Last updated on November 26th, 2024.
Blessed with perfect blue skies and plenty of sunshine, Sicily makes the ultimate Mediterranean destination.
And around the island are dozens of scenic and historic places that make for memorable Sicily day trips.
Ranging from cities filled with Sicilian Baroque architecture to ancient villages and beaches, Sicily has something for everyone.
Brimming with Sicilian charm and a kaleidoscope of color, they’re destinations that will leave a lasting impression.
What to see in Sicily
There are so many things to do in Sicily, many of which include free attractions to see on the island.
Explore the baroque architecture in Scicli and Palazzolo Acreide before visiting smaller Sicilian towns like Marzamemi and Castelmola.
Add to this the delicious Sicilian food culture and Sicilian desserts and you just may not want to leave.
A Sicily day trip to suit all travelers, use this guide to help plan your trip to Italy.
Where is the best place to stay in Sicily?
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to where is the best place to stay in Sicily. Deciding on which part of the island you want to stay depends on what you most want to see and do.
A good starting point is deciding what type of trip you want to do in Sicily. If a relaxing beach vacation is your M.O., this will help to streamline the planning process.
My guide listing the 20+ best hotels in Sicily with a view provides a helpful starting point for top hotels and B&Bs.
Sicily day trips from Catania
The city of Catania is a good starting point for many days trips around Sicily.
Spending one day in Catania is easily doable, given that there are plenty of things to see and do.
The cathedral was rebuilt after several disasters affecting the island including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from Mount Etna.
It goes without saying that hiring a car in Sicily is provides the freedom to visit many places. While there is public transport available to get around Sicily, it can sometimes be limited to the cities.
Messina is also reachable from Catania. This port city not only connects passengers to the mainland, but it’s also a principal point for cargo.
11 best Sicily day trips: the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie)
Head to the port of Milazzo to take a ferry to visit any of the Aeolian Islands.
One of the most beautiful places in Sicily, a day trip is doable but it depends on where you base your stay.
Should your base be in Palermo, the journey will be considerably longer to Milazzo (around 2hrs 20mins). Compare this to staying around Catania where the approximate distance is 90mi (145km) or 1hr 40mins or by car.
Explore Lipari
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and takes around 1 hour by ferry from Milazzo.
There are plenty of things to do in Lipari, such as visiting one of its many beaches or strolling through the charming town center.
Head to the piazza, take in the sea air, and cool down with an ice-cold lemon granita. A romantic destination in Italy, Lipari also makes a good choice for couples that want to honeymoon in Italy.
Other islands to visit
The other islands in the Aeolian Islands include Salina, Panarea, Stromboli and Vulcano.
As its name suggests, Vulcano is a small volcanic island and it’s memorable for a very unpleasant reason. A strong smell of sulfur, a.k.a. rotten eggs hits you as you pull up to the shore.
Most travelers that visit Vulcano come to bathe in the outdoor warm mud baths. While you’ll most likely smell of sulphur for a day or 2, your skin will feel baby soft after a session. On top of that, the sulphuric mud has many therapeutic benefits.
Tip for visiting Vulcano: wear an old swimsuit and leave the good one at the hotel.
Where to stay on the Aeolian Islands
Hotel Signum is a luxury boutique hotel on Salina. A 4-star choice, check into one of their classic, superior or deluxe rooms or upgrade to a suite.
While there, be sure to take advantage of their wonderful spa and bespoke treatments.
Tours of the Aeolian Islands
Booking a tour of the Aeolian Islands is an ideal way to discover more of the region. Some of my favorite tours include:
- Sunset trekking at Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli
- Panarea and Stomboli night cruise with stops
- Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli cruise with wine
- Panarea and Stromboli boat trip from Milazzo
- Private boat tour of Stromboli
Capo d’Orlando
In the province of Messina is the pretty town of Capo d’Orlando.
A place to enjoy panoramic views of the distant Aeolian Islands, it’s also one of my favorite Sicily day trips.
Within close reach of the city is the archaeological site of the Roman Bagnoli Villa.
It’s here where you’ll find the remains of the Roman thermal baths and mosaics dating to the 3rd and 4th centuries.
The mosaics display isn’t quite like the one we saw on our one day in Ravenna, but they’re still impressive. The 3-level fortress, the Bastion, was once used as a watchtower to protect Capo d’Orlando from outside invaders.
Capo d’Orlando also has several festivals that take place throughout the year. They include The Sagra pesce festival (fish festival) and my personal favorite, the chocolate festival.
Forza D’Agró
Spend one day in Forza D’Agró exploring its pretty narrow streets and cobblestone paved lanes.
One of the most underrated Sicily day trips, Forza d’Agró is a destination worth seeing.
Walk to the top of the former fortress to catch panoramic views of Sicily’s mesmerizing east coast. Forza D’Agró is also best known for being the filming location of several of The Godfather movies.
Including visits to Forza D’Agró and Savoca, it will make for one of the most memorable Sicily day trips.
See if you can recognize any of the places from the movie trilogy when you visit. Diehard fans of the franchise may prefer to join this Godfather movie tour from Catania.
Sicily day trips from Palermo
I’ve written an entire travel guide to the best day trips from Palermo. The following is a shorter overview to provide some inspiration for your travels in Sicily.
Palermo makes an excellent standalone destination as well as one of my top Sicily day trips.
There are plenty of things to do in Palermo that will easily fill up a 1-or 2-day itinerary.
On top of that, Palermo is also home to some of the best street food in Sicily. A favorite foodie destination, a Palermo street food and market tour will make a delicious addition to your visit.
Where to stay in Palermo
Rocco Forte Villa Igiea Palermo has views overlooking the Bay of Palermo, and no two rooms are the same. Indulge in a massage or the solarium before taking a dip in the outdoor pool.
The equally sublime Casa Nostra is an excellent boutique B&B, and is also within walking distance of the historic center.
It’s a great choice if looking for where to stay in Sicily with kids.
Mondello
Around 26 minutes by car from Palermo is the seaside town of Mondello. With a gorgeous sandy beach overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s where the locals come to relax, swim or bathe.
There’s also the option of taking a bus from Palermo to Mondello, which takes around 1 hour.
While the bus is the more affordable option, it’s not necessarily the most relaxed mode.
During the summer season in Sicily (July, August), buses are packed with locals and tourists. Add to this the heavy traffic that you’ll find during this period.
What to see in Mondello
There are two main attractions in Mondello, the first being its beach laced with golden sand.
In the middle of the pier is the Charleston Restaurant (Ristorante Charleston). An Art Deco building that’s hard to miss, the restaurant’s a favorite among locals and tourists.
The second top attraction in Mondello are the liberty-style villas. Built around the end of the 19th century, there are approximately 300 of these historic villas to see in Mondello.
To get the most authentic taste of Mondello, try one of the street kitchens and sellers. Small food trucks, called apes (ah-peh), serve up the freshest seafood and at reasonable prices.
Erice
A medieval town in the province of Trapani, the hilltop town of Erice is situated an elevating 800m above sea level. One of the best day trips in Sicily, visiting Erice is like taking part in your very own history lesson.
The town was most likely built by native Sicilians, before being ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and then the Arabs.
Defensive walls surround the town, with the crown jewel of the castle adding the finishing touch at the top. Steep lanes lead up to and around the Porta Trapani gateway. That said, wearing comfortable walking shoes here is essential.
What to see in Erice
One of the main sights in Erice is the impressive Castle of Venus (Castello di Venere). Dating to the 12th century, come here for the best views of the sea and coastline below.
Take a brief stop at one of the cafes in Piazza Umberto. Alternatively, you may want to also try the cafe in the park by the castle. It’s a pretty spot to take some shade with your coffee, along with a side order of an awesome panoramic view.
Erice also has an impressive number of churches within its vicinity. The Real Duomo dates to the 14th century and was built using materials from the ancient Temple of Venus.
Map: 11 Best Sicily day trips
San Vito lo Capo
San Vito lo Capo is another Sicily day trip that’s easily doable from Palermo. This picturesque seaside town has it all: beach, memorable vistas and architectural places of interests.
There are noticeably more locals in this town that’s situated between the mountains. With its local feel, visiting San Vito lo Capo can give you a small taste of what it’s like living in Sicily.
Hikers or nature enthusiasts are surrounded by endless opportunities. The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro and the nearby Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cafano are excellent places to indulge in both activities.
Agrigento
Travel back in time to Ancient Greece with a visit to Agrigento.
The city was formerly the site of the city of Akragas, and during its peak, was one of the wealthiest Greek colonies.
Agrigento is best known for being home to the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi). It was one of several places we visited on our Sicily road trip.
Seven larger-than-life Greek temples dominate a large sacred area on the south side of the ancient city. The Doric-style temples were constructed during the 5th and 6th centuries BC.
These impressive structures are some of the largest and best-preserved ancient Greek buildings outside Greece.
It won’t come as a surprise to read that the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Booking skip-the-line tickets for the Valley of the Temples is advisable especially if visiting during the summer months.
Other Valley of the Temple tours that in turn make excellent Sicily day trips include:
- Valley of the Temples skip the line sunset tour (ideal for visitors that want to avoid the hot temperatures)
- Valley of the Temples and the Turkish Steps from Catania
- Valley of the Temples e-scooter tour (perfect for beating the heat and touring the complex)
Extra stop
As mentioned above, the Turkish steps (Scala dei Turchi) are worth seeing after visiting Valley of the Temples. This unique limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircase makes the perfect end to your Sicily day trip.
Where to stay in Agrigento
The sensational Torre Bonera Green Resort in the commune of Menfi is ideal for exploring the historic town of Mazara del Vallo.
Booking.com
We stayed for two nights, and it wasn’t nearly long enough.
Sciacca
The historic fishing port of Sciacca (shak-ka) in the province of Agrigento is indescribably pretty. It also happens to be one of my favorite Sicily day trips. The Ancient Greeks were first attracted to the town’s thermal springs and decided to settle here.
Divided into quarters, the town’s spread over different levels of a hillside descending towards the sea.
Visit some of the main sights in Sciacca, which include the remains of the 14th century castle, Luna Castle (Castello Luna).
A pretty viewing spot in Sciacca is Piazza Scandaliato. It’s an ideal viewing spot to catch spectacular views of the harbor and sea and all from a panoramic café.
Fellow spa and wellness enthusiasts will enjoy the several thermal spas here. Follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks by visiting the natural steam caves of Mount San Calogero.
Sicily day trips from Syracuse
The south-east of Sicily is a region we visit often. And, if you’re planning to explore the south, Syracuse (Siracusa) makes an excellent base.
One of Sicily’s most historical cities, there are many unmissable sights to see in Syracuse. The city’s also home to several luxury boutique hotels with some across the bridge in neighboring Ortygia (Ortigia) island.
Ragusa Ibla
I’ve written a detailed post on visiting Ragusa Ibla, and definitely recommend it as a day trip in Sicily.
Around 1 hour by car from Syracuse, a historic city with beautiful churches and an outstanding cave restaurant awaits.
One of the main attractions in Ragusa Ibla is St. George’s Cathedral (Duomo di San Giorgio) in Piazza Duomo. The exterior follows the traditional Sicilian Baroque architectural style, while the interior embraces a grand and theatrical decor.
Tip: wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip. Ragusa has several hilly slopes, which can be challenging especially in the heat.
Where to stay in Ragusa
Locanda Don Serafino Historical Boutique Hotel is an excellent and centrally located boutique hotel in Ragusa.
Booking.comWith only 22 bedrooms, you need to book fast, and well ahead of time. Ranging from standard to junior suites, you’ll instantly be enamored by their cave-style rooms.
While here, be sure to also try out its excellent Michelin-star restaurant. The food, wine and service are exquisite, and there’s no chance of leaving hungry.
Modica
Chocolate to Modica is what carnival is to Venice. The small Sicilian city is famous for its sweet produce and taking home a souvenir or two is a given.
Visiting Modica from Ragusa also makes a great 2-in-1 Sicily day trip, given that it takes around 20 minutes by car.
One of the top chocolate sellers in Modica is Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. The heavenly aroma greets you long before you step in the door and the choice is wide and varied. Inside, there are samples on display to try before you buy.
Probably one of my favorite Duomo in Italy, the Duomo di San Pietro is an awesome sight. Modica isn’t overrun with tourists, meaning it’s possible to take fantastic photos, and with no-one around to obstruct your view.
Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, Corso Umberto I, Modica
Isola delle Correnti
Take a day trip to the place where the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas meet.
Isola delle Correnti is a small island where you can experience the feeling of being between two seas. It’s also the second southernmost point of Italy.
How to reach the island
Walk along the sandy beach and eventually you’ll see the path leading to the island.
Leave any valuable belongings behind, as you have to wade/swim through waist-deep water to get across.
Having a pair of water shoes will be useful once you reach the island. The only building being an abandoned lighthouse, the island offers ample opportunity to swim, bathe and snorkel.
A popular destination for Sicily summer vacations in August, Isola delle Correnti makes a fun day trip in Sicily.
Which one of these Sicily day trips most appeal to you? Are you planning a trip to Sicily, or would like to visit soon? Leave me a comment and let me know.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
What are the best day trips in Sicily?
1. Palermo
2. Catania
3. Agrigento
4. Forza d’Agró
5. Syracuse
6. Ragusa and Modica
7. Sciacca
8. Erice
I had spent quite some time in Italy and Sicily is my favourite. In the last post of yours where you had mentioned the italian phrases they were spot on, but this one is lovely to read, the trips you had mentioned were like a memory refresher to me.
That’s great to hear! There is a different dialect in Sicily but they will all understand the Italian phrases
Absolutely agree! ☀️🇮🇹 Sicily is a true gem waiting to be explored. From the rich history to the charming towns, every corner seems to hold a piece of Mediterranean magic. Your post paints a vivid picture of the island’s beauty and diverse experiences. Adding Sicily to the Italy bucket list is a must for anyone seeking unforgettable adventures and stunning landscapes.
Thanks Sue, I hope you consider visiting Sicily one day 🙂
You missed Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello.
If you haven’t visited you should go.
Hi Mari, thank you. I will make a list to visit next time 🙂
Sicily is very high on our travel plans when things open back up. We would probably plan to pick a few bases to stay and then do day trips. So this was great to read. Love the idea of a day trip to the Aeolian Islands. And we would definitely head out for beaches. Can’t wait to plan this trip.
I’m so happy to read that Linda. There are some excellent day trips to make in Sicily 🙂