10 day Sicily itinerary eastern Sicily
Eastern Sicily is a world of contrasts — fiery volcanoes, baroque towns, and turquoise coastlines. This **10-day itinerary** combines ancient history, natural beauty, and authentic cuisine, covering the region from Catania to Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, and Taormina.
- Visit Sicily
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10-Day Eastern Sicily Itinerary — From Volcano Peaks to Baroque Streets
🧭 Overview
Designed for travelers flying into Catania Airport (CTA), this route moves in a loop through Mount Etna, the Ionian coast, and the baroque southeast. It’s ideal for those wanting a deep cultural experience mixed with beaches, hiking, and great food.
🗓️ Day 1: Arrive in Catania — Energy of the East
- Explore: Piazza Duomo, Cathedral of Sant’Agata, Elephant Fountain, and Via Etnea.
- Eat: Arancino al ragù and pasta alla norma.
- Evening: Stroll along the fish market (La Pescheria) for local color.
🗓️ Day 2: Mount Etna — Sicily’s Living Volcano
- Take a half-day or full-day tour to Mount Etna.
- Activities: cable car + 4WD to craters, short hikes around Silvestri Craters, or wine tasting in Etna DOC vineyards.
- Stay: Return to Catania or stay overnight in a countryside lodge (e.g., Zafferana Etnea).
🗓️ Day 3: Taormina — Ancient Beauty and Sea Views
- Travel: 1 hr north from Catania by train or car.
- Highlights:
- Greek Theatre with Etna backdrop.
- Isola Bella beach.
- Corso Umberto for shopping and gelato.
- Optional: Cable car down to Mazzarò Bay.
- Evening: Dine on seafood with sea views.
🗓️ Day 4: Savoca and Forza d’Agrò — The Godfather Villages
- Morning trip: Visit the film locations of The Godfather.
- See: Bar Vitelli, medieval alleys, and mountain views.
- Afternoon: Return to Taormina for sunset at Piazza IX Aprile.
🗓️ Day 5: Alcantara Gorges and Etna Wine Route
- Explore: Alcantara River canyon with basalt rock formations.
- Option: Visit nearby wineries in Linguaglossa or Randazzo for tastings of Etna Rosso.
- Stay: Overnight in the countryside or continue south to Syracuse (2.5 hrs drive).
🗓️ Day 6: Syracuse and Ortigia — Ancient City by the Sea
- Morning: Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park — Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius, and Roman Amphitheatre.
- Afternoon: Explore Ortigia Island — Piazza Duomo, Temple of Apollo, and seaside promenade.
- Evening: Eat at waterfront trattorias and watch sunset over the harbor.
🗓️ Day 7: Noto — Baroque Gem of the Southeast
- Travel: 40 min south of Syracuse.
- Highlights: Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Nicolaci, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
- Afternoon: Relax in nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve or on Eloro Beach.
- Stay: Overnight in Noto or a countryside agriturismo.
🗓️ Day 8: Modica and Ragusa — Chocolate and Hilltop Charm
- Morning: Drive to Modica — sample traditional cold-processed chocolate.
- Afternoon: Continue to Ragusa Ibla — stroll its staircases and gardens.
- Visit: Duomo di San Giorgio and Giardino Ibleo.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner with local wine and scenic views.
🗓️ Day 9: Palazzolo Acreide and the Countryside
- Explore: Small baroque town with Greek Theatre ruins and quiet charm.
- Lunch: Try local cavatieddi pasta or salsiccia al finocchietto.
- Relax: Return to your hotel or visit nearby farms for olive oil or cheese tastings.
🗓️ Day 10: Return to Catania — Market and Departure
- Stop at Catania Fish Market for souvenirs and local flavors.
- Optional final visit to Aci Castello or Aci Trezza on the coast.
- Depart from Catania Airport (CTA).
🚗 Travel Logistics
- Arrival airport: Catania.
- Best transport: Car rental gives full flexibility; trains connect major towns.
- Suggested bases: Catania (2 nights), Taormina (2), Syracuse (2), Noto or Ragusa (2), countryside (1–2).
- Driving distances: Catania–Taormina (55 km), Syracuse–Ragusa (90 km).
💡 Tips
- Avoid overpacking — Sicily’s terrain varies from coastal heat to cool volcano slopes.
- Book accommodation early in summer, especially in Taormina and Noto.
- Combine sightseeing with rest days — Sicily rewards slow travel.
🌅 Summary
In ten days, you’ll experience Etna’s power, Taormina’s elegance, and the Baroque splendor of the southeast. This itinerary blends art, history, nature, and gastronomy — a deep dive into eastern Sicily’s vibrant soul, where every turn reveals another masterpiece of land and culture.