If you are looking for the dolce vita, Sicily is your place to go. Amazing food, historic sites and cities, picturesque towns and stunning beaches – Sicily combines many tempting reasons why Italy is one of the best places for travellers. The best (and if you ask me: only) way to travel the island in Italy´s South is by car. While it can be a little challenge to get your rental car and feel comfortable on the bumpy road with the risky Italian drivers, it is all worth it. Exploring Sicily by car gives you all the freedom to drive around the island and explore a new place everyday. With this 14 Day Sicily Itinerary you can get the most out of your time on the island.
Important: Sicily is quite a big island. Driving from one coast to the other may take up to 4 or 5 hours. I know that most people want to see it all on a trip and not miss out on beautiful places. But spoiler alert: It is impossible to travel all of Sicily in just 2 weeks. The island is meant to be enjoyed and rushing from one spot to the other will not do the trick. I recommend choosing your favorite areas of the island and travel only a part of Sicily in those 2 weeks. As I had to do the same, my recommendation is below. Good news is: You can always come back!
Day 1-2: Palermo
A good way to start your trip to Sicily is by flying into Palermo. The capital of Sicily is a charming city with the typical Southern European flair. Personally, I´d say one day is enough to stroll around the city, visit the historical sites, do some shopping and mostly: fill your belly with all the delicious street food.
Palermo has many different street food markets and delicious restaurants which will give you a first taste of the Sicilian cuisine. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure to check for flea markets.
Depending on your personal liking, you can rent you car at the airport as you arrive. Another option is to take the bus to Palermo center and return the next day or two days later to the airport to pick up your rental car. If you´re on a budget, this is a great option to save some money and yourself the hassle of driving in Palermo. As the Sicily Itinerary leads you West anyway, the airport is on the way and picking up the rental won´t cost you extra time.
Day 2-5: Scopello
From Palermo, you follow the E90 all the way to the beautiful coast of Scopello. This is your next stop on the 14 Day Sicily Itinerary. Depending on your budget, you can base yourself directly in Scopello or the surrounding area. As you are travelling by car, you can also search for a more remote accommodation and drive to the beaches everyday.
In Scopello you have a huge selection of beautiful beaches. The famous Scopello Beach is only an example. Guidaloca Beach or Cala Mazzo di Sciacca are more stunning places to enjoy the beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
For a special acitivity, hike through the Riserva Naturale Orientata della Zingaro. The nature preserve offers a scenic route all along the coast to San Vito Lo Capo. You can walk hours in one direction and get constantly rewarded with stunning views. There are also many beautiful bays you can walk down to and get your well-deserved refreshing dip into the water.
Day 5-7: San Vito Lo Capo
On day 5 you can change your base to the Cape of San Vito. Personally, I spent my entire time exploring San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello in the same AirBnB in the middle of both places and drove all the way to the beaches and national parks. But if this is too much of a drive, just switch accommodation and base yourself around San Vito Lo Capo.
The small village used to be a fishing village, but nowadays it´s a typical touristy town. If this is your thing, you will definitely be in the right place. If you tend to avoid the crowds, the area has many beautiful surroundings where you can find yourself a quieter place to stay.
From San Vito Lo Capo you can also enter the Zingaro Nature Preserve and hike from the other side. Or you can just enter to spend the day in one of the stunning beaches. You can watch the sunset from Caletta del Bue Marino or hike in the Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano.
Day 7-9: Cefalú
Day 7 of your Sicily Itinerary is a long drive all the way to Cefalú. The small town is about 3 hours from San Vito Lo Capo on the Nothern Coast of Sicily. It is mostly known for Norman cathedral and the fortress-like structure from the 12th century. The small beach at the waterfront looks more like a romantic drawing and attracts tourists and locals. You can watch the sunset from the beach and the many rocks in the water.
Cefalú is also the place to try more traditional food. There are many small shops where you can get delicious ice cream, pizza, Arancini or Panelle. Enjoy a drink in one of the historical squares and soak in all the atmosphere.
Day 9: Taormina
Next you continue your journey down South. About 3 hours from Cefalú is the picturesque town of Taormina. To make your journey more comfortable you can stay one night before you continue the itinerary.
Taormina is home to the Teatro Antico di Taormina and a stunning beach which you can reach from the city via a stairway. If you want to buy some souvenirs, this is a good chance to do so. A stroll through Taormina does not disappoint. The place also offers views on the stunning Mount Etna in the distance.
Day 10-13: Noto and Mazarmeni
Continue your way down to the South. I personally recommend looking for a beautiful accommodation in the countryside. Base yourself somewhere in reachable distance to the city of Noto and the small village of Mazarmeni. This will also allow you to take day trips to Ragusa or Modica, if you have more time or want to create your own itinerary.
Noto is a historical town with a picturesque city center. The cathedral is the heart of the city. As it is built on a hill you can enjoy stunning views while walking around.
Mazarmeni is a small fishing village which has turned into a beautiful place to visit for tourists. There are only a few streets and shops but many cute restaurants which invite you to eat in a stunning surrounding. Especially during the evening when its getting dark and the small lights fill the squares.
And of course there a few beaches in the area. While they cannot compete with the ones you already saw on your trip, they are still worth a visit and guarantee a beautiful beach day at the end of your vacation (e.g. Roccia dei Teschi or Calamosche)
Day 14: Catania // Travel back home
Your last day of your Sicily Itinerary can be adjusted to your flight schedule. If you leave from Catania (which is highly recommended) and your flight leaves in the evening, you can take the remaining time to explore the city for a bit. Catania also offers stunning views on Mount Etna and many historical sites to visit. You can enjoy the delicious food for one last time and take the Sicily spirit all in.
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