Sicily Road Trip Itinerary
The Sicily Road Trip is a great way to explore the stunning region of Sicily. This road trip takes you on a journey through the towns of Marsala, Sciacca, Agrigento, Syracuse, Catania, Messina and Cefalù, covering a distance of ca. 974km, and can be completed in 14 days. The best time to drive this route is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are longer.
Along the way, you'll experience a variety of historical sites, landscapes and beaches, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The road conditions are generally good and the trip can be enjoyed by any driver. You can manage the trip on a fair budget, and you'll come away with some amazing memories and experiences.
14
number of days
950 km
route length
moderate
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Trapani
Distance 950 km
Driving time 19.4 h
Pace: modest
247.0 kWh
Airports
TPS
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Birgi, in the south of Italy, is the perfect starting point for the Sicily Road Trip. Located only 10 km from Trapani International Airport (TPS) and the ferry terminal to the Egadi Islands, it is easy to reach by car.
Car hire is available from the airport and you can also easily rent a car in Birgi. Once you have your car, make sure to visit the beautiful 12th century castle, Castello di Birgi. Inside you can explore the ancient architecture and the history of the area.
From Birgi you can also venture out to the nearby Erice. This ancient city is perched atop a mountain and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the lush countryside are sure to take your breath away.
Birgi is also the perfect starting point for discovering the region's stunning landscapes. From here you can easily drive to the nearby towns of Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, and Sciacca. The stunning beaches of San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Nature Reserve are also within easy reach.
The Sicily Road Trip starts in Birgi, an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of the region. With the Trapani International Airport (TPS) and car hire available, it's easy to get started. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning castles, towns, and beaches of the region!
1
Birgi
- Marsala
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: slow
3.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start your journey in Birgi, Italy and take a 13km drive to Marsala, for an exciting experience. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore some of the most interesting places in these two locations. In Birgi, don't miss the opportunity to see the Castle of the Counts of Modica, an impressive fortress dating back to the 15th century. In Marsala, you can explore the archaeological area of the ancient Punic city of Lilybaeum, or take a stroll through the historic centre to admire the beautiful churches and other monuments. You can also visit the Salt Museum, to learn about the history of salt production in the area. The drive should take less than an hour, so you can easily fit in some sightseeing along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Marsala - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Marsala
- Sciacca
Distance 79 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
20.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Marsala-Sciacca stage of your road trip! This beautiful 78 km stretch will take you no more than two hours to complete, so you have plenty of time to explore the historical sites and attractions of these two Italian cities.
Your road trip begins in Marsala, the city of the famous fortified wine. The city is also home to the Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve, where you can take a boat tour to see the salt pans and the islands of San Pantaleo and Isola Lunga. Don’t forget to visit the impressive Punic and Roman archaeological sites, including the remains of the Punic walls and the archaeological park of Lilibeo.
Your final destination is Sciacca, a city known for its thermal baths and the nearby Eraclea Minoa archeological site. Here you can visit the Castle of the Counts Luna, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and the Church of San Francesco di Paola. The city also boasts a beautiful promenade and the interesting Museo di Arte Contemporanea.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Sciacca - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Sciacca
- Agrigento
Distance 56 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
14.7 kWh
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Embark on a 56 km road trip from Sciacca to Agrigento and get ready to explore some of the most interesting places in the region! Start your journey at the old city of Sciacca, where you can admire its beautiful baroque architecture and lively cobblestone streets. Then, drive to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where you can explore the ancient Greek ruins, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, stop at the Scala dei Turchi, a stunning natural cliff formation, and the archaeological site of Heraclea Minoa. With a driving time of fewer than 1 hour, you can easily make these stops and still arrive to Agrigento in no time. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Agrigento - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Agrigento - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Agrigento - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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4
Agrigento
- Modica
Distance 164 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: slow
37.8 kWh
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Welcome to the Agrigento to Modica road trip stage! This stage of your journey is 168km long and it will take you fewer than 4 hours to drive.
Agrigento is a beautiful city in Sicily and it is home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the ruins of the ancient Greek temples and learn about the history of the city.
The next stop is the city of Ragusa, which is known for its Baroque architecture. Here you can admire the churches and palaces of the city and take a stroll through the streets of the old town.
Your next stop is Scicli, which is also known for its Baroque architecture. Here you can visit the Church of San Matteo and the Palazzo Beneventano.
Finally, you will arrive in Modica, a city known for its chocolate. Here you can visit the Chocolate Museum and taste some of the delicious local chocolate.
This is only one stage of your journey and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Modica - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Modica - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Modica
- Syracuse
Distance 81 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: slow
18.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Modica to Syracuse, a distance of 89km that can be covered in less than 2 hours of driving.
Your first stop should be Modica, a city in Sicily, renowned for its chocolate. Here you can explore the old town with its Baroque architecture, or take a stroll through the historic city centre and visit the many churches and palaces.
Next, you'll be heading to Noto, where you can admire its impressive Cathedral of San Nicolò and the Palazzo Vescovile. You'll also find a variety of shops and restaurants in the city centre.
Continue your journey to Marzamemi, a fishing village with a picturesque harbour, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll and take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Finally, you'll reach Syracuse, where you can explore the archaeological site of the ancient Greek city. Visit the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Temple of Apollo.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Syracuse - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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6
Syracuse
- Catania
Distance 66 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
19.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Syracuse to Catania? This 66 km journey is full of surprises and will take you less than one hour. Along the route you will find some stunning landscapes and UNESCO Heritage sites. Visit the Greek Theater in Syracuse to experience the ancient Greek culture and explore the Baroque streets of Catania. Don't miss the Castello Ursino, the symbol of Catania. On the way, don't forget to take a break and enjoy the panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the hidden gems along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Catania - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Catania
- Taormina
Distance 51 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
13.2 kWh
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If you are looking for a short, yet exciting road trip, then the journey from Catania to Taormina is the perfect choice for you! This 54 km drive takes less than an hour and offers a stunning view of the coastline of Sicily.
Start your journey from Catania, a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Make sure to visit the city’s main square, Piazza del Duomo, and the Cathedral of St. Agatha, the patron saint of Catania.
Continue your journey to Taormina, a charming hilltop town known for its breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can explore the Greek Theatre, one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, and the Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th-century palace.
Throughout your journey, you will be able to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Sicilian countryside, including vineyards, olive groves, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Taormina - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - — Википедия
Taormina - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - — Википедия
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8
Taormina
- Messina
Distance 51 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
13.4 kWh
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Welcome to the Taormina to Messina road trip stage! This 51 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Sicily.
Start your journey in Taormina, a picturesque town perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. Be sure to visit the Greek Theatre, the ancient ruins of Castelmola, and the Palazzo Corvaja.
Continue your drive to Messina, a lively port city situated at the northeastern tip of Sicily. Here, you can explore the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Fountain of Orion.
This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Messina - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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9
Messina
- Cefalù
Distance 168 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
50.4 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Messina to Cefalù! This stage will take you through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Sicily. The journey of 168km will take you less than 2 hours, but take your time to explore the region's stunning landscapes and numerous attractions.
The route takes you past the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Palermo, the Valley of the Temples and the Aeolian Islands. Along the way, you can also visit the picturesque towns of Castelbuono and Cefalù, with its famous Norman Cathedral. Be sure to take a stop at the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Cefalù - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Cefalù - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Cefalù - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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10
Cefalù
- Palermo
Distance 79 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
20.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Cefalù, Italy and ending in Palermo? This 76 km journey will take you less than 2 hours and you will have the chance to witness some breathtaking views and visit some of the most interesting historical sites in the area. Along the way, you will be able to see some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so keep an eye out! This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, but you will certainly not be disappointed. Make sure to check out the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey and have a great time!
Palermo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Palermo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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11
Palermo
- Castellammare del Golfo
Distance 79 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
20.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Palermo-Castellammare del Golfo stage of your road trip! This 89 km journey will take you less than two hours of driving and will take you to some of the most interesting places in Sicily.
Your first stop should be Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where you can visit the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Teatro Massimo, and the Cattedrale di Palermo. Don’t forget to visit the Capo Market for some of the best seafood in the city.
The next stop is the small town of Castellammare del Golfo, where you can explore the Castello dei Conti di Modica and the Torre di Castellamare. You can also take a boat tour around the Gulf of Castellammare and visit the nearby island of Favignana.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Castellammare del Golfo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipédia
Castellammare del Golfo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Castellammare del Golfo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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12
Castellammare del Golfo
- Trapani
Distance 39 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
9.1 kWh
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Are you ready to explore the stunning Sicilian coast? Start your journey in Castellammare del Golfo, a charming fishing village with a beautiful harbor and a rich history. From there, you will drive to Trapani, a beautiful city with a marvelous harbor and a rich cultural heritage. The drive will take you less than two hours, covering a distance of only 41 kilometers.
On your way, make sure to stop at Scopello, a picturesque fishing village with a stunning view of the sea. Then, visit the charming village of San Vito lo Capo, renowned for its stunning beaches. In Erice, you can explore the ancient streets and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Egadi Islands.
Finally, you will arrive in Trapani, where you can explore the cobblestone streets of the old town and visit the ancient churches. Don't forget to take a boat ride to the Egadi Islands and discover their crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches.
This is just one stage of your Sicilian road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the stunning Sicilian coast!
Trapani - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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13
Trapani
- Birgi
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
5.1 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Trapani to Birgi? This 24km journey will take you less than an hour, and you will be amazed by the sights you will see.
Start your journey in Trapani, a historic city in western Sicily with a beautiful old town and a picturesque port. Don't miss the ancient walls, the Torre di Ligny and the Church of the Purgatory.
Continue your journey to Birgi, a small town located in the Belice Valley. Here you can visit the Castle of the Counts of Modica, the Church of Santa Maria del Gesù and the Church of San Francesco.
This is just one of the many stages of this tour, so make sure to check the Itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!
Birgi - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Birgi
[detailsContainer]
Birgi, Italy is the perfect ending to your Sicily Road Trip. Located in the Trapani province in the northwest portion of Sicily, Birgi is a charming town that is full of history, culture, and great food. Take a stroll through the town and explore its many historic sites, including the Castle of Birgi and the Church of Santa Maria della Catena.
For a more relaxing experience, take a walk along the beach and enjoy the picturesque views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The nearby town of Erice is also a must-see. Here, you can explore the Castle of Venus, the Church of San Martino, and the Torre di Pepoli.
Once you've seen the sights, you can enjoy some of the best cuisine in Sicily. From seafood to pasta dishes, Birgi has something for everyone. For those looking for a unique experience, a visit to the nearby Marsala Winery is a must. Here, you can sample some of the best wines in Sicily and learn about the local winemaking process.
If you're traveling by air, the closest international airport is Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS), located just 20 km away. For those traveling by car, Birgi is the ideal ending to your Sicily Road Trip. With its rich history, stunning views, and delicious food, Birgi is the perfect place to end your journey.
Sicily Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Birgi
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End:
Birgi
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Distance:
950 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani-Birgi (TPS)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily's stunning landscapes and historic treasures with the Sicily Road Trip. This 974km adventure weaves through the island over 14 days, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors and sights of towns like Marsala, Sciacca, Agrigento, Syracuse, Catania, Messina, and Cefalù.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Marsala: Not only is it celebrated for its exquisite wines, particularly the Marsala wine, but it also boasts a wealth of archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Lilybaeum and the Capo Boeo, marking the westernmost tip of Sicily.
- Sciacca: Renowned for its therapeutic thermal baths dating back to the Roman period and a bustling fishing port, Sciacca also charms visitors with its medieval architecture and artisan ceramics.
- Agrigento: A treasure trove of Greek civilization, Agrigento is dominated by the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes well-preserved Doric temples and ancient ruins.
- Syracuse: A city that encapsulates Sicily's ancient Greek and Roman past, Syracuse is home to the famous Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Roman Amphitheater.
- Catania: Positioned at the base of the active volcano Mount Etna, Catania is a city where Baroque architecture mingles with lively markets and a rich culinary tradition, all under the watchful eye of the towering volcano.
- Messina: This harbor city greets visitors with the impressive Norman Messina Cathedral and its astronomical clock, as well as panoramic views from the Sanctuary of Christ the King.
- Cefalù: With its picturesque beach, stunning Norman cathedral, and the ancient megalithic structure known as La Rocca, Cefalù offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.
Best Time to Go:
Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) are the ideal seasons for a Sicilian Road Trip, with comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and a landscape bursting with colorful blooms or harvest bounty.
Potential Risks:
Challenges include navigating winding Roads, understanding local driving customs, and coping with the high volume of tourists during peak summer months, which could affect traffic and parking.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Sicily has a rich tradition of puppetry, with the Sicilian Puppet Theatre (Opera dei Pupi) being recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
- The island is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Archaeological Area of Agrigento and the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.
- Sicilian cuisine is a feast for the senses, with iconic dishes such as arancini, cannoli, and caponata showcasing the island's diverse culinary influences.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is an invitation to explore Sicily's diverse heritage, where every turn brings a new discovery, from ancient ruins and majestic landscapes to vibrant markets and delectable gastronomy. It's an ideal escape for history buffs, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.
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