The ultimate 5-Day Sicily Itinerary for First-Timers

The adventure of this 5 day Sicily itinerary begins in Palermo, a city where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences collide in a vibrant, chaotic blend. Take a city tour or stroll through the streets alone where you’ll see the likes of Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece of layered architecture, before heading to the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, where golden mosaics shimmer under dim light.

A wander through Ballarò Market brings the first taste of Sicilian street food—arancini, panelle, and sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza). The afternoon is spent exploring Quattro Canti, the grand baroque crossroads, and Piazza Pretoria, with its striking Renaissance fountain. A visit to La Martorana and San Cataldo churches reveals Palermo’s unique Arab-Norman heritage.

As the sun sets, a stroll along Foro Italico leads to dinner in La Vucciria, Palermo’s old market district, now buzzing with atmospheric trattorias and lively wine bars.

The morning begins with a drive to Cefalù, a medieval seaside town with golden beaches and a dramatic Norman cathedral. The Duomo di Cefalù, with its stunning mosaics, rivals those of Monreale, while a climb to La Rocca, the craggy hill overlooking the town, offers breathtaking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Wandering through the old town, past charming piazzas and hidden courtyards, leads to a leisurely lunch of fresh seafood by the waterfront.

In the afternoon, the journey continues back towards Palermo for a visit to Monreale, home to one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy. The golden mosaics of the Monreale Cathedral, covering over 6,000 square metres, depict biblical stories in dazzling detail. The adjacent cloisters, with their intricate Arab-inspired columns, provide a moment of tranquillity before returning to Palermo for a relaxed evening.

The next stop on this Sicily itinerary is a journey south to Agrigento, home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive collections of Greek ruins outside Greece. Walking among the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Heracles, set against the rolling Sicilian landscape, feels like stepping into the ancient world.

Lunch in Agrigento’s historic centre offers a chance to try pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines, pine nuts, and wild fennel), a classic Sicilian dish. In the afternoon, a stop at Scala dei Turchi, a stunning white limestone cliff overlooking the sea, provides a dramatic coastal contrast to the ruins.

The day ends in Ragusa, a baroque gem perched on a hillside. An evening wander through Ragusa Ibla, the city’s oldest district, reveals honey-coloured palazzi and hidden staircases, with dinner at a traditional osteria serving local specialities like cavatelli with ricotta and sausage.

The morning begins with a short journey to Noto, Sicily’s baroque capital. The streets glow with golden stone as the Cathedral of San Nicolò dominates the skyline. Strolling along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, past grand palaces and ornate churches, captures the elegance of this UNESCO-listed town.

By midday, the journey continues to Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world. The first stop is Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave famed for its acoustics.

The afternoon is spent exploring Ortigia, the island heart of Syracuse. Its narrow, winding streets lead to Piazza del Duomo, where the Syracuse Cathedral, built atop an ancient Greek temple, dominates the square. As evening falls, the waterfront promenade is the perfect place for an aperitivo, before enjoying a seafood dinner with views over the Ionian Sea.

The final day of this Sicily itinerary begins in Catania, Sicily’s lively second city, framed by the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna. A morning visit to Piazza del Duomo, with its elephant fountain and Catania Cathedral, offers a glimpse into the city’s baroque beauty. A stroll along Via Etnea, lined with black lava stone buildings, leads to Teatro Romano, an ancient Roman theatre hidden in the heart of the city.

For those with time, a short detour to the Pescheria, Catania’s famous fish market, captures the raw energy of Sicilian street life, with vendors calling out the morning’s fresh catch.

A final Sicilian lunch—perhaps pasta alla Norma, the city’s signature dish of aubergine, tomato, and ricotta—marks the perfect end to the trip before departure. From Palermo’s chaotic streets to Catania’s volcanic energy, Sicily’s mix of history, beauty, and vibrant culture leaves a lasting impression.