Road trip in Sicily — a ten-day itinerary for adventurous couples
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From Palermo, the cultural hub, to Syracuse, the rustic south, our driving itinerary across Sicily for a week and a half to two weeks, designed for couples.
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Sicily is an island surprisingly easy to get around by car, and it's not as big as you might think. By renting a car, you can travel smoothly from north to south, never covering more than three or four hours of driving between two stops. For a couple who loves culture as much as good food, nightlife as well as landscapes, plan ideally a week and a half to two weeks to savor it all.
Food is excellent there, people are welcoming, and each town has its own character. Here's the itinerary we loved, step by step, from the culturally northern part to the more authentic south.
The itinerary, step by step
Step 1
Palermo, the cultural gateway
We start with Palermo, renowned for its countless churches and museums. It's a very cultural experience, but also a city that comes alive at night. The nightlife is really interesting there, and you can even follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain at the Monkey Pub, a venue with a vibe that is both cultural and festive.
Did you know? Plan about three days in Palermo to enjoy the museums by day and the nightlife by night.
Step 2
Cefalù, between hiking and a break at the Club Med
Heading to Cefalù, a small charming town dominated by a big church. There's a lovely hiking trail for those who like to move. But the real favorite is the Club Med Cefalù, gorgeous, welcoming and full of activities. We highly recommend it for a few days' stay.
Did you know? Count about three days in Cefalù, enough to combine hiking with a well-deserved break.
Step 3
Taormina, pretty but very touristy
Taormina is pretty and worth a visit, with its large shops and viewpoints. It’s a bit less authentic than the rest of the island, more tourist-oriented. We’re happy to stop by, but we stay there for a shorter time.
Did you know? About two days in Taormina are enough to enjoy the essentials.
Step 4
The Valley of the Temples, a breathtaking site
Still by car, we reach the Valley of the Temples. The site is stunning, and its temples are sometimes better preserved than those you see in Greece. A day on site is enough to fill your eyes before heading south again.
Did you know? A single day is more than enough to visit the Valley of the Temples.
Step 5
Syracuse, the rustic gem of the south
Further south, Syracuse draws you into a Sicily that is more rustic and even more authentic than the north. We stayed on its small island, truly stunning. The highlight was a morning-market tour with a local chef, among fresh fish, local spirits, pistachios, lemon and nuts. We also visited the surrounding vineyards.
Did you know? Book a morning-market gastronomic tour with a local chef — a must.
Step 6
Noto and its vineyards with Provençal vibes
Nearby, Noto is known for its vineyards. You'd almost feel like you're in Provence, in a soft and bright countryside. It's the perfect chance to sample the region's wines and take your time in the south.
Did you know? Plan about four days in total in the south to savor Syracuse and Noto without hurry.
Step 7
Scopello and the national parks before coming back
We finally head back up toward Palermo via the national parks region, toward Scopello. The landscape is stunning, dotted with small houses, and it's a wonderful way to round out the loop before catching your flight.
Did you know? Leave time for swimming and the park trails before heading home.
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Sicily becomes touristy in high season, but stays quieter than Rome or Venice. Two windows of opportunity stand out for a successful stay.
- Early to mid-May — evenings are still chilly, around 16 to 17 degrees, but the days are hot. The only drawback is that the water remains cold for swimming.
- September and October — the heat persists and the water is finally pleasantly warm for swimming.
Regardless of when you go, you’ll have a human-scale island, remarkable cuisine, and welcoming locals. A road trip we really recommend.
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Anick Dupuis
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