If Sicily has been on your travel list for a while, you've probably done exactly what most people do: open Google Maps, zoom out... and realise it's way bigger than you thought. Which then leaves you wondering where you should actually base yourself. Every corner of the island feels completely different, making it surprisingly difficult to know where to begin.
Part of Sicily's appeal is just how different each corner of the island feels. One day might be spent at a beach club in Taormina, the next tasting wine beneath Mount Etna or wandering through the streets of Noto. A week is only ever enough to get a taste of it. And honestly, that's part of the appeal. For a honeymoon especially, resist the temptation to pack too much into your itinerary. The last thing you want is to spend half your trip in the car, constantly unpacking and checking into a new hotel every night. Instead, pick one side of the island and really get to know it.
The eastern coast makes the ideal introduction to Sicily. Between the beach clubs, vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, historic towns and some of Italy's most spectacular hotels (including not one but two Belmond properties in Taormina), it's a pretty convincing place to begin. So whether it's your first trip to Sicily or the honeymoon you've been dreaming about, here's how to spend seven days on one of the Mediterranean's most coveted destinations.
Day 1: Arrive in Taormina
Check-In in Style
If you're flying from the U.S. or most of Europe, you'll likely arrive into Catania, around an hour from Taormina by car. It's an easy drive, and one that quickly reminds you why people fall so hard for Sicily.
For the first few nights, we'd absolutely stay in Taormina. And if this is your honeymoon, this is also where we'd splurge. The hotel that's become synonymous with Taormina is, of course, San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel. Yes, it was made even more famous by The White Lotus, but it's one of those places that's worth the hype. If it's always been on your list, this is the trip to book it. That said, we'd also be looking at the two Belmond properties. Grand Hotel Timeo is perfect if you want to be in the heart of Taormina, with unreal views over the Greek Theatre, while Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea sits directly on the beach below town. If waking up and walking straight onto the sand sounds like your idea of a honeymoon, we'd probably lean more towards Villa Sant'Andrea.
Spend the Afternoon by the Pool
Once you've checked in, don't feel like you need to immediately start sightseeing. Spend the afternoon exactly how the first day of a honeymoon should be spent by the pool, on your terrace, or with an aperol spritz overlooking the sea.
Later in the evening, if the jet lag hasn't quite caught up with you yet, take a stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina's main shopping street, before ending up in Piazza IX Aprile, the town's beautiful central square with sweeping views over the coastline. It's the kind of place you'll inevitably find yourself returning to throughout your stay. Order an aperitivo, settle in for a while and ease into your first evening in Sicily.
Head to Dinner at San Domenico Palace
For dinner, head to either Principe Cerami or Anciovi, one of the two fabulous restaurant at San Domenico Palace. Reservations are essential, but it's well worth planning ahead for. Between the food, the setting and the views, there's no better way to kick off your first night in Sicily.
Day 2: Slow Mornings & Sunset Aperitivos
Visit the Ancient Greek Theatre
After your first evening in Taormina, it's time to experience some of what makes the town so special. Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Ancient Greek Theatre. Built in the third century BC, it's one of Sicily's most famous landmarks, but arriving early makes all the difference. You'll beat both the heat and the tour groups, leaving you with uninterrupted views across the coastline and Mount Etna in the distance.
Grab a Bite at Bam Bar
Afterwards, stop by Bam Bar. If there's one place you shouldn't skip in Taormina, it's this. Their granita and brioche have become something of a Sicilian institution, and while there will almost certainly be a line, it moves quickly. If there was ever a place to test the saying good things come to those who wait, this is it.
Go Window Shopping in Taormina
The rest of the morning is best spent wandering without too much of a plan. Pop into the ceramic boutiques that line the streets, then make time for Feliciotto, a contemporary concept store filled with beautifully curated clothing and accessories. If you've forgotten to pack something (or are simply looking for an excuse to justify another purchase), this is a good place to start. Just down the street, Lorenzo Camarda is well worth a visit too, particularly for its beautifully made shoes, hats and leather accessories, with an impressive selection for both men and women.
Enjoy an Apertivo at Grand Hotel Timeo
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the terrace at Bar Timeo at Grand Hotel Timeo for an aperitivo. Even if you're not staying there, we'd still recommend coming for aperitivo. Order a drink, settle in for sunset and stay for dinner at the hotel if you can. Between the live music, the little bites that accompany your cocktails and one of the best views in Taormina, it's one of those evenings you'll remember long after the trip is over.
Day 3: A Day Well-Spent by the Sea
Embrace a Slow-Paced Beach Day
After two days exploring Taormina, today is all about slowing the pace down. If you're staying at Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea, you've already got one of the best beaches on your doorstep. Spend the morning by the water, book a cabana or simply enjoy doing very little which, after all, is exactly what honeymoons are for.
Rent a Boat for Sightseeing Isola Bella
If there's one thing we'd add to the itinerary today, it's renting a boat for a few hours. Seeing Isola Bella from the water is far more enjoyable than trying to find a spot on the beach during the middle of the day, especially in summer. You might also recognise it as yet another iconic filming location from The White Lotus, although it's been one of Sicily's most famous beaches long before it aired on screen. Cruise past the shoreline, explore the Blue Grotto and spend a few hours swimming in some of the clearest water on the island.
Savor a Leisurely Lunch at Ristorante Sant'Andrea
For lunch, book Ristorante Sant'Andrea, located back at Villa Sant'Andrea. Between the beachfront setting and beautifully simple seafood, it's the kind of lunch that accidentally turns into an afternoon, followed by what can only be described as an obligatory holiday nap.
Dine Back in Taormina
Head back into Taormina for your final evening and settle in for one last authentic Sicilian dinner in town. Osteria Rosso Divino is a favourite for seafood and an excellent wine list, while Trattoria da Nino is another local institution that's well worth booking if you're after classic Sicilian dishes in a lively setting. Since it's your last night here, don't head back to the hotel just yet. Instead, finish the evening at Morgana Lounge Bar. Hidden inside one of Taormina's oldest hotels, it's the kind of place you'll end up staying far longer than you planned. The interiors are gloriously over the top— in the best possible way. If there was ever a night for one last drink, it's this one.
Day 4: Slow Down at Monaci delle Terre Nere
Venture to Mount Etna
Leave Taormina after breakfast and make your way towards Mount Etna, where you'll spend the night at Monaci delle Terre Nere. The drive takes just over 30 minutes, making it an easy next stop and a chance to slow the pace down without spending half the day in the car. This is one of those hotels where the property is the destination. Set on a restored 19th-century estate surrounded by vineyards and citrus groves, it's the perfect change of pace after a few busy days in Taormina.
See Where the Day Takes You
Spend the afternoon exactly as you please. Lounge by the pool, wander through the vineyards, book one of the hotel's cooking classes or let the golf cart take you around the estate. If you're in the mood to explore, the nearby towns of Zafferana Etnea and Randazzo make an easy afternoon trip. Although we'd completely understand if you never made it further than the pool.
Dinner is best enjoyed back at the hotel. The produce is local, the wine comes from Etna's volcanic slopes and the entire experience feels wonderfully relaxed. After several days of sightseeing, today is your excuse to simply enjoy where you're staying.
Day 5: Check Into the Countryside Outside Noto
Make Your Way to Noto
After breakfast on Day 5, continue south towards Noto, where we'd recommend staying just outside the town rather than in the historic center. This part of Sicily does countryside hotels exceptionally well, with beautifully restored masserias, boutique farm stays and peaceful estates surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. If you're on your honeymoon, it's hard to imagine a more relaxing base.
Il San Corrado di Noto would be our first pick. Set inside a beautifully restored masseria, it's effortlessly luxurious without ever feeling overdone, and the service is every bit as exceptional as everyone says it is. The two pools alone might tempt you to stay an extra night.
For something a little smaller, Casa Vendicari is a lovely boutique alternative. Housed inside a historic family farmhouse with just 13 rooms, it pairs an authentic Sicilian feel with thoughtful modern touches, a beautiful saltwater pool and the kind of quiet atmosphere that's perfect after a day exploring. Another beautiful option is Country House Villadorata, particularly if you're looking for somewhere full of character with a more intimate feel.
Stroll Through the Historic City Center
Often referred to as Sicily's Baroque capital, Noto is surprisingly compact, making it incredibly easy to explore in just a few hours. Wander through the historic center, stop inside Palazzo Nicolaci and take your time popping into the independent boutiques and speciality food shops along the way. One standout is Venerabili Ragazze, a beautifully curated concept store filled with homeware, ceramics and pieces you'll somehow convince yourself will fit in your suitcase. It's the perfect place to pick up a few gifts to bring home—and inevitably a couple for yourself too.
Grab a Drink at the Rooftop of Gagliardi Boutique Hotel
Before dinner, head up to the rooftop at Gagliardi Boutique Hotel for a drink. It has one of the best views in town and makes the perfect spot for an aperitivo before the evening begins. For dinner, head to Manna. The menu puts a slightly modern spin on traditional Sicilian cooking without feeling overly fussy, and if you're struggling to choose a bottle of wine, you're in very good hands.
Day 6: Visit Vendicari & Marzamemi
Enjoy the Beach or Snorkel at the Vendicari Nature Reserve
One of the best things about this part of Sicily is how quickly the scenery changes. Today, you're swapping Baroque streets for quiet beaches and one of the island's most beautiful nature reserves. Start at the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where walking trails lead between quiet beaches and the ruins of the old Tonnara di Vendicari, once used for the island's tuna fishery. If you're into snorkelling, this is the place to do it. The water here is incredibly clear and perfect for exploring beneath the surface. And if you're not, no judgement here. Find a quiet spot on the beach and call it a day.
Eat Lunch in Marzamemi
When you're ready for lunch, continue on to Marzamemi, a small fishing village that's become one of our favourite spots along Sicily's southeastern coast. Spend some time wandering around the harbour before settling in for lunch at Taverna La Cialoma, where seafood is very much the thing to order.
Visit the Local Concept Stores
Afterwards, browse a few of the boutiques around town, including Lao Concept Store, a beautifully curated shop filled with clothing, homeware and locally made finds. It's another one of those places where leaving empty-handed takes a surprising amount of self-control. Then, grab a gelato and enjoy a slower afternoon before making your way back to your hotel for one final evening in the countryside.
Day 7: Journey Back to Ortigia
Find Your Way to Ortigia
After another leisurely breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way back up the coast to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Rather than rushing through before your flight, we'd recommend spending one final night here. Check into Grand Hotel Des Ètrangers, one of Ortigia's most iconic waterfront hotels, before heading out to explore.
Wander the Narrow Streets of the City
Unlike Taormina, Ortigia feels a little less polished, with a more lived-in feel. We know that can sometimes sound like a polite way of saying it's seen better days, but we promise that's not the case here. Spend the afternoon weaving through the narrow streets, popping into independent boutiques and the local artisan ceramic shops. If Mercato di Ortigia is open, don't miss it. Filled with local produce, fragrant spices, cheeses and plenty of Sicilian specialities, it's one of the best places to soak up the atmosphere.
Grab a Coffee at Piazza del Duomo
Make your way to Piazza del Duomo for a coffee, and if the market's on, it's well worth a wander for local olive oil, pistachios and other Sicilian specialities. For lunch, grab one of the legendary panini from Caseificio Borderi and take it down to the waterfront. There will almost certainly be a queue, but it's one of those places that's worth the wait. Then spend the rest of the afternoon doing very little at all — which, by now, you'll know is one of Sicily's greatest strengths.
Enjoy the Final Night at Cortile Spirito Santo
For your final dinner in Sicily, make it one to remember and book a table at Cortile Spirito Santo. As Ortigia's first Michelin-starred restaurant, it feels like a fitting place to celebrate your final night on the island. Expect a refined take on Sicilian cuisine, whether you're dining in the courtyard during the summer months or inside the beautifully restored Palazzo. And be sure to linger over one last glass of Sicilian wine— there's no better way to end the trip.
