7 Days in Sicily Without a Car – The Perfect Itinerary

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and while it’s technically part of Italy, it definitely has a vibe of its own. Think dramatic coastlines, postcard-perfect beaches, mouth watering food, and a fiery personality – quite literally, as it’s home to Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe ( and if you’re lucky you might even see the Sicily volcano eruption! ) 

One week in Sicily isn’t nearly enough to see it all, but you can still pack in some incredible highlights – even without a car. Here’s my 7 day Sicily itinerary for exploring this stunning island using train, buses, and a bit of walking (plus gelato breaks, of course).

I travelled to Palermo with my husband and my in-laws, who are in their 60s, so this itinerary is planned at a moderate, relaxed pace

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Landing in Catania

I kicked off my one week in Sicily by flying into Catania – mainly because I scored a great deal on flights here instead of Palermo. If you’re planning your own 7-day Sicily itinerary, definitely keep an eye on flight deals through platforms like Kiwi or Omio .

The flight from London took about 2.5 hours, but we landed pretty late in the evening. Luckily, our amazing host was waiting for us at the hotel – and even helped carry our luggage all the way up to the top floor (absolute hero). To get there we took a taxi from the airport – unfortunately I think we got a bit overcharged for our 10 min journey. You can also pre book a transfer here 

We stayed at Altevolte Rooms, a charming house with private ensuite rooms right in the heart of Catania. The location couldn’t have been better – just a 5-minute walk to the historic city centre. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Catania, this one is a winner.

Since it was already quite late, we skipped dinner and just went for a short walk around town. I was genuinely surprised at how lively the streets were – even around midnight! 

Day 1 – Travelling to Taormina

While renting a car in Sicily is pretty straightforward (if you’re after a good deal, check out DiscoverCars or RentalCars), we decided to skip it. Between tricky parking, winding roads, and everything we’ve heard about Sicilian drivers, it just didn’t seem worth the stress.

Luckily, travelling around Sicily without a car is totally doable. I booked all our tickets through Omio – super easy and convenient. Just flash the QR code on your phone, no printing needed.

We started the morning in the best way possible: with arancini and pistachio croissants at Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe. Honestly, nothing beats a proper Italian breakfast before a travel day.

Next stop on our 7-day Sicily itinerary was Taormina. The train from Catania to Taormina takes about an hour and only costs €5.50. Just a heads-up – the train station is at the bottom of the hill, while the historic town sits much higher up. You can grab a bus, taxi, or even a cable car to get up there. We paid €20 for a taxi to the centre, which was worth it with our luggage.

Taormina is a picture-perfect town perched on the hillside, with dreamy views of the sea and Mount Etna. It’s one of those places that feels like a movie set – colourful buildings, romantic balconies, and the kind of charm that’s impossible to fake. No wonder it’s often called one of the highlights of any Sicily itinerary.

After checking into our hotel, we wandered through the streets, starting with Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main promenade. Think boutique shops, hidden courtyards, gelato stops on every corner, and rooftop bars with stunning views. We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Porta Messina – highly recommend the pasta alla norma!

Day 2 – Exploring Taormina

Taormina may be small, but don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty to see and do here. It’s a must-stop on any 7-day Sicily itinerary!

We started our day with breakfast at the iconic Bam Bar – famous for its granita served with a warm brioche bun. I totally get the hype now; it was so good!

Next, we strolled over to Villa Comunale di Taormina, a peaceful botanical garden with panoramic views over the coastline and Mount Etna. Built by a British noblewoman in the 19th century, it’s full of exotic plants, whimsical follies, and shady spots perfect for a break from the sun. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Taormina. 

After soaking up the views, we hopped on the cable car that runs between the town centre and the beach. A round-trip ticket costs €10 per person and the ride itself is super scenic. If you’re including Taormina in your one week Sicily itinerary, this is such a fun and easy way to reach the coast.

We visited Sicily in May, and honestly, I think it’s the best time to travel to Sicily. The weather was perfect – warm but not unbearably hot. It was a bit cloudy and breezy by the sea that day, so we skipped swimming and opted for cocktails instead at a beach bar overlooking Isola Bella. If you’ve travelled to Sicily because of White Lotus, this is the spot you’ll recognise from the show.

In the evening, we wrapped things up in true Taormina style – cocktails at Daiquiri Bar, the most amazing cannoli at La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli, and a dreamy dinner at Ristorante Al Giardino.

Taormina really was a highlight of our Sicily itinerary – the perfect mix of sea views, good food, and charming streets.

Day 3 – travelling to Palermo 

We started the fourth day of our 7-day Sicily itinerary by catching a train from Taormina to Palermo. Just like before, I booked our tickets on Omio – super simple and perfect for anyone travelling in Sicily by public transportation.

The journey took just over 4 hours, with one train change along the way. The trains were comfortable, and the scenic views of the Sicilian countryside made the time fly by. If you’re wondering if you can travel around Sicily by train, the answer is absolutely yes – and it’s a great way to explore the island without a car.

Palermo greeted us with sunny skies and warm vibes. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight for food. First stop: La Majolica, where we had one of the tastiest sandwiches of the trip. Then it was time for gelato from Dolce Capo – and wow, it did not disappoint.

Since the day was already slipping away, we went back to the hotel to get ready for our evening reservation at Seven Restaurant, a chic rooftop bar and restaurant. We didn’t stay for dinner, but we enjoyed a couple of cocktails while taking in some pretty epic city views – definitely a spot to add to your Sicily travel guide.

We wrapped up the night with dinner at Timilia, a buzzing pizza place in one of Palermo’s liveliest areas. Great food, great vibe, and the perfect end to our first night in the city.

Day 4 – day trips to Cefalu 

Cefalù is a charming coastal town on the northern shore of Sicily, about an hour from Palermo. Known for its sandy beaches and medieval streets, it’s a must-visit spot on any one week Sicily itinerary

We took the train from Palermo to Cefalù, and the journey couldn’t have been easier. It took around 50 minutes and cost €7 per person.

First on our agenda: climbing the iconic La Rocca di Cefalù, the massive rock that towers over the town. Entry to the park was €5 per person, and the hike to the top took about an hour. It’s a bit of a workout (especially in the Sicilian sun!), but the panoramic views of the coastline and rooftops below made it so worth it.

After working up an appetite, we went in search of lunch and stumbled upon a tiny local sandwich shop called La Cefalù Nostrana. There was no menu, just the friendly owner who recommended his favourites – and they turned out to be delicious. Just a note: we visited Cefalù on a Sunday, and many restaurants were closed for the afternoon, so finding a sit-down lunch spot wasn’t easy. But honestly, this little sandwich gem hit the spot.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing at a beachfront bar with stunning sea views, sipping drinks and watching the waves. We also walked along the beach to take in the town and La Rocca from a different perspective – it’s one of those views that stays with you.

Cefalù completely stole my heart. It was my favourite stop on our 7-day Sicily itinerary, and next time I visit, I’d love to stay longer. If you’re wondering what to do in Cefalù, you can easily spend the day living the slow life: lounging on the beach, wandering through the old town, visiting the impressive Cefalù Cathedral, or climbing the rock like we did. It’s a must-add to your Sicily itinerary.

Since this was a day trip, we took the train back to Palermo in the evening. From the station, we walked to Foro Italico, a lovely waterfront promenade perfect for a sunset stroll. We ended the night with a delicious pasta dinner at La Loggia – the perfect end to a laid-back day.

Day 5 – exploring Palermo 

On our last full day in Palermo, we decided to slow things down and just soak up the city. No trains, no tight schedule – just wandering, eating, and discovering hidden corners. 

We started the morning with a coffee and pastry at Caffetteria del Corso, just around the corner from Fontana Pretoria, also known as the “Fountain of Shame” (you’ll know why when you see it!). 

Next, we walked to the Palermo Cathedral and climbed up to the rooftop. The views were nice, but honestly, after seeing the sunset from Seven Restaurant, this didn’t quite wow me. Still, it’s a stunning building from the outside – definitely worth a visit, especially if you love history and architecture.

From there, we made our way to Palazzo dei Normanni, also called the Royal Palace of Palermo. It’s one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and home to the breathtaking Palatine Chapel, with glittering mosaics that feel straight out of a storybook. It’s a must if you’re putting together the perfect Sicily itinerary for 7 days and want a mix of culture and history.

We continued strolling through side streets and alleyways, eventually reaching the grand Teatro Massimo – Italy’s largest opera house. It’s gorgeous from the outside, and if you’re a Godfather fan, you’ll recognise it instantly 

To finish the day, we treated ourselves to what might’ve been one of the best pizzas of our whole trip at Fúnnaco PizzaLab. Seriously, this place is a must-visit for pizza lovers – super creative toppings, fresh ingredients, and the kind of crust dreams are made of.

Palermo was vibrant, gritty, and full of surprises. Even though our visit was short, it was absolutely worth it.

Day 6 – Catania 

The last stop of our 7-day Sicily itinerary was Catania – the same city where we started our Sicilian adventure. It felt like a full-circle moment, returning to this lively city one more time before wrapping up our one week Sicily itinerary.

This time, instead of taking the train, we travelled from Palermo to Catania by bus. You can book your tickets [here], and honestly, it was a great choice. The journey was quicker and cheaper than the train, which was ideal since we didn’t have much time left to explore.

We arrived in Catania around noon and thought about doing an Etna tour, but the one we wanted was already sold out. So we decided to save that experience for next time – one more reason to come back!

We checked into the same charming guesthouse Altevolte Rooms we stayed at on Day 1 (still just as lovely and perfectly located), then went back to Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe for a quick bite – because those pistachio croissants deserved a second round.

After lunch, we headed to Via Crociferi, one of the most historic and picturesque streets in Catania. It’s lined with gorgeous Baroque churches and has that cinematic, old-world vibe that makes you want to keep snapping photos. From there, we made our way to the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena, a massive Benedictine monastery and one of the largest in Europe. It’s now part of the university, and you can wander around its cloisters and underground passages – super cool if you’re into architecture or history.

We finished the afternoon with a stroll around Piazza Università and Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, soaking in the last golden hour of our trip. Catania was buzzing with life, and I’m so glad we got to revisit it.

For our final dinner in Sicily, we went to Catania Social Club | Ristorante, Pizzeria & Cocktail Bar, and wow – what a way to end the trip! Great vibes, delicious food, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that made us want to linger just a little longer.

Day 7 – Last day in Sicily 

Our last day in Sicily was a relaxed one. Since our flight to London wasn’t until later in the evening, we had almost a full day to soak up a bit more of Catania before saying goodbye.

Catania isn’t a huge city, and we’d already covered most of the highlights, but there were still a few spots we didn’t want to miss.

We started the day by wandering through the lively local market near Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata. It was buzzing with vendors selling fresh fruit, colourful veggies, and plenty of seafood – classic Sicilian energy at its best. If you’re wondering what to do in Sicily on a slower day, a market stroll is always a good idea.

Next, we made our way to Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata, a beautiful church just a short walk away. We climbed to the top for one last panoramic view of the city. The views were worth the effort – you could even spot Mount Etna in the distance. I can only imagine how stunning it must be at sunset!

For our final meal in Catania, we stopped at Spaghetti & Co., a charming little restaurant with seriously delicious pasta. And of course, no farewell to Sicily would be complete without one last gelato – so we made a final stop at Don Peppinu, where the pistachio and almond flavours totally hit the spot.

Eventually, it was time to head to the airport. We booked an Uber, said our goodbyes, and off we went – tired, full, and completely in love with Sicily.

Sicily truly stole my heart. I know we only scratched the surface – just the highlights and a few iconic spots – but this island has so much more to offer. From hidden hilltop villages to lesser-known beaches and remote corners, there’s still a whole other side of Sicily I can’t wait to explore. I’m already dreaming of my next trip back!

I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring – whether you’re planning your own 7 days in Sicily without a car, or just daydreaming for now. Either way, I promise: Sicily is always a good idea.