Dificultad
Distancia
Días aconsejados
Tipo de viaje
On this coast-to-coast Sicily road trip, experience glittering seas, mighty mountains, and the hulking volcano that is Etna. You’ll visit cities where Byzantine mosaics, Classical temples, Norman churches, and dazzling Baroque architecture rub shoulders.
You’ll explore a unique and enthralling island culture. And you’ll enjoy unparalleled seafood, spectacular wine, and pastries aplenty.
Sitting in the Mediterranean, just off the southerly tip of Italy, Sicily is the land of the one-eyed Cyclops giant. A land steeped in legend and myth. And a land walked by Greeks and Romans, whose majestic monuments still scatter the olive-tree-strewn hills.
With delights both cultural and gastronomic, the seductive and addictive destination that is Sicily feels rather decadent. But what’s wrong with that?
This harbor city on the north-eastern tip of Sicily is separated from Italy’s boot by the Strait of Messina, a body of water inhabited by mythical sea monsters, according to legend.
Messina is the third biggest city on the island and considered the gateway to Sicily. But while it escapes the notice of many visitors, with its mix of Norman and Gothic architecture, vibrant local festivals, and cheerful and welcoming residents, it deserves to be a stop on any Sicily road trip.
Visit the 60-metre high bell tower with its astronomical clock. At noon each day, its figures act out scenes from the history of the city. Stroll the Viale Italia, the walkway and boulevard running above the city. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the city and harbour.
Before heading on to your next destination, drive the beautiful road out to Torre di Faro, the furthest tip of the island. And be sure to try the local delicacy: swordfish.
Visitar
Messina
1 - 2
Días aconsejados
100 km
from Catania depot
1h20m
drive
Visita
Savoca
location from the iconic Godfather movie
Taormina
A picture-perfect jilltop town and Greek theatre
Aci Trezza
Mythical volcanic rock formation
Come en
Taverna San Paolo
€€€
Unassuming trattoria, delicious local food
La Pitoneria
€€
Specialising in pitone, fried calzone
L'Antica Torre
€€
Wood-fired pizza, exceptional views
Aparcar
Azienda Trasporti di Messina
€
Cheap with bus to city centre
Policlinico G. Martino
€€
Central, manned, and gated parking lo
Quédate en
Camping Il Peloritano
€€€
Olive grove camping, 20 min from Messina
Against the backdrop of the soaring Madonie mountains, the unfairly beautiful Cefalù is a risky road trip stop — there’s every danger you might never leave. Despite its popularity with tourists, it retains the allure of an authentic little fishing village.
With its gorgeous beaches and Arab-Norman cathedral decked in mosaics, its medieval squares, cobbled streets, and honey-coloured buildings, Cefalù truly is a destination designed for the photo album.
Continue your Sicily road trip from Messina to Cefalù. On arriving, first relax with a cold granita down by the picturesque port. Visit the jewel-like cathedral — it’s a must for any culture-lover.
Then take a hike out to ‘La Rocca’, a giant rock sat up above the town with exceptional views over Cefalù.
As sunset arrives, stroll along the seafront promenade and treat yourself to an Aperol spritz. And keep your eyes peeled for filming locations from Cinema Paradiso which was shot here.
Visitar
Cefalù
1 - 2
Días aconsejados
165 km
from Messina
2 hrs
drive
Visita
Museo Mandralisca
Everything from art to natural history
Madonie Regional Natural Park
Majestic mountains and ancient castles
Santa Anastasia Abbey
Wine tasting within an ancient abbey
Come en
Osteria Bacchus
€€€
Family-owned, terrace, secluded
La Galleria
€€€
Hip restaurant and gallery-space
La Tavernetta
€€€
Local favourite in hitoric old town
Aparcar
Street parking Cefalù
€
Indicated by blue lines
Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina
€
Central, manned parking lot
Quédate en
Costa Ponente Camping
€€€€
10 min from Cefalù old town
Palermo has a reputation for a certain gritty edge, but don’t be put off. It has far too many treats — mostly of the culinary sort — to miss out on.
Its eclectic mix of cultural influences, both European and North African, is evident in everything from its architecture to its cuisine. Hectic but with a distinct charm and lots of personality, this is a city of winding streets, Byzantine mosaics, arching domes, and boisterous markets. It’s noisy, seductive, and unique.
This Sicily road trip stopover is all about the food: make sure to explore the city’s amazing culinary scene in depth. Visit markets like Vucciria and try treats like panino alla milza, pane e panelle, and skewered octopus.
For a real culture-hit, head to the cathedral, the glinting Palatine Chapel — entirely covered in glittering gold mosaic — and the Moorish Norman Palace. Once you’re done, return to sampling the local delicacies: food is one of the things Palermo does best.
Visitar
Palermo
1 - 3
Días aconsejados
70 km
from Cefalù
1 hr
drive
Visita
Monreale
Home to a staggering golden cathedral
Zingaro Nature Reserve
7 km of caves, pebbly coves, and sparkling waters
Segesta
An ancient, unfinished, secluded temple
Come en
Tondo Pizzeria
€€€
Some of the best pizza in the city
Antica Focacceria San Francesco
€€
Showcases Palermo’s culinary heritage
Nni Franco u’ Vastiddaru
€
Late-night snacks; a Palermo institution
Aparcar
Street Parking Palermo
Free
Marked by white lines or blue ‘P’ sign
Piazza Ungheria, 73 Parking
€€
Open 24/7, central
Quédate en
Camping Degli Ulivi
€€€€
Olive grove camping, 100m from sea
While most famous for its amber coloured wine, Marsala is also a town with a rich history as an important port and stronghold.
In the past, Marsala was a thriving Roman colony. With the arrival of the Arabs, a successful trading hub. Today, Marsala is a charming and laid-back stopover on your Sicily road trip itinerary.
Wander its shining marble streets, past elegant townhouses, and relax in delightful piazzas. Eat great local food and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Low-key but lovely.
Explore the beautiful Baroque old town. Visit the Baglio Anselmi, the town’s cathedral. Learn about the history of the town at the Complesso Monumentale San Pietro. The Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit with its most intriguing relic: a Phoenician boat.
Of course, you should also do some wine tasting — it would be rude not to. Finally, if you have time, you could take a boat trip to the gorgeous Egadi Islands.
Visitar
Marsala
1 - 2
Días aconsejados
125 km
from Palermo
1h50m
drive
Visita
Trapani
Beautiful port city and surrounding salt flats
Erice
Medieval hilltop town with fabulous pastries
Lido Marakaibbo
Long stretch of golden sand and clear waters
Come en
Assud Porta Nuova
€€€€
Cosy, historic, traditional food
San Lorenzo Osteria
€€€€
Stylish and sleek, seafood
Il Gallo e l'Innamorata
€€€
Artsy and eclectic
Aparcar
Piazza del Popolo
Free
Not covered but central
Parcheggio Comunale, Via Giulio Anca Omodei
Free
Partially covered, central
Quédate en
Camping Lilybeo Village
€€€
9 km from Marsala, free shuttle to beach
While Agrigento — a modern metropolis — is not the most captivating of cities, this stop on your Sicily road trip itinerary is about something far more ancient and mythical.
Just behind Agrigento are the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples: the best-preserved Greek Temples in the world, perched on top of a half-mile-long ridge and surrounded by olive groves and almond orchards. Never has the ancient world felt so alive.
After returning from your time-travel trip back to Ancient Greece, you could pay a visit to Villa Romana del Casale with its elaborate mosaic murals that include the famous female athletes with the notorious nickname, ‘The Bikini Girls.’
In the evening, explore the centre of Agrigento, a charming medieval old town with a lively nightlife: beautiful palazzi, majestic churches, and the Via Atenea, the main artery of the old town, lined with trattorias, serving delicious local food, and bustling bars.
Visitar
Agrigento
1 - 2
Días aconsejados
140 km
from Palermo
2h15m
drive
Visita
Scala dei Turchi
Naturally formed limestone staircase in the cliff
Sciacca
Small fishing village with miles of sandy beaches
Menfi
Vineyards, sand dunes, and authentic rugged charm
Selinunte
Isolated and evocative ancient Greek ruins
Come en
Aguglia Persa
€€€
Fine-dining, mansion with leafy courtyard
Sal8
€€€
Creative wine-bar restaurant
Kokalos
€€€
Wood-fired pizza with views of temples
Aparcar
Pluripiano Atenea Parking
€€
Central Agrigento, open 24 hrs
Valle Dei Templi Parking
€€€
Set price for campervan, bus to city
Quédate en
Camping Valle dei Templi
€€€
Cheap bus to see the temples
Cicero called Syracuse “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” He wasn’t wrong. On this waypoint on your Sicily road trip, you’ll encounter unspoilt historic beauty at every turn.
Ancient Greek ruins emerging from citrus orchards. Cobbled lanes leading you to Baroque piazzas. Stately churches and golden buildings tumbling towards the turquoise sea. This city will transport you back in time.
Visit the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius. Find yourself awe-struck at the ancient world ruins of the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Take a boat trip around the Porto Grande where the Syracusans and Athenians battled in 413 BC.
Then swap ancient culture for more modern offerings with a wander around Ortygia, a hip and sophisticated hub joined to the mainland by a bridge.
Discover artisan boutiques, puppet shows, chic new wine bars and pebbly beaches where fishermen still mend their nets. And sample local food just as unforgettable as the city itself.
Visitar
Syracuse
2 - 3
Días aconsejados
215 km
from Agrigento
2h35m
drive
Visita
Marzamemi
Tiny fishing village, clear waters, red geraniums
Area Marina Protetta del Plemmirio
Secluded beaches all to yourself
Mount Etna
Slumbering volcano, Europe's highest
Calamosche
One of the most beautiful beaches in Italy
Towns of the Val di Noto
UNESCO-listed Ragusa, Modica and Scicli
Come en
Caseificio Borderi
€
Highly popular made-to-order paninis
Oinos di Ivo Vatti
€€€
Youthful and avant-garde with focus on wine
Retroscena
€€€
Contemporary twist on Sicilian classics
Aparcar
Molo Sant'Antonio
€€€
Pay and display, 5 minutes walk from Ortygia
Talete parking
€
Cheap hourly parking or daily rate
Quédate en
Camping Terra dei Limoni
€€€€
30 min south of Syracuse in a lemon grove
70 km
from Syracuse
1 hr
drive
Apoyo
+34 911 43 85 40