adminWe were craving some sunshine during the fall. A quick Google search revealed that Sicily is a great destination for this time of year. The added bonus? Plane tickets were surprisingly affordable. Searching “Sicily itinerary 7 days” gave us plenty of inspiration to start planning. Before we knew it, our flights and accommodations were booked, and we were ready to explore this stunning Italian island in the Mediterranean.
We found the cheapest flights through ITA Airways, the airline that replaced Alitalia, and booked a cozy B&B in Catania on Booking.com. While we wouldn’t recommend staying in the heart of Catania due to its chaotic traffic, we have to highlight B&B Bellini as a fantastic option. The hosts spoiled us for an entire week, and its central location made all of Catania’s attractions easily accessible on foot.
So why avoid staying in the city? Navigating Catania’s traffic was a challenge—getting out of the city by car consistently took us at least an hour. Not the most relaxing way to start each day!
In this article, we’ll share our favorite places on the island and tips to help you make the most of your Sicilian adventure!
How many days do you need in Sicily?
Sicily may not seem large, but it is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. So take your time for your Sicily itinerary. It’s an ideal destination for slow travel, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its charm and culture. However, if your time is limited, spending one week on the island is plenty to get a taste of the laid-back Sicilian lifestyle and explore its diverse highlights!
What is the best time of year to visit Sicily?
Sicily is one of Italy’s most popular islands, and while it’s tempting to visit during the summer, we highly recommend avoiding the peak season. But is November the ideal alternative? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Why you should visit Sicily in November:
- Pleasant temperatures: Enjoy an average of 23°C, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Autumn sunshine: Who wouldn’t love a dose of warmth and sunshine during the fall?
- Fewer crowds: Popular spots are blissfully quiet, giving you the chance to explore without the hustle and bustle.
- Warm hospitality: Locals have more time and are extra welcoming this time of year.
- Seasonal delights: Indulge in freshly harvested olives, prickly pears, and pistachios straight from the source.
- Lower prices: Flights, accommodations, and attractions are significantly cheaper compared to the high season.
Things to Consider Before You Go:
- Closed attractions: Some popular tourist spots may not operate during the off-season.
- Unpredictable weather: Be prepared for occasional storms and sudden downpours.
- Off-the-beaten-path challenges: Some less-touristy areas may have littered streets or feel neglected.
- Traffic woes: Navigating Sicilian roads can be chaotic—likely not just in November!
Five places you have to see when you are on Sicily!
Sicily may be an island, but it offers plenty to explore. Despite its size, it’s possible to base yourself in one location and take day trips to visit the island’s highlights. Major car rental companies operate at Palermo and Catania airports, making it easy to rent a car upon arrival. We used Rentalcar.com to find a cheap rental car. The roads across the island are generally in good condition, but be prepared for the chaos of driving in the city centers of Catania and Palermo, where navigating narrow streets and unpredictable traffic can be a challenge.
Taormina
Perched dramatically on the mountainside, Taormina is undoubtedly one of Sicily’s most charming—and popular—destinations. While it can feel overly touristy during the summer months, visiting in spring or fall reveals the town’s true beauty without the overwhelming crowds. Another reason to come here in fall!
Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina played a significant role during the Greek era and later under Roman rule, before slipping into quiet obscurity after the Norman conquest.
For visitors arriving by car, the town has two large parking lots at reasonable rates. We paid just €9 for a full day’s parking. The parking lots are on opposite sides of the historic center, so it doesn’t matter which one you take!
Teatro Greco
Our absolute number one. Built by the Greek in the 3rd century BC, expanded by the Romans for gladiatorial games and still in use for concerts and performances, and the view… high above the Mediterranean, with Mt Etna looming on the horizon… the view is just perfect! On the opposite site you have a view of the Italian mainland.
The site opens at 9am and closes one hour before sunset. Entrance fee: 10 euros.
Corso Umberto I
The ‘main’ street of Taormina. Take your time here to wander, eat some ice cream, watch people and enjoy the panoramic views form Piazza IX Aprile. Admire the beautiful Torre dell’Orologio and the Piazza del Duomo, with a lovely fountain and a 13th century cathedral.
Isola Bella
Next to the Porta Pasquale car park is a cable car that brings you in no time to the Mediterranean sea. It is less than a mile walk but a steep climb back to the centre. Only a few dozen meter for the cost line is beautiful Isola Bella, a tiny island set in a stunning cove, which was once home to Florence Trevelyan. It’s her house that sits in silent solitude on top of the island. This place is the best for snorkeling or you can just relax en enjoy the bars and restaurants near the water.
Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples, a sprawling 13-square-kilometer park near Agrigento. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Sicily. The UNESCO logo is based on one of the temples on this historical site by the way!
What remains here on this site are the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. This city was once the fourth-largest city in the known world. This breathtaking site is one of the most captivating in the Mediterranean. It draws over 600,000 visitors annually, making it Sicily’s most popular tourist attraction. Be prepared, it can get crowded here!! But be sure to take your time for this one, it’s huge and it’s worth it!
Entrance: €10 (incl the museum: €15), the tickets are valid for three days.
Two huge Parking lots: one located at the main entrance and one at the Eastern Entrance
Catania
I have to be honest: Catania is not my favorite city. It’s noisy, chaotic, and feels like one endless traffic jam, with litter scattered everywhere. It seemed like no one really cared about keeping things clean or organized. However, if you manage to look past the dust and the noise, Catania does have its fair share of hidden gems waiting to be discovered:
– Monastero dei Benedettini: This was my personal favorite! It’s one of Europe’s largest monasteries and now houses parts of the city’s university, as well as one of Sicily’s most important libraries. The architecture is absolutely breathtaking! You can choose between a guided tour (entrance fee: €9) for a deeper dive into its history or simply wander around on your own and pretend you’re one of the students.
– Piazza del Duomo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly a crowded tourist hotspot, but still well worth a visit. The Fontana dell’Amenano, located at the southwest corner of the piazza, marks the entrance to the bustling fish market. This area is also home to many excellent restaurants, making it a must-see spot in the city!
– Cattedrale di Sant’Agata: at the Piazza del Duomo
– Via Etna: Probably the only street in Catania without garbage, this avenue stands out for its cleanliness and charm. Lined with beautiful buildings from the City University—some of which are open to the public—it offers a glimpse of the city’s architectural elegance. What impressed us the most was the stunning view of Mount Etna rising majestically at the end of the avenue. If you enjoy shopping, this is definitely the place to be!
– Teatro Romano: Well preserved remains of a 2nd century Roman theater and now perfectly integrated in the city itself (entrance fee: €6)
Mount Etna
You can’t think of Sicily without mentioning Mount Etna, so don’t skip this one on your Sicily itinerary! This towering active volcano dominates the island’s landscape and is the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps, standing at an impressive 3,326 meters. Known for its frequent eruptions, activity occurs both at the summit craters and on the flanks of the volcano.
Mount Etna is part of the Parco dell’Etna National Park. This large area is characterized by its black volcanic sand and surreal moonscape-like terrain.
The most popular and accessible area to explore is the southern slope. At Rifugio Sapienza, we took a cable car that brought us closer to the summit—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the entire route. The cable car is pricey (€30 for adults) but offers an incredible experience and is well worth the cost. However, if the weather turns stormy, the cable car closes, and minibuses take over the route.
Rifugio Sapienza also offers a “7D movie” attraction, which turned out to be one of the least impressive tourist traps we’ve encountered. At €7 for a five-minute film with no educational value, it’s an easy skip!
The summit area features four craters, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them due to terrible weather. On the bright side, you can rent a warm jacket at the upper cable car station if you’re unprepared for the chilly conditions.
The entire area is very tourist-friendly, so you’ll never go hungry—there are plenty of bars and restaurants, even in unexpected spots.
Despite the cloudy and stormy weather, Mount Etna still left us in awe. Its raw power and dramatic landscapes make it a must-see, no matter the conditions!
Coast of Sicily
Coast are an important part of island. So take some time on your Sicily itinerary to visit some!
Isola Bella is a small island almost adjacent to Sicily. It is located in the Ionian Sea near the town of Taormina and is connected to the main island by a sand tongue. Because the sand tongue overflows into the beach of Taormina, the short walk to the rock island of Isola Bella is made in no time.
The beach of Cefalù is near a town of the same name. With 1.5 kilometers to look for a spot, you can always go there. You will also find a number of cozy beach clubs.
In the south of Sicily you will find the nature reserve Torre Salsa. Dunes, cliffs, grassy landscapes and beaches together, really stunning. There are a number of routes that run through the nature reserve and eventually take you to Torre Salsa beach. The beach of Torre Salsa is one of the quietest beaches in Sicily and therefore perfect if you want to escape the tourist areas of the island.
5 funny habits of Sicilians
The sacred “passeggiata”
In almost every town and village, Sicilians take an evening “passeggiata” – a leisurely stroll through the center. But this isn’t just a walk; it’s a social ritual. Everyone dresses up in their best clothes, including heels or suits, even if it’s scorching hot. It’s the ultimate way to see and be seen.
Double parking is perfectly normal
Driving in Sicily is an adventure, but double parking is something you’ll see everywhere. Cars are often left in the middle of the street while the driver “quickly” runs an errand. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself honking to get through.
Food, food, and more food
Sicilians are passionate about food. If you’re invited to eat with a local family, prepare yourself for at least four courses – and that’s not counting dessert! Saying you’re full? That will be ignored, as refusing food is simply not an option.
Superstition and the ‘malocchio’
Superstition runs deep in Sicilian culture. Many locals wear a red amulet (the “cornicello”) to protect themselves from the “malocchio” – the evil eye. Practices like sprinkling salt or knocking on wood to ward off bad luck are also very common here.
No cappuccino after 11 a.m.
Ordering a cappuccino after breakfast? Sicilians can’t wrap their heads around it. If you ask for one after 11 a.m., expect some raised eyebrows. For them, milk in coffee after the morning is a big no-no – espresso is the only acceptable option!
Do you like islands? Than maybe Kauai or Mallorca is something for you!
