Do you want to visit the beautiful island of Sicily in Italy but not sure where to begin? You are in the right place! Sicily is probably one of the most charming regions in all of Italy and a place that you must visit once in your life.
From flea markets that resemble more of street food markets in Asia than in Europe to a slew of beautiful old ruins and Sicilian architectures, steep in rich history and a ton of beautiful sandy beaches, visiting Sicily after seeing Italy almost felt like you are visiting a different country.
Within this backpacking itinerary, you will find all the information you need to plan a great trip around Sicily. From the dynamic city of Palermo to the beautiful charming coastal cities like Syracuse and Cefalu, here is a complete one-week itinerary for Sicily. Let's begin by taking a look at this itinerary on the map below:
- 7 Days Sicily Itinerary Map
- 7 Days Backpacking Sicily Itinerary
- When to Visit Sicily?
- How to Get to Sicily?
- How to Get Around Sicily?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 7 days in Sicily?
- Is it Safe in Italy?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Italy?
- What to Pack for Sicily?
- Further Reading for Sicily
7 Days Sicily Itinerary Map
7 Days Backpacking Sicily Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo (3 Nights)
And our itinerary begins in Palermo, the heart and the capital city of Sicily, a city steeped in history, culture, and beauty, unlike any place you've been in Italy, and it is a perfect place to begin our epic one-week journey across the island of Sicily.
From its stunning Arab-Norman architecture to its bustling street food markets and stunning beaches that are reminiscent of those flea markets in Asia, Palermo is a city that will truly blow you away.
One of the greatest things to do in Palermo is to explore its vibrant food markets which is something that took me by surprise quite a bit. It's colorful, chaotic, and beautiful all at once and there is no better place to get your bearings in Sicily than the great markets of Palermo.
- Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests) (8 days)
- The Sicilian (10 days)
- Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Tour (Maximum 8 Guests) (8 days)
The markets in Palermo reminded me of the flea markets you often find in countries like Thailand or Taiwan with a variety of fresh foods being sold right on the street as well a ton of food stalls, huge crowded streets, occupied by both the locals, and tourists alike, and merchants singing, trying to attract customers.
On your first day in Sicily, I highly recommend you check out Mercato del Capo and Trh Palermo Ballaro, 2 of my favorite markets in Palermo with the former a little more proper with street food stalls whereas the latter is more random with all kinds of things being sold here from fresh produce to souvenirs.
Here, you can explore the famous Sicilian cuisine, grab a cup of fresh orange juice for 1 EUR, eat juicy watermelon, and try out all the seafood street food dishes that cost less than 10 EUR. Explore and indulge yourself in the diverse culture of Sicily to your heart's content.
You can also go on a street food walking tour to dive deeper into the unique cuisine as well as learn more about the history of Sicily as you explore the markets of Palermo with a local guide.
After you are done with the food, you can then spend your day exploring all the beautiful architecture in Palermo starting with the Church of San Cataldo and Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, both are incredible little church of Norman origins that showcases the diverse architectural style that blends the Arabs, Normans, and Byzantine influences together perfectly.
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio in particular has some of the finest Byzantine-style frescoes you will ever see here. The place looks and feels more like an Orthodox church than a Catholic church as you walk around its interior, covered with colorful frescoes from top to bottom.
Another church you should visit is Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, a grand catholic church located right at the center of Palermo where you can climb to the top of the church to see Palermo's incredible skyline and its surroundings from above.
The church is also famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, which adorn the walls and ceilings of the building as well as its courtyard, which is an oasis in the bustling city of Palermo.
Another landmark you should not miss in Palermo is Palermo Cathedral, a massive cathedral built in the 12th Century and a perfect example of Norman architecture, with a mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Arab influences all of ehich had conquered Sicily at some point in time which goes to show just how diverse and rich the history is in Palermo.
Its interior is also very impressive, with a beautiful nave and elaborate frescoes and sculptures adorning the walls and ceilings. The cathedral is free to enter but for the price of 15 EUR per person, you will get access to a 10-minute walk on the roof which offers an incredible viewpoint, the crypt, and the museum across the street.
And of course, as you explore Palermo, be sure to check out the Norman Palace, a palace built in the 9th century and has served as a royal residence, a palace of justice, and a seat of the government over the centuries since the Normans to this day. It is a great place to dive deeper into the history of Palermo if you want to learn more about it.
Inside, you will find a range of stunning rooms, halls, and courtyards, including the famous Cappella Palatina, which is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world and one that will truly blow you away from its sheer beauty and incredible details.
Every inch of Cappella Palatina is covered in intricately designed patterns and frescoes that resemble more of an eastern Orthodox church you often see in Eastern Europe than what you would come to expect in churches in Italy.
Inside the Palace, you will also find several museums and rooms all spread out across its 3-floor structure, each room with different functions and features ranging from a modern art museum to a Chinese-style decorated room used as a place to meet the delegates from China.
While you are inside, be sure to check out one of my favorite rooms in the Norman Palace, Sala di Ruggero, which is originally a bedroom featuring incredible Sassanian-inspired mosaics of Sassanian animals and hunting scenes animated by figures and stylized plants all across the walls and the ceiling of the room.
The mosaics covering the room are a rare example of the secular mosaic art of that time, which immerses its roots in the Persian East through Sassanian-Persian design and North Africa through its Arabic influences.
If you want to get off the beaten track a little in Palermo, you can also go out and explore other awesome tourist attractions outside Palermo's Old Town like the creepy Catacombe dei Cappuccini, an underground crypt with more than 8000 mummified remains on full display.
The catacombs are filled with thousands of mummies that have been perfectly preserved through the natural mummification process. Many of the mummies are dressed in their finest clothes and are displayed in glass cases, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere. Some of the mummies even have their hair and teeth intact, making the catacombs a fascinating and somewhat disturbing place to visit.
That should keep you occupied for the entire day in Palermo. In the evening, you can check out many of the family-run restaurants like Gusto Di Mare, one of my favorite restaurants in Palermo serving seafood dishes at affordable prices, and Pizzeria Polleria Zummo, another great family-run restaurant that serves delicious authentic pizzas. Once you are done, you can retreat for the night and prepare for our day trip to Cefalu the next day.
Getting from Palermo to Cefalu and Back
To get to Cefalu, you will first have to fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) and from there, you can catch one of the many daily trains from Palermo Central Train Station that runs between 5 AM to 9:30 PM every day and visits the city as a day trip.
To get back, you can use the same instruction above but in rhe reverse direction and you should be back in Palermo in no time. The train ticket should cost around 8 EUR and takes about 40 minutes to reach Cefalu. You can book the train ticket here.
Day 2: Cefalu (Day Trip)
On our second day, we are going on a day trip and visit Cefalu, a historic coastal town located in the northeastern part of Sicily, perfect for a day of sunbathing at the beach and hiking around old ruins.
The city is known for its stunning beaches like Cefalu Beach and clear waters, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers and beach lovers while the mountainous park of Parco della Rocca di Cefalu behind the city offers a great viewpoint over the coast and a day full of action for adventure-seekers out there.
I highly recommend you hike Parco della Rocca di Cefalu first thing in the morning after you arrive in Cefalu since the whole hike can take around 2 hours roundtrip and the weather can be extremely hot during the day.
While you are in the park, be sure to hike all the way up to Cafalu Castle for an even more incredible view of the city and its coastline. The hike is tough, especially in the summer months but the view is definitely worth every single drop of sweat.
One of the most notable landmarks in Cefalu is the Cathedral of Cefalu, which dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Norman-Arabic architecture in Sicily.
Other notable attractions you should visit while you are in Cefalu are Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, a nice ocean viewpoint, Osterio Magno, a historic fortified palace considered to be one of the town's most important historical landmarks, and Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino, a 16th Century laundry house with laundry house, dating to 1514, with original stone wash basins and cast-iron spouts.
After the hike and exploring the old town of Cefalu, you can spend the entire day relaxing at Cefalu Beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach that stretches across the western coastline for over 1.5 km, and jump into the crystal clear water of the Tyrrhenian Sea at Porta Pescara.
For lunch, you can check out Pasta e Pasti, a nice local restaurant serving fresh homemade pasta, the best pasta you will ever try here, as well as other traditional foods you can indulge yourself in.
Unlike other restaurants in Cefalu, this is not a tourist trap and you will be paying a local price for local food which is not so easy to find nowadays. From seafood pasta that you can customize to your heart's content, to fresh seafood ala carte you can order, this place is truly one of the best restaurants you have to try in Sicily.
If you do not want to deal with the logistics, you can also visit Cefalu with an organized tour group which will take you to Cefalu and back as well as visit other tourist attractions like Monreale Cathedral, known for its incredible frescoes, all in one go which is an awesome deal since Monreale is not so easy to get to via the public transportation.
Getting from Palermo to Agrigento
To get from Palermo to Agrigento, you should be able to catch the train from Palermo Central Train Station that runs between 5:43 AM to 8:43 PM every day. The journey should take about 2 hours and costs around 11 EUR per person. You can book the train ticket here.
Day 3 - 4: Agrigento (2 Nights)
After 2 full days in Palermo, it is time to move on to our next destination, Agrigento, a nice quiet city near the southern coast of Sicily, home to the Valley of the Temples, some of the most well-preserved Greek ruins in the world and one of the highlights of visiting Sicily.
On the day of your arrival, you can begin right away by exploring the Valley of the Temples if you have time or you can leave it for the next day. There are so many ruins to explore at the Temples you are going to need at least 2 hours to do this place justice. Exploring the Valley of the Temples requires a lot of walking in mostly exposed paths so be sure to prepare for the heat.
Within the Valley, you will find incredibly well-preserved temples like the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Zeus, which were built over 2000 years ago. These ruins provide us with a glimpse of what it must have been like to be living in an ancient Greek city.
Temple of Concordia in particular, is one of the most well-preserved structures from Ancient Greece I have ever seen. Most of the temple's exterior is left pretty much intact except the roof, something not so easy to see in such a complete form.
Not too far from the temple, you will find a massive bronze statue of Icarus laying on the ground, legless and wingless, perfect for the metaphor Icarus represents.
Other notable attractions in the park you should see are Tempio di Giunone, an ancient Greek temple built in the 5th Century BC dedicated to the goddess Juno, Temple Of Heracles, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Heracles, the Greek god of strength and courage, and the Temple of Zeus, a temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology.
The park is divided into 2 sections with 2 entrances and if you plan to visit the archeological site by public transportation, the best way to do it is to enter the park from the East Entrance and exit from the West Entrance, that way you won't need to backtrack your way after you are done.
To get to the Valley of the Temples from Agrigento, you will have to walk 30 minutes from the city down to the East Entrance. There is no bus stop at this entrance so there is no way around it. Don't worry though as the walking path from the city to the park is going downhill most of the time so it should be a breeze.
Enter the East Entrance, explore the site, exit to the West Entrance, and right at the exit, you will find a bus stop where you can catch the bus back to Agrigento without having to walk up the hill again. The entrance ticket is around 10 EUR per person and the archeological site is open from 8:30 AM to 8 PM or 12 PM depending on the season.
Once you are done with Valley of the Temples, you can retreat for the night or go for a stroll around the streets Of Agrigento's Old Town where you will find plenty of restaurants and cafes you can enjoy.
For the best street food in Agrigento, you gotta try Panino Con Milza (schietto), a traditional street food in Sicily made out of soft bread stuffed with boiled, fried chopped veal lung, and spleen, from L'antica Panineria Restaurant.
The place is an old local restaurant that has been operating in the city since 1965 and the locals have frequented the place for decades. I know, I know! Spleen? Veal lung? Yuck! I also had that perception when I saw it at first but it is really delicious!
The spleens are well-cooked in a pot, so much so that you no longer smell the usual spleen adore and they sprinkle it with loads of grated cheese and lime, making it tasty and flavorful. And for 3 EUR! You can't go wrong with that price!
On the next day, we are going to visit Scala dei Turchi or the Turkish Staircase, which in truth, is not really a staircase but a beautiful rock formation located on the coast near Agrigento where you can go swim and relax at the beach.
This towering white cliff that rises up from the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sea is considered one of the most beautiful and unique natural attractions in Sicily and a must-visit if you are in the area.
To visit Scala dei Turchi, you either have to rent a car and drive there, or you can go on an organized tour that leaves from the port in San Leone, near Agrigento. You should be able to reach the port via public bus #2 and #3 from Piazza Rosselli Bus Terminal and get off at Lungomare Falcone - Borsellino.
The trip should take about 4 hours with plenty of time to swim around the area. The tour should also take you to the lighthouse of Capo Rossello, the Bay of Madonnina, and Gucciarda rocks on this trip. You can book the organized tour from here.
Once you are back in Agrigento, you can spend the rest of the day exploring its charming Old Town starting from Porta Di Ponte, a historic gate, one of the few surviving parts of the ancient city walls of Akragas, the ancient Greek city that once stood in the area.
While you explore the crisscrossing streets of Agrigento Old Town, be sure to check out some of the most notable attractions in the area such as Monache cistercensi santo spirito, a beautiful church featuring incredibly detailed stucco sculpture, Chiesa di San Lorenzo detta del Purgatorio, a church with a beautiful facade, and all the small narrow streets with local houses decorated with flowers lined up the hill all the way to the top.
Right at the top of Agrigento, you will find Cattedrale di San Gerlando, a grand, historic Catholic church known for its elaborate, art-covered ceilings, and it is the highlight of Agrigento's Old Town.
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Norman-style architecture in the region. The cathedral was originally built as a mosque but was later converted into a Christian church after the Norman conquest of Sicily.
The highlight of the Cattedrale di San Gerlando is of course, right above you, on the ceiling where you will find an art-covered wooden ceiling that must be seen up close to really appreciate its fine details.
While you are at Cattedrale di San Gerlando, be sure to climb up all the way to the roof of the cathedral for an incredible view of Agrigento and its surroundings.
After you are done exploring the Old Town, you can then retreat for the night and prepare for a morning bus to take you to Catania and Syracuse, our next destination.
Getting from Agrigento to Syracuse
To get from Agrigento to Syracuse, you are going to have to catch the bus to get to Catania first and then you can catch the train to Syracuse as Catania is the largest travel hub on the east coast and there is no direct train between the 2 cities unless you don't mind transiting a few times which increases the risk of delays and missing your connecting trains.
Thankfully, Flixbus runs twice a day between the 2 cities at 6:10 AM and 4:35 PM and you can catch one of these buses to go straight to Catania in about 3 hours and it should cost you no more than 11 EUR for the ticket. The bus leaves from this Agrigento Bus Stop, in the parking lot and you can book the bus here.
Flixbus will drop you off at this bus stop which is perfect since it is only a few minutes' walk away from Catania Central Train Station which is where you will have to catch the train to Syracuse.
There are several trains per day running between Catania and Syracuse so you should have no trouble catching as long as it is between 6 AM to 9:40 PM. The train should take about one hour and costs around 11 EUR. You can book the train ticket here.
Day 5 - 6: Syracuse (3 Nights)
Next up, we are visiting the beautiful coastal city of Syracuse with its charming old town, ancient Roman ruins, and picturesque coastline, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this Mediterranean gem.
Right out of the bat, you can spend the morning exploring all the tourist attractions in the city before we move over to the old town area. Attractions like Neapolis Archaeological Park offers a large green space for a nice morning stroll as you explore the ancient ruins of Syracuse.
It is an ancient Greek and Roman archaeological site located on the hills of Syracuse and it is home to a wide range of ancient structures and monuments, including a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater, a sacrificial altar, and several quarries.
The highlights of visiting Neapolis are seeing the impressive Roman amphitheater, a well-preserved amphitheater built in the 3rd century AD as well as the massive greek theater that is considered to be one of the largest and best-preserved theaters in the ancient world that remain in use to this day.
Other notable attractions in the park are the Ear of Dionysius, a sinuous ancient cave with a legend claiming it was built by the tyrant Dionysius, a cruel, suspicious, and vindictive ruler of Sicily in the 1st Century BC, the ancient quarries of Latomie del Paradiso, and more.
Be sure to spare at least an hour here to really explore all the attractions in the area. Although the ruins here aren't as well maintained, and many areas are closed off due to renovations, the place does have potential and it is a great place to catch some fresh air before we dive deeper into what Syracuse has to offer.
When you are done at the archeological park, be sure to check out Catacombe di San Giovanni, a network of underground tunnels located under Syracuse with tombs with beautiful frescoes, sarcophagi, artifacts, and more.
You can only access a portion of the underground tunnels and it shouldn't take very long to see everything along the approximately 200-meter-long tunnel but since it is way underground, the temperature becomes a little cooler which makes for a great place to escape the summer heat of Sicily.
After exploring the all attractions in the city, you are going to visit the island of Ortigia next, ideally in the evening right before sunset.
Ortigia is a historic district in Syracuse that has a rich history dating all the way back to the Greek time period and despite its name, Ortigia is not some exotic island where you have to take a boat to get to. In fact, the island is connected to the mainland via a traffic bridge that connects the city to the old town.
As you enter the island of Ortigia, one of the first sights you will see from that period as you enter the island is the Temple of Apollo, a sizable Greek ruin that is considered to be one of the oldest Greek structures on the island, dating back to the 6th Century BC.
One of the most famous landmarks on the island of Ortigia that you should visit next is the Cathedral of Syracuse, a beautiful Baroque-style cathedral located right at the center of the island at the Piazza del Duomo, a large rectangular square surrounded by beautiful old buildings of the same style.
The cathedral is known its incredibly beautiful facade with two bell towers and a central dome. The exterior, like all the other architectures you find in Sicily, was built using volcanic lava stones which Sicily has plenty of.
Located in the same square as the Cathedral of Syracuse, just right around the corner, you will also find Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, a Baroque church built in the 18th Century and known for its incredible facade.
Arethusa Spring is another cool place to visit and one that is probably the most unique attraction you will see in Syracuse. This natural spring is located on the southwestern side of the island and you can stroll around its shaded green space and escape the bustling city above.
The spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and papyrus, and is home to a variety of fish and other marine life. You can walk along the edge of the spring and enjoy stunning views of the water and the surrounding area.
And out of all the tourist attractions to see in Syracuse, no place is more epic than Castello Maniace, a medieval castle built in the 13th century designed to protect the city from attacks by sea.
The castle features many incredible structures like towers and battlements as well as a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the city of Syracuse which makes it a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of Syracuse.
Once you are done, you can find a nice restaurant and cafe here to enjoy the beautiful sunset on the island before you retreat for the night to prepare for our day trip to Noto tomorrow.
Getting from Syracuse to Noto and Back
To get from Syracuse to Noto, all you have to do is catch a bus operated by Interbus from Syracuse's bus station and it will take you to Noto in less than 1 hour dropping you off near Noto's old town. The bus runs every hour and it should cost you around 9 EUR. You can book the ticket online here.
To get back to Syracuse, you just have to wait for the bus at Noto's bus stop for about 30 minutes and the bus will take you back to Syracuse in no time. You can also take the train but it runs less often and the train station is a little further south from the Old Town which might not be as convenient as taking the bus.
Day 7: Noto (Day Trip)
On the next day in Syracuse, we are going to be visiting Noto, a charming little city known for its stunning baroque architecture, rich history, and its warm Mediterranean climate, a perfect destination for a day trip from Syracuse.
The Noto's Old Town is home to the stunning Noto Cathedral, probably one of the most well-known landmarks here and where I highly recommend you start your exploration in Noto. The cathedral was built in the late 17th century in the amazing Sicilian-Baroque architectural style with a beautiful facade comparable to those of the church of Notre Dame in Versailles.
Just across the cathedral, you will also find Palazzo Ducezio, another great Sicilian-Baroque style palace built in a style of a French palace of the same period that you should visit as well as other stunning structures in the area like Nicolaci Palace and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate.
If you are looking for a great viewpoint over the old town of Noto, you can't go wrong with the Bell Tower of St. Charles Church, an 18th Century church with a bell tower that dominates much of Noto's Old Town.
From the bell tower, you can see Noto Cathedral and its dome as well as the beautiful sandstone-colored roof-tops of houses, and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Noto. It is truly the best viewpoint you can get here.
Photos by Stefano Mortellaro.
For the best time to visit Noto, if you can choose when to visit Noto, I highly recommend you align your trip on the day of the Flower Festival of Noto, an annual flower event where the city is lit up with colorful flowers, spread out across the main street of the Old Town.
Several other notable attractions you should not miss in Noto are the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Immaculate, a catholic church known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and intricate decoration, Nicolaci Palace, a palace that offers a chance for us to get a glimpse of what life was like for the nobles living here, and explore the flea market at Villa Comunale Noto.
Once you are done, you can take the bus back to Syracuse and spend the rest of the day relaxing in Ortigia and spend another evening, watching the sunset there before ending our trip to Sicily.
Getting from Syracuse to Catania
To get from Syracuse to Catania, simply take the train from Syracuse train station which operates several times a day between 5 AM to 7:25 PM back to Catania. It should take about one hour, and cost around 11 EUR. You can book the train here.
Day 8: Catania (1 Night)
From Syracuse, you can catch the same train back to Catania and either spend the night here or take the AMTS "Alibus" bus straight to Catania Airport from the train station bus stop before flying back home. The bus departs every 25 minutes and you can buy the ticket from the general shop at the entrance of the train station or with the driver.
When to Visit Sicily?
The best time to visit Sicily is from late May - late September when the weather is nice and warm, perfect for exploring the beautiful outdoors of Sicily.
Despite Sicily not getting as many tourists as Italy's mainland, it can still get extremely crowded in popular places like Palermo and Valley of the Temples and so if you wish to avoid that, be sure to stick to the shoulder seasons around May or September.
Winter is not recommended since many restaurants and hotels in remote regions of Sicily are often closed for the season except for a few guest houses and bed and breakfasts, so for this itinerary, I highly recommend you stick to the recommended period.
How to Get to Sicily?
From the US, there are no direct flights to Palermo but you can easily fly into Rome via JFK, Miami, and LA offered by ITA Airways, and from there, you can catch a low-cost flight operated by Ryanair or Alitalia. The entire journey should take around 13 hours with the trip from the US to Rome taking about 12 hours and from Rome to Palermo taking about 1 hour. You can browse through great direct flights from here.
From Europe, you should be able to easily fly directly to Palermo from most major cities like London, Berlin, or Barcelona via Ryanair or any other major airlines at a very affordable price.
From Asia, there are also many direct flights to Rome operated by local carriers from cities like Singapore, Seoul, or Tokyo or you can go with connecting flights which are often a bit cheaper. There are many flights from Asia that connect via middle east countries like Emirates via Dubai or Etihad via Abu Dhabi. The journey should take approximately 12 hours direct. From Rome, you can then catch a flight to Palermo in about 1 hour via airlines like Ryanair, etc.
To find a cheap flight to Sicily, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get Around Sicily?
Sicily, like the rest of Italy, is very well-connected by trains and buses and these are the 2 modes of transportation you will be relying on most for this itinerary.
By trains: The trains here are quite ok with a reliable enough schedule with a chance of 5 - 10 minutes delay and excellent coverage. They are operated by Trenitalia and you will be using them when you travel from one city to another.
Due to how short the transit time is sometimes, and how trains here have the tendency to be delayed, always give at least 20 minutes of transit time if you can. You can book a train ticket online beforehand which is extremely convenient.
By Bus: Buses are also a great way to get around Sicily, especially in a direction from West to East and vice versa. The bus schedules in most places in Sicily are often available online and you should be able to easily reserve seats online without having to be at the bus station beforehand. This and Flixbus are my preferred modes of transportation when I want to move around quickly and directly.
By Rental Cars: You can also rent a car straight from the airport in Palermo and drive around Sicily but for this itinerary, you won't need it. If you insist, keep in mind that the traffic in cities like Palermo and Catania can get extremely jammed during peak hours and parking lots can be a challenge to find at times. To Rent a car, hit the link below:
How Much Money Do I Need for 7 days in Sicily?
From this one-week itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: For 9 nights in Italy, you can expect to pay around 192 EUR for accommodation minimum considering you are staying in hostels.
Food: For 8 days, 3 meals a day in Sicily, you can expect to pay around 192 EUR for food considering you eat out every meal. It will be cheaper if you cook it yourself.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay approximately 70 EUR for transportation from city to city, usually on trains or buses while most of the places we are visiting can be explored for free on foot.
Activities: Depending on how much you want to follow my itinerary you can expect to pay approximately 50 EUR for activities like museums, entrance fees to attractions, and more.
Total Budget for 8 days in Sicily: 504 EUR
Is it Safe in Italy?
In most places outside of big cities in Sicily, it's pretty safe but when it comes to cities like Palermo and Catania or any other big cities in Europe for that matter, it's best to always exercise precautions by not leaving your belongings unattended and always, ALWAYS keep an eye out on your belongings at all times.
Keep your hands in your pockets when entering or exiting crowded places like a metro or a train station and make sure you are holding your phones and wallets tightly.
Other than that, you should be fine traveling around Sicily. I didn't have any problems in Italy when I was there for about a month. Keep your wits with you and you will be fine.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Italy?
There are 4 major carriers in Italy, TIM, Vodafone, W3m, and Iliad, that offer prepaid sim cards tourists can buy while they are traveling in Italy. Unfortunately, with the rise of esims, having to be in the country to buy a sim card at a store is quite inconvenient and not ideal.
If you have a smartphone that supports esims, I highly recommend you take a look at this esim. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from ranging from 1 GB for 7 days costing only 5 USD to 10 GB for 30 days costing 22.5 USD.
The setup is fast and instant and you can buy it prior to your trip so you don't have to scramble your way to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local sim card with 4G speed across the entire country.
Or if you are traveling to Italy as part of a bigger Europe trip, I highly recommend you get the regional Eurolink esim which will give you access to data from over 39 countries across Europe. I have personally used this esim on my 3-months trip around Europe and it has worked wonders.
For more information on esims in Italy, click here: Check Italy's Available eSim.
What to Pack for Sicily?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sicily, Italy:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sicily, Italy in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Sicily
I hope you found this Italy travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
- Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You're going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, is a diverse city steeped in rich and unique history, cultures, and traditions, and it is the best place to begin your journey in Sicily. Planning a trip to Palermo? Be sure to check out the 17 Best Things to Do in Palermo.
- A great day trip from Palermo, Cefalu is a great destination complete with beautiful beaches and epic hikes. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Cefalu.
- One of the highlights of visiting Sicily is walking among the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples. Here is a complete travel guide to the Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
- Wondering what other things to do in Agrigento other than Valley of the Temples? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Agrigento.
- Syracuse is a great base for exploring eastern Sicily. If you are planning to visit the city, be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Syracuse.
- Planning to visit Noto and its famous flower festival in Sicily? Check out the 8 Best Things to Do in Noto.
- If you are looking for a great base to explore Puglia and Southern Italy, Bari is the best place to be. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Bari.
- Known for its unique cave dwellings and rock-cut architecture, Matera is one of the upcoming places for travelers to visit in Southern Italy. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Matera.
- For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Rome needs no introduction from me. From the well-trodden attractions like the Colosseum to hidden gem spots like the Appian Way, here are the 20 Best Things to Do in Rome you shouldn't miss!
- Wondering what you can do in Rome in 3 days? Check out our 3-day Backpacking Rome Itinerary.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2-Week Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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