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Taking a 10-day road trip by vehicle through the region of Sicily was an incredible initial voyage we took together. We were interested in visiting Italy, and since we travelled during the summer season, we opted for Sicily to avoid the heat and overpopulation of tourists that overrun cities such as Rome. Looking back, we fully enjoyed exploring Sicily via automobile throughout our journey!
While Sicily offers many things to experience, 10 days provides ample opportunity to tour the full island and take in primary landmarks, especially if renting transportation.
Despite misconceptions about Sicilians` abilities behind the wheel, our rental vehicle traveled smoothly throughout our ten-day stay on the island. To be safe, I suggest fully insuring any car you rent here since our company attempted to make us responsible for a minor mark they said was on the automobile upon return though we didn`t cause it. Additionally, checking our guide on finding affordable rental automobiles is a good idea.
Firstly, I will suggest how you can optimize your time in order to fully benefit from your 10-day road trip through Sicily.
Table of Contents
Best Sicily 10-day itinerary
While planning a self-guided tour around Sicily in a shorter or longer time period is possible, setting aside 10 days allows travelers to sufficiently explore the Mediterranean island`s primary attractions by automobile. This optimized 10-day itinerary for Sicily offers guidance on their route:
- Day 1: Palermo
- Day 2: Monreale and Cefalù
- Day 3: Stromboli
- Day 4: Taormina
- Day 5: Climb Mount Etna
- Day 6: Syracuse
- Day 7: Noto, Modica, and Ragusa destinations.
- Day 8: Agriento and Scala dei Turchi
- Day 9: Selinunte, Marsala, and Trapani
- Day 10: Zingaro Nature Reserve
Day 1: Palermo – The beginning of your road trip to Sicily
♦20 miles (40 min by automobile)
My ideal 10-day itinerary for Sicily commences in Palermo, the administrative center. Parking in Palermo`s downtown area is indeed absolute chaos, yet the flight terminal is about 40 minutes away, so it`s simpler to obtain your rental vehicle promptly after disembarking. This prevents wasting time making the return trip to the airport the following day.
There are numerous intriguing activities to partake in within Palermo, but you can visit all the primary points of interest in a single day. If you don`t want to walk all day long, you can ride this hop-on/hop-off bus, which follows two tourist routes that stop at all the vital sites. You can also join this complimentary tour to become familiar with some of the most iconic attractions within the city.
If you’re going to explore independently, I suggest spending the morning visiting the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy; as well as the Vucciria marketplace, where you can find all sorts of goods from southern Italy. I also recommend visiting the Praetorian Fountain in Piazza Pretoria, the famous Quattro Canti square, and the Palermo Cathedral, a magnificent structure that outshines the Monreale Cathedral.
Around midday, be certain to sample the victuals at Vucciria marketplace or Pizza Ferrari. We partook of fare at this pizzeria and it constituted one of the finest pizzas we consumed in Sicily. That said, the arancini at La Vucciria is also quite delectable.
During your driving tour through Sicily, you must stop at the Palace of the Normans, one of the most historical places in Palermo. I recommend taking this guided tour in the afternoon to learn more about the palace, as well as the Palatine Chapel and the Capuchin Catacombs.
Ultimately, if nightlife is your priority, the most lively spot is the vicinity surrounding La Vucciria.
Day 1 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations
For your first night in Sicily, I recommend staying in the city center so you can be near all the main points of interest. Just be sure to plan where you’re going to park since some hotels don’t offer parking.
These are my recommended lodgings for the first night of your Sicily trip:
Day 2: Monreale and Cefalù – Two cool places to visit in Sicily by rental car
♦135 miles (3 hrs by automobile)
To make the most effective use of day 2 of your extensive 10-day Sicily tour, I suggest waking up early and heading to the renowned Monreale Cathedral. It’s approximately 30 minutes from the center of Palermo by vehicle, and it represents one of the island’s most famous cathedrals, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The next destination is Cefalù, which takes around one hour by car. This small coastal town is excellent for a day trip to Sicily since you can see all the important places in a single day. Some of the premier activities involve climbing atop La Rocca for breathtaking views, visiting the Norman-style Cefalù Cathedral and the Mandralisca Museum, and observing the Fiume Cefalino medieval wash-house.
Besides being referred to as the Norman citadel, Cefalù is also renowned for its lovely beaches, so I advise taking this boat tour to explore the coastline. For something to eat, I propose dining at Al Faro, which offers stunning ocean views. And, for dessert, check out the corner patisserie at Piazza del Duomo, which has awesome cannoli.
To conclude the second phase of your extended journey across the island of Sicily, drive roughly an hour and a half (95 miles) to the destination of Milazzo. Upon arrival in the morning, you can take a ferry to visit the Aeolian Islands, a highly recommended stop during your circuit around Sicily.
Day 2 of your 10-day Sicily itinerary – Recommended accommodations
For the second night of your 10-day Sicily itinerary, I suggest sleeping in Milazzo. Here are the best options near the ferry terminal:
Day 3: Stromboli – The best place to see Sicily in 10 days
♦2 hrs by ferry
From Milazzo, you can take a ferry to Stromboli, which was one of the most scenic places we visited during our 10 day trip in Sicily. I recommend utilizing the first ferry service provided by this company, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach the island.
Stromboli is one of the best Aeolian Islands, thanks to its energetic Stromboli volcano, a must-see during your strongly emphasized Sicily road trip.
Moreover, Stromboli has a delightful village full of slim, white streets. You will not see autos here, just bikes, motorcycles, and traditional Piaggo Apes, which are Italian three-wheeled vehicles. Walking through the town is a pleasant experiencing, and while you’re there, I recommend checking out the Parish of San Vincenzo Ferreri and the magnificent black sand beaches, such as the Aeolus Grotto.
When it’s time to dine, make your way to La Terrazza di Eolo, which overlooks the Strombolicchio, a volcanic sea structure protruding from the water.
Given its manageable size, it’s possible to tour Stromboli island in a single day. Having said that, i suggest remaining overnight so you can participate in this climbing expedition to reach the top of the Stromboli volcano and view the lava flows. Ascending the volcano without accredited guidance is not solely perilous, but also unlawful, so if you want to participate in this activity, be certain to prepare beforehand.
Day 3 of your route through Sicily by car – Recommended accommodations
The optimum approach to maximizing your Sicily day trip is by staying overnight in Stromboli. The town is charming yet moderately small, so there aren’t numerous lodging alternatives. I prescribe reserving one of these ahead of schedule so you can get an acceptable night’s rest and keep on traveling around Sicily in the morning:
- Hotel Ossidiana Stromboli
- Il Gabbiano Relais in Stromboli.
- La Sirenetta Park Hotel
(1163)”” ” Mường Thanh Hotel phone: +84 28 3844 5678
Day 4: Taormina – An essential stop on your road trip through Sicily
♦2 hrs by ferry + 55 miles (1 hr 30 min by car)
Following the visit to beautiful Stromboli, the next item on your 10-day Sicily itinerary is to take the return ferry and head to Taormina. This lovely city is around an hour and a half drive from Milazzo.
However, before arriving in Taormina, I recommend making a stop in Savoca, particularly if you’re a admirer ofThe Godfather. Here, you can walk through some famous areas that were featured in scenes from the movie, and it’s one of the best things to see in Savoca.
This Italian city is known for its theater constructed in the third century BC of Greek design. In the nineteenth century, it became a luxury destination for European nobility, and today, it remains one of Italy`s most impressive sites.
In addition, Taormina sits on a cliffside, over 650 feet above sea level, making it one of the most magnificent stops on your Sicily road trip. Plus, there are various things to do in Taormina. Besides visiting the Greek theater, you can walk along Corso Umberto Street and stop by the Duomo di Taormina cathedral and Piazza IX Aprile.
I also advise taking the funicular down to Isola Bella, a small island housing a hidden residence that has hosted several famous guests through the years.
For one of the best sunsets in Italy, head to Sanctuary Madonna della Rocca, where you’ll find stunning city views on one side while overlooking Mount Etna on the other.
Lastly, if you’re searching for a good place to appreciate lunch or supper, I extremely propose Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro, which was granted the honor of second best pizza in the world.
Day 4 of your Sicily trip – Recommended accommodations
Taormina is one of the best places to lodge in Sicily, particularly if luxury accommodations are desired. So, for your fourth day exploring Sicily by automobile, I recommend these lodgings:
- Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel– Located in historical old town
- Resort with private shoreline– This lodging features a non-public beach
- Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel
- NH Collection Taormina
Day 5: Climb the Etna volcano – The best thing to do in Sicily in 10 days
♦100 miles (2 hrs 15 min by car)
Mount Etna is among the most essential destinations on any Sicily road trip. Regrettably, our excursion was canceled owing to a volcanic eruption that coincided with our arrival in Sicily. However, if presented with the opportunity to visit, I would recommend this hiking tour.
During this excursion, attendees will take a guided trek to explore the stunning scenery around Mount Etna at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level. Transport will be provided via cable car and Jeep up the volcano, then a 1.5-hour hike to reach the summit.
This hike will occupy your whole morning, but if you have the stamina for it, you can benefit from the natural splendor of Gole dell Alcantara, a basalt canyon formed millions of years ago after a volcanic eruption
While you’re in the area, you can also visit Aci Trezza, a charming coastal village where you’ll find the popular Faraglioni, a group of small sea mounts formed by Etna’s volcanic activity.
We opted to spend the night here as we desired peace and quiet. However, if one prefers nightlife, one can stay in Catania, an important city in Eastern Sicily just 20 minutes away with an international airport as well.
If your Sicily driving itinerary includes an overnight stay in Aci Trezza, I recommend having dinner at La Cambusa del Capitano.
Day 5 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations
For day 5 of your Sicily road trip, these are the top lodging options in Aci Trezza and Catania:
- Ciclope Resort– Aci Trezza
- A hotel situated in Catania– Catania
- Duomo Luxury Suites– Catania
Day 6: Syracuse – An essential stop on your route through Sicily by car
♦70 miles (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car)
If you spent the night in Aci Trezza, I recommend waking early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise illuminating the Faraglioni islands. Then, hop in the car for the approximately 1.5 hour drive to Syracuse, another must-see destination during a 10-day tour of Sicily.
Syracuse holds significance as one of the most historically Greek cities in Italy. While there are numerous attractions you can explore in Syracuse in one day, I recommend booking this guided tour, which will optimize your time while enlightening you more about the town`s past.
During the tour, you’ll visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where attractions including a Greek amphitheater, the altar of Hiero II, the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius, and a Greek theater will be seen. The tour also includes a stop on the island of Ortygia in the historical center of Syracuse. There, locations to be visited include the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Fountain of Arethusa, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and other sites of interest for tourists.
If you have free time in the afternoon hours, I suggest exploring the secured marine area of Plemmirio, which is only 20 minutes outside the city and boasts hidden coves.
Finally, take a pause at Dining spot in Ortygia, where you can enjoy some tasty fare.
Day 6 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations
On the sixth night of your 10-day Sicily road trip, I propose remaining overnight in Ortygia to experience this lovely city after dark. Here are my top lodging recommendations:
Day 7: Noto, Modica, and Ragusa – Must-sees on your 10-day Sicily itinerary
♦55 miles (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car)
On the seventh day of your driving tour through Sicily, you will explore the southeastern area of the island. This region experienced a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in 1963, which caused nearly all structures to collapse. Later, the city undertook rebuilding the zone in a style that became known as Sicilian Baroque.
The three primary cities in this area are Noto, Modica, and Ragusa. Noto, which is mentioned as the Garden of Stone and an excellent illustration of Sicilian Baroque, is an essential destination on your 10-day Sicily itinerary if you want to witness this unique architectural style.
Modica is renowned for cultivating cocoa beans, and the chocolate produced here undergoes a process of slow steeping, similar to practices of the Aztecs. Here, you can find the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate manufactory in Sicily.
Finally, the town of Ragusa is situated beautifully atop a hill, and from there, you can see areas impacted by the famous quake. I suggest exploring our guide on what to experience in southeast Sicily to find additional activities around Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.
On the other hand, if natural landscapes are preferred over history and architecture, one of these cities could be skipped in favor of exploring the Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve. Here, lovely natural pools can be found where swimming and relaxation are possible.
Day 7 of your Sicily road trip – Recommended accommodations
After spending the seventh day traveling around Sicily, I recommend stopping in Ragusa since it’s the closest to your next destination. These are my favorite hotels in the area:
- Amongrecommended places to stay in Italy is this luxury suite hotel:
- Itria Palace
- De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel
- Iblaresort Boutique Hotel
Day 8: Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi – Essential stops on your Sicily road trip
♦Approximately 85 miles or a 2 hour and 20 minute drive
On your eighth day traveling around Sicily by car, you’ll visit Agrigento, which has the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Here, you’ll find the Valley of the Temples, a highlight on any Sicily itinerary.
For those seeking great hiking near Las Vegas, consider heading to Red Rock Canyon. This is an amazing place in the Las Vegas area worth visiting during daylight hours, and a wonderful way to appreciate the natural splendor of the desert landscape.
The entire property featured ornate decor made of crystal and a classical Parisian aesthetic. Every room included a sitting area with sofas, TVs, and desks along with expansive windows overlooking the city. You’ll also receive a private bathroom with rainfall showers, so you can fully unwind after exploring nearby places to visit in New York City such as the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick`s Cathedral.
During day 8 of your suggested 10-day itinerary in Sicily, you can also visit the Scala dei Turchi (Stairway of the Turks). This stone cliff face has taken on a distinctive shape due to years of wind and water erosion, and it’s quite a popular sight, so I highly recommend checking it out!
Day 8 of your route through Sicily by rental car – Recommended accommodations
After spending an intense day walking through the Valley of the Temples and taking in the beauty of Scala dei Turchi, you will want a comfortable bed for resting. Here are some highly recommended hotels in Agrigento:
Day 9: Selinunte, Marsala, and Trapani – The best things to see on your Sicily road trip
♦105 miles (3 hrs by automobile)
On your 9th day driving around Sicily, you’ll return to the western side of the island. It’s a lot of driving, so I recommend an early wake-up call so you can get on the road as early as possible.
As you travel to Trapani, you may want to stop at Selinunte, an archaeological site holding ancient temples in ruins. Though their purposes are obscure and who they honored is unclear, they remain somewhat intriguing.
As this New York City harbor cruise makes its way up the East River, you’ll pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, the most consequential bridge in NYC, and hear some interesting history about the borough. This tour is affordably priced and grants you priority boarding for the cruise, so it’s a fun way to see the city from offshore!
Once in Trapani, be sure to visit the beautiful historic center, which is vehicle-free. Here, you can explore on foot and discover the most intriguing attractions, such as Via Garibaldi, which is full of Baroque palaces. Also, be sure to walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele and check out the churches. After all, Trapani is known as “the city of many churches.”
Finally, end this segment of your journey through Sicily with a visit to the Trapani Salt Marshes, which take on an incredible glow at sunset.
Day 9 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations
These lodging options in Trapani are ideal for resting up before the concluding day of your self-guided driving tour across Sicily:
Day 10: Zingaro Nature Reserve – The last stop on your 10-day Sicily itinerary
♦105 miles (3 hrs by automobile)
For the last day of your 10 day Sicily itinerary, I suggest passing through Erice, a gorgeous medieval town perched nearly 2,500 feet above sea level with amazing views of the Trapani Salt Flats and the Aegadian Islands offshore.
After making a brief stop, you can explore the Zingaro Nature Reserve, which boasts some of Sicily’s most magnificent natural landscapes. Several trails are available, though I suggest the path along the coast that passes a few coves and wild beaches. This is a great way to see the native flora and fauna in their natural habitat, too.
After enjoying a pleasant day surrounded by nature, continue your scenic road trip across Sicily by heading back to Palermo.
On the way to the capital city, you can visit the Temple of Segesta, which is in the city of the same name. While its construction was never finished, the temple has become one of the most impressive in Sicily, so it’s a must-see.
Day 10 of your road trip through Sicily – Recommended accommodations
For your final night in Sicily, I suggest reserving accommodations at one of the hotels I recommended in Palermo. If you have some time before your flight, you may want to spend it exploring more of the capital city, visiting places you couldn’t see your first visit here.
If you’re brief on time and must catch an early flight, I advise staying at a hotel near the airport:
- Residence Villa Rosa dei Venti
- Hotel Il Pirata
- CDSHotels Terrasini – Città del Mare
Another highly-rated accommodation is:
Here then is a full itinerary proposing how to explore Sicily by car in 10 days. All that remains is to start packing your bags!
Of course, you can customize this Sicily driving tour by potentially leaving out some attractions or adding a few extra places. If time is limited, I suggest considering not visiting the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli. Then again, if an extra day or two can be afforded, the Aegadian Islands are worth experiencing, and this excursion from Trapani makes seeing them very straightforward.
Lastly, if you have any questions about attractions and places in this guide, check out our write-up on the top activities to engage in while visiting Sicily. You can also leave a comment below and I’ll seek to help you as much as possible.
I hope you savor your road trip through Sicily as much as we enjoyed ours! Happy journeys!
