How to Spend 3 Days to Explore Sicily

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Day 1: Visit Mount Etna and Explore Nearby Catania in Sicily

We must start with arguably the most famous landmark in Sicily - Mount Etna. The highest volcano in Italy and the country's tallest peak outside of the Italian Alps, Mount Etna is iconic in its beauty and natural volatility. What's more, if you're the adventurous type, you can scale its 3,357m summit and peer into the volcano's crater. Just be sure to check the weather beforehand! Visiting the mountain is as close to a must-see as you can get in Sicily - and you can book your excursion with Trip.com.

Should you still have some energy after scaling Mount Etna's dizzying heights, head 35 km south towards Catania. Sicily's second city, Catania is the island's renaissance capital, and is located on the dazzlingly beautiful shores of the Ionian Sea. So once you've experienced the glittering blue waters, head into town and wander around swathes of classical architecture, such as the Church of St Francis of Assisi and the stunning Odeon. We highly recommend the Roman Theater of Catania, which was built into the hillside and facing the sea, and dates all the way back to the 2^nd century AD.

Catania is also a well-known hub of gastronomical delight. Sign off your busy day in Sicily by seeking a restaurant that offers the traditional Pasta alla Norma, a famous and typically Catanian dish consisting of pasta and eggplant. If it's accommodation you need, the 4-star Palace Catania UNA Esperienze - highly recommended by our users - is an excellent place to rest after such a busy day.

(Credit: Flo P/Unsplash)

Day 2: Experience Palermo, the Sicilian Capital in Sicily

Mediterranean climate, exceptional food, and culture in abundance - visitors to Sicily simply must explore Palermo, the capital city of the island. Historic Roman Catholic culture features heavily in the old city center, and it creates some truly wonderful sites to behold.

Firstly, head to one (or several) of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Palermo and the neighboring parts of the northern coast of Sicily. We especially recommend the architectural beauty of the Norman Palace - once the main seat of power for the Kings of Sicily - and the Cattedrale di Palermo, both 12^th century masterpieces, and just 2 stunning recommendations among many others that lie within the city limits.

Once you're done exploring, be sure to explore the dozens of gastronomical wonders that lie in Palermo's streets. Sicily has a wealth of famous restaurants, and Palermo boasts some of the very finest. However, if you fancy buying your own ingredients, be sure to head to the Vucciria, Ballarò and Capo markets in the center of the city - all are well known for their sumptuous array of seafood, and colorful fruit and vegetables.

And where to rest your head after a long day exploring? Choices are numerous, but the 4-star Mercure Palermo Centro comes highly recommended, and is located right in the heart of the historic Sicilian capital.

(Credit: Trip.com)

Day 3: Discover the Beauty of Agrigento in Sicily

South-western Sicily is the home to the province of Agrigento, which is famous for its historical architecture (again!), natural wonders, and wine. All of which should put the area firmly near the top of your list of things to do in Sicily.

Let's start with wine - which is always a good idea. The whole province is famous for its Marsala wine, so you're spoiled for choice if you want to channel your inner sommelier. Explore the Sambuca di Sicilia, some 68 km from the Sicilian capital of Palermo - the area is well-known for its wealth of vineyards and delectable local wines made from the local Fiano grapes.

Head just outside of Agrigento's center to the Valley of the Temples - or Valle dei Templi - for some of the most exquisite examples of ancient art and architecture you're ever likely to experience. Be sure to wander around all the temples - we recommend the temple of Concordia in particular. It's the best preserved of all 7 temples located in the valley, and was astonishingly built 2,500 years ago. A truly mesmeric experience for visitors to Sicily.

Fancy some nature to compliment all that architecture? Hop in your rental car and take the 20-minute drive from Valle dei Templi to the coast, where the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi await. Turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are set against the cliffs' backdrop, with the natural erosion highlighting a beautiful sweeping natural staircase. Perfect for the sunset on the western horizon, and an ideal way to see out your trip to Sicily.

If you want to stay in the capital of the province, Agrigento, then Hotel Del Viale could be the option for you. The 3-star hotel is meters away from the historic city center.

(Credit: Flo P/Unsplash)

Of course, we've merely scratched the surface of all the things you can do in Sicily - there are numerous historical points of interest, beautiful beaches, and tiny islands to visit while you're here.

There are 4 international airports on the island, including in the major cities of Palermo and Catania. Be sure to book your flight to Sicily with Trip.com.

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