Weekend in Sicily: what to see and where to go

Sicily is an island with a big heart and a thousand souls: the millennia-old blend of different cultures has given it a multifaceted, diverse, and unique identity. With its incredibly rich history, framed by breathtaking landscapes and celebrated by one of the most flavorful cuisines in Italy, Sicily is a magical place to spend a weekend. Here, we suggest three different itineraries based on your arrival airport.

If your weekend in Sicily starts in Palermo
Land in Palermo and dive straight into the historic heart of the city: the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel will leave you breathless, while the historic Ballarò market is the ideal spot for a truly authentic taste of Sicily’s famous street food. In the evening, enjoy a seaside stroll and dinner in Mondello, and on Sunday, visit the Monreale Cathedral with its golden mosaics. Return to Palermo for one last bite of local cuisine before heading back: arancine, pane ca' meusa, panelle and crocchè, sarde a beccafico, cannoli and much more.

If your sicilian weekend starts in Catania
Catania welcomes you with the majestic Piazza del Duomo and the lively Via Etnea, a bustling cultural and shopping street that cuts through the city’s historic center. It's famous for its cafés, baroque monuments, and, as the name suggests, its views of Mount Etna. Don’t miss the unique atmosphere of the Pescheria market for a quick and tasty lunch, and in the evening, take a walk through the lit-up historic center. On Sunday, enjoy an excursion to Taormina, with its Greek Theatre and breathtaking views of Etna and the sea. Before heading back to Catania for your flight, take time to soak in the charm of Corso Umberto.

If your weekend in Sicily starts in Trapani
If your flight lands in Trapani, spend the afternoon exploring the magical Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco, a unique landscape dotted with windmills. In the evening, enjoy a delicious fish couscous at a local restaurant. On Sunday, take a hydrofoil to Favignana, rent a bike, and explore its stunning coves such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. If the weather isn’t on your side, you can instead visit Trapani’s historic monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

Even with just a weekend, Sicily will give you unforgettable memories and leave you wanting to return. Once you’ve booked your flight, you can rent a car for full freedom of movement by heading to one of Locauto’s conveniently located offices across Sicily:
• Car Rental Palermo
• Car Rental Catania
• Car Rental Trapani Airport
• Car Rental Messina
• Car Rental Syracuse
• Car Rental Milazzo