful hunting dogs. Accompanied by a professional guide with his trained dogs, you can share a wonderful experience in searching for truffle and later, enjoy a delicious lunch ...

Volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters, picturesque fisherman’s villages: joining one of our yacht tours in Sicily you’ll discover all these things and much more aboard a boat equipped for maximum comfort!

Are you a golf lover? Have you have ever thought about playing golf in the shadow of a volcano, or close to the amazing shore of Mediterranean Sea? Tour of Sicily makes it possible!

Walking Tours are tailored for people who like to focus on the destinations and cities they are visiting. Most of our walking tours are operated with licensed local guide and offer the great opportunity to visit the town and learn as much as possible of the history of the place..

Jump and swim a spectacular stretch of Etna Alcantara Gorges! The Alcantara Gorges are a real spectacle of nature and experience to do for visitors that come to Sicily. It's the ideal place for an authentic breathtaking Etna adventure. Enjoy this crazy experience with us!

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6 Best Guided Tours of Sicily

They say Sicily is the most beautiful region in Italy and they’re not wrong. Sicily is an area full of breathtaking beaches, remarkable architecture, fine complex wines, and charming culture. Due to the size of the region , touring Sicily independently can be an overwhelming challenge. We recommend booking a guided tour to easily navigate the region and learn about the sites. Browse through our selection of Sicily day tours and Sicily package tours and select whichever one calls your name. Alternatively, allow us to do the hard work for you and check out this carefully curated list of the best guided tours of Sicily . Any of these will ensure you’ve experienced the highlights of this Italian haven.

Table of Contents

SICILIAN COASTAL FOOD & WINE TASTING TOUR

Food and wine enthusiasts who have only a day to indulge their senses will love our Sicilian Coastal Food & Wine Tasting Tour . In just six hours, you’ll explore three glorious coastal cities in southern Italy: Taormina, Castelmola, and Giardini Naxos. Enrol in a crash course on their histories before tasting their local delicacies. This exclusive tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Taormina, Catania, or Messina and includes private English guidance and flexible scheduling. 

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FLAVORS AROUND MOUNT ETNA PRIVATE TOUR FROM TAORMINA, CATANIA & MESSINA

No trip to Sicily would be complete without a visit to the remarkable Mount Etna. Our Flavors Around Mount Etna Private Tour is the best way to see and experience Europe’s highest active volcano in just one day. Led by our knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit local farms on the Etna slope, explore rock formations on the volcano itself and sip wines at magnificent viewpoints. This private tour is available from Taormina, Catania, and Messina with flexible timing.

4 DAY PALERMO CITY BREAK TOUR PACKAGE

Give Palermo the time and attention it deserves by booking this 4 Day Palermo City Break Tour Package . With its rich culture, bustling markets, diverse culinary offerings, and architectural wonders, Palermo has so much to offer. This tour caters to foodies and history enthusiasts, offering a perfect combination of exploration, gastronomy, and local expertise. This tour is available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

TAORMINA SUNSET WALKING TOUR

See Taormina in a whole new light on our Taormina Sunset Walking Tour . Led by a local guide, head on this truly magical journey through one of Sicily’s most exquisite cities. Travel along the cobblestone streets, passing through ancient gates and discovering medieval landmarks. Marvel at the stunning views of Mount Etna Volcano and Duomo Square whilst enjoying a rooftop aperitif. Available every day, it’s always a good time to experience the captivating beauty of Taormina at sunset.

PALERMO FROM CATANIA 10 DAY SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR PACKAGE

Dig deep into the history and culture of the Sicily region with our Palermo From Catania 10 day Semi-Private Tour Package . This all-encompassing ten-day adventure is our best guided tour of Sicily, packed with discovery, delectable flavors, and enchanting destinations. Beginning in Catania and ending in Palermo, you’ll stop off at all the main Sicilian cities and sites along the way. You can embark on this ultimate Sicilian adventure any day bar Monday.

ALL ABOUT PALERMO HISTORY TOUR

If your itinerary only allows for one day in Palermo, we strongly recommend our All About Palermo History Tour . This guided exploration will ensure you have a well-rounded experience in Palermo, ticking off all of its must-see features. From the Cathedral to the Il Capo Market, you’ll feel compelled to extend your trip a few more days! This walking tour begins on the streets of Palermo every Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

So, which one is best suited to you?

If you’re limited on time and not sure which is the best guided tour of Sicily, our Sicily travel guide is here to help. Read about the region’s most famous attractions , and choose a tour that includes your favorites. If it’s only possible to visit one place, check out our Palermo and Taormina travel guides to help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, no matter which guided tour you choose, you’re sure to have an incredible Sicilian experience you’ll remember forever.

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Sicily Tour

We at Sicily Tour have two decades of experience in getting to know nearly all the officially licensed tour guides in Sicily. From them, we have selected the most informative, professional, and fun to be with. Here are the guides we hire most often (in alphabetical order):

Jackie Alio . « I’ve been guiding for over 25 years with the same passion you will find in my books on Sicily read by thousands worldwide.«

Elisabeth Bruckmeier , with her husband Enzo Castagna. Elizabeth: “I do not envy God's paradise because I am so satisfied to live in Sicily.” Enzo: “Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow” (quoted from Plato).

Claudio Castiglione . “Visit the valley of the temples with one who loves them best for an unforgettable experience !”

Carmine Corso . “Natale solum dulcedine cunctos ducit” (Native land gives all sweetness).

Giuseppina (Giusy) Fiamingo . “I am sure you will have a professional and informative tour with me. I am a licensed guide in the area of Palermo and Trapani and I enjoy it! Being a tour guide is my passion”

Massimiliano Guttuso. “I have been working as a local tour guide in Palermo since 1997 and have been collaborating with Sicily Tour for many years. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Lucia Iacono . “I met Lucia & Stephen when I was a university student. I learnt my best English with her and we met again dealing with what we love: tourism and hospitality. I’ve been working as a qualified tourist guide for 20 years. Curiosity and passion are the best ingredients in life. I love art, history, food, travel, photography and reading.”

Elfi Mayr .

Salvatore Varisano ,

I am an Archaeo-Anthropologist and licensed tourist guide for Sicily.

I will take you in search of the most evocative corners of our island to immortalize in your memory.

10 best places to visit in Sicily

Mar 11, 2024 • 8 min read

From the timeless beauty of its coastlines to its fascinating relics of the past, here are the best places to go in Sicily © FilippoBacci / Getty Images © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

The secret was out long before HBO chose to shoot the second season of The White Lotus here: an undisputed Mediterranean beauty since the time of the ancients, the Italian island of Sicily shamelessly seduces anyone who so much as dips one little toe in its turquoise, gin-clear waters.

From speakeasy coves to exhilarating sweeps of white, black or golden sand, Sicily’s emblematic paradise beaches require little introduction. Ditto for fiery Mt Etna, granita , crunchy cannoli oozing ricotta cream and its top-drawer food scene .

Yet that's tip-of-the-iceberg stuff! Look beyond the Sicilian coast and kitchen, and you find a kaleidoscope of places to visit – bursting with artistic masterpieces, cultural jewels or natural beauty in spades depending on which hilltop village, baroque town or rural retreat (be it a winery or lemon farm) you pinpoint on the treasure map. Scenic trains, buses and boats make getting around Sicily part of the experience for adventurers – or smooth the way with a rental car, the secret to accessing the most remote creases of the island’s mountainous interior.

With just a few days in Sicily, stay in one place. Count two weeks for a grand tour of the island’s Arabesque cupolas, Byzantine mosaics, ancient Greek temples and volcanic vineyards. Wherever and whenever you go , expect silver-screen stuff. 

Best for urban culture

Sicily’s capital assures urban adventure. Provocative street art, rough-cut food markets pulsating with local life, and pertinent multimedia Mafia-focused exhibitions provide up-to-minute commentary on this endlessly fascinating city. Art and architectural buffs meanwhile can swoon over a smorgasbord of treasures harking back centuries: Cappella Palatina in Palazzo dei Normanni ; Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with its speakeasy pasticceria (bakery and cake shop) in a cloister; and courtyard-garden-clad Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas are veteran favorites. 

Planning tip: Factor in a half-day bus trip to Cattedrale di Monreale . The glittering gold mosaics inside Sicily's finest example of Norman architecture leave you dumbstruck.

2. Aeolian Islands

Best for beach- and island-hopping

Boats, beaches and buckets of granita  (crushed ice) soaked in fruits of the land: island-hop around the Aeolians to gorge on Sicilian dolce vita. Milazzo , on Sicily’s northeastern Tyrrhenian Coast, is the springboard for Liberty Lines ferries and hydrofoils to this seven-island slice of paradise. Scoot around the largest island Lipari ; scale a volcano and unearth black beaches on primordial Stromboli ; and pair sweet dessert-wine tastings with fresh capers on lush green Salina . If you have time (and the leg-power), don’t miss the spectacular hike up what feels like a “stairway to heaven” on the old-world, donkey-powered islet of Alicudi. 

Planning tip: On Salina, combine family beach time in the shallow pools formed by concrete breakwaters on Lingua’s Spiaggia Biscotto with Sicily’s best granita on the seafront at Da Alfredo . On Salina's southern coast, the ricotta granita peppered with island-grown candied capers and toasted capers at Pa.Pe.Rò al Glicine is reason enough to visit bijou fishing hamlet Rinella.

3. Mount Etna

Best for a volcanic family expedition

There’s no age limit to getting up high on Sicily’s emblematic active volcano – Europe’s largest. Three-and-a-half centuries after burying neighboring Catania in volcanic ash, Mt Etna still broods over the city. A combo of cable car (up to 2500m/8200ft from Rifugio Sapienza ), 4WD vehicle and volcanological mountain guides makes light work of scaling this fiery beauty that still erupts, spangling the night sky with lava fountains and magma bubbles. If you’re with active teens, skip the cable car for a more challenging hike on Etna’s quieter northern slopes or bike up with a mountain bike guide. 

Planning tip: The height to which you’re allowed without a guide changes depending on volcanic activity. Check in with licensed guides Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord for updates and guided hikes (from age six; best March to June and September), snow-shoeing and ski mountaineering expeditions (December to February).

4. Ragusa Ibla

Best for baroque beauty

It needed an earthquake in 1693 to usher in Sicily’s glorious golden age. In the island’s southeast, lose yourself in the baroque labyrinth of nooks and lanes in Ragusa Ibla , awash with the decorative masks and chubby-cheeked putti (cherubs) sculpted in stone, that rose from the ashes. Don’t miss the Duomo , designed by superstar architect Rosario Gagliardi, and an intimate tour by a family member around aristocratic Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti from the same era. Refuel over fig, pistachio or sweet Passito di Noto wine gelato at Gelati DiVini . 

Planning tip: Combine Ragusa with Modica , Scicli and Noto to create a memorable baroque-town itinerary in Sicily’s southeastern corner.

5. Reserva Naturale della Zingaro

Best for scenic coastal walks

Straddling the grand sweep of western Sicily’s Golfo di Castellammare, the island’s oldest nature reserve is a thing of beauty. Don comfy shoes and a daypack with water, a swim kit and a lunchtime picnic, and stride out along its sublime walking trails beaded with pristine coves and exhibitions in trailside huts celebrating local flora, fauna and traditional tuna fishing. If snorkeling rocks your boat, bring a mask, flippers and tuba – the crystalline waters here have some of the island’s finest snorkeling and diving.

Planning tip: Post-hike, drive 30 minutes to Segesta to admire its majestic Greek temples glowing in the late afternoon’s soft golden light.

6. Caltagirone

Best for arts and crafts

From decorative grave vases spun in clay to accompany the dead, to lifelike marionettes, coral jewelry and elaborate 18th-century maiolica statuettes, Sicily’s arts and crafts heritage is immense. In central Sicily , roll up your sleeves in Caltagirone where ceramic production has been the town’s lifeblood since the Middle Ages. An abundance of wood from surrounding forests has always kept the kiln fires burning, and  Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte , the town’s monumental staircase, zig-zagging from old town to new since the 17th century razzle-dazzles with 142 steps paved in hand-painted majolica. Learn the backstory in the Museo della Ceramica , shop for ceramics and try your hand at throwing a pot of your own.

Planning tip: Visit on July 24 or 25 during Caltagirone’s Festa di San Giacomo when 4000 oil lamps light up the scalinata (staircase) after dark.

7. Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie

Best for getting right off the beaten track

Sicily doesn’t get wilder or more remote. Motor south from the beach-busy Tyrrhenian Coast into the folds of the rugged Monti Madonie. Ramble around medieval hilltop villages, where the lifestyle is overwhelmingly traditional, the sense of history palpable, and the mountain cuisine exceptional. Overnight in an agriturismo (farm stay) such as Casale Drinzi , where kitchens burst with wild forest mushrooms, suino nero (pork from local black pigs) and ricotta cheese fresh from the sheep. Take your foot off the gas, slow right down and detox.  

Planning tip: To really get under the skin of this mountainous region, hook up with a nature guide at Madonie Explorers . Forest-bathe between ash trees and harvest manna with one of the world’s last-remaining manna farmers.

Best for an A to Z of Sicilian ocean fish

Its prized location between the big blue sea of the Ionian Coast and the smoking hulk of Mt Etna makes Sicily’s second-largest city a great base for exploring the eastern part of the island. Catania ’s striking architecture reads like a potted history of Sicily: many of its distinctive, black-and-white palazzi  (mansions) and churches are built from the very volcanic rock that Etna rained down on Catania in 1669. 

Wraparound views from its church rooftops (Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata and Chiesa di San Nicolò l’Arena in Piazza Dante’s Benedictine monastery complex are the best) are spectacular. For foodies, one address stands out: the raucous fresh-fish market La Pescheria , swimming with swordfish, sardines, tuna, octopus, all sorts. Arrive when it opens at 7am for the pick of the ocean. 

9. Valley of the Temples

Best for history nerds and romantics

That UNESCO’s temple logo is a mirror of star-turn Tempio della Concordia at Agrigento 's breathtaking Valley of the Temples says it all: don’t miss Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological site, strung along a rocky promontory by the Med where the ancient Greeks erected Doric temples, tombs and sanctuaries 2500 years ago. Vestiges of subsequent 12km-long city walls and gates built around Akragas – by then the fourth-largest city in the ancient world – are equally evocative.

Planning tip: In summer, visit at sunset or after dark to sip drinks and listen to live jazz in the romantic citrus grove of walled garden Giardino della Kolymbetra , at the Valley of Temples’ western end. 

10. Favignana

Best for snorkeling, cycling and scootering around

Most Sicilian explorers have heard of the Aeolians, but fewer are familiar with the five Egadi Islands – Sicily’s “other” archipelago idyll stitched from whitewashed cottages, creamy tufa-stone walkways and bright blue cala (coves). The largest island, butterfly-shaped Favignana, is a half-hour hydrofoil ride from port town Trapani in western Sicily. Dirt roads, best tackled by bicycle or scooter, duck and dive to picture-postcard cove beaches such as Cala Rossa. Favignana’s 19th-century tuna cannery is a riveting exposé on traditional tuna fishing in Sicily’s big blue. Snorkeling is predictably spectacular.

Planning tip: For scenic hiking, rare monk seal spotting and Giuseppe’s sensational zuppa di aragosta (lobster soup) at Trattoria Il Veliero , get a hydrofoil from Favignana to Marettimo.

This article was first published Nov 25, 2021 and updated Mar 11, 2024.

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Sicily: Where Every Moment Counts

Create Unforgettable Memories in Sicily

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Explore the Beauty of Sicily with Our Guided Tours

Tour 1 - Taormina Castelmola

Tour 2 - Sicily Tour Etna Taormina

Tour 3 - Godfather Tour In Sicily

Tour 4 - Best Sicily Wine Tour

Tour 5 - Special Tour In Sicily

Tour 6 - Savoca, Taormina and Castelmola

Tour 7 - Siracusa and Ortigia

Tour 8 - Siracusa, Ortigia and Noto

With our company you can have an opportunity to explore the culture, the tradition and the beauty of our Sicily. We like to provide our local experiences to all who like to experience the secrets of our land. Our goal is to help people coming to Sicily feel like they are home and not tourists! We offer services for tourists and we organize daily tours in some of the most beautiful places of Sicily, such as Taormina, Messina and Mount Etna. We also offer special tours such as wine tour with tastings, The Godfather Tour and other tours customizable.

Antonella and Enzo Inferrera This brother-and-sister team of licensed guides has been working in the field of tourism for 25 years. They are specialized in eastern Sicily, where places like Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania and Siracusa have no secrets for them. You'll find few who have more experience, ranging from archaeological sites to exploration of natural attractions. In addition to conventional excursions, they offer tailor made tours like day trips to visit the locations of the Godfather movies or to taste Etna wines and Sicilian street food. All their tours are personalized and they can accommodate up to 8 participants. Visit them at Wishing Sicily .

Liliana Rainieri ( [email protected] ), in addition to being a guide, was trained as a school teacher, something that brings a very special skill to her work. A tour with Liliana is truly a learning experience. The depth and breadth of Liliana's knowledge is remarkable, and as she explains the history of ancient Syracuse you sense that Plato and Archimedes were people she actually knew. It's almost as if they had come back to life and were speaking to you themselves.

10 Best Tours, Excursions, & Day Trips in Palermo (Free and Paid)

In this article, I will list some of the best tours that you can do in Palermo. I will also cover day trips, excursions, and even multi-day trips beginning in Palermo that you should not miss if you want to get the most out of your time in Sicily.

Ciao! It is Nico here, your 100% authentic, full-blooded Sicilian friend. I am going to answer a one-million-dollar question: what are the best tours and trips you should do when visiting Palermo?

Let me take a bit of a side trip before we begin.

There is no way that this is not a long article, but if you want to save both time and money, it is really beneficial for you to sit back and read through all this content carefully .

Ten minutes reading this article has to be better than wasting entire days (not to mention tons of money) on sub-par tours, right?

Great, then we are on the same page.

As with other tourist destinations around the world, there are several outings you could try. Every single one of them is advertised as something you ‘ cannot miss. ’

So, finding the right one and booking it is a hassle.

Today is your lucky day, however. I am going to shed the right light on what I consider to be the best possible options that are worth your time and money .

Ready to get started?

Great! Let’s go.

Disclaimer :

I have personally tried the tours I mention here and I am not linked to the organizers in any way. Each of these tours are not put together by our site WeArePalermo, but private parties. I consider them worth mentioning, but we are not responsible for their choices or what they do.

Best 3 Palermo City Tours Offering Different Perspectives

Below, there is a list of the best tours that happen in the city . All of them go right through the heart of Palermo.

I have selected them to give you the essence of the city that I love from different perspectives and looks.

If you can afford to, I would honestly do all of these tours – or just pick the one you like and see the possible availability.

Here you go!

1. Street Food Tour – A Tour for Everyone for Different Reasons

This is a walk that lasts around three hours with a professional guide who is determined to not only get you completely stuffed with delicious street food dishes, but it also examines some of the interesting aspects of local culture – even going beyond culinary traditions.

• Savor the most popular street foods , including arancine, panelle, crocché, sfincione , and cannolo.
• Learn about the local culture and culinary traditions dear to Sicilians.
• Appreciate some of the city’s landmarks, including the Capo Market , Cathedral, Quattro Canti , and Pretoria fountain .

Nico’s Take:

If you can only go on one paid tour of your trip, this should certainly be the one. I promise that by the end of this tour, you will be thanking me for telling you about this one. You will be thinking ‘Good thing I decided to go for it.’

Why Choose the Street Food Tour?

This is the most requested and booked , and it’s really no surprise why.

Let me first set the scene for you. Palermo is home to the best street food in Europe, and the fifth best in the world . Not me saying that, no, but all the foodie geniuses out there.

And it’s not fries and sausages, but a feast of creative old dishes made over centuries by the poor who were sick of the daily bread-and-onion grind .

The recipes used to today have been the same that we have used for centuries , past down from parent to child in true Sicilian culinary tradition. They were immensely good generations ago, and they continue to be as impressive today.

The best spots to try these traditional recipes are the maze-like street markets . On paid tour, the guides take you through the labyrinthine markets on a flavor journey , filling not only your belly but also your mind with history , tales , legends and anecdotes.

Can You Do the Tour By Yourself?

If you consider yourself to be adventurous, no one is going to stop you from setting out on the tour alone through the markets. The entrance to these ancient markets is free, and you can explore them on your own without paying for a guide.

You need a good pair of comfortable shoes to explore larger markets like Capo and Ballarò. I would personally recommend starting your tour with Porta Carini .

Hold up a minute! There are some things that you need to know before you set out with this, however:

• No one speaks English in the markets , and they have no interest in trying.
• Everybody will try and make you pay triple the cost – so expect some haggling.
• You will not find a menu to read and review anywhere (even if you were willing pay for one or pray to the Lord for help)

If you are going at this tour alone, then you need to put in some time to get prepared through lots and lots of research. You can risk a tour turning into an expensive, chaotic, and confusing culinary journey if you don’t.

Want to take the guided tour?

Click on this link to see prices and availability .

Going to Palermo and not eating our street food is the same as taking a trip to Egypt and not taking a minute to see the pyramids. It’s not only about food: it is about the centuries of tradition and history woven into every dish.

2. NO Mafia walking tour – Observe the Mafia culture through the eyes of Sicilians

On this tour, the guides will take you on a journey through the history of the Sicilian Mafia, showing you how the Mafia has been a cancer for us Sicilians, and introducing you to the brave individuals who lost their lives fighting against it.

• Uncover Palermo’s hottest hotspots from a local’s perspective.
• Get a taste of the past, present, and future of the anti-mafia movement.
• Ditch the stereotypes and dig deeper into the Mafia phenomenon to gain a real understanding.

This tour should be mandatory. It shows the reality of the Mafia and its impact on Sicilian society. It’s not something to be glorified or romanticized, but a serious issue that has caused many losses.

Why Choose the NO Mafia Walking tour?

I’m sure you have heard stories about the Mafia and how all Sicilians are ruthless killer mafiosi, trained from the cradle.

While much of this is crap created by television and Hollywood, it is true that the Mafia exists , and there were some dark days where the streets ran red with blood.

This blood belonged to those who were part of a movement bigger than the Mafia itself: the anti-Mafia , brave heroes who fought and defeated the bloodthirsty Mafia of the past, sacrificing their own lives in the process.

On this tour, the guides will take you on a journey through the history of the Sicilian Mafia , showing you what a cancer the Mafia has been for us Sicilians and introducing you to the brave souls who died fighting against it.

You’ll see the Mafia through our eyes and understand why we’re especially irritated by those who glorify it.

Can You Do This Tour By Yourself?

There is no substitute for a guided tour when it comes to exploring the dark history of the Sicilian Mafia.

While you can certainly read books or do some research on your own, the true magic of this experience lies in the stories told by a knowledgeable local guide .

They bring the history to life with their personal insights and experiences, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural and social context of the events.

If you are interested in this tour, you can click on this link to see prices and availability .

3. Experience Italian Dolce Vita with the Vintage Fiat 500 West Tour

For this tour, you can get behind the wheel of the historic (and brightly colored) Fiat 500. Travel back in time on this tour through the narrow streets of Palermo’s historic city center. You can learn and appreciate the full meaning of the Dolce Vita.

• Sit behind the wheel of the classic vintage Fiat 500 (where else is this even possible?)
• Admire many of the attractions in the city like the Teatro Massimo , the Cathedral, and the Palazzo dei Normanni (though you can’t get inside with the car!)
• Explore Ballarò Market, the oldest street market in Palermo on foot, not in car among the people like a madman.

This is the very best way to enjoy Italian Dolce Vita. It is one of the most amusing and funniest experiences you can have in Italy, and you end up feeling like you are in a major motion picture.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Fiat 500 is a cute little car produced by the Italian car maker between the 1950s and 1970s . If you’ve seen the Disney movie “Cars ,” the adorable little car named Luigi is one of these cars.

The Fiat 500 is one of the symbols of Italy. It was the people’s ride: reliable and affordable, unlike other Italian brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, where you basically had to sell a kidney to buy one.

If you have had a license (not necessarily an Italian one) for at least three years, you have experience with manual transmissions, and just want to have a good time, this tour is one that you should not miss .

Do you know what is meant by the Italian Dolce Vita ? Here is a little lesson for you.

The late 50’s were the time of an economic boom in Italy. We were recuperating from the second World War’s hardships and suffering and had an overwhelming desire to live life to the fullest.

People were eager to enjoy all sorts of beauty and entertainment in the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Palermo, and Naples.

The climate was that of pursuing ecstasy in Italy, which this pursuit was given its own term, Dolce Vita derived from the famous Federico Fellini film .

Both the major cinema productions and amateur films have regularly depicted Italians happily driving the 500 through the center streets .

This tour has you experiencing Dolce Vita .

This experience is not just the thrill of driving the 500, but the excitement of riding in a time machine. You can feel the rumble of the engine and the sensations of joy that so many Italians have experienced over the years.

No worries, you won’t crash on the first bend! The guides will be there with you, and they know how to make even the worst drivers look good. So, if you’ve got a driver’s license and a sense of adventure, don’t miss this tour. I promise you, it will be a blast.

Can You Do The Tour By Yourself?

Absolutely not . Where can you find a vintage 500 for rent? You cannot even go into the Valley of the Temples and make sacrifices to the gods for assistance in this. You can’t find it for three main reasons:

• Car rentals just don’t deal in vintage vehicles (not even if you are willing to pay more for them)
• You cannot drive a vintage car through Old Town without express written permission from the local authority (not even if you are Don Vito Coreleone.)
• Alone, you would likely get quickly lost in the narrow streets of the center. (I mean tourists get lost on foot, so how much harder is that in a car?)

The only real alternative (which is much sadder) is to rent a modern 500 model. It doesn’t have the same itinerary of this tour and give you the same sensations that you get from the real deal vintage option. We are willing to pau for those feelings and experiences, aren’t we?

This is easily one of the most amusing and spectacular tours that you can do in Palermo. It is so unique that you are unlikely to find a similar experience anywhere else. If you have a driver’s license, this is something that you should definitely make time to try.

BONUS – Palermo’s Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour (For Those Pressed for Time)

You can purchase a 24 hour pass on a classic double-decker bus common to many tourist attraction cities around the world. This takes you for a leisurely drive around the city, and shows you all the main attractions .

• You explore the city much faster (and save the wear on your feet)
• Two different routes to take (and you should do both)
• You can get off the bus or get on at any stop (when stopped of course)

Not doing this tour is a substantial missed opportunity for visitors to Palermo. You will beat yourself up over it. If you do not have much time to spare, it allows you to see all of the major attractions and areas in just a few hours.

Why Do This Tour?

If we are being honest, I have no emotional attachments about these Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours through big cities like Palermo. I also don’t consider them to be cheap.

Wait a minute, though, there is one big ‘ BUT ’…

Palermo is the second largest historical center in Europe, which means that if you are only spending a short time here, you need an efficient method of doing the most. You will need wings on your feet. If you miss the attractions and landmarks, why did you even come to Palermo?

Turns out, wings on your feet costs about 20 euros .

At one time, Old Don Tano told me that our minds are full of rooms of memories. When we age, the room turns into our happy place that we can visit as we choose.

It is just like in the movies where an old goofball stands there staring off at the sky, reminiscing with an idiotic smile on his face. That a clear picture?

The older that you get, the more that you find yourself opening and closing that door (yes, with that idiotic smile on your face.)

Consider it like a child’s room that is full of games and toys, the more memories that you stuff into your happy place, the more satisfied you become.

He might have filled up the void a little too much – but that’s another issue.

So the question that you need to be asking yourself now is whether 20€ is worth adding a little extra into that room of yours. Search to find your answer and then act accordingly.

Honestly, there is no way . As I have already mentioned, I have no emotional attachments to this style of touring, but if you have a limited time to work with, it is one of the wisest choices you might make in your life.

If you think about possibly using the public buses for a tour like this (and I surely hope that you are not considering this) there are three things that you need to know:

• The Sicilian public transport system is one of the worst in the entire world (no, I’m not exaggerating.)
• You will have to change buses often during the same journey (waiting a substantial amount of time at each respective stop)
• There is no electronic displays telling you what stop you are at, so you never know when to get off. Good luck.

If you are going to be in Palermo for awhile, start by getting an accommodation in a key area . If you do this, you can follow self-guided walking tours I have designed for you.

If you are interested in one of the bus tours, you can click on this link to see the prices and availability .

I do not jump up and down for these types of tours in any city, but it is one of the smartest ways for tourists visiting Palermo to see all of what they need to when you are short on time (or just want to speed up the process.)

Why Did I Mention a Tour with A Private Guide?

If you take the time to hire a private guide to take you around Palermo, they can narrate the things you should know about the history and culture, is the best way to explore.

There is just one big problem: they are often too expensive for what they have to offer .

Personally, I have tried many of these (disguised as a tourist – because I think that’s hilarious.) I still haven’t found a single one that I would recommend to a friend.

They really restrict themselves with the same regurgitations of the boring historical events and dates that I forget after like thirty seconds. You can just hop on Wikipedia for the same information.

The irony is that Palermo is one of the most exciting cities in the world.

For this reason, I do not link any tour guide at the moment . I am still searching for a good one, and when I find it, I will update this paragraph.

If you want to hire a private tour guide in the city, I would suggest making sure that they are professionals. There are several charlatans out there who like to pose as official guides, and really they are just stealing your money and giving you nothing in return.

Top Three Day Trips and Excursions (Especially for First-Time Visitors)

Below, you will find a list of excursions that you can enjoy around Palermo . These are all round-trip tours, so by the time you should be enjoying dinner, you will be back in the city to do so.

There are so many beautiful villages around Palermo, but if this is the first time that you are visiting, these are the few that you should begin with.

Let’s take a look .

1. Monreale and Cefalù

When you choose this excursion, you get to see the famous Norman cathedral in Monreale , then visit the historic Cefalù. Explore key local attractions like the Mandralisca Museum and the Cathedral.

• You can see two of the most visited (and most beautiful) cathedrals in Italy – it is no coincidence that both of these are now UNESCO sites
• Travel the scenic Sicilian coast (which is sure to take your breath away)
• Experience Greek and Arabic terracotta contained in the Mandralisca Museum (the highlight of these being the Portrait of an Unknown Man by Antonello da Messina)

When you are choosing out-of-town trips, these are among the most popular destinations. Follow the crowd and don’t miss out on two incredible experiences.

Why Should You Choose This Tour?

Have you ever had a feeling of embarrassment that only comes from the discovery that you missed out on seeing and experiencing a critical attraction that is both important and beautiful the last time you visited?

You are certainly going to end up with this feeling if you do not take the time to visit Monreale and Cefalù.

If you just begin looking into a guide to Sicily, read part of a blog article about the island, you have heard of Cefalù and Monreale before.

Both of these are must-visit destinations – without talking your ear off about it – here are two reasons that this is the case.

You must visit Monreale because its cathedral with beautiful mosaics will make you think you have witnessed a real miracle.

The church itself is golden, covered nearly completely with shiny mosaics like you might have done in school with cardboard. Here, they are created with gold, silver, marble, and enamel.

Unlikely you created anything in school that spanned 6,400 square meters of surface like these mosaics do in the cathedral.

You may never see anything quite like it anywhere else.

Its nearly the same with the cathedral in Cefalù, as you cannot accurately describe its mystical atmosphere. There are also beautiful and intricate mosaics that can remind you of the amazing cathedral in Monreale.

Cefalù is more than its gorgeous beaches, food options, and aperitifs . The area is rich with a distinct cultural heritage.

In the Mandralisca Museum, there is an impressive collection. You should be blown away anyway, otherwise its possible something is wrong with you. Here you can appreciate the Portrait of an Unknown Man by Antonello da Messina .

This is all about the culture of the area and all of Sicily. If you would rather drink of the beach, hit the club, and embody the destructive we only live once lifestyle, you maybe shouldn’t come here.

Can You Do This Tour on Your Own?

Yes, but if you do not have a quality vehicle or a flying carpet to get you around , then taking this tour could give you stress hives.

The public transportation system in Sicily is nowhere near as efficient as London’s – however, here is what you should do if you want to try it anyway:

• Leave early to reach Cefalù by train and retrun to Palermo no later than 1PM (depart from the central station.)
• From Palmero, use the Moovit App to find which buses travel out to Monreale (pray this is simple enough for you)
• You could also reverse the order here, but bear in mind that the latest train departing from Cefalù back to Palermo leaves around 8PM.

I should emphasize for the tours you take outside of Palermo on your own, you should not attempt them without a car. The inefficiency and bad organization of Sicily and our low morale for work can lead to some unexpected (and unpleasant) surprises.

If you are interested in taking the tour, you can use this link to see the prices and availability .

The Monreale Cathedral and Cefalù village are two things that you should not miss if you visit Palermo. If you are not wanting to pay into a professional tour, make sure you visit these places alone with the public transportation options.

2. Segesta, Erice, and Salt Works of Trapani

This tour shows you three of the most interesting locations in West Sicily. You see the Greek temples in Segesta, the (Saline) Salt Works in Trapani, and the medieval town of Erice atop a famous mountain.

• Visit the medieval town of Erice (which looks much like you might expect Camelot to look – the town of King Arthur)
• Pray to the Greek Gods and explore the archeological site of Segesta
• See the salt works in Trapani – both the renowned factory and the shelter for migratory birds.

When you consider Western Sicily, these are three things that you really must do. Not only does this offer you incredible views and history, but also delicious foods. You must taste the Genoese of Erice, but beware, one taste and you might want to move here forever.

Segesta actually has two attractions worth mentioning: the Greek Temple and a theater .

Located in the middle of nowhere seemingly, there is a Greek temple that was constructed in the middle of the 5th century. German writer Goethe fell in love with this temple and the area when he visited Sicily/Italy.

I should mention that Goethe was hard to please. If this temple left an impression on him, you would definitely be impressed by its construction.

The Greek theater here will also be an impressive site to see. It was constructed in the 2nd century (BC) when Segesta was free under the Romans.

This is deemed among the most beautiful theaters constructed during the classical period, and this goes both for its state of preservation, as well as its positioning on the Gulf of Castellammare/Hills of Trapani.

Erice, on the other hand, is my favorite of the spots on this tour.

This is a small medieval town preserving characteristics of that time. You will feel like you have walked onto the set of First Knight , like you might run into Richard Gere and Sean Connery.

The only difference is that the Genovese were not eating in the film, but you MUST here.

Salt works are ancient industrial architectures in which the ancient activity of extracting salt gets carried out. They are framed in a landscape known as the Via del Sale.

Come dusk, mills like these on the sea offer an interesting site because they landscape becomes tinged with colors reflected in salt deposits.

Where the water meets the land, there is yet another site worth photographing, postcard-perfect flamingo sights.

I certainly would never try that, but if you are somehow protected by Tiche (the fortune goddess) you can try your luck and hope all the transportation goes smoothly.

I will explain what you should do if you insist on trying:

• You can reach Erice via a panoramic cable car from Trapani. You can get there by buses 201, 202, and 203. You can also reach Trapani from Palermo via buses of Segesta company.
• You should return to Trapani from Erice by cable car and use the Moovit App to reach the Salt Works by bus, or call a taxi (recommended.)
• From Trapani to Segesta, or vice versa, you can look for the mysterious Tarantola Bus company. Good luck finding out their timetables and where to get to a bus stop (they have no website.)

I would suggest that without having a car of your own to drive, I would not attempt this trip on your own. If you are adventurous, then go on. If we do not hear from you again – you are loved.

If you are interested in the actual tour, however, you can click this link to see prices and availability .

I chose this tour because, in just one day, you get so many different things to see: a medieval town, an old Greek city, and salt works. It is truly unique. If you have a chance to check it out, I highly recommend you do.

3. Agrigento and Valley of Temples

This tour takes you to see the famed Valley of Temples – ancient temples constructed by the Greeks and dedicated to their gods. This area spans 1300 hectares, and is considered the largest archaeological site on earth.

• Learn the story behind the Valley of Temples
• Visit the temples of Hera, Concordia, and Apollo
• Explore the incredible Archaeological Museum of Agrigento

As the largest archaeological site in the world, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the most visited sites in Italy since 1997. If I were you, I would certainly check it out.

Why Take This Tour?

In 581 BC, inhabitants of Gela founded the city of Agrigento and it was one of the leading cities in this ancient world. It was an urban center for economics and politics.

Every year, this becomes more and more of a self-promoting area, now attracting over a million visitors annually.

I believe it ranks among the top five most-visited places in all of Italy.

This is the largest archaeological sites in the world, and since 1997, has been a UNESCO World Heritage List site . The site is more than 2500 years old.

Should I keep going, or do you realize now that you should absolutely be visiting this site? I knew you were a smart cookie.

After all the years studying Greek mythology at school, which admittedly seemed way complicated at the time, it is all starting to make some sense when you see this site.

Didn’t study any Greek mythology or go to school? It might be good to just kneel in front of the temple and say you’re sorry for ignoring them all this time.

Besides the long history of this place, I would also encourage you to come for the amazing views of the valley . It can literally give you the chills.

I’m a hopeless romantic, though – enchanted by incredible vistas.

You should be happy to know that you can do a full photoshoot here for your Instagram account and win a ‘likes’ war with all of your friends. (You know you want to – don’t lie.)

Yes, I would say that you definitely can. You don’t even need a magic carpet or a car.

The best way is to go from Palermo by train, reaching the main station in Agrigento in about two hours. Here, there is a regular bus service that can reliably get you to the Valley of Temples.

• Visit the Trenitalia (or Trainline) website and purchase your tickets for Agrigento (though you can also get these at the station.)
• Get off at the central Agrigento station (and grab a delicious coffee here)
• Download the Moovit App to see which buses are available to take you to Valley of Temples (lines 1, 1/, 2, 3, 3/)

Remember that that the last train back to Palermo leaves around 8PM. Plan your time well, or you will end up staying the night in Agrigento.

If you are interested in the tour, you can click this link to see the prices and availability .

If you are a history and culture buff, that is all that the Valley of Temples is. If you miss it, people are going to think you an ignorant. Even if you are not that into Greek history, you will be astonished just to see the beauty of this place.

The Five Best Multiple-Day Tours to See Sicily

Below, I am going to tell you the best tours to take from Palermo where you should expect to stay the night away.

You can travel to these places on your own and do not need to waste the money on tour organization.

Check it out.

Here are the reasons that you should check out Catania.

• Nightlife and food (Catania has been dubbed Milan of Southern Italy)
• Beautiful, long walks through the historical city center’s attractions and shops
• Direct excursions from here to Etna and Taormina (takes a while to get there)

You will be glad that Catania is easily accessible from Palermo, as buses and trains depart for this destination regularly. My advice: stay there for three days, giving Catania, Etna, and Taormina its own separate dedicated day.

I wrote an entire article only about Catania – have a look .

2. Syracuse

This is another must-do if you are traveling around Sicily, and here’s why:

• Greek Theater of Syracuse – a prestigious location renowned for classical performances, musical performances, and concerts.
• Incredible beaches against crystal-clear seas you can experience by boat with multiple incredible excursions.
• Admire ancient religious architecture like the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena in an open air museum.

You can get to Syracuse in roughly a 4-hour train ride . You can also use the interbus company for a ride that takes about 3-5 hours.

3. Favignana

Favignana is a small island (only about 38 square kilometers) and part of the Egadi chain of islands.

• Appreciate multiple beaches against crystal-clear water you can reach by bicycle.
• Hiking trails leading to breathtaking views and vistas.
• Unforgettable food and drinks to experience when the sun is setting.

You can reach this island from Palermo by a bus that leaves on the hour to the Trapani Port . Here, you take a hydrofoil to Favignana .

Another small island you should see about 67 km northwest of Palermo. Here is what you should check out:

• Crystal-clear water become living aquariums because they are full of fish.
• Diving enthusiasts haven, with many organized excursions leaving every day
• Hike gorgeous nature at your leisure

It is easily accessed from Palermo by taking a hydrofoil from the port , and you can get directly to the island from here.

I would give myself 2-3 days to explore all that the island has to offer and really enjoy the sea. I would be remiss to not encourage you only to take this trip from May-September (the warmer months.)

I put together an entire article on Ustica – Take a look .

5. Aeolian Islands

A chain of seven islands that embody one of the most popular European vacation summer destinations. Here is what you can expect:

• Crystal-clear sea surrounding every island. It feels like being in a postcard all the time.
• Salina is famous for being a nature reserve with the two highest archipelago peaks.
• Lipari has the most people, giving it the best nightlife.
• Vulcano is popular for a spa where you can get muddied in restorative sulfur waters.
• Stromboli is an incredible active volcano. You can climb the two peaks to experience breathtaking views during your hikes and treks.
• Panarea is the smallest, but the most exclusive. It is a favored vacation getaway spot for celebrities, professional athletes, and politicians.
• Filicudi and Alicudi are reserved islands, favored most by those that want to experience nature and focus most on relaxation.

You can reach the islands right from the Port of Palermo by hydrofoil. The trip takes roughly five hours. It might take you awhile to see all seven of these islands, so I might encourage you only to check out a couple. You can make the choice for yourself based on how long you are visiting Sicily.

Conclusions

I am sorry if I overloaded you with information, but Sicily can be an overwhelming jungle if you do not get your bearings. I don’t want you to get lost. In summation, I have mentioned the best city tours and excursions, best day trips, and best multi-day trips. Let’s take a quick look at what those were:

• City Tours: Street Food, NO Mafia Walking Tour, and Vintage Fiat 500 Tours
• Day Trips and Excursions: Monreale & Cefalù, Segesta, Erice and the Salt Works of Trapani, Agrigento and The Valley of Temples
• Multiple-Day Tours: Catania, Syracuse, Favignana, Ustica, and the Aeolian Islands

Hopefully this information helps you to find tours that make your trip more enjoyable, informative, and satisfying. If you still need help, have doubts, or just have a question – leave me a comment in the box below and I will be sure to get back with you as soon as possible.

Nico Barcellona

N.B. – I am giving an itinerary for Palermo, as well as a couple informative videos I shot with valuable tips for the city. Check them out – they are 100% free .

I am a 100%, authentic, full blooded Sicilian loves Palermo like Romeo loves Juliet. I will talk obsessively about this city and I know every part intimately. I know all of Palermo secrets. I want to share with you everything great about this city, but I will not hide its flaws. After all, love is made out of flaws as well.

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Aeolian Islands, Sicily: A Detailed Travel Guide

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Have you heard of the Aeolian Islands in Sicily? I’ve been dreaming about traveling to the Aeolian Islands ( Isole Eolie ) since my semester in Florence in 2004. I huddled over my Let’s Go: Italy guidebook, reading about a Sicilian archipelago with lava-spewing volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Finally, I got my chance 17 years later. I traveled to the Aeolian Islands for two weeks in July 2021. While this was a vacation, my intention was to write a comprehensive Aeolian Islands travel guide.

Planning your trip to the Aeolian Islands last minute?

The Aeolian Islands tend to book up quickly. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

💃🏻 Top Experiences and Tours in the Aeolian Islands:

• Climb Stromboli Volcano (The most epic thing to do in Sicily!)
• Take a boat trip (Tours go to different islands each day – plan ahead!)
• Watch Stromboli’s lava from a boat (Great way to end the day!)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in the Aeolian Islands:

• Hotel Ravesi (My favorite hotel in Italy!)
• Agriturismo Solemare (Great agriturismo on Stromboli)
• Hotel Residence La Giara (Convenient location on Lipari)

The best way to get to and around Aeolian Islands is via ferry. Check the prices and schedule here.

I visited all seven Aeolian Islands, staying overnight in Salina, Stromboli, and Lipari, and spent a few days on Milazzo on the mainland as well. I hiked multiple volcanoes, rode around on a scooter, took several boat day trips, and threw myself into the ocean whenever possible!

I was in love. The Aeolian Islands lived up to those 17 years of fantasy built up in my mind.

But there was a problem. I did a lot of research before getting to the Aeolian Islands — but a lot of what I read wasn’t true. At all.

Why is this the case? The state of travel publishing in recent years means that lots of people are doing online research without visiting the destination itself. Legitimate outlets have shrinking budgets; content farms chase traffic without being diligent about accuracy.

Plus, when it comes to Italy’s most popular seaside destinations, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, travel writers are always passing through. The Aeolian Islands? Not so much, particularly for the English language market.

As a result, though I had done a lot of reading on the Aeolian Islands, I frequently felt like I had been misled. Descriptions of hikes didn’t talk specifically about the fitness level required; the two most frequently cited beautiful beaches were two of the worst beaches on the islands.

Most guides sent travelers to restaurants deemed tourist traps by locals (though admittedly, that one does happen everywhere). And guides were silent about the mass tourism of two islands in particular.

As a result, I have been determined to create an honest, comprehensive travel guide to the Aeolian Islands designed with you in mind. You deserve to have the best trip ever — so you should go in with your eyes open.

Again, I adored the Aeolian Islands! I had some less-than-great moments, but overall these islands are absolutely magical, with almost inconceivable natural beauty, and one of the treasures of Italy. I can’t wait to go back.

So come join me in a land of lava explosions and plump fresh capers, of bowls of granita, picturesque villages, and black sand beaches. You are going to love it here.

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

You can also take a look at the video of our Aeolian Islands trip here! Charlie shot most of the raw footage for his company, JayWay Travel, and their brilliant filmmaker Petra edited it into a masterpiece. You will love this Aeolian Islands video!

Table of Contents

Where are the Aeolian Islands?

The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago off the northeast coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for their natural environment — namely, their volcanic formation and ongoing volcanic activity to this day.

The best way to get to the Aeolian Islands is to fly to Catania Airport, take a two-hour shuttle from Catania to Milazzo, and take a ferry from Milazzo to the island of your choice. See all ways to get to the Aeolian Islands here.

Climb Stromboli’s volcano and admire the lava, explore Salina by scooter, take boat excursions to the other islands.

I recommend staying in Salina for most of your trip and a few nights in Stromboli. Hotel Ravesi on Salina is my favorite hotel in Italy!

I recommend at least one week in the Aeolian Islands. See my one-week itinerary here. A lot of people only stay for a few days, and they’re really missing out.

It helps to know the geography of the Aeolian archipelago when planning out your day trips. For example, Panarea and Stromboli are often paired together because they’re close to each other and distant from the other islands. Panarea is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Stromboli.

Visiting Alicudi and Filicudi from Stromboli on a boat trip excursion? Or vice versa? No. Nobody operates those routes because they’re too far apart.

Salina and Lipari are centrally located in the archipelago, however, and you can day trip pretty much anywhere from there. Vulcano has day trips to all of the islands, too.

Let’s start with an overview of all seven islands.

Salina is the green island. Located close to the center of the archipelago, beautiful and upscale, with several interesting towns, I think Salina makes the best base on the Aeolian Islands. It’s also my personal favorite.

Salina Pros: Excellent boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, perfect level of development, vineyards, easy to explore by motorbike, feels very local.

Salina Cons: Limited beaches.

Salina felt like home from the moment I arrived — and part of me wished I had stayed here for the entire trip! It just feels so much nicer than the other islands.

Thanks to freshwater reserves, the island of Salina is much greener than the other Aeolian Islands, and there are lots of Malvasia vineyards here. But Salina also has an upscale feel that you don’t get on the other islands. There isn’t any of the overdevelopment or overtourism you see on Lipari or Vulcano.

Salina is a fairly large island with several different towns, each with their own personality. It’s easy to get around by using the bus system, or by renting a motorbike and enjoying nearly traffic-free roads.

You can also hike here — Monte Fossa Felci is the highest peak in the Aeolian Islands.

I recommend staying in the charming town of Malfa, which has lots of restaurants and boutique hotels, beautiful views, and a lovely pedestrianized area. Plus, while the main port is Santa Marina Salina, many boat trips will come pick you up right in Malfa!

But a huge part of why I enjoyed Salina so much was Hotel Ravesi . I have wanted to stay at this hotel for years because of its infinity pool overlooking Panarea and Stromboli — and it was SO worth it. More on Hotel Ravesi in the “where to stay” section.

Kate recommends: Hotel Ravesi in Malfa for accommodation, Salina Relax Boats for boat trip excursions, Fenech Winery in Malfa for wine tasting, caper testing with Giuseppe in Leni, Rando Manuela in Malfa for pizza, La Pinnata del Monsú in Malfa for quirky high-end dining with a view, Bar Malvasia in Malfa for casual dining and drinks, Il Gambero in Lingua for the best granita and pane cunzatu in the Aeolian Islands.

Stromboli is the island with the active volcano! Stromboli is exactly what you expect a volcanic island to be — tall and conical, edged with beaches, crowned with a volcano that spews bright red lava every night.

Stromboli Pros: A once-in-a-lifetime experience seeing lava explosions at night, not too developed, sparkling black sand beaches.

Stromboli Cons: Limited restaurant selection, drivers that speed around corners, not much to do beyond the volcano.

The volcano is the main attraction of Stromboli. While many people plan a day trip to experience the island, you’re best off spending a few days here and experiencing it a few different ways: hiking, seeing it from a boat, and enjoying it from Osservatorio Restaurant.

Stromboli is a car-free island. Most of the main Stromboli settlement is walkable, and if necessary, people get around on golf carts or ape (those tiny one-person mini trucks you see in Italy). You just need to watch out as drivers often tear around corners on narrow streets.

Aside from the volcano, Stromboli is a very chilled out island. The beaches here are the best in the Aeolian Islands, shimmering like black diamonds. My personal favorite is Spiaggia Lunga.

While most travelers stay in the main Stromboli part of the island, the village of Ginostra on the other side of the island might be even more off-the-beaten-path than Alicudi. Accessible by only water and home to around 15-30 year-round residents, many of them artists, this is as remote as Sicily gets.

Kate recommends: Agriturismo SoleMare for accommodation, climbing Stromboli if you have a good fitness level, Osservatorio for great pizza with a view of the lava, Il Malandrino for granita and coffee right by the port, Bar Ingrid for casual eats with a view, La Tartana Club for the lunchtime buffet.

Panarea is the rich island. A longtime celebrity hotspot, Panarea is the smallest and most expensive of the Aeolian islands — and attracts a crowd of moneyed people looking for privacy.

Panarea Pros: Limited development, high-end shopping, beautiful views, privacy.

Panarea Cons: Very expensive, feels dead in high season, tiny, no good beaches.

From the moment I stepped on Panarea, I could see it was a beauty. Everything was a bit neater, a bit tidier, a bit more manicured. Chic boutiques sold chandelier earrings and designer flowy dresses. It felt rich.

We set out for the 45-minute walk to the Prehistoric Village and famed beach Cala Junco. And I was struck by just how quiet Panarea was. Not a pleasant kind of quiet — it was almost hushed. This place felt dead in the heart of high season.

Cala Junco was the biggest shock of all. This famed beach that all the guides were raving about, saying it was the most beautiful beach in the Aeolian Islands. This beach was filled with giant boulders. You could barely walk on it, let alone lounge on it!

Me: “Yep, this guide also says it’s ‘strewn with stones.'” Charlie: “Strewn? STREWN?! Maybe strewn if you meant COMPLETELY COMPOSED OF!”

There were more little things. The beach bar that we got a coffee at just to use their toilet…then found out there are no toilets for customers, so we had to double back to the Bridge Club. The granita bar that was lovely, but charged us 12 euros ($13) for two granitas, roughly double the price of elsewhere.

Beyond that, I didn’t see anything that showed me why Panarea was more special than the other Aeolian Islands. It didn’t have a bad vibe so much as it had…no vibe.

Honestly, I don’t get why Panarea gets so much hype. If I were rich and wanted an Italian island getaway, I’d go to Capri instead.

Panarea is best suited as a day trip — you can either book a boat excursion to Panarea (which often comes paired with Stromboli) or just take the ferry. I took the ferry from Stromboli, a 30-minute journey, and didn’t feel like I missed out.

Kate recommends: Panarea Bakery for pane disgraziata (a sandwich lined with lots of meats and cheeses), Bar Da Carola for delicious but expensive granita, Bridge Club Panarea for the last bathroom before the beaches.

Lipari is the largest island. Population-wise, that is. Lipari has an actual city, also called Lipari, and as a result, it has a different feeling from the other islands. It’s urban and grittier than the other islands. Sometimes the Aeolian Islands are called the Lipari Islands.

Lipari Pros: Most extensive selection of day tours, good restaurants, accommodation at a variety of price points, good for families.

Lipari Cons: Overtouristed, overdeveloped, lowbrow atmosphere, can be loud.

As the main island of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari surprised me, and not in a good way. Visiting in high season, I was stunned at the overdevelopment and mass tourism. The other islands I had visited were mercifully empty and had kept development at a reasonable level.

Lipari was crowded. SO crowded. I felt like I was in a rave. And especially popular with families, due to the cheap beach holiday deals here, so there were a lot more kids than on other islands.

The town of Lipari had a really nice walking street lined with restaurants and boutiques, a good archaeological museum, and we found a wonderful cat sanctuary called Il Gatti di Lipari that was one of the highlights of the trip.

Canneto, the town next door, was grungy and felt like cheap beach holiday central. Crowded, dirty beach; cheap hotels and guesthouses pressed up against each other.

Getting there was absolutely hellish — we took a bus from Lipari, which had zero air conditioning, was packed to the gills, and between the heat and our masks, we burst out early rather than subject ourselves to that torture any longer.

Just past Canneto is White Beach, a beautiful beach that requires an up-and-down trek to get there. The beach is actually gray, not white, but it’s much nicer than anything else I saw on Lipari. There are chairs with umbrellas; we just staked out a spot on the pebbles.

One big disclosure: I didn’t visit Lipari beyond Lipari town and Canneto. I’ve heard that it has nice scenery to explore on your own. That said, the traffic is much heavier on Lipari than the other islands (and borderline highway in parts), so I personally would be nervous about driving a motorbike in those conditions.

My big recommendation: You don’t NEED to stay in Lipari because it’s the largest and best-connected island. I thought I had to. I was wrong. Salina is just as convenient and a million times nicer.

Kate recommends: Residence La Giara for accommodation, Il Giardino di Lipari for interesting cocktails and offbeat eats, Officina del Cannolo for cannolis (skip the restaurant and order them to go).

Vulcano is the sulfurous island. Vulcano is characterized by yet another active volcano — but instead of Stromboli’s lava, this volcano emits smoke and a sulfurous smell that engulfs most of the island. Vulcano is also home to the best views in the Aeolian Islands.

Vulcano Pros: The most affordable island, closest to the Italian mainland, beautiful views.

Vulcano Cons: Lowbrow holidaymaker atmosphere, overdeveloped, limited dining options, awful sulfur smell.

I’ll be frank — Vulcano reeks. The smell is part of what “gives Vulcano its character,” as some travel writers say, and I’ve heard that the smell isn’t bad in some parts of the island, but for me, the smell would be a dealbreaker.

Throughout the day, I would be dealing with the constant low-grade smell — then a gust of wind would brush in more rotten eggs and I felt like I was going to throw up. I couldn’t imagine being stuck with that for a whole week.

That being said, Vulcano is home to some truly gorgeous nature. Not only is the crater a worthy climb that you can do independently, you can enjoy views of all seven Aeolian Islands from the top. You can’t see that anywhere else in the archipelago!

Then you get back to the bottom, explore the main town of Vulcano itself — and it’s super crowded with a lowbrow atmosphere. Even more lowbrow than Canneto. Lots of cheap hotels and restaurants, and again, more families. Vulcano has some of the lowest-priced accommodation in the Aeolian Islands. BECAUSE OF THE SMELL.

I was especially disappointed in Sabbie Nere, a black sand beach so many travel guides raved about. I expected a sparkling paradise similar to Stromboli’s beaches — only to find an overcrowded, dingy beach that was gray at best.

One thing I wished I had done was rent a vehicle (open jeeps are popular in Vulcano) to explore the island in more depth, taking in more views and nature. There is a giant pit where you can take warm mud baths, but it was closed during my visit, and I had also heard that it ruins your bathing suit and makes you smell for days.

Go to Vulcano on a day trip to enjoy the crater, the views, and the nature. Explore the whole island if you have time. But between the mass tourism and the smell, it’s not worth staying overnight.

Kate recommends: Il Gelato di Antonio for gelato (the Aeolians are all about granita, not gelato, but this is the one gelato place in the archipelago that I recommend).

Alicudi is the most remote and least developed island. The westernmost island, far from everything, almost everything on the island is built into a small settlement near the port.

Alicudi Pros: Quiet and remote, few people, donkeys.

Alicudi Cons: Far from everything with limited connections, no cars.

If you truly want to get away from it all in the Aeolian Islands, Alicudi is the place to go. There are few restaurants and places to stay in the summer; if you come here in the winter, your best option is to board with a local family, because everything else is closed.

But if you want an island getaway with few things to do and even fewer people, just a few quiet beaches, Alicudi makes a marvelous choice.

Alicudi is another car-free island, and there aren’t even roads — just stairs built into the steep hills. So how do you transport your luggage? DONKEYS. Man, I wish I had been able to see the donkeys! They usually only come by when ferries arrive.

Most travelers visit Alicudi and Filicudi paired in a single boat trip excursion from Salina or Lipari. I did so with Salina Relax Boats, and in addition to visiting Alicudi itself, I appreciated that we sailed around it to view the red-brown volcanic formations on the other side.

Kate recommends: The restaurant at Hotel Ericusa for fresh pasta.

Filicudi is the second most remote island. You are still significantly off the beaten path, but there are more services, more places to explore, and cars are allowed on this island as well.

Filicudi Pros: More developed than Alicudi, clear blue water.

Filicudi Cons: Far from everything with limited connections.

Filicudi is known for its clear blue water, which you’ll notice as soon as you dock in the port! This is one of the best islands for swimming spots, which you can enjoy on a boat trip excursion (ideally paired with Alicudi, coming from Salina or Lipari).

The big difference from Alicudi is that it’s a bit more developed, there are a few different settlements, and the island can be explored by car. Though it’s so small, you’d probably be better off renting a motorbike or just hiring a taxi when you need one.

I spent the least time on Filicudi out of all of the islands. I can tell you that the bakery by the port has an awesome selection of pastries (seriously, I got homesick because it reminded me of Italian-American bakeries in Boston and New York!).

This is one island where I’d love to return and stay for a few days.

Kate recommends: The bakery right by the port.

Things to Do in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily

I love that there are so many cool things to do on the Aeolian Islands. They’re not the kind of place you go to laze away every day by the pool or on the beach.

If you’re an active person, you should absolutely prioritize climbing both Stromboli and Vulcano. You can continue the climbs, if you’d like, with hikes across the other islands.

If you’re into food, you can visit wineries, go caper-tasting, or make it a mission to find the best granita or pane cunzatu in the archipelago.

And if you really want to relax, rent a beach chair for the day or try a spa treatment at one of the high-end hotels like Hotel Signum on Salina.

Here are some of the best things to do on the Aeolian Islands:

Climb Stromboli

One of the most epic things to do in Sicily — if not all of Italy — is to climb Stromboli, the lava-spewing volcano! Stromboli is a reliable volcano and every evening, giant plumes of blood-red lava spew across the dark sky, putting on an incredible show.

Climbing Stromboli is the best way to experience this up close. There is a hike to 400 meters, which gives you an excellent view of La Sciara del Fuoco (the “scar” of ash running down the volcano) and the lava-spewing crater itself. A guide is required for this hike.

The show really starts once the sun goes down, and you can enjoy a burst of lava every 20 minutes or so.

(In the past, there were even more intense hikes to the crater at 750 meters, but these have been suspended since 2019.)

It’s a two-hour hike to the viewpoint, and while many guides say you need “average” fitness to participate, I would not classify this as an average fitness hike. You will be climbing very fast, with few breaks, and lots of stretches both uphill and downhill.

Do you need to be in good shape to do the Stromboli hike? Yes, I think you do. I was surprised that different companies made different claims — some said “all you need is average fitness” and some said “excellent fitness required.” I, as a former hardcore gym-goer who is only moderately active these days (thanks COVID!), I struggled a LOT on this hike.

The guide pushes you to go very quickly, and the breaks are brief. It wasn’t enough downtime for me. At one point I was gulping for air so hard that a nearby Italian stopped to help me catch my breath! We were with a group of super-athletic Germans, but at one point we got pushed back to the next group of Italians, many of whom seemed to be struggling similarly to me or worse.

But I am incredibly glad we got to the top of the volcano. We watched the show for 90 minutes or so, then hiked down in the dark with headlamps down a path that was mostly cobblestone stairs.

Does this hike sound like it’s too much for you? No worries! You can enjoy Stromboli’s volcano in different ways! More on that below.

For climbing Stromboli, you should wear hiking/workout clothes appropriate to the day’s weather, as well as an extra sweater for the top once the sun goes down. Many companies provide hiking boots and/or hiking poles. While I rented their hiking boots, I wish I had brought my own trail runners in retrospect.

You can book the Stromboli hike here.

Take a Boat Trip Excursion

During your time on the Aeolian Islands, you should try to visit some of the other islands! And while you can take the ferry to other islands for the day, it can be much more fun to take a boat excursion: a day trip by boat with a tour provider.

This way, you get to visit new islands, but you also get to see more of the islands and landscapes (the ferries are all indoors so you can’t see much), and most trips include a few different swimming stops.

On my boat trip from Salina to Alicudi and Filicudi for the day, we not only got to swim three times, including swimming into a cave on Filicudi, but we got to circle an unusual rock formation and see the craggy red-brown veins of Alicudi’s uninhabited side.

There are lots of boat companies leaving from all the islands. I recommend Salina Relax Boats , which does pickups on both Santa Marina Salina and Malfa in Salina. The boat, the Lady Salina , was high-quality and had a bathroom on board; it was airy with both shaded seating and an open roof; and the crew were all very nice, professional people who kept us safe.

To book, email them or drop by their booth in Malfa’s square. They visit all seven islands but do different tours on different days of the week, so you may want to plan in advance.

Several companies offer private boat trips as well, which are much more expensive, but could be worth it if you have something special planned (maybe a proposal?) or have a group splitting the cost.

Explore Salina by Scooter

Exploring an Italian island by scooter — or motorbike, as some call them — is a fabulously romantic thing to do! I knew the whole time that I was going to wear my 50s housewife dress! I felt like I was in The Talented Mr. Ripley ! Minus the murder.

So which islands are good to explore by scooter? The only three islands I where would recommend doing this are Salina, Vulcano, and Lipari — though Lipari only if you’re comfortable driving in traffic. All three of these islands are a good size and have a lot to explore. The other islands are too small; it wouldn’t be worth it.

Salina, though, is my top recommendation. Salina feels wonderfully empty, it has lots of wonderful views and dynamic places to see, and each town is different and has something worth exploring: Malfa, Leni, Rinella, Pollara, Santa Marina Salina, Lingua.

Riding past verdant vineyards, stopping at cool-looking churches or cute beaches. Riding along cliffs and being overcome by the sheer beauty of this place. Getting granita at Il Gambero in Lingua was the perfect conclusion!

This was my first time on a scooter in Italy, though I’ve done a lot of motorbiking in Southeast Asia (including one terrifying experience on Vietnam’s highway at sunset). And what made it special was doing it on electric scooters — a totally new experience for me. Hotel Ravesi offers electric scooter rentals to its guests.

Hike to Panarea’s Prehistoric Village

Panarea may have rubbed me the wrong way — but there is no denying it’s a gorgeous island. For this reason, I recommend making time for one activity in Panarea: hiking to the Prehistoric Village.

This hike (really more of a walk, though it does include a lot of stairs at one point) takes about 45 minutes from the port. Follow the signs to Cala Junco. Once you climb the staircase past Spiaggia Zimmari, the big beach with brown sand, you’ll have an incredible view of Punta Milazzese, the peninsula above. This is one of my favorite views in the Aeolian Islands.

You cross the narrow land bridge to the Prehistoric Village, Bronze Age ruins of Mycenaean origin. It’s free to visit. If you’re into ruins, you’ll probably love it; if not, no worries in skipping it. Just be sure to take photos of Panarea from every angle.

Cala Junco, as I wrote above, was enormously disappointing — it was a beach of boulders. It’s right beneath the Prehistoric Village.

From there, we turned around and headed back toward the port. That was enough to enjoy the essence of Panarea.

One thing for certain, though: Use the bathroom BEFORE you get to Spiaggia Zimmari . We got a coffee at the bar on Spiaggia Zimmari with the intention of using their bathroom but were told there were NO BATHROOMS! We had to double back to Bridge Club Panarea, order a bottle of sparkling water, and use their bathroom before moving on.

Eat Pane Cunzatu

If there’s a signature dish of the Aeolian Islands, it’s pane cunzatu (also called pane cunzato ). Meaning “seasoned bread,” pane cunzatu starts with a round piece of flat bread, topped with fresh local toppings.

What toppings do you get in the Aeolian islands? Capers, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, eggplant, tuna, mozzarella, ricotta infornata, fresh herbs and seasonings. Sometimes a selection of those toppings, and sometimes ALL OF THEM AT ONCE. It rarely sticks together, so be sure to hold it carefully!

My big piece of advice is to double-check how big it is before you order. Some pane cunzatu are sized for one person, but many are big enough to be shared. Splitting one with your travel partner is one of the best cheap meals you can have in the Aeolian Islands.

So where should you get a pane cunzatu? It seems like every guidebook recommends Da Alfredo in Lingua, a village in the southern part of Salina, but locals told me nobody with self-respect actually goes to Da Alfredo. Instead, go to Il Gambero, also in Lingua.

I had several pane cunzatu over the course of my stay, on several of the islands. They were always delicious — and always an adventure!

Stroll Lipari at Night

Fun fact: wherever you are in Italy, any street named after Vittorio Emanuele II is pretty much the main street in town. Lipari’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is no exception — this is the biggest shopping and dining street in all of the Aeolian Islands.

While I wasn’t a big fan of Lipari island, and didn’t think it was necessary to add city time into a wonderful island trip, I enjoyed walking this street in Lipari town.

Plus, part of traveling in Italy is enjoying the passeggiata — the time around sunset where everyone comes out to stroll the streets and see and be seen. Go for a stroll and grab yourself a spritz for aperitivo, too!

And if you’re looking for souvenirs, whether it’s a long paisley one-size-fits-all dress from a street seller (hello!) or some Sicilian crockery to bring home, this street is your best bet.

Feel the Remoteness of Alicudi and Filicudi

Is it worth going to Alicudi or Filicudi? It depends on how long you’re going and what kind of traveler you are. If you’re a completionist like me, you’ll want to go to all seven islands. If you’ve got limited time or don’t really care about them, you can skip them.

But even more than that, these islands fascinated me. I loved exploring them and imagining what it would be like to live here, so cut off from everything. They have a pristine nature.

Plus, if you can’t stand the overtourism of Lipari or Vulcano, there’s no better antidote than these two.

I think Alicudi and Filicudi are better suited to day trips than overnight trips, unless you want to stay somewhere REALLY remote. You could visit by ferry, but you’ll get more out of your day with a boat trip to both islands from either Salina, Lipari, or Vulcano. (Stromboli and Panarea are too far away.) I enjoyed my trip from Salina with Salina Relax Boats.

Honestly, though, I think it would be cool to stay on either island overnight on a future trip!

Climb Vulcano’s Smoking Crater

Stromboli isn’t the only volcano you can climb in the Aeolians! You can also climb to the top of Vulcano’s smoking crater, the source of all the sulfurous smells on the island. It’s a big achievement to tick off — and you’re rewarded with what I think is the most spectacular view in the Aeolian Islands.

This volcano is a much easier undertaking than Stromboli. You don’t need a guide, it’s free to climb, and you can go at your own pace. However, most people climb it by day, and there’s very little shade, so be sure to wear tons of sun protection, drink lots of water, and take shaded breaks whenever you can.

After struggling through the Stromboli hike, Vulcano was so much easier. Mainly because we weren’t racing and we were able to take breaks whenever we wanted.

Easier is the word, though — not easy. There were some sections that required scrambling on hands and feet.

But the view at the top of the volcano is perhaps the best view in the Aeolian Islands. One of my favorites, at least. You can literally see all seven islands simultaneously!

Like the Stromboli hike, I recommend wearing trail runners or hiking boots, though you could get away with sneakers, too. I wore sports sandals, which weren’t super bad on the way up, but were much worse on the way down, as they filled with tons of gravel.

At the base of the volcano is a food truck selling orange and lemon juice and granita. Get ready to have the most satisfying juice and granita of your life!

Find Your Favorite Swimming Spot

Sure, there are beaches in the Aeolian Islands, but some of the best swimming spots are far from beaches, sometimes in the middle of the sea itself.

The island of Strombolicchio (wow, that’s fun to say! Strombolicchio !) off the northern coast of Stromboli is good for swimming and snorkeling.

Filicudi has a Blue Grotto — Grotta del Bue Marino — that you can actually swim into. It’s far from settlements on Filicudi, so you’ll need to go as part of a day trip. Just be cautious because it takes a lot of effort swimming back to the boat against the tide.

Piscina Venere on the western side of Vulcano — Venus’s Pool — is an oasis of clear blue-green water in the middle of an otherwise unremarkable rocky coastline.

Pollara, the Il Postino beach on Salina , has tall cliffs that you’ll recognize from the movie, though the beach itself has eroded over time. The cliffs are lit up in gorgeous warm colors at sunset.

A boat trip excursion is the best way to visit these swimming spots. In fact, it’s often the only way you can reach them.

And the Aeolian Islands are a good place to pack more swimsuits than you think you need! I swam almost every day there.

Wine Tasting at Fenech

Before coming to Salina, we got a tip that Fenech Winery was right in the town of Malfa and a good place to sample the local Malvasia wine. We also heard that owner Francesco Fenech was a bit of a character. Yep, we were sold!

We casually strolled up to the winery, where Fenech was pouring different local wines for two visiting couples. He welcomed us and served the Aeolian salad of potatoes, capers, tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. Then he spoke to one of the guys and got up to leave.

Turns out Fenech had to do some errands, so he told one of the couples they were in charge now. With a dozen half-full bottles of wine and spirits on the table. Leaving us with all the wine to drink as much as we wanted.

Well. THAT was a fun wine tasting!

We poured each other bottle after bottle, telling stories and laughing. Why not? We were left in charge! Eventually Fenech came back and he joined in the conversation. Turns out his grandfather immigrated from Italy to Boston, as my great-grandfather did, so we had a lot to talk about.

Fenech’s Malvasia wines are outstanding. (As are the grappas. Oh, and the limoncello.) But it was the casual, convivial atmosphere that I’ll always remember. All wine tastings should be this fun!

Watch Stromboli’s Lava from a Distance

Not up for the volcano climb? I don’t blame you. It’s definitely not for everyone. But there are other ways to enjoy views of the lava without subjecting yourself to that challenging hike. In fact, the best places to view the lava require little physical exertion at all! Keep in mind that it won’t be dark enough until 8:30 or 9:00 PM at the earliest.

My top recommendation is dining at Osservatorio — a restaurant halfway up the volcano with killer views. Sitting here, eating pizza and drinking wine and watching explosions, was one of my favorite moments of the trip!

I recommend making a reservation; ours was at 8:30 PM, and we were among the first people there. If you don’t want to walk up the path (35 minutes from the town of Piscità), you can book a free shuttle in their ridiculously tiny minivan, which looks like a clown car!

The pizza at Osservatorio is quite good; I wasn’t crazy about the fish dishes. And say hi to the little gray tabby cat who loves spending time with guests. We named him Salvo.

A second way to view the lava is to climb the walkway to 290 meters. This is a long cobblestoned road with stairs cut into it, making switchbacks along the volcano. (Osservatorio is roughly at the halfway point.) 290 meters is as far as you can legally go without a guide. It’s a long walk but much easier than the climb.

Since you’ll be coming back in the dark, you may want to bring a headlamp — or at least use your phone’s flashlight.

A third option is seeing the lava from a boat. There are many boat trip excursions from other islands that conclude with a stop in front of the volcano. If you’re not staying on Stromboli overnight, this is your only option.

If you’re staying on Stromboli, there are many evening boat trips that leave from the main port or Ficogrande, take you to view the lava, and return later. Some trips include a visit to Ginostra, the tiny isolated town on the other side of Stromboli, for dinner or aperitivo. This is one activity I wish I had done; I’m so curious about Ginostra!

Eat All the Granita

Italy may be all about the gelato — but Sicily is all about the granita . This icy dessert is similar to slush, sometimes a bit more watery. Granita is a treat, but Sicilians often eat it for breakfast with brioche! You can find it in almost any bar in Sicily.

The most common flavors of granita are Sicilian specialties: pistacchio (pronounced pee-STAH-kee-oo), mandorla (almond), limone (lemon), mandarino (mandarin) and caffè (coffee, sweet but not milky).

One special flavor from the Aeolian Islands is pesca Malvasia — peach and Malvasia wine.

If you want a truly decadent treat, I recommend caffè granita con panna — with cream. It might be whipped cream like the photo above, but the absolute BEST is when they pour liquid cream on top. The sweet and dark coffee granita with the smooth, silky cream? INCREDIBLE. This may be my favorite thing to eat in Sicily!

So where do you get a good granita in the Aeolian Islands? My favorite was Il Gambero in Lingua, Salina (yes, the same place with the top-rated pane cunzatu!). I had a caffè granita con panna, the cream was liquid, and it was SO good that I finished it and then ordered a fragola granita (strawberry).

We also had wonderful granita at Bar da Carola in Panarea, right across from the port. They had a long list of artisanal flavors; I had anguria (watermelon). Then we got a bill of 12 EUR ($13) for two. That’s Panarea.

Also: get yourself into a granita state of mind because there isn’t a lot of good gelato in the Aeolian Islands. Most of the gelato I saw was low-quality; you can tell by the too-bright artificial colors. I did have one good gelato at Il Gelato del Antonio in Vulcano, on the road to the crater.

Visit a Cat Sanctuary in Lipari

Do you like cats? Have I got the spot for you. You should visit I Gatti Felici di Lipari — Happy Cats of Lipari — a wonderful cat sanctuary and colony in Lipari! We totally came across this place on a whim, led by the cats relaxing outside, and we later returned when they were open to pet the kitties and spend time with them.

Happy Cats was founded by three friends who wanted to serve the local population of abandoned and stray cats. They sterilize them, feed them, care for them, and give them lots of attention. There are about 30 cats living here, and occasionally they have puppies too.

I’m the kind of person who gets upset at shelters because so many animals won’t find a home. But Happy Cats was so much better. The cats are available for adoption. But if that never happens, they’ll be okay. They have a home with good food, good friends, and they will always be taken care of.

Humans are allowed to visit from 8:30 to 9:30 AM year-round and 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the summer. And they are grateful for donations to keep the kitties fed and happy.

Aperitivo at Hotel Ravesi

Hotel Ravesi was wonderful for many reasons — but I especially loved the aperitivo, which drew visitors from around the island.

Aperitivo is basically Italy’s version of happy hour. You order a drink and you get served some small snacks to go with it. They’re usually pretty simple — tiny sandwiches, bite-sized pizza, something small and fried, a little ramekin full of potato chips.

Hotel Ravesi brings it to the next level with craft cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

And the food? Spoonful-sized servings of pasta alla norma or Trapani-style couscous. Arancini stuffed with ragu and cheese. Mini savory cannolis! SAVORY cannolis! I’ve never had a savory cannoli before.

If you’re staying on Salina at any point of your trip, especially in Malfa, you should hit up Hotel Ravesi. (And if you’re staying there, they also offer their guests an aperitivo cruise at sunset! We did that and got to enjoy the food with wine on a boat.)

Eat All the Capers

If there’s any one food associated with the Aeolian Islands, it’s the caper! They grow wild all over the islands, especially green Salina.

You’ll find capers in everything. But if you want to eat a lot more, book a caper-tasting experience! We found one in the town of Leni on Salina on Airbnb Experiences and booked it on a whim, and it was the perfect addition to our day of motorbiking the island.

Our guide, Giuseppe, was great, and showed us about how capers grow before serving us a tasting that was really the size of a meal, with all kinds of capers as well as Aeolian specialties. Lots of crostini, meats, and cheeses. And that gorgeous Aeolian salad of potatoes, capers, olives, and tomatoes.

You can book it here. And please tell Giuseppe Kate and Charlie say hi!

Best Beaches in the Aeolian Islands

A lot of people come to the Aeolian Islands to enjoy the beaches! That being said, I would not call the Aeolian Islands a strong beach destination. The beaches here are good, but not spectacular.

Most of the beaches here are small and made of large pebbles. They’re beautiful to look at, but rarely comfortable or practical, and often overcrowded. In Italian style, many have chairs you can pay for. Again, good, but not the expanses of white sand people expect.

In fact, I found two of the most-written-about beaches of the Aeolian Islands — Cala Junco on Panarea and Sabbie Nere on Vulcano — to be terrible. Cala Junco on Panarea looks beautiful from a distance, but it’s made of giant boulders. Sabbie Nere is grungy, overcrowded, and a dull gray rather than sparkling black.

The best beaches in the Aeolian Islands are on Stromboli — black sand beaches that shine like diamonds. Of Stromboli’s beaches, the best one is Spiaggio Lunga (Long Beach) — a long expanse of sparkling black sand.

Take a look at some of the beaches to see what you think:

Overall, the beaches on the Aeolian Islands can be nice — but there is so much more to this region than beaches. Active volcanoes! Motorbiking! Pane cunzatu! Boat trips and granita and hiking!

If you’re looking to do a lot of interesting things on your trip, and also spend some time on the beach, the Aeolian Islands might be a good destination for you.

But if you’re planning to spend the bulk of your trip camped out on the beach, I would choose another destination.

Where to Stay in the Aeolian Islands

Where’s the best place to stay in the Aeolian Islands? I think the best place to stay in the Aeolian Islands is Hotel Ravesi . I had wanted to stay at this hotel for quite a long time; it was SO worth it. More on that in a bit.

Best Island to Stay on in the Aeolian Islands

But first — what’s the best island to stay on in the Aeolian Islands? I highly recommend spending the bulk of your stay in Salina. Salina is the nicest island, it’s not overcrowded, it’s home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in the archipelago, and it’s convenient for day trips to all six of the other islands.

In short, if you’re only staying on one island, it should be Salina.

That said, I think you should stay overnight on Stromboli at least one night so you can experience the lava. The lava show takes place at night, and while there are some night boat trips to Stromboli from Salina and other islands, basing there will give you more options.

Should you stay on other islands? I don’t think it’s necessary. Salina and Stromboli should be your two priorities. But if you want to, go ahead! I think I might like to spend a few days on Filicudi next time.

I do not think staying on Panarea is worth the sky-high prices, and I do not think staying on Vulcano is worth the horrible sulfur smell.

One thing, though — you may be considering staying on Lipari because it’s the “main” island. I certainly did. But you don’t need to stay there — Salina is just as convenient, as well as a million times nicer.

See all accommodation in Salina here and see all accommodation in Stromboli here .

Hotel Ravesi, Salina

I planned my trip around Hotel Ravesi , and it is now my favorite place I’ve ever stayed in Italy. This boutique hotel is a good choice for both luxury travelers and mid-range travelers looking to splurge without breaking the bank.

The hotel is in the heart of Malfa, the best part of Salina. The rooms are simple but nice. That infinity pool overlooking Panarea and Stromboli is incredible! And the staff are excellent and make you feel at home.

The hotel has 18 rooms, which I think is the perfect size. It feels small and special but you don’t feel like you’re in a fishbowl.

And then there were the activities — the scooter rentals! Small boat trips around the island on their own boat! And the excellent aperitivo. It was far more than just a place to stay; it showed us the best of the island.

The only downside of this place is that Malfa is a lengthy drive to the main port of Santa Marina Salina, so it’s not as convenient for day trips by ferry. (Salina Relax Boats picked us up for our excursion right at Malfa’s dock.)

I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

See more places to stay on Salina here.

Agriturismo Solemare, Stromboli

In Stromboli we stayed at Agriturismo Solemare . Agriturismi, or farmstays, are a popular way for Italians to travel — you stay on property and enjoy local produce for breakfast and sometimes dinner as well.

Hidden deep in the alleyways of Stromboli, far from the water, we had this tiny guesthouse with only a few rooms, and a lovely owner who took care of us. Cats and dogs lounged around and loved to cuddle with guests.

Our room was simple — the typical agriturismo with simple furnishings and patterned sheets — and came with a nice terrace.

Best of all was the breakfast — FAR beyond the typical Italian breakfast of caffe and cornetto. We had frittatas, crostini, fresh capers, tons of fruit, homemade jams and honeys from the produce grown on the property.

The main downsides of this place: a long walk from the port (though we got golf cart taxis when we had our luggage at 10 EUR/$11 each), no pool.

See more places to stay on Stromboli here.

Hotel Residence La Giara, Lipari

On Lipari we stayed at Hotel Residence La Giara . While I wasn’t a fan of Lipari as a destination, this was quite a decent mid-range hotel: good prices, a pool, a kitchenette, and the destination was a short stroll from Lipari’s main walking street and just a three-minute walk from the port.

Best of all: this resort comes with a fluffy cat named Bartolina! She loves cuddling guests and even has her own little house on the grounds.

The main downsides of this place: traffic noise and lots of screaming kids. I wouldn’t choose to hang out here or lounge by the pool with a book, but it made a convenient, well-priced place to stay (and it was nice to take a dip after a hike).

See more places to stay on Lipari here.

How to Get to the Aeolian Islands

Getting to the Aeolian Islands can be time-consuming depending on where you’re coming from. Because of this, you may want to spend a night in Milazzo to break up your journey before taking a ferry the next day.

The most common way to get to the Aeolian Islands is to fly to Catania Airport, take a shuttle bus or van to the port of Milazzo (about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic), then take a ferry to the island of your choice. You can see the Liberty Lines ferries here.

We booked a group transfer with Eoglie Booking for 55.75 EUR ($65) for two people. You can book a private transfer here for about $120 or so.

Should you get a private transfer? If you have a group, it’s worth it. If you can’t find a group departure close to your arrival, it’s also worth it. If you’d prefer avoiding a van full of people and just riding in a car, it’s worth it once again.

Honestly, our bags were 45 minutes late coming out of the plane (classic Sicily!) and we came SO close to missing our departure. We were texting our driver in a panic as he kept saying he could only wait a few minutes more…then we got there and found out we were the only people on board. Go figure.

From Milazzo there are departures to all of the Aeolian Islands on Liberty Lines.

Ferry times from Milazzo: Vulcano is 45 minutes, Lipari is 1 hour and 5 minutes, Salina is 1 hour and 35 minutes, Filicudi is 2 hours and 20 minutes, Alicudi is 2 hours and 50 minutes, Panarea is 2 hours and 5 minutes, Stromboli is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

See all ferries to the Aeolian Islands here.

Other ways to get to the Aeolian Islands: Another option is to take the train from Catania to Milazzo, which takes about 3.5 hours and costs about 15-20 EUR ($18-23), plus a taxi from the train station to the port (about 10 EUR or $12). We did this on the way back from the Aeolian Islands to Catania.

The trains were better quality than I expected, with air conditioning, but there often aren’t elevators in Sicily train stations, so you’ll have to carry your bags up and down multiple flights of stairs in each station.

Is it worth taking the train? Personally, I don’t think so. Booking a shuttle is faster, more straightforward, and it doesn’t cost much more than the train. Plus they drop you off right at the port in Milazzo!

Other ferry options: In the summer months, you can take a ferry from Messina to Lipari, from Palermo to Lipari, or even from Naples to Stromboli! I love the idea of a Naples to Stromboli ferry. They should call it the Volcano Express. See all the ferries here.

Finally, there’s the rich people way: take a private helicopter! Air Panarea does charter helicopter flights from Catania, Taormina, Reggio Calabria, and other destinations in Italy. Contact them directly for rates. It might be worth it if you have enough people to fill a helicopter and some extra cash to burn.

How to Get Around the Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are surprisingly easy to get around! The ferry system is easy and comprehensive. You can see the Liberty Lines ferries here.

First off, do not bring your car! Having a car on the Aeolians is a huge pain. Only Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Filicudi allow cars, and you can get by with a mix of taxis and rentals on the larger islands. There are several parking garages in Milazzo.

Should you buy ferry tickets in advance? You definitely should for your ferries between the islands and the mainland. These are the most important ones, and they tend to be busy.

If you’re doing more impromptu trips — say, a spur-of-the-moment day trip from Stromboli to Panarea — you’ll have an easier time getting tickets last-minute. We bought most of our tickets last-minute.

You can buy tickets online up until a few hours before the ferry. If not, buy them in person at the Liberty Lines office. There’s a Liberty Lines office by the port on every island.

On the smaller islands, you get around with by walking, but every island has at least golf carts (or donkeys, in Alicudi’s case!) to schlep your belongings. The larger islands have buses, taxis, and scooter rentals are a fun and very Italian option.

See all ferries between the Aeolian Islands here.

And don’t forget Milazzo, the gateway to the Aeolian Islands! This port city was one of the best surprises of my Aeolians trip. After our flight was moved two days earlier, we realized that we would be spending three nights and two full days in Milazzo, not the one night we had planned.

You may want to book a night’s accommodation in Milazzo if you have a long or complicated journey to the Aeolians. Even for us, flying direct to Catania from Prague, we were glad to have this time to pause and ease into vacation mode.

Like many port cities, Milazzo is much nicer once you get away from the port itself. The city is a narrow peninsula with a tall ridge running down the middle. This elevated region is home to a castle, elegant villas, and lovely neighborhoods.

The western side of the peninsula is home to Tono, a neighborhood with a long, beautiful beach and several beach clubs.

I recommend checking out the Castello di Milazzo, a beautiful and ruined building with interesting history and glorious views. There’s even a tuna production museum on site! Additionally, be sure to explore the villa-filled neighborhoods on the high part of the ridge, and drive to Capo di Milazzo to see the end of the world, and another Piscina di Venere (just like Vulcano’s).

And be sure to have the dinner of a lifetime at Ngonia Bay .

We stayed at Ngonia Bay for three nights before traveling to the Aeolian Islands. Ngonia Bay reached out to me and offered to host us for a stay; in the end, they partially covered our three-night visit.

This hotel is outstanding. A stunning luxury boutique hotel with just six rooms. The well-manicured grounds gave me Southern California vibes. A pool on the grounds, and a rooftop pool on top of the building.

But the food is what makes Ngonia Bay truly special. The best food I have EVER had in Sicily was at this hotel! We enjoyed a glorious tasting menu on the rooftop, overlooking the sea. It’s local, innovative, and playful.

But our favorite dish was one we had to order a second time: bucatini pasta with pistachio pesto, burrata, and Mazara del Valo red shrimp. I dream of that dish today.

Ngonia Bay was an absolute treat, and because it was on the mainland, it cost much less than a similar place in the Aeolian Islands would have cost. If you want a special place to break up the long journey, this is a wonderful choice. And if it’s out of your price range, at least go for dinner!

Best Time to Visit the Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are extremely seasonal. As a summer destination, they receive the vast majority of their tourists between June and September. That especially goes for the month of August, when many Italians head to the beach for their traditional month off.

Of course, the summer months can be crowded (stupefyingly so on Lipari and Vulcano, less so on the other islands) and it’s the most expensive time of year to visit. But if you’re looking to lie on beaches, take boat trip excursions, and swim in the sea, summer is the time to go.

Sicily in the summer is notoriously hot, but the Aeolian Islands tend to be a bit cooler than the mainland — even a few degrees cooler than nearby coastal towns like Milazzo.

Shoulder season in the Aeolian Islands can be another nice time to visit — think April, May, and October. You won’t be in full-on sizzling summer mode, but the islands will still be beautiful to explore with nice weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Some tour companies will still run boat trip excursions, though not as often or to as many islands. You could still visit several islands if you visited in shoulder season.

I think shoulder season would be a nice time to visit if you didn’t care about beaches or swimming (though frankly, I would TOTALLY swim in the Aeolians in October), and I think this would be the ideal time of year for hiking.

In winter, the Aeolian Islands are very quiet and most businesses catering to tourists are shut down. Panarea, Alicudi, and Filicudi are essentially ghost towns. If you’re visiting during the winter, know that Lipari, the Aeolian Islands’ largest city, is your best bet for places to be open.

Sicily can be a very pleasant place to visit in the winter, though you do get more rain at this time of year. But if I were doing a Sicily trip in winter, I would stick to the mainland and avoid small islands and beach towns. They’re just too dead at this time of year.

Like I say for most European islands, don’t travel to the Aeolian Islands in the winter unless you have a reason — like you need to write a novel without distraction.

So what is the best time to visit the Aeolian Islands overall? I personally recommend June or September to enjoy the summer activities without the peak crowds of July and August.

How Much Time Do You Need in the Aeolian Islands?

Most people only come to the Aeolian Islands for a few days — which I think is a huge mistake. The islands have SO much to see and do. They should be the main dish, not the side dish!

A lot of people schedule on a few days in the Aeolian Islands as a coda to a longer Sicilian trip. If you’ve already planned that out, that’s fine — but you might start thinking about the next trip.

Overall, I recommend spending at least one week in the Aeolian Islands if possible. I spent two weeks (including three nights on the mainland in Milazzo) and it was fantastic.

Aeolian Islands Itinerary

What makes a good itinerary in the Aeolian Islands? I recommend spending the bulk of your time in Salina with at least one night in Stromboli to experience the lava to the fullest. And spend at least one day on a boat trip.

Here are some sample itineraries I recommend:

Three Days in the Aeolian Islands

If all you have is three days, I recommend spending two nights in Salina and one night in Stromboli.

Day One: Explore Salina! Travel to the other villages by scooter rental or by bus. Visit Fenech Winery or do a caper experience with Giuseppe. Spend sunset on the beach at Pollara.

Day Two: Take a boat trip excursion to the island of your choice. I recommend Salina Relax Boats. Enjoy aperitivo at Hotel Ravesi or try one of the high-end restaurants. Night in Salina.

Day Three: Take the ferry to Stromboli. Drop your bags at your accommodation, spend some time on Spiaggia Lunga, the nicest beach in Stromboli. The evening is all about the LAVA. Either do the Stromboli hike if you’re in good shape, or view the lava from Osservatorio Restaurant or on an evening boat trip excursion. Night in Stromboli.

One Week in the Aeolian Islands

If you have a week, you could visit all seven islands if you wanted, though it would be a bit tight. I recommend spending five nights in Salina and two nights in Stromboli.

Day One: Explore Salina and relax! Travel to the other villages by scooter rental or by bus. Visit Fenech Winery or do a caper experience with Giuseppe. Spend sunset on the beach at Pollara. Night in Salina.

Day Two: Take a boat trip excursion to Alicudi and Filicudi. Night in Salina.

Day Three: Take a boat trip excursion to Vulcano, or just go by ferry. Climb the volcano if you’re up for it, or rent a motorbike or open jeep to explore the island’s landscapes. Night in Salina.

Day Four: Spend a day vegging out in Salina! You deserve a day by the pool or on the beach.

Day Five: If you want another day trip, take a boat trip or ferry to Lipari. Otherwise, stay on Salina and enjoy it. Night in Salina.

Day Six: Take a ferry to Stromboli in the morning, spend some time on the beach at Spiaggia Lunga. Either hike Stromboli, if you’re in good shape, or take a boat trip to watch the lava from the water. Night in Stromboli.

Day Seven: Take a day trip to Panarea and hike to the Prehistoric Village. Come back in the afternoon, get in some beach time if you want, and make a dinner reservation (and van reservation, if you want one!) to Osservatorio, where you can eat pizza and drink wine while watching the lava.

Two Weeks in the Aeolian Islands

I recommend spending two nights in Milazzo, three nights in Stromboli, six nights in Salina, and three nights on the island of your choice.

Days One and Two: You have arrived after a long trip! Ease yourself into vacation mode by hanging out at your hotel’s pool or head to a beach club in Tono. Explore Milazzo’s sights, like the Castello di Milazzo and Milazzo’s Piscina di Venere (not to be confused with the one with the same name on Vulcano).

Days Three to Five: Take the ferry from Milazzo to Stromboli. Use these days as your base in Stromboli. Spend your days on the Aeolians’ best beaches and enjoy the small town. Check out the isolated village of Ginostra, too, and Stromboli is the ideal base for a day trip to Panarea. Enjoy three nights of lava three different ways: by hiking, by boat trip, and by dining at Osservatorio.

Days Six to Eleven: Take the ferry from Milazzo to Salina and use Salina as your base. Explore the island by motorbike or bus, enjoy the beaches, eat all the capers and pane cunzatu, go wine tasting, veg out by your hotel pool — and take as many day trips to other islands as you’d like!

Days Twelve to Fourteen: Explore the island of your choice! Get truly far away from the world in Alicudi or Filicudi, explore the wild landscapes of Vulcano, spend all of your money on Panarea, or spend time enjoying Lipari’s restaurants and shops.

Day Trip to the Aeolian Islands

Can you take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands? You can! Of course, I want you to spend much longer than just one day, but if all you have is a day, you can make it work.

Here are some popular day trip options:

Aeolian Islands Day Trip from Milazzo: From Milazzo you can visit Vulcano and Lipari , the two closest islands to the mainland, or take a longer trip and visit Panarea, and Stromboli by night to see the lava . (2023 Update: This tour no longer exists but you can visit Panarea and Stromboli are

Aeolian Islands Day Trip from Tropea: Stromboli is the closest island to Tropea , on the mainland in Calabria, and night tours to see Stromboli’s volcano explosions are popular. This Stromboli night tour from Tropea comes highly recommended. (2023 update: Unfortunately, the Stromboli night tour I recommended is no longer running.) Alternatively, you can visit Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli on a single day trip from Tropea. (Not familiar with Tropea? See my post about this beautiful town here. )

I do not recommend doing a day trip to the Aeolian Islands from other parts of Sicily. It takes too long, there are too many moving parts, and Sicily travel can be aggravating even when everything goes according to plan. You don’t want a delayed train or traffic jam to cause you to miss your boat.

Packing List for the Aeolian Islands

Are there some things you need to pack for the Aeolian Islands? Most definitely.

In terms of clothing, you should pack whatever you like to wear in a hot island climate (if you’re visiting in summer). It’s not necessary to buy special travel clothes; the hikes here are low-key enough that you can wear typical workout clothes.

Keep in mind that Italians and Europeans tend to dress neatly, even when on vacation. If you want to fit in, think long sundresses rather than cheap rompers, nice button-downs rather than old t-shirts, and quality sandals rather than plastic flip-flops.

Here’s what I suggest packing:

Water shoes — Most of the Aeolian Islands’ beaches are rocky; even the scintillating black sand beaches in Stromboli have rocky patches near the water. I was much more comfortable swimming in water shoes.

Trail runners or other hiking shoes — I chose to rent hiking boots for the Stromboli hike, but I wish I had brought my own trail runners (like a combination of sneakers and hiking boots, which works equally well for working out and hiking) for Vulcano and other hikes.

Insect repellant — Yes, unfortunately mosquitos have a presence in the Aeolian Islands.

Sports sandals  — An easy, comfortable way to get around, much better than flip-flops, especially for climbing the rocky beaches.

Insulated water bottle  — Stay hydrated without adding to the plastic waste problem.

Reef safe sunscreen  — The Aeolians may not have coral reefs, but reef safe sunscreen is much better for the environment as a whole.

Wide-brimmed hat  — Especially for boat trips when you get little protection from the sun.

Dry bag  and/or  waterproof phone bag  — Essential for boat trip excursions! (I always promote dry bags because mine saved me when  I was shipwrecked in Indonesia in 2011 .)

Portable safe  — Keep your valuables in here and lock it to something sturdy in your room.

Speakeasy Travel Supply Scarf  — Stylish enough for Italy, with a great function — a hidden pocket for valuables. No purse necessary and no thief will ever pickpocket you!

Travel Insurance for the Aeolian Islands

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance for Italy — after all, it’s a safe country with decent healthcare. But you need it for one VERY big reason: if you get seriously ill or injured in the Aeolian Islands, you will be transferred to a hospital by helicopter. And that’s not cheap.

If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin.  I have used World Nomads for past trips to Italy.

While Italy’s hospital prices aren’t anywhere near what the US would charge you, you could end up paying a lot of money for a serious medical issue. But travel insurance protects you and refunds you for your costs.

It’s the kind of thing you don’t know you need until you need it.  See if World Nomads is right for you here.

Are the Aeolian Islands Worth It?

Oh my God, the Aeolian Islands are SO worth it! So many times over!! So much that you can plan a two-week trip entirely to the Aeolian Islands and know that you made a great decision.

I can’t wait to return to the Aeolian Islands, and I know these will remain a special destination for me in my favorite country.

Go and enjoy your dreamy trip to these volcanic islands. Then come back and tell me all about it.

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 40 Italy Landmarks to Experience Once In Your Lifetime
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime
• 30 Italian Cities To Visit Once In Your Lifetime

Cool Places in Southern Italy:

• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fun Things To Do In Sorrento
• 17 Fun Things to do in Bari, Italy
• 16 Fab Things to do in Lecce, Italy
• 15 Best Things to do in Monopoli, Italy
• 17 Fun Things to do in Matera, Italy

Cool Places in Sicily:

• 22 Best Places to Visit in Sicily
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
• 30 Iconic Dishes To Try In Sicily

Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Have you been to the Aeolian Islands? What do you suggest? Share away!

Italy Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

Italy is one of Europe’s most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I’ve been visiting since 2006 and I never tire of it.

The vineyards in Tuscany, history in Florence , ancient streets of Rome , gorgeous views and hills Cinque Terre , romantic canals in Venice — I love it all.

Italy is best experienced slowly so pace yourself. Soak in the atmosphere and way of life as you explore. Italians move slowly and enjoy la dolce vita and so should you! Relax, take in the scenery, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The slower you go, the better you’ll be able to appreciate the charms and nuance of this iconic southern European gem.

This travel guide to Italy can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Italy

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in italy.

1. Explore Venice

While crowded, Venice is an astounding place to visit. I love the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, the Basilica San Marco, and the city’s countless museums. Moreover, be sure to head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks (the English word ghetto comes from this area of Venice). Venice is also home to several world-class festivals. In late winter, the epic Carnival takes place here and, in August, the prestigious Venice Film Festival takes over the nearby island of Lido. If you have time, be sure to explore the neighboring islands on a day tour. They are charming in their own right.

2. Wander Rome

Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface. Besides obvious highlights like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain, make sure you explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s my favorite area in Rome and feels almost like a village inside a big city. Trastevere offers delicious food, funky bars, and ancient winding streets. I love the family pizzerias and cafes here for people-watching and the gelato. Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is nestled within the heart of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and many fantastic museums. You can fill an endless amount of time here so don’t try to rush your visit!

3. Tour Pompeii

Located a 20-40-minute train ride from Naples , Pompeii is an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano, preserving it in a blanket of ash still frozen in time. Walk around the Roman city as it stood the day that Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 CE, moving in and out of homes, villas, baths, and businesses where pots and vases still lay. What really struck me was entering the houses and seeing that the fountains and most of the beautiful frescoes are still intact. Admission is 22 EUR while a guided tour with a professional archeologist is 55 EUR. It’s a huge site and will take a full day to visit in depth.

4. Hike the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of five colorful coastal villages on the west coast of Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. These small towns are by no means undiscovered by tourists but still absolutely beautiful and teeming with great shops and cafes. Each village has its own unique charm and personality so be sure to visit all of them. I absolutely love the fun hikes in the stunning hills high above the sea between the villages that range in difficulty. The Cinque Terre express train makes it super easy to pop around to the different villages if you don’t want to hike between the towns. Trail #7 is my favorite.

5. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Other things to see and do in italy, 1. party at the venice carnival.

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Italy, with millions of people attending every year. Though it’s too crowded for my taste, the iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you want to splash out, you can even attend a traditional masquerade ball! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance.

2. Explore Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Spend some time taking in the glamor but don’t spend more than a day or two here unless you’re looking to splash out. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Milan Cathedral, which boasts 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors. Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture, is also worth a visit. There’s also Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as Leonardo’s Horse, one of the largest equine statues in the world. To get away from the crowds, spend some time relaxing in Parco Sempione, Milan’s most famous city park. It’s a vast oasis of green space and perfect for a picnic when the weather is nice.

3. See the Leaning Tower in Pisa

The entire city of Pisa is focused on taking photos of this famed tower. Started in 1173 and finished in 1399, it’s the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, located next door. Although it was meant to be perfectly vertical, the tower started leaning during construction due to the weight of the building on an unstable foundation. Most people come for the tower, but I find the entire complex to be stunning! The white marble buildings of the Baptistry and the Duomo are equally impressive but don’t get the same attention as the tower. They’re worth a visit. Admission to the top is 20 EUR or 27 EUR for a ticket that includes all the monuments in the complex. DiscoveryPisa runs a guided tour of all three sites for 40 EUR if you want a more in-depth experience.

4. Visit Siena

Everyone who visits Siena walks away loving it. Located in Tuscany, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy and boasts a labyrinth of lanes gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo. Spend a few days admiring this charming city and exploring one of Italy’s most popular and famous regions. The main draw to the city is the stunning Siena Cathedral, which was constructed with white and black marble and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country (the interior is massive and ornately decorated and lined by huge columns). Be sure to also visit the Torre del Mangia, a narrow 14th-century tower that offers stunning views of the area, as well as the 14th-century Fonte Gaia fountain, which is decorated by centuries-old marble panels.

5. Wander Naples

Naples , made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. There’s the medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale Park, and nearby Naples , Pompeii , one of the most amazing and important sites to visit in the country. The Archaeological Museum of Naples is also worth a visit, and if you enjoy hiking you can climb up the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Naples is the gateway to the south so you’re very likely to come here if you’re crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region. Best of all, it’s a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

6. Explore Florence

There’s no real need to explain why one should visit Florence — the city speaks for itself. Everything people say about it is true: great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, awesome gelato. The city has it all. Be sure to visit The Uffizi, which holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). The famous David statue is also in Florence, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s one of the most impressive sculptures in the world and at 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be! While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the region to get a feel for the verdant countryside. Don’t miss the view from the highest point in the Piazzale Michelangelo. It was my favorite and well worth the hike to get there.

7. Drive around “the Heel”

Few travelers ever visit the southern heel of the Italian “boot.” But, if you have time, it’s worth the trip. This is where most of the fruits and vegetables in Italy come from so a trip down here will give you the best glimpse into rustic Italian life far from the maddening crowds of Rome and Italy’s other tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its rugged cliffs and white-washed houses. Gallipoli, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes and historic port, is also worth visiting. There are tons of amazing beaches in this part of the country too, including Marina di Pescoluse (Salento), Cala Porto (Polignano a Mare), and Torre Guaceto (Brindisi).

8. Eat your way around Sicily

There’s Italian culture and then there’s Sicily. Sicily has its own unique cooking style, traditions, and customs. It’s unlike the rest of Italy. Be sure to spend some time in Taormina and Palermo (the capital of Sicily). The UNESCO Valley of the Temples is also in Sicily, a national park home to incredible Greek ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Don’t miss the stunning Mount Etna , an active volcano that you can ski on it in the winter or take a tour of the top in the summer.

9. Stroll through Sorrento

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains. There’s not a lot to do in the town itself but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Blue Grotto .

10. Attend Settimana Santa (Holy Week)

This is the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday and is led by the Pope himself. It’s an amazing time to visit, but expect huge crowds and for accommodation to sell out months in advance.

11. Visit Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and picturesque little town just south of Bari (a port city on the Adriatic Sea) known for its unusual white cone-shaped houses (they’re super peculiar). It’s well worth a visit between the months of November and April (to avoid the flocks of tourists) as there are a couple of museums to peruse, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and markets.

12. Tour the Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums spanning over 12 acres. There are so many priceless highlights, including Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. You could easily spend hours here so don’t rush your visit. Consider getting a guide to make the museum come to life and give you some context and history of what you are seeing. Admission is 20 EUR and skip-the-line guided tours with Get Your Guide start around 40 EUR.

13. See Chiesa di Sant’Efisio

When you find yourself in Cagliari on Sardinia, wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city. The original building dates to the 13th century, though it was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century and then again in the 18th century, this time in the Baroque style. Admission is free.

14. Take a cooking class

Italy is a dream destination for foodies and the best way to learn about this amazing cuisine is to take a cooking class . You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the history of some of the country’s best dishes, and then learn how to make them yourself so you can impress friends and family back home. You can find cooking classes all over the country. They are very common. Prices vary depending on what city you take a class in, but most cost at least 40 EUR and last a few hours.

15. Take a walking tour

Walks of Italy offers incredible, detailed tours all around the country. They are my favorite tour company in the country. And they are relatively inexpensive and you definitely get your money’s worth. If you are big into history, culture, or architecture these tours are for you. You’ll walk away with a much richer understanding of the country. Don’t miss them.

For information on specific cities in Italy, check out these city guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Italy Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms average 30-70 EUR per night for rooms with 6-8 beds. Private rooms are usually between 100-140 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities and include breakfast. During the summer months, expect prices to double. In Rome and Florence, prices throughout the year are about 20% higher than anywhere else.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country, usually costing between 15-40 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a two-star budget hotel ranges between 70-125 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and occasionally free breakfast. Prices are on the higher end in cities like Rome and Venice and also double during the summer.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45-90 EUR, while entire apartments usually start around 70-150 EUR. Expect prices on the higher end in hotspots like Rome and Venice. Prices can also double (or triple) when not booked in advance. Additionally, expect even higher prices in the busy summer months.

Food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most dishes, with meat, fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. Gelato and pizza, of course, are also super popular. Some traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

A casual restaurant meal of pizza or pasta usually costs 15-25 EUR. In tourist hot spots, add 5-10 EUR to that.

Quick eats like pizza by the slice, paninis, and light snacks cost between 3-8 EUR. Snacks like croissants are less than 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 10-12 EUR for a combo meal while Chinese, Thai, or Indian food is 10-12 EUR for a main dish. Dessert is usually around 4-8 EUR for something like tiramisu.

Your average restaurant meal costs around 30 EUR with a drink. Most main dishes cost around 15-20 EUR while a pizza is around 10-15 EUR. For higher-end meals, expect to spend about 70 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer costs around 4-5 EUR while a glass of wine costs 4-8 EUR. For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte or cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR and bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own groceries, expect to spend 50-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Italy Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Italy, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking a lot, add at least 15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring the Colosseum or exploring Pompeii.

On an upscale budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This isn’t a real luxury budget but it’s a budget that affords you the ability to do anything you want. If you want real luxury, you’ll need to read a different blog for that!

Italy Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Italy is one of the most expensive Eurozone countries. It’s very easy to break the bank in Italy, owing to all the historic sites, expensive accommodation, and delicious but pricey restaurants. You’re going to be spending a lot on a visit here. However, there are still lots of ways to reduce your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money in Italy:

• Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer you bread when you sit down — but they don’t mention that it’s not free. If you’re on a budget, decline the bread and save a few Euros each dining experience.
• Picnic – Head to the store or one of the many markets in the country and grab food for a picnic. It’s cheaper than eating out and you can lounge in one of the many parks to watch the day go by. Food markets are a good place to try things, get fresh cheese and cold cuts, pasta, and snacks like ‘arancini,’ a super-filling rice ball stuffed with meat or cheese.
• Drink the tap water – When out at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill. Since the tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar. Take it outdoors and sit around and enjoy the day/evening or skip expensive nightlife and go out for a long dinner and just drink it at the hostel. Just make sure you have a travel corkscrew on you if you’re going to sit outside somewhere!
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 6 EUR you really can’t complain! (And it’s cheaper than the train.) Taking the bus in town inside big cities instead of taking taxis everywhere or renting a car will save you lots of money.
• Redeem hotel points – If you sign up for hotel credit cards, you can use those points when you travel. It’s always nice to have free accommodations and most cards offer at least 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which can save you a lot. Use this post can to get started with the basics so you can start earning points now and have some built up for your trip.
• Take a free walking tour – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore and also a great way to meet other travelers if you’re alone. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free. It’s the best way to save money and meet people. Just be sure to send your requests early (especially in the summer). Also, it’s a good idea to research the area you’re staying in first so you’re not so far away from the city center (or city!) that you need to spend a lot of time/money getting into town to see the sites.
• Get a city tourist card – Many tourism offices offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted entry to the main attractions. Some even include restaurant discounts and free transportation. If you plan on sightseeing a lot, these cards can cut your costs drastically. Check the local tourism board in each city for info when you arrive.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only did I save money, I got to meet interesting people and learn more about life in Italy. This is a good option to book a few days in advance. Just make sure to pick someone who has good ratings because newer drivers can have a tendency to be unreliable or cancel at the last minute.

Where to Stay in Italy

There’s a lot of hostels and hotels in Italy to choose from. Check out my city guides for a more complete list of favorites but, below, are some of my top recommended hostels and budget hotels in Italy:

• Loly Boutique Hotel (Rome)
• The Beehive (Rome)
• Hotel Montecarlo (Venice)
• Generator (Venice)
• Hostel of the Sun (Naples)
• Ulisse Deluxe (Sorrento)
• Hotel Bologna (Pisa)
• Hostel Pisa Tower (Pisa)

How to Get Around Italy

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in all the major cities in Italy (many of which have comprehensive metro systems). Tickets usually cost between 1-2 EUR for a single journey. Some cities also have day passes that offer unlimited travel. In Rome, you can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited travel for 7 EUR. A three-day pass costs 18 EUR, for example. While public transportation is generally reliable, traffic can be a nightmare — especially in Rome.

Train – The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train network. Prices are affordable too, with most trips costing just 10-30 EUR. Rome to Florence takes just 90 minutes (on the fast train) with tickets starting at 25 EUR. Rome to Venice takes around 4 hours with tickets starting around 45 EUR. Rome to Naples is just over one hour and costs around 20 EUR.

Italo and Trenitalia are the two main rail systems. Tickets on Trenitalia are often a standard price, while Italo’s ticket prices fluctuate more widely.

To find routes and prices for trains around Italy (and Europe), use Trainline .

Bus – The bus is slower than the train but cheaper, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 6 EUR. This isn’t the most convenient or fastest way to travel, but the buses are comfortable and good for short and medium journeys. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi too.

The 4-hour trip from Rome to Florence costs around 3-12 EUR, while a longer trip like Venice to Naples takes 10-15 hours and costs just 7-26 EUR.

Flying – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. Prices can be incredibly low on airlines like Ryanair.

That said, when you factor in the time spent at airports, you’re likely not going to save much time when compared to high-speed trains. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights and you usually need to print your boarding pass out too (or pay a fee).

Ferry – If you want to visit some of Italy’s amazing islands, you’ll have to book a ferry. Ferries are frequent and you don’t need to book too far in advance, but during peak season it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks ahead. You can use FerryHopper to find routes and prices. The popular one-hour ferry from Naples to Capri starts from 27 EUR.

Car rental – Car rentals are generally quite affordable here, usually starting around 25-35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as it’s required before you rent a car. Also, keep in mind that Italian drivers can be on the aggressive side so drive cautiously. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Italy

There’s no wrong time to visit Italy. Historically, the peak season has been July and August, but post-COVID cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are busy pretty much year-round.

There’s a huge variation in climate across the country. Temperatures can soar as high as 36°C (98°F) during the summer in the southern part of the country, and popular cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence experience a huge influx of visitors. I’d try to avoid visiting these cities in the summer if you can as it’s just too crowded, too hot, and prices increase during this time as well. However, if you want to visit the Alps in the northern part of the country, near Milan, summer is when the weather is best. Temperatures are around 24°C (76°F), but you’ll have to deal with the crowds.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm in the south but the crowds have thinned and prices are lower. This is a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean. Expect daily highs around 22°C (72°F). It’s still nice in the northern part of the country too. Average temperatures are around 14°C (57°F), so you’ll want layers for the cool mornings and evenings. If you want to get into the higher elevations, plan on colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 2°C (36°F) in Milan and 4°C (39°F) in Rome. In the south, near Sorrento and Naples, average temperatures are closer to 12°C (54°F) and you won’t have to worry about snow. On the other hand, November to December is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore!

How to Stay Safe in Italy

Italy is a safe country to travel as violent crime against tourists is very rare. However, scams and pickpocketing are incredibly common, especially around high-traffic tourist sites in places like Rome and Venice. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight on public transportation and when out and about. The biggest things to watch out for are pickpockets on public transportation and in crowds. Don’t leave your bag open or put your mobile phone in loose jacket pockets on the tram or subway.

Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are fake so always buy tickets from reputable sellers only. If you take a taxi somewhere, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don’t get ripped off.

You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Italy. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Catcalling is not uncommon in Italy. Also, on public transport be mindful of groping on public transport. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country as they will have better advice for you.

If you rent a car, make sure you drive carefully and also have extra insurance. The roads in much of the country are very winding and narrow and drivers here are on the aggressive side.

Natural disasters here are uncommon, but since there are several active volcanoes in the country they can occur. Venice is also prone to flooding, so always be mindful of the weather while you’re here and heed any warnings or advisories.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Italy Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

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Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

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Guide to the Best Things to Do In Palermo Italy

W ith so much to do in the regional capital of Sicily, this guide to the best things to do in Palermo Italy will help you see the most important spots.

A busy port city on the northwest coast of Sicily, you'll need a few days to explore the beautiful architecture, museums, and churches.

The city was bombed very heavily during WWII. Some of the raids caused a lot of damage to the city. Many historic palaces and churches were destroyed, but thankfully, many of the historic structures were rehabilitated.

Palermo offers a blend of old and new, with plenty to experience in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. I explored Palermo for a week with a local guide from Exodus Travels and it was one of my favorite trips of all time.

I've been to Italy quite a bit spending 3 days in Rome following a cruise a couple of years ago when I first visited Taormina and Messina.

So though this wasn't my first time in Sicily, I had not been to Palermo. Visiting the capital of Sicily is a must!

Where Is Palermo?

Palermo is located on the northwest coast of Sicily. If you look at Italy as a boot, Sicily would be the large island at the tip of the boot.

It is approximately a 10-hour drive from Rome, part of which includes the Messina Ferry from mainland Italy to Sicily. The route from the ferry terminal to Palermo hugs the northern coast of Sicily and offers some amazing views.

Palermo also offers an expansive airport to fly directly to Sicily and then drive about 20 miles into the city.

As the largest city in Sicily, Palermo is an incredible blend of modern city life and historic sites dating back to 1072. 

Why We Love This City

The Sicilian capital city of Palermo is a feast for all the senses. The stunning architectural style is a unique Arab-Norman blend, with a bit of baroque and Art Nouveau influences mixed in.

Because of Sicily’s strategic location, it has frequently changed hands over the years, being under the control of Greek, Arab, Norman, Roman, Phoenician, Ostrogoth, British, and more over the years. 

As each group took hold on the island, they left their mark on architecture and culture, as well as providing a unique and rich history.

A great way to learn about the history and culture of Palermo is to take the Hop On Hop Off bus tour . This is the best way to see a lot in a short time.

And, of course, you can’t talk about areas around the Mediterranean without mentioning the incredible food. In fact, my tour with Exodus Adventure Travels was culinary-focused , making it easy to learn about the best local spots without having to do the research.

Like everything else in Sicily, the local food in Palermo is a blend of flavors. The food was definitely a big draw for me!

Top Things to Do in Palermo

Explore quattro canti square.

Also known as Four Corners Square, this is one of the most iconic locations in Palermo. Located at the intersection of the Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele at the city center, this main intersection is filled with façades with a variety of statues.

There are statues for the four seasons on one level, four Spanish kings on the next, and then four patron saints above that.

This area was always bustling with people and was fun to just explore the nearby shops and restaurants.

Just down the street from Quattro Canti Square, you find Biga , the perfect place for a slice of pizza.

Visit Piazza Bellini

At the Piazza Bellini, you can find a couple of buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the church of San Cataldo and the church of La Martorana. These historic buildings were built during the Norman era of Sicily. 

See Santa Caterina Church

This Roman Catholic church is also in Piazza Bellini. Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, it was first constructed in 1310 as a convent for Dominican nuns.

The church has had a long history of expansion and damage due to political instability. It features several stunning chapels and sculptures of many venerated Dominican nuns. 

This was one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen.

Take the steps to the rooftop. The way up is uneven, and there’s scaffolding that you have to walk across from one side to the other if you want to see both views. However, the view is gorgeous and worth the climb.

When I was there, the roof terrace closed at 5 p.m., so keep that in mind when planning your day. 

Walk around Piazza Pretoria

This location is a short walk from Quattro Canti and has a gorgeous fountain, Fontana Pretoria, that is great for photos with marble statues of mermaids, nymphs, satyrs, and more.

As this was right across the street from my hotel, I visited a few times, and there were always people taking selfies with the fountain and statues.

This location is also known as Piazza della Vergogna (the Square of Shame), but is it because of the nude statues that offended the sensibilities of centuries gone by or because of the corrupt government of the time that was nearby? You’ll have to decide! 

Explore Palermo Cathedral

The Palermo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains several locations worth exploring including Chapel of the Relics, Royal Tombs, the Crypts, and the Treasury.

One of the most special relics here to the people of Palermo is a silver urn with the ashes of Saint Rosalie. It is said that she saved Sicily from the Black Plague in 1624.

A huge celebration takes place in July every year in Palermo to mark the anniversary of the discovery of the relics of Saint Rosalie.

2024 will mark the 400th anniversary of this event, and a celebration of celebrations is being planned.

Not only will there be a feast ending with a procession of Santa Rosalia's remains being brought through the streets as they do in Palermo every year, but the entire year leading up to this anniversary has been proclaimed the Rosalian Jubilee Year, from July 10, 2023, through September 4, 2024.

We saw a festival honoring Saint Rosalie taking place when we were there in September, and if it is any indication of what the 2024 festival will be like, it will be one to remember!

The Palermo Cathedral is also the final resting place for many other notable figures in the history of Sicily, but it's clear that Santa Rosalia is very special to the people who live here.

Visit the Puppet Shop and Take in a Show

For something more lighthearted, you’ll love seeing one of the puppet shows and exploring the puppets for sale from puppet master Vincenzo Argento.

He’s one of only two puppet masters left in all of Sicily and from a family line in puppetry dating back to the late 1890s! This is one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions. 

Taste Authentic Gelato

One of the best things to try, especially on a hot day, is authentic gelato.  A great place to sample this delicious dessert is the Gelateria La Kala.

Made with high-quality materials and fresh fruit, a dish of gelato is a great treat to savor. 

Visit Open Air Capo Mercado

The Capo Mercado is such a fabulous al fresco market full of stalls with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and Sicilian street cuisine.

We wandered through the carts and kiosks of street vendors with our guide filling us in on what we should try and why.

The colorful street markets and local bakeries were my favorite stops to try some of the best local specialties.

This is one of the best places to get a literal taste of local flavor. 

Note: This type of spice and beans would not have made it through customs. Remember to only buy items that are properly sealed for traveling to another country.

Eat Traditional Sicilian foods, Palermo-style!

We tried arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and cheese), panelle (fried chickpea pancake), and sfincione (the traditional pizza of Palermo). They all were absolutely delicious.

You can make your own amazing food tour by walking around and seeing what strikes your fancy or take a local tour.

Eat a Spleen Sandwich

Speaking of food, you can’t talk about food in Palermo without mentioning this one.

The “Pani ca Meusa” (or Sicilian Spleen Sandwich) is a Palermo street food delicacy made with fried cow organs (like the heart, lung, and of course spleen) on a soft bun with cheese and sometimes a squeeze of lemon.

I didn’t love it, though a couple of people in our group ate the whole sandwich! I did try it, and you must, too!

Another great foodie city is Venice! If you're planning to go, save this list of things to do in Venice Italy in one day !

Take a tour of The Steri of Palermo

The Inquisition was a troubling time in the history of Palermo, where no one was safe from being labeled a heretic or accused of committing some sort of crime against the church.

The 14th century wood ceiling has been in the restoration process since 2017. It's pretty spectacular.

The Palazzo Steri was used as a prison during the Spanish Inquisition and was a place of imprisonment and atrocious torture.

Many of the Jewish population of Palermo were arrested, tortured, and burned at the stake.

While held in confined cramped cells, inmates from all walks of life used whatever they could find – coal, terracotta, even urine and spit – to create drawings on the walls of the prison cells, and the artwork is surprisingly well preserved even today. 

The artwork is a beautiful, yet haunting, reminder of a dark time in the history of Europe. Guided tours are available.

Go Shopping

There are many little shops with housewares, stationery, foods, beautiful clothing, and more! There’s something for everyone in the little boutiques throughout the city. 

Wine prices are very affordable, so bring a large tote bag to carry on with your worn clothes and pack your suitcase with local wines and foods.

Make sure whatever you buy is sealed airtight. Some local foods, such as herbs in a bag just stapled shut, won't make it through customs.

See a show at Teatro Massimo

The Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera house in Europe and offers perfect acoustics for listening to a performance.

The interior has 1381 seats in a horseshoe layout around an inclined stage, so you can always find a good seat in the house!

Taste Sangue Sicilian Vino Liquoroso

This local drink is delicious but potent! 

It is a fruity wine, similar to port wine, with flavors of cherries, blood orange, and cranberries, giving it a rich “blood wine” color.

We had such a good time at Taverna Azzurra . Can you tell?

Spend Some Time at the No Mafia Memorial

For most people, thoughts of the Mafia bring up images of The Godfather movies. (Fun fact, parts of The Godfather III were filmed in the Massimo Theatre!)

While the movie version of the Mafia is Hollywood’s take on this, the No Mafia Memorial tells the real story of the Mafia and the many deaths that it has caused over the years through a series of educational exhibits.

Take a Horse and Carriage Ride

You’ll usually see them in the Quattro Canti area. This is a great way to get a unique view of the area at a relaxed pace.

Drink Local Wine and Beer

From someone who pores over wine lists before ordering, this was such a nice break. I tend to get headaches from some red wines, so I usually stick to Pinot Noir or a Red Blend.

I don't think I ordered a specific brand of wine the entire time I was in Sicily. Simply ordering a glass of red wine was all I needed to do, and each glass was excellent.

I also enjoyed a local beer now and then, perfect on a warm day.

Explore Palazzo Normanni

Palazzo Normanni is also known as Norman Palace or The Royal Palace. This is where the seat of the Kings of Sicily was located during the House of Hauteville, Norman Dynasty, in the 11th and 12th centuries. The history is fascinating.

The building is now the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The first-floor Palatine Chapel is worth the visit in itself.

Where to Stay in Palermo

I stayed at B & B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti , right in the heart of Palermo. It was so convenient to everything and they had an amazing breakfast on the rooftop.

Frequently Asked Questions

The rainiest months are January through April and November through December. Temperatures are fairly mild during the winter, but in higher altitudes on the island, there is often some snowfall in the winter. July and August are the warmest, with temperatures up near the 90s. If you want the most comfortable weather with dry conditions, June, September, or October is the best time to visit.

Yes. The hop on hop off bus gives you a nice tour. Our guide with Exodus Adventure Travels was local and gave us included tours throughout our trip. Tourism is a major draw for Palermo, with around 750,000 visitors each year. That means there are a lot of resources available to help you get around.

As a large city and tourist hub, you will readily find English spoken within the hospitality industry, as well as by many of the younger residents. (English is taught in schools.) Still, it is always helpful to brush up on a few polite phrases before you go. 

Top Tips for Visiting

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking along cobbled streets, so this is not the place for fashionable high heels!

Leather sneakers were all I wore the whole time I was in Sicily. They’re comfortable and they go with just about anything. I have a pair of white and a pair of black. 

Bring a power converter. Palermo, like most of Europe, has 220-volt electrical outlets instead of the standard 110 in the U.S. Having a power converter is a must! 

This converter is the one I use everywhere. A nice feature is that it also has two USB ports, which is very convenient for charging multiple electronics at the same time.

Expect to eat on Palermo time. Lunch times at restaurants usually run from around noon to 3:30.

After that, restaurants are closed for most of the afternoon and early evening, reopening for dinner from around 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

You will still be able to find some places to eat, but if you’re looking for an early dinner, you likely will be out of luck. Go with the flow and enjoy Sicily time like a local when it comes to meals!

Your phone can be a great resource at historic sites. At many churches and monuments, there will be QR codes. Use your phone camera to access the QR code, click the link, and get more information about the location.

Make sure to respect local customs when visiting churches. Bring a scarf or sarong to cover bare shoulders and thighs when you visit churches.

If a church service is already in progress, enter quietly or avoid intruding altogether. 

Pack wisely! Grab a free printable packing list to help you plan your wardrobe and make sure you don’t forget essentials.

My trip to Sicily was with Exodus Adventure Travels and I loved leaving all the planning to them. Palermo was our first stop.

Next was Erice for a day trip before heading to Marsala. Interested in seeing the whole trip? That's coming soon!

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13 BEST Multi-Day Foodie Tours in Italy (by a Local)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: June 18, 2024

Categories Europe , Italy

As an Italian, I might be just a liiitle bit biased, but you’ll have to agree that, when it comes to food, Italy is an unbeatable destination . From the classic pasta and pizza to delicacies from each region of the country, the culinary world in Italy is vast and very rich.

In this article, you’ll find a great compilation o f multi-day tours to immerse you in the local cuisine , its roots, flavors, and history, like no other experience. You’ll get to travel to different Italian regions, discovering the products and dishes that originated in each area. 

Eating your way through the country, wine tasting, and attending cooking classes are a few of the gastronomic adventures you’ll embark on. These multiday excursions ensure that you’re catered for throughout the experience, with accommodation and transfers included .  

I use TourRadar for booking multiday tours as I like to be able to choose between many different operators. The company works with over 2,500 operators, offering a wide selection of multi-day journeys all over the world.

The large number of companies also means that its cancellation policy differs from one operator to the other. You’ll have to check the specific tour you’re looking at for the details. However, TourRadar does encourage all operators to be flexible. For most tours, you’ll have the possibility to reschedule a tour, book an alternative activity, or receive credit if you have to cancel the trip. 

Now let’s dive into the ultimate foodie tours in Italy , handpicked by a local who knows the country inside out. You’re in for a delicious treat!

Limited time? These are the top tours :

OUR PICK: The Two BEST Foodie Tours in Italy

Italy real food adventure.

Itinerary : The tour departs from Venice – Bologna – Modena – San Gimignano – Ends in Rome   Duration : 8 days

Tour Highlights :

• A visit to Rome’s oldest food markets 
• A Pasta-Making Class
• A Guided Walk through Vineyards with Wine Tasting
• A crawl through the Bacari (wine bars) in Venice

The Italy Real Food Adventure is an eight-day journey focused on Italian cuisine. Your trip starts in Venice, with a welcome meeting in the evening starring the Venetian aperitivo of Spritz or Bellini at a local restaurant. 

Explore the bustling Rialto Fish Market, witness as the farmers unload produce from their boats in the canals, and have a free afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a delectable Cicchetti crawl through the city’s Bacari (wine bars). 

Your trip continues to Bologna , Italy’s foodie capital (and my city!), for a hands-on pasta-making class, in which you’ll prepare your own dinner from scratch. Learn about the production of Parmigiano Reggiano and Modena Balsamic Vinegar with factory visits. 

Leave Emilia-Romagna behind as you make your way to Tuscany, renowned for its regional cuisine and first-class wines. You’ll stay in the hilltop town of San Gimignano , in a beautiful farmhouse where you’ll get to tour the vineyards and olive groves. 

Learn about the organic methods used to produce wine and olive oil, followed by a generous tasting of both products. Finally, hop on a train to Rome , where you’ll enjoy a comprehensive walking tour and a feast of homemade dishes for your last dinner. 

*Vegetarian and vegan meals can be requested, as well as Kosher and Halal food options. 

This tour includes : All transfers, a guide, accommodation, product tastings, activities, breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy

Itinerary : The tour departs from Bologna – Modena – Pavia – Turin – Ends in Alba Duration : 8 days

Tour Highlights: 

• Cooking Class featuring Tortellini or Tagliatelle
• A Tasting of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
• Truffle Hunting 
• Barolo Wine Tasting Session at a Winery

The 8-Day Foodie Tour Of Northern Italy takes you on a whirlwind trip around the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions. 

Start on a high note with a tour around the gastronomic capital of the country, Bologna , and a hands-on cooking class preparing pasta al ragù. You’ll then travel to Modena , the land of Balsamic Vinegar, to learn how it’s made as you tour the cellar and enjoy delicious tastings. 

Visit the Ferrari Museum before leaving for Pavia , with a mandatory en-route stop at a local farm for samples of Parmigiano Reggiano. You’ll check into a wine estate for the night, and spend the following day exploring the quaint town. Learn about its agriculture and wine production, and enjoy a wine tasting in Canelli.  

Heading into the Barolo region you’ll pass by castles, charming towns, and lush countryside. Take part in a truffle hunt before relishing a truffle-based lunch, and enjoy a wine-tasting session of Barolo wines at a winery. 

Your last day will be spent in Turin , where you’ll be treated to delicious sweets, visit the Museum of Ancient Egypt, and dine and wine. The tour wraps up in Alba .

This tour includes : All transfers, accommodation, a guide, all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, product tastings, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Gourmet Tours in Tuscany for Food Lovers 

A taste of tuscany – hilltop towns and vineyards.

Itinerary : Departs from Pisa – Livorno – Pienza – Siena – Chianti – Volterra – San Gimignano – Ends in Pisa Duration : 8 days

• Tastings of Chianti and Brunello wines
• A visit to a Pasticceria in Siena
• A pasta-making demonstration 
• Cooking Class in San Gimignano

Choose A Taste of Tuscany – Hilltop Towns and Vineyards to immerse yourself in the heart of Italy. The Tuscan countryside is renowned for its cuisine and viticulture, both of which you’ll get well acquainted with. 

Your trip starts in Pisa with an orientation tour and a welcome dinner. Rise early the next day for a trip to Livorno , a port city with delectable fresh seafood. You’ll explore its Central Market, learn about the region’s agriculture, and savor a street food lunch with wine or espresso. 

Continue to the hilltop town of Montalcino for a wine-tasting session of the famous Brunello di Montalcino, and hike to a local farm where you’ll learn about organic production and agriturismo. Enjoy a typical lunch with regional wines, and visit the town of Pienza for delectable samples of Pecorino Cheese. 

You’ll spend two nights in Siena , a city rich in history and architecture. The highlight is a visit to a Pasticceria to discover how traditional sweets, such as ricciarelli and cantucci, are made (and have a taste!). Then, enjoy a pasta-making demonstration at a family-run pasta shop.  

The tour also includes a tour around a wine estate in Chianti with delectable tastings and optional olive oil samples. You’ll take part in a cooking class in San Gimignano , followed by gelato and a farewell supper before returning to Pisa.

This tour includes : All transfers, 7-night accommodation, a guide, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and wine and product tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tuscany Gourmet Cooking Tour

Itinerary : Departs from Cortona – Montepulciano – Montalcino – Siena – Ends in Cortona Duration : 7 days

Tour Highlights : 

• 3 Hands-On Cooking Classes
• Wine Tasting Sessions
• Truffle Hunting
• An introduction to coffee-making 

The Tuscany Gourmet Cooking Tour is ideal for foodies with a passion for cooking. Over the span of 7 days, you’ll discover the ins and outs of Italian cuisine as you travel around the Tuscan countryside. 

Start the trip with a cocktail party in Cortona , followed by a visit to a coffee merchant. There, you’ll learn how Italian coffee is prepared by an award-winning barman, from the roasting and grinding of the beans to pouring a cup of espresso. 

Take part in a truffle hunt on Cortona’s hill before relishing a forest picnic lunch with the exquisite truffles. Cap off the day with the first cooking lesson of the trip. 

Your next stop is Montepulciano , an enchanting town that pretty much revolves around wine-making. You’ll be treated to a tasting session in a local cellar, and a hands-on cooking class at a farmhouse. 

On the fourth day you’ll visit Montalcino , renowned for its Brunello wine, and enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting at a local winery. A trip to Siena and the Chianti wine country follows, paired with yet another cooking experience in the afternoon. 

Your final full day will be spent in Cortona, with a visit to a Farmer’s Market and free time before the farewell dinner.  

This tour includes : All transfers, accommodation, a guide, 3 cooking classes, entrance fees, wine tastings, and all meals. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

*Vegetarian and vegan meals can be requested. 

Tuscany Walking and Wine

Itinerary : Departs from Pisa – San Gimignano – Siena – Pienza – Montalcino – Ends in Florence Duration : 8 days

• Tastings of Chianti, Vernaccia, and Brunello di Montalcino Wines
• Picnic lunch along the Via Francigena route

This Tuscany Walking and Wine experience departs from Pisa and takes you into the heart of Tuscany. Your first destination is San Gimignano , a hilltop medieval town with incredible views. 

Enjoy free time to wander, and get to hike part of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route before heading to a nearby winery. You’ll be treated to a tasting of local wines, featuring Chianti reds and a Vernaccia white. 

Get settled in Castellina in Chianti , and hike along the Tuscan gravel tracks to reach another local winery. There you’ll enjoy tastings of Chianti Classico and regional wines, paired with a light lunch. 

Visit the city of Siena on market day, and explore it with your expert guide before continuing to Pienza . Enjoy a panoramic loop walk, known as the Gladiator Hike, taking in the countryside landscapes. 

The tour will also take you hiking in Val d’Orcia , following the pilgrimage route from San Quirico d’Orcia to Montalcino. Indulge in a picnic lunch, and a top-notch tasting of Brunello di Montalcino wine.  

The excursion wraps up with an orientation tour around Florence, and a full day to explore the city. 

This tour includes : Transfers, accommodation, a guide, all breakfasts, 2 lunches, and wine tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Eat and Drink in Sicily

Itinerary : Departs from Catania – Taormina –   Syracuse – Ends in Palermo Duration : 8 days

• Tasting of Volcanic Wines
• Cooking Class in a Family Trattoria
• Wine Cellar Tour with a sample of wines 
• Walking Tours with Food Tastings

The Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests) enables you to discover Sicily’s street food and flavors first-hand. 

Your trip starts with a walking tour of the Taormina . You’ll pass by its main attractions, and delight in foodie stops to try seafood, a cheeseboard with wine pairings, and Sicilian sweets and liquors. 

On the second day, visit Taormina’s Food Market, where you’ll choose ingredients for a cooking class. A chef will teach you to make pasta, bread, fish, and vegetable dishes unique to the Sicilian cuisine in a family trattoria. Relish them with local wines!

You’ll then travel to Mt. Etna villages , home to lava houses and volcanic landscapes, and tour a family-run winery. Discover the process of wine-making, complete with a tasting of volcanic wines, and then relish a seasonal lunch. 

Take part in a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Noto town, with samples of Modica chocolate and ice cream. Then, make the trip to Marzamemi , a fisherman’s seaside village for a delectable seafood lunch, and spend the night in Syracuse . 

You’ll get to explore the city on foot with stops to taste fresh fish, local pastries, wines, and liquors. Sample even more wine with a visit to an ancient winery, getting to tour the cellars and old millstone. 

You’ll also be treated to a street food walking tour around Palermo , trying various traditional bites along the way.  

This tour includes : All transfers, an expert guide, wine tastings, walking tours, all food samples, breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners. ➥  BOOK IT HERE

▶️ You can also book this tour as a private option for your group.

*Vegetarian meals can be requested. 

Eat Your Way through Emilia Romagna

Parma to florence: italy’s culinary highlights.

Itinerary : Parma – Modena – Bologna – Faenza – Brisighella – Ends in Florence  Duration : 7 days

• Cooking Class in Bologna
• Wine Tasting in an Organic Winery 
• Tour Parmiggiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar establishments

The Parma to Florence: Italy’s Culinary Highlights takes you to Emilia-Romagna, the country’s foodie capital. 

You’ll start the trip in Parma , discovering the history and traditional methods of its iconic products. You’ll taste Culatello Ham, fresh produce, and regional wine before indulging in street food for lunch. 

You’ll get to tour a producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by a visit to a Balsamic Vinegar Mill and cellars. Discover why Modena Vinegar is so famous, and relish tastings of the precious product. 

Then, make your way to Bologna , named the World Capital of Food by Condé Nest Traveler. There, you’ll take part in a cooking class, learning to create Bolognese traditional dishes from scratch, and tour the city with a foodie guide. 

You’ll also explore the towns of Faenza and Brisighella , touring an organic winery and olive oil press. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch paired with wine tastings, and end the trip in Florence , getting to visit the San Lorenzo Central Market.  

This tour includes : Transfers, a guide, accommodation, wine tastings, breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Food, Culture and Wellness in the Hidden Emilia Romagna

Itinerary : Departs from Bologna – Porretta Terme – Pistoia – Apennines Countryside – Ends in Bologna Duration : 7 days

•  Visit to a Bolognese Food Market 
• A Pasta-Making Cooking Class
• Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria in Bologna

The Food, Culture and Wellness in the Hidden Emilia Romagna takes you on a 7-day journey around the famed foodie region of Italy. You’ll start with a visit to a Food Market in Bologna , where you’ll pick fresh produce to use in a hands-on cooking class. 

Delve into the making of fresh pasta, such as tortellini, and other traditional dishes before relishing them for lunch. Spend the night in Porretta Terme , and then drive to Bologna to explore the city’s food and wine highlights. 

Pop into a Bottega to try chocolate and balsamic vinegar, enjoy a traditional lunch at a trattoria, and savor Tuscan cuisine on your trip to Pistoia . You’ll also visit a producer of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto, and explore the Apennines landscapes. The tour ends with transfers back to Bologna.    

This tour includes : All transfers, a guide, accommodation, breakfasts, 7 meals, all activities, and tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Food Tours in Puglia & Matera

Discover matera and taste of salento tour.

Itinerary : Departs from Brindisi – Lecce – Maglie – Otranto – Gallipoli – Alberobello – Ostuni – Salento – Ends in Matera Duration : 10 days

• Cooking Class at a Farmhouse 
• Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
• Tastings of Materan products in Italy’s oldest city 

The Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour combines cuisine and history, two staples of Italy.

Your first visit is to a farmhouse in Brindisi , where you’ll discover how olive oil is made and enjoy samples, followed by a trip to a local winery. Taste various local wines before relishing a Salento traditional dinner. 

The following day, tour Lecce and Maglie , getting to sample Leccese products and visiting an authentic pasta factory.

Travel along the coastline to Otranto , where you’ll savor seafood dishes, and take part in a pasta-making class. A chef will guide you in the preparation of homemade pasta Salentina made from scratch. 

Tour Santa Maria de Leuca and Gallipoli , dine at a pizzeria Napoletana, and enjoy tastings in the charming Alberobello . 

You’ll also visit Ostuni and Salento before checking into your hotel in Matera , Italy’s oldest city. Delight in wine and Materan food tastings, and explore the city in depth. 

This tour includes : A guide, accommodation, activities, breakfasts, 8 dinners, all tastings, and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ You can also book the Puglia section alone , without the trip to Matera.

A Taste of Italy – Walking in Puglia

Itinerary : Departs from Altamura – Alta Murgia National Park – Matera – Cisternino – Alberobello – Ends in Monopoli Duration : 8 days

• A Pasta Making and Cooking Class
• Tasting of Italy’s only DOP Bread
• A Visit to a Cheese Maker with Tastings 

Check out this Hiking & Trekking tour A Taste of Italy – Walking in Puglia , which will have you eating and exercising daily – the perfect combination! 

The 8-day trip starts in Altamura, an Apulian town located in the Murge Plateau. You’ll be greeted with a feast of regional dishes and antipasti, locally sourced and cooked by your hosts. 

The town is the only one in the country with a DOP-recognised bread. You’ll stop at a renowned bakery to witness how the dough is made and baked in wood-fired ovens, with delicious tastings. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class making orecchiette pasta and oven-baked vegetables at a farm-to-table restaurant, and visit an organic farm for lunch. 

The tour includes lots of walking in beautiful locations, such as the Alta Murgia National Park, Castel del Monte, and through the gorge of Matera. 

Learn how mozzarella, trecce, and nodini cheeses are made, and visit an olive oil mill near Cisternino. Discover the differences between a traditional and modern press, and relish samples of the product. 

Finally, stroll around the Trulli of Alberobello before the tour ends in Monopoli, one of the Itria Valley’s gem towns.  

This tour includes : Transportation, a guide, accommodation, breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, activities, and all tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Foodie Tour in Rome & Amalfi Coast

Itinerary : Departs from Rome – Sorrento – Positano – Capri – Naples – Ends in Rome  Duration : 8 days

• A Roman Cooking Class
• Wine Tasting at the foot of Mount Vesuvius 
• Neapolitan Pizza Tasting in Naples
• Gelato and Sorbet Making Demonstration

The Gourmet Rome, Sorrento & Capri is the perfect tour if you’re looking to explore the striking Italian coastline. During the course of eight days, you’ll savor traditional cuisine while visiting some of the most iconic destinations. 

Attend a cooking class in Rome , where you’ll learn how to prepare a scrumptious Italian meal, and travel to the Sorrento Coast. On the way, stop at the foot of Mount Vesuvius to tour a vineyard, where you’ll learn about wine-making and sample local wines paired with lunch. 

In Sorrento , enjoy a demonstration of gelato and sorbet making, complete with refreshing tastings. You’ll also explore the winding Amalfi Coast with a stop in Positano , and take a ferry to the island of Capri. There, you’ll be treated to dinner and Torta Caprese for dessert, getting to learn the coveted recipe from the chef.

Spend a day in Capri, exploring its highlights and tasting its cuisine and limoncello, before you sail to Naples . Take part in a walking tour of the city, and relish authentic Neapolitan pizza for lunch. The tour ends back in Rome. 

This tour includes : All transfers, a guide, accommodation, breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, tastings, and activities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Cooking Tour in Umbria

Itinerary : Departs from Perugia – Deruta – Bevagna – Montefalco – Assisi – Ends in Perugia  Duration : 5 days

• A Winery Tour with Wine Tastings

The 5 Days Italian Cookery Getaway in Umbria offers a full immersion into central Italy’s gastronomic wonders. You’ll be based in Perugia , the region’s capital, and start strong with a hands-on cooking class. 

Under a chef’s guidance, prepare a four-course lunch that you’ll enjoy with local wines. Then, take part in a chocolate workshop, and visit a ceramic laboratory in Deruta. 

You’ll participate in two more cooking classes, learning a variety of traditional recipes that you’ll then savor with Umbrian wine. 

Dive deeper into the region’s viticulture with a tour around a winery that produces Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCGS. You’ll learn about the production of wine, and relish samples paired with local specialties. 

Visit the towns of Bevagna, Montefalco, and Assisi to learn about their history and culture from your guide before wrapping up the tour in Perugia. 

This tour includes : Transfers, a guide, accommodation, activities, all tastings, breakfasts, and 3 lunches. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Discover Abruzzo, a Hidden Gem in Italy

Itinerary : Departs from Vasto – Punta Aderci Nature Reserve – Lentella – Trabocchi Coast – Ends in Rome  Duration : 7 days

• A Cooking Class 
• A Comprehensive Tour of an Olive Oil Mill 
• Milking a Cow or a Sheep at a Farm

The Cultural, Culinary & Olive Harvest Experience in Abruzzo is a 7-day, food-focused holiday.

Start the trip with a visit to an award-winning olive grove, run by a third generation. Learn the secrets behind the making of olive oil in a practical way, from picking olives to bottling the product. Enjoy tastings with a delightful picnic lunch. 

Visit the historic center of Vasto , with its Medieval castle and bustling market, where you can get seasonal products. Then, drive into the countryside for a hands-on cooking class, learning to make fresh pasta and Abruzzo sauces from scratch. 

Throughout the week, explore Abruzzo and the Trabocchi coast , and enjoy a delightful walk in the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve. You’ll also visit a Fattoria d’Arte to create your own postcard using colors produced with natural elements.

At a country farmhouse, learn about farming, milk a cow or sheep, and prepare pizza scima and ricotta cheese. It wouldn’t be an Italian tour without a visit to a vineyard, where you’ll indulge in lunch with wine pairings. Finally, help your hosts make pizza and tiramisu for the farewell dinner. You’ll be driven to Roma Fiumicino the following morning. 

This tour includes : Transfers, a guide, accommodation, a daily breakfast buffet, 8 meals, all activities, and entry fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Were you looking for day tours instead? I’ve written lots of posts about food tours in Italy, check them out:

• Food Tours in Venice
• Food Tours in Milan
• Sorrento Food Tours & Limoncello Tours
• Food Tours in Naples
• Food Tours in Florence
• Food Tours in Bologna by a Local
• Food Tours in Rome

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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9 of the best road trips in Europe

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If you've got wheels, wanderlust and a spot of time, a road trip in Europe offers the chance to see the continent at a relaxed pace. From the sunny shores of Portugal to the dungeons of Dracula's castle in Transylvania in Romania , the following itineraries can be easily combined, shortened or altered to suit your wayfaring tastes. Here are 9 of the best road trips in Europe.

1. From the glamour of Paris to the glorious grit of Berlin (France to Germany)

2. surf and sun in the basque country and beyond, 3. the arctic fjords from bergen to trondheim (norway), 4. the unexplored east: bucharest to vienna (romania to austria), 5. to portugal and beyond.

• 6. High-altitude adventure on Germany's Alpine Road

7. Godly beaches and ancient highways in Greece

8. london to edinburgh and the highlands, 9. the secret shores of sicily and calabria, planning your european road trip, travel ideas for spain, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2468 USD

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

4 days  / from 643 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

10 days  / from 3791 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

5 days  / from 1480 USD

Made for Madrid

Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.

4 days  / from 1399 USD

A Madrid getaway

Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.

18 days  / from 4590 USD

Hidden Spain - From Barcelona to Basque Country

Do you want to explore highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.

Leaving Paris , cruise through the gentle hills of Champagne and Reims to the quaint capital of Luxembourg City, and explore the small country’s many fairy-tale castles.

Trier , Germany’s oldest city, is less than an hour’s drive north-east, where ancient Roman baths and basilicas stand marvellously intact.

Spend a night in the medieval village of Bacharach in Riesling wine country, before wandering the riverside streets of Heidelberg . Onward to Nuremberg , and then to Leipzig for a strong dose of hot caffeine with your Cold War history, classical music and cake. Make sure to check out the complete guide to the UNESCO world heritage sites in Germany to visit some of the palaces and gardens , industrial heritage sites or historic town centres along the way.

Detour to Dresden , restored after the ruinous bombing in WWII, before ending in one of Europe’s coolest cities: the creative paradise of Berlin .

For a longer trip, start in London and take the ferry or channel tunnel to France , transforming this road trip into a pilgrimage between Europe’s holy trinity of artistic hubs.

• Best for: Culture vultures looking for bragging rights.
• How long: 1–2 weeks.
• Insider tip: If you’re driving in France, you’ll legally need to keep safety equipment in your car (a reflective vest and hazard signal). Additionally, be prepared with a cash or credit card to pay the French road tolls on the way.

Thinking exclusively about a vacation in France? Start planning your trip by finding out how to get there .

Panoramic aerial view of Trier featuring the famous Trierer Dom © S-F/Shutterstock

Begin in Bilbao , where the surrounding beaches boast world-class surf, then drive along the Atlantic to San Sebastian : watersports wonderland and foodie heaven. From there venture south through the rugged wilderness of the Pyrenees to Pamplona . Climb the Roncesvalles Pass before looping back to the coast. Or continue along the Bay of Biscay to the attractive seaside resort of St-Jean-de-Luz.

Travellers with a little extra money lining their pockets will be happy to spend days lingering on boho beaches in Biarritz, while those looking for gargantuan swell can do no better than the surfer hangouts in Hossegor.

Finish the trip northward in Bordeaux – the Pearl of the Aquitaine – where café-strewn boulevards and world-class wines are your trophies at the finish line.

Bilbao to Bordeaux

• Best for: Sun-seeking surfers and foodies.
• How long: 1 week.
• Insider tip: Check seasonal surf forecasts before you go, and look into coastal campsites if you're on a budget.The Basque roads beg for a convertible – or a colourful camper van with surfboards strapped to the roof.

Biarritz City and its famous beach © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Kick off in the city of Bergen , on Norway’s southwest coast, and make way past mighty fjords to Voss and the colossal Tvindefossen waterfall. Then check the world's longest road tunnel off your to-do list, a cavernous 24.5km route under the mountains.

Catch a quick ferry across the Sognefjord and carry on to the Fjaler valleys, a land of glaciers and snowy mountain peaks, to the waterside towns of Stryn or the mountain village Videster.

Work your way northward to the well-touristed towns of Geiranger, down the death-defying hairpin turns of Trollstigen (literally “The Troll Path”).

After the descent, ferry across the Eresfjord to Molde and Kristiansund. For the final stretch, drive the iconic Atlantic Road with its roller-coaster-style bridges, and conclude with some well-deserved downtime upon the still waters and stilted homes of Trondheim .

• Best for: Thrill seekers and landscape junkies.
• How long : 5–7 days.
• Insider tip : This route is best tackled from late spring to early autumn. If you plan on road tripping during Norway’s winter months, be sure to check online ahead of time for road closures due to snow and ice.
• Ready to explore Norway? Start preparing by finding out how to get there .

The idyllic surroundings of Stryn in Norway © Mikolajn/Shutterstock

Start from Bucharest , travelling northward through the Carpathian mountains to Transylvania, and make a mandatory stop at Bran Castle (claimed to be the old stomping grounds of Dracula himself).

Take the Transfagarasan mountain road, one of the most scenic routes in the world, towards the age-old cities and countless castles of Sibu, Brasov and Sighisoara. Then set course to the unexplored architectural gems of Timisoara.

Carry on towards the tranquil hot springs and hip ruin pubs of bustling Budapest, and be prepared to stay at least a few days. Depart for Bratislava – a capital full of surprises – from where it's only an hour further to the coffeehouses and eclectic architecture of Vienna .

• Best for: Anyone looking for a break from the conventional tourism of western Europe.
• How long: 7–12 days.
• Insider tip: Exercise caution when driving through tunnels. Though the weather outside may be fine, tunnels are often slippery.

Bran (Dracula) castle in Transylvania, Romania © Kanuman/Shutterstock

Start in Braga , before driving south to the medieval town of Guimarães , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then it’s onward to the breathtaking "second-city" of Porto , though it's nothing less than first-rate. Check here for the best places to stay in Porto .

Drive east to the vineyards and steep valleys of Penafiel and Amarante before hitting the coastal road to the vast white beaches of Figueira da Foz - among the best beaches in Portugal . From here it’s on to Peniche, Ericeira and then Lisbon : the country's vibrant capital that's on course to beat out Berlin for Europe’s coolest city. Check out the best areas to stay in Lisbon as well as the best places to eat to match your taste.

Drive south to Sagres , Arrifana and Carrapateira. After soaking up the sun on the picturesque shores of the Algarve, wrap this road trip up in the Mediterranean dreamland otherwise known as Faro .

If you’ve still got itchy feet when you reach Faro, take the ferry from nearby Algeciras in Spain to Morocco . Imagine the satisfaction of parking your ride in the desert village of Merzouga, before exploring the Sahara – that's right, it would feel awesome.

• Best for: Beach bums and oenophiles.
• How long: At least 10–14 days.
• Insider tip: As Portugal is among the more affordable destinations in Western Europe, this can be an especially great trip for travellers on a budget . 

Oliveira Square, Guimarães © Patricia Henriques Barros/Shutterstock

6. High-altitude adventure on Germany's Alpine Road

The Alpenstrasse, or Alpine Road, is your ticket to a bonafide Bavarian odyssey: a safe route through the unforgettable vistas of Germany 's high-altitude meadows, mountains, crystal-clear lakes and cosy village restaurants. Start lakeside at Lindau on the Bodensee and head to Oberstaufen for a therapeutic beauty treatment in the country’s “Capital of Wellness”.

Venture eastwards to the Breitachklamm gorge, where the river Breitach cuts through verdant cliffs and colossal boulders. Carry on to the town of Füssen – famous for its violin makers – stopping along the way at any quaint Alpine villages you please. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle , the same structure that inspired Walt Disney to build his own version for Cinderella, isn’t far off either - one of those places even more beautiful in winter.

Speaking of winter, hit the slopes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for some serious skiing if the season’s right. Stop at Benediktbeuern on your way to the medieval town of Bad Tölz, then up through the stunning wilderness scenes of the Chiemgau Alps before ending in the regional capital of Munich . If you’re missing the mountain roads already, carry on to Salzburg in Austria and stop in the ice caves of Werfen on the way.

Lindau to Oberstaufen

• Best for: Outdoorsy types.
• How long: 5–8 days.
• Insider tip: Give your road trip an extra purpose and pack your skis or snowboard. Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski season starts early December and ends early May. In the summer months, you can go hiking or climbing instead.

Church in Benediktbeuern © FooTToo/Shutterstock

Start in Athens and take the coastal roads south through the Athenian Riviera to Sounion, situated at the tip the Attic peninsula. Watch a sunset at the Temple of Poseidon, then drive northward through mythic mountains to the fortress of Kórinthos before posting up in the legendary city of Mycenae (home of Homeric heroes).

If you’re craving a luxurious seaside stay, look no further than the resort town of Nafplio. If not, carry onwards through the unforgiving landscapes to Mystra, the cultural and political capital of Byzantium.

Want more? Then it’s on to Olympia, sporting grounds of the ancients, and the mystic ruins of Delphi. Loop back towards Athens, approaching the city from the north.

• Best for: Sun-worshippers,and anyone who’s ever read Homer or watched overly action-packed flicks such as Troy and 300 .
• How long: 5–10 days, though it’s easy to trim a version of this road trip down to a long weekend.
• Insider tip: If you’re parking in central Athens keep an eye out for coloured parking spaces – these are reserved for locals, so if you park here you’ll get a ticket.

Aerial view of Nafplio city in the summer © Olga Kot Photo/Shutterstock

Leave the hectic pace of England ’s capital London behind. Make for Oxford, home of the world’s oldest English-language university, and a place of storied pubs where the likes of J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carrol regularly wet their whistles.

If you’ve got the time, it’s a quick drive to the cottages of the Cotswolds - check our guide to the prettiest villages to visit . If not, cruise up to Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare.

Take the two-and-a-half-hour drive north to Manchester for a city fix and watch a football match. Carry on north to the Lake District National Park, one of the most beautiful places in England . Drink in the scenery that inspired England’s finest romantics, then head across the Yorkshire dales to the quirky medieval lanes of York, founded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.

From there it's north again past tiny villages to the majestic wonders of Edinburgh . If you’re craving the rugged comforts of the highlands go to Stirling, Inverness, or the Western Isles – worth the drive indeed. And if you are going by electric car, check out this great guide to plan your electric car road trip in Britain .

London to Inverness

• Best for: Locals that want to feel like foreigners, and foreigners that want to feel like locals.
• How long: 5–10 days.
• Insider tip: Destinations like Stratford-Upon-Avon and York (not to mention London) are true tourist hotspots in the summer. Plan your road trip for spring or autumn and you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery along with fewer crowds.

Catbells  in The Lake District © Michael Conrad/Shutterstock

Hit the gas in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, the biggest historic centre in Italy after Rome and arguably the country’s most chaotic metropolis.

Adventure onwards along the Tyrrhenian coast to the golden sands of Cefalù – a great holiday spot for families, with a mellow medieval town centre to boot.

Get to the island’s heartland and the ancient city of Enna. Surrounded by cliffs on all sides, and built atop a massive hill, you'll feel as though you've walked on the set of Game of Thrones . Head southeast to the shores of the Ionian Sea and dock in Siracusa, once the most important in the western world while under ancient Greek rule with much of its historic architecture intact.

Then it’s up to Catania for a trip to molten Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano on the entire European continent.

Finish the trip in Messina, or ferry across into the Italian province of Calabria where rustic mountain villages, friendly locals and the idyllic sands of Tropea and Pizzo await – refreshingly devoid of foreigners.

• Best for: Anyone looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, and of course, hardcore foodies.
• How long : 6–12 days.
• Insider tip: Remember that southern Italy can get very hot in July and August. Avoid the heat of the day with a leisurely lunch (go easy on the wine if you’re driving!) and travel in the early morning or evening instead.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.

Cefalù on a beautiful day with clear skies © Cezary Wojtkowski/Shutterstock

Planning for the perfect trip to Europe can take hours of research. Why not allow us to take can of the planning and booking, allowing you to make the most of your trip? Our tailor made trips are created by local travel experts and are completely customised to your preferences.

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