Planning a Sicily road trip? This comprehensive 19-day itinerary takes you from ancient Greek temples to volcanic landscapes, medieval hilltop towns to pristine beaches. Perfect for May when the weather’s ideal and crowds are manageable, this route covers Sicily’s absolute must-sees whilst allowing flexibility for spontaneous discoveries.
Table of Contents
Why Sicily is Perfect for a Road Trip
Sicily offers incredible diversity within a manageable driving distance. You’ll experience three distinct cultures (Greek, Arab, and Norman), taste world-class cuisine, and witness landscapes ranging from active volcanoes to crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. May provides perfect weather conditions with temperatures around 20-25°C and minimal rainfall.
Quick Overview: Your 19-Day Sicily Adventure
- Week 1 Western Sicily exploration including Palermo, Cefalù, ancient Segesta, and the wine region of Marsala, plus an additional night in Palermo for a deeper dive into the city.
- Week 2:Southern highlights featuring Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, and then Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples.
- Week 3:Eastern Sicily with an optional Mount Etna expedition and flexible beach time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- 08:00: Land at Palermo Airport (PMO), collect rental car
- Morning: Check into accommodation, explore Palermo Cathedral and Norman Palace
- Afternoon: Visit the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins
- Evening: Dinner in Palermo’s historic centre
- Overnight: Palermo
Day 2: Exploring Palermo
- Morning: Spend the morning on either a food tour or walking history tour
- Afternoon: Leisure time in Palermo – visit Zisa Castle or wander the Ballarò Market
- Evening: Dinner in a local trattoria
- Overnight: Palermo
- Accomodation recommendation: Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel by Geocharme
- For a more indepth overview of Palermo visit: Sicily’s Siren City – The Insider’s Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
Day 3: Monreale & Cefalù
- Morning: Short drive to Monreale Cathedral (30 minutes) – don’t miss the stunning mosaics
- Afternoon: Drive to charming Cefalù (1.5 hours), explore medieval streets, for a more indepth look at Cefalu visit 10 Unmissable things to do in Cefalu
- Evening: Sunset drinks overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea
- Overnight: Cefalù
Day 4: Cefalù Exploration
- Morning: Beach time at Cefalù’s stunning sandy beach
- Afternoon: Hike up La Rocca for panoramic views, explore the historic centre
- Evening: Seafood dinner at local trattoria or try one of the michelin star restaurants
- Overnight: Cefalù
- Accomodation recommendation: Bed and Breakfast L&P
Day 5: Cefalù to Castiglione di Sicilia
- Morning: Drive to Castiglione di Sicilia (2 hours) through scenic countryside
- Afternoon: Explore this charming hilltop town and wine region
- Evening: Traditional Sicilian dinner with local wines
- Overnight: Castiglione di Sicilia
Day 6: Mount Etna Adventure
- Early start: Drive to Mount Etna (45 minutes)
- Morning: Explore Etna’s lower slopes and craters
- Afternoon: Cable car and guided tour (weather permitting)
- Evening: Return to Castiglione di Sicilia
- Overnight: Castiglione di Sicilia
- Accomodation Recommendation: Cento Tari’ Guest House
Day 7: Castiglione to Taormina
- Morning: Drive to Taormina (1 hour)
- Lunch time: Explore the ancient Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto
- Afternoon: Head out on the Godfather tour
- Evening: Aperitivo with views of Mount Etna
- Overnight: Taormina
Day 8: Taormina & Surroundings
- Morning: Visit Isola Bella beach or explore Castelmola
- Afternoon: Shopping and relaxation in Taormina’s gardens
- Evening: Fine dining with Mediterranean views
- Overnight: Taormina
- Accomodation Recommendation: Hotel Ipanema
Day 9: Taormina to Syracuse
- Morning: Drive to Syracuse (1.5 hours)
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the historic island of Ortigia, visiting the Duomo and the Fountain of Arethusa
- Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant in Ortigia
- Overnight: Syracuse
Day 10: Exploring Syracuse
- Morning: Visit the archaeological park to see the Greek Theatre and Roman amphitheater
- Afternoon: Leisure time to explore more of Ortigia or visit the Papyrus Museum or head out on a boat tour of the caves
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner
- Overnight: Syracuse
- Accomodation recommendation: Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri
Day 11: Syracuse to Noto
- Morning: Drive to Noto (30 minutes)
- Afternoon: Explore Noto’s stunning Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò
- Evening: Dinner in Noto, sampling local specialties
- Overnight: Noto
- Accomodation Recommendation: Ill Giardiano Del Barocco
Day 12: Noto to Agrigento
- Morning: Depart for Agrigento (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and start exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Valley of the Temples
- Evening: Watch the sunset over the Temple of Concordia
- Overnight: Agrigento
- Accomodation Recommendation: Villa La Lumia B&B Suites & Apartments
Day 13: Agrigento to Salemi
- Morning: Depart Agrigento for Salemi (1.5 hours)
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the charming medieval town, including the Castle of Salemi and local museums.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner.
- Overnight: Salemi
Day 14: Salemi Exploration
- Morning: Visit nearby wine estates for tastings and vineyard tours.
- Afternoon: Spend time strolling through Salemi’s historic streets and visiting local artisan shops.
- Evening: Dine at a local trattoria, sampling regional dishes.
- Overnight: Salemi
- Accomodation recommendation: Millie e Una Notte
Day 15: Salemi to Trapani
- Morning: Depart Salemi for Trapani (40 minutes).
- Afternoon: Explore Trapani’s historic center and visit the salt pans.
- Evening: Enjoy a panoramic dinner with views of the coast.
- Overnight: Trapani
- Accomodation Recommendation: Palazzo Gatto
Day 16: Trapani to San Vito Lo Capo
- Morning: Drive to San Vito Lo Capo (1 hour).
- Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beach or explore the town.
- Evening: Indulge in fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.
- Overnight: San Vito Lo Capo
Day 17: San Vito Lo Capo Relaxation
- Morning: Spend the day at the beach or take a boat trip to the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Afternoon: Enjoy water sports or explore hiking trails in the area.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
- Overnight: San Vito Lo Capo
- Accomodation Recommendation: Hotel Mira Spiaggia
Day 18: San Vito Lo Capo to Mondello
- Morning: Depart from San Vito Lo Capo, enjoying breakfast at your accommodation or a local café. Start your drive to Mondello (approximately 1.5 hours).
- Late Morning:Arrive in Mondello and check into your accommodation. Take some time to relax and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to the stunning beach of Mondello. Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or strolling along the sandy shore. You can also grab a light lunch at one of the beachside kiosks.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Treat yourself to fresh seafood while enjoying the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
- Overnight: Mondello
- Accomodation Recommendation: Hotel Villa Lampedusa
This day allows you to transition from the seaside charm of San Vito Lo Capo to the vibrant atmosphere of Mondello, wrapping up your Sicilian adventure on a relaxing note.
Day 19: Morning in Mondello Before Departure
- Morning: Start your final day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly baked pastries and coffee while overlooking the beautiful beach.
- Spend some relaxing time on Mondello’s sandy beach, soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean.
- If time permits, take a stroll along the promenade, exploring the charming shops and enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Mid-Morning: After your beach time, return to your accommodation, pack, and check out. Don’t forget to take in the last views of the stunning coastline.
- Departure: Drive from Mondello to Palermo Airport (about 30 minutes). Make sure to allow enough time to return your rental car and go through security before your flight.
- As you leave Sicily, take with you the memories of its diverse landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine! Safe travels!
Essential Planning Tips
- Driving: Sicily’s roads are generally good, but allow extra time for mountain routes. International driving licence required.
- Accommodation: Book in advance, especially coastal locations in May. Consider agriturismos for authentic experiences.
- Budget: Expect €80-300 per day for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and fuel.
- Packing: Layers for varying temperatures, comfortable hiking boots, and beach gear.
Ready to Explore Sicily?
This itinerary provides the perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation. Sicily’s compact size means you’re never more than a few hours from your next adventure, whether that’s ancient ruins, active volcanoes, or pristine beaches.
Start planning your Sicily road trip today – the best accommodations fill up quickly during peak season. Have questions about specific routes or recommendations? Get in touch for personalised Sicily travel advice!
Sicily Road Trip Route Map & Driving Times
Below is a week-by-week driving schedule to help visualise travel distances and manage your time comfortably:
Week 1: Western Sicily
- Palermo → Monreale: 30 minutes (13 km)
- Monreale → Cefalù: 1.5 hours (75 km)
- Cefalù → Castiglione di Sicilia: 2 hours (120 km)
Week 2: Eastern Sicily
- Castiglione di Sicilia → Mount Etna: 45 minutes (30 km)
- Castiglione di Sicilia → Taormina: 1 hour (35 km)
- Taormina → Syracuse: 1.5 hours (120 km)
- Syracuse → Noto: 30 minutes (40 km)
- Noto → Agrigento: 2 hours (170 km)
Week 3: Southern & Coastal Sicily
- Agrigento → Salemi: 1.5 hours (110 km)
- Salemi → Trapani: 40 minutes (40 km)
- Trapani → San Vito Lo Capo: 1 hour (40 km)
- San Vito Lo Capo → Mondello: 1.5 hours (90 km)
- Mondello → Palermo Airport (PMO): 30 minutes (25 km)
Key Driving Notes
Motorway Sections
- Sicily’s main motorways (autostrade) are marked with an “A” prefix. They are generally well-maintained and the fastest way to cover longer distances.
- Key stretches you’ll likely use:
- A19: Palermo → Cefalù → Enna (eastward leg of your journey)
- A18: Taormina → Syracuse (coastal eastern route)
- A29: Palermo → Trapani and onward towards San Vito Lo Capo
Note: Most Sicilian motorways are toll-free, but check in advance if routes or tunnels carry small charges.
Driving Style & Road Conditions
- Sicilian drivers can be assertive – especially in cities – but courteous. Drive defensively in urban centres like Palermo or Catania.
- Coastal and rural roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in hill towns like Castiglione di Sicilia and Salemi. Take it slow and enjoy the views.
Fuel & Navigation
- Petrol stations are plentiful on main roads but may close midday in smaller towns. Fill up before long drives.
- Use offline maps or GPS apps with downloaded routes, as mobile signal may drop in rural or mountainous areas.
Parking
- Blue lines = paid parking (look for meters nearby)
- White lines = free parking
- Yellow lines = residents only – avoid parking here
- In busy towns like Taormina, consider parking in the undercover paid carpark for easy access to the city centre.
Other Tips
- Carry your passport, driving licence, international driving permit (if required), and rental documents at all times.
- Roundabouts follow standard European rules – give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
- Don’t rely on speed – Sicily rewards slow travel. Take your time and stop for spontaneous detours.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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