A Local's 1 Week Sicily Itinerary - Eastern Sicily

Eastern Sicily itinerary​ 

Having explored countless corners of Italy, I can confidently say that Sicily is one of the most captivating regions in the country. Surrounded by the sparkling Mediterranean and dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna, this island offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant traditions, and raw authenticity. From its impressive archaeological sites and baroque towns to its lively markets and breathtaking coastlines, Sicily delivers an unforgettable Italian experience—far beyond the usual tourist trails, full of character and stories waiting to be discovered.

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Practical Information:

Location

Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, is a world of contrasts and endless discoveries. Just off the “toe” of Italy’s boot, it blends layers of ancient history with a vibrant, living culture. Here, bustling cities meet quiet hilltop villages, golden beaches give way to volcanic slopes, and the sea stretches toward clusters of enchanting smaller islands—each with its own character. 

Transportation & Exploration

✈️ By Plane: Sicily has two main international airports: Palermo (Falcone-Borsellino Airport) in the northwest and Catania (Fontanarossa Airport) in the east. Both connect to major European cities and Italian hubs like Rome and Milan. Smaller airports in Trapani and Comiso serve budget airlines.

👉 You can book your plane ticket here🔗.

🛳 By Ferry: You can also reach Sicily by ferry from mainland Italy (Naples, Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni) or other Mediterranean destinations. The main ports are in Palermo, Messina, and Catania. 

⚠️ I wouldn’t recommend it – it’s costly and takes a long time.

🚗 By Car: To truly experience Sicily, renting a car is highly recommended. A car gives you the freedom to explore remote beaches, hilltop villages, and natural wonders like Mount Etna or the Valley of the Temples at your own pace. That said, driving in Sicily can be an adventure in itself—locals drive with passion (and sometimes like crazy!), but honestly, it’s part of the charm. Avoid driving in the city centers of Palermo and Catania, which can feel like a jungle. Instead, look for monitored parking areas on Google Maps; they cost a little extra, but it’s worth it to leave your car there (watched) and explore on foot.

👉 You can book your car on Booking🔗 or on Rentalcars🔗.

⚠️ Parking can be tricky, especially in coastal towns. Here’s what you need to know:

• White stripes: Free parking, but check for time limits—these are always indicated on nearby signs.
• Blue stripes: Paid parking. Display your ticket clearly on the windshield, and watch for any time restrictions.
• Yellow stripes: Reserved for people with disabilities, police, or other special uses—avoid parking here.
• Blue + yellow stripes: Reserved for residents. Unless you have a special permit from your hotel, you cannot park here. In many coastal towns, these spaces—and sometimes even other areas—are often reserved exclusively for residents, so be especially careful.

🚆 By Train & Bus: If you prefer not to drive, you can rely on Trenitalia for train connections between major cities (e.g., Palermo–Catania, Catania–Messina). Buses often cover routes that trains don’t, such as smaller inland towns. Tickets are affordable and available at stations or online.

⚠️ While trains and buses do exist, getting around with them can be challenging. They’re slow and prone to delays.

 🚶‍♂️ On Foot: Sicilian cities like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse are best explored on foot, especially their historic centers filled with lively markets, ornate churches, and narrow streets brimming with character. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready to wander.

Weather

Sicily enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters:

• ☀️ Summer (June to August): Hot and sunny, with temperatures often between 28°C and 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Perfect for beaches, but be prepared for heat in inland areas.
• 🍂 Autumn (September to November): Warm and pleasant, 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Fewer tourists and plenty of cultural festivals make this a fantastic time to visit.
• ❄️ Winter (December to February): Mild, 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F). Snow is rare except on Mount Etna, where you can even go skiing!
• 🌸 Spring (March to May): Lovely weather, 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), wildflowers in bloom, and ideal for sightseeing without the summer crowds.

 Accommodation

Sicily offers everything from luxury seaside resorts and boutique hotels in historic palazzos to family-run B&Bs and agriturismi (farm stays). 

👉 On my trip, I chose campgrounds because I could bring my own tent and car, giving me the freedom to explore at my own pace. If you love being surrounded by nature, this is an amazing way to experience the area:

• Agritourist Rinaura Campeggio🔗
• Campeggio Sanfilippo🔗

While in Palermo and Catania, I stayed at B&B La Tua Dimora🔗 and Domus Coralla B&B Racconti di Viaggio🔗

Best things to do in Sicily

Eastern Sicily

Catania

Catania, the vibrant city at the foot of Mount Etna, is one of Sicily’s most fascinating destinations. With its Baroque architecture, bustling markets, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, it’s a place where history, culture, and adventure collide.

✨ Catania is often skipped on a Sicily itinerary, as it feels very different from the island’s smaller, picturesque towns. However, I believe it’s absolutely worth a visit because it shows a completely different side of the region. When traveling, it’s important to experience both the iconic, touristy spots and the more raw, less glamorous corners of a destination—and Catania offers a true 360° experience. Some describe it as loud, chaotic, and even a bit gritty, but to truly understand Sicily, you need to see it all.

Here’s what to do and see in Catania Sicily:

• Piazza del Duomo🔗 & the Elephant Fountain🔗: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Cattedrale di Sant’Agata🔗, the city’s main cathedral dedicated to its patron saint. Stop by Fontana dell’Elefante, the quirky symbol of Catania, a black lava elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk

• Roman Amphitheatre🔗 & Odeon🔗: History lovers will enjoy exploring Catania’s Roman ruins, located just off Piazza Stesicoro. The Anfiteatro Romano, partly built from volcanic lava stone, once hosted up to 15,000 spectators for grand events and gladiator fights, while the nearby Odeon, a smaller and more intimate theater, was reserved for music and performances. Entrance to the Roman Amphitheatre and Odeon costs 6€. You can find more details on the official website here🔗.

👉 You can book a guided tour of Catania: Underground and Street Food Walking Tour🔗

• Catania Fish Market🔗 (La Pescheria): Just behind Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find the bustling fish market, one of the most authentic experiences in Catania.
• Taste the Local Food: Catania’s food scene is incredible—on par with Naples! Every trattoria and street food stall serves something amazing, and the best part? It’s delicious and affordable. If you’re curious about Catania’s most authentic food traditions, head to Via Plebiscito🔗, a lively street famous for its rustic osterie serving grilled meats—especially horse meat, a local specialty. Here, you’ll find rows of open grills, the smoky aroma filling the air, and locals enjoying hearty plates late into the night. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want to experience Catania like a true local, this is the place. ✨Stop by Re Carlo V🔗 for an authentic Sicilian experience and enjoy a delicious grigliata mista straight from the grill.

⚠️ Catania isn’t the safest city in Sicily, so it’s best to be mindful when choosing where to stay. I recommend booking accommodation near the Borgo metro station🔗, as it’s a convenient and generally safer area. If you’re driving, always park your car in a monitored parking lot rather than leaving it on the street. It might cost a little extra, but the peace of mind is definitely worth it.

👉  I stayed at Domus Coralla B&B Racconti di Viaggio🔗

Mount Etna

No trip to Catania is complete without visiting Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or just curious, Etna offers a variety of experiences:

• Guided hikes to the highest craters: Explore craters, lava fields, and volcanic landscapes on trails suited for all levels. Some hikes take you close to the steaming craters for a truly unforgettable experience.

⚠️To reach the highest craters, you must be accompanied by a local guide. I highly recommend it if you enjoy hiking—it’s a bit challenging, as the cable car and bus take you up to 2,900 meters (9,514 ft), but from there you’ll need to walk the rest of the way to 3,400 meters (11,155 ft). I loved the experience, and the stunning views at the top make the effort absolutely worthwhile.

👉 You can purchase the Etna guided tour to the highest craters here.

• Cable car and jeep tours: Another popular option is to take the cable car and then a jeep up to about 2,800 meters (9,186 ft). From there, you can visit the lateral craters and admire the upper crater from a distance. The route reaches a maximum of around 3,000 meters (9,843 ft) and is a bit easier than the guided hike to the summit.

👉 You can purchase the tour to the lower craters, up to 3000 meters, here🔗.

• Wine and food tours: Etna’s volcanic soil produces unique wines and delicious local produce. Many tours combine hiking with wine tasting at nearby vineyards.

👉 From Taormina: Etna Walking Tour and Wine Tasting in Winery🔗 it's a good option for experiencing Etna wine

• Skiing in winter: Yes, Etna even offers skiing in winter, making it a rare place where you can ski with a sea view on clear days.

Taormina

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most charming towns, blending history, stunning views, and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the best things to do while you’re there:

• Ancient Greek Theatre🔗: The city’s crown jewel, with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coastline.

👉 You can purchase your ticket here🔗.

• Corso Umberto🔗: Taormina’s lively main street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and gelato shops.

• Villa Comunale Gardens🔗: a peaceful green escape with beautiful terraces and sea views.

⚠️ Taormina is stunning, but it’s also a hotspot for luxury tourism, which makes it quite expensive. Parking can be tricky and costly, especially in high season, so a great alternative is to take the cable car🔗 from the coast (Isola Bella🔗) to reach the town. As for dining, I’d skip most restaurants in town — the food tends to be overpriced and underwhelming compared to other parts of Sicily.

Isola Bella 

Isola Bella is a tiny gem of the Ionian Sea, just off the coast of Taormina. You can reach it either by car or by taking the cable car from Taormina down to the beach, which makes it very accessible. The island itself is a protected nature reserve, home to a small museum that gives insight into its history and local flora. The real highlight, though, is the water — the clear, turquoise sea is teeming with colorful fish, so bringing snorkeling gear is a must to fully enjoy this underwater paradise.

⚠️Parking here is almost impossible, so it’s best to visit on weekdays if you can. Be prepared for big crowds — this spot attracts more tourists than almost anywhere else in Sicily. Still, once you’re in the water, the snorkeling makes it all worth it.

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin watching in Giardini Naxos is one of the most magical experiences you can have along Sicily’s coast. Just a short boat ride from the shore, you’ll find pods of dolphins playing in the Ionian Sea, sometimes swimming right alongside the boat. Tours usually last a couple of hours and often include stunning views of Mount Etna and the Taormina coastline from the water. It’s an unforgettable mix of nature and scenery — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot other marine life while enjoying the ride. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves the sea, dolphin watching in Giardini Naxos is a must-do activity.

👉 Book ahead your tour Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour🔗

✨ I wouldn’t highlight Giardini Naxos itself, as the town isn’t particularly special, but it makes a fantastic base for boat tours — especially if you want to admire Taormina from the sea and spot dolphins along the coast.

👉 I suggest a boat tour, such as Taormina: Boat Tour with Sicilian Wine Tasting🔗 or Naxos: Taormina Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Prosecco🔗

Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!