Sicily is an island full of life, history, and incredible food. In seven days, you can get a real taste of what it has to offer: from the bustling streets of Palermo to the relaxing beaches of Cefalù, from the baroque charm of Acireale and Noto to the ancient ruins of Agrigento. This is the story of my 7-day journey across Sicily, with tips, highlights, and a route that lets you experience the island in just one week.

Sicily had been on my list for a long time, and even after spending a full week on the island, it’s clear that seven days is only a glimpse. Sicily is big, diverse, and distances are longer than you might expect. This itinerary covers a lot, but if you can stay longer, I highly recommend it. You’ll spend less time driving and have more time to truly slow down. There are still so many places we didn’t get to explore. That said, this was our route and experience, including places we loved, honest opinions on where we stayed, and practical tips for anyone planning a similar trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Palermo

We arrived in Palermo and picked up our rental car at the airport. We had booked the car through Drivalia via TUI Cars, and it turned out to be a Fiat 500, how could it be anything else in Sicily? We didn’t expect this small car to manage the climb up Mount Etna, but surprisingly, the car was able to handle it. However, I do suggest getting a stronger car if you want to drive up the mountain because it did not go very smoothly. Driving in Palermo was quite hectic, with narrow streets, scooters everywhere, and traffic that keeps you on your toes. It was a memorable start to the road trip, navigating the city before heading out into the Sicilian countryside the next day. We stayed at S&S, a nice homestay located outside the city center to avoid the busiest traffic.

Day 2 – Palermo – Cefalù

Palermo is lively, loud, and full of contrasts, which makes it a fascinating place to start a road trip. We wandered through the historic center and visited the Mercato di Ballarò: an absolute must. The market is buzzing with street food stalls, fresh produce, and locals going about their daily routines, making it the perfect way to get a first impression of the city. Don’t forget to try the amazing Arancini! Along the way, we stopped at Fontana Pretoria and visited the Palermo Cathedral, both impressive landmarks that highlight the city’s rich history and mix of architectural styles.

After visiting Palermo, we drove to Cefalù. The drive is short and scenic, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the town. We stayed at Campeggio Sanfilippo, a campsite located next to a small pebble beach that also offers a shuttle bus to the center of Cefalù, making it very easy to get around. This was my favorite accommodation of the trip! After checking in and settling into our wooden tent, we headed to the town center for dinner along the promenade. Of course, we enjoyed seafood pasta, followed by cannoli for dessert.

Day 3 – Cefalù

We spent the full day in Cefalù, taking things slow. In the morning, we explored the town, starting with the Lavatoio Medievale, an ancient public washhouse where freshwater still flows through stone basins. We then walked to Piazza Duomo, the heart of Cefalù, dominated by its impressive Norman cathedral and surrounded by lively cafés. From there, we continued to the Bastione di Capo, where we enjoyed beautiful views over the coastline and the sea. After this, we treated ourselves to an ice cream at Gelateria del Lavatoio, a perfect stop to cool down.

In the afternoon, the weather was ideal for a swim and some relaxing time by the sea. Cefalù is small but full of charm, with everything within walking distance. Staying slightly outside the center gave us the best of both worlds: peaceful nights and easy access to town during the day.

Day 4 – Cefalù – Taormina – Gole dell’Alcantara – Acireale

This was one of the longer driving days, but also one of the most varied. We started in Taormina, where we visited the famous ancient theatre. The views over the coastline and Mount Etna are spectacular, especially on clear days, so arriving early helps to avoid crowds and the strongest heat. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance (€16)! Taormina itself is very picturesque, with well-kept streets and viewpoints, but it can be quite expensive. Bringing your own lunch or snacks is a good idea if you’re traveling on a budget, as restaurant prices are noticeably higher than in other parts of Sicily.

In the afternoon, we continued to the Gole dell’Alcantara, where walking through the narrow basalt gorge was a refreshing break from the heat. I’m not sure what the price is now, but we paid about €2 per person to go down to the gorge. The cool river water and dramatic rock formations made it a unique and memorable experience. Water shoes and swimwear are definitely recommended, as the rocky riverbed and icy water are very much part of the adventure. We ended the day in Acireale, where we stayed in a hotel with a beautiful view over the surroundings.

Day 5 – Mount Etna – Acireale

Mount Etna was high on our list, but unfortunately, the weather didn’t fully cooperate during our visit. We had planned to join an excursion that would take us higher up the volcano, offering closer views of the craters and lava fields, but due to poor weather conditions, it was cancelled and couldn’t be rescheduled. Even though we couldn’t go as high as we hoped, the lower trails and surrounding landscapes were still impressive and gave us a sense of the volcano’s scale. This is why it’s best to plan at least two days around Etna if possible, giving you more flexibility to adjust for unpredictable weather and ensuring you don’t miss out on the full experience.

Acireale itself is a very cute town and worth a short visit. We stayed at Tenuta La Timpa. While I wouldn’t recommend it as a place to stay, the property felt a bit worn down and the pool was empty, the restaurant is definitely worth a visit for its food and stunning views.

Day 6 – Syracuse – Noto

We started the day by driving to Syracuse, a city with a rich history and a coastal location. Parking in the city is very limited, so it’s best to arrive early. We missed the start time of our boat tour but were able to reschedule without any problems. While waiting, we explored the town for a bit and went swimming at Spiaggia di Cala Rossa, a small beach with clear water. Later, we joined the boat tour around Ortigia Island and the sea caves, fow which we paid €15 per person. The tour provided great views of the coastline, cliffs, and sea caves, and was a practical way to see parts of the coast that are difficult to reach on foot. You also get the chance to swim!

In the afternoon, we continued to Noto. This town left the biggest impression on me. The baroque architecture, which got the town on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and calm atmosphere make it feel truly special. We stayed at La Casa del Barocco, a great place close to the center that I would highly recommend. In the evening, we went out for dinner in the center and enjoyed some pasta while taking in the town’s atmosphere after sunset.

Day 7 – Noto – Agrigento

We spent the morning enjoying Noto, taking a final walk through its baroque streets before driving west towards Agrigento. The main reason to visit Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, which we explored after arrival. The site is extensive, so it’s best to allow a few hours to see the main temples and take in the surrounding landscape. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance, and there is also an option for a combined ticket that includes the archaeological museum. A standard adult entry ticket to the archaeological park costs €14. Seeing the ancient temples set against the open countryside was impressive and offered a very different atmosphere compared to the other places we had visited in Sicily.

We stayed at La Terrazza sulla Valle, which I can highly recommend. If you book a room with a balcony, you’ll have a direct view of the Valley of the Temples, an unforgettable way to end the day.

Day 8 – Agrigento – Palermo

On the final day, we drove back to Palermo for our return flight. It’s a longer drive, so leaving early is a good idea. This last stretch really highlighted how large Sicily is and how much there is still left to explore. Even after more than a week, it felt like we had only seen a small part of the island.

Final thoughts

In just over a week, this road trip took us from the busy streets of Palermo to relaxed beach towns, baroque cities, ancient ruins, and dramatic natural landscapes. We stayed in a mix of campsites, guesthouses, and small hotels, each adding something different to the experience. Highlights ranged from Cefalù and Noto to swimming in hidden bays, walking through Gole dell’Alcantara, and visiting the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

While this itinerary covers a lot, Sicily is a large island and distances add up quickly. If you have the time, staying longer or focusing on fewer regions will make the journey even more enjoyable. There is still so much left to explore, which makes Sicily a destination you’ll want to return to.