Sicily: "Best of the East" 7-day itinerary for 2026

Updated: Mar 29

Day 1: Arrival in Catania & The Fish Market

Morning: Fly into Catania (CTA). Walk to Piazza del Duomo to see the "Elephant Fountain" (the city's symbol).
Afternoon: Visit La Pescheria, one of Italy’s most intense and authentic fish markets.
Dinner: Grab a cone of fried seafood from a street vendor and walk down Via Etnea for views of Mount Etna looming over the city.

Morning: Take a 1-hour drive/bus to Taormina. Visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theatre with the best view in the world.
Afternoon: Take the cable car down to Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the beach by a thin strip of sand.
Evening: Stroll the Corso Umberto for high-end shopping and people-watching.

Morning: Head to Rifugio Sapienza (the south base). Take the cable car up to 2,500m to walk among smoking craters and black lava fields.
Afternoon: Descend for a wine tasting at a volcanic vineyard. Etna’s mineral-rich soils produce some of 2026’s trendiest red wines.

Morning: Drive south to Syracuse. Explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park to see the "Ear of Dionysius" cave and the massive Roman amphitheatre.
Afternoon: Cross the bridge to Ortigia, the pedestrian-only island heart of the city. Get lost in the white limestone alleys.

Morning: Visit Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque. The buildings are made of golden limestone that glows at sunset.
Afternoon: Drive to Marzamemi, a tiny, Instagram-famous fishing village. Eat lunch in the main square surrounded by blue chairs and red geraniums.

Morning: Visit Modica to taste cold-pressed "Aztec-style" chocolate.
Afternoon: Head to Ragusa Ibla. The view of the old town from the church of Santa Maria delle Scale is the iconic "postcard" shot of Sicily.

Morning: Drive north to Cefalù, a medieval beach town. Visit the UNESCO-listed Norman Cathedral.
Afternoon: Relax on Cefalù’s golden beach or hike up La Rocca for a final panoramic view of the coastline before heading to the airport.

Transport: For this itinerary, renting a car is highly recommended to hit the Val di Noto (Days 5-6). If you prefer no car, stay in Catania and use trains/buses, which are reliable for the East coast.
The "Granita" Rule: In the summer, your breakfast should strictly be an almond or pistachio granita served with a warm brioche bun. It’s a Sicilian law.
Booking: For 2026, book your Etna 4x4 tours and Taormina hotels at least 4 months in advance—the island is busier than ever!