Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a true treasure chest when it comes to historical and cultural heritage. There is so much beauty to discover. You could easily spend weeks here. I, however, only have five days to explore part of the island, which means making choices. It also means getting up early every day to make the most of my time. This way I can see a lot in just a few days and still enjoy a relaxed pace. In this article I take you along on the short road trip I make past some beautiful places in East Sicily.
Read this article in DutchChoose an early outbound flight and a late return flight
You can make the most of a few days in Sicily by arriving early in the morning and leaving late in the evening. It gives you two extra days to enjoy the island and saves you the cost of an additional overnight stay. I fly with Transavia to Catania and arrive around nine in the morning. Since I am travelling with hand luggage only, I am next to my rental car in no time.
East Sicily route
Most of the places I visit on this trip lie along the eastern coast of Sicily. To get a feel for the island’s landscapes, I decide to make a loop rather than driving up and down the coastline. I do not have enough time to visit several inland locations, which is why I plan only one exceptional attraction, Villa Romana del Casale, where I allow myself plenty of time. I also want to visit Cefalù, a charming town on the northern coast of Sicily that served as the backdrop for several scenes in the HBO series The White Lotus. I drive the route clockwise. If you want to follow the same route but find it a bit too much for a few days, you could consider skipping Cefalù.
Mount Etna
From the airport I head straight to Mount Etna. The weather is clear, so I decide to take my chance right away. The cable car at Rifugio Sapienza brings me up to an altitude of 2550 metres in no time. From there you can explore several craters on foot and the views at this height are fantastic. You can see a large part of Sicily spread out beneath you. If you find yourself wanting more, you can continue higher up the volcano with a four by four bus to visit the upper craters. Make sure to set aside some time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and sweeping views as you drive back down, as there are several viewpoints along the road. It is hard to grasp just how immense Etna truly is.
Alcantara gorge
The Alcantara Gorge is the first stop the next morning. You can take a walk through the botanical garden and look down into the deep gorge from several viewpoints. Even better is walking through the gorge itself. You can reach the bottom by lift, or you can take the stairs if you prefer to walk. During the day it can get very busy, especially in high season. I arrive early in the morning and have the gorge almost entirely to myself, which is wonderful. The water is ice cold and crystal clear. It is such a special place and incredibly beautiful. By the time I leave, the first towels are already spread out along the water and the gorge is starting to fill up. I am glad I came early.
Fancy a bit of action? Several activities are offered in the Alcantara Gorge, such as body rafting, canyoning or river trekking.
Taormina
Taormina is the next stop on the route. I park the car just outside the centre in a parking garage, where a free shuttle bus runs every fifteen minutes to the heart of the town. I spend hours wandering through the narrow streets and alleys, enjoying the beautiful views of the sea. Of course I do not skip the Greek Theatre of Taormina, an incredibly impressive site. It is one of the best preserved Greek theatres in Europe. From the theatre you have direct views of Etna and part of the town. The ancient Greeks certainly knew how to choose the most spectacular locations for their monuments and this theatre is a perfect example.
Ortigia (Syracuse)
One place in the east of Sicily that I definitely want to visit is Ortigia, the historic heart of the city of Syracuse. Ortigia lies on an island and is not very large, making it a wonderful place to simply wander and get pleasantly lost. If you prefer a bit more structure during your visit or do not have much time, you can follow this walk through Ortigia. It takes you through the most picturesque alleys, past the main historic buildings and to the most beautiful viewpoints. Ortigia leaves a deep impression on me and I cannot stop taking photos. There is so much beauty to see.
Noto
Noto lies a bit further inland and is unfortunately skipped by many travelers. That is a shame, because it is an impressive city, especially if you enjoy architecture. You will find grand baroque buildings here, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the elegant Palazzo Ducezio. As you walk through the city it becomes immediately clear why Noto has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Marzamemi
To end the day, the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi is a wonderful place to visit. Marzamemi has small squares lined with former fishermen’s houses that have been transformed into restaurants, along with cosy terraces. From here you look out over colourful boats gently floating on the water. And what should you eat here? Fish of course.
Piazza Armerina
In the inland region lies the town of Piazza Armerina, best known for the Roman site mentioned below. The town flourished in the fourth century before slipping into a long period of decline. In the twelfth century Piazza Armerina revived again as a bustling market town.
Villa Romana del Casale
Close to Piazza Armerina lies one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Sicily, Villa Romana del Casale. This Roman villa from the fourth century AD contains many different rooms, each decorated with exceptionally well preserved mosaics. The complex is enormous and truly overwhelming to explore.
Cefalù
The town of Cefalù may be a little out of the way on this route through eastern Sicily, but it is absolutely worth a visit. I recognised it from afar thanks to the HBO series The White Lotus, as several scenes were filmed here. The coastal town is especially known for its view of the bay, with the town and its towering cathedral rising behind it. It is the kind of place where you happily wander through the streets, sample Sicilian treats such as un brioche con gelato and cannoli, and enjoy the view from a bench by the water.
Back to Catania
If you still have time after visiting Cefalù, for example because you have an evening flight, you could make a quick stop in Catania since the airport is located there. Unfortunately I have a morning flight, so that is no longer an option for me. I will save it for a future trip, as I would love to return and explore the rest of Sicily.
Where to stay in East Sicily
I spend four days on this road trip. Thanks to an early outbound flight and an early return flight, I have four full days and four overnight stays. I stay in Taormina (Villa Cristina), in Syracuse (B&B Villa Giusy), in Piazza Armerina (Villa Trigona) and in Catania (I Mori Apartament). All are pleasant places to stay. The accommodation in Syracuse stands out for its atmosphere, location and breakfast, while the apartment in Catania is exceptional in terms of space.
