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Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, home to about 5 million residents, and the largest province in Italy by area. Its capital, Palermo, is located in the island’s northwest.
When planning a trip to Sicily, it's important to remember that it's a huge island. If your trip lasts only a few days or up to a week, it's best to focus on a specific part of the island to avoid long hours of driving.
Our trip to Sicily wasn’t planned in advance. The decision to go was made during a longer trip through Italy. When we realized that the weather in northern Italy would be rainy and wintry, we spontaneously decided to fly to sunny Catania instead of continuing to Tuscany.
Arrival to Sicily
We arrived in Catania from the Puglia region in southeastern Italy. We took a domestic flight from Bari straight to Catania. In the past, there were weekly direct flights from Israel to Catania, which are expected to resume next summer. Until then, you will need to make a connection in Italy to reach Catania.
Getting Around
For our trip to Sicily, we rented a car as we planned to visit several locations, not just stay in the city. If you're only planning to visit Catania, renting a car is unnecessary, and I actually recommend avoiding it. Catania is a busy, congested city nearly all day long. It's also important to note that the city center is closed to private vehicles, and parking is scarce, rivaling Tel Aviv's parking struggles.
Itinerary
We spent about a week in Sicily, focusing on the eastern part of the island. Our itinerary included arriving in Catania, visiting Mount Etna, exploring two coastal towns, and ending our trip back in Catania.
Catania
Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily, after the capital Palermo, and one of the ten largest cities in Italy. It’s located on the eastern side of Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna. I recommend dedicating one to two days to explore Catania.
Accommodation in Catania
We stayed in Catania twice, as we both started and ended our Sicily trip here, so we stayed in two different hotels. If you're arriving in Catania by car, note that the city center is closed to vehicles. This means you'll need to park outside the old city boundaries, and if your hotel doesn't offer parking services, you'll have to search for parking, which isn’t an easy task. The city is crowded most of the day, so I recommend avoiding driving within the city as much as possible.
Meo Design Suites & Spa – This very central hotel is located right on Via Etna, with stylish, newly designed rooms facing the main street. The advantage is the view, but the downside is the noise, which can last late into the night.
Duomo Suites & Spa – Centrally located with a rooftop offering views of the city. The rooms are clean and recently renovated.
Points of Interest in Catania
Via Etna – The main street cutting through the old city, Via Etna is the heart of Catania with a wide variety of fashion stores, both local and international, as well as souvenir shops. It passes through Piazza del Duomo, which is also the recommended area to stay in.
Piazza del Duomo – The main square in Catania, located right in the center of the old city. A large, vibrant square where you'll always find crowds of people sitting in the surrounding restaurants and cafes or on the central fountain, watching the passersby.
Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata – Catania's grand and central cathedral. From here, you can climb to a viewpoint overlooking the city and Mount Etna. This is one of the most beautiful views of Catania, where you can see the red rooftops, stunning churches, and of course, the towering volcano nearby.
Catania Fish Market – A must-see when visiting Catania, this local fish market isn’t overly touristy and offers stalls selling fresh seafood and fish alongside small restaurants and taverns. You can taste fresh oysters straight from the catch, enjoy a cold beer at one of the stands, or simply take in the local market culture.
Roman Amphitheater of Catania – The ruins of a Roman amphitheater built in 300 BCE. Located right in the center of Catania, it hosts daily performances. During our visit, there was a performance by one of the city’s art schools, and we enjoyed every moment.
Restaurants in Catania
Trattoria Aldo – Located near the flea market, this local restaurant is rarely frequented by tourists. They specialize in seafood, fish, and of course, pasta! Perfect for lunch.
Pizzeria I Capricciusi – A fantastic pizzeria in the heart of Catania offering authentic Italian pizza with a great atmosphere.
Sapio Restaurant – A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant with an intimate, romantic ambiance. It’s essential to reserve a table in advance, and the meal is a tasting menu. You can request adjustments to the dishes in advance if you don’t eat certain foods. The food is amazing, and the culinary experience is unforgettable.
Shopping in Sicily
In Sicily, there’s a massive outlet village that you’ll hear about from the moment you land on the island until you leave. Its marketing is intense, with ads, flyers, and posters appearing throughout your trip. Sicilia Outlet Village is located about 40 minutes from Catania, with free shuttle buses running both ways from several stops in Catania. This is a huge shopping village, offering many brands ranging from mid-range to high-end, including elite fashion labels. For more information about the shuttle stops and schedule, just ask at your hotel.
Mount Etna
Mount Etna is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with almost constant volcanic activity. It’s located about an hour’s drive from Catania, and I recommend combining your visit with a trip to Taormina, as it’s situated midway between Catania and Taormina. The volcano reaches a height of about 3,300 meters, and there are several ways to ascend.
For those who are up for it, you can hike up. If you’re not into trekking, you can take the cable car, which goes up to 2,500 meters. You can purchase tickets on site. After getting off the cable car, you can walk a few minutes to reach an active crater, which is the route we chose.
If you want to continue higher, you can take a dedicated bus that goes up another 400 meters to the next active point. From there, you can hike the remaining 400 meters to the summit if you wish.
Keep in mind that as you ascend, the temperature drops significantly. At 2,500 meters, it’s already quite cold, and strong winds are common. It’s essential to bring warm clothes. You can also rent jackets at the cable car entrance. Additionally, the hike is not easy as it’s on crumbly volcanic soil, so comfortable hiking shoes are a must.
At the base of the mountain, there are a few cute restaurants, though nothing particularly remarkable. If you want to end your day with a meal, note that most of the restaurants close by 3 PM. At 2,500 meters, there’s a souvenir shop and a restaurant with a nice terrace. After the climb, reward yourself with a cold beer and a view of the volcano.
Taormina
Taormina is a beautiful coastal town about an hour’s drive from Catania along the coastline. It’s a highly touristic, picturesque town with a vibe that feels more like a small, charming island. The town is filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, colorful houses, and street art. We spent three days in Taormina, which is the amount of time I’d recommend to fully experience it.
Accommodation in Taormina
Taormina is divided into two main parts. The town center is located up on the hill, where most of the shops, restaurants, and some hotels are located, offering stunning views of the sea and coastline. The other part is at the foot of the hill, where the larger hotels with private beaches are found. Both parts are connected by a cable car that runs throughout the day, departing every 15 minutes.
We chose to stay at the Mazzarò Sea Palace, located on the beach and offering a private beach for guests. During peak season, Taormina’s beaches are packed with tourists, so having a private beach is a big bonus for your stay. Beyond that, the hotel offers an excellent breakfast, one of the best I’ve had in Italy, and parking services. If you’re arriving by car, keep in mind that parking is scarce, and you’ll likely need to use a paid parking lot.
Points of Interest in Taormina
Ancient Theatre of Taormina – This ancient Greek amphitheater was built in the 3rd century BCE. It’s an impressive archaeological site with a museum. There’s an entry fee, and you can rent headphones for a self-guided tour. I recommend visiting at sunset, as the theater faces west and offers breathtaking views at that time of day.
Isola Bella – A small island right off the coast, reachable by foot during low tide. There’s a small museum on the island, with an entry fee.
Restaurants in Taormina
Granduca Taormina – A local restaurant in the town center with a view of the sea. If you plan to go during the day, it’s worth calling ahead to reserve a table with a view.
Ristorante Baronessa – The best restaurant in Taormina, a gourmet spot in the heart of the old city. It’s very romantic, especially in the evening when you can dine outside with views of the old town’s lights. Reservations are required, and I recommend requesting a table with a view.
Barone di Villagrande Winery – A beautiful winery about 40 minutes from Taormina, located at the foot of Mount Etna. The grapes are grown on volcanic soil, giving the wine a unique flavor. You can book a wine tasting experience paired with a meal here. Highly recommended!
Restaurant Mazzarò Sea Palace – The restaurant at our hotel, offering excellent chef-crafted dishes with a local Sicilian twist.
Ortygia
Ortygia is a small island in the Siracusa region, about an hour’s drive south of Catania. It’s very touristy, with shopping areas featuring both familiar brands and local souvenir shops, plenty of restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Ortygia is a great base for day trips to nearby towns. I recommend spending 2-3 days in Ortygia and the surrounding area.
Accommodation in Ortygia
There are two main accommodation options: staying in the city of Siracusa, which offers a range of hotels, or on Ortygia island itself, which is mainly home to boutique hotels and apartments. We chose to stay on Ortygia at Hotel Henry's House, a charming small hotel with an antique design and a fantastic breakfast served on a terrace overlooking the sea. Absolutely perfect.
Points of Interest in Ortygia
Ortygia – This small island is easy to explore on foot, which is part of its charm. Wander through the narrow streets lined with small souvenir shops, designer boutiques, and local artists’ studios. Get lost in the alleys and discover the island’s unique beauty.
Mercato – The bustling city market, offering fresh seafood straight from the nearby port, along with a variety of local delicacies. Take a stroll through the market and stop for a cold beer or a glass of wine with a snack at one of the stalls.
City of Noto – About a 40-minute drive south of Ortygia, this beautiful, photogenic city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. Noto’s main attraction is its cathedral and old city. I recommend parking at the entrance to the old city and exploring it on foot. Don’t miss the view from the top of St. Charles Church, where you’ll see stunning views of Noto’s old city and cathedral.
Ragusa Ibla – Known primarily for its food scene, Ragusa is home to some of Sicily’s best restaurants, including one with two Michelin stars. The town is lovely but not particularly interesting, so I’d only recommend stopping by if it’s on your route.
Marina di Ragusa – About 20 minutes from Ragusa, this coastal town boasts a long, sandy beach and a lovely promenade. Marina di Ragusa is also home to one of the best spots for tasting cannoli. Don’t miss Cannolia, which serves what’s considered the best cannoli in Sicily.
Restaurants in Ortygia
Borderi Gli Artisti – A culinary institution in Ortygia, known for its indulgent sandwiches made from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Located in the heart of the market, it’s open daily until 4 PM, and there’s always a long line. I recommend going closer to closing time, which significantly shortened our wait, though there’s a chance they might be out of sandwiches by the time you arrive.
Pizzeria Schiticchio – The best pizza in Ortygia, with an extensive menu of classic and creative toppings, including pizza with burrata and chili pizza.
Le Vin de l'Assassin Bistrot – A high-quality French bistro with a romantic atmosphere and fantastic food. Reservations are a must, and I recommend booking a table in the courtyard.
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