Sicily in 7 Days: From Historic Palermo to Coastal Taormina

Transportation & accommodation

My preferred method of transportation is a rental car. It allows for much more flexibility, freedom, and the ability to explore more of the island on your own terms. On the flip side, roads are difficult to navigate, and some areas of Palermo are not drivable. So keep that in mind in setting your expectations.

If you're looking for a luxury experience, Rocco Forte Villa Igiea is a fantastic property with stunning views and grounds.

Exploring Palermo

The heart of historical Palermo offers many boutique hotels and B&B's with easy walking distance to many areas worth visiting.

For your first day, after checking in, take a leisurely stroll along the Porto di Palermo.

If you're up for an adventurous cuisine option, try Panini ca Meusa, a Sicilian spleen-sandwhich, which is a Palermo specialty meal. You can get this many different places and varieties, but Nni Franco U Vastiddaru seems to be the most popular among locals.

On that note: organ meats are a delicacy in Palermo. Not only will you see these in sandwiches but also in Arancini, so keep an eye out!

You really can’t go wrong here—walk the streets, explore hidden gems, shop for souvenirs, stumble into bars (cafes), and get some snacks.

Arancini are an absolute must. Again, you can’t really go wrong here. I can’t even count how many arancini we had on our trip, and we made it a mission to find the best in all of Sicily. Some of my personal favorites were at Ke Palle, but the region’s best Arancini is definitely up for debate.

Aperitivo is also a must pretty much anywhere. Unlike the popular Aperol Spritz, might I suggest a Limoncello Spritz if you are less inclined to the bitter taste and more for a citrus/sweet note.

For dinner, check out Aja Mola for elevated pasta and seafood dishes with interesting twists.

Markets and street food in Palermo are a must.

Ballaro is the largest, most energetic, and iconic market in Palermo, definitely worth visiting.

We opted for something a bit more slower-paced and small, without compromising quality. If that's more of your pace, check out Capo Mercato.

While perusing for street foods, keep your eyes peeled for sfincione, a cross between foccacia and pizza. Wildly delicious, and lesser-known than some other popular cuisine options.

While there is more than one option to get to the east side of the island, driving the streets really give you an authentic feel for the countryside. Plus, you're able to see an epic view of the south end of Calabria, Italy, on your way there.

The scenic coastal drive will take three hours—just 10 more minutes than through the middle of the island. So why not opt for the views?

When you think of Sicily, Taormina is the quintessential essence of the experience. Small, charming, (touristy...) but a must-visit, especially for first timers.

Staying at the San Domenico Palace is centrally located, has amazing views with beach access (which is not as easily accessible as you might think!), and for those interested in fun facts, this is the hotel White Lotus season two was filmed at!

Around town

• Corso Umberto is the main downtown area. Stroll up and down for shops and restaurants.

• Stop by Bam Bar for brioche é gelato.

• Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina is a must for pizza. We went twice, just saying.

I recommend a minimum of two full days in Taormina, depending on what you want to do.

• Take a cooking class to learn more about the local cuisine!

• After the class, explore the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an absolute must-see amphitheater with Greek architecture.

• Close by is Parco Trevelyan, take a leisurely stroll and watch the sunset.

• So many options for dinner back on Corso Umberto, but Licchio's Coffee & Food is the place to go for authentic, local, quality food.

Optional last day to drive further south to explore more that Sicily has to offer.

• 1.5 hour drive south is Syracuse, home to more history and architecture.

• Explore the “island” of Ortigia with the amazing ruins, churches, and castles.

• Grab a sandwich at Caseificio Borderi, a popular place among both locals and tourists.

• On the way back, stop at Parco Archeologico Siracusa for unique and amazing ruins before heading back to Taormina.

Being on this side of the island, I recommend flying out of the Catania airport.