Sicily
Palermo · Cefalù · Taormina · Siracusa
Sicily is the kind of destination that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The largest island in the Mediterranean sits at the crossroads of every civilization that ever passed through: Greek temples, Arab architecture, Norman mosaics, and baroque town squares all layered together in the most extraordinary way.
We flew into Palermo and out of Catania, rented a car, and drove across the island. That road trip through Sicily was one of the best travel decisions we have ever made. Here is everything you need to know.
Palermo
Vibrant, layered and completely its own
Palermo is one of Sicily's main gateways and the perfect place to begin your Sicily road trip. Give yourself at least a day here before heading east. It is worth it. The city is layered with centuries of Arab, Norman and Baroque influence and it wears all of it openly in the architecture, in the markets, in the food, in the energy of the streets at night. Spending time in Palermo gives you the real feel of Sicilian life before the tourist trail begins. This is a city that has not been polished for visitors. It is loud and beautiful and completely itself and that is exactly what makes it so memorable. Walk without a plan, eat whatever looks good and let Palermo show you what Sicily is really made of.
What to do
Via Maqueda
Essential at night. Lined with restaurants, full of people and life. Grab a seat, order whatever looks good and spend an hour watching Palermo do what it does best.
Palatine Chapel
The Byzantine gold mosaics covering every surface are among the most beautiful things I have seen in Sicily. Worth a visit without question.
Teatro Massimo
One of the largest opera houses in Europe and a stunning piece of architecture. Worth seeing from the outside even if you do not go in.
Dining in Palermo
Taverna dei Canti for outstanding seafood. Maccio Osteria Alcolica for authentic Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist. Mak Mixology for expertly crafted cocktails and a lively night out.
Cefalù
Romantic, coastal and impossible to rush through
Cefalù is a charming coastal town about an hour east of Palermo and one of the most romantic stops on any Sicily itinerary. Narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, a magnificent Norman cathedral anchoring the main square, and beaches with genuinely beautiful water.
Park near Hotel Riva del Sole and walk the boardwalk to the old center. Getting lost in the streets of Cefalù is the whole point.
What to do
Piazza del Duomo
The Cefalù Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Sicily with stunning mosaics inside that rival anything in Palermo.
Lavatoio Medievale
A hidden gem that most visitors walk past. This medieval washhouse has stone basins fed by natural springs and feels completely removed from time.
The Beach
Near the pier you can rent sunbeds in a tranquil cove with crystal clear water. Lungomare Beach is the long sandy stretch ideal for sunbathing with beautiful views of the sea and the old town.
Dining in Cefalù
Ristorante La Brace for seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. Ti Vitti for fresh seafood with outdoor seating. Il Normanno for pizza and local specialties with a view of the cathedral.
Where to Stay?
Hotel Ossuna
An intimate boutique property in the heart of Cefalù with stylish rooms, warm personal service and some of the most beautiful views of the bay on the island.
Club Med Cefalù
Preferred partner
A sun-drenched all-inclusive resort right on the beach in Cefalù where Sicilian cuisine, beautiful Mediterranean views and a full range of activities come together for a completely effortless stay.
Listed hotels are preferred partners, meaning Elavated Travel clients may enjoy benefits such as complimentary breakfast, upgrades when available, hotel credits, and VIP treatment.
Le Calette N5
Preferred partner
Perched dramatically above the sea on the rocky Cefalù coastline, Le Calette offers a stunning natural pool carved into the rocks, lush gardens and a serene setting that feels completely removed from the world.
Taormina
Dolce vita, stunning coves and the best sunsets in Sicily
Taormina is perched on a hillside above the Ionian Sea with views of Mount Etna on one side and the coast on the other. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. We spent four days here and most of it was on the beach. The coves and shores around Taormina are some of the best in Sicily.
The highlight of Taormina is simply being there. Strolling the main street, stopping for gelato, listening to street musicians, watching the light change over the water. This is what dolce vita actually means.
What to do
Isola Bella
A quintessential Taormina experience. Head left to the quieter end of the cove where the prices are better and the views are more beautiful. We rented kayaks and explored the cove which was one of the highlights of the whole trip.
Mount Etna Wineries
Europe's most active volcano is right there. Using Taormina as our base we visited Villa Grande Winery and Gambino Winery. Breathtaking views, delicious wine and a completely different side of the island.
Day trip to Siracusa and Ortigia
A two-hour drive and completely worth it. The Greek-Roman theater is remarkably well-preserved and still hosts performances. The small island of Ortigia is a delight to explore on foot with narrow streets, baroque architecture and the legendary Fountain of Arethusa.
Dining in Taormina
La Trattoria de Ugo for authentic pasta. Ristorante Badia for a refined dining experience. Casa Matta for an exceptional wine experience with knowledgeable staff and an extensive list.
Where to Stay?
Villa Ducale
Preferred partner
A charming boutique hotel perched high above Taormina with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Intimate, beautifully decorated and the kind of property that feels like staying in a private Sicilian home at its finest.
Villa Carlota
Preferred partner
A lush Italian-style villa with panoramic views across the Ionian Sea. A ten-minute walk from the center of Taormina that becomes a lovely end-of-evening ritual.
Listed hotels are preferred partners, meaning Elavated Travel clients may enjoy benefits such as complimentary breakfast, upgrades when available, hotel credits, and VIP treatment.
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Preferred partner
One of the most extraordinary hotel settings in the world. A 14th century Dominican monastery converted into a Four Seasons with cliff-edge infinity pools, panoramic sea views and the kind of service that makes every other stay feel ordinary by comparison. This is the property that puts Taormina on the global luxury map.