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11-Day Summer Sicily Explorer

11 dayssummer

Discover the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Sicily this summer with a perfect blend of iconic sights and local experiences.

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Day 1Historic Palermo Introduction
Morning

Palermo Cathedral

Palermo Cathedral

Start your day with a visit to Palermo Cathedral on Via Vittorio Emanuele. Enjoy the stunning mosaics and diverse architectural styles. Entry is affordable and the building's history is fascinating.

4.7(48k reviews)~2 hours
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Afternoon

Teatro Massimo

Teatro Massimo

In the afternoon, head to Teatro Massimo in Piazza Verdi. Join a guided tour if you can to fully appreciate its grandeur and acoustic excellence. It is a must-see cultural landmark of Palermo.

4.7(55k reviews)~2 hours
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Evening
Explore a local food market

~2 hours

Spend your evening wandering through Ballarò Market in the Kalsa neighborhood. This lively market offers fresh produce, street food, and authentic Sicilian atmosphere.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near Palermo Cathedral and try a typical Sicilian breakfast of brioche with granita, a refreshing icy dessert topped with a soft brioche bun.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€8-12

Look for a trattoria close to Teatro Massimo and order Pasta alla Norma. This dish features pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata cheese, and basil.

Pasta alla Norma
Arancini
Dinner€5-8

Explore street food stalls at Ballarò Market and try Arancini, fried rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese. Pair it with a cold local beer or Marsala wine.

Arancini
Getting around Palermo is easiest by walking within the historic center. For longer distances, use taxis or local buses. Taxi apps FreeNow, ItTaxi, and TaxiClick are reliable and taxis typically cost about €1.5 per km.
Hotel in Centro Storico (historic center of Palermo)
€35-50/night

Staying in Palermo's historic center puts you within walking distance of the main sights and lively markets, perfect for this day's exploration.

bus30 minutes

Travel to the Art and Artisan Exploration area by taking a local Interbus or Trenitalia train. Purchase tickets in advance at the station or online for convenience.

Day 2Art and Artisan Exploration
Morning
Visit a neighborhood art gallery

~2 hours

Explore the Kalsa neighborhood for hidden art galleries. Search for galleries between Via Alloro and Via Vittorio Emanuele, where contemporary Sicilian artists showcase unique pieces.

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Afternoon
Find a local artisan workshop

~3 hours

Head towards the Vucciria market area to find artisan workshops specializing in handmade ceramics and jewelry. Look for workshops around Piazza Garraffello where artisans welcome visitors.

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Evening
Try a rooftop bar in Palermo

~2 hours

Choose a rooftop bar in the Politeama district. Many venues offer stunning views of the city skyline and nearby Mount Pellegrino. Arrive early to secure a spot during sunset.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3

Find a café in the Kalsa neighborhood and try a granita, a refreshing Sicilian ice dessert often paired with brioche bread.

Granita
Arancini
Lunch€10

Look for a trattoria near Vucciria market and order arancini — delicious fried rice balls filled with ragù or cheese.

Arancini
Marsala
Dinner€15

At a rooftop bar in Politeama, try a light meal with fresh salads or sandwiches paired with a glass of Marsala wine to unwind.

Marsala
The best way to get around Palermo is to use local buses combined with some short taxi rides. Use taxi apps FreeNow or ItTaxi for affordable rides around €1.5 per km.
Hotel in Kalsa (historic and vibrant neighborhood in central Palermo)
€35-50/night

Staying in Kalsa keeps you close to art galleries and artisan workshops, making it easy to enjoy Day 2 activities.

bus2.5 hours

Take an Interbus route from Palermo to Agrigento early morning to reach the Valley of the Temples area. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended during summer.

Day 3Valley of the Temples and Agrigento
Daytime

Valley of the Temples

Valley of the Temples

Explore the expansive Valley of the Temples archaeological site on Via Panoramica Valle dei Templi. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for daytime walking among ancient ruins.

4.7(58k reviews)~4 hours
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Late afternoon
Visit a traditional Sicilian trattoria

~2 hours

In the late afternoon, find a traditional trattoria in Agrigento's historic center near Corso dei Templi for an authentic Sicilian meal in a cozy local setting.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near your accommodation and try a classic Italian espresso with a cornetto, a sweet Italian croissant commonly enjoyed in Sicily.
~€3
Arancini
Lunch~€5

Look for a street food vendor near the Valley of the Temples offering Arancini – fried rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese, a popular Sicilian snack and lunch option.

Arancini
Pasta alla Norma
Dinner~€12

In the trattoria, order Pasta alla Norma, a traditional Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese for a hearty and local dinner.

Pasta alla Norma
Use local buses or taxis to get around Agrigento. Taxi apps like FreeNow and ItTaxi offer reliable service at about €1.5 per km.
Hotel in Agrigento historic center (close to Valley of the Temples and main square)
€40-60/night

Staying here lets you easily access the archaeological site and enjoy local restaurants and shops in the evening.

train2 hours

Take a Trenitalia train from Agrigento to Cefalù. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended for best prices and seat availability.

Day 4Coastal Cefalù and Beach Time
Morning

Cefalù Cathedral

Cefalù Cathedral

Explore this impressive Norman cathedral located in Piazza Duomo. Try to catch the beautiful mosaics inside and the stunning view from the cathedral terraces.

4.7(14k reviews)~2 hours
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Afternoon
Enjoy beach time in Cefalù

~3 hours

Relax at the sandy Lungomare beach by the old town. Bring swimwear and sunscreen, and enjoy local beach bars for refreshments. The area near Corso Ruggero is lively and easy to access.

Evening
Find a seaside bar for sunset drinks

~2 hours

Head to the waterfront near the harbor or along Via Vittorio Emanuele and enjoy a cocktail or Sicilian wine as you watch the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3

Find a café in Piazza Duomo and try a granita with brioche for a refreshing Sicilian start.

Granita
Caponata
Lunch€15

Look for a seafood trattoria near the marina and order fresh grilled swordfish or sardines with a side of Caponata, a sweet and sour vegetable dish.

Caponata
Pasta alla Norma
Dinner€18

Seek out a restaurant along the Lungomare for pasta alla Norma, a classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce.

Pasta alla Norma
The best way to get around Cefalù is on foot since the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, taxis are available via FreeNow or ItTaxi apps with a price around €1.5 per km.
Hotel in Old Town Cefalù (central historic area close to major attractions and the beach)
€40-60/night

Staying in the Old Town keeps you close to both the cathedral and beach, with easy access to restaurants and nightlife.

bus and train3-4 hours

Travel from Cefalù to Mount Etna involves taking a train towards Messina then a connecting bus or train to Catania. Book tickets early online or at the station for best prices.

Day 5Mount Etna Adventure
Daytime

Mount Etna

Mount Etna

Explore Mount Etna, Sicily's famous active volcano. Search for guided tours starting from Rifugio Sapienza on SP92 road; hiking or 4x4 excursions offer amazing views of craters and lava formations.

4.7(7k reviews)~6 hours
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Evening
Evening wine tasting at a vineyard

~2 hours

Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting session at a renowned vineyard near Mount Etna. Look for places in the Zafferana Etnea area to savor Sicilian wine and learn about local production.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3-5

Find a cozy café near your accommodation and enjoy a fresh granita paired with coffee. Granita is a refreshing semi-frozen dessert ideal for summer mornings.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€10-15

Look for a trattoria near Mount Etna serving Pasta alla Norma, a famous Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata cheese.

Pasta alla Norma
Sicilian wine
Dinner€20-30

Find a vineyard restaurant and try Sicilian wine with a light dinner featuring local cheeses and antipasti. Enjoy the unique taste of Sicilian wine at its source.

Sicilian wine
The best way to get around Mount Etna is by joining guided tours or renting a car. For local taxis, use FreeNow or ItTaxi apps; typical cost is about €1.5 per kilometer.
Hotel in Zafferana Etnea (charming town near Mount Etna)
€40-60/night

Staying here puts you close to Mount Etna with easy access to tours and vineyards for wine tasting.

bus1 hour

Take a direct Interbus from Zafferana Etnea to Taormina in the morning. Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred schedule.

Day 6Taormina and Greek Theatre
Daytime
Greek Theatre of Taormina

~3 hours

Explore this ancient open-air theatre located on Via del Teatro Greco. Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Don't miss the stunning views over the Ionian coast from the seating areas.

Late afternoon
Explore a local gelato shop

~1 hours

Stroll down Corso Umberto and look for gelato shops with artisanal flavors. Try refreshing granita-flavored gelato, perfect for a summer afternoon.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near Piazza IX Aprile and enjoy a sweet granita with brioche, a traditional Sicilian breakfast.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€8-12

Look for a trattoria along Via Roma and order Pasta alla Norma, a classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata.

Pasta alla Norma
Caponata
Dinner€15-20

Seek out a seafood restaurant near the harbour and try grilled fish with caponata, a tasty Sicilian vegetable dish.

Caponata
Walking around Taormina is the best way to explore the charming streets and historic sites. For longer distances or to nearby beaches, use local buses or taxis via FreeNow or ItTaxi apps. Taxi price is about €1.5/km.
Hotel in Taormina Centro (historic center with easy access to main attractions)
€40-70/night

Staying in Taormina Centro puts you right in the heart of the town with great access to the Greek Theatre, shops, and restaurants.

train1.5 hours

Take the train from Taormina-Giardini station to Syracuse. Book tickets in advance on Trenitalia for best prices and schedule.

Day 7Syracuse and Ortigia Island
Morning

Syracuse Archaeological Park

Syracuse Archaeological Park

Explore the extensive ruins including the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. Arrive early to avoid crowds. The park is near Viale Teocrito, where you can start your visit.

4.3(23k reviews)~3 hours
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Afternoon

Ortigia

Ortigia

Wander the beautiful island's historic center. Visit the Piazza Duomo and the Fountain of Arethusa. Stroll along the Lungomare Alfeo for stunning sea views.

4.8(8k reviews)~4 hours
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Evening
Visit a neighborhood café

~1.5 hours

Find a cozy café in Ortigia's old town. Try ordering a coffee with a sweet treat to unwind after your day of sightseeing.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3-5

Find a small local bakery in Ortigia and try a brioche with granita, a refreshing semi-frozen dessert made with fruit flavors, perfect for a Sicilian summer morning.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€12-15

Look for a casual trattoria near the archaeological park and enjoy Pasta alla Norma, a classic Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese.

Pasta alla Norma
Caponata
Dinner€20-25

Find a seafood restaurant along Ortigia's waterfront and order grilled fish with a side of Caponata, a traditional Sicilian eggplant dish with sweet and sour flavors.

Caponata
The best way to get around Syracuse and Ortigia is on foot due to the compact nature of the historic areas. For longer distances, local buses run frequently. Use FreeNow or ItTaxi apps for taxis priced about €1.5/km.
Hotel in Ortigia (historic island center of Syracuse)
€40-60/night

Staying in Ortigia places you within walking distance of major sights, restaurants, and nightlife for a convenient and charming experience.

car or bus1-1.5 hours

Travel from Syracuse to the next day’s cooking experience location. Booking a shared transfer or direct bus in advance is recommended.

Day 8Cooking and Culinary Experience
Morning
Cooking class for Sicilian cuisine

~4 hours

Look for cooking classes in the Ortigia Island area, often held near Via Roma or around the fish market. These classes offer hands-on experience with fresh, local ingredients and teach you classic Sicilian dishes.

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Afternoon
Try a traditional Sicilian pastry shop

~2 hours

Explore pastry shops on Via della Maestranza or near Piazza Duomo. Sample iconic Sicilian pastries in their original form, including cannoli and cassata for a true taste of local sweetness.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3

Find a café near Piazza Duomo and try a granita with brioche, a refreshing Sicilian semi-frozen dessert perfect for summer mornings.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€10

Look for a trattoria around Ortigia Island and order Pasta alla Norma, a traditional Sicilian pasta with eggplant, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce.

Pasta alla Norma
Dinner
Find a cozy restaurant in Ortigia and try local seafood with a glass of Sicilian wine to complete the authentic dining experience.
€15
Use local buses or taxis to get around Ortigia Island and Syracuse. Taxi apps like FreeNow and ItTaxi are handy, with fares around €1.5 per kilometer.
Hotel in Ortigia Island (historic city center of Syracuse)
€35-50/night

Staying in Ortigia places you in the heart of the historic district with easy access to sightseeing, dining, and evening ambiance.

Ferry and bus5 hours

Take a ferry from Syracuse to Milazzo, then a bus to Stromboli. Book tickets in advance for better rates, especially during summer.

Day 9Stromboli Volcano Exploration
Daytime

Stromboli

Stromboli

Explore the active Stromboli volcano. Take a guided hike from the main village to the summit area in the Sciara del Fuoco zone for stunning volcanic activity views. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

4.6(1k reviews)~6 hours
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Evening
Find a seaside restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood

~3 hours

Head to the seaside promenade in the main village of Stromboli. Look for restaurants offering freshly caught fish and seafood, focusing on grilled or pasta seafood dishes. Request a table with a sea view.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast~3 EUR

Find a local bar in the main village and try a granita with brioche, a refreshing Sicilian iced dessert with a soft bun.

Granita
Arancini
Lunch~5 EUR

Grab a sandwich or street food snack such as Arancini (fried rice balls with filling) from vendors near the harbor for a quick energy boost during your hike.

Arancini
Dinner
Find a seaside restaurant and order fresh grilled fish with seasonal local vegetables or seafood pasta dishes like spaghetti alle vongole.
~20 EUR
On Stromboli, walking is the best way to get around since the island is small. Use local taxis if needed but distances are short. For transport on the island, use FreeNow or ItTaxi apps; expect about 1.5 EUR per km.
Bed & Breakfast in Main village of Stromboli (central, close to volcano and ferry port)
$60-90/night

Staying here offers easy access to the volcano hikes and late evening dining by the sea with minimal travel time.

ferry and bus4 hours

Take the morning ferry back to Sicily's mainland, then a bus to Scala dei Turchi. Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in summer.

Day 10Scala dei Turchi and Relaxation
Daytime
Scala dei Turchi

~3 hours

Visit Scala dei Turchi in the morning to enjoy this stunning white limestone cliff by the sea. Search for access starting from the parking area near Realmonte for easy paths to the beach and cliff.

Afternoon
Relax on nearby beaches

~4 hours

Spend your afternoon relaxing on one of the sandy beaches near Scala dei Turchi such as Porto Empedocle beach. Bring swimwear and sun protection for a restful time by the Mediterranean.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near your accommodation and try an espresso with a Sicilian granita, a refreshing shaved ice dessert flavored with almond or lemon.

Granita
Pasta alla Norma
Lunch€10-15

Look for a spot by the beach offering fresh seafood or simple pasta dishes and try Pasta alla Norma, a local classic with tomato, eggplant, and ricotta cheese.

Pasta alla Norma
Caponata
Dinner€15-20

Head to a local trattoria and order Caponata for a flavorful Sicilian vegetable stew with eggplants, celery, and olives along with a glass of Sicilian wine.

Caponata
The best way to get around is by taxi or local buses. Use FreeNow, ItTaxi, or TaxiClick apps for reliable taxi services. Taxi fares average about €1.5 per kilometer.
Hotel in Realmonte (close to Scala dei Turchi beaches)
€40-60/night

This area is perfect to be near Scala dei Turchi and enjoy local beach life conveniently.

car or taxiapproximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Travel from Realmonte to your next day's area for local neighborhood discoveries, booking a taxi or car in advance is recommended for convenience.

Day 11Local Neighborhood Discoveries and Farewell
Morning
Visit a local farmers market

~2 hours

Check out the vibrant local farmers market around Via Roma for fresh produce and local specialties. It's a great spot to mingle with locals and taste authentic flavors.

Afternoon
Explore a historic neighborhood on foot

~4 hours

Walk through the charming streets of the Kalsa neighborhood. Explore its historic sites, street art, and hidden courtyards at your own pace.

Evening
Find a bar with live music

~3 hours

Look for bars around Piazza Rivoluzione offering live Sicilian music to enjoy a lively farewell evening.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Granita
Breakfast~€4

Find a local café near the farmers market and try a fresh Granita paired with a strong espresso to start your day refreshingly.

Granita
Arancini
Lunch~€5

Grab a street food stall near the historic neighborhood and order Arancini. These are delicious fried rice balls filled with cheese and meat or veggies.

Arancini
Caponata
Dinner~€15

Find a lively bar in the city center and try a plate of Caponata paired with a glass of Sicilian wine for a perfect local dinner.

Caponata
The best way to get around today's areas is on foot or by local buses. For longer distances or comfort, use taxi apps like FreeNow or ItTaxi with fares around €1.5/km.
Hotel in Centro Storico (historic city center)
$40-50/night

Staying here puts you close to markets, neighborhoods, and nightlife, making it perfect for your last day discovery.

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$40
Food / day$15
Transport / day$10
Activities / day$20
Daily total$85
Trip total$935

Accommodation at $40/night. Food including restaurant meals and street food estimated at $15/day. Transport including public transport and occasional taxis estimated at $10/day. Activities budgeted at $20/day.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Public Transport: Options include Trenitalia, Interbus, local buses, and ferries
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Taxi Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi, TaxiClick
Languages: Italian, Sicilian, English (average proficiency)
Vaccinations: Routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Influenza recommended
Walkability: Excellent walkability score 8/10
Food: Excellent local food scene with street food and restaurants
Safety: Good traffic safety and violent crime safety
Power Plug Types: Types C, F, L

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