Roadtripping in Sicily like a Local
Sicily is probably one of the most famous regions in Italy, but the 70% of tourists only visit 1% of this amazing region. Which to me is CRAZY, because outside the touristic places like Taormina, Temple Valley and Cefalù… there is a land offering authentic country villages, breathtaking and peaceful coastlines, peaks overlooking the Etna…
In this 14 days roadtrip, I have went from the iconic spots to the most hidden gems. To make a lifetime itinerary for you!
Catch you outside,
Elena
- Where: Sicily
- 14 Days Roadtrip
- Distance: 2500km
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
- Loop
- Start/Finish: Catania
Who is this road trip for?
This hike is for whoever has a car or a van. You can hire it like I did or drive and get the ferry.
If you are interested in renting a van, I recommend Indie Campers, and using at check out “HIKE10” will give you a 10% discount.
Day 1 | Catania and Taormina
After picking up our Indie Camper van in Catania, I hit the road towards Taormina, one of Sicily’s most famous coastal towns. After a satisfing lunch at Rosticceria Cristina I have explore its cobblestone streets, and visited the Teatro Antico, with its backdrop of Mount Etna and the sea. The day ended with a sunset view from Piazza IX Aprile and a dinner at Trattoria Tischi Toschi.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 2 | Gole Alcantara, Randazzo and Megaliti dell’ Argimusco
The morning was spent exploring Gole dell’Alcantara, where cool river gorges carved through lava offered a refreshing retreat. Despite the water was so cold I still decided to swim and I made it to the first waterfall. I higly recommend to do so! Also try to arrive early if you go in summer as it get crowded.
AVOID THE TOURIST TRAP: everything is organized to make sure you believe that access the gorge is only possible through the private entrance that will allow you to go down wit an elevator (WTH?!), of course you need to purchase a ticket (costing from 7 to 14€), while in reality there is a municipal staircase 150m further along the road that only cost you 2€. The municipal staircase is not particularly long nor particularly steep and it is also mostly in the shade.
Next, I drove to Randazzo, a medieval gem with the Basilica di Santa Maria, perfect example of Norman-Gothic architecture. The day concluded at the Megaliti Argimusco, Sicily’s “Stonehenge,” where I wandered around and I watched the sunset behind these huge rock formations.
Day 3 | Montalbano Elicona, Troina and Sperlinga
Day 4 | Gangi, Petralia Soprana and Sottana
I felt in love Sperlinga so much that I spent the morning soaking in its peace before heading to Gangi and Petralia Sottana e Soprana. These hilltop towns, with their winding alleys and panoramic views, offered a glimpse into authentic Sicilian life. While Gangi and Petralia Soprana are stunning and definitely worth a visit, if you skip Petralia Sottana is not a big loss! Don’t get me wrong it is nice, but you can skip it.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 5 | Pizzo Carbonara and Cefalu’
The day started with a hike up Pizzo Carbonara, the second-highest peak in Sicily, where breathtaking vistas rewarded my efforts. I had the luck to hike it in a clear day and I could see the Etna. In the afternoon, I headed to Cefalù, the famous seaside town perfect for relaxing by the beach and exploring its Norman Cathedral. I also suggest you to hike up to La Rocca di Cefalù so you can admire the breathtaking panorama.
Day 6 | Monreale and Borgo Parrini
I visited the stunning Cathedral of Monreale, renowned for its intricate mosaics, and wondered around the town, which feels very authentic so i highly suggest to get lost around. before take a drive to go exploring Borgo Parrini, a hidden artistic village in western Sicily reminding of Barcelona, as it’ll feel as if you’re surrounded by the modernism of the Catalan artist Antoni Gaudì.
Day 7 | Tonnara di Scopello and Riserva dello Zingaro
The stunning Tonnara di Scopello and the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro offered a day of coastal beauty, with turquoise waters and rugged cliffs perfect for hiking and swimming.
When visiting Tonnara di Scopello, to avoid the crowds I suggest you to arrive right at 10am, when they open.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 8 | Monte Cofano, Grotta Mangiapane, Erice and Saline di Trapani
The roadtrip continued to Monte Cofano, with its dramatic cliffs and doable trails. I did a loop that took me visiting the Tonnara. This hike was one of the highlight of the entire trip! At the end of the hike I visited Grotta Mangiapane, a fascinating cave village. To then move to the medieval charm of Erice, where it is a must visiting its cathedral (one of my fav ever). On our way to the next stop we enjoyed the sunset over Saline di Trapani and had dinner in Marsala.
Day 9 | Mazara del Vallo, Sciacca and Caltabellotta
From the vibrant fishing town of Mazara del Vallo to the artistic streets of Sciacca and the hilltop beauty of Caltabellotta, this day was all about discovering Sicily’s southwestern gems. If you are in a hurry you can skip Mazara del Vallo. Caltabellotta is a bit of a pain, but it is my second favourite village in Sicily, after Sperlinga.
Day 10 | Eraclea Minoa, Riserva Torre Salsa and Valle dei Templi
I woke up at Eraclea Minoa, where I have enjoyed the sunrise and went for a stroll, then I moved to the pristine Riserva Torre Salsa before stop and admiring at the white cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi. The day ended with a sunset visit to the Valle dei Templi, where the ancient ruins glowed golden.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 11 | Modica, Scicli and Isola delle Correnti
I explored the baroque towns of Modica and Scicli, then headed to Isola delle Correnti, where the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas meet, creating a unique natural spectacle.
Day 12 | Marzameni and Riserva Vendicari
A relaxing morning at Marzamemi, a colorful fishing village, to then move to Vendicari, a coastal reserve teeming with wildlife and crystal-clear waters. You will be able to birdwatching and spot flamingos.
Day 13 | Noto and Siracusa
I spent my day in Noto, admiring its golden baroque architecture, before exploring the historic city of Siracusa, with its ancient Greek Theater and the enchanting island of Ortigia.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the perfect guide for you!
Day 14 | Back to Catania
The trip ended back in Catania, with a final stroll through its bustling markets and a farewell granita.
This roadtrip around Sicily was unforgettable. If you have the chance to go there in autumn, you won’t regret it, I promise. It combines breathtaking landscapes with autumn colours and no tourists.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
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