Sicily is a land of contrasts — ancient ruins, sparkling beaches, lively cities, and sleepy seaside towns. With this 8 day Sicily itinerary, you can experience all the best things to do in Sicily: history, food, landscapes, and of course, that vibrant Sicilian culture. This itinerary takes you from the buzzing streets of Palermo to the heights of Mt. Etna, with coastal gems and charming baroque towns along the way.
Nights 1 & 2: Palermo (with a day trip to Cefalù)
Start your adventure in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This gritty, colorful city bursts with life, layered history, and some of the best street food in Italy. Explore the bustling Ballarò Market, the impressive Palermo Cathedral, and the stunning Palatine Chapel inside the Norman Palace. Don’t miss a wander through the historic center — every corner seems to hold a secret piazza, a crumbling palazzo, or a tiny café serving perfect cannoli.
On your second day, hop over to Cefalù, a postcard-perfect seaside town just an hour away. Climb La Rocca for panoramic views, lounge on the beach, and stroll the medieval streets.
Getting to Cefalù:
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By train: Regular trains from Palermo Centrale to Cefalù take about 50 minutes.
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By car: It’s an easy one-hour drive east along the A20 autostrada.
Nights 3 & 4: Taormina
From Palermo, make your way to Taormina, Sicily’s elegant hilltop resort town. Taormina is all about the views — from the ancient Greek Theatre you can gaze out over the coastline and up toward the smoking silhouette of Mt. Etna. Stroll along Corso Umberto, dip down to the beautiful beaches at Isola Bella, and maybe treat yourself to an aperitivo with a sunset view.
For dinner with a view of Mount Etna, make a booking at Al Saraceno to watch the sunset. It’s on the pricer side but worth it for the views! You could also just go for a sunset drink at the bar nearby (with basically the same view).
Getting from Palermo to Taormina:
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By train: Take a Trenitalia train from Palermo to Taormina-Giardini station (around 4 hours with one change, often in Messina).
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By car: Drive along the A20 east to Messina, then the A18 south toward Taormina — about 3 hours in total.
Nights 5 & 6: Siracusa (with a day trip to Noto)
Next, head south to Siracusa, one of Sicily’s most atmospheric cities. Base yourself in Ortigia, the tiny island heart of Siracusa. Spend your first evening wandering the piazzas, exploring the narrow alleys, and tasting fresh seafood by the water.
On your second day, take a 1-hour boat cruise around Ortigia — seeing the city from the water is pure magic, especially at sunset. Afterwards, consider a day trip to Noto, the baroque jewel of Sicily, where the honey-colored stone buildings glow golden in the late afternoon light.
Getting from Taormina to Siracusa:
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By train: Trains run from Taormina-Giardini to Siracusa with a change at Catania Centrale, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours.
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By car: A straightforward drive down the coast via the A18, around 1.5 hours.
Nights 7 & 8: Catania (with Mt Etna tour)
Wrap up your trip in lively Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city. Its baroque center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its famous fish market is a feast for the senses. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering from Piazza del Duomo to Via Etnea, admiring the unique black lava stone buildings.
But the real highlight is a day trip to Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. You can hike, take a cable car, or join a guided tour for an unforgettable adventure.
👉 Here’s a great Mt. Etna day tour you can book.
Getting from Siracusa to Catania:
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By train: Direct trains take about 1–1.5 hours.
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By car: A simple drive north along the E45 for about an hour.
Can You Travel Around Sicily by Train?
Yes — but with some caveats. Sicily’s train network is quite good between major cities like Palermo, Catania, Siracusa, and Taormina. Trains are generally affordable, scenic, and relatively comfortable. However, some routes can be slow, and smaller towns or countryside destinations are less well connected. If you’re sticking to the main tourist trail, trains are perfectly manageable. If you want to explore remote beaches, tiny villages, or rural parts of the island, renting a car is definitely the better choice.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sicily?
The best times to visit Sicily are spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October). The weather is warm but not too hot, the landscapes are lush, and it’s much less crowded than the peak summer months. July and August can be brutally hot, especially inland, and coastal spots like Taormina and Cefalù are packed with tourists. Winter (November–March) can be cooler and rainier, but it’s a great time for city breaks with fewer crowds.
8-Day Sicily Itinerary Overview
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palermo | Explore Palermo’s historic center, street food tour |
| 2 | Palermo & Cefalù | Day trip to Cefalù, relax at the beach, climb La Rocca |
| 3 | Taormina | Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto stroll, Isola Bella |
| 4 | Taormina | Free day for beaches, shopping, or cable car rides |
| 5 | Siracusa (Ortigia) | Explore Ortigia, evening boat cruise |
| 6 | Siracusa & Noto | Day trip to Noto, baroque architecture tour |
| 7 | Catania | Wander Catania’s historic center, fish market visit |
| 8 | Catania & Mt. Etna | Day trip to Mt. Etna, volcano adventure |
Sicily is a place where every corner tells a story — from ancient ruins to lively markets, quiet beaches to towering volcanoes. Whether you’re traveling by train or road-tripping across the island, this 8 day Sicily itinerary offers a perfect taste of the best things to do in Sicily. Take your time, soak in the sunshine, enjoy the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine, and leave plenty of room for unexpected adventures along the way. However you choose to explore, one thing’s for sure: Sicily will capture your heart — and stay with you long after you leave.
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