A 7-Day Sicily Itinerary

Start in Palermo for a taste of history and a big city feel. Palermo also has one of Sicilys two airports, so it makes a natural starting point. Here, you can see the sights such as the Monreale cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and Ballarò food market (bring cash and an appetite). Try to catch an opera at the Teatro Massimo if you can - the tickets are reasonably priced and the dress code is informal for tourists . Enjoy a white tablecloth dinner in a former ballroom at the Des Palmes Neobistrot.

After exploring the city, arrange a boat day departing from the Palermo Marina. The coastline is stunning and getting out on the water is a great way to see the landscape. Capo Aspara is a rocky cape that has a picturesque arch of rock over the water with great swimming coves. To the west of the city is San Vito lo Capo, which has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sicily. This long stretch of beach is great for swimming or grabbing lunch before the boat ride back. For dinner back near Palermo, book a table at the romantic waterfront terrace at the hotel Villa Igiea.

Head to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. A UNESCO Site, the Valley of the Temples houses the remains of Greek structures believed to be built in the fifth century. You can purchase an entry ticket and walk around or participate in a two-hour guided tour. The views are gorgeous as well. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat and explore the old town of Agigento.

Travel to Mt. Etna to visit a winery. Note that you will need a reservation to do a wine tasting. If you want to splurge on a private wine pairing lunch (or dinner), head to Santa Maria La Nave for a phenomenal farm-to-table experience with organic wines . You can also drive up near the top of Mt. Etna and see some of the recent lava flows. If you’re there during shoulder season, you might even see snow! Note: traffic can get congested during the summer tourist season, so you may want to take the south route up the mountain versus the more popular north route.

Spend the day in Taormina. In the morning, check out the Greek Theater, an ancient amphitheater believed to be built in the third century. You can grab a coffee and donut at the cafe at the top and enjoy the beautiful views. Taormina has great shopping, tons of cafes, and views at every turn, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around. The town can get very busy on the main strip, so keep this in mind if you are visiting during the summer and make sure to duck on side streets for hidden cafes and specialty shops. You can also go up to the village above Taormina, Castelmola, for incredible views, shops, and a taste of the traditional almond wine served in one of the oldest cafes on the island, Bar San Giorgio.

Relax at a beautiful resort or spend the day at a beach club. After checking out the bustling town on day five, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet. Spurge at the Michelin starred restaurant at the Four Seasons San Domenico and check out the famous bar where The White lotus was filmed (you’ll need a reservation well in advance). Or, enjoy one of the many patios tucked off the side streets of Taormina’s main Corso Umberto I.

Head to Catania for a flight back to the mainland. The drive to the airport is about 45 minutes; if you have a little extra time, you can stop into the charming city for a quick stroll and lunch. If you haven’t yet had a chance to try La granita or a Canoli, make sure to grab one of these treats before you leave!