7 Days in East Sicily - an essential Itinerary (from a Sicilian)
Ciao Ragazzi!! This guide will help you make your way around one of THE BEST islands in the world. I'm a Local Guide and have traveled everywhere around the world, so trust me when I tell you that THIS is the guide you need for your Sicilian Trip!!
Here you'll find:
📍Ideas for a 7-day Itinerary in East Sicily (soon, a guide for the West too)
😋Food not to miss
🚫Mistakes not to make
Ready? AMUNI! (Let’s go in Sicilian)
Ideas for a 7-day itinerary
Let's be honest: 7 days are not enough to explore even half of Sicily, but if your time is limited the best you can do is focus on these destinations, you won't be disappointed.
Transportation
The main airport in this area is Catania (Aeroporto Fontanarossa), once there I definitely recommend renting a car for the entire duration of your stay. Public transport in Sicily is not reliable, having a car will allow you to explore at your own pace and you won't miss out on a thing.
Day 1 - 3: Catania, Etna, Acitrezza
Let's start this explosive trip by exploring the area around Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. You'll be based in Catania, a city that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt in a stunning Baroque style.
This place is vibrant, authentic, loud, everything is an exaggeration. It's not plastic-like perfection and it'll take some time adjusting, but follow the spirit of the "Siculi" around you and soon you'll be one of them.
One must-do day trip is the one to Mamma Etna, "a muntagna" as we call it. With its 3300 m it's visible from everywhere in a radius of 100 km. In winter you can ski with an ocean view, in summer you can hike all around it and see as far as Italy.
Save some time on your last day to explore Aci Trezza, a typical sicilian town. You can take a small boat to visit the island in front of it, Isola Achea, talk with the fisherman, eat some delicious Pasta con le Vongole and some Granita. It doesn't get any better!
Day 3 - 5: Siracusa, Noto, Modica
In this second part of your trip you'll be based in Siracusa. In Greek times, this was the biggest city in the Mediterranean sea, and still today shows parts of that ancient beauty. Visit the Teatro Antico archeological site, Ortigia islands with the Cathedral of Santa Lucia, and wander around the local market where you'll find one of the best sandwich you've ever had.
Next stop: Noto, the baroque capital of Sicily, probably the prettiest place you'll see in Sicily. Destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt more beautiful than ever, Noto is at its best during the Infiorata, a flower festival that happens in May when all its streets are filled with flowers that form intricate designs. If you want some adventure, check the Reserve of Vendicari and the Spiaggia of Calamosche.
It's time for one more Baroque beaty, the land of Chocolate and one of the oldest and most powerful Sicilian Cities: Modica! You'll get lost in its narrow alleys, do lots of steps (believe me) and have some of the best food you'll find in Sicily
Day 6 - 7: Catania, Taormina (and Isola Bella)
Time to go back to Catania, before leaving the Island take one last day trip to Taormina. It's probably the most famous place in Sicily, but there is a reason for that. The views from this town perched on top of the hill are glorious, from Etna to mainland Italy (Calabria). Under Taormina you have Isola Bella, a semi-detached Island that used to be owned by a Noble family, and is now open to everyone as a museum.
Food not to miss
There are so many things you should eat while in this part of Sicily, but here's the essential:
✔️Catania: Arancini, Tavola Calda (Cipolline!), Horse meat panini, Cannoli, parmigiana
✔️Siracusa: Zeppole, Almonds, Pachino cherry tomatoes.
✔️Taormina: Granita from Bambar
✔️Acitrezza: Seafood (Pasta with vongole, fried calamari, alici)
Mistakes not to make
Do not:
❌ Rely on Public transport: Renting a car is the best option and will save you lots of headaches. Make sure you get all the insurance coverages.
❌Eat just pizza and pasta: Sicilian food is one of the most varied in Italy, everywhere you'll go there will be something new to try, don't be shy!
❌ Go in August: If you can, avoid this month. It gets super hot, and you won't be able to enjoy many of the activities
❌Try to do too much: Sicily is almost as big as Belgium, or Netherlands. Try to stick to the eastern or western part if you have just one week.
That is a quick summary of what I would do if I was visiting Sicily for a week.
However, there are dozens of things I left out of this mini-itinerary. If you want an experience designed for you, like a good suit, I suggest you reach out and plan your holiday with me. It’s easy, plan a consultation call and we’ll have a chat.
Ciao!
Vincenzo