Sicily is one of my favourite places in Italy to visit. It has an amazing range of sights, from volcanoes to temples to beautiful towns and beaches. Here’s the ultimate itinerary for one week in Sicily without a car.
How long do I need in Sicily?
Sicily is a surprisingly large island, and I think you could easily fill several weeks here. You could spend longer if you were planning to spend some days just relaxing on the beaches and swimming in the sea. But if you don’t have time to spend several weeks in Sicily, then one week is enough to get a good flavour of the main sights. Here’s your ultimate itinerary for one week in Sicily without a car.
Where should I stay in Sicily?
With a week in Sicily, I’d recommend choosing two locations as a base for your time. If you try to change your accommodation more, you can end up feeling like you’re spending your week just travelling between locations and not seeing anything. Two bases for accommodation will give you a chance to try two areas, and plenty of time for day trips as well.
I chose Catania and Oritigia as my two bases for my week in Sicily. So my ultimate guide to ultimate itinerary for one week in Sicily without a car will cover these locations. Keep reading to find out all the top things to do in these two places.
What is the best time of year to visit Sicily?
I visited Sicily in early/mid October and I thought that was a perfect time to visit. The summer, especially July and August, can get super hot. Its often very uncomfortable to try to do any sightseeing in that heat. So I’d recommend waiting until October. The weather is more pleasant, and while there may be some rain, you should still get some clear sunny days. When I visited in early/mid October, it averaged around 25 degrees each day, and even though there were some heavy showers, there was plenty of sun as well. I thought it was a great time of year to visit.
Can I really visit the top sights in a week in Sicily without a car?
Yes, you can! My ultimate itinerary for one week in Sicily without a car will show you exactly how you can explore some of the best sights in the country without the hassle of hiring your own car.
Driving in South Italy, and Sicily in particular, can be very challenging. The roads are busy and chaotic. The ‘rules’ of the road here are more like suggestions, that people feel free to completely ignore. Expect a lot of overtaking and beeping of horns, all in narrow cobbled streets with pedestrians, motorbikes and parked cars all in the mix.
I was incredibly glad I didn’t try to hire a car here! Instead, I relied on public transport and a couple of small group day tours to get to see the best places.
Keep reading for a detailed itinerary for one week in Sicily without a car.
Would like to know where you landed? Any suggestions for B& B – or small hostel/hotels?
I flew into Catania. It worked well to stay in Catania for a few days – it’s a great base for doing day trips around the region. There are lots of accommodation choices in Catania, I’d recommend staying in the centre near the market and cathedral. And my second base was Syracuse, staying on the small island of Ortigia. It was easy to get from Syracuse/Ortigia back to Catania for the flight home. Hope that helps, and hope you have an amazing trip!