Sicily Itinerary: 10 Days from Siracusa to Palermo

You’ll arrive on your one-way flight to Catania and drive to Siracusa (Syracuse), where you’ll spend the next two days.

Stay at boutique hotel Lùme, located in the heart of the city of Syracuse, on the charming Ortigia island. With six unique rooms, you’ll have an intimate stay and love waking up each morning to enjoy breakfast on their rooftop under the Sicilian sun.

Top day trips from Siracusa

• Marzamemi

• Noto

• Ragusa

• Modica

• Scicli

• Catania

When in Syracuse, a trip to the area of Noto is a must. Yes, it became popular after being featured in "The White Lotus," but there’s so much more to explore and you can do it all, or most, in one day.

As you stroll along Noto’s main street, admire the grandiose architecture of Chiesa di San Domenico, Teatro Tina di Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducezio and Noto Cathedral. Be sure to pop into the Palazzo Castelluccio, which is even more beautiful on the inside. This 18th-century palace will give you home decor envy as you walk along carefully restored tiles under the most glamorous chandeliers.

Drive to the coastal town of Marzamemi for lunch at Taverna la Cialoma, which earned a Michelin Star in 2023. Order fresh fish or spaghetti and be sure to ask for a seat on the back patio, which overlooks the sea.

In Ragusa, a highlight for me is Giardino Ibleo, a large garden oasis in the middle of the baroque city. The impeccably manicured public garden features a variety of flowers, fountains, lush greenery and stunning panoramic views.

Isola di Ortigia is the old town of Syracuse, so most of your historical sites — such as Temple de Apollo, Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa) and Fonte Aretusa — can be found here.

Visit the local market, il Mercato di Ortigia, open daily from 7 am until 2 pm. You’re probably thinking, why would I browse meats and produce if I’m not cooking? Precisely why I recommend booking a two-in-one Market Tour & Cooking Class! Gather your ingredients and learn how to make homemade pasta, arancini and more.

Places to eat & drink in Siracusa

• Caseificio Borderi: Owner and bonafide sandwich master constructs the largest sandwiches full of the finest local ingredients.

• MOON: While this vegan restaurant might not be for everyone, give it a try and you might be surprised how much plant-based products taste like the real deal. The vibe is full of music, art and a friendly atmosphere.

• Zefiro Solarium: Watch the sun go down from this hip waterfront establishment with a spritz in hand!

On your drive to Taormina, stop for lunch at the seaside restaurant, Trattoria I Rizzari. It will be tough to decide between their fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes. When in doubt, indulge in both!

Hotels in Taormina with unforgettable views

• Villa Sant Andrea, A Belmond Hotel - also has a private beach

• Metropole Taormina Maison D'Hotes - hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea

• San Domenico Palace - a fan favorite

Mt. Etna cannot be missed on your Sicily itinerary of 10 days. Not visiting this active volcano — one of the most active in the world and tallest in Europe — would be the biggest regret. To this day, I regret not visiting Mt. Etna the first time I was in Sicily. Pro tip: Don’t go at it alone — hire a private guide or join a small group for a full day tour.

There are two sides of Mt. Etna to consider visiting: The northern or the southern side. Which side you choose will depend on the experience you want. Whatever you decide, there’s food and wine at the end!

• Northern side: Quieter, close proximity to the Alcantara Gorges and more nature-filled with different agricultural characteristics such as a pine forest and site of the lava flow.

• Southern side: Most popular because of the cable cars that will take you over the crater to the highest peak.

Our tour partners will take you to local wineries such as Tenuta delle Terre Nere or Emilio Sciacca, located at the base of Mt. Etna. What makes Sicilian wine so special is the soil from Mount Etna’s volcanic eruptions. At the vineyard, you’ll enjoy lunch and wine tastings.

Taormina is probably the most idyllic hilltop seaside town in Sicily. Landmarks such as Isola Bella and the Ancient Theatre will make you feel like you’re in a dream.

Do & see

If you’re staying in one of my recommended hotels, you may never want to leave. These are the top sites I consider must-sees.

Isola Bella was once a tiny private island and now a nature reserve. This is my favorite attraction of Taormina. To get there from the main beach of the same name, walk along the narrow strip of sand (rocky and underwater at times), and you’ll arrive at the island. On the island, admire the flora and fauna and walk through rooms and terraces of the preserved home with sea views at every turn.

Teatro Antico di Taormina is an ancient amphitheater full of Greek history and set on the hilltops with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Taormina’s coast. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch an opera or concerto here.

Back at the main square and center of Taormina, have an espresso or spritz at one of the outdoor cafes. Take in the sights of the sea and historical buildings that surround you.

Places to eat in Taormina

Osteria RossoDiVino is located just off the beaten path and has an ambient outdoor setting. Opt for the fresh catch of the day or a seafood pasta.

Villa Carlotta Restaurant is the spot for superb dining with unbeatable views. Start your meal off right with the octopus, followed by the gnocchi and lamb ragu. For the main course, I can personally recommend the spigola (sea bass).

On your journey from Taormina to Palermo, stop for a night in the medieval coastal village of Cefalù. To get there, I suggest taking the coast and having lunch in Messina.

Lunch: The best arancini I’ve had to this day are those from Rosticceria Famulari. If you’re wondering what arancini are, they’re breaded and deep fried “rice balls,” filled with meats or vegetables, cheeses and spices. Arancini originated in Sicily and are a must-have Sicilian street food.

Hotel: Check in at your hotel, Le Calette, on the quieter side of town.

Beach: You’ll have access to La Calette’s private beaches, or you can mingle with locals and tourists alike along the main beaches. I enjoyed Lido Beach Club 12 as it’s dog-friendly and I was travelling with my pup then!

Dinner: My favorite dinner spot in Cefalù is Le Chat Noir. The ambience is rustic and romantic, and they serve up traditional Sicilian wines and dishes. If you like swordfish, try the authentic spada. I strongly suggest making a reservation so you don't have to deal with a long wait.

Hotels: It’s hard to resist the charm and elegance of the Rocco Forte Hotel, Villa Igiea, but if you prefer to be centrally located, I recommend the boutique hotel Porta di Castro.

Do and see: There’s so much history and culture in Palermo that I’d encourage booking a walking tour. Here’s what I found fascinating when I explored:

• Cattedrale di Palermo: The most popular cathedral of Palermo. I couldn’t enter the cathedral because I was traveling with my dog, so I marveled at the beautiful architecture and relaxed in the gardens while soaking up the Sicilian sun.

• Quattro Canti (Four Corners): Pictured above and probably one of the most iconic streets in Palermo. Something about the intricate architecture and statues on each corner in the middle of the bustling streets was astounding. At the time, I didn’t know the history behind these special corners, which is why I’d suggest doing a walking tour of the city!

• Fontana Pretoria: Located at the historic center of Palermo and known as the “fountain of shame” because of its statues. When I was here, Dolce & Gabbana had their fashion show at this spot just the night before!

Where to eat in Palermo

• Osteria Mangia e Bevi: Typical Sicilian dishes, known for their fried pasta (pasta fritti) and fresh fish. Because I was with a group of people, I had the privilege of trying both!

• I Cuochini: A street food favorite amongst the locals.

Yesterday was about history and culture, and today is reserved for all things food. A food tour or cooking class (or both) should definitely be on the 10-day Sicily itinerary.

When I explored Palermo for the first time, I strolled through the Ballarò Food Market on my own. The market is amazing but overwhelming, so it's best to go with an organized food tour (private or small group). You’ll get to try authentic Sicilian street food and learn more about the surrounding sites, Palermitan people and, of course, the history of their food. Some tours may take you to the other open-air markets, Vucciria and Mercato di Capo.

Espresso & sweets in Palermo

Bar Spinnato: Great for midday espresso and fresh pastries.
Brioscià: Eat gelato like a Sicilian, with a brioche bun!

Depending on how much time you have before your flight out of Palermo, I would suggest visiting the less touristy beach town of Mondello. Have a nice long walk along Mondello Beach before sitting on a plane for the next several hours.

I stayed in Mondello for three nights and these were some of the highlights if you have more time:

• Visit a winery in Alcamo. Alcamo is not only where my great grandmother is from, but it’s also a region known for its wines. Check out natural wines, olive oil and honey at Elios or get a hands-on experience at Quatrrocieli.

• Soak up the sun at the expansive sandy beach on Spiaggia di Mondello.

• Hike along the Capo Gallo Reserve. Pro tip: go before sunset to capture unobstructed views.

• Sanlorenzo Mercato: Indoor market where you can order food from different vendors, shop local products and, of course, choose from a vast selection of wine. Enjoy it all in their outdoor garden while listening to live music.

Ten days in Sicily is simply not enough time to see the entire island, so, as we say in Italian, “ci vediamo alla prossima” (see you next time)!