Sicily on the road: 10-day itinerary

A 10-day Sicily road trip is the perfect opportunity to discover the island in a balanced and unhurried way, crossing east, west, and south. In this guide, you will find a recommended route with main stops, details on kilometers to travel, suggestions on where to stay, and advice on how to organize your bases to move comfortably by car.

Day 1-2: Palermo and Cefalù

Start your Sicily self-drive tour from lively Palermo, rich in history and culture. Spend at least one day visiting its markets, historic center, and churches. The next day, drive to Cefalù, about 70 km away, for a break between sea and medieval art.

Day 3-4: Trapani, Erice, and Agrigento

Continue west to Trapani (about 260 km from Cefalù), an ideal starting point to visit the charming village of Erice. The following day, head to Agrigento (about 130 km), where you can admire the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5-6: Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli

Head southeast to explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli, located just a few kilometers apart. These cities offer a unique artistic heritage and excellent opportunities to taste local cuisine.

Day 7-8: Noto and Syracuse

Continue to the eastern coast with Noto, famous for its refined Baroque architecture, and Syracuse, with its island of Ortigia rich in history and charm. The distance between the two is about 40 km, perfect for a day of cultural exploration and relaxation.

Day 9-10: Catania, Etna, and Taormina

For the last two days, move to Catania (about 65 km from Syracuse), the perfect base for a visit to the majestic Etna and the beautiful Taormina, only 50 km from Catania. Here you can enjoy unique views and an unforgettable Mediterranean atmosphere.

Practical tips for the trip

• Choose strategic bases like Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ragusa, and Catania to reduce changes and optimize driving times;
• Consider about 100-250 km between stops to travel without stress;
• If you prefer a slower pace, consider skipping stops like Trapani/Erice or Ragusa/Modica to deepen your experience in other areas.

Where to stay during the Sicily self-drive tour

The main cities offer a wide range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to characteristic bed & breakfasts. Booking in advance is important, especially in high season. For an authentic experience, also consider farmhouses or small hotels on the outskirts of the cities.

Additional resources to plan your trip

For more information on attractions and routes, visit the official Sicily tourism site and the Sicily Turismo portal. These sites offer updates on events, useful tips, and detailed maps.

Discover Sicily with Sicily Way

For an interactive and personalized guide, open the Sicily Way platform: an intuitive web app with detailed maps, thematic filters, and in-depth cards on art, nature, and culture. You can create your tailor-made Sicily self-drive tour, discovering even lesser-known but fascinating corners.

Don’t miss the chance to live an authentic and well-organized experience: explore Sicily on Sicily Way and start planning your 10-day road trip!

Navigate the Sicily Way map and get inspired for an unforgettable tour.