One Week in Sicily

How to spend a week on the biggest island of the Mediterranean Sea? What things to see in 7 days in Sicily? This is how you get the most out of your stay in Italy’s autonomous region, known for a long history, good food and wonderful people.

This seven day trip to the east & center of Sicily is based on our own experience, when we travelled there in May of 2018 to catch some sun during a cold European spring. We started and ended our adventure in Catania.

Our travel route:
Fly into: Catania (day 1)
Day 2: Syrakus & Ortigia
Day 3: Avola, Cavagrande del Cassible & Calamosche Reserve
Day 4: Gela & Licata
Day 5: Agrigento
Day 6: Agrigento & Enna
Day 7: Taormina
Fly out from: Catania

Day 1: Catania

• Located at the foot of the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, Catania is a shiny harbour town
• You should try Sicilian delicacies, such as these amazing rice balls, called Arancini (our recommendation: Savia on Via Etnea)
• As it’s close by, visit Mount Etna, the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Places to see while strolling around: Piazza del Duomo, Duomo Di Catania, Via Etnea, Ursino, Villa Bellini, Catania Roman Theatre

For drivers: The parking situation in Catania can be quite challenging, but don’t give up!

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Day 2: Syrakus & Ortigia

• Syrakus, located 1-hour drive south of Catania is a large modern city of little interest, but it holds something truly remarkable, it’s own island. 
• Ortigia Island is truly a fascinating sight, don’t hesitate to stroll among its small alleys (don’t worry it’s impossible to get lost). 
• Buy some fresh fruits and vegetables at the local market which is held every morning and explodes with smells and deliciousness. 
• Walk down to Syracuse harbour, the best place to discover Sicilian agriculture vibes, especially the fishermen and their old traditional boats. This port joins the city of Syracuse and Ortigia island.
• After, check out Castello Maniace, open only in the morning and located at the tip of Ortigia Island. Pay the €2 entrance fee and spend about an hour here, admiring the view. 
• Visit the island’s main square – the majestic Piazza del Duomo. This big pedestrian only area is surrounded by many white stone buildings – their architecture is magnificent and they’re very well preserved. You can admire the cathedral of Syracuse (It. “Duomo di Siracusa”), the palazzo Beneventano, the town hall and the Archbishop’s Palace (It. “Arcivescovile palazzo”) as well as the church “Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia”.
• Grab a gelato and enjoy the droplets of the beautiful Fontana di Diana, located on the Piazza Archimede, next to Piazza Duomo. 
• In the afternoon be sure to visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park – it’s a must see for those history buffs. You have to leave Ortigia island for this by crossing the bridge and turn right, along the road by the sea. Admission is 10€ and free every first Sunday of the month.
• You can see a huge Roman amphitheatre almost completely carved out of the rock and a Greek theatre with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. 
• If you’re not interested in archeology you can also skip the Park and stay in Ortigia at the local beach and enjoy a swim. 
• Head back to the island along the Syracuse bike path, which offers many views of Ortigia and its surrounding cliffs.
• Finish the day off with watching the sunset at the Fountain of Arethusa.

Day 3: Avola, Cavagrande & Calamosche

• Avola is a sea village nestled in the South East of Sicily and home to the wine Nero D’Avola, that you should try with the famous Avola almonds – Pizzuta,  Romana or  Fascionello are the three types.
• The nature reserve Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile is about an hour’s drive from Syracuse.
• From the car park, count 30 minutes of descent on foot to reach the gorges. The ascent will take 45 minutes/1 hour. The panorama is magnificent, with a beautiful view of the canyon. It is also possible to see Etna in the distance! It is an ideal place for walking, picnic and swimming.
• Calamosche, better known by the inhabitants of the place as “Funni Musca” is a sandy little bay that extends for about 200 meters, delimited by two rocky headlands that act as shield to the currents, with the result of an always calm and clear sea. In 2005 it was awarded the title “Most beautiful beach of Italy“

Day 4: Gela & Licata

• Gela offers a fascinating archaeology museum and well-preserved remains of the city’s ancient fortifications – but it is also well-connected to the Sicilian mafia.
• We suggest to start the day in Gela’s Archaeological Park (It. Capo Soprano). Here you can see fascinating examples of Greek military architecture.
• A stroll through Gela’s old town should be enjoyed with some Gelato: Along the main street of the old city are the Byzantine style Church of San Biagio, now home to the Town Library and the Church of Our Lady of Grace, with a Gothic façade and containing a precious wooden altarpiece.
• A little further on you reach Piazza Umberto I, with the neoclassical Gela Cathedral, built between the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The Licata beach (It. Licata Spiaggia) belongs to the seaside town of Licata – the place has its roots in prehistoric times and its beautiful sea often returns precious treasures: from the anchors of the ancient Roman and Byzantine ships, to the relics dating back to the allied landing, which took place right in Licata coastline.
• Punta Bianca nature reserve (It. Riserva Naturale di Punta Bianca) is located about 40 mins from Licata beach. There’s not many tourists around, so you’ll be able to enjoy the white rock formations in quite a tranquil atmosphere.

Day 5: Agrigento

• One day in Agrigento was for sure not enough, but we made the best of out and explored many places that were worth the visit: Agrigento Old Town, Valle dei Templi, Scala dei Turchi.
• The old town of Agrigento offers a nice area to walk around, with its pretty churches and beautiful cobblestone streets. 1 hour by foot will take you to: The Holy Spirit Monastery (It. Monastero de Santo Spirito), where you can get delicious almond cakes that are made by the nuns and the San Gerlando Cathedral. During your tour, visit the Greeks’ Santa Maria Church and the Episcopal Palace.
• Dive into the ancient Greek history of Sicily: Valle dei Templi is THE must-see attraction if you are in Agrigento. The UNESCO World Heritage Site south of the town of Agrigento offers 8 ancient temples, all built between 510 and 430 BC. Entrance fee: 12€ (you can also book the Electric Scooter Tour in advance)
• After the temples, the Turkish staircase (Scala dei Turchi) should be on your list. It is located west of Agrigento, in Realmonte. Scala dei Turchi is a white limestone cliff carved in a staircase shape by the wind and sea.
• Spend the afternoon sunbathing at the Capo Rosso sandy beach, in Realmonte, and stay for sunset.

Day 6: Agrigento & Enna

Day 7: Taormina

• Taormina is known as the Sicilian Saint Tropez. Start the day by discovering Corso Umberto, the city’s main street, where all the craft shops, clothing boutiques and restaurants are concentrated. 
• Along your way, you can also see and visit churches like the Chiesa di San Giuseppe or St Nicholas’ Cathedral. 
• Taormina, being perched on a cliff, offers spectacular views over the valley, the sea and of course Mount Etna. 
• Piazza IX Aprile is a must for sunset photos, thanks to its huge panoramic terrace. 
• The only ancient monument in Taormina is a must see – the well-preserved Greek Theatre. You can even admire it with a bird eyes view. To do this, gather your energy, and climb the 300 steps (around 20 minutes) at via Circumvallazione to get even higher and admire the view of the city. 
• You can even discover a tiny chapel partially carved in the rock: the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca.
• After you’ve explored the city go down to Isola Bella and it’s beautiful pebble beach. You can relax and enjoy yourself, swimming, diving in the crystal clear waters or go for a boat trip.
• Drive the 1 hour from Taormina to Catania and fly out from Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa

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