7 day Sicily itinerary western Sicily
Western Sicily offers a captivating mix of ancient ruins, seaside towns, and mountain villages — from Palermo’s Norman splendor to the turquoise waters of San Vito Lo Capo. This **7-day itinerary** takes you through historic cities, coastal landscapes, and authentic Sicilian cuisine while keeping travel times short and experiences rich.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
7-Day Western Sicily Itinerary — History, Coastlines, and Culture
🧭 Overview
This itinerary is ideal for travelers arriving in Palermo Airport (PMO) and wanting to explore the island’s western treasures. Expect ancient temples, medieval hill towns, vibrant markets, and some of Sicily’s best food and beaches.
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Palermo — The Cultural Capital
- Explore: Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Ballarò Market.
- Eat: Try arancine, panelle, and sfincione.
- Visit: Palatine Chapel for exquisite Byzantine mosaics.
- Evening: Enjoy live music or street food in the Vucciria quarter.
🗓️ Day 2: Monreale and Mondello — Architecture & Beach Escape
- Morning: Visit Monreale Cathedral (UNESCO site) for gold mosaics and peaceful cloisters.
- Afternoon: Head to Mondello Beach, a short bus ride from Palermo.
- Relax: Swim, enjoy gelato, or stroll along the art nouveau promenade.
- Dinner: Try seafood pasta at a seaside trattoria.
🗓️ Day 3: Segesta and Erice — Temples and Medieval Mystique
- Drive: 1 hr west to Segesta.
- Explore: Doric Temple and ancient Greek Theatre with hilltop views.
- Continue to Erice: a medieval town perched above Trapani.
- Visit: Castle of Venus, Balio Gardens, and Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop.
- Stay overnight in Trapani or Erice.
🗓️ Day 4: Trapani and Salt Pans — Coastal Heritage
- Morning: Walk Trapani’s old town and harbor.
- Afternoon: Visit Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco, with windmills and flamingos.
- Optional: Take the cable car back to Erice for sunset views.
- Dinner: Sample couscous di pesce — a North African-influenced local dish.
🗓️ Day 5: Marsala and Mozia Island — Wine and Archaeology
- Morning: Drive 45 min south to Marsala, known for fortified wines.
- Visit: Marsala wineries (Florio or Pellegrino) for tastings.
- Take a boat trip: to Mozia Island, a Phoenician archaeological site in the Stagnone Lagoon.
- Evening: Watch sunset over the salt flats — one of Sicily’s most photographed scenes.
🗓️ Day 6: San Vito Lo Capo and Zingaro Nature Reserve
- Morning: Drive 1 hr north to San Vito Lo Capo — white sand and turquoise sea.
- Afternoon: Hike or swim in Zingaro Nature Reserve — Sicily’s first protected coastal park.
- Picnic: at hidden coves like Cala Capreria or Cala dell’Uzzo.
- Evening: Stay overnight in San Vito or return to Trapani.
🗓️ Day 7: Cefalù or Palermo Departure
- Option 1: Return to Palermo and spend your last day shopping or visiting the Catacombs of the Capuchins.
- Option 2: Stop in Cefalù (2 hrs from Trapani) — stroll medieval streets, climb La Rocca, and relax by the sea.
- Evening: Return to Palermo for your flight or overnight stay.
🚗 Travel Logistics
- Arrival airport: Palermo (PMO).
- Getting around: Renting a car offers maximum flexibility; buses and trains connect major towns.
- Recommended bases: Palermo (2 nights), Trapani/Erice (3 nights), San Vito or Marsala (2 nights).
- Driving distances: All destinations within 2 hours of each other.
💡 Tips
- Spring and autumn offer perfect weather for sightseeing and hiking.
- For fewer crowds, avoid mid-August when locals vacation on the coast.
- Combine with a day trip to Favignana from Trapani if you love snorkeling.
🌅 Summary
In one unforgettable week, you’ll walk through golden cathedrals, ancient temples, salt pans, and seaside towns — discovering how history, culture, and cuisine intertwine in western Sicily. This itinerary blends Palermo’s grandeur, Erice’s medieval magic, and Marsala’s sunsets, leaving you with the true essence of Sicilian life.