sicily camping tour

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Camping in Sicily

In Sicily, you’re very close to nature and camping is a great way to discover this land’s unique features at first hand.

Anyone who loves camping knows how satisfying it is to get up at dawn and take a dip in the sea after walking a few steps along the beach from the tent, or to venture into the greenery discovering beautiful landscapes. Unique experiences.

The following are some of the best-known places to go camping in Sicily.

If you decide to stay out in the fresh air in the woods around Etna , in the province of Catania , there are campsites in Nicolosi and in Milo . Alternatively, if you stay in the campsites of Acireale , Calatabiano and Mascali , you can camp by the seashore and still not be far from Etna, or from Catania with its art and its nightlife.

You’ll find other campsites in the Siracusa area, in Fontane Bianche near Gallina beach, or a stone’s throw from Marzamemi beach and the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari , close to the vineyards of the famous “ Nero d’Avola ” and to Noto , the epicentre of Sicilian Baroque .

Go south as far as Ragusa and here you can camp at Punta Braccetto , Punta Secca , Avola , and further on still in Portopalo di Capo Passero . Migratory birds stop here on their journey south or north according to the season. It’s an enchanting area, Europe’s most southern point.

Camping in such natural scenery is an intense experience. However, Ispica , Scicli , Santa Croce Camerina , Pozzallo , Marina di Ragusa , Sampieri and Marina di Modica should not be forgotten.

There’s another campsite in Butera , in the province of Caltanissetta . This is in a flat, heavily wooded area by the sea which has with almost exclusively sandy beaches, the Punta delle Due Rocche .

In the Agrigento area, you can “camp out” in Porto Empedocle, Siculiana , Eraclea Minoa , Ribera , Sciacca and Menfi . In addition, the campsites on the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa , both reachable from Porto Empedocle, offer camping fans a good alternative to staying within four stone walls.

In the Trapani area, there are campsites in San Vito Lo Capo , famous for its marvellous beach and for the Cous Cous Festival in June and September. There’s an other in Castellammare del Golfo , an old seaside village with a seafront full of traditional fish restaurants, and others in Castelvetrano , on Marinella beach in Triscina , or in Marsala , a small town full of history and good wine.

In the Aegadian Islands you can camp in Favignana , near to a bay with really white sand, whose vegetation makes it a truly unique place to stay.

Around Palermo , there are campsites in Balestrate , Cinisi , Sferracavallo and Isola delle Femmine , a few kilometres from the city. Going eastwards, there are others in Cefalù , Finale di Pollina and Campofelice di Roccella.

Following the beautiful coast towards Messina , there’s camping in Gioiosa Marea , Patti, Piraino , Oliveri , Terme Vigliatore , Letojanni and Taormina .

Finally, there’s camping in the Aeolian Islands , on the island of Lipari .

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Acireale , Agrigento , Caltanissetta , Egadi , Eolie , Etna , Lampedusa & Linosa , Messina , Palermo , Ragusa , Siracusa , Trapani

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Small Group Tours To Discover The Unexpected Sicily

Choose yours from our selection.

Exploring Mt. ETNA VOLCANO

3357 meters of force, fierceness and beauty...

Treks in Unconventional Landscapes 

Beyond your imagination...

Tours And Outdoor Experiences in Sicily

We lead several daily Sicily tours including activities as: walking and trekking, camping, jeep tours, archeotrekking and when necessary some water trekking, never forgeting the possibility to enjoy good food.

Pantalica Adventure

Archeotrekking and acquatrekking 75 euro p.p full day.

Ready for adventure? A paleolitic rupestrian necropolis with thousend thumbs, a river with cristalline waters and lush vegetation, caves, canyons and a guide to the most picking you up at your stay (Siracusa area) or at a meeting point . Pic-nic

Mount Etna Explore

Jeep tours (from 75 euro p.p) and trekking (from 45 euro p.p) for families and small groups with your own guide.

An adventurours day full of emotions  A paleolitic rupestrian necropolis with thousend thumbs, a river with cristalline waters and lush vegetation, caves, canyons and a guide to the most picking you up at your stay (Siracusa area) or at a meeting point . Pic-nic

Hybleian Safari

Jeep tour and guide 75 euro p.p. full day.

Sicily Outdoor Experience is carried on by a group of entusiastic and competent naturalistic guides organizing outings and outdoor activities in Sicily, The team age range from 29 to 56 years and all of us have strong scientific or umanistic backgrounds

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Sicily Cultural Walking Tour

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In more ways than one, Sicily is the ultimate Italy. Geographically, it's the southernmost province— warm, golden, and sprinkled with blindingly white Greek temples that are among the world's best preserved. And culturally it's more like Italy as we'd have imagined it a hundred years ago. Farmers still get to market by donkey. Mt. Etna is active even today and is the backdrop to almost every view. Even the bread is rougher and crustier—better to match vibrant food unlike any other you'll find in Italy. We've scouted a remarkably scenic walking tour that captures the spirit of Sicily. There's Palermo, of course…and the rock-clinging seaside beauty of Taormina. From beautifully sited lodgings, we set out on walks among the temples of Agrigento and immerse ourselves in ancient archeology. Offshore, we wander the jewel-like Aeolian Islands. And we're inclined to agree with the poet who wrote: "To have seen Italy without seeing Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all."

Start on the Amalfi Coast! Join our Amalfi tour the week prior to your Sicily departure for an amazing Italian vacation. Call 800.200.3887 for details.

• Begin with a walk to scenic Mount Pellegrino before exploring Palermo, on foot at eye level

• Walk through charming countryside in the heart of Sicily near Regaleali, where a friend invites us into his kitchen for a special treat — a taste of the renowned local wines and a cooking instruction.

• Luxuriate in your perfectly-sited accommodations among Greek temples that date from 400 BC and are scattered amid lovely hills with wildflowers, herds of sheep and the sea in the distance.

• Sip and stroll your way through an organic winery followed by a gourmet picnic while on the island of Lipari.

• Get the 'only with Classic Journeys' access to a local family's olive grove to learn about the olive oil making process and sample the fine results.

• Explore magnificent views of Taormina as it clings to the cliffs over the Ionian Sea with Mt. Etna's snow-capped cone as a backdrop.

• Head to the slopes of Mt. Etna for a walk in a breathtaking landscape of lava dunes before a memorable picnic of local specialties.

• Boat to the Aeolian Islands for walks through vineyards at an organic winery

• Walk the medieval streets of Taormina and pay a visit to the Greek theater with its panoramic view of the sea.

Starting Point:

Ending point:.

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Walking Level

Daily mileage options: 2-8 miles, route notes:, dates & prices.

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887 .

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

• Experience Sicily on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guides on the most cinematic footpaths in the region, including with a volcanologist on Mt. Etna, through vineyards on the Aeolian islands, and through olive groves and working estates.
• Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, sharing their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of this fascinating island.
• Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special ‘only with Classic Journeys’ access to sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento so you experience it with a forensic archeologist who brings the temples to life, a cooking instruction with a family on their farm that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a winemaker on the Aeolian Islands.
• Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in Sicily, including the only accommodations in the archeological zone in Agrigento, White Lotus-worthy retreats in Taormina, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
• Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the Sicilian people. From gourmet picnics in the vineyards overlooking the sea in the Aeolian Islands to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
• Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know Sicily more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
• Regenerative Travel that supports the history, culture, people and places you’re visiting with us in Sicily. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Villa Athena

Located in the Valley of the Temples, this 5-star hotel is an 18th-century villa, the only lodging inside the archaeological zone. The villa offers the opportunity to dine al fresco while the temples are illuminated against the night sky.

Doric Boutique Hotel

Perfectly located in Agrigento with magnificent views of the Valley of the Temples, Doric Boutique Hotel offers upscale accommodation, modern amenities, and warm Italian hospitality.

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Located in the heart of the historical center, the hotel is in an ideal position for exploring Palermo and is within easy reach of the city’s most important monuments.

Grand Hotel San Pietro

A 5-star luxury property, this beautiful and elegant hotel nestles into its own quiet park near the heart of Taormina. The sea views from the balcony of your room and the glamorous swimming pool are nothing short of spectacular.

NH Collection Taormina

This luxurious 5-star hotel is located heart of Taormina’s historical center with picture-perfect views of the coast. Enjoy the contemporary design, enchanting rooftop terrace, and exceptional service during your memorable stay.

Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes

An iconic property in Palermo, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes is perfectly located in the heart of the historic city center. This luxurious property has a rich history and immerses you in Art Nouveau for a glamorous retreat in Sicily.

La Plage Resort Taormina

La Plage Resort is a luxurious retreat perfectly located within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve in Taormina. Enjoy staying in this relaxing oasis with its tranquil rooms, modern amenities, upscale cuisine, and stunning sea views.

What’s Included

• Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches (1 cooking instruction), 5 dinners
• Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
• Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
• Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
• All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible check-in.

• When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Perfect Pairings Dinners

• A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
• In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.

Privileged Access Events

• One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.

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Thank you for your interest, privacy overview.

Coastal and Mountain Hikes, Greek and Roman Ruins

Hiking in sicily.

From $6,695

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Palermo, Italy

Depart: Catania, Italy

• Hike spectacular seaside trails, explore medieval Erice, discover seaside Cefalú
• Visit Siracusa's Ortigia Island, with its Greek, Roman, and Baroque heritage
• Hike in the Pantàlica Gorge, view the stunning mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale
• Explore Taormina, hike on snow-capped Mt. Etna
• Enjoy Sicily's fresh-caught seafood and incredible local desserts

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in small inns and hotels
• All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Elimo

Erice, Italy

Days 1-2 (2 nights)

La Plumeria Hotel

Cefalú, Italy

Days 3-4 (2 nights)

Agriturismo Il Drago

Aidone, Italy

Days 5-6 (2 nights)

Grand Hotel Ortigia

Siracusa, Italy

Days 7-8 (2 nights)

Alternate Accommodation: Henry’s House Hotel

Ashbee Hotel

Taormina, Italy

Days 9-10 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Teresa Baldi

William Chicarelli

Lisa Halderman

Sebastiano Leone

Gabriele Mastrilli

Vicky Sotriffer

Francesco Corbino

Mariangela Lovicu

What the Trip is Like

• 800-1,000 feet gain/loss
• Day 9 – 7 miles, 5 hours, 1,300 feet gain, and 4,500 feet loss

Client Testimonials

"It was magical—the beauty of Sicily and hiking through the countryside."

Oakdale, NY

"Terrific itinerary. Nice mix of history, sights, and hiking. Great towns, woonderful restaurants, and great hotels, each getting better and better as the trip went on. Wonderful!"

Highland Park, IL

"This was a wonderful trip. The places visited were terrific, and the leaders, in particular, made everything worthwhile by their knowledge of the place, their flexibility, and their great sense of humor."

Santa Clara, CA

"This was a fantastic trip for both of us. We loved the blend of experiences that could only be possible on a WT trip, such as sit-down meals, picnics, a walk followed by a superb lunch at a winery, tour and dinner with a baron in Siracuse, wading in the sea, touring ancient sites. Each trip we have been on with Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations. This trip stands out even more so."

Bob and Shirley B.

"We really enjoyed Sicily—the scenery, food, hikes, and guides were top notch."

Kalispell, MT

"The guides were constantly aware of and offered extra cultural and nature opportunities. The hotels were charming and representative of the towns we visited. Food was excellent, represented the local specialities, and menus varied with lots of opportunities for individual choices and close attention paid to client special needs. The picnics were fantastic!"

Lafayette, CA

"I am recommending this trip to friends for next October—I'll tell them to reserve early because I am sure word of mouth will result in an early sell-out. I can't think of a thing that would improve this trip. I will never forget climbing (and descending) Mt. Etna!"

San Francisco, CA

"An excellent trip. We were not expecting such wonderful food and hospitality—a wonderful bonus!"

Santa Rosa, CA

"The trip was an amazing introduction to the island and its culture, introducing us to a range of environments, cultural events, archaeological sites and historically significant areas throughout Sicily. The food was consistently wonderful and we sampled many lovely Sicilian wines."

Seattle, WA

"This was one of the best organized trips we’ve done. The leaders were very good and the group meshed well. We felt like we saw a tremendous amount of Sicily in our visit and came away with a solid understanding of the island and the multiple cultures."

Oakland, CA

"Everything was well orchestrated, controlled, and managed, the hotels were very good to excellent, and the meals were extremely good."

New York, NY

"We had a wonderful time. I felt I had been able to see and experience the ‘real’ Sicily."

Manchester, MO

"Probably the best trip I've been on! Sicily was a wonderful surprise."

Atlanta, GA

"We really felt we saw Sicily and learned a lot about its very rich history. The local guides were excellent, the restaurants were wonderful, and Sebastiano and Francesco obviously cared deeply that we had a fun and memorable trip."

"Terrific throughout. Our guides were the absolute best. Bravissimi!"

Edy and Michael D.

Portland, OR

"I selected this trip to learn and experience the Sicilian culture and food. My expectations were exceeded! Excellent trip leaders and fellow travelers."

"I loved the trip, and the balance of city/cultural activities with outdoor/hiking activities was exactly what I expected."

Kingstone, ON

"All lodging, food, and drink were excellent and perfectly selected for each location. I feel like I personally sampled many aspects of the complex history and rich culture of Sicily."

"Best trip ever! I loved the small group size with two trip leaders—it allowed for great flexibility."

Larchmont, NY

"We enjoyed every minute!"

Brevard, NC

"A wonderful way to experience Sicily—everything from ancient Greek and Roman sites, medieval churches, and natural phenomena such as Mt. Etna to tasty fresh fish and pasta dishes accompanied by excellent Sicilian wines."

Albuquerque, NM

"This trip provided a wonderful sampler of Sicily and Sicilian life, past and present. Throughout our trip, the food was exceptional—the best in all of Italy!"

Sunnyvale, CA

"Well designed and well run. I especially loved the hikes, and the enthusiasm of the guides was very contagious."

Baltimore, MD

"Ones world expands through travel in many ways, but I think the best medium of that expansion is new friends. Group travel opens that door so that luck can take a hand. Like your trip leaders, the group of clients you attract is exceptional in our experience. We have made some of our best friends while traveling on WT trips. and we continue to travel with them often. Thank-you is in order."

Hillsborough, CA

"Fantastic trip. Good itinerary, wonderful guides, generous with extras such as espressos at every stop."

"The beauty, archaeological history, food, and wines of Sicily were so much more than I envisioned. We were blessed with glorious views, wildflowers, picnics, dinners, historical sites of wonder. The fellow participants were almost as wonderful as the stellar guides. I loved this tour!"

La Mesa, CA

"I had high hopes for Sicily, though unsure how it would compare to previous Italian trips. It exceeded all expectations by far. One of my most favorite trips."

Chicago, IL

"What a gorgeous country, what amazing wildflowers, what fresh and varied food and wine! National parks and museums, archaeological sites and historic sites, a Greek play in a Greek amphitheater, back roads and seaside boulevards, beach towns and Roman villas, luncheons on country estates, elegant picnics at the trail’s end, dinners in romantic settings...lovely trip! We had a great overview of Sicily with lots of opportunities to see into the past and the present, the natural world and the cultural treasures, the farms and the cities. Our leaders gave us insights and introductions to people with whom we would never otherwise have made contact. They spoiled us with good food and lovely hotels, and guarded our safety and experiences to make sure we never had to worry about ANYTHING on the trip."

Great Falls, VA

"This was an incredible introduction to Sicily. We covered so much of the island, the hikes were all so different, it was a perfect blend of hiking and cultural activities."

Margaret K.

"This was an amazing trip. From diamond-in-the-rough Palermo to the jewel that is Taormina and the great variety of architecture, culture, and landscape in between, Sicily is full of surprises. The three all-Sicilian guides added enormously to the experience and deepened our understanding of this complicated culture."

"This trip was terrific, a great mix of outdoors and archaeology. The hotels were charming, the food delicious, and the sites amazing. Hiking through Sicily (and Mt. Etna!) was great!"

Marlaine L.

Princeton, NJ

"Fantastic trip! Sebastiano, Francesco, and Tania did a great job. We loved the local foods, the wines, and the people, and felt we really got to experience Sicily. And we had a very nice group of fellow travelers!"

"This is a really fun trip with lots of good food and wine as well as some very nice hiking."

La Jolla, CA

"Sicily is quite an amazing destination, and we were very happy to experience it through this fine itinerary with these excellent guides."

Minneapolis, MN

"I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to walk and experience Sicily in an up close and personal way. The three trip leaders made this happen."

"The chemistry between our three guides was good, each complementing the other, making the trip fun and lighthearted. They made us feel welcomed in Italy and were eager to share their love of the island, its people, and the beauty of this ancient land."

Fountain Hills, AZ

"Simply put, this was the best trip ever. The deliberate balance of exercise, education, and culinary extravaganzas made each day a feast for the eyes, minds, and bodies."

Haverford, PA

"Everything about this trip was exemplary. The itinerary included important, well known, and lesser known sites, all highly enjoyable, located around the entire island of Sicily. I felt I got to experience so many interesting and truly fascinating aspects of Sicilian life and culture. The food choices were astonishing: fresh, delicious, and wide ranging, from really special local restaurants to cafes, hotels, and agriturismos. The hotels/accommodations were all lovely, clean, and well run. This was a fantastically fun trip!"

Santa Monica, CA

"A wonderful trip with interesting, capable, and kind leaders. We had a great time!"

"I cannot say enough how wonderful in every way this trip experience was! And our leaders were the icing on the cake! They both were on top of every aspect, looking after every detail and also anticipating what might be needed."

Westminster, CO

"The absolute key to the success of the trip was the leaders, Sebastiano, Lisa, and Tania. They were just superb in every way. We were briefed on the next day's itinerary every evening during the excellent dinners and they were thoroughly professional, knowledgable, and accommodating."

Los Altos, CA

"I must say this was the best vacation that I have ever experienced."

Chadds Ford, PA

"We had a wonderful time. Sicily was fantastic and our enjoyment was enhanced by our three guides."

Walter and Anneliese B.

Toronto, Ontario

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Camping on Sicily

76 campsites.

• Top rating for Palermo
• Recommended for swimming
• Suitable for couples

• Punta Braccetto
• Extra clean sanitary facilities

• Finale di Pollina

• S. Alessio Siculo

• Mazara del Vallo

• Ribera Seccagrande

• Marina di Ragusa

• Isola delle Femmine

• Marina di Modica

Popular camping regions in the area

Frequently asked questions, which is the best campsite in sicily.

• Camping Internazionale Nettuno , 4
• Campeggio La Playa , 3.9
• Campeggio Di Vita Vera , 5

Which campsite in Sicily is recommended?

• Campeggio Sanfilippo , 4.6
• Luminoso Camping , 4.8
• Camping Lilybeo Village , 4.7

How expensive is camping in Sicily?

How much does a pitch cost at a campsite in sicily, what does rental accommodation cost at a campsite in sicily, which campsites are available in sicily.

• Customer care: (+39) 379 104 5234
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Takes you off the beaten path

hiking in sicily

Here at Sicily Travel blog, we thought it was time to come out with the first real guide to the best self-guided hikes available in Sicily. I am Ivano Lupini, a Sicilian Mountain guide, and I want to share my knowledge of the territory with you fellows independent travellers. So get ready to find out my favourite five best self-guided Hikes in Sicily.

Best Hikes Sicily

Before sharing my favourite self-guided hikes in Sicily, I want to make some recommendations. Please never underestimate the power of nature . If you realize the weather is turning nasty, stop, find a shelter and as soon as the conditions allow, you head back to the starting point. Always bring a rucksack with spare clothes, a first aid kit, a thermal blanket and an extra sweater. Before leaving your hotel, tell reception where you are going and when you are planning to get back. Be smart and enjoy your outdoor adventure. For advice, please feel free to get in touch with me through the home page of Sicily Active . There you will find my telephone number and email. I will be delighted to help you with your self-guided hikes in Sicily.

1 Etna Nord Side, Serracozzo trail 

Distance: 12/14 km.  Walking: 6 hours  Level: Medium

I couldn't help but start this list of my favourite self-guided hikes from Mt. Etna, the highest mountain in Sicily. Etna is also one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. The self-guided hike is the  Serracozzo's path that starts two hundred meters from the Rifugio Citelli (a mountain shelter) on the north side of Etna, not far from Taormina . From the Rifugio Citelli proceed west on the paved road for a hundred meters, then up the bend, you meet a path that winds through the forest. The hike is not signposted but keep your eyes open and look for yellow or red signs sprayed on the rocks and on the bark of the birch trees. After 45 minutes, you will reach Serracozzo Cave, leave your rucksack outside and enter the cave. Just mind your head, especially at the beginning. Once finished with the visit to the cave, keep on climbing southwards for another forty minutes before reaching the edge of the Bove Valley. This magnificent valley represents one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the volcano. Keep walking on the ridge of the Valle del Bove northwest until you meet a canal of volcanic ash; follow it before turning right and re-entering the path that leads to the parking lot in front of the Rifugio Citelli.  We suggest doing this self-guided trekking between May and the beginning of November. Pay attention when crossing the four canal of slippery volcanic rock before the cave.

2 From Graniti to Roccafiorita

16/20 km. 4/6 hours  level: easy

This is truly an off the beaten path self-guided hike of easy difficulty in the district of Messina on Sicily’s east coast, not far from Taormina. Drive to Graniti, a small village in the Alcantara Valley. Drive past the town proceed uphill for ten minutes until the end of the road. Park by a big tree, there must be a natural spring too. In front of you will see a small trail that heads towards the north just follow it. While hiking, enjoy the wild beauty of the Agrò Valley. After two hours, you will see the church of Roccafiorita overlooking the Mediterranean Sea north and Mount Etna south. If you had enough, head back to the car; otherwise, go down from the church to Roccafiorita, one of the smallest villages of Sicily. Villagers will be surprised to see foreigners. Keep in Mind that the scorching heat will make the hike unpleasant in mid-summer. I suggest avoiding this trekking between mid-June and mid-September.

3 Mount Etna to the Summit

16 km. 10 hours level. Hard

Yes, I know to get to the summit of Mount Etna , you are obliged to hire a guide, but… but… there is a long trail you can follow to do a self-guided hike to the summit of Mount Etna. Above all , r emember to be cautious . Mount Etna is a medium explosive volcano but is one of the most active on the planet. So please, once at the summit, do not stand for too long on the edge of the crater. Remember that explosions happen daily . Ideally, you should wear a helmet. Reach Piano Provenzana, the site of the massive eruption of 2002 on Etna north side. From Piano Provenzano, look for a green bar by the office of a hiking company. Now all you have to do, follow the wide trail. Along the way, you can even visit the craters formed during the massive eruption of 2002. After three hours, you will reach a crossroad; the one on the left head towards the observatory of volcanology, while the one that leads straight goes to the summit of mt Etna. Suppose you feel that going to the volcano's summit is too hard, go to the observatory, the view is fantastic, and not everybody comes this far on foot. An alternative might be the rental of two E-Bike at the Clan Dei Ragazzi, a Mountain Chalet not far from Piano Provenzana. We advise you to refrain to climb to the summit between November and late April, the presence of ice can be dangerous.

4 Vendicari Nature reserve

6 km  2 hours  level: easy

This self-guided hike is ideal for beach lovers or families with young kids. The Vendicari Nature Reserve is located in the province of Syracuse within the municipality of Noto. Within the reserve, there are three trails; one archaeological, one historical and the blue one, a naturalistic one that winds along the beaches of the reserve. The blue route will allow you to visit the northern area of ​​the reserve, starting from the Eloro beach. After a short walk along the dirt road from the entrance to Eloro, you will find yourself in front of the Eloro beach! On your left are the remains of the Greek city with the same name.  First stop - Eloro beach If you started the journey early in the morning, we recommend that you enjoy this beautiful beach! A stop and a swim before leaving are recommended! Second stage - Marianelli beach Cross the Tellaro creek and continue along the path (or by sea), thus arriving at Marianelli, an isolated, wild and unspoiled beach. Enjoy and chill out. Third stage - Calamosche beach It's time to move towards Calamosche ... Climb up from the small rocky gutter to the right of Marianelli beach and walk along the beaten path. After about twenty minutes of walking… Here is Calamosche! A little tiring, but you have been rewarded! In front of you the most famous beach in reserve!

5 The Nebrodi Mountain Range

22/24 km  8/10 hours  level: medium

The Nebrodi Mountain Range is the largest nature reserve in Sicily; The peculiarity of this self-guided hike is the presence of lakes, a rarity in Sicily. To reach the beginning of this trail, drive towards the town of Cesarò. Then head for “Portella Femmina Morta” take the paved road towards to the north-east and follow it for about 1.5 km, up to the "Portella Calacudera"; a crossroads where you have to park the car. From Portella Calacudera proceed straight on a dirt road, soon you begin to descend slightly in altitude. You will be inside a beautiful beech forest interrupted by some small clearings from time to time.  Pass a stretch of paved road with a very bumpy bottom, and you reach, immediately after a short steep descent, the small Lake Maulazzo. Once you have bypassed the lake from the north - leave a deviation on the left and always follow the signs for the Biviere di Cesarò and Portella Mitta - the road begins to descend again. From here, walk along the dirt road on the left, pass over a stream hidden by the dense beech forest. After a double bend, you meet some centuries-old beech trees and a large clearing. Reached the crossroads of Passo Taverna, leave the road on the left, which proceeds towards Alcara Li Fusi, and continue eastwards, crossing the Cuderì stream. From the road, it goes mainly downhill. The beech forest becomes even more dense and beautiful. You pass another stream  - also in this case and in the following ones you have to walk in the water. Further on, along the northern slopes of Monte Soro, you reach a vast clearing and a large pool of water on the north-eastern edge. Back in the woods again, you pass two other small streams and then, in the distance, on the right, you can see the outline of the Casa Riviere. Leaving a detour to the left, take a stretch of road bordered by holly and reach Lake Biviere with a fantastic view of Mount Etna in the distance

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Sicilian Secrets - Tour of Sicily 8 days

Sicilian secrets - tour of sicily 10 days from palermo, sicilian landscapes: catania-catania (8 days/7 nights), best of sicily - 8 days (small group tour), magical sicily - 7 days, splendor of sicily 8 days tour - from catania, small group sicily food & wine tour (maximum 8 guests), small group tour of sicily: highlights (maximum 8 guests), new tour of sicily from palermo 10 days, discovering taormina.

“The best tour i've ever made!!! I really hope to go back to Sicily very soon!!” Lisa Romeo, traveled in April 2024

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Tour Marsala's historic Florio Cellars
• Visit the majestic Norman Cathedral in Monreale
• Taste award-winning Modica chocolate

“The tours were fabulous and the hotels were very good. I recommend this tour highly.” Margaret farner, traveled in June 2024

• Tour Marsala's historic wine cellars
• Discover the Valley of the Temples
• Taste local delicacies in Modica

“The tour provided exactly what it said it was going to offer - visits around the perimeter of Sicily, showing the highlights of the island.” Evelyn, traveled in June 2019

• Tour the Archaeological Park of Neapolis
• Discover baroque treasures in Modica
• Taste Marsala wine and explore salt marshes

“We had a small group of 5. It was fantastic. They were all very knowledgeable, well educated in their fields of study, and answered all our questions and more!” Anita Riggio, traveled in June 2023

• Stroll through Noto and taste Modica chocolate
• Discover Godfather film locations in Savoca
• Hike Mount Etna and taste volcanic wines

“The tour was well organized and well thought out. The destinations were interesting and fun.” WILLIAM PRESTON, traveled in April 2024

• Discover Ragusa's baroque architecture
• Explore the Cathedral of Monreale
• Taste Marsala wine in a traditional tavern

“Good standard of hotel, which were also centrally located. Was given adequate free time so we were not always rushing.” Roberto Vecci, traveled in June 2022

• Discover the breathtaking sights of the beautiful Siracusa
• Go sightseeing in Catania and stroll the streets of Cefalu
• Visit the magnificent Mt. Etna - Europe's highest volcano

“Hotels were very comfortable. Drivers were excellent!” Susan Sampson, traveled in April 2024

• Food & Culinary
• Wine tasting
• Delve into culture and learn cooking tricks in typical Sicilian family trattoria
• Discover the very best of Sicily through its rich cuisine and colourful street food
• Taste the best Sicilian wines and learn the secrets of how it is produced

“The booking process was seamless and painless. The included lunches and other meals were top notch.” Maria Kaminski Paulus, traveled in April 2024

• Be accompanied by local guides who know it best and know Sicily secrets
• Get a full immersion that's rich in history, traditions and culture of the island
• Experience Sicily though its incredible gastronomy, wines, art and music

“His knowledge is academic, and he made sure that everything went smooth.” Filomela Ada Dumitrescu, traveled in October 2023

• See the incredible mosaics in Piazza Armerina
• Marvel at Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe
• Enjoy dinner and a wine tasting in Marsala

“The hotel was beautiful, and the two tours were even better than we expected.” Oliver Martin, traveled in June 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Hike the colorful craters of Mount Etna
• Tour Syracuse's ancient Greek theater
• Taste local Sicilian culinary delights

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The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary

Beautiful, mysterious Sicily, with its looming volcano, sparkling azure waters, and hilltop villages, is one of those travel destinations that I have spent most of my life dreaming about. After finally taking a Sicily road trip, I can say confidently that the island was worth the wait… and that we’ll be working our way through another Sicily itinerary before too long.

The largest island in the Mediterranean truly does have it all: whether you’re looking to lounge on a beach, dive headfirst into the cuisine, explore the Roman (or Greek, or Norman, or Arab, or Byzantine) history, or visit famous Mount Etna, a Sicily road trip has something to offer.

Planning your own trip to Sicily and not sure exactly where to go?

We’ve put together this 10 days in Sicily itinerary for first-timers to the island–this is how to make the most of your first Sicily road trip!

Table of Contents

Why to Take a Sicily Road Trip

How we structured this 10 day sicily itinerary, a note on the language of the island, the ultimate 10 day sicily road trip itinerary, other places to visit on your sicily road trip, sicily road trip itinerary map, what to know about driving in sicily, the best time to visit sicily, what to pack for sicily.

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Sicily was made for road tripping: with plenty of wide-open spaces, beautiful natural spots, and tiny towns worth visiting, there are few places in Italy more worthy of hitting the open road than Sicily.

Add in a less-than-ideal public transportation system, and a Sicily road trip quickly emerges as the clear best way to explore the island–but you need to be prepared in order to make the most of it.

You could easily create a month-long Sicily itinerary and still leave the island with stones unturned–but let’s face it, most people won’t have that long to spend on the island.

Our Sicily road trip itinerary is designed to hit all the best spots on the island for first-timers to visit, allowing you to get a taste of many different parts of Sicily: complicated yet lovely Palermo, beautiful beaches, and hilltop villages are all covered, as well as some of the most popular cities in Sicily.

Next to each location, we’ve noted the minimum number of full days (so, not counting a day you arrive at 4pm, for example) we’d recommend spending in each location. 

This works out to be quick-paced but reasonable 10 day Sicily itinerary–but if you’re lucky enough to have more time to spend in Sicily, you can extend it far longer, both by increasing the number of days spent in each location and adding new destinations (we’ll provide some suggestions for those below as well).

Though Italian is the official language in Sicily, Sicilian dialect–which is related and yet distinctly different, to the point where Italian speakers will have a hard time understanding it–is widely spoken in Sicily.

In the destinations covered on this Sicily road trip itinerary, you won’t run into many people (especially those who work with or near tourists) who don’t comfortably speak Italian–but if you stop off in smaller towns along the way, you’ll start to hear (and even see, on menus and such) more and more dialect.

As for English, well–like most places in the world, you can get by among those working in the tourism industry by using it, but it’ll be a bit harder here than in most of Italy.

We strongly recommend learning at least some basic Italian phrases before taking your Sicily road trip–the more Italian you speak, the easier your Sicily travels will be.

I don’t speak much Italian, but knowing enough to ask for (and receive) directions, order food in out-of-the-way places, read basic signs, speak with taxi drivers, etc, made our trip a bit simpler.

Palermo: 2 Days

The capital of Sicily is known for being a bit of a rundown place–and though in some ways it is, it’s also a beautiful, laid-back, and endlessly engrossing city. 

We spent an entire week in Palermo and still weren’t ready to leave when it was over, but 2 days in Palermo will be enough to give you a taste of the major sights and start your 10 days in Sicily itinerary off on a great foot.

What to Do in Palermo

Step inside the magnificent palermo cathedral..

Dating back to the 12th century and built in a variety of architectural styles, the beautiful and distinctive Palermo Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the city.

It’s also home to some very unique touches, like a sundial on the floor marked with zodiac signs and an inscription from the Quran on one of the columns near the entrance–both highly unusual for a Catholic church!

Take a walking + food tour in order to see some of Palermo’s best highlights, fast.

Taking a Palermo food and walking tour on one of the first days of your Sicily travels is an excellent way to orient yourself both to the city and to the island as a whole.

Explore historical landmarks, markets, and cuisine while also getting a taste of what Palermo is all about with a fabulous food and walking tour.

We took this fun tour during our trip to Palermo and absolutely loved it!

Book your Palermo food + walking tour today!

Visit the mummies at the Capuchin Crypt of Palermo.

From the 17th to the 19th century in Palermo, increasing numbers of people were mummified in these catacombs–first naturally, and later intentionally, preserving them for all eternity.

The walls of the catacombs are lined with clothed bodies that have their full skeletons intact, staring down at visitors with sometimes disturbingly aware facial features.

No photos are allowed inside, but I can’t impress enough the creepiness of this place–I think it has something to do with the fact that these people are preserved as themselves that adds an extra layer of disturbing to it all, as opposed to places like the catacombs of Paris where the bones are more or less repurposed into artwork using human remains.

If you find catacombs interesting, we highly recommend visiting these during your trip to Sicily–they are, hands down, the most bizarre and fascinating catacombs we have ever seen.

Palermo Travel Tips

You probably don’t need a car here..

Palermo is one of the two major airport hubs in Sicily (Catania is the other), and if you arrive to the island here, we recommend not picking up your rental car until you’re ready to head to Cefalù–it’ll save you both a bit of cash on your rental bill, and a bit of a headache, as you won’t have to worry about parking it.

The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is the train.

It costs 5 Euros, avoids the hassle of a taxi, and is perfectly comfortable!

Stay in an ideal location, and you should be able to walk everywhere in Palermo.

This is the biggest reason not to kick off your Sicily road trip until after to leave Palermo: here, a car is a liability but doesn’t really add much of a benefit.

You can walk between all of Palermo’s best things to do, so opt for that instead!

Where to Stay in Palermo

Il Lapino  — Home to simple rooms (some with shared bathrooms) and located only a 10-minute walk from the Palermo Cathedral, Il Lapino is very well-reviewed and is an excellent place to stay in Palermo for those on a budget.

Check rates & book your stay at Il Lapino!

Ciuri Ciuri B&B  — Featuring spacious rooms, included breakfast, and an excellent location, mid-range travelers can’t go wrong with a stay at Ciuri Ciuri B&B while in Palermo!

Check rates & book your stay at Ciuri Ciuri B&B!

Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel  — Boasting near-perfect reviews, Palazzo Natoli is located in the heart of Palermo, just steps from some of the city’s best highlights. Private balcony views, exceptional customer service, and a delicious daily breakfast are all included here–if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing stay in Palermo, this is it!

Check rates & book your stay at Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel!

Cefalù : 2 Days

Of all the places to visit in Sicily, this is the one outlined on this Sicily road trip itinerary that we personally have the most unfinished business with.

We squeezed a quick visit to Cefalù into one day, but this magnificent seaside town captured our hearts and absolutely deserves more time than that–as we strolled the streets of Cefalù, we fantasized about one day returning here for a month!

In other words, don’t rush: you won’t regret taking two of your 10 days in Sicily to enjoy this beautiful place.

What to Do in Cefalù

Climb to the top of la rocca..

Climbing high over Cefalù to La Rocca takes less than an hour but rewards you with stupendous views over Cefalù and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as providing some interesting stops along the way (namely, the ruins of the Temple of Diana).

Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and ideally, complete this climb in the morning or early evening–the midday sun is brutal up here!

Check out the Cefalù Cathedral.

Not many villages as small as Cefalù have cathedrals as impressive–dating back even further than Palermo’s Cathedral, the Cefalù Duomo is absolutely worth visiting during your Sicily road trip, and if the views at La Rocca weren’t enough for you, you can even climb to the top!

Enjoy being a beach bum.

One of the best things to do in Cefalù is simply to enjoy its beach that is conveniently located right outside of the old town, where you’re never far from gelato or a granita.

Pull up a stretch of sand, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the beauty of Cefalù without stress.

Cefalù Travel Tips

Savor getting lost here..

The small streets and occasional unexpected sea views give Cefalù a delightful charm that completely captivated us during our Sicily travels–this small village is worth wandering aimlessly, and due to its small size, it’s impossible to get too lost along the way.

Where to Stay in Cefalù

Sweet Home Cefalù  — Located practically next door to Cefalù’s beach and complete with both a balcony and a small kitchen, Sweet Home Cefalù gets rave reviews and is the perfect option for budget travelers in Cefalù.

Check rates & book your stay at Sweet Home Cefalù !

Marina House — What’s better than a well-reviewed apartment in the heart of Cefalù? One that’s located right on the water and includes a balcony overlooking the sea!

Check rates & book your stay at Marina House!

Casa Barone Agnello — Housed in an antique home in the center of Cefalù, this impeccably decorated and well-reviewed apartment is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of old-world charm during their trip to Cefalù.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Barone Agnello!

Taormina: 2 Days

Taormina is probably the most touristic place on this Sicily itinerary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth adding to your Sicily travels.

Boasting phenomenal views of both Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea, great swimming nearby, and an incredible Greek theatre, Taormina is hard not to love.

What to Do in Taormina

Visit the greek theatre..

Of all the Greek theatres we have visited in world–including ones in Greece itself–this one is by far the prettiest we have ever seen, and a visit here absolutely belongs on your 10 day Sicily itinerary.

On a perfectly clear day, you’ll see an epic view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea behind the theatre–but even on a slightly cloudy day like when we visited (at least over Mount Etna, that is), the views are still pretty phenomenal.

Take a day trip to Mount Etna.

Want to add a little thrill to your list of things to do in Taormina? Book a day trip to the crater of an active volcano!

On a clear day, the views of  Mount Etna  from Taormina are fantastic–but there’s still nothing like standing on an active volcano with your own two feet.

Whether you want to book  a morning hike ,  a scenic tour , or  a full day trip  that also includes a visit to the beautiful Alcantara Canyons, you’re bound to find a visit to Mount Etna that appears to your travel style.

Book your day trip to Mount Etna today! Morning Hike  |  Scenic Tour  |  Full Day Trip

Go for a swim at Isola Bella.

Home to what are widely considered to be the best beaches in Taormina, summer visitors should definitely add a visit to Isola Bella to their Sicily road trip itinerary!

Though you can easily reach the island yourself from Taormina via the cable car,  a cruise along the coast  paired with visits to the island’s best swimming spots is an excellent day to spend a hot day in Taormina!

Book your  boat cruise around Isola Bella  today!

Taormina Travel Tips

Not everything is within walking distance..

In order to visit some of Taormina’s most popular sights like Isola Bella, and its beaches in general, you’ll need to head down to the seaside via cable car.

Check the weather carefully.

If you’re in town for a couple of days and one day looks clearer than the other, use the clearer day to visit Mount Etna (or if you don’t want to head all the way to Mount Etna, admire views of it from the Greek Theatre).

Where to Stay in Taormina

Hostel Taormina  — Boasting great reviews and a perfect location in Taormina’s Old Town, Hostel Taormina is the perfect place for budget travelers looking to keep costs down in what is arguably Sicily’s most expensive city.

Both private rooms and dorms are available, and a shared kitchen is located in the hostel.

The only downside? No parking options–so keep that in mind if you choose to book a stay here!

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Taormina!

Hotel Natalina  — We had a great time at this little hotel!

The location is a short walk from Taormina’s Old Town, the included breakfast quite large by Italian standards, and the customer service excellent. The staff helped us park our rental car for free nearby, which we greatly appreciated!

The rooms are large, but a bit dated–this certainly isn’t a luxury hotel, but it’s definitely a cozy enough place to stay while visiting Taormina, and we’d be happy to stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Natalina!

Hotel Continental  — Want to admire the sea views that Taormina is famous for from the comfort of your hotel, while also staying in the lap of luxury?

If so, the Hotel Continental is for you!

Known for its superb location in the heart of Taormina, its views, and its wonderful included breakfast, luxury travelers can’t go wrong with a stay here.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Continental!

Syracuse: 2 Days

Packed with ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and a maze of quiet streets, Syracuse (or Siracusa) is second only to Taormina in tourism popularity for Sicily vacations.

For your 2 days in Syracuse, we recommend focusing primarily on the island of Ortigia (or Ortygia), which is a small island right off the coast of Sicily (and I do mean right off the coast–no ferry necessary) that is essentially Syracuse’s lovely old town.

What to Do in Syracuse

Check out castello maniace..

Located on the far edge of Ortigia, this citadel-slash-castle dates to the 13th century (an earlier castle on the site dated to the 11th) and boasts beautiful views over the Ionian Sea.

Stroll through the small streets of Ortigia.

Ortigia is a charming place, and we found that we loved it most when wandering the streets in search of coffee bars, churches (we stumbled across one with a festival going on inside!), and the island’s many ruins.

Be sure to make your way to the Piazza Duomo and the Fountain of Arethusa during your wandering!

Marvel at the Temple of Apollo.

Of all the ancient ruins in Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo is considered the most important.

Dating to the 6th century BCE, the temple has served a whole host of functions over the centuries, including acting as a temple to both Apollo and Artemis, as a church (more than once), and as a mosque.

Syracuse Travel Tips

Stay in ortigia if you can..

This is essentially the old town of Syracuse and is set on an island nearby the main part of the modern city.

It’s beautiful, easy to get lost in, and delightfully fun to explore on foot, making it the perfect place to stay in Syracuse. 

The only catch is what to do with your car, which leads me to…

Choose where you park in advance.

Parking is severely restricted on the island of Ortigia, and on our Sicily road trip we ended up driving in circles for a bit trying to find the right place to leave our car.

Learn from our mistakes and plan carefully beforehand!

Consider visiting the Greek Theatre on your way into or out of Syracuse.

Syracuse’s Greek Theatre is one of its most popular attractions, however, it’s completely across town from Ortigia.

It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick sightseeing break as you arrive in or leave the city, though.

Where to Stay in Syracuse

Room Calafatari — Ortigia is peppered with dozens of small, simple apartments that are used as budget rentals, and Room Calafatari is both a great option and the perfect example of what to expect in Ortigia in a budget price range: no frills but a great location.

Check rates & book your stay at Room Calafatari!

Hotel Posta — With a fabulous location overlooking a port and within a short walk of many of Syracuse’s top attractions, Hotel Posta is a prime choice for mid-range travelers on their Sicily road trip.

Personally, we’d be tempted to upgrade to a room with a balcony–those views are just too good to pass up.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Posta!

Hotel Livingston — With excellent reviews, and included breakfast, and a prime location on the edge of Ortigia (most rooms include a sea view!), luxury travelers (or just those looking for a splurge) can’t go wrong with a stay at 4-star Hotel Livingston during their 10 day Sicily itinerary!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Livingston!

Val di Noto: 2 Days

Sicily’s Val di Noto is littered with stunning Baroque towns, rolling hills, lovely wine country, and some of the best chocolate in the world–in other words, it’s definitely a place that belongs on your 10 days in Sicily itinerary.

What to Do in the Val di Noto

Hop between the beautiful baroque towns..

Eight of the towns in the Val di Noto are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their incredible Baroque architecture: Ragusa, Modica, Noto, Scicli, Palazzo Acreide, Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, and finally, Catania itself.

Obviously, that is a bit much to cover with just 2 days of your trip to Sicily.

We recommend prioritizing Ragusa, Noto, Modica, and if you have time, Scicli.

Admire views of Ragusa Ilba.

Beautiful Ragusa is divided into two sections: Ragusa Superiore (the upper town) and Ragusa Ilba (the lower town).

The views of Ragusa Ilba looking down from Ragusa Superiore may just be some of the best views in this entire Sicily itinerary, which is really saying something!

Snack on chocolate in Modica.

The beautiful town of Modica is world-famous for its chocolate, which boasts a recipe that originally hails from none other than the Aztecs.

The chocolate is created with “cold processing”, giving it a characteristic grainy texture, inconsistent color, and delicious taste.

Val di Noto Travel Tips

Choose where to stay carefully..

Think about your travel style when you choose where to stay in the Val di Noto: do you want to be the heart of the action? Do you want to be able to do plenty of sightseeing without driving? Would you prefer a countryside stay so that you can easily come and go without worrying about parking or driving through a town to do so?

Personally, we chose to stay in Ragusa for its relative popularity and central location and were very happy with the choice.

Don’t try to see more than 1-2 towns a day.

The Baroque towns of the Val di Noto may look very close together on a map, but add in small, winding roads, the hassles of finding a place to park and making your way (often uphill) to the picturesque town centers, and the delights of savoring each spot, and it’s definitely best to limit your movements when possible.

We recommend sticking to seeing 1-2 towns per day in this section of your Sicily road trip itinerary.

Where to Stay in Val di Noto

For the sake of simplicity, we’ve outlined a few well-reviewed places to stay in Ragusa here, but staying somewhere like Modica or Noto will also easily work with this 10 day Sicily itinerary!

SanVito Hostel — With excellent reviews, a prime location in Ragusa near Piazza San Giovanni, an included breakfast, and a gorgeous terrace offering panoramic views of the Val di Noto, SanVito Hostel is a phenomenal option for budget travelers during their Sicily road trip.

Check rates & book your stay at SanVito Hostel!

Hotel Il Barocco — Cozy and comfortable, this small hotel is located in a 19th-century building in central Ragusa, making it the perfect launching pad for your sightseeing. With excellent reviews and a fabulous included breakfast, Hotel Il Barocco is a reliable choice in Ragusa for your Sicily vacation.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Il Barocco!

San Giorgio Palace — Located in the heart of Ragusa Ilba, popular San Giorgio Palace boasts very spacious rooms, as well as modern decor and amenities (including a very well-reviewed included breakfast) in a picture-perfect setting, with some rooms that overlook the valley.

Check rates & book your stay at San Giorgio Palace!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 10 days in Sicily–or you just prefer an even more fast-paced Sicily road trip–there are plenty more incredible places to visit in Sicily to add to your list!

Here are a few more beautiful places to see in Sicily that you might want to add to your itinerary.

The ancient Valley of the Temples outside of Agrigento is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Sicily.

Once a thriving Ancient Greek city, these ruins are remarkably well-preserved and far less crowded than many better-known Greek ruins throughout Europe.

Located just outside of Palermo, Mondello is best known today for its long stretch of beach, which is one of the most popular places for beach days for both tourists and locals who are staying in Palermo.

This laid-back beach town is perfect for kicking back and enjoying long stretches of sandy beach–in fact, if you want a little more swimming to be included on your Sicily vacation beyond what’s outlined in this 10 day Sicily itinerary, you can even add a quick stop in Avola during your drive from Syracuse to the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

Aeolian Islands

Also sometimes called the Lipari Islands, this stunning volcanic island chain is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts some of the most magnificent sea views in all of Sicily (which is, as you can imagine, very high praise).

Located in the shadow of Mount Etna, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city and second airport hub–you’ll likely fly into and out of either Palermo or Catania (in fact, for this Sicily road trip itinerary it’s easiest to fly into Palermo and out of Catania if you can swing it).

Though Catania is far from Sicily’s most popular tourist attraction, it’s definitely worth a bit of exploring if you happen to be passing through!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Driving in Sicily truly deserves its own post, but here are some essential tips to know before embarking on your Sicily road trip!

Shop around for your rental car.

There are dozens of rental car companies operating in Sicily, all with their own prices and rental agreements. We recommend shopping through Discover Cars in order to search through multiple companies at once.

Not only will you be able to compare prices easily, but you’ll also be able to compare rental inclusions (like insurance, kilometers allotted, etc.), which we found varied dramatically among different rental car companies in Sicily!

Price Sicily rental cars with Discover Cars today!

The driving honestly isn’t as bad as it is portrayed… but it’s not easy.

There’s no way around it: driving in Sicily has a pretty terrible reputation.

However, ultimately, we walked away feeling that driving in Sicily was easier than expected–but we fully admit this impression is likely partially because of how nervous we were about doing it.

The major roads in Sicily are perfectly well maintained–smaller roads, not so much, so beware of potholes. City driving is the trickiest while traveling between cities on major highways is fairly simple.

Drivers can be a bit aggressive, yes, but we wouldn’t say they were drastically more aggressive than in, say, Tuscany.

As much as Sicily has a reputation for being its own world, particularly when it comes to driving, driving in Sicily felt pretty much like driving anywhere else in Italy (which is, admittedly, a harder place to drive than some).

Bear in mind that we are coming at this from the perspective of people who drove daily for nearly a decade and have road-tripped through many countries, including Italy, before. You do need to be a confident, well-practiced driver to comfortably drive in Sicily.

Taking a Sicily road trip if driving makes you anxious, you’re out of practice, you don’t like to drive, or you’ve never driven outside your home country is likely not the best idea.

Also–this is not the place to learn to drive a manual. Unless you are very confident with one, we recommend paying extra for an automatic transmission.

… But be sure you have insurance (preferably with no deductible/excess).

We didn’t incur any damage to our rental car in Sicily… but when we dropped it off, both rentals parked on either side of us had huge dents in them!

Due to the aggressive driving, small roads, and distances covered on this Sicily road trip, we’d recommend purchasing insurance with no deductible/excess for the time it takes you to work through this 10 day Sicily itinerary–it’s simply one less thing to worry about on the road.

Rent the smallest car you can manage.

Tiny roads. Cramped historic centers. Parking lots where cars are parked a mere inch apart (and the lines denoting where the parking places should be seen as mere suggestions at best–people park over them regularly).

Truly, renting a big car in Sicily is a liability, not a benefit. 

We recommend renting the tiniest car you can squeeze your group + luggage into. If the rental desk suggests an upgrade? Turn it down.

Carry lots of coins.

You will pay tolls when driving in Sicily, especially in northern half of the island, so come prepared with a cupholder full of Euros.

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to drive between destinations.

There were days that we pulled into our hotel’s parking space exactly when Google Maps said that we would–and days (like the day we had to catch a flight) that we ended up way behind schedule due to road work and an unfortunate accident that we got stuck behind.

Definitely leave yourself plenty of extra time on days that you have somewhere to be at a specific time!

July and August are peak tourism season in Sicily, and while the beaches will be warm and the sun shining, it’s best to avoid taking your Sicily road trip during those months if you hope to avoid peak crowds and prices.

Luckily, Sicily is characterized by its brilliant weather that allows for swimming over nearly half the year! 

Personally, we’d recommend aiming for a September or early October trip to Sicily if you hope to swim your heart out, and a late April or May trip if you want to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds while still thawing out after a long winter.

Over the winter, lots of small, tourist-focused businesses close and the island, especially in smaller towns, quiets down significantly–but if a slow-paced, off-season 10 days in Sicily itinerary sounds right up your alley, you’ll certainly find plenty of peaceful spots to savor.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced Sicily road trip is definitely better a case of safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing  for trips to Italy.

Cell Phone Holder — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your Sicily road trip. Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy with World Nomads that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: in Sicily, it’s worth the peace of mine.

International Driving Permit — If you’re coming from outside the EU and plan to rent a car in Sicily, you’ll need to make sure to acquire an International Driving Permit in your home country, before coming to Italy. It is required for all car rentals in Italy, and while the rental company may not ask, it’s not worth the risk of being refused a car once you arrive or getting a fine if you’re pulled over to be without one. 

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

13 thoughts on “The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary”

From someone who has family and typically visits for +30 days every other year, you did a very nice job with the article….many, many other wonder ful places to see and things to experience on the island, and the Eolian, and Egadi…..

Thanks Anthony! We can’t wait to make it back and explore more of Sicily.

Oh waooo Its amazing to know these valuable Information provided by you. Next month we have plan to visit Sicily and these information will be very helpfull. Thank you

Happy to hear that, Josef! Hope you guys have a great time in Sicily. :-)

Wow! That was a very helpful article! I am bookmarking it multiple places so I don’t lose it before our trip in June. Thank you so much for your great tips and very practical advice.

Thanks, Vrinda! Hope you guys have a blast in Sicily!

Quiet a lot of information . One question if not interested in driving then the other options .

You definitely can visit Sicily without a car, but it’s a bit trickier than up on the mainland where there’s more train service.

Essentially, without a car your options are to stick with one town or city as a base and use guided tours to visit more rural areas, cobble together an itinerary with train and bus service (doable, but not as simple as in, say, Florence), or sign up for a full multi-day guided tour of Sicily.

Personally the first option falls most in line with how we tend to travel. Taormina is one of the most popular bases for a trip like that, as many cruise ships stop there and there are lots of options for guided tours to Mount Etna, wine country, etc.

AMAZING info, and helpful tips. Planning a trip to sicily, for 14 days aiming for minimum driving. Landing in Catania-bus to Taormina-bus to Ortiga-car rent from Syracuse-Noto-Cefalu and fly from Palermo. Your thoughts? What would you change? Any tips will be appreciated . Thanks Suzanne

Thanks so much, Suzanne!

Sounds like a very reasonable itinerary, and I think you’ll have a great time! Definitely double-check the bus schedules as you go, especially if you happen to be traveling on any Sundays.

If you have time, I’d visit Ragusa and Modica when you’re in Noto (you may already be planning that, of course).

I think you’ll have an amazing trip–enjoy a cannolo for us!

Hi, Flying into Palermo and flying back to Rome (would like to spend at least 1 day in Rome). With that in mind, the top places to see and duration for a 10 days which include the arrival date. Thank you very much :)

Hi Claudia,

Are you looking to spend that time traveling overland from Palermo to Rome, or are you wanting to spend most of your time in Sicily and then fly to Rome at the end of your trip? There are so many possibilities!

Either way, I’d recommend 2 days in Rome instead of one in most cases–it’s a enormous city, and one of our favorites in the world! We have itinerary suggestions for both one and 2 days in Rome, if you want to see how much you can cover: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-rome-in-a-day/

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