Curator’s statement
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, so it can be hard to know where to stay and how many stops to include. Unlike the rest of Italy, there’s not a train that serves the whole island, so your best bet will be to rent a car or have an advisor arrange transportation. To really get a feel for this amazing island, I’d recommend two to three stops during a 7-day Sicily itinerary. You’ll want to see the gorgeous countryside dotted with historic villages, the stunning coastline and the famous volcano, Mt. Etna.
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Where to stay
Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Sicilian-style hillside property with views of Mount Etna and the coast.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Perched on a rocky promontory high above the Ionian Sea, this 14th-century convent with panoramic views of Mount Etna offers fine dining and local experiences.
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When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Villa Sant ’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Luxe property from 1830 with upscale rooms and suites.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Day 1: Start your trip in Palermo
Start in Palermo for a taste of history and a big city feel. Palermo also has one of Sicilys two airports, so it makes a natural starting point. Here, you can see the sights such as the Monreale cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and Ballarò food market (bring cash and an appetite). Try to catch an opera at the Teatro Massimo if you can - the tickets are reasonably priced and the dress code is informal for tourists . Enjoy a white tablecloth dinner in a former ballroom at the Des Palmes Neobistrot.
Day 2: Boat day
After exploring the city, arrange a boat day departing from the Palermo Marina. The coastline is stunning and getting out on the water is a great way to see the landscape. Capo Aspara is a rocky cape that has a picturesque arch of rock over the water with great swimming coves. To the west of the city is San Vito lo Capo, which has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sicily. This long stretch of beach is great for swimming or grabbing lunch before the boat ride back. For dinner back near Palermo, book a table at the romantic waterfront terrace at the hotel Villa Igiea.
Day 3: Agrigento and Valley of the Temples
Head to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. A UNESCO Site, the Valley of the Temples houses the remains of Greek structures believed to be built in the fifth century. You can purchase an entry ticket and walk around or participate in a two-hour guided tour. The views are gorgeous as well. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat and explore the old town of Agigento.
Day 4: Explore Mt. Etna
Travel to Mt. Etna to visit a winery. Note that you will need a reservation to do a wine tasting. If you want to splurge on a private wine pairing lunch (or dinner), head to Santa Maria La Nave for a phenomenal farm-to-table experience with organic wines . You can also drive up near the top of Mt. Etna and see some of the recent lava flows. If you’re there during shoulder season, you might even see snow! Note: traffic can get congested during the summer tourist season, so you may want to take the south route up the mountain versus the more popular north route.
Day 5: A day in Taormina
Spend the day in Taormina. In the morning, check out the Greek Theater, an ancient amphitheater believed to be built in the third century. You can grab a coffee and donut at the cafe at the top and enjoy the beautiful views. Taormina has great shopping, tons of cafes, and views at every turn, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around. The town can get very busy on the main strip, so keep this in mind if you are visiting during the summer and make sure to duck on side streets for hidden cafes and specialty shops. You can also go up to the village above Taormina, Castelmola, for incredible views, shops, and a taste of the traditional almond wine served in one of the oldest cafes on the island, Bar San Giorgio.
Day 6: A day to relax
Relax at a beautiful resort or spend the day at a beach club. After checking out the bustling town on day five, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet. Spurge at the Michelin starred restaurant at the Four Seasons San Domenico and check out the famous bar where The White lotus was filmed (you’ll need a reservation well in advance). Or, enjoy one of the many patios tucked off the side streets of Taormina’s main Corso Umberto I.
Day 7: Depart from Catania
Head to Catania for a flight back to the mainland. The drive to the airport is about 45 minutes; if you have a little extra time, you can stop into the charming city for a quick stroll and lunch. If you haven’t yet had a chance to try La granita or a Canoli, make sure to grab one of these treats before you leave!
Need to know
If you have the time, check out Noto for Sicilian baroque architecture, great food, and less crowded beaches (a little outside of the city). If you crave a moment of rest after all that travel and sightseeing, check into Verdura Resort to totally relax in a more traditional beach resort with golf, spa, and kids club.
![Advisor - Laura Allen](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1710958097/contentful-migration/advisors/image/laura-allen-travel-advisor.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Laura Allen
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sicily. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Meredith Alexander's guide, Sicily Villa Rentals.