Sicily boasts breathtaking coastlines, charming villages, delicious cuisine, delightful weather, and quintessential Italian vibes. Being the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it's impossible to explore it all in just one week. I recommend focusing on one side of the island, as there are already plenty of attractions to discover! I've traveled twice along the east side, and here is my ultimate One-Week itinerary😉.
First and foremost, I recommend choosing Siracusa as your base. I stayed in Siracusa for the entire week and found it easy to travel to nearby areas by car. Although I had heard stories about how challenging driving in Sicily can be due to the roads and the "Italian" driving style, I found it quite easy and comfortable! Don't forget to bring some coins for tolls, and you'll be all set. For car reservations, I suggest using Rentalcars.com, one of the most popular and reliable car rental websites. It often provides reservations with free cancellation, offering great flexibility if your plans change. Here's a useful tip: monitor the prices on Rentalcars.com. If you book with free cancellation, you can always cancel and rebook the same car if you find the price has decreased.
Day 1 and 2 – Explore Siracusa
Spend two enchanting days in Siracusa, one of Italy's most delightful cities. Strolling along Siracusa’s coastline is something you'll never tire of!
On your first day, start your adventure with a visit to Castello Maniace. This castle, boasting impressive medieval architecture, offers stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, making it ideal for photography and sightseeing. Next, head to the Temple of Apollo, one of Sicily's oldest Greek temples, dating back to the 6th century BC. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the charming streets of Ortigia Island. Wander through its narrow alleys and vibrant atmosphere. As you explore, you'll arrive at Piazza Duomo, a breathtaking square that houses the Cathedral of Siracusa, adorned with ancient Greek columns from a temple dedicated to Athena. Conclude your day with a relaxing drink along Lungomare Alfeo, savoring the beautiful view of the Ionian Sea.
On your second day, begin with a trip to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to significant historical sites such as the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius. Finish your visit with a stop at the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi. This museum is one of Italy’s most important archaeological venues, featuring a vast collection of artifacts from various historical periods.
Where to stay?
I strongly encourage you to stay in Ortigia. Its vibrant atmosphere, numerous restaurants, lively nightlife, and picturesque seafront promenade make Ortigia the perfect base for your vacation.
I stayed in Made in Ortigia Apartments and everything was perfect. The apartments are charming, modern and centrally located. The price is also very convenient:
Other suggestions, always in Ortigia, are:
Day 3 – Noto & Marzamemi
Now's the time to pick up your rental car, as you'll need it for all the next days of your trip discovering the east-coast of Sicily.
Your first destination is Noto, renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture and stunning churches. The historic center of Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often called the “stone garden” due to the numerous Baroque buildings constructed from local stone. It’s located about a 40-minute drive from Ortigia.
After exploring Noto, proceed to the Riserva di Vendicari, a natural reserve celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historic sites. Within the reserve, you can discover one of Sicily's most renowned beaches: Spiaggia di Calamosche, perfect for a refreshing swim in the sea.
Next, make your way to the historic fishing village of Marzamemi and spend your evening enjoying its coastal beauty and culinary delights. Dine at one of the many seafood restaurants offering fresh, local catches.
Day 4 - Catania & surroundings
For your firth day, you will explore the city of Catania, located about an hour's drive from Siracusa.
Catania is also called “Black City” because of the colour of its buildings, blackened by the soot and ashes of Mount Etna that overlooks the city. Begin your day at Piazza Duomo, the central square of Catania, and visit the Duomo di Catania. Located near Piazza Duomo, the Catania fish market – La Pescheria – is not to be missed while you’re in the city! It’s not just a market but a genuine experience, where you can soak in the authentic atmosphere with vendors calling out prices and customers negotiating for the best deals. Next, take a leisurely stroll along Via Etnea, Catania’s main shopping street. It’s lively and the perfect spot to pause for a coffee or enjoy a Sicilian pastry.
Before heading back to Siracusa, make sure to stop by two charming villages along the coastline: Acitrezza and Aci Castello.
Day 5 - Taormina & Giardini Naxos
On your fifth day, you will visit one of Sicily’s gems: Taormina, located about an hour and a half’s drive from Siracusa. As Taormina is perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
To start your day, I suggest visiting the Teatro Antico di Taormina to avoid the crowds. Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, it’s one of the most renowned historical landmarks. You can purchase your ticket directly on the spot, and the entrance fee is €14. The theatre provides panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna, making it a prime location for photography.
After your visit, take a leisurely stroll around the centre, including Piazza IX Aprile and Corso Umberto.
If your trip is during the summer, you may want to spend your afternoon by the sea. In that case, head towards Giardini Naxos. Enjoy the sun, the beach, a swim in the sea, and some refreshing cocktails.
Day 6 – Modica & Ragusa
Modica and Ragusa are charming towns renowned for their Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites, situated near each other and approximately an hour's drive from Siracusa. Spend your sixth day exploring their historic centres. Modica is also famous for its chocolate, so make sure to indulge in a tasting before leaving town.
Day 7 – Mount Etna
Spend your last day discovering Mount Etna. The starting point is Rifugio Sapienza, which you can reach by car; however, it's advisable to arrive early as the parking can get quite busy.
Near Rifugio Sapienza, explore the Crateri Silvestri, formed during an eruption in 1892. These craters offer incredible insights into Etna's volcanic activity and feature relatively easy-to-navigate terrain, suitable for most visitors. Following this, take the cable car ride (Funivia dell'Etna) from Rifugio Sapienza to an altitude of about 2,500 meters. During the ascent, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Etna, the surrounding landscapes, and the Ionian Sea.
You may also want to join a guided tour to better discover Etna:
2025 Etna Tour in 4x4 : this is a Jeep tour on Mount Etna to discover lava flows, extinct craters and the views over the Caldera del Valle del Bove.
2025 Etna Morning Trip: this hike is perfect for hikers of all abilities, and allows you to see Mt. Etna from many different angles.
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