9-Day Sicily Adventure: Etna, Beaches & Historic Towns
Explore Sicily in 9 days! Hike Mount Etna, relax on Cefalù’s beaches, visit Taormina & savor traditional Sicilian cuisine. Plan your trip now!
RELAXEUROPEMIDDLE
About
Sicily, a stunning island in the Mediterranean, is the perfect destination for an 8-day adventure that combines nature, culture, and beautiful beaches. Start your journey by exploring the rugged landscapes of Mount Etna, where you can hike and enjoy breathtaking views. Discover charming towns like Taormina and Catania, rich in history and filled with local markets and delicious food. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the sandy beaches of Cefalù, where crystal-clear waters invite you for a swim. As you travel, immerse yourself in Sicilian culture by tasting traditional dishes like arancini and cannoli, and visiting ancient ruins that tell stories of the past. With its vibrant scenery and laid-back atmosphere, Sicily offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure for everyone to enjoy.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive in Catania, pick up your rental car, and enjoy the historic center and nearby beaches
DAY 2 - Etna Volcano & Coastal Relax
Visit Mount Etna in the morning, the head to Aci Trezza or Catania's beaches for a relaxing afternoon
DAY 3 - Taormina & Isola Bella
Explore Taormina, then spend the afternoon at the famous beach of Isola Bella
DAY 4 - Noto & Vendicari Reserve
Drive to Noto, then head to the beautiful beaches of the Vendicari Nature Reserve
DAY 5 - Temples & Scala dei Turchi
Visit the Valley of the Temples, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the beach of Scala dei Turchi
DAY 6 - Palermo & Mondello Beach
Explore Palermo's historic center, then spend the afternoon at Mondello Beach
DAY 7 - Cefalù & Beach day
Relax at Cefalù's beautiful beach and explore its medieval town center
DAY 8 - Departure from Catania
A relaxing morning at the beach before returning to Catania for your departure
DAY 9 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$540
$890
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $30-40 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Car Rental
Experiences
Temples, Museums...
$210-280
$200-360
$110-200
$20-50
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
December to February
Winter in Sicily is mild compared to northern Europe, with daytime temperatures averaging 10°C to 15°C along the coast and cooler conditions inland or in the mountains. Rainfall is moderate, particularly in December, but sunny days are still frequent, offering an inviting climate for exploring historical sites and coastal towns without the usual tourist crowds. Mount Etna often experiences snow during this period, making it ideal for skiing and winter hiking. The island’s festive spirit peaks in December, with Christmas markets and traditional celebrations, providing a unique cultural experience.
March to May
Spring in Sicily is a delightful season of rebirth, with warm temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C and blooming wildflowers painting the countryside. Rainfall decreases steadily as the season progresses, and the air feels fresh and vibrant. This period is perfect for hiking in nature reserves like Zingaro or exploring archaeological sites such as Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples under clear skies. By late April, beachgoers begin to return, though the water remains cool. May, with its warm but not oppressive weather, is particularly ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying local festivals, such as the Infiorata flower festival in Noto.
June to August
Summer in Sicily is hot and sunny, with temperatures along the coast ranging from 26°C to 33°C and even higher in inland areas. This is the peak tourist season, especially in July and August, as travelers flock to beaches like San Vito Lo Capo and the Aeolian Islands. The sea is warm and inviting, making it a prime time for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips. The intense midday heat is best avoided by exploring in the early morning or evening. Festivals like the Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo add a lively cultural dimension to summer visits. Travelers should book accommodations early as this is a busy period.
September to October
Early autumn offers some of the best weather in Sicily, with warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C and calmer seas. September is still ideal for beach activities, while October’s slightly cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring more comfortable. The harvest season begins, bringing fresh grapes, olives, and seasonal delicacies to local markets and festivals. Rainfall starts to increase in late October, but days remain largely sunny and pleasant. This period is also less crowded than the summer months, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a relaxed and authentic experience.
November
The transition to winter is marked by cooler, wetter weather, with temperatures averaging 15°C to 20°C. November is a quieter month, offering a tranquil atmosphere for exploring cities like Palermo and Syracuse. While not ideal for beach activities, it’s a wonderful time for cultural pursuits, such as visiting Baroque towns or enjoying Sicily’s hearty autumn cuisine, including dishes featuring freshly harvested mushrooms and chestnuts.
Summary Recommendations:
Best Overall Period: April to May
The combination of mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and cultural festivities makes spring the ideal season to experience Sicily’s natural beauty and historical richness. Outdoor activities and sightseeing are particularly enjoyable during this time.
Alternative: September to Early October
The warm, sunny days of early autumn are perfect for both beach outings and inland exploration. Fewer crowds and harvest-season celebrations add to the island’s charm during this period.
Avoid if Possible: December to February
While winter is mild, the cooler temperatures and occasional rain may limit outdoor activities, especially for those seeking a beach experience. It’s better suited for cultural and gastronomic enthusiasts willing to embrace a quieter Sicily.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport and pick up your rental car. Start your journey with a visit to the historic city center: see Piazza del Duomo, the Catania Cathedral, and explore Via Etnea for shopping. In the afternoon, head to Aci Trezza, a small coastal village with great views of the sea and the Faraglioni rocks. You can spend some time at the Lido La Plaja or Lido Catania, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Dinner at a seaside trattoria.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Catania city centre - or in some small villages around if you want to have a more comfortable parking spot
Check out some rent-a-car
We recommend a small car with full insurance to travel without thoughts in the narrow roads
DAY 2
In the morning, drive up to Mount Etna (about 1 hour from Catania). Hike the lower craters or take the cable car for panoramic views. After your adventure, head to Aci Castello or Catania’s beach resorts for a relaxed afternoon at the beach. Enjoy a leisurely swim or sunbathe by the crystal-clear waters. If you feel like exploring more, visit Catania’s fish market for a fresh seafood dinner. Overnight in Catania.
ETNA VOLCANO & COASTAL RELAXATION
DAY 3
Leave Catania and drive to Taormina (about 45 minutes), famous for its beautiful beaches and panoramic views. Visit the Greek Theatre, perched above the town with stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. Afterward, head down to Isola Bella, a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Sicily, and you can spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
TAORMINA & ISOLA BELLA
DAY 4
Drive south to the Baroque town of Noto (about 1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the town's famous Baroque buildings, like the Noto Cathedral and Palazzo Nicolaci. In the afternoon, head to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, just a short drive away, for a peaceful walk among the dunes and salt flats. The reserve has some of the best beaches in Sicily, like Calamosche Beach, where you can swim and relax. Overnight in Noto.
NOTO & VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Noto city centre - it's not a big city, so the parking shouldn't be an issue
DAY 5
Drive west towards Agrigento (about 2 hours). Explore the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most famous archaeological sites. Afterward, take a short drive to Scala dei Turchi, a stunning white limestone cliff by the sea. The dramatic cliffs are a perfect place to take photos and enjoy a swim. Relax on the beach before heading to Agrigento for the night.
VALLEY OF TEMPLES & SCALA DEI TURCHI
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Agrigento city centre, or on the coast, where you can have a view on the sea and easier parking/roads
DAY 6
Drive from Agrigento to Palermo (about 2.5 hours). After lunch, take time to explore the vibrant city center, including the Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and Palazzo dei Normanni. In the afternoon, head to Mondello Beach, a beautiful sandy beach just a short drive from the city center. Enjoy the sun and crystal-clear waters. For dinner, try Palermo’s street food—don’t miss the famous panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini.
PALERMO & MONDELLO BEACH
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Palermo city centre to have the experience of local markets and culture, or just close to the beach for easier car management
DAY 7
From Palermo, head to Cefalù (about 1 hour), a charming medieval town with narrow streets and a stunning beach. Spend the day relaxing on the Cefalù Beach, which has golden sand and calm waters. You can also visit the Cefalù Cathedral and climb the Rocca di Cefalù for incredible views over the town and coastline. Enjoy a seafood dinner in one of the local restaurants by the beach.
CEFALU & BEACH DAY
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in Cefalù city centre, or on the coast, where you can have a view on the sea and easier parking/roads
DAY 8
Drive back to Catania (about 2 hours). If time allows, stop by Fontane Bianche Beach for a last dip in the sea before heading to the airport for your flight home.
CEFALU & BEACH DAY
DAY 9
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back