I grew up spending summers visiting my family in Sicily and have such fond memories of the culture, the people, the food, and the sights. It’s been amazing watching the island pop up on peoples’ travel goals in recent years after being highlighted on shows like The White Lotus and Chef’s Table. This guide covers a Sicily Road Trip Itinerary for one week on the eastern side of the island. Here is the reality that I should say right away—if you want to visit all the big sites (while actually enjoying them), you need at least two weeks in Sicily.
If you only have one week, you’ll need to focus on the Eastern or the Western sides of Sicily. This guide highlights the Eastern side, but as someone who has spent most of their time on the Western side, you’ll find quite a few articles in my archives here.
Where to Fly into for Your Sicily Road Trip: Palermo or Catania Airports
You’ll be flying into one of the two main airports in Sicily. Palermo in the West (PMO, known as Falcone Borsellino or Punta Raisi) or Catania in the East (CTA, known as Vincenzo Bellini or Fontanarossa).
While either one of them works, I would recommend Palermo if you can add a day or two to your itinerary. The city is well worth a visit and is one of the most unique cities in the world! Otherwise, I would fly in directly to Catania for your road trip.
NOTE: This itinerary begins from the town of Ragusa. However, the beauty with this is that you can move stops around depending on your preference.
Driving Times
- Catania to Ragusa – 1.5 hour drive
- Palermo to Ragusa – 3.5 hour drive
Some Things to Consider While Planning Your Sicily Road Trip
- The island of Sicily is bigger than you would think – ~9,200 square miles. It’s actually the biggest island of the Mediterranean!
- I often get asked how long I should spend in Sicily—I realistically need 2 weeks. Outside of the major attractions, there are many hidden gems well worth a visit.
- If you only have a week – you’ll want to either focus on the Eastern or the Western side.
Eastern Sicily Road Trip Itinerary
Hotels + Sleeping Arrangements
After a bunch of research, I determined that from a time and convenience perspective, it made more sense to use Noto and Taormina as bases and then conduct day trips. We spent 3 nights in Noto and 4 nights in Taormina.
Below is a list of hotels for the areas (** is where we stayed).
Noto Hotel Ideas
- Villa Ambra BnB ** – $
- We initially stayed at this BnB (about a 10-minute walk into town) because it included parking, but it turned out to be charming. It felt like we were staying at a relative’s house. Breakfast was included and featured a rotation of local cuisines.
- Gagliardi Boutique Hotel – $$
- This renovated historic 19th-century palace is in the historic center and includes breakfast. (No parking available).
- Seven Rooms Villadorata – $$$
- This historic 18th-century villa includes breakfast, and parking and is located in the historic center.
Taormina Hotel Ideas
- Elios Hotel – $
- For a traveler on a budget, this hotel offers sea views and air conditioning.
- Excelsior Palace Hotel** – $$
- We stayed in this 120-year-old hotel. It’s very close to the city center and offers stunning views.
- Capotaormina – $$$
- This elegant spot will cost a bit more, but it is right on the Sicilian coastline. The private beach and seawater swimming pool set it apart from nearby hotels.
- Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel – $$$$
- Finally, this one is called “Grand” for a reason. The panoramic pool and stunning gardens make this hotel stand out.
Sicily Road trip Itinerary: Spend 1/2 day in Ragusa
If you were to capture Ragusa in a postcard, the view overlooking the historic center would be it. A steep stairway connects Ragusa Superior, the more modern city on the hill, and Ragusa Ibla, the historic center, the main attraction for visitors. This winding staircase is a unique landscape element that is not common to Sicily. Its claim to fame is being the backdrop of the popular series “Il Commissario Montalbano” as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Parking in Ragusa Superiore is much easier than in Ragusa Ibla, so even if you’re staying in the historic center, you’ll want to park in the upper town. There is paid underground parking near the Cathedral of Saint Giovanni (route to “Libreria Flaccavento”). But a note on parking – be ready for a hike down (and up) from the historic center, so wear good walking shoes. Other blogs mentioned being able to take a taxi up and down, but we didn’t see any during our walk.
The city’s best view is from Ragusa Superiore’s Via Salita Commendatore, the 340 winding steps separating the area from Ragusa Ibla. While making your way down the Via Salita Commendatore, you can stop for coffee at the Scale del Gusto which overlooks Ragusa Ibla.
If you’re short on time (or perhaps tired from the 340 steps), check out the Capolinea – Trenino Barocco. For 5€ you can hop on this small train and see the main sights Ragusa has to offer. (Tour offered in Italian and English). The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Things to do in Ragusa
- Piazza Duomo
- Duomo di San Giorgio
- Cinabro Carrettieri
Finish your afternoon with lunch at That’s a Moro. This quirky spot doubles as an art gallery and restaurant, featuring a large variety of classic Sicily dishes. We opted for the pizza and house wine (local to the area) which was delicious.
Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: Spend 1 and 1/2 days in Noto
About an hour from Ragusa, next on your Sicily road trip you’ll find Noto – a town most well-known for its Baroque architecture. Perhaps more interesting than the architecture is the fact that the town was completely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake that destroyed much of the city. Walking around the city you’ll also notice the limestone hue of a majority of buildings.
A note on how long to spend in Noto: While Noto was our base for half the trip, we only had 1.5 days in the city itself. This was a perfect amount of time, and honestly, if you’re pressed for time even 1 day would be okay. That being said, Noto has various events throughout the year, so depending on when you’re visiting you may want to spend more or less time. One such event is the Baroque Flower Festival also known as the “Infiorata” (3rd Sunday in May).
Points of Interest in Noto:
- Walk along Via Cavour and Corso v. Emanuele
- Noto Cathedral – Free to visitors. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso – The best view of Noto from the bell tower. Entrance to the church is free but the bell tower is 2€.
- Palazzo Ducezio – Multiple people recommended visiting the inside, however, due to the Italian elections occurring at the time it was closed.
- Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata – The largest palace in Noto. Don’t miss looking up at the balconies from the outside to enjoy the detailed architecture.
- Palazzo Castelluccio** – This was highly recommended by our BnB host as it is set to be converted into a luxury hotel by 2026.
- Steps of Rosario Gagliardi’s Cathedral
Where to Eat in Noto:
Due to the city being so small, I would highly recommend you make reservations in advance for your dinners.
- Cafe Sicilia – This 100+-year-old cafe offers the best granita and was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
- Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole – Another recommendation from our BnB host, this ended up being our favorite meal in Noto! You cannot miss their “Fino fino al pistachio” pasta dish.
- Trattoria al Buco – Perfect for people watching in a classic Sicily outdoor setting.
- Ristorante Manna – A very unique dinner spot on the outskirts of Noto in the countryside. Worth going for the experience!
Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: Spend 1/2 day in Marzamemi
The historic fishing village of Marzamemi might just be the most Instagrammable town in Sicily. With its colorful main piazza and sea views, you can’t help but fall in love! That being said, you don’t need more than a few hours here.
After spending the morning and having lunch in Noto, pop in the car for the 30-minute drive to Marzamemi. Park at Parcheggio La Diga for 5€ (about a 5-minute walk from the main piazza).
Start your exploration at Piazza Regina Margherita, the heart of Marzamemi. From there walk down the little streets filled with souvenir shops. One must-stop for souvenirs is Adelfio Conserve di Marzamemi known for their local products. We picked up local tuna, pistachio pesto, and herbs.
Plan to have a sunset aperitivo before dinner. A few highly recommended Marzamemi restaurants from locals:
- Bar Caffe Al Ciclope 2 – A more contemporary take on Sicilian dishes.
- Ristorante Cortile Arabo a Marzamemi – High-end eats overlooking the sea.
- Liccamuicula – Located in the main piazza, this spot also has an adorable shop.
Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: Spend 1 day in Oritigia + Syracuse
One of the most confusing aspects of researching Ortigia and Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is that most articles aren’t clear on the geography. So to clarify – Ortigia is an island within the city of Syracuse. Ortigia is Syracuse’s historic center filled with historic monuments and piazzas. You’ll want to spend most of your day on the island before hopping over to the mainland.
Start your morning with an early departure from Noto and make the 40-minute drive to Ortigia. There is no parking on the island of Ortigia. Hence, you’ll want to park at Molo Sant’Antonio on the Syracuse side before walking ~10 minutes onto the island of Ortigia.
Your sightseeing should begin at the historic Mercato di Ortigia which is open daily from 7 AM – 2 PM. A visit to the market is such a quintessential way to immerse yourself in Sicilian culture. You’ll hear the fishmongers yelling about fresh fish, smell the local spices, and have the opportunity to eat at one of the little restaurants along the market. We stopped for a light breakfast at L’Antica Salumeria before exploring the market and picking up some spiced and jarred items to take home.
Oritigia Food Tip: If you happen to visit Ortigia on a warmer day and want to hang out at the beach, pick up the famous Caseificio Borderi to enjoy in the afternoon. And if you have time, don’t miss a stop at Gelateria Gusto for the classic pistachio ice cream. You’ll thank me later!
Other Points of Interest in Ortigia:
- Swim at Forte Vigliena
- Piazza Duomo + Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia
- Chiesa Cattedrale Natività di Maria Santissimait
- Fontane di Diana – at the center of a piazza surrounded by little cafés. Another potential stopping point.
- Tempio di Apollo – the oldest Doric temple in the world
- Shopping along Via Pompeo Picherali
What to see in Syracuse:
Syracuse’s main attraction is the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. To get there from Ortigia, you’re looking at a 30-40 minute walk. Alternatively, you can go back to your car and move it (that’s what we did) or you can jump on the Siracusa D’Amare bus which costs €1 on board. Tickets for the park are 13€ for adults and it is open daily 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM in the summer.
The archeological park is a must if you’re interested in Greek and Roman history. Top sights include the Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater, the ear of Dionysus, and the altar of Hieron. Transparently, however, if you’re not much of a history buff or a walker, you may want to skip this spot.
Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: Spend 2 days in Taormina
After checking out of our hotel after breakfast in Noto, we made our way to Taormina to give ourselves almost a full day. As we arrived pre-check in time, we parked the car near the center of town. Taormina may be Sicily’s most iconic town with it’s unique landscape (the town is built up on a hill above the sea), incredibly colorful vibes with traditional Sicilian tile throughout, and charming streets.
Where to Park in Taormina: Parking Lumbi is ideal as it offers a free shuttle that takes you up to the center. It’s about 6€ for the day.
How to Spend 2 days in Taormina: 2 days is ideal for your time in Taormina. After walking through town, you’ll quickly realize that there isn’t that much to do other than shop, eat, and relax. We decided to spend one day exploring and one day relaxing at the beach.
Things to see in Taormina
- Teatro Antico di Taormina – Buy tickets in advance here to skip the line (entrance is 14€). Expect to spend 1-2 hours here. Note: check out their events calendar before visiting as watching a show in the amphitheater is very unique!
- Villa Comunale di Taormina – A hidden gem if you will. It was created by a Scottish noblewoman in the late 1800s. Today it is a charming place to sit and read a book, walk around, and enjoy the coastal views. (entrance is free)
- Via Degli Artisti – Painted street with lots of Sicilian artwork.
- Corso Umberto – Shopping
- Duomo di Taormina
- Spend the day at the beach – more on that below!
Taormina Restaurants
A note on restaurants. Similar to Noto, restaurants in Taormina get incredibly crowded. Plan to make reservations wherever possible otherwise you may be turned away!
- La Bottega del Formaggio – This is a casual, highly rated cheese and wine shop and one of our favorite meals in Taormina. You’ll want to make a reservation so make sure to give them a call in advance.
- BamBar – Granita (like Italian shaved ice) is served with brioche as a breakfast dish in Sicily. The famous BamBar lives up to the hype. Arrive before 8 AM to beat the crowds.
- Ristorante Timeo – Worth the price tag for the views!If you’re balling on a budget, opt for a drink at Bar Timeo instead.
- La Locanda Dei Mori – A restaurant we stumbled upon by accident that ended up being another of our favorite meals. Not to mention, they had the friendliest service and reasonable prices!
- Morgana – A must-visit for aperitivo. Their over-the-top decor changes on a yearly basis. Arrive early for aperitivo or go late for more of a party scene.
- Villa Zuccarro – A solid casual pizza spot in a garden setting.
Beach Day in Taormina
While Taormina is filled with beach clubs, we opted for the Lido La Pigna which lived up to its popular reputation. Definitely make your reservation early and plan to spend the whole day here! (The only bummer is that the first row was reserved for nearby hotels. However, we were able to book 2nd row chairs for 30€ per person. The price includes beachside meal service, chairs, and an umbrella.
Getting to the beach: Buy a round trip 10€ per person ticket on the Taormina cable car (Funivia Mazzarò). Note: it can get very crowded on the return so don’t plan to leave too late!
We enjoyed a beach lunch on-site at Lido. I’d recommend it so you don’t have to give up your precious chair real estate! They have a delicious and extensive menu of pastas and pizza.
Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: Spend 1 day in Etna
While on the Eastern side of Sicily, you’ll definitely want to visit Mt. Etna – one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. This visit can be as adventurous and long (or short) depending on your itinerary. If you’re interested in a hiking heavy experience, this article is incredibly helpful and detailed.
Visiting Mt. Etna on Your Own (Made easy)
After hearing other friends rave about “wine tasting on Mt. Etna” , we decided to spend a few hours actually visiting the volcano, and a few hours having lunch at a local winery nearby. But let’s start with the visiting Mt. Etna. Our itinerary for Etna started bright and early for a ride on the cable car.
- Route to: Sapienza Refuge (~45 min from Taormina)
- Arrive at: 8:30 AM when the cable cars open to beat the crowds.
- Wear: Closed toe shoes and warm clothes. You can rent a jacket at the top of the mountain after you take the cablecar for €5. Don’t fall for spending €20+ on a rental at base camp!
- Ticket options: Because there are various options, you can study your preferred here. We opted for the €78 / person option that includes a cable car, 4×4 bus that takes to you the 2900m point and a guided tour.
Wine Tasting on Mt. Etna
From the Sapienza Refuge, drive about an hour to have lunch and go wine tasting at Emilio Sciacca Etna wine. We reserved a 4-course lunch and wine pairings for €48 per person. It was a unique experience learning about the business, trying local cuisine and of course their unique climate wines!
For more on sicily
20 Things to Know When You Visit Sicily For the First Time
