Inspired by the colours and memories of the shapes, scents and flavours of Sicily, the destination of my many years of summer holidays, I set out to share my insights with you for your next trip. Below, you will find tips and tricks on what to do in Sicily.
A premise must be made: Sicily is big, and it is all beautiful, but I have decided to focus on one area in particular, the north-west coast. You just have to join me in discovering this beautiful island on a 7-day itinerary in Sicily!
The attractions I will talk about below are a summary of the beauty I was able to admire and experience in sunny Sicily. Sea, architecture, culture…there is something for everyone!
- Arrival and visit to Palermo
- Mondello Beach
- Riserva dello Zingaro
- San Vito lo Capo Beach
- Coast of San Vito lo Capo
- Egadi Islands
- Visit to Trapani and return to Palermo
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
You know, being an island, an ‘on the road’ trip from your starting point would be complicated. There is no reason to despair! Many airlines, over the years, have set up routes to Palermo and Catania, the two largest Sicilian cities, to facilitate travel. For this itinerary, the suggested airport is Palermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport.
Day 1 (Extra): City Tour through Palermo
As the title says, take this as an ‘extra’ in case your flight arrives at your destination at a decent time to take advantage of the hours of sunshine in Palermo. Palermo offers a lot to tourists, and visiting it in one day would be a real Mission Impossible, not to mention that you would probably not be able to enjoy its elegance because of the rush. For a start, I recommend taking your time to visit Piazza Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria, just a few metres from each other and both full of palaces, fountains and old-fashioned shapes.
In case it is still early afternoon when you have finished, and your phone battery is still charged enough to take some evocative souvenir photos, the next stop is definitely the Palermo Cathedral. Its mixture of architectural styles and its grandeur, I am sure, will enter your hearts.
Day 2: Swim at Mondello Beach
Knock-knock… hear that? The sun is shining and knocking on your window to invite you to a new day of exploration. I guess it is the perfect chance to visit the sea! Palermo has always been one of the hottest cities in Italy, and wandering the streets may not be the best choice in the sultry hours.
Therefore, you have an excellent excuse to relax on the famous Mondello Beach, a true institution of the city. Watch out! Its popularity among the people of Palermo makes it a key weekend destination, turning it into a ‘hive’ of bathers. If you are not a fan of crowded places, you can still take advantage of the sea and its surroundings with one of the boat trips offered along the coast.
Day 2: Another Visit to the City of Palermo
Now that you are properly refreshed, it is time to move on to what the city has to offer. Stops to plan are definitely the Teatro Massimo, as well as the Royal Palace. If you are visiting Sicily, you cannot return at the end of your holiday without having tried at least some of the incredible variety of typical food…you just can’t, I mean, they stop you at the gate at the airport!
To avoid this unpleasant situation, the many district markets in the city, including Ballarò, will help you. In these places, you will encounter pick-up trucks and stalls with delicious typical food at a good … market price. Try it to believe!
Day 3: Visit of Riserva dello Zingaro
Knock-knock… yes, you already know who it is. Having reached this point, it is time to leave Palermo behind for a moment and explore the island. Planning an itinerary of the north-west coast, the first mandatory stop is the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro or, more commonly, Riserva dello Zingaro.
This stretch of coastline has managed to keep its charm intact thanks to the dutiful protection provided by the region. However, its crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity can still be visited on numerous boat trips, united by respect for the nature of the area.
Day 4: Exploration & Relaxation at San Vito Lo Capo Beach
I am sure that, caught up in the excitement of the places you have recently visited, you even anticipate the sun coming to knock on your window this morning. And for good reason! Today, in fact, it is the turn of San Vito lo Capo and its beach. After days of photographic tourism, I would advise you to unplug for a moment and recharge your batteries. You will love the white sand, the crystal-clear water and the numerous facilities on the shoreline.
Once you have finished your tanning session to make your office colleagues envious, you might enjoy a walk through the narrow streets of the town. In the shade of the little white houses that grace the landscape of San Vito lo Capo, you will find your inner peace.
Day 5: Navigation along the Coast of San Vito lo Capo
Galvanized by the beauty of San Vito lo Capo, you are now ready for a tour of its equally impressive coastline. The best way to do this is an organized boat trip, because of the many coves that are only accessible by sea. The itineraries of tour operators are quite similar, simply because they touch on points that are worth seeing. Among them, it is worth mentioning the Caletta del Bue Marino and the Màcari Beach, or, on the opposite side, the Riserva dello Zingaro and the Faraglioni of Scopello.
Day 6: Tour of the Egadi Islands from Trapani
Continuing with our north-west coast itinerary, the obvious choice is to stop in Trapani. Having a full day available, I suggest a visit to the nearby Egadi Islands, Favignana and Levanzo to be precise. Again, now for ‘geographical’ reasons, the best way to do this is via a boat trip. Luckily for you, Trapani is teeming with operators who will more than willingly take you to discover these pearls of the Mediterranean.
If I may say, my favourite island of the two is undoubtedly Favignana. In particular, I have indelible memories of the impressive Tonnara Florio and the Cala Rossa beach. Masterpieces of man and nature. Then you tell me. There is also the possibility of visiting the third island, Marettimo, in a single excursion. In that case, however, be psychologically prepared for a substantial number of hours of navigation. Suitable for strong hearts (and stomachs)!
Day 7: Visit to Trapani (extra) and Return to Palermo
And here we come to the last day of our itinerary. Again, much depends on the time of your return flight. If you have stayed in Trapani and have the morning and part of the afternoon at your disposal, nothing prevents you from pleasantly losing yourself in the city’s Bourbon streets. I suggest a visit to Trapani’s historical centre and its cathedral, as well as the characteristic Fish Market. The latter can be reached from the scenic Lungomare Dante Alighieri promenade.
After this itinerant feast of culture and irresistible sights, it is time to head for the Falcone e Borsellino Airport. Needless to say, a week in Sicily cannot include its tourist completeness and the countless places to visit. Today we have dwelt on the surroundings of Palermo, but I am sure you will return next year to explore a new area. That is why I will prepare a new itinerary, so that you can hear the Sicilian sun knocking on your window once again. See you soon!