Eastern Sicily – Self-Drive Tour from Catania
Explore eastern Sicily by car, from Catania and Syracuse to the Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa, then continue towards Mount Etna, Taormina and the villages of the Ionian coast.
Highlights
- Catania and Syracuse
- Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto
- Mount Etna and Taormina
Overview
Continue to Syracuse to explore Ortigia and the archaeological heritage of Neapolis. From Syracuse, the itinerary reaches Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla, combining limestone façades, hillside streets and opportunities to discover Modica’s chocolate traditions.
The journey then turns north towards Mount Etna and Taormina. Volcanic scenery contrasts with the ancient theatre and coastal views, while Castelmola and the villages around Savoca offer a different perspective on eastern Sicily.
Designed around a rental car and stays in Catania, Syracuse and the Taormina area, this self-drive itinerary brings together cultural visits and time to explore according to your interests. The final proposal will specify the accommodation, meals, rental conditions and any additional activities included.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Catania: Welcome to Eastern Sicily
Arrive at Catania Fontanarossa Airport and collect your rental car to begin your independent journey through eastern Sicily.
Drive to your hotel in Catania and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory walk through the historic centre, where elegant Baroque buildings, lively squares and traditional shops reflect the city's distinctive character.
Discover Piazza del Duomo, admire the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Elephant Fountain, or stroll along Via Etnea with views towards Mount Etna on clear days.
Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying dinner at a local trattoria and discovering some of Catania's traditional specialities.CataniaCatania - 2
Day 2
Catania: Baroque Heritage, Markets and Local Traditions
After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring Catania at your own pace.
Begin in the historic centre, visiting Piazza del Duomo and the streets surrounding the Cathedral. Discover the atmosphere of the traditional fish market when trading is taking place, where local vendors display fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Continue towards Castello Ursino, a medieval fortress that now houses the city's civic museum, or explore the beautiful Baroque architecture of Via Crociferi.
Take time for lunch at a local restaurant or sample typical Catanese street food, including arancini, cipollina pastries and traditional Sicilian sweets.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Via Etnea, visit the gardens of Villa Bellini or explore the city's shops and cafés.
The evening is free for individual dining and relaxation.
Overnight: Catania.CataniaBreakfastCatania - 3
Day 3
Syracuse: Ancient Greek Heritage and the Island of Ortigia
After breakfast, leave Catania and drive south towards Syracuse, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean.
Begin with an independent visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you can discover the impressive Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the fascinating ancient stone quarries, including the famous Ear of Dionysius.
After your visit, continue towards your hotel and check in according to the property's arrival arrangements.
Spend the afternoon exploring Ortigia, the historic island at the heart of Syracuse.
Walk through its narrow streets and picturesque squares, admire the Temple of Apollo, visit the magnificent Cathedral in Piazza Duomo and discover the Fountain of Arethusa overlooking the waterfront.
Enjoy the atmospheric seafront and choose a local restaurant for dinner at your leisure.
Overnight: Syracuse.SiracusaBreakfastSiracusa - 4
Day 4
Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla: The Baroque Treasures of Sicily
After breakfast, depart early for a full-day self-drive excursion through the beautiful Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily.
Your first stop is Noto, celebrated for its extraordinary eighteenth-century architecture and warm golden limestone buildings.
Stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admire the magnificent Cathedral of San Nicolò and discover the elegant palaces and churches lining the historic streets.
Continue to Modica, a picturesque town built across the slopes of a dramatic valley.
Explore its historic centre, admire the impressive Cathedral of San Giorgio and discover Modica's distinctive chocolate-making tradition. A stop at a traditional chocolate shop offers the opportunity to purchase or sample local specialities.
In the afternoon, continue towards Ragusa Ibla, one of the region's most atmospheric historic towns.
Walk through its beautiful streets, admire the Cathedral of San Giorgio and enjoy the elegant squares and panoramic viewpoints that make Ragusa Ibla so distinctive.
Return to Syracuse in the evening.
This is a longer sightseeing day with several driving sections. An early departure and selective visits are recommended to enjoy the three towns without unnecessary rushing.
Overnight: Syracuse.Ragusa,Modica,NotoBreakfastSiracusa - 5
Day 5
Mount Etna and Taormina: From Volcanic Landscapes to the Ionian Coast
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel north towards Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano.
Drive towards the Rifugio Sapienza area on the volcano's southern slopes, where you can admire an extraordinary landscape of ancient lava flows, volcanic formations and panoramic views.
Depending on weather conditions and current access restrictions, enjoy an independent walk along the permitted paths around the Silvestri Craters.
Optional cable car excursions and guided high-altitude activities may be arranged separately, subject to availability, local safety regulations and additional charges.
Take time to enjoy lunch or discover local products from the Etna region before continuing towards Taormina.
On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring the historic centre.
Stroll along Corso Umberto, discover the lively Piazza IX Aprile and admire the beautiful views over the Ionian coastline.
Enjoy dinner independently at one of Taormina's restaurants.
Overnight: Taormina.Etna,TaorminaBreakfastTaormina area - 6
Day 6
Taormina and Castelmola: Ancient Theatre and Panoramic Villages
After breakfast, dedicate the morning to Taormina, one of Sicily's most celebrated historic destinations.
Explore the charming streets of the old town, visit the spectacular Ancient Theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, and enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful public gardens of Villa Comunale.
Take time for lunch and discover the town's traditional shops, cafés and picturesque viewpoints.
In the afternoon, continue towards Castelmola, a small medieval village perched high above Taormina.
Explore its narrow streets and charming squares, admire the panoramic views towards Mount Etna and the coast, and discover the village's local traditions.
Castelmola is particularly known for its almond wine, available in some traditional bars. Any tasting is optional, and travellers responsible for driving should refrain from consuming alcohol.
Return to Taormina and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Taormina.Taormina,CastelmolaBreakfastTaormina - 7
Day 7
Savoca and Forza d'Agrò: Traditional Villages of the Ionian Coast
After breakfast, set off on a leisurely self-drive excursion to discover two charming villages overlooking Sicily's Ionian coastline.
Begin with Savoca, a picturesque hilltop village known for its historic architecture, atmospheric streets and beautiful panoramic views.
Explore the village centre, admire the historic churches and discover Bar Vitelli, famous for its connection with the film The Godfather.
Continue towards Forza d'Agrò, another fascinating medieval village overlooking the sea.
Wander through its narrow stone streets, discover its historic churches and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular coastal scenery.
Take time for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can discover traditional Sicilian dishes.
Depending on your interests and the season, return to Taormina for a relaxing afternoon or spend some free time along the Ionian coast.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Taormina.Savoca, Forza d'AgròBreakfastTaormina - 8
Day 8
Day 8: Goodbye Sicily
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey towards Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
Drive independently along the Ionian coast towards Catania, allowing sufficient time for traffic conditions, refuelling, vehicle return procedures and airport check-in.
Return your rental car at the designated rental location according to the confirmed agreement.
Additional sightseeing is not recommended unless your departure flight leaves ample time.
End of services.CataniaBreakfast
Accommodation
A charming 3-star hotel housed in a historic Liberty-style building on Via Etnea, close to Villa Bellini and Catania's main attractions. A convenient base for exploring the city on foot.
A comfortable city hotel near the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, offering welcoming rooms and a convenient location for discovering Syracuse and Ortigia.
A charming hotel on Corso Umberto, in the heart of Taormina's historic centre, offering comfortable rooms and a panoramic breakfast terrace, within walking distance of the Ancient Theatre.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected hotels or similar, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
- 7 breakfasts at the accommodation.
- Rental car, Category A2 (Fiat 500 or similar), collected and returned at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, with insurance coverage according to the confirmed rental agreement.
- Suggested 8-day self-drive itinerary through eastern Sicily, with recommended destinations and sightseeing opportunities.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Lunches, dinners and beverages.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, churches, monuments and other attractions.
- Mount Etna cable car, 4x4 excursions, guided volcanic excursions and high-altitude activities.
- Private guides, guided sightseeing tours and organised excursions.
- Chocolate-making demonstrations, food tastings and other optional culinary experiences.
- Fuel, motorway tolls and parking fees.
- Local tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Additional rental car charges, optional equipment and insurance upgrades not covered by the confirmed rental agreement.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Services Included.
Entrance fees & tickets
- Archeological park Neapolis (Siracusa) € 16.50
- Siracusa Dome € 2.00
- Taormina Theater € 16.50
- Siracusa Archelogical Zone € 16.50
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Catania: Visit the fish-market area when trading is taking place; activity varies by day and time. Leave time to explore the streets around Piazza del Duomo.
Syracuse: Ask your hotel for parking instructions before entering Ortigia, then explore the historic island on foot where suitable.
Modica: If you would like a chocolate-making demonstration rather than a shop visit, check availability and booking requirements in advance.
Taormina and Castelmola: Plan parking before arrival and allow time to explore the centres on foot. - Accessibility
- The itinerary includes independent driving and visits to historic centres with uneven paving, slopes and steps. Archaeological sites and volcanic terrain can involve additional walking difficulties.
Travellers with reduced mobility should request an individual assessment of hotels, vehicle arrangements, parking and sightseeing access before booking. Step-free access throughout the itinerary has not been confirmed. - What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets, steps and archaeological sites.
Clothing suitable for the season, including an extra layer and a windproof jacket for mountain areas.
Sun protection, a hat and drinking water.
Travel documents, a valid driving licence and the documents and payment card required by the rental company.
A phone with navigation, downloaded maps and a car charger.
A small day bag for sightseeing. - Important information
- Plan each driving day around the opening hours of the places you wish to visit and your accommodation’s check-in arrangements. Historic centres may have restricted traffic zones (ZTL); follow local signs and ask each hotel for arrival and parking instructions before driving into the centre.
Visits to churches, museums and archaeological sites depend on opening hours, religious services and any temporary restrictions. Check current information before travelling.
Access on Mount Etna depends on weather, volcanic activity and local restrictions. Follow official instructions and use only authorised routes. Specialist excursions must be checked and arranged with qualified local operators; access to summit areas must never be assumed.
On departure day, prioritise the drive to Catania Airport, the rental-car return procedure and your airline’s check-in requirements. Additional sightseeing is only suitable when the flight schedule leaves sufficient time.