Sicily is not an island but a continent. A land limited by the sea, but so large and varied that it is impossible to visit it all in a short time. Although it is scattered with remarkable and touristic monuments and natural beauties, you will have to leave something out, if you only have one week of vacation.
Because it is better to know Sicily well in more trips rather than running from one destination to another in a few days. Here we give you three ideas for your one-week Sicilian holiday. Of course, it depends on where you are staying: on the east coast, the west coast or in the centre of the island. Take note!
One week between Etna and the Baroque
If you are based in Catania, in a week you will be able to see a good part of the artistic and natural beauties of Sicily. The most famous ones, so to speak. On the first day you can explore Catania. You will admire the beautiful Cathedral of St Agatha, the Roman theater of Piazza Stesicoro, the Bellini park, the Ursino Castle, the baroque street dei Crociferi. Or you will visit the immediate surroundings, for example Aci Castello.
Catania Airport Transfers
On the second day, a visit to Mount Etna is a must, possibly going up to the summit craters. As you go back to Catania, you will have a taste of local delicacies between Zefferana Etnea (city of honey) and Acireale (home of almond granitas). On the third day, visit to the Alcantara Gorges, lunch in Taormina and an evening stroll through the historic centre of Messina.
Fourth day free, so you can explore other wonders of Catania (for example, the Benedictine monastery and museums). On the fifth day, your destination could be Syracuse and its ancient Greek ruins. Or its Baroque historic centre. On the sixth day you will discover the Ragusan Baroque, in Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli. On the last day you will rest or go for a walk on the promenade of Aci Trezza for a delicious farewell granita.
One week in the Arab West
If you want to explore the western part of Sicily, choose Palermo as your base. The first day, and part of the second, will be dedicated to discover the beautiful Sicilian capital: Cathedral square, with the majestic church of St Rosalia, the characteristic popular markets (Vucciria, Kalsa, Ballarò), the Political Palaces. Do not miss the Palatine Chapel and the Arab architectures, such as the Martorana church. Also visit the Favorita Park.
On the afternoon of the second day, the destination will be Monreale, with its cathedral and the Moorish-style cloister. On the third day you will discover Cefalù. You will love its narrow streets and fishermen’s houses set between the mountain and the sea. Do not miss the gigantic Norman cathedral! On the fourth day, free time to explore other beauties of Palermo. Alternatively, you could go by hydrofoil to the island of Ustica. The journey takes only one and a half hour. You could also visit the beaches of Mondello and Isola delle Femmine.
Palermo Airport Transfers
On the fifth day you will discover Trapani and Erice. Baroque, medieval art, breathtaking views and, in the afternoon, transfer to the salt marshes of Marsala. Here you will have a drink while admiring the sunset over the pools. On the sixth day, a new trip, this time to discover the Egadi islands and in particular Favignana: on the way back, an obligatory stop will be in Segesta. On the last day, you can rest or take the time for a short trip on the magical coast of San Vito Lo Capo.
One week in a less known Sicily
Not many tourists choose central-southern Sicily. Yes, everyone goes to see Agrigento and the Scala dei Turchi, but without considering what is all around. If you want to be a pioneer of a different tourism, do it yourself! Base yourself in Enna, a delightful city with a cool climate, adorned with a wonderful medieval castle and cathedral. From here, already on the first day, you can go to explore the surroundings: the beautiful Leonforte, the Lombard towns of Sperlinga and Nicosia.
On the second day, the city of Agira and the underlying Lake Pozzillo deserve your attention. The third day, a longer trip will take you first to Caltanissetta and then to Agrigento, to the Valley of the Temples. You will have a stop at the Farm Cultural Park of Favara, the ingenious town that has become a museum of contemporary art in the open air. Fourth day of relaxation to recharge your energy.
On the fifth day, in fact, you shall have a longer trip. You will climb to the top of a mountain overlooking the village of Santo Stefano Quisquina. There, you will admire the spectacular monument built by a shepherd-poet: the Andromeda Theater. On your way back, you will pass by the coast and the Scala dei Turchi to admire the sunset over the white cliffs.
The sixth day could be dedicated to the Villa del Casale to admire the famous Roman mosaics. But don’t forget to also visit the town of Piazza Armerina, which will amaze you. On the last day you can rest, or alternatively go to know Enna’s “sister town”, the lovely Calascibetta.