7-day Sicily itinerary: the east coast route

Last updated on July 17th, 2026.

East Sicily is the most diverse and rewarding part of the island for a first-time visitor. A 7-day itinerary typically starts in Catania, the main airport center, and covers Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Syracuse, Noto and the Val di Noto baroque towns. A car is strongly recommended for flexibility, particularly for the southern section covering Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and Marzamemi. The best time to visit is May to June or September to October. Allow at least 2 nights in Taormina and 2 nights in Syracuse or Noto for a comfortable pace.

The east coast of Sicily is the part of the island I know best.

It’s a region I've been visiting for over 10 years and where we live for part of the year.

If you’ve one week in Sicily and want to make the most of it, this guide is for you.

I'll share what to see, which lesser-known towns are worth the detour and how to build an itinerary that suits your travel style, not just the obvious highlights.

Because there's more to east Sicily than any single week can cover, this guide offers two distinct routes from day 2 onwards.

Choose the one that suits your priorities, combine elements of both, or use this as the foundation for a longer 10 or 14-day Sicily itinerary.

Perfect material for your Italy bucket list, use this post to plan your Italy trip. 


Why visit East Sicily? 

This itinerary focuses on the east coast because it's the side of Sicily I know best. The towns, the roads, the best beaches and the places most guides overlook.

East Sicily is extraordinarily varied.

In a single week you can stand in a Greek amphitheater, swim in clear waters, walk UNESCO protected baroque streets and eat some of the best food in Italy.

The northeast (Taormina, the borghi, the Aeolian Islands) feels completely different from the southeast (Syracuse, the Val di Noto). Both are worth seeing.

Boats on the water at Aci Castello - best places to explore in Sicily

I've also traveled widely around West Sicily (Palermo, Agrigento) and there’s no definitive answer to which side is better.

You'll enjoy whichever part you visit.

But if you're looking for ancient history, baroque architecture and genuine off-the-beaten-track discoveries in one trip, east Sicily has it.

This road trip is one of the best things to do in Sicily and I say that as someone who lives here.


Map of the 7-day east Sicily itinerary

East Sicily covers a lot of ground, and the distances between the northeast and southeast are greater than they look on a standard map.

Use the map below before planning your days.

Both routes are color-coded separately so you can see at a glance which towns belong to which itinerary, where the accommodation is and how the overall route flows from Catania.

Jump to:

7-day east Sicily itinerary


Catania 

The most common starting point for an east Sicily itinerary is Catania Fontanarossa Airport. It’s well connected internationally and around 16 minutes from the city center by car, depending on traffic.

⏩️ See: Every airport in Sicily

One thing worth knowing before you land: Catania airport has some of the best food of any airport in Italy.

The cafes serve authentic Sicilian food at reasonable prices. They're worth eating at before your flight home rather than settling for whatever is available elsewhere.

A note on traffic: Catania has notoriously heavy congestion, particularly around the airport approaches.

If you're driving, allow more time than the sat nav/GPS suggests, especially for an early morning departure.

Porta Uzeda in Catania - Sicily itinerary 7 days
©e55evu/Depositphotos

How long to spend in Catania? 

One day is enough to comfortably cover the city center.

The Cathedral of St. Agatha, Teatro Massimo Bellini, Piazza del Duomo and the Pescheria fish market are all within walking distance of each other.

The historic center is compact and you won't need more than a day unless you want to slow down deliberately.

If you’ve extra time in Catania, consider:

Seafood street food at Pistorios street food in Aci Castello
Fresh seafood at Pistorio's Street Food in Aci Trezza

From day 2, this itinerary divides into two distinct routes depending on your priorities. Choose one or use both as inspiration for a longer trip.


Route A – Day 2: Taormina & Castelmola

For many first-time visitors, Taormina typically tops the list when it comes to the best places to explore in Sicily. 

The hilltop town is around 20 minutes from our home in Sicily and is a town we frequently visit.

One of the most beautiful places in Sicily, it takes around 50 minutes if renting a car to get from Catania to Taormina.

Heavy traffic is normal leading up to Taormina so be prepared to encounter some.  

Lisa Rivera walking up the stairs to St Joseph Church in Taormina
Walking up the stairs to St. Joseph Church in Taormina

The hilltop town boasts an Ancient Greek-Roman amphitheater, a charming town center and spectacular views. Not far from the center is Isola Bella, a small island and nature reserve popular with beach lovers in summer. 

Taormina was brought to an even wider, and varied, audience thanks to TV shows like The White Lotus. The HBO series was filmed in many parts of East Sicily, Taormina being one of them. 

One full day in Taormina is plenty.

Should you have time, also consider visiting the nearby town of Castelmola. Much quieter than Taormina, it has great views, Norman castle ruins and a one-of-a-kind bar….  

Piazza San Antonino in Castelmola - What to see in Sicily for a week
Piazza San Antonino in Castelmola

Route A – Day 3: Savoca, forza d'Agrò & Letojanni  

From Taormina, head north toward Messina and the Aeolian Islands.

Taking the local roads rather than the highway adds time but opens up some of the most rewarding stops on the entire route.

Seafood starter at Ristorante Da Nino in Letojanni East Sicily
Seafood starter at Ristorante Da Nino in Letojanni

Letojanni

The first stop north of Taormina is Letojanni. It's a small beach town known for its seafood restaurants and stretches of sandy beach.

We visit regularly.

If you stop here, book lunch or dinner at Da Nino. The seafood is excellent and the Sicilian dishes are the kind of food we eat at home. High praise.

Ristorante Da Nino, Via Luigi Rizzo, 29 


Two borghi in East Sicily 

Continuing north, two hilltop borghi are worth the detour: Forza d’Agrò and Savoca.  

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Both are small enough to cover in a few hours and both featured as The Godather movie locations in Sicily. 

If you're a fan of the franchise, a Godfather tour from Taormina covers all the main filming spots in one go.

A traditional house in Forza d Agro - Sicily best places to explore architecture
A traditional house in Forza d Agrò

Stroll the cobbled streets, visit the churches and in Savoca make sure to stop at Bar Vitelli.

It’s one of the most famous bars in Sicily and still serving drinks in the same historic setting used in the film.

The drive between the two towns takes around 24 minutes.

A beautiful day at at the beach at Santa Teresa di Riva - one week in Sicily
The beach at Santa Teresa di Riva, East Sicily

Explore the lungomare or continue onto Milazzo 

From Savoca you've two options: explore the smaller towns along the lungomare (coastal promenade) or continue directly to Milazzo (approximately 1hr 10mins by car).

The lungomare towns are where locals go: quieter, residential and completely off the tourist trail.

Our town, Santa Teresa di Riva, has uninterrupted sea views and affordable places to eat. The beach, outside of August, is quiet and the water is (usually) clean and clear.

Granita Siciliana here is exactly what it should be. 

Strawberry granita Siciliana at Bar Mimmo Furci Siculo - east coast Sicily itinerary
Strawberry granita Siciliana at Bar Mimmo Furci Siculo

The next town along, Furci Siculo, also has a pretty beach and promenade.

We visit mainly for one reason: Bar Mimmo.

The granita, gelato, pasta di mandorle (almond cookies) and cannoli are the best Sicilian desserts I've had in east Sicily.

Bar Mimmo, Via IV Novembre, 183, Furci Siculo 


Route A – Days 4 to 6: the aeolian islands

Driving directly from Catania to Milazzo takes approximately 1hr 46mins, longer with traffic. It’s worth factoring in around Messina and Catania's ring road.


Should we stop in Messina? 

Messina is on the route and has a few worthwhile sights.

They include the Duomo and its famous astronomical clock, and the marble fountains with mythological figures near the waterfront.

That said, my honest advice is to push straight to Milazzo.

You’ve limited days and the Aeolian Islands reward time far more than a brief Messina stop. Keep Messina for another trip.

People by the harbor in Lipari Aeolian Islands Sicily - East Sicily itinerary for 7 days
People by the harbor in Lipari, Aeolian Islands

At Milazzo Port   

From Milazzo, board the ferry (traghetto) to the Aeolian Islands.

The most common first stop is Lipari. It’s the largest island, with the most accommodation and the best ferry connections to the other islands. Journey time from Milazzo to Lipari is approximately 1 hour.

You can book your ticket from Milazzo to Lipari online with Liberty Lines or buy it at the port ticket office. Booking ahead is recommended in July and August when ferries fill quickly. 

For everything to do once you arrive, see my complete Lipari guide.


How many days should we spend on the Aeolian Islands? 

If you're following Route A, I'd recommend spending the remainder of your week here.

The islands reward a slower pace: good beaches, clear water and an atmosphere that’s wholly Mediterranean.

Use Lipari as your base and plan day excursions to the neighboring islands:

  • Stromboli: book a night hike to see the lava fountains. One of the most extraordinary experiences in Sicily.
  • Vulcano: volcanic mud baths and sulphurous hot springs. Worth a day trip.
  • Salina: the greenest and quietest of the main islands. Known for capers and Malvasia wine. 
  • Panarea: the smallest and most exclusive of the islands. Beautiful white architecture and clear coves.
  • Filicudi and Alicudi: the most remote and least visited. For those who want to disappear entirely.

Route B – Day 2: Syracuse & Ortigia

Route B heads south from Catania toward Syracuse and the Val di Noto; a completely different Sicily from the northeast.

The drive from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Syracuse takes approximately 1 hour.  

Syracuse (Siracusa) sits on the Ionian coast of eastern Sicily and is one of the most historically important cities in the ancient world.

Its two unmissable attractions are the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to one of the best-preserved Greek theaters, and Ortigia island. 

My Syracuse and Ortigia guide covers both in greater detail.

Duomo of Syracuse in Ortygia - East Sicily itinerary
Duomo of Syracuse in Ortygia

Spend a full day here and stay the night if possible. Ortigia is a completely different experience after visitors leave. It’s quieter, more atmospheric and far easier to appreciate.

Syracuse also makes a natural base for the days ahead.

The roads connecting it further south are straightforward, making it one of the most practical cities in southeast Sicily.


Route B – Day 3: Noto & town/beach 

Noto is one of my favorite cities in southeastern Sicily, and one that holds a particular place for us personally.

We've family and friends who live here, and it's just a few minutes' drive from IUTA Glamping & Farm where we've stayed.

From Syracuse, Noto is a 36-minute drive.

Noto Sicily at night - Sicily itinerary
Noto Sicily at night

You could visit it as an afternoon extension of day 2. However, I'd recommend giving it a full day, particularly if it's your first visit to east Sicily. It deserves the time.

However, I’d personally recommend allocating sufficient time to both cities, especially if it’s your first time visiting East Sicily.  


Beautiful baroque architecture

Noto's historic center is one of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque architecture anywhere on the island.

The Duomo is free to enter and extraordinary. Via Corrado Nicolaci, lined with wrought-iron balconies, is one of the most beautiful streets in Sicily.

There are plenty of things to do in Noto beyond the main corso if you’ve the time to explore.

If you're visiting in May, book tickets for the Infiorata di Noto. 

It’s a unique floral festival that covers Via Corrado Nicolaci in elaborate flower petal designs, and one of the most visually striking events in Sicily.

Movie poster in Noto Sicily - best East Sicily itinerary

If you finish the main sights and want to extend the day, consider adding:

  • Palazzolo Acreide – a lesser-known baroque town worth the short detour
  • Avola Antica – the original hilltop site of Avola before the town moved to the coast 
  • Lido di Noto (sandy beach) – a sandy beach a short drive from the center, ideal for an afternoon swim

Route B – Day 4: Ispica, Ragusa & Modica 

This corner of southeastern Sicily packs a lot into a single day: three distinctive towns within easy driving distance of each other.

Lisa by church in Ispica - best attractions in Sicily
Standing by the church in Ispica, Sicily

Around 30 minutes by car from Noto, Ispica is one of the least visited baroque towns in the Val di Noto, and all the better for it. There are several things to do in Ispica but it's a compact stop.

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Allow an hour, 90 minutes maximum, before continuing to Modica.


Chocolate fix in Modica 

From Ispica, Modica is around 50 minutes by car.

Like Ragusa, it makes a striking impression from the approach road: dusty limestone homes seemingly stacked on top of one another against the hillside.

At the heart of the center are two cathedrals: Duomo di San Giorgio and Duomo di San Pietro.

Modica chocolate at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto - itinerary Sicily
Modica chocolate at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto

Add Modica's most famous export, its ancient-recipe chocolate, and you’ve a city that rewards two to three hours at a relaxed pace.

For full details on visiting both Modica and Ragusa, see my Ragusa and Modica guide.


Rest in Ragusa 

Ragusa makes an excellent base for the night in southern Sicily.

Small but well connected, with excellent restaurants and trattorias that easily fill up an evening.

Duomo of St George in Ragusa Sicily - itinerary Sicily
Duomo of St. George in Ragusa

The baroque churches, Duomo di San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla and St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Ragusa Superiore, are the main sights. Between them, they represent some of the finest baroque architecture in Sicily.

We spent a night at Hotel Locanda Don Serafino - Relais & Chateaux, a boutique Relais & Châteaux property in Ragusa with exceptional food and hospitality.

It’s a place I'd recommend without hesitation.


Route B – Day 5: Scicli 

Ragusa makes sense as a base for this day: the drive to Scicli takes around 38 minutes from Ragusa compared to 53 minutes from Noto.

Scicli is another spectacular baroque city and one of the most beautiful in the Val di Noto.

Churches, Sicilian architecture and quiet streets that feel un-touristy, in spite of Scicli being renowned internationally among fans of Inspector Montalbano.

The city's town hall, Comune di Scicli, served as the headquarters of the fictional detective in the beloved Italian TV series.

Street in Scicli - 7 day East Sicily itinerary
Quiet street in Scicli

It's a major draw for fans who want to follow in Montalbano's footsteps. A guided tour of the Inspector Montalbano locations covers all the main filming spots across the region.

See my Scicli guide for full details.

One day in Scicli's center is enough. If you finish early, consider driving to the pretty coastal town of Donnalucata, just 16 minutes away.

It’s a pleasant end to the day with a seafront promenade and quieter beaches than the more visited stretches of coastline further north.


Route B – Day 6: Marzamemi & Isole delle Correnti  

Marzamemi is a small coastal town bursting with color and one of the most charming stops in southeastern Sicily.

Most visitors come for one reason: to eat.

The town is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants, clustered around a beautiful central piazza, Piazza Regina Margherita.

It was once home to one of Sicily's most important tuna fisheries, la tonnara, which closed in 1969.

Lisa Rivera by Marzamemi harbor
Sitting by the harbor in Marzamemi Sicily

There are several things to do in Marzamemi beyond eating, but half a day covers the town comfortably.

From Scicli the drive takes around 1 hour.


Isola delle correnti

From Marzamemi, you're perfectly placed to visit Isola delle Correnti, one of the southernmost points in Italy, beaten only by Lampedusa.

Just 25 minutes away, the uninhabited island is surrounded by flat sandy beaches where the Mediterranean and Ionian seas visibly meet.

Lisa Rivera at Isola delle Correnti Sicily - best Sicily itinerary
Isola delle Correnti is just behind me

Avoid arriving at midday in summer; the heat and direct sun at that hour are intense.

Arriving around 5pm is the better approach. There’s still plenty of beach time and warm weather too.

What’s more, there’s also the chance of watching the sun set over one of the most remote and beautiful stretches of coastline in Sicily.


Route B – Day 7: beaches or rest day 

How you spend your last day depends on which route you followed.

If you followed route B and ended at Isola delle Correnti, the surrounding beaches make a natural final day. Flat, quiet coastline with clear water and fewer (international) tourists.

A day of complete rest before the drive back to Catania Airport.

If you followed route A and are returning from the Aeolian Islands, consider heading back to the mainland via Savoca and Taormina.

Statue of Francis Ford Coppola in Savoca Sicily - best Sicily itinerary
Statue of Francis Ford Coppola in Savoca Sicily

Both towns are within easy reach of Catania Airport and make a beautiful final stop. Savoca for the hilltop views and Bar Vitelli, Taormina for a last coffee on the terrace with Etna in the background.

Either way, allow enough time for the drive back to Catania.

Traffic around the city, particularly on summer afternoons, can add to your journey time.


Where to stay in east Sicily

Accommodation in east Sicily divides naturally by which part of the route you're on.


Catania

Catania makes a practical arrival base for Day 1. It’s well connected to the airport, has good transport links and a colorful Pescheria fish market.

For accommodation, staying in or near the historic center around Piazza del Duomo keeps you within walking distance of the main sights.

See my best places to stay in Sicily guide for specific hotel recommendations.


Taormina

Taormina accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to some of the finest luxury hotels in Sicily. San Domenico Palace and Hotel Villa Belvedere are some of the most celebrated.

Visitors outside the entrance to the Teatro Antico di Taormina, Sicily

Book well in advance for July and August when the town fills completely.

See my Taormina guide for detailed accommodation advice.


Aeolian Islands

For those taking Route A and visiting the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is the best base.

It’s the largest island with the most accommodation options and ferry connections to Stromboli, Vulcano and Salina.

See my Lipari guide for more on where to stay.


Syracuse and Ortigia

I prefer staying on Ortigia island rather than the mainland as the atmosphere after day visitors leave is completely different.

Boutique hotels and B&Bs on the historic island are the best options. See my Syracuse guide for more.


Noto and the southeast

For exploring the Val di Noto, Noto is the ideal base. Two personal recommendations are Seven Rooms Villadorata and IUTA Glamping & Farm.

The former is a boutique hotel in the heart of Noto's historic center and one of the finest places to stay in southeastern Sicily.

Outside Noto Cathedral in Sicily with bright, blue skies

IUTA farm is around 2km from Noto’s center and offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by Sicilian countryside.

See my IUTA glamping guide for a full breakdown.


Getting around east Sicily

A car is the most practical way to follow this itinerary, particularly for the southern section covering Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Marzamemi and Isola delle Correnti.

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Public transport connections here can be limited and/or infrequent.


By car

Having a car gives you complete flexibility and greatly reduces journey times between the Val di Noto towns.

The roads in this part of Sicily are generally good. The A18 motorway connects Catania to Taormina and Messina efficiently, while the SS115 coastal road through the southeast is scenic if slower.

See my guides to renting a car in Italy and how to get around Sicily for practical details. It includes ZTL zones to be aware of when driving in historic centers.


By public transport

The northern section, Catania, Taormina, Messina and the Aeolian Islands, is manageable by train and ferry.

Catania to Taormina by train takes approximately 45 minutes, while Messina to Taormina takes around 40 minutes. Ferries to the Aeolian Islands depart from Milazzo, approximately 45 minutes from Messina by car or bus.

Passengers at a kiosk outside Taormina-Giardini train station, the regional rail stop serving Taormina and Giardini Naxos on the Catania-Messina line

The southern section is much harder without a car.

Bus connections between Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli exist but can be infrequent, particularly on Sundays and public holidays.

If you're traveling without a car, focus on the northern route (Route A) and use Catania or Taormina as a base for day trips.


Ferry connections

For the Aeolian Islands, ferries run from Milazzo with Liberty Lines operating frequent services to Lipari (1 hour, approximately €14 to €20 return in summer*).

Caronte and Tourist ferry

Check timetables carefully in advance as services reduce outside the summer season.


Practical tips for your east Sicily itinerary


Book accommodation early for Taormina

July and August in Taormina are extremely busy. The town fills completely and prices reflect that. Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance for peak summer dates.

Shoulder season (May to June and September to October) offers better value and more availability.


The Ferragosto warning

15 August is Ferragosto, one of Italy's most important public holidays.

Transport services across Sicily are severely reduced or closed as are many businesses.

An empty train platform at Milazzo station on Ferragosto, Sicily

If your itinerary falls around this date, check ferry and bus schedules carefully in advance and book everything that can be booked.

We learned this the hard way on a return trip from Lipari. See my Sicily travel tips for more on navigating public holidays.


Start in Catania, not Palermo

Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the most practical entry point for an east Sicily itinerary.

Palermo is on the wrong side of the island and adds unnecessary driving time. '7 days in Sicily starting in Catania' is the most logical approach for this route.


The two-route decision

This itinerary offers two distinct routes from Day 2 onwards: the northeast (Taormina, Castelmola, Aeolian Islands, Messina) or the southeast (Syracuse, Noto, Val di Noto).

Messina Port in Sicily

You can’t comfortably do both in 7 days at a relaxed pace.

Choose the route based on your priorities: Route A for scenery, beach towns and island hopping; Route B for baroque architecture, ancient history and the Val di Noto UNESCO towns.


Allow more time than you think

The distances on a Sicily map look deceptively short. Roads in the southeast, particularly between the Val di Noto towns, are narrow and winding. Factor in driving time when planning daily stops.

A day covering Ragusa, Modica, Scicli and Marzamemi is ambitious, two days is more comfortable.


The heat

Sicily in July and August is extremely hot, regularly going above 35°C in inland areas.

Plan sightseeing for the morning hours and use afternoons for beaches, shade or rest. Carry water everywhere.

See my guide on when to visit Sicily for a full seasonal breakdown.


Helpful Sicily resources 

The following posts provide a good starting point for planning a trip to Sicily: 


FAQs about the east Sicily itinerary

Is 7 days enough for East Sicily?

Seven days covers either the northeast or the southeast comfortably, not both at a relaxed pace. For Taormina, the Aeolian Islands, Syracuse and the Val di Noto combined, allow 10 days minimum. With 7 days, choose one route and do it properly. View from coast town in east Sicily - Sicily itinerary 7 days

Where should I start a Sicily itinerary?

Catania. The airport has good international connections. The city is worth a full day and both Route A (north toward Taormina) and Route B (south toward Syracuse) are easily accessible from here.

Do I need a car for east Sicily?

For the northern route (Catania, Taormina, Messina and the Aeolian Islands) public transport is manageable. For the southern route (Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli), a car is strongly recommended. The Val di Noto towns are poorly connected by public transport, particularly on Sundays.

What is the best time to visit east Sicily?

May to June and September to October. Warm weather, swimmable beaches and significantly smaller crowds than July and August. Avoid 15 August (Ferragosto), transport services across the island essentially stop.

Is east Sicily better than west Sicily?

Different experiences. East Sicily (Taormina, Etna, Syracuse, the Val di Noto) is richer in ancient history and baroque architecture. West Sicily (Palermo, Trapani, Cefalù) is better for street food and Arab-Norman architecture. Two weeks covers both. One week: east Sicily gives the more concentrated highlights.

Can I combine east Sicily with the Amalfi Coast in 7 days?

It’s possible but it will be rushed. Seven days doesn't do justice to either destination. Allow 10 to 14 days if combining both, or choose one and do it properly.

What are the best places to visit in eastern Sicily?

1. Taormina
2. Aeolian Islands
3. Catania
4. Syracuse (Ortigia)
5. Noto
6. Ragusa
7. Modica
8. Marzamemi

Final words

What are your thoughts on my 7-day east Sicily itinerary? Does it look like an itinerary you'd be keen to follow? Let me know in the comments below.  

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

*information correct at time of publishing.

Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.

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View from coast town in east Sicily - Sicily itinerary 7 days

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52 Comments

  1. I love it when an itinerary includes a ferry ride! It’s such a fun way to build anticipation and just view things from the water side. I’ve always wanted to visit Sicily and I’m glad that you focused on only one part of the country. I also like that you’re such an expert, so I definitely trust your opinion. It seems like there’s a lot to do from water activities to a great culinary scene, plus the history and adventure side of things. It definitely seems like a place to satisfy a lot of different traveling styles.

    1. In Sicily, there's always the possibility of a ferry ride! I really hope you visit East Sicily one day

  2. These destinations in East Sicily are stunning with the charming coastal villages, traditional dining and exquisite architecture. The Greek- To oman amphitheatre in Taormina , enjoying fresh sea food in the harbor of Mazamemi. Admiring the baroque architecture in Noto and resting in the boutique hotels in Ragusa. Relaxing in the beaches and watching the sunsets at Isola Delle correnti and having a 🍫 fix in Monica are a great way to spend a vacation in Sicily.

  3. Thank you for this beautiful article. We visited east Sicily all the way from South Africa last week. Taormina will stay in my mind forever, we had the best pizza there. The theatre is impressive. Mt Etna is spectacular!

  4. We never had the chance to explore this region of Italy. It's very charming and the coastline is beautiful. I am happy to see that there are more things to do aside from simply enjoying the beach. I am also keen to visit Noto and see Sicilian architecture.

  5. Sicily is one region of Italy I haven't been to but really want to explore, especially having spent some weeks travelling around Italy last year I'm still sad I didn't make it to Sicily. The coastline is stunning and the food looks so delicious - that seafood, wow! Catania and Taormina is going on the list

    Laura x

  6. I have visited the east of Sicily years ago and always said that I have to go back. I was there for only three days and that was surely not enough to see all. I visited Catania, where I was based, I climbed Etna one day, and go to Taormina another day. I still remember the market in Catania as one of the most fascinating ones I've ever seen. The fish vendors were just fascinating to watch, see them shouting and competing with each other offering the best prices to customers.

    1. La Pescheria is really a show in itself! I hope you come back and see the other sights here and stay longer next time 🙂

  7. Omg I am so tempted to go to East Sicily all the information, photos of the beautiful beaches, churches make me so excited to visit there.

  8. What a comprehensive guide to Sicily! Of the things on the list we have visited only Taormina which we liked very much especially the ampitheatre with the spectacular views. Its really good to read the many more places you recommend to visit and that food looks delicious. I am saving this post for my next visit to Sicily.

  9. This is such a lovely guide on how to spend a week on holiday! I have always wanted to go to Sicily as my family (distant) is from there. I love the sound of eating chocolate and it's great you considered how close locations are.

  10. First of all, I must say that I'm overwhelmed by the food! For these delicacies alone a trip to Sicily is always worth it 😉 I really like how you structure your guide: It's a bit like an hors d'oeuvre plate where everyone can pick what she or he likes best. Very nice introduction to Sicily - I really have to visit there asap.

  11. Oooh the beach, the granita, the beautiful churches...what a fabulous guide! Ahh I dream of visiting one day..love seeing your travels through Italy and Sicily!

  12. Fantastic content! This is so helpful for anyone wanting to visit, I always love everything you put into these articles.

  13. I think we may have stopped in Messina when I was on a cruise at the end of last year. Other than that I've not been to any of these places in East Sicily, but I'd love to see more of the country x

  14. It sounds like you had a busy itinerary and visited some lovely places. Isola delle Correnti sounds like my kind of place. I love to go to the beach when I go on holiday.

  15. 's clear that you have a deep connection to the east coast of Sicily, and your experience shines through in this blog post. Your 7-day East Sicily itinerary seems like a valuable resource for travelers seeking to explore the region. I appreciate that you provide options within the itinerary and acknowledge the vastness of what Sicily's east coast has to offer. It's evident that your insights will not only assist those planning a one-week trip but also be a great starting point for longer journeys through this beautiful part of Italy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion for Sicily!

  16. Sounds like East Sicily is a wonderful place. I will add this to my list and thanks for all the tips you shared with us!

  17. This 7-day east Sicily itinerary seems very detailed even though I haven't visited it yet. First-time visitors can't go wrong with your itinerary. You put the best places to see and the best places to eat. That's what is needed most when visiting a new place. I also like reading the names of the cities on the island that I found outside the country, like Syracuse, Ragusa, and Stromboli.

  18. This post has come just in time. We are just now heading up the East coast of Sicily! We definitely have Etna on our plans and would like to drive up into the hill towns above Taormina. Forza d’Agrò and Savoc sound lovely. Letojanni sounds like a great suggestion for seafood. We passed on Messina on this trip and went straight to Milazzo to catch the ferry to Panarea. We figure one day we will visit Messina as a cruise port stop. Noto is definitely on our plans too. So much still to see!

  19. Great suggestion for a one week itinerary for East Sicily. I have not been to Sicily yet, but would love to go. I am really interested in history and I enjoy visiting churches. Great that you also added some restaurant recommendations.

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