I’m excited to share my recent trip to Sicily with you all. This beautiful island won me over with its bustling markets, stunning landscapes, and incredible food – emphasis on INCREDIBLE. In this Sicily itinerary for first-time visitors post I share my very own four day Sicily travel itinerary, including must-know tips, beaches to visit, and exactly where to eat.
Sicily is absolutely beautiful and worth a visit at any time of the year | Photo by Flo P Unsplash
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Table of Contents
- Who is This Sicily Travel Itinerary For?
- Is Four Days in Sicily Enough Time?
- Where You Should Fly Into in Sicily
- Day 1: Exploring Palermo – The Heart of Sicily!
- Day 2: Exploring the Charm of Siracusa & Ortigia
- Day 3: Discovering Catania and Mount Etna
- Day 4: Relaxing in Taormina
- The Best Beaches to Visit in Sicily
- Leaving Sicily
- Extra Tips for Sicily First-Time Visitors
Who is This Sicily Travel Itinerary For?
If you’re planning your first trip to Sicily and feeling a bit overwhelmed, this Sicily itinerary for first-time visitors is tailor-made for you. Exploring a new destination can be daunting, but fear not! This guide takes the guesswork out of planning your Sicilian adventure, ensuring you make the most of your time on this captivating island.
Is Four Days in Sicily Enough Time?
Now, you might be wondering if four days in Sicily is sufficient to truly experience all it has to offer. Well, the truthful answer is – yes and no. Sicily is blessed with an abundance of cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. While four days won’t allow you to uncover every hidden gem or delve into every historical detail, it’s a fantastic introduction to this enchanting island. Especially if you visit in off-season like I did.
Think of your four days in Sicily as a sampler platter – it may not replace the full feast, but it’s certainly a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. With careful planning, you can wander through charming towns, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in Sicilian life. So, embrace the adventure and fall in love with Sicily with this Sicily itinerary for first-time visitors!
Where You Should Fly Into in Sicily
Sicily has two main airports – Palermo and Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport. You’ll most likely want to rent a car to explore both sides of the island, so pick the airport that works best for you.
Day 1: Exploring Palermo – The Heart of Sicily!
For us, this was a travel day and a shorter afternoon, as we flew into Palermo and decided to stay on the other side of the island. However, depending on where you fly into, Palermo should definitely be on your visit list for a day!
Check out my blog post on dressing for Europe in the spring!
Start the day by exploring Palermo’s markets. After you wander around head to the bustling Ballarò Market for breakfast. Enjoy traditional street food like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (stuffed rice balls). Next purchase tickets for the Palermo Cathedral. Visit this architectural marvel to admire its mixture of Norman, Arabic, and Byzantine styles.
Next time for lunch – I love Bisso Bistro Quattro Canti for their Sicilian pasta dishes like Pasta alla Norma, Pasta Con le Sarde, and Pasta con Zucchinia fritta. Make sure to get a glass of chilled Grillo, a must-try crisp white wine from the region. After lunch head over to Palazzo dei Normanni and explore the stunning Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, with its beautiful mosaics. If you have time you can also walk over to the Botanical Gardens to see over 12,000 species of plants designed in the 1700’s by Léon Dufourny.
You must try a pasta dish famous to Sicily: Pasta Con le Sarde – it’s absolutely delicious!
If you are staying in Palermo, you should enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, such as Ristorante Castello a Mare or MadoniEAT. Where you can try local specialties like caponata (eggplant dish) and fresh seafood. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Foro Italico to enjoy the sea breeze. If you are staying on the other side of the island, it’s about a 3 hour drive, so leave with enough time to get there safely. We stayed in Riposto at the Zash Country Boutique Hotel which I absolutely recommend! It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury nestled among citrus groves.
*NOTE: Palermo was my least favorite city during the trip. I wouldn’t recommend staying there if you are looking for a quiet or more leisurely pace. Flights into Palermo can be cheaper so it’s worth lunch, walking around and then I suggest heading to your hotel!
Day 2: Exploring the Charm of Siracusa & Ortigia
The first stop of the day should be the bustling Ortigia Street Market, a sensory overload in the best way possible—vibrant colors, enthusiastic calls of the vendors, and the freshest catch ready to be discovered. Don’t miss the sarde a beccafico—a local sardine specialty! The market is open 7am until about 2pm, so arrive around 11am, walk around, and then enjoy lunch.
The Ortigia street market is a must-visit and make sure you arrive hungry! | Photo by Dagnija Berzina Unsplash
For lunch you’ve got to eat in the heart of the Ortigia Street Market at Tito Mare. This restaurant has the most delicious swordfish carpaccio and an array of daily fried fish specials. Their dishes offer a taste of the Mediterranean that is super fresh.
The Ortigia Street Market is an absolute must-visit for the food alone. I love an outdoor market and this was one of my favorites I’ve ever been to! | Photo by Dagnija Berzina Unsplash
After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the ancient waterfront of Siracusa. The sea breeze and historical backdrop provide a perfect setting to digest and relax. Then drive to Noto, which is about 30 minutes away by car. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Baroque architecture. The city’s buildings are made from local golden stone and glow in the light of the setting sun, making it a dream destination for capturing the perfect Instagram photo. It’s also a must in the Sicily itinerary for first-time visitors!
However, this might be a little unconventional but I promise, this is the way to do it. After your afternoon in Noto, I suggest driving back for drinks and dinner in Ortigia. The city comes alive at night and there’s a true magic in the air. Wine bars are around every bend, and you simply cannot go wrong with anywhere you pick. For dinner you’ve got to eat at DiVino Mare, a natural wine bar and restaurant you will love. Their menu is hand written and filled with delicious choices of Sicily.
Day 3: Discovering Catania and Mount Etna
Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania offers a dramatic backdrop. For an amazing day in Catania I suggest by starting off with wine tasting at The Etna Urban Winery.
That’s Mt. Etna in the background!
Wine tasting in Sicily offers a one of a kind experience that is deeply rooted in the island’s rich volcanic soil, diverse microclimates, and ancient wine-making traditions. Thanks to all of these things, wines from Sicily are lighter in color and taste, and have a unique minerality to them. My husband and I purchased tickets for The Etna Urban Winery and were blown away by this experience. The attention to detail was unbelievable and the food pairings were exquisite. It’s an absolute must in my opinion.
After wine tasting, you can head into Catania’s vibrant city center. A must-visit is the Catania Cathedral, an impressive example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. You can also check out the Piazza del Duomo – the bustling square that is home to the city’s symbol, the Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante), made from black lava stone.
Did you know Sicily is home to the tallest active volcano in Europe?
Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily near Catania, is not only the tallest active volcano in Europe, but also one of the most active in the world. Here are a few things to know about Mt. Etna:
- Hiking and Tours: There are many guided tours available that offer hiking, jeep excursions, and cable car rides to explore Etna’s diverse landscapes—from barren, lunar-like craters to lush forest slopes.
- Skiing: In the winter months, the slopes of Mount Etna serve as skiing destinations, providing a unique experience of skiing on an active volcano with views of the Mediterranean.
- Local Products: The fertile volcanic soil supports a rich agriculture, including vineyards producing unique wines known for their distinct character. The area is also known for its production of honey and pistachios.
From here you can check out:
- Teatro Massimo Bellini: This beautiful opera house named after the local-born composer Vincenzo Bellini. If possible, catch a matinee performance or tour the lavish interior.
- Roman Theatre: Discover the ancient Roman Theatre of Catania, which showcases the deep layers of history that define this city.
- Castello Ursino: Explore this impressive 13th-century castle that now houses a museum. It’s a short walk from the city center and offers a dive into Sicilian history and art.
Enjoy dinner at A Putia do’ Calabrisi, Trattoria de Fiore, or Trattoria Tumminello.
Day 4: Relaxing in Taormina
Our adventure continued in Taormina, which is often called the jewel of Sicily, and popular as it’s the location for season 2 of White Lotus! Its stunning vistas over the Ionian sea and quaint streets filled with boutiques are so charming. You can start your day brunch at Osteria De Gustibus. Corso Umberto: This is Taormina’s main street and it’s lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. It’s ideal for picking up unique gifts or enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by in this picturesque setting. Then walk over to the Ancient Greek Theatre; it’s not only an archaeological treasure, but also offers panoramic views of Mount Etna.
- Palazzo Corvaja: Visit this historic palace that dates back to the 10th century, now home to the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions where you can learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Chiesa di San Giuseppe: Step into this charming church to admire its baroque architecture and peaceful ambiance.
The Greek Theatre | Streets of Taormina | The Four Seasons Hotel (where White Lotus Season 2 was filmed!)
Have lunch at the beautiful Nui Restaurant. The views, ambiance and food are absolutely spectacular. Ensure you book reservations before! After lunch you can walk down, it’s about 12 minutes to Isola Bella, a nature reserve connected to the mainland by a thin strip of beach. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or swimming in the clear waters.
Isola Bella is stunning and the perfect place to stop and enjoy the waters of Sicily | Photo by Maria Teneva Unsplash
For dinner, if you are staying anywhere near the fishing village of Riposto, you must eat at Ai Tre Massi. Their serve amazing pizza, fresh fish and a pistachio cream pasta I will forever be dreaming of. If you are staying in this area it’s the perfect feast for your last evening.
*If you are visiting Sicily in a good weather month, you can add in visiting Mt. Enta on this day. You can start your day by hiking or walking through a variety of trails. Check out this post!
The Best Beaches to Visit in Sicily
Sicily boasts some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, which become vibrant and lively in the summer months. If you are visiting during summer, here are a few must-visit beaches that you can add into one of the day’s above, or make a whole extra day out of!
Cefalú in summertime is absolutely magical | Photo by Ruth Troughton Unsplash
- San Vito Lo Capo: Located on the northwest coast, this beach is famous for its clear, turquoise waters and soft white sands. It’s a perfect spot for families, offering various water sports and amenities.
- Cefalù: This beach is part of a charming town that features a stunning Norman cathedral and excellent dining options. The beach itself is well-equipped and offers a picturesque setting with its backdrop of a medieval town.
- Isola Bella: Near Taormina, this small island is connected to the mainland by a thin strip of beach. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’, its waters are crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling.
- Scala dei Turchi: Not far from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, this striking white limestone cliff juts into the sea, creating natural terraces and a dramatic beach landscape. It’s more for the views and the experience than a typical beach day.
- Mondello Beach: Just a short drive from Palermo, Mondello is a popular beach with locals and tourists alike, known for its fine white sands and the Art Nouveau buildings lining the shore.
Leaving Sicily
If you are flying out of Palermo, there is one last stop you have to make before you go: lunch at Da Carlo Salumeria Marciano in Carini. Their paninis are absolutely fantastic! It’s also a perfect spot to grab some olive oil, sweets, and jams to put in your checked luggage- prices are 40% less than at the airport!
Extra Tips for Sicily First-Time Visitors
Keep some spare euros on you for small expenses: You’ll find that many items, such as snacks, coffee, gelato, and small souvenirs, are quite affordable in Sicily, often costing less than €3. It’s a good idea to have some smaller bills and coins on hand for these inexpensive, spontaneous purchases.
Book in Advance: Thanks to travel blogs, like this one, as well as Hollywood shows like White Lotus, travel to Sicily is popular. Ensure you book your accommodations and any specific tours or tickets well in advance, along with restaurant reservations.
Embrace the Siesta: Like much of Southern Italy, in the summer Sicily slows down during the hottest part of the day. Many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon, so plan major activities for the morning or late afternoon.
Transportation: Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially for visiting places like Agrigento and Cefalù. However, train connections in Sicily are also good for major destinations.
What to Wear and Pack: Check out my blog post on packing for Europe in the spring, where I share my essentials for travel!
Hi can you please tell me what hotels you stayed in?? I am looking for a place also in Palermo (but not one that will break the bank!!)
Hi there! We stayed at the Zash Hotel, but it was in the off season so we got a great deal! For Palermo, I suggest looking at Airbnb! There are some great options in the city center.