8 days in Sicily Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Sicily route builder
Start: Messina
Drive
1
Palermo
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Agrigento
— 1 night
Drive
3
Syracuse
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Catania
— 1 night
End: Catania
Wed, Dec 26 - Wed, Jan 2
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Palermo — 2 nights
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The capital of Sicily, Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians under the name of Ziz.On the 27th (Thu), kick back and relax at Spiaggia di Mondello, stop by Shahidi, then browse the eclectic array of goods at Mercato Ballaro, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of San Cataldo, and finally see the interesting displays at Museum of tiles Stanze al Genio. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to Quattro Canti, admire the striking features of Norman Palace, steep yourself in history at Catacombe dei Cappuccini, then stop by Vintage Enoteca, then pause for some serene contemplation at Duomo di Monreale, and finally make a trip to Cattedrale di Palermo.
To find other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Palermo trip maker.
Messina to Palermo is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Agrigento.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 26 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Agrigento — 1 night
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Valley of the Temples
Historically one of ancient Greece's leading cities, Sicily's Agrigento is home to the seven monumental temples that make up the well-preserved Valley of the Temples.Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): explore the striking landscape at Scala dei Turchi, explore the ancient world of Valle dei Templi, and then get engrossed in the history at Museo Archeologico Regionale di Agrigento.
For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Agrigento travel route builder.
Traveling by car from Palermo to Agrigento takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. December in Agrigento sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can go by car to Syracuse.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 29 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Syracuse — 2 nights
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Pearl of the Mediterranean
Philosopher Cicero once described Syracuse as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." A powerful city-state of ancient Greece, Syracuse now is the capital of the eponymous Italian province on the eastern coast of Sicily.Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sun): take an in-depth tour of Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Duomo di Siracusa, then head off the coast to Ortigia, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di San Giovanni Alle Catacombe. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi faunistica di Vendicari, explore the fascinating underground world of Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio), and then steep yourself in history at Teatro Greco.
To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Syracuse trip itinerary maker website.
Drive from Agrigento to Syracuse in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to drive to Catania.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 30 — Jan 1:
Highlights from your trip
Catania — 1 night
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Black Pearl of Ionian Sea
The landscape surrounding Catania, a medieval city on Sicily's eastern coast, is dominated by Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.Start off your visit on the 1st (Tue): contemplate the geological forces at Mt Etna.
For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Catania travel route planner.
Traveling by car from Syracuse to Catania takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Catania can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.
Find places to stay Jan 1 — 2:
Highlights from your trip
Sicily travel guide
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a ruggedly attractive land. The island has a long history of foreign domination and has been controlled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The result is a distinct culture blending elements from all of those areas and featuring an intriguing dialect. This is a huge island with plenty of small villages to tour, each with its own treasures. Beyond the popular coastal areas, Sicily's inland attractions include an unspoiled landscape of mountains, hills, and villages that sometimes seem frozen in time. While the natural environment is its biggest draw, Sicily's greatest asset may be its people. They are proud of their traditions and incredibly hospitable to visitors.
