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Latest update: 16 June 2025
Pizza. Pasta. Beach. Baroque. La Dolce Vita! Sicily promises to be a fantastic trip, but the road trip still needs some planning. I’m happy to provide you with inspiration for a travel route so you can make informed choices for a two-week road trip through Sicily.
Sicily road trip – route starting from Trapani
It naturally depends on where you fly and how you organize your travel route through Sicily. You can fly into Catania, Palermo, and Trapani. Because of an affordable flight, I’m flying into Trapani. This itinerary uses Trapani as both starting and ending points.
It sounds so wonderfully long: two full weeks in Sicily. Before I seriously started planning, I had the illusion that I could drive around the entire island in two weeks. Well… it is possible. But then I’d have to really push through, and there wouldn’t be time to truly enjoy anywhere. So, I choose to cut through from Trapani to Taormina and then roughly follow the coastline back to Trapani. In stages, of course.
Active travel schedule
For your reference, it’s helpful to know how active this itinerary actually is. Well, I didn’t go on all sorts of overly active hikes, but with this itinerary, I’m constantly on the move. I always want to see and do so much that I sometimes forget to plan a rest day. I actually would have liked one or two extra nights on the east coast for some beach time, as that got short-changed now. So, decide for yourself what you find comfortable. This itinerary assumes many different overnight locations, but you could easily spend some more time at accommodations and do a little more driving. So, use this mainly as a guide to map out your own perfect Sicily road trip itinerary.
Two-week Sicily itinerary
I rent a car to get around the island. You will probably too, and then I recommend comparing insurance coverage and prices at DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com. For the cost breakdown, it turns out to be smarter to spend the first two days in Trapani without a car and then go back to the airport to pick up the car. Including taxis, that’s still cheaper.
Trapani (2 nights) – Enna (1 night) – Taormina (1 night) – Catania (2 nights) – Syracuse (2 nights) – Noto (1 night) – Ragusa (1 night) – Caltagirone (1 night) – Sciacca (2 nights) – Marsala (1 night)
As you can see on the map, the ‘center of gravity’ of this itinerary is in the southeast of Sicily. I skipped the entire northern coast and islands. There is always next time, right?
Day 1 & 2: Trapani & Favignana
Today, I land early at Trapani airport and have time to discover the port city. Strolling through the streets, eating the first gelato and cornetto, and having an aperitivo at sunset. Make sure you also visit Erice, which can be reached from Trapani by cable car. On day 2, I take the boat to the Egadi Islands. You can see several with a tour or make the crossing yourself with the ferry. I choose to discover Favignana by bike for a day. In the evening, there’s plenty of time to visit Trapani’s outdoor cafés.
- You sleep in Trapani, for example, at Mini appartamento Trapani Porto
- Also read: Trapani, Sicily: 12 best things to do
- Also read: Tips for food and drinks in Trapani, Sicily
- Also read: Erice Sicily: How to visit, what to do, and practical travel tips
- Also read: Favignana: everything you need to know for a day trip to this Egadi island
- Also read: Via del Sale: the salt route between Trapani and Marsala
Day 3: Enna
In the morning, I pick up the rental car at the airport, and then it’s a few hours’ drive to Enna. Enna is a mountain village in Sicily’s interior, and it’s noticeably cooler there. The view of the area around Enna is truly breathtakingly beautiful. Also, take time to visit the public cemetery. That might not sound like something ‘fun,’ but it’s very interesting to see how different a Sicilian cemetery is compared to a Dutch one.
- You sleep in Enna, for example, at Bianko Ecochique
- Also read: Enna: the stunning Sicilian mountain town tourists overlook
Day 4: Alcantara gorge & Taormina
I’m starting early today because I’m driving via the Alcantara Gorge to Taormina. Actually, I should have started even earlier because quite a few people were already working their way through the ice-cold water along the lava walls of the river. Then I drive on to Taormina, one of the most famous places on Sicily’s east coast and also certainly one of the most expensive. Nobody seems to be deterred by that because it’s swamped in the old center. Definitely also check out the viewpoint over Isola Bella island: a picture-perfect view.
- You sleep in Taormina, for example, at Rosario’s Airbnb.
- Also read: Taormina: Sicily’s busiest little town you’ll want to visit anyway
- Also read: Alcantara Gorge: poorly kept secret in Sicily
Tip! Don’t also forget to enjoy the delicious Sicilian food!
Day 5: Taormina & Mount Etna
Early in the morning, I visit Taormina’s Greek theater because it has a beautiful location on a cliff by the sea. It’s worth getting up early because this way I also catch a glimpse of the lovely village without the crowds. And I have time to join a cannoli-making workshop in Taormina.
Then I drive on to Catania, where I have lunch, take a short walk, and then go on a sunset tour to Mount Etna volcano. The tour is somewhat disappointing, so my advice is to visit it yourself.
- You sleep in Catania, for example, at Apartment Sangiuliano.
- Also read: Catania in Sicily: for foodies, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Also read: Visiting Etna: tips and tours
Day 6: Mount Etna & Catania
The next day, I join another tour to Mount Etna. This time, the tour focuses on wine because wine is grown on volcanic soil. It’s a full-day program, so in the evening, I mainly go out to discover Catania’s hospitality scene. And there’s a lot of fun stuff! Cozy bars, outdoor cafés, and plenty of restaurants. Mild choice stress.
- You sleep in Catania, for example, at Apartment Sangiuliano.
- Also read: Catania in Sicily: for foodies, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Also read: Visiting Etna: tips and tours
Day 7 & 8: Catania and Syracuse
In the morning, I walk some more through Catania’s old center as I want to see the fish market in action. But by lunchtime, I’m already in Syracuse. What a wonderful place that is. The Ortigia peninsula is a paradise of beautiful buildings, cozy squares, and wandering streets. Of course, there are churches and palazzos to see, but I mainly love the feeling of having all the time in the world. Get yourself an oyster and wine at the local market, eat a sandwich at Borderi, and enjoy.
The next day, I take a boat trip, visit the archaeological park, hop from terrace to terrace, eat another sandwich from Borderi, and also take a dip in the sea.
- You sleep in Syracuse, for example, at Orty Suite.
- Also read: Catania in Sicily: for foodies, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Also read: Syracuse Sicily travel guide: the best things to do in this stunning coastal town
Day 9: Noto
Actually, I have no desire to leave Syracuse, but a wine tasting on the way to Noto is already reserved, so let’s go. I stop on the route at Feudo Maccari for a tour and tasting. After that, I briefly visit the beach and then on to Noto. Make sure you’re there around sunset, as the baroque city then gets an almost golden glow. In the evening, after dinner, you can enjoy live music at SECRET.
- You sleep in Noto, for example, at Casa Andromaca.
- Also read: The 10 best things to do in Noto, Sicily
Day 10: Ragusa
I start the morning in Noto and want to stop by Caffè Sicilia. One of the Netflix Chef’s Table episodes is about the owner, so I’m curious about the sweets available at this café. Then you drive on to Ragusa, where you’ll mainly explore the historic district. Here, too, you’ll find a lot of baroque. Due to Ragusa’s location, you have beautiful views in and over the city in many places. Don’t forget to also eat a wine ice cream!
- You sleep in Ragusa, for example, at Casa vacanza home Ragusa
- Also read: The 10 best things to do in Noto, Sicily
- Also read: Travel tips for Ragusa, Sicily: baroque, wine ice cream and donkey sausage
Day 11: Caltagirone
On day 11, I travel to Caltagirone, a town known as Sicily’s ceramics capital. So if you want to get a typical Sicilian souvenir somewhere, then you’re in the right place here. There are many ceramic shops throughout the town, and everywhere you look, you can see they’re proud of them. The streets, bridges, and houses are richly decorated with tiles and flower pots. In principle, half a day in Caltagirone is also enough, but then you miss a really nice accommodation…
- You sleep in Caltagirone, for example, at Loft panoramico Caltagirone centro
- Also read: Travel tips Caltagirone: this Sicilian town will turn you into a ceramics fan
Day 12: Temples of Agrigento
On day 12, I travel from Caltagirone to Sciacca, but not before making a stop at the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi. The Temples of Agrigento are well-preserved Greek temples. It’s pretty much Sicily’s most visited attraction. So if you’re in the area, you really should go see them. Nearby is also the Scala dei Turchi, a white cliff by the sea. Sights seen? Then you drive on to Sciacca, maybe catch an hour of beach time too?
- You sleep in Sciacca, for example, at Domenico’s Airbnb.
- Also read: Scala dei Turchi: visit the famous white cliffs on Sicily’s southern coast
- Also read: Agrigento temples guide: exploring Valle dei Templi in Sicily
- Also read: What to do in Sciacca, Sicily: beaches, street art, and olive groves
Day 13: Sciacca
Today, you have time to discover Sciacca. It’s not a very big town, so a few hours is enough. Make sure you get a cucchiteddi at La Favola; that’s a typical Sciacca delicacy. In the afternoon, I go to the beach for a bit. In the evening, you can either seek out Sciacca’s terraces or stay ‘home’ comfortably. I have a lovely spot in the middle of an olive grove that I prefer to get some groceries and stay there.
- You sleep in Sciacca, for example, at Domenico’s Airbnb.
- Also read: What to do in Sciacca, Sicily: beaches, street art, and olive groves
Day 14: Marsala
From Sciacca, I drive to the last stop: Marsala. Marsala is close to the airport and is known for Marsala wines. Before I go to the center, I first stop at Marco de Bartoli for a Marsala tasting. Later in the day, I also do a tour of Cantine Florio. That one is less personal, but I think the explanation is better.
Between Trapani and Marsala runs the salt route. It’s too much for today to drive it completely and see everything, but a visit to Saline Genna at sunset works. Here, you have a beautiful view of the salt pans. In the evening, you can stroll through Marsala and enjoy your last dinner in Sicily!
- You sleep in Marsala, for example, at L’antica finestrat verde.
- Also read: What to do in Marsala in Sicily
- Also read: Via del Sale: the salt route between Trapani and Marsala
Day 15: going home
The alarm goes off early. Hurry up, return the car, and fly home!
More Sicily travel inspiration
Useful links for your Sicily trip
- Accommodation. Always handy is Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. Book “free” walking tours at Freetour or GuruWalk , and for bike tours, Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare prices and insurance coverage at DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Bol.com and Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Yoga retreat. Or join a yoga retreat in Sicily.
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