Buongiorno, wanderluster! Italy is a dream destination for any traveler (unless you are Italian, I guess), and each corner of it has so much to offer. Made (more?) popular by The White Lotus TV show, Sicily is an Italian island where ancient ruins, volcanoes, and turquoise waters come together for the perfect travel plan! Not to mention, you will find here all the authentic charm of the Italian south, with its friendly people and great food.
I found Catania the perfect home base for exploring it all, when I went as a digital nomad for one month. Close to the magic Taormina and its crystal clear waters, it is also a gateway to explore the volcano Etna and has the best nightlife of the island. All of that with the conveniences of a middle city. Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full 10 days, this itinerary will help you soak up Sicily’s magic, one cannolo at a time.
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Why Catania?
Catania is Sicily’s gritty, vibrant second city, sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna. It’s packed with Baroque gems, markets with food more delicious then you can find in your overpriced deli at home, and some of the best food on the island. Plus, it’s super well-connected for day trips!
Now, let’s get into your Sicilian adventure—pick the itinerary that fits your trip length, and don’t forget to eat all the pasta along the way. Remember: in Italy calories don’t count.
Where to Stay in Catânia
Budget Stay
Eco Hostel: in the city center, includes breakfast
Mid-Range Stay
Sicily in Home Centro Catania Pescheria: also near the center, the interior and views are so beautiful your camera will be full of pictures from the hotel
Luxury Stay
Palazzo Sangiorgio: go full royalty and immerse into the Baroque vibes with this hotel equipped with spa and yoga classes.
3-Day Sicily Itinerary (The Highlights)
Day 1: Catania’s Charms
Start your morning at Piazza del Duomo, where the iconic elephant fountain (u Liotru) winks at you. Pop into the Cathedral di Sant’Agata. Visit the Teatro Massimo Bellini, a beautiful building from the outside. Come back here later for an Opera concert if you are into it! Otherwise, you can also get a guided tour to visit it on the inside.
Then, lose yourself in the Fish Market (La Pescheria)—it’s loud, smelly, and so Sicilian🤩. Buy some cheese and local fruit to enjoy later. At the time I went, they did accept credit cards. It actually took a little to connect, and I gained a sip of wine because I had to wait – at 11 in the morning, best way to start a vacation day!
To learn deeper, consider taking a guided tour with a local.
After having lunch in one of the osterias nearby, let’s resume the sightseeing. The next stop is the Roman Theater and Odeon, ruins from the Roman Empire time. Join a guided tour of the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena to learn all the secrets of the building – hourly guides are available. Head then to Castello Ursino, a medieval castle plopped in the city center. Enjoy the exhibition inside and take some time to feel like you are living in the middle ages.
End your day with a sunset aperitivo and an arancino on Via Etnea, Catania’s main street. Sit on a street table and enjoy the people watching.
Day 2: Taormina & Isola Bella
From all the things, you don’t want to miss a visit to Taormina during your time in Catania! Hop on a train or bus to get to Sicily’s most glamorous cliffside town. Once there, you can wander through the Ancient Greek Theatre, where the views of Etna and the sea will steal your breath. Then, head to Isola Bella, a tiny island beach perfect for a dip. You can get there either with the cable car or walking down the steps (it’s a good hike, but worth it for the views!)
You might recognize here the scenario of The White Lotus show – if you were a fan, you can even take a themed tour to explore the town.
If you are more of a sailor, enjoy your beach day by taking a boat tour with aperitif to live your best life.
Back in Taormina, treat yourself to a fancy dinner—try pasta or pizza alla norma (eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata) at a restaurant with a view.
Day 3: Day trip to Etna Volcano
You also don’t want to leave Catania without this activity. Join a day trip to the impressive Etna Volcano. Explore the extraterrestrial-like terrain for some great photos and active fun! You can also take the cable car and relax sipping some local wine at the cafe. You can combine the visit with a wine tasting experience, either in the morning or for the sunset.
5-Day Sicily Itinerary (Add More Coastal Magic)
Follow Days 1-3 above, then add:
Day 4: Aci Castello & More Catania Gems
Take the regular bus or a hop-on, hop-of bus to visit Aci Castello and Acitrezza, a small commune with an amazing ocean view. If you are open to rocky beaches, you can also enjoy some swimming time, or even do some water sports here.
If you still have time or prefer some city activities, I recommend a visit to Palazzo Biscari. Book a guided tour in advance (you can’t visit it without a tour) to appreciate this architectural gem. Fun fact: Coldplay filmed a videoclip there many years ago, can you guess which one?
Day 5: Syracuse & Ortigia
Head south to Syracuse, where the Neapolis Archaeological Park holds a massive Greek theater. Then, cross the bridge to Ortigia, Syracuse’s dreamy old town all in shades of soft cream. It will be hard to find a favorite building! Stroll along the waterfront, visit the Duomo (built inside an ancient Greek temple!), and snack on fresh seafood or local sweets at the market. Don’t be shy and enjoy some sunbathing with the locals near the rocks.
7-10 Day Sicily Itinerary (The Full Sicilian Feast)
If you have more time, I assume you want to explore more of the island. Follow Days 1-5, then add:
Day 6: The Baroque Beauty of Noto & Modica
Take a day trip to Noto, Sicily’s Baroque masterpiece. The golden buildings glow in the sun—don’t miss the Noto Cathedral and a granita (Sicilian slushie) at Caffè Sicilia. Next, head to Modica, famous for its chocolate (yes, you must try some).
Day 7: Valley of the Temples, or The Godfather Tour
Take an early train to Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples, some of the best-preserved Greek ruins outside Greece.
If ruins are not much of your thing, you can also have a cultural day by taking a Godfather Tour. You will visit the spots of the film and learn more about Sicilian culture.
Day 8: Beach Day at Cefalù
Cefalù is a charming medieval town with a postcard-perfect beach. This is what italian vacation dreams are made of! This one is super close to our next visit, so maybe you want to join then in one trip.
Day 9-10: Palermo & Monreale
Finish strong in Palermo, Sicily’s chaotic capital. Visit the Palermo Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, and stuff yourself at Ballarò Market. On your last day, take a quick trip to Monreale for its stunning golden mosaics.
Sicilian Food to Stuff in Your Face
Wondering which food you cannot miss while in Sicily? You cannot leave without trying:
- Arancino (fried rice balls—Catania’s are pointy, stuffed with meat or cheese).
- Pasta alla Norma (eggplant, tomato, ricotta salata).
- Cannoli (crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta—get them fresh!).
- Granita with Brioche (breakfast of champions).
- Pane e Panelle (chickpea fritter sandwiches—Palermo’s street food gem).
Cheeses to try:
- Ricotta Salata (salty, crumbly, perfect on pasta – trust me, not your regular ricotta).
- Pecorino Siciliano (sheep’s milk cheese, often peppery).
Fruits & Market Goodies:
- Blood Oranges (arance rosse—Sicily grows the best!).
- Pistachios from Bronte (green gold, perfect for pesto or gelato).
- Cherry Tomatoes (pachino—so sweet, you’ll eat them like candy).
If you don’t want to miss anything, join a highly rated food tour and have fun with other travelers!
Sicilian Culture & Safety Tips
Sicily is warm, loud, and full of life. Expect passionate gestures, late dinners, and lots of espresso. Catania can feel chaotic, but it’s generally safe. As a female traveler, standard precautions apply: avoid empty streets at night, keep an eye on your bag in crowds, and trust your gut. Don’t go alone to sketchy places. Sicilian men might flirt (“Ciao, bella!”), but a firm “No, grazie” usually does the trick.
Final Thoughts
Sicily is a feast for the senses, and Catania is the perfect launchpad. Whether you’ve got 3 days or 10, this itinerary ensures you’ll leave with a full heart (and a fuller stomach).
Now, go book that ticket—la dolce vita awaits!
