Sicily: 2024 Guide To Exploring Italy’s Favorite Island
The beautiful island of Sicily, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean. I personally think it’s often underappreciated when compared to popular Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan. But after our visit I would put it pretty close to the top of my list! This blog details how my wife and I enjoyed the island of Sicily to the fullest without breaking the bank.
Day 1: Discovering Palermo
Stay: Palermo
For our trip, we stayed in a convenient Airbnb in Palermo. We would suggest making Palermo your home base since it is the largest city in Sicily and has wonderful food options and beautiful beaches. Plus, it’s a great base for day trips to other parts of the island. Our Airbnb was located near the Albergheria neighborhood and we could not have been happier with the location since it was so close to the Mercato di Ballarò!
Morning: Traditional Sicilian Breakfast!
We started the day with a cappuccino and delicious cannoli (fun fact – cannoli is plural, so if you only want one, ask for “un cannolo”). Sicily is the birthplace of cannoli and nowhere else in the world can you find them fresher! They stuff the cannoli with fresh, sweet ricotta cheese right in front of you and the taste is just spectacular! We went to Palermo Store Cafe, which from the name sounds a little touristy but once we saw the selection and locals eating at the cafe we knew it would be great!
Wandering through the historic center of Palermo, I marveled at the beautiful architecture, from the Palermo Cathedral to the stunning Teatro Massimo. The narrow alleyways and vibrant markets like Mercato di Ballarò are perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.
Afternoon: Granita on the Beach
Next we walked around the port and enjoyed the beautiful sea breeze. The ocean water in Sicily is such a beautiful blue and the views are stunning with large cliffs in the distance! We tried a famous Sicilian ice-cream like desert called Granita (shaved ice with fresh sweet flavorings). The Lemon (Limone), Almond (Mandorla), and Pistachio (Pistacchio) flavors are delicious!
For lunch, we went to Antica Giarra, a popular trattoria with delicious, budget-friendly Sicilian dishes. The pasta alla Norma (tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta shavings) and risotto were absolutely amazing.
We then headed to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, a stunning blend of Byzantine, Norman, and Arab art and architecture. The entry fee is 12 euro a person and you can book tickets here: https://www.italy-museum.com/hidden-sicily/norman-palace-palermo.
Evening: Night out in Palermo
We spent the evening strolling through the picturesque streets of the Kalsa district, known for its lively nightlife and affordable dining options. We had dinner at Ristorante Primi Piatti. This affordable eatery is a must-visit for trying authentic Sicilian cuisine like Sfincione, a traditional Sicilian pizza. The owner was really friendly and explained the rich history of Sicily being occupied by the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. Also an interesting fact we learned was that Sicily was the first place in Europe to receive cane sugar (imported from Africa) and explains why they are renowned for their sweets like cannoli, cassata, and granita!
Day 2: Exploring Mondello Beach
Morning: Beach Relaxation
We took a short bus ride to Mondello Beach, a popular spot that locals told us was their favorite beach in the area. The crystal-clear waters and soft sands are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Beach access is free, and there are plenty of affordable food stalls nearby for a quick lunch. And of course, you can’t pass on gelato at the beach!
Afternoon: Exploring Sicilian Markets
After a long day at the beach, we headed back to our Airbnb for a rest. After this we decided to explore the marketplace near us called Mercato di Ballarò. The venders are really fun and passionate, often yell-singing to convince you to try their food or grab a souvenir. We ate some Arancini (Sicilian fried rice balls) from the market and were really impressed. They’re so good and honestly one of the best street foods I’ve ever had!
Evening
We enjoyed a leisurely evening at Piazza Marina, a lovely square surrounded by restaurants and bars. We enjoyed some drinks, small plates, and capped the night with more cannoli!
Day 3: Day Trip to Catania
Morning: Bus Ride to Catania
We took an early bus to Catania, a city known for its baroque architecture and vibrant markets. The bus ride had stunning views of the Sicilian countryside and Mount Etna in the distance. Here are some details on how we got there.
- Bus Operator: SAIS Autolinee operates direct buses between Palermo and Catania.
- Departure Point: Buses leave from Palermo’s main bus station, which is conveniently located near Palermo Centrale Railway Station
- Duration: The ride takes around two and a half hours
- Price: A one-way ticket costs around €14 and a roundtrip tickets costs €28. You can purchase tickets online on the SAIS Autolinee website at https://www.saisautolinee.it/en.
Once in Catania, we explored the bustling Mercato di Pescheria, a lively fish market with an array of fresh seafood and local produce. And of course a morning in Italy is not complete without cornetto and cappuccino! We ate at Insegne Cafe and would highly recommend.
Afternoon: Historic Sights
Next, we visited the impressive Catania Cathedral and the nearby Piazza del Duomo, which features the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante.
We ate a light lunch at Pasticceria Savia, they specialize in Arancini and we tasted different flavors including Ragu and Pistachio. We then walked around Parco Maestranze, a beautiful garden located in the center of Catania.
Next we headed to Spiaggia di Catania, known for its long stretch of fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It was a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. Plus, there is a great view of Mount Etna in the background, which really makes the views unique!
Evening: Sicilian Specialties
After a long day of walking and sunbathing we were ready to fill our belly’s with more local food. We had dinner at Trattoria U Fucularu. We ordered a sampler of different Sicilian specialties (amazing) and Frutti Di Mare (fruit of the sea).
We headed back to the bus stop for the ride to Palermo. After walking 30,000 steps we were exhausted and ended up falling asleep on the bus. Fortunately, Palermo was the last stop and we were able to enjoy a much needed nap!
We easily could have spent another day in Catania and would highly suggest it if you have the time. If you choose to do so, you can take a guided tour of Mount Etna. Although it is an active volcano it is closely monitored and safe to explore with a tour guide.
Conclusion
Sicily offers an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, all without breaking the bank. The south of Italy is generally cheaper than the North, and Sicily definitely attests to this. Palermo and Catania are both vibrant cities with plenty to see and do, making them perfect for budget travelers. Whether you’re exploring ancient cathedrals, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or hiking up Mount Etna, Sicily promises an adventure at every turn. Buon viaggio!
Dining Highlights
- Palermo Store Cafe: Perfect spot for morning pastries and cannoli in Palermo.
- Mercato di Ballarò: Affordable street food in Palermo.
- Antica Giarra: Budget-friendly Sicilian dishes in Palermo.
- Pizzeria Frida: Delicious wood-fired pizzas in Palermo.
- Trattoria U Fucularu: Traditional Sicilian pasta in Catania.
- Osteria Ballarò: Charming restaurant with traditional dishes in Palermo.
Must-See Attractions
- Palermo Cathedral: Stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel: Beautiful mosaics and rich history.
- Monreale Cathedral: Magnificent mosaics just a short bus ride from Palermo.
- Mondello Beach: Relaxing beach with crystal-clear waters.
- Mercato di Pescheria: Vibrant fish market in Catania.
- Catania Cathedral: Impressive baroque architecture.
- Mount Etna: Europe’s largest active volcano, offering breathtaking views.
FAQs about Visiting Sicily, Italy
- What are the must-see attractions in Sicily?
- Must-see attractions include Palermo Cathedral, Monreale Cathedral, Mondello Beach, Mount Etna, and the vibrant markets in both Palermo and Catania.
- How many days should I spend in Sicily?
- Spending 3-5 days in Sicily is a good amount of time. It will depend on how many cities you want to explore or if you just want time to relax at the beautiful beaches.
- What city in Sicily was White Lotus filmed?
- White Lotus was filmed in the jet set town of Taormina. It is a beautiful town but it’s much more expensive than the rest of Sicily with 5 star resorts and restaurants.
- What is the best time of year to visit Sicily?
- The best time to visit Sicily is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Summer in Sicily (June-August) can get really hot and may be a little uncomfortable.
- How can I travel between cities in Sicily?
- Traveling between cities in Sicily can be done by train, bus, or car. Busses and trains are a scenic and affordable option for getting between major cities like Palermo and Catania.
- What are the best beaches in Sicily?
- Some of the best beaches in Sicily include Mondello Beach near Palermo, and the beaches around Taormina and Cefalù. Spiagga di Catania is also beautiful!
- What are the best restaurants in Sicily?
- Try Antica Giarra in Palermo for budget-friendly Sicilian dishes or Trattoria U Fucularu in Catania for traditional pasta. Both restaurants are highly regarded for their cuisine and ambiance.