Sicily Agenda help

Posted by Frances1 (Vancouver Canada 🇨🇦) on 05/18/26 06:08 PM

Hi we are heading to Sicily end of September for 11 nights. We are a active couple mid 6O’s
We are flying to Catania from Malta.arriving early morning so planning to store luggage and tour Catania until around 1 pm.

Our plan is to pick up a car in Catania then

4 nights Ortigia (day trips to Ragusa, Casa Romana )
1 night Agrianto
3 nights Trapani ( day trip Erica, salt flats and others)
Drop car and spend 3 nights in Palermo ( day trips to Cerfalu

Does this seem reasonable? Should we bus or train from Catania and delay the rental car a day or so while checking out Ortigia?

We fly out of Palermo and have another 3 weeks in Italy which in includes Tuscany so not sure if we need to do Ragusa if it is similar?

Any comments or suggestions welcome.

Posted by jules m

Twin Cities of MN

05/18/26 06:54 PM

8270 posts

I like your itinerary better than many I see. Sicily is a big, long island, and it is really difficult to see with just a couple bases.

An option would be to use bus to get from Catania airport to Ortigia. Then use public transportation in Ortigia. Pick up a car for your last day in Ortigia and go to Ragusa. Then, on your way to Agrigento, stop at Casa Romana.

We thought Ragusa was gorgeous and stayed a couple nights. I wouldn't skip it.

Have you looked at Noto? We did it as a day trip from Ortigia.

We loved Palermo. It really surprised us with the beauty and fun to be had. If you can add a day or two, I think you'd be happy. Definitely go to Cefalu and don't miss the church. I think we did a RS walking tour from the guide. You will also want to go to Monreale for . It is a quick bus ride from Palermo.

Posted by awrzesinski

05/18/26 07:16 PM

1404 posts

Super solid. I would recommend stopping at Villa Romana en route to Agrigento versus a day trip, it’s like a two hour drive each way and you’re backtracking. Staying a night nearby in like Piazza Armerina isn’t a terrible idea either, but not wholly necessary.

Posted by Priscilla

California 🦋

05/18/26 07:32 PM

5432 posts

I agree with Jules in terms of adding a few more days to Palermo, especially since you plan to day trip to Cefalù, an easy one hour train ride.

I did not rent a car during my visit but I think it’s a good idea as it will give you more flexibility.

Make sure you check the road to Erice though, I’ve read that it includes hairpin turns and if a bus is on the road at the same time, beware!
Instead of driving there, consider leaving the car in the parking lot and taking the
funicular up to Erice and enjoy the amazing views!

Check the weather report as it may still be hot in September. I was there in May and loved all the wildflowers everywhere!

When in Ortigia, make sure you eat at my favorite restaurant; Sicilia in Tavola, and save room for the pistachio tiramisu! Reservations recommended.

Enjoy your time in beautiful Sicily!