Breakfast
Granita and a brioche
A cup of crushed ice flavored with lemon, almond or coffee, with a soft sweet brioche to dip, the classic Sicilian breakfast.
Local tip Locals eat the brioche in pieces dipped in the granita.
Arrival day
Before Day 1. This is a one-way road trip across the island, so plan the flights to match.Details
- Getting here
- Fly into Palermo and out of Catania, or the other way round, so you do not have to double back. Palermo airport is about 30 kilometres west of the city, with buses and trains. A one-way rental may carry a drop-off charge, so check ahead.
- Getting around
- A car is the easiest way to reach the temples, the villa and the hill towns. Town centers have limited traffic zones marked ZTL, and a camera fines cars that drive in, so park outside the zone. Narrow village streets are slow, and parking is easier in the early morning.
- Heat and manners
- Summer is hot, and sights close for a long lunch. Churches ask for covered shoulders and knees. Shops and many restaurants close in the early afternoon, and some on Sundays. Keep bags in front of you in the Palermo markets.
- First evening
- Day 1 starts in the Palermo market, so settle in, eat late as the Sicilians do and stroll the old streets after dark.
Day 1. Palermo: the market, the cathedral and the chapel
4 stops · 2.2 kmThe old capital of the island. A street market that began in Arab times, a cathedral that is Norman, Arab and baroque at once, a chapel covered in gold mosaic, then the crossroads at the center of the old town. Everything is on foot, within about two kilometres.
- 1MorningWorth the time
Ballarò Market
The oldest and liveliest street market in Palermo, with stalls of fish, fruit, spices and street food in the lanes of the old Albergheria quarter. Eat as you walk, and keep your bag in front of you.
Go when Morning, when the stalls are full and the shouting starts.
Local tip Try a small street snack at several stalls. Keep your bag in front of you, and step aside for the carts and scooters.
Photo by Piermario Eva on Unsplash - Lunch
Arancini and panelle
Fried rice balls filled with meat and peas, and little chickpea fritters in a roll, bought from a market stall.
Local tip Eat them hot and standing. Arancine in Palermo are round, and arancini in Catania are cone shaped.
About 10 min walk0.8 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Palermo Cathedral
A cathedral built, changed and added to over many centuries, so that Norman, Arab, Gothic and baroque styles stand side by side. Royal tombs, including that of the Emperor Frederick II, lie inside.
Go when Midday, as a cool stop out of the sun.
Local tip Cover your shoulders and knees. The royal tombs are in a side chapel, and the roof can be visited separately for a view of the domes.
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash About 6 min walk0.5 km - 3AfternoonWorth the time, book ahead
Palatine Chapel
The royal chapel of the Norman kings, inside their palace, covered in twelfth-century gold mosaics under a painted wooden ceiling made by Arab craftsmen. One of the great rooms of the Mediterranean. Check ahead on visiting, since the palace is also used by the Sicilian parliament.
Go when Afternoon, with a booked time.
Local tip Entry is controlled and the chapel can close when the parliament sits, so check ahead and book. Give it time, because the gold is best seen slowly.
Photo: Fintan Corrigan of http:/…, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 11 min walk0.9 km - 4EveningWorth a short stop
Quattro Canti
The baroque crossing at the heart of the old town, where two main streets meet and four curved facades of fountains, statues and balconies face each other. A good place to stand at dusk and watch the city go by.
Go when Evening, as the facades catch the last light (about 7:42 PM).
Local tip A quick stop, and then go on to dinner. The streets around it fill with people at night.
- Dinner
Pasta con le sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins, pine nuts and breadcrumbs, a Palermo classic.
Local tip Sicilians eat late, so book for nine or later.
If it rains. Rain empties the market, so swap the morning for the cathedral and the chapel, and see the market on a dry day or by lunch.
Day 2. Monreale and Cefalù
3 stops · 71.7 kmTwo Norman cathedrals, one above the city and one by the sea. About an hour and a half by road between them, along the north coast. Start early, because the first one is crowded by ten.
- Travel from Quattro CantiAbout 18 min by car or transit7.1 kmWhere Day 1 ended.
- Breakfast
A cornetto and a coffee
A warm filled croissant with a short strong coffee, standing at the bar.
Local tip Locals drink it standing at the bar, in a minute.
- 1MorningWorth the time, go early
Monreale Cathedral
A twelfth-century cathedral on the hill above Palermo, its walls covered with some of the largest gold mosaics in the world. A cloister of paired columns, each carved differently, sits beside it.
Go when Morning, before the tour groups reach the hill.
Local tip Cover your shoulders and knees. Look up at the apse and the story told along the walls. Check ahead on the cloister, which has its own hours.
Photo by Meizhi Lang on Unsplash About 1 h 7 min by car64.2 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Cefalù Cathedral
A Norman cathedral with two square towers beside a small fishing town and a beach, with a huge mosaic of Christ in the apse. A quieter, smaller cousin of Monreale, and the town is a good place for lunch.
Go when Midday, then lunch in the old town.
Local tip The mosaic of Christ in the apse is the high point. Cover your shoulders and knees, and walk down to the beach afterward.
Photo: User:Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Sfincione or fresh fish
A thick Palermo pizza topped with onion and breadcrumbs, or a plate of the day's fish by the sea.
Local tip Ask what was caught that morning.
About 4 min walk0.4 km - 3AfternoonA short climb
La Rocca
A great rock that rises behind the town, with a stepped path up to the ruins of a temple and a castle. The climb is steep and exposed, and the view over the town and the sea is wide. Go in the cool of the late afternoon.
Go when Late afternoon, when the heat has eased (about 7:42 PM).
Local tip The climb is steep and exposed, with uneven steps. Wear good shoes, bring water and turn back if you are tired.
- Dinner
Grilled fish by the sea
A whole fish grilled with lemon and olive oil, with a salad of tomatoes and onion.
Local tip Fish is sold by weight, so ask the price before you order.
Photo: www.elbpresse.de, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
If it rains. The cathedrals work in any weather. Skip the climb to La Rocca in rain, since the steps are slick, and walk the seafront instead.
Day 3. Agrigento: the Valley of the Temples
3 stops · 102.2 kmA long drive across the island to the south coast, about two hours from Cefalù. Greek temples on a ridge above the sea, one of the best preserved in the world, then a white cliff on the shore. Go in the cool of the morning, and take water and a hat.
- Drive from La RoccaAbout 1 h 28 min by car91.5 kmWhere Day 2 ended.
- Breakfast
An almond pastry
A soft almond pastry and a short coffee, in the style of the south coast.
Local tip Almond sweets are a specialty of Agrigento.
- 1MorningWorth the time, go early
Valley of the Temples
The ruins of the Greek city of Akragas, a ridge of Doric temples from the fifth century before Christ. Walk the length of it, from the temple of Juno to the temple of Concordia, in the early light.
Go when Morning, before the heat, or evening in summer.
Local tip There is almost no shade, so take a hat and water. In summer, the site stays open late for the evening light, which is lovely.
Photo: Wolfgang Pehlemann, CC BY-SA 3.0 de on Wikimedia Commons About 2 min walk0.1 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Temple of Concordia
One of the best preserved Greek temples anywhere, almost whole, with its columns, beams and gable still in place. Seen from the path below, it glows in the sun.
Go when Late morning, when the sun lights the columns.
Local tip You cannot go inside, but the path below gives the best views. Photograph it from the east side in the morning.
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
A picnic under the almond trees
Bread, cheese, olives and tomatoes eaten in the shade after the walk.
Local tip Take water, because there is little shade in the valley.
About 25 min by car or transit10.6 km - 3AfternoonA shore stop
Scala dei Turchi
A white cliff of marl on the sea at Realmonte, shaped by wind and waves into broad stair-like steps. Access to the rock has been limited to protect it, so check ahead and view it from the beach or the paths nearby.
Go when Late afternoon, as the cliff turns gold (about 7:42 PM).
Local tip Access to the cliff has been limited, so check ahead and respect the signs. Stay off the cliff edge, which is soft and crumbles.
Photo: Monika Durickova, CC BY 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta with fried aubergine, tomato and ricotta salata, named for an opera from Catania.
Local tip Share a plate of caponata first, a sweet and sour dish of aubergine.
If it rains. Rain makes the temple paths muddy and the valley bleak. Go early on a dry hour, or move the temples to another day.
Day 4. The Roman villa and the baroque towns
4 stops · 172.8 kmAbout 3 h 2 min drivingThe south-east. A Roman villa with some of the finest mosaics anywhere, then three towns rebuilt in the baroque style after the earthquake of 1693. Honey-colored stone, steep steps and chocolate. A long day by car, and the last stop is best at dusk.
- Drive from Scala dei TurchiAbout 1 h 17 min by car76.7 kmWhere Day 3 ended.
- Breakfast
Ricotta and honey on bread
Fresh ricotta, honey and warm bread with a coffee, before the drive.
Local tip Ricotta is best at the breakfast hour, when it is freshest.
- 1MorningWorth the time, go early
Villa Romana del Casale
A large Roman country villa of the fourth century, near Piazza Armerina, famous for its floors of colorful mosaics showing hunts, animals and athletes. Raised walkways take you above them. Go early.
Go when Morning, before the heat and the coaches.
Local tip The mosaics are covered by walkways and roofs, so the visit is in shade. Give it at least an hour, and take water.
Photo: Robur.q, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 1 h 5 min by car60.7 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Ragusa Ibla
The old lower town of Ragusa, a maze of baroque palaces and churches on a hilltop, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 around a cathedral. Walk its steps and little squares.
Go when Midday, then a long lunch.
Local tip Park in the new town or the lot below and walk in. The old town is steep, with many steps, so wear good shoes.
About 19 min by car or transit7.7 km - 3AfternoonWorth the time
Modica
A baroque town built down both sides of a deep valley, with a grand church at the top of a long flight of steps. It is known for its chocolate, made in an old, grainy way with sugar not fully dissolved.
Go when Afternoon, then a stop for chocolate.
Local tip Try the local chocolate with cinnamon or chili. The steps up to the church are long, so pace yourself.
Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Chocolate and a savory pie
A square of Modica chocolate with a savory filled pie called scacce from Ragusa.
Local tip Modica chocolate is grainy by design. Try the chili or the cinnamon.
About 40 min by car27.7 km - 4EveningWorth the time, go at dusk
Noto
A baroque town of honey-colored stone, rebuilt after 1693, with a long main street, a cathedral and grand palaces. It is at its best at dusk, when the stone glows. The cathedral dome fell in 1996 and has been rebuilt.
Go when Evening, when the stone glows (about 7:42 PM).
Local tip Walk the main street from the gate to the cathedral, then wander into the side lanes. Stay for dinner.
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Rabbit or a plate of caponata
A slow-cooked rabbit with olives, or a plate of aubergine caponata, with bread and wine.
Local tip Sicilian wine from Nero d'Avola is a good match.
If it rains. The villa is under cover, and the baroque towns are fine in light rain. Skip the steps in a downpour.
Day 5. Syracuse: the island and the theatre
3 stops · 32.1 kmA short drive from Noto, and a day on foot. The old city on its island, a Greek theatre cut into the hill, and a cathedral built inside a Greek temple. An unhurried day by the sea.
- Drive from NotoAbout 40 min by car27.2 kmWhere Day 4 ended.
- Breakfast
Granita with whipped cream
A cup of granita with a cloud of cream and a brioche, taken at a cafe on the island.
Local tip Pistachio and almond are the local flavors.
- 1MorningWorth the time
Ortygia
The island that holds the old center of Syracuse, joined to the mainland by a short bridge, with lanes of pale stone, a market, harbor walls and a seafront promenade. Walk it slowly, and end at the square.
Go when Morning, when the market is open and the light is soft.
Local tip The island is small and car-free in places, so park outside it and walk in. The seafront promenade is lovely at the end of the day.
Photo: Agostino Artnoir Sella, CC BY-SA 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 10 min by car or transit2.4 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Greek Theatre of Syracuse
A huge theater cut into the rock of the hill in the fifth century before Christ, in the archaeological park on the mainland. Greek plays are still performed here in late spring. Check ahead for the season.
Go when Midday, then shade in the park nearby.
Local tip A big, open site with little shade, so wear a hat. Greek plays are staged here in late spring, so check ahead if you want to see one.
Photo by Casey Lovegrove on Unsplash - Lunch
A seafood pasta
Pasta with clams or sea urchin, the plate of the sea in Syracuse.
Local tip Sea urchin is a taste for the brave, so ask for it on the side.
About 10 min by car or transit2.4 km - 3AfternoonWorth the time
Syracuse Cathedral
The cathedral on Ortygia's main square, built inside an ancient Greek temple of Athena, so that the Doric columns of the temple stand within its walls. A rare, clear layering of two thousand years.
Go when Afternoon, when the square is quiet.
Local tip Walk the side of the cathedral to see the Greek columns built into the wall. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Photo: pjt56 ---, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Swordfish rolls
Slices of swordfish rolled around breadcrumbs, pine nuts and herbs, and grilled.
Local tip Swordfish is a local specialty from the Strait of Messina.
If it rains. The cathedral and the old streets of Ortygia work in rain. Do the theatre in a dry hour.
Day 6. Etna and Taormina
4 stops · 108.7 kmThe volcano and the hill town. A high drive on the slopes of Etna, then the terraced town of Taormina with its ancient theatre and its tiny island. Check the volcano's activity before you go, and leave time for the road to the airport.
- Drive from Syracuse CathedralAbout 1 h 16 min by car76.2 kmWhere Day 5 ended.
- Breakfast
Coffee and a pastry on the way
A quick coffee and a pastry before the drive up the mountain.
Local tip Carry a layer, because the top of Etna is cold.
- 1MorningWorth the time, go early
Mount Etna
The tallest active volcano in Europe, whose slopes are black with lava and green with vineyards and pistachio groves. Cable cars and guided buses take visitors up the mountain. Check ahead on activity and on how high you can go.
Go when Morning, before cloud builds on the peak.
Local tip Etna is an active volcano, and access to the summit depends on its activity. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes, because it is cold and windy at height, and go with a guide above the cable car.
Photo by Tomas Anton Escobar on Unsplash About 43 min by car31.7 km - 2MiddayWorth the time
Taormina
A hill town above the sea, with a long main street of palaces and cafes, gardens and a view of Etna and the coast. Take the time to walk the whole street.
Go when Midday, then the evening promenade.
Local tip Park outside the old town, since traffic is limited. The main street is busy, so step into a side lane for quiet.
Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Pistachio pasta
Pasta with a green sauce of pistachios grown on the slopes of Etna.
Local tip The pistachios of Bronte are known across the island.
About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km - 3AfternoonWorth the time
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
A Greek and Roman theatre on the edge of town, still used for performances, with a famous view of Etna and the sea through its broken arches. Come in the late afternoon, when the light is softest.
Go when Late afternoon, when the light is soft (about 7:42 PM).
Local tip Sit on the stone steps and look through the arch to Etna. Check ahead for performances, which can close the site for part of the day.
Photo: Derbrauni, CC BY 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 10 min walk0.8 km - 4EveningAn evening stop
Isola Bella
A tiny island in a bay below Taormina, sometimes joined to the shore by a narrow strip of pebbles at low tide. A nature reserve, with a small beach beside it. Reached by a steep path or a cable car from the town.
Go when Late afternoon, at low tide.
Local tip The path down is steep, and the pebbles are slippery. The island may be closed to visitors at times, so check ahead.
Photo: Solomonn Levi, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Cannoli and a final glass of wine
Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, with a glass of sweet wine.
Local tip Ask for the cannoli to be filled to order, so the shell stays crisp.
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If it rains. Cloud and wind can close the upper slopes of Etna. If so, spend more time in Taormina, and see the theatre in the clear spells.
Departure day
After the last day. The east coast roads are slow, so leave time.Details
- The way out
- Taormina to Catania airport is about an hour by road. Return a rental car early, and check the fuel and the damage report.
- Your flight
- Etna sometimes sends ash that closes Catania airport for a few hours, so check your flight the day before and leave a spare day if your plans are tight.
- If you have a few hours
- Take one more granita on the seafront, or walk Taormina's main street, before you drive to the airport.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Palermo?
By average weather from 2021 to 2025, February to June, October and December are the most comfortable months for walking around Palermo. This plan is built for april to June, or September to October, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
How many days does this plan cover?
It covers 6 days in Palermo, planned for april to June, or September to October. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
Who is this plan for?
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
Is anything on this plan booked?
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Can I plan my own days like this?
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Can I change this plan?
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
How much walking is there?
Each day has about 2.2 to 96.1 kilometers between its stops, and 210.9 kilometers in all across 6 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
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Make this plan yours
Make it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated November 2026
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