How we spent four days in Sicily, Italy
In March 2023 we headed to Sicily for a long weekend. The plan was to hike Mount Etna, but the weather wasn’t on our side. Despite being a mild 18-20°C at sea level, the summit of Etna was experiencing 100kmph winds.
So we spent our weekend exploring the towns of Taormina and Catania… and deciding when to come back for a second go at climbing Mount Etna later in the year!
How to get to Sicily
From London Gatwick to Catania, flights take 2 hours 45 minutes and cost between £30-£100. From London, you can also fly from Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow. We chose Catania airport as we were spending our weekend in that area of the island. But there are also regular flights from London to Palermo, Sicily’s capital city on the north coast.
Where to stay in Sicily
We spent our long weekend in Sicily on the island’s east coast having flown into Catania. We spent two nights in Taormina at Casa Adele, and one night in Catania at Habitat Boutique Hotel.
We opted for mid-range accommodation. Taormina especially can be very expensive but it is also possible to find more affordable hotels a little further out of town. As we were only spending one or two nights in each place, we went for hotels rather than Airbnbs.
Casa Adele
A small, family-run hotel at the western end of Taormina, Casa Adele was clean, quiet, and relaxing. It wasn’t the cheapest option for accommodation in Taormina. But the price included breakfast and the location was very convenient for exploring the town during the day and night. Many hotels in Taormina are a little further out of the town centre so we didn’t mind spending a little more for the good location.
Habitat
In Catania we stayed in the Habitat Boutique Hotel for one night. Next to Piazza Teatro Massimo, it was within 15 minutes walk of all the main sights. The room was large and modern – though the bathroom wasn’t especially private.
Again, this wasn’t the cheapest option in Catania but the location was great. And the price included a buffet breakfast that is served in two sittings.
Do you need to hire a car in Sicily?
While the idea of driving around Sicily sounds romantic, the reality is quite different. If you are planning to drive during your time in Sicily, be aware that the roads can be scary and erratic if you’re not used to Italian driving! And be sure to look up and fully understand the rules of the road – on a social level as well as legally.
We were spending our time there across two towns and didn’t really need to travel by car. Instead, we got the Etna Transporti from Catania airport to Taormina for £6.50, and the same bus back to Catania centre from Taormina bus station.
The main street through Taormina is pedestrianised so if you’re staying here and do hire a car, make sure your accommodation has parking. There are also trains that take the same route, but took longer at the times we were travelling.
To get back to the airport from Catania we took a taxi arranged by our hotel, which cost €30! The drive is only 10-15 minutes and Uber and public transport are available (and cheaper).
Is Sicily expensive?
Like most holiday destinations, Sicily can be experienced at almost any budget. While it’s not the most affordable location, there are plenty of cheaper places to eat and many of the main attractions – like Piazzas and beaches – are free.
Taormina is a slightly higher end destination and the food and drink was more expensive here than in Catania. In fact, compared to London Catania was a fairly cheap place to visit.
Our main expenses other than accommodation were good and drink, transport, and entry to two Greek-Roman theatres which were €6 each.
Things to do in Sicily
We spent two full days and nights in Taormina and one day in Catania. This was our three-day Sicily travel itinerary.
Day One: Taormina
We arrived before midday, travelled to Taormina by bus, and checked into our hotel.
Explore the Main Street, including Piazza IX Aprile.
Stop for lunch at a pizzeria with sea views.
Walk down the steps to Isola Bella. The cable car was closed for maintenance during our stay, and the island is now a wildlife conservation area. We caught the substitute bus from Marazzo back up to Taormina.
Visit Villa Comunale gardens for sunset.
Eat pasta dinner at an Osteria.
Day Two: Taormina
Wander around Taormina, including the churches and the White Lotus hotel.
Visit the Teatro Antico Greek amphitheatre.
Stop for pizza and a limoncello spritz for lunch.
Visit a famous granita bar.
Explore more beaches.
More pasta for dinner!
Visit some cocktail bars on the way home.
Find out the best things to do in Taormina in our blog here.
Day Three: Catania
Travel by bus to Catania, and check into hotel.
Walk around Piazza Teatro Massimo.
Have a pasta lunch at an authentic Sicilian restaurant.
Visit the Piazza Del Duomo – the cathedral was closed to visitors during our visit.
Walk along Via Etnea to the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.
Wander around Villa Bellini gardens.
Stop for local black grape wine at a bar.
Visit the remains of a Greek-Roman amphitheatre.
Stop at some cocktail bars for Aperol and limoncello spritzes.
Try a popular local pizzeria for dinner.
Day Four: Home
Breakfast at Habitat Boutique Hotel.
Taxi to airport.
Morning flight home to London.
Read more about the best things to do in Catania.
Where to eat and drink in Taormina and Catania
We only had three full days in Sicily but we made sure to eat and drink at as many places as possible. These were our favourites.
Where to eat and drink in Taormina
Ristorante Pizzeria Taormina for pizzas with a sea view
Osteria da Rita for delicious Sicilian pasta
La Neapolitana for the best pizzas in town
Bam Bar for granita
Ristorante Aranciara for delicious pasta and seafood
Arco Rosso for bruschetta and laid-back drinks
Where to eat and drink in Catania
Trattoria U Fucularu for the best pasta ever
Sette Piu for amazing pizza that’s popular with the locals
Razmataz for black grape wine
Kia Ora for local cocktails
Glory Hole for casual beers
Vermut for spritzes
What to pack for a holiday to Sicily
What you pack for your trip to Sicily will depend on what you have planned, and when you’re visiting. We had hoped to climb Mount Etna, so we packed thermals and walking boots. But in the towns, your dress code will be very different.
This is what I packed for four days in Sicily in March:
1 jumper
1 knit vest
1 crop top
1 long sleeve top
1 slip skirt
1 dress
2 pairs of light trousers
1 pair of Converse
1 bikini
A denim jacket
For my full packing list, read my blog: What to pack for a holiday in Sicily.