Sicily had been on my travel wish list for years, and when we finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation. From the golden coastline of Cefalù to the baroque beauty of Syracuse, the lively streets of Palermo, and the glamorous charm of Taormina, this island is a feast for the senses… literally and figuratively. Here’s how we spent our 7 days in Sicily exploring ancient ruins, stunning churches, seaside towns, and indulging in unforgettable Sicilian food.
This September, we spent six weeks traveling through Europe, with a month dedicated to Italy and a week in Malta. We explored the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the rolling hills of Tuscany, sampling some of the best wines (Hello Brunello di Montalcino), the canals of Venice during the Regata Storica, and wrapped it all up with a few blissful days in Lake Como.
One of the highlights of our month-long Italy adventure was our Sicily itinerary. This island feels like a country of its own… steeped in history, layered with cultures, and blessed with unforgettable landscapes.
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Our Sicily Itinerary in 7 Days at a Glance
- Days 1–3: Taormina – Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, enjoy seaside dining with views of Mount Etna.
- Days 4–5: Syracuse, Noto & Agrigento – Wander Ortigia Island and marvel at ancient architecture.
- Days 6: Palermo – Explore Palermo Cathedral, Cappella Palatina, and the Ballarò Market.
- Day 7: Cefalù – Day trip to this seaside gem with a UNESCO-listed cathedral and golden beaches.
Day 1–3: Taormina – Beaches & Ancient Theatre, Ever evening a Celebration
We started our Sicily trip in Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea with postcard-perfect views of Mount Etna. We landed in Catania and rented a car and after a quick pit stop for some pisataccio arrancinis we drove to Taormina.
Taormina unfolded slowly, best experienced in the golden hours when the light softens and the sea stretches endlessly below. We stayed at a lovely resort overlooking the bay, perfectly positioned just steps from the tranquil paths of Villa Comunale di Taormina, a green oasis of palms, flowers, and sweeping coastal views that quickly became part of our daily rhythm.
From local hot spots for lunch to slow dinners we ate well in Taormina. I loved our evening at Restaurant Timeo, where dining felt as much about the setting as the cuisine. Tables framed by views of Mount Etna and the coastline, every course lingering just long enough to savor both flavor and place. Another memorable night took us to the White Lotus restaurant (IYKYK), cinematic and refined, where Sicily once again reminded us that meals here are meant to be experiences, not just reservations.
Some of our favorite moments, though, were the simplest. Dinner at Ristornate Malvasia was unforgettable, from the homemade Norma pasta to a small group of men playing God Father tunes. We dined here twice.
One afternoon, while wandering through town, we stumbled upon a wedding ceremony in a small chapel. The dad drove the bride in the cutest white car to the church. The wedding was over in less than an hour. Doors to the church opened, light streaming in, joy spilling out into the street… we paused as silent witnesses to a moment of celebration, reminded once again that travel often places you at the edge of someone else’s beautiful story.
We stayed in the heart of Taormina for a night and went up to the rooftop Blue Sky Lounge, for sunset and cocktails. As the sky shifted from gold to blush and finally to deep indigo, Taormina revealed its quieter magic..
Etna Rose: My favorite Sicilian wine and one of the best sunset view in Taormina
The Greek Theatre of Taormina was incredible. Imagine watching a performance here with Etna smoking in the distance. We were lucky to arrive during a rehearsal for a fundraising event taking place the following day. Standing quietly in the ancient theatre, we watched as music filled the air, children’s voices rising and echoing off stone that has held sound for thousands of years. It was one of those unplanned moments that travel gifts you; where past and present briefly meet, and you feel incredibly lucky just to be there.
We planned to visit Isola Bella, a tiny island nature reserve perfect for swimming. But ran out of time. We spent a little time at the beach club Lido La Pigna.
Evenings were spent wandering Corso Umberto, the lively main street of Taormina, which extends between two arches located at the ends: the arch of Gate Messina to the north and the arch of Gate Catania to the south. A beautiful walk!
There are so many things to do in Taormina Sicily, we loved out time here and can’t wait to go back! Taormina lingered with us… elegant, intimate, and timeless.
Day 4–5: Syracuse, Noto & Agrigento – Baroque Beauty and Ancient Grandeur
Our journey continued south to Syracuse, a city steeped in history. We explored Ortigia Island in a colorful tuktuk, zipping through cobblestone streets lined with sun-washed piazzas and Baroque churches, including the magnificent Duomo di Siracusa, where layers of Greek and Christian history quietly coexist. Don’t miss the colorful market.
The Fountain of Arethusa in Syracuse on the island of Ortigia, is a freshwater spring that gushes out at the seashore, forming a small lake inhabited by fish and plants. According to the myth, Alphaeus, son of the god Ocean, felt unrequited love for the nymph. Tired of the constant attention, Arethusa asked Artemis for help, who turned her into a spring on the shore of Ortigia. Zeus, in order to help the inconsolable Alphaeus and bring him closer to his beloved, transformed him into the river that flows into the harbor of Syracuse. A unique place!!
From there, the plan was to do a day trip to Noto. Celebrated for its honey-colored Baroque architecture, the Noto Cathedral is breathtaking, especially at golden hour when the entire city seemed to glow. We unfortunately skipped it. A stop at Caffè Sicilia for almond granita and cannoli is a must if you go!
We instead continued on to Agrigento, where Sicily’s ancient soul revealed itself in the Valley of the Temples. Walking among remarkably preserved Greek temples, with the Mediterranean stretching beyond them, felt timeless and humbling. As the sun dipped low, the stone columns caught the fading light, offering one of Sicily’s most unforgettable sunsets.
Together, Syracuse, Noto, and Agrigento painted a vivid portrait of Sicily, layered, luminous, and deeply rooted in history.
Day 6: Palermo – Churches, Markets & Street Food
We then drove to Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital. It’s chaotic, colorful, and endlessly fascinating. The highlight was visiting the Palermo Cathedral, a stunning mix of architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic to Baroque.
We wandered through the Ballarò Market, tasting local street food: crispy arancini, panelle (chickpea fritters), caponata ( a sweet and sour eggplant dish made with olives, bellpeppers and onions) and refreshing granita. To be honest, I loved the food in Taormina over Palermo. Palermo is also a fantastic base for exploring nearby churches like the Cappella Palatina, with its glittering Byzantine mosaics.
Day 7: Cefalù – A Seaside Gem
From Palermo, we took a day trip to Cefalù, one of the prettiest seaside towns in Sicily. The Cefalù Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the old town with its Norman towers. After climbing La Rocca, we were rewarded with sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops and turquoise sea.
Lounging in one of the beach clubs here was definelty one of the highlights of our week in Sicily!
What & Where to eat in Taormina, Sicily
Pasta alla norma, Caponata and Sicilian wines!! Restaurant Timeo, Ristornate Malvasia, Tiramisu di Mimmo & Son, Granitas at Bam Bar Bar are some popular places to eat in Taormina. Da Cristina has the best arancini in Taormina & Sicily. Amazing food for small prices.
Brioche Col Tuppo is a sweet, buttery brioche bun with a signature small bun or “tuppo” on top, is a must try in Taormina. It is often eaten for breakfast with a granita.
In Sicily, cannoli are everywhere. With so many different toping. The sweets in Sicily, especially the Marzipan ones made into whimsical fruit or vegetable shapes are worth every indulgent bite!
How Sicily Fit into Our Month in Italy + Malta Trip
After spending time on the Amalfi Coast, we flew from Naples to Palermo to begin our Sicilian adventure. We spent a week discovering the best of the island before continuing on to Malta and then returning to Italy for Tuscany and Lake Como.
- Week 1: Rome & Venice
- Week 2: Malta – Valletta, Mdina, Blue Lagoon. [See our Malta Itinerary]
- Week 3: Sicily – Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Palermo, Cefalù, Agrigento
- Week 4: Amalfi Coast & Naples – Cliffside villages, Capri, Pompeii.
- Week 5: Tuscany & Siena – Wine country stays, wine tastings, days driving around in Chianti.
- Week 6: Modena, Bologna & Lake Como – A couple of days in Emilia Romagna and 4 dreamy days exploring Tremezzo, Bellagio, and Como.
This Sicily leg gave us the perfect balance of seaside towns, baroque beauty, and dramatic history, plus some of the best meals of the entire trip.
Where to Stay in Sicily: Top Luxury & Characterful Hotels
Taormina has lovely Four Seasons and Belmond properties. Grand Hotel Timeo, is one of Italy’s most glamorous resorts. We loved our Taormina hotel, it was charming place with a beautiful gardens and amazing view of Baia di Naxos and the mount Etna. A few other places to stay in Sicily are:
Taormina
- Hotel Villa Carlotta – Upscale boutique hotel with sweeping Mediterranean views, lush gardens, and elegant rooms—ideal for a romantic Sicilian stay.
- Hotel NH Collection Taormina – Stylish, conveniently located hotel with excellent service and easy access to town.
- Hotel Rivage Taormina – Comfortable mid-range option with great sea views and strong reviews.
Seafront & Beachfront Hotels in Cefalu
- Cefalù Sea Palace – Modern hotel right on the Lungomare with sea views and easy access to the beach and town.
- Victoria Palace Hotel – Classic seafront hotel with balconies overlooking the water.
Palermo
- Villa Igiea – Iconic Rocco Forte luxury hotel overlooking the sea, a glamorous base for exploring Sicily’s capital.
- Palazzo Sovrana – Elegant boutique hotel in a historic Palermo building.
- B&B Palazzo Natoli – Beautiful boutique stay in the heart of Palermo’s old town.
Syracuse & Southeast
- Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection – A refined choice in Siracusa with excellent service.
- Gagliardi Boutique Hotel – Boutique gem in Noto, perfect for exploring Baroque architecture.
- Casa Modica Luxury Rooms – Stylish accommodation in historic Modica.
Agrigento
- Hotel Villa Athena – Romantic hotel with direct access to the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological sites.
Sicilian Legend of Teste di Moro and Sicilian Souvenir
Sicilian Heads, or Teste di Moro, are iconic, hand-painted ceramic vases shaped like a man (often with a turban) and a woman with a crown that symbolize a dramatic Sicilian legend of love and betrayal.
The legend goes a beautiful Sicilian girl in Palermo fell deeply in love with a Moorish merchant who often visited her balcony. When she discovered he was leaving to return to his wife and family in his homeland, she took revenge by beheading him in his sleep. She used his head as a vase for her balcony, planting basil, and her plants flourished so beautifully that others copied her, creating these decorative ceramic heads. They are now popular souvenirs you can buy in many Sicilian shops.
Final Thoughts on Our Sicily Trip & Itinerary
Sicily is one of those places that pulls you in with its contrasts—ancient Greek ruins, vibrant baroque towns, stunning beaches, and a food scene that will spoil you for life. From Palermo’s chaotic charm to Taormina’s elegance, and from Cefalù’s golden coastline to Saraqu’s baroque glow, this itinerary gave us a little taste of everything that makes Sicily unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip, give yourself at least a week or 10 days in Sicily, you’ll want time to savor every bite and every sunset.
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