Sicily is a crossroads of civilizations—Phoenician traders, Arab emirs, Norman kings—each leaving behind layers of flavor, architecture, and stories. You’ll feel it in Palermo’s Arab-Norman palaces and open-air markets, and again in Taormina’s Greek Theatre gazing at Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. This 8-day itinerary stitches together culture, cuisine, coastline, and countryside for a vivid portrait of the island.

Expect mornings fueled by pistachio cornetti and granita, afternoons among mosaics and medieval lanes, and evenings of seafood pastas, Etna wines, and passeggiata on glowing piazzas. From Palermo’s Capo and Ballarò markets to Taormina’s Isola Bella and cliffside gardens, the flow balances headline sights with local gems and down time.

Practical notes: summers are hot and many shops pause midday; plan water and shade. Old towns have ZTL (limited traffic) zones—park on the edge or go car-free. Sicily’s regional trains and buses connect major hubs reliably; for flexibility, a compact rental can help, but isn’t necessary for this itinerary.

Palermo

Palermo is a riot of color and character: golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel, baroque stage-sets at Quattro Canti, and street vendors slinging panelle and sfincione. Its Arab-Norman monuments, together with Monreale and Cefalù, form a UNESCO World Heritage treasure—stone proof of Sicily’s layered history.

Venture from the historic center to Mondello’s crescent beach for a salty afternoon, then return for aperitivo in the Kalsa district. Food is a through-line here: arancine stuffed with ragu, sardines beccafico, and cannoli piped to order.

• Top sights: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral rooftops, Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Teatro Massimo, Capo/Ballarò/Vucciria markets, and Monreale Cathedral’s glittering cloister.
• Eat & drink: Try pani cà meusa (spleen sandwich) at Porta Carbone; sfincione and panelle in Ballarò; cassata or the famed Setteveli cake at Pasticceria Cappello; seafood at Osteria Mercede; hearty classics at Trattoria ai Cascinari; cocktails at Bocum.
• Where to stay: Browse central apartments and boutique stays on VRBO Palermo or curated hotels via Hotels.com Palermo.
• Getting there: Fly into PMO (Falcone–Borsellino). Compare options on Omio (flights in Europe). Airport train to Palermo Centrale ~50 minutes (~€6.50) or taxi ~45–55 minutes (~€45–55).

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily’s balcony over the Ionian Sea. The Greek Theatre frames Etna like a painted backdrop; bougainvillea drapes medieval gates; and a cable car whisks you from hilltop town to pebble coves by Isola Bella. It’s equal parts history and dolce vita.

Spend slow mornings in the Villa Comunale gardens, then wander Corso Umberto’s boutiques and tiny churches. Afternoon swims at Mazzarò or a boat to the Blue Grotto pair well with an evening spritz at sunset.

• Top sights: Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Villa Comunale gardens, Corso Umberto, Isola Bella and Mazzarò beaches, and the eyrie village of Castelmola.
• Eat & drink: Granita and brioche at Bam Bar; arancini at Da Cristina; seafood at Trattoria Da Nino; seasonal Sicilian plates at Tischi Toschi; Etna DOC pours at Osteria Nero D’Avola; late cocktails at Morgana Lounge Bar.
• Where to stay: Sea-view apartments or historic-center stays on VRBO Taormina or browse hotels on Hotels.com Taormina.
• Getting there from Palermo: Train via Messina to Taormina-Giardini ~5–6 hours (~€20–35) on Omio (trains), or bus Palermo→Catania (~2h45) then bus Catania→Taormina (~1h10), total ~4–4.5 hours (~€18–30) via Omio (buses). Driving the A19/A18 ~3–3.5 hours plus ~€15 in tolls, parking outside the ZTL.

Day 1 — Arrive in Palermo, markets and mosaics

Morning: Fly into Palermo (PMO). Compare European routes on Omio flights. Take the airport train (~50 minutes) to Centrale and walk or taxi to your stay.

Afternoon: Orient in the historic core: Quattro Canti’s theatrical corners, the marble-smooth Piazza Pretoria, and the Palermo Cathedral. Duck into the Palatine Chapel to see biblical scenes shimmering in gold tesserae.

Evening: Aperitivo in Kalsa (try a local Nero d’Avola or citrusy spritz) and dinner at Trattoria Ferro di Cavallo for classic pasta alla norma and grilled swordfish. Gelato nightcap at Gelateria Cappadonia—pistachio from Bronte is a must.

Day 2 — Street food safari and Teatro Massimo

Morning: Coffee and a ricotta-filled cannolo at Pasticceria Cappello, then stroll the Capo Market for produce pyramids and spice stands. Peek into Teatro Massimo’s grand foyer.

Afternoon: Join the city’s highest-rated food ramble, the Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty to taste panelle, sfincione, arancine, and—if you’re adventurous—pani cà meusa, while learning market lore.

Evening: Dinner at Osteria Mercede for seafood crudo and busiate with pistachio. Follow locals to Vucciria’s Taverna Azzurra for a convivial amaro or chilled white from Etna served in simple glasses.

Day 3 — Monreale mosaics and catacombs

Morning: Tour the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel early to admire the mosaics with fewer crowds. Grab a snack of warm sfincione from a street baker.

Afternoon: Let a driver-guide cover distances on the Palermo: Tour Historic Center, Catacombs & Monreale in CruiserCar, pairing frescoed crypts with Monreale’s awe-inspiring gold.

Evening: Head to Mondello for seafood by the water—Trattoria da Calogero or Antico Chiosco for casual fried fish cones. Stroll the liberty-era bathing pier as the sky goes lavender.

Day 4 — Market-to-table and a coastal cruise

Morning: Cook what Sicily tastes like on the Wanna be Sicilian: Palermo Cooking Class and Market Tour. Shop a traditional market with a chef and prepare a seasonal lunch—think pasta con le sarde, caponata, and cannoli.

Afternoon: Take to the water on the Palermo Half Day Boat Tour. Swim in clear coves, snorkel near Queen’s Cave, and toast with an onboard aperitif.

Evening: Dinner at Osteria Ballarò for Sicilian antipasti and slow-cooked mains; finish with cannoli or almond parfait. Early night—tomorrow you cross the island.

Day 5 — Travel to Taormina, hilltown strolls and sunset sips

Morning: Depart Palermo after breakfast. Easiest combo: bus Palermo→Catania (~2h45) then bus to Taormina (~1h10). Check schedules and book on Omio (buses). Prefer rails? Trains via Messina to Taormina-Giardini take ~5–6 hours on Omio (trains). Arrive midday and check in.

Afternoon: Wander Corso Umberto’s stone lanes from Porta Catania to Porta Messina, then breathe in the views from the Villa Comunale gardens—Etna, the bay, the theatre, all in one sweep.

Evening: Taste Taormina with the Taormina: Sicilian Street Food & Wine Tour by Do Eat Better—four curated stops, local bites, and regional wines, plus stories of the town’s culinary roots.

Day 6 — Mount Etna adventure

Morning: Lace up for the Etna Morning Trip, exploring lava fields, a flow cave, and panoramic craters with a naturalist guide. It’s the island’s wild heart—bring a windbreaker even in summer.

Afternoon: Lunch back in town—Osteria Nero D’Avola pairs Etna mushrooms with handmade pastas and pours expressive Etna Rosso. Siesta at your hotel or a swim at Mazzarò; the cable car runs regularly between town and the beach.

Evening: Golden-hour visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for pictures as the light washes over Etna and the sea. Dinner at Trattoria Da Nino—order swordfish involtini and a citrus salad; end with a pistachio semifreddo.

Day 7 — Coves, caves, and a seaside cooking class

Morning: Breakfast granita at Bam Bar—almond or mulberry—with fresh brioche. Browse artisan ceramics on Corso Umberto and pop into tiny churches tucked off side alleys.

Afternoon: Take a skipper-led loop of the coast on the Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto. Swim-stops, grotto peeks, and views of Capo Taormina and the “elephant rock.”

Evening: Learn Sicilian recipes steps from the sea with the Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo. You’ll shop, cook, and dine together—think handmade pasta, caponata, and fresh-caught fish.

Day 8 — Gardens, Castelmola views, and departure

Morning: One last stroll in the Villa Comunale gardens or ride a local bus/taxi up to Castelmola (550 m) for a spectacular panorama over Taormina and Etna. Espresso with almond cookies at a village café hits right.

Afternoon: Transfer to Catania Airport (CTA): Interbus from Taormina Bus Terminal ~1 hour (~€8–10) via Omio (buses), or taxi/private transfer ~55 minutes. Check onward flights with Omio (flights). Arrivederci, Sicilia!

Where to sleep (quick picks)

• Palermo (4 nights): Historic-center apartment near Quattro Canti for market access and easy sightseeing. See VRBO Palermo and Hotels.com Palermo.
• Taormina (3 nights): Terrace room or sea-view apartment within a 10-minute walk of Corso Umberto. Browse VRBO Taormina or Hotels.com Taormina.

Logistics at a glance

• Arrival: Fly into Palermo (PMO). Compare European itineraries on Omio flights. Airport train to Centrale ~50 minutes.
• City hop (Palermo → Taormina): Train via Messina ~5–6 hours on Omio (trains), or bus combo via Catania ~4–4.5 hours on Omio (buses). Morning departure recommended.
• Departure: From Taormina to Catania Airport (CTA) bus ~1 hour; check Omio for schedules. Flights via Omio.
• Seasonal tips: The Taormina cable car may pause for maintenance—have a backup taxi plan. The Greek Theatre hosts evening events; check schedules to time your visit by day.

In eight days you’ll eat Palermo’s streets, read Sicily’s history in gold mosaics and Greek stone, and feel Etna’s volcanic breath before drifting along Taormina’s cobalt coves. Sicily gets under the skin—plan to return for the parts you can’t fit this time.