If you only have 72 hours in Sicily, Taormina is where you go. It’s a cliffside town overlooking the Ionian Sea with ancient ruins, some of the best food in Italy, and views that make you stop mid-sentence. It smells like lemon blossoms. It sounds dramatic. It’s accurate.

This Sicily itinerary is focused on the east coast, specifically Taormina and its surroundings. I’m not sending you on a 6-hour round trip to Palermo. I’m showing you how to go deep in one region and actually enjoy it.

If I’ve been there, you’ll have everything you need to go too.

Before You Go: Sicily Essentials

Fly into: Catania International Airport (CTA). It’s the closest airport to Taormina and the gateway to eastern Sicily.

Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted.

Language: Italian. English is spoken in tourist areas but having a few Italian phrases helps, especially in restaurants.

Getting around: This is important. Skip the taxis and Ubers, they are incredibly expensive in Sicily. The local city bus costs about €1.10 and drops you right in Taormina’s center in 15 minutes from Giardini Naxos. A private transfer from Catania Airport to Taormina can cost €80–€120, so pre-book a shuttle or rent a car at the airport if you’re comfortable driving.

Where to Stay

My recommendation: base yourself in Giardini Naxos rather than Taormina center. The hotels are more affordable, the beaches are less crowded, and the bus into Taormina is cheap and frequent. You save money without sacrificing access.

• Nautilus Hotel Giardini Naxos: family-owned boutique right on the beachfront. My top pick for value.

• UNAHOTELS Capotaormina: iconic views and a private beach. Step up in price but the views are unmatched.

• San Domenico Palace: the famous White Lotus filming location. If you want the splurge experience, this is it.

Day 1: Ease Into Taormina

Theme: Arrive, orient yourself, no pressure

Sicily rewards you for not rushing. Day one is about settling into the rhythm of the place.

Corso Umberto: The main pedestrian street through Taormina. Shops, cafes, people-watching. This is where you get your first feel for the town.

Piazza IX Aprile: The famous viewpoint terrace with black-and-white checkered pavement. The view over the bay with Mount Etna in the background is the postcard shot of Taormina.

Villa Comunale: The historic public gardens. Free entry, beautiful views, and a calm escape from the busier streets.

Dinner at Granduca: Famous for wood-fired pizza and terrace views. Get there early or be prepared to wait it fills up.

Day 2: Culture + Coast

Theme: History in the morning, water in the afternoon

Breakfast at Bam Bar: Order the almond or lemon granita with brioche. This is the spot everyone talks about and it earns the reputation. Go early.

Teatro Antico di Taormina (€19): The ancient Greek-Roman theater with Mount Etna smoking in the background. This is one of the most visually stunning historical sites I’ve ever visited. Take your time here.

Afternoon - Lido di Naxos: Head down to the beach in Giardini Naxos for a beach club day. Less crowded than Taormina’s beaches, easier to access, and you can walk back to your hotel.

This is peak Sicily. An ancient theater older than most countries, followed by Mediterranean swimming in the same afternoon.

Day 3: Choose Your Adventure

This is where your Sicily itinerary gets personal. Two strong options depending on what calls to you:

Option A: Mount Etna

Full-day tour or hike on Europe’s most active volcano. Raw landscapes. Black lava fields. Unreal views. If you’re drawn to adventure and nature, this is the choice.

Option B: The Godfather Tour

Visit the nearby villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, where key scenes from The Godfather were filmed. Much closer than Palermo (don’t waste 6 hours driving across the island for a day trip). You can visit Bar Vitelli where the famous wedding scene was shot.

Option C: Day Trip to Syracuse

If you want a city vibe, Syracuse (specifically the island of Ortygia) is about 1.5 hours south. Ancient Greek ruins, a vibrant street market, and waterfront dining. Worth considering if you want contrast from Taormina’s smaller scale.

Day 4: Departure

Slow morning. Espresso at a bar you’ve been walking past all week. One final stroll through the Porta Catania or Porta Messina city gates. Fly out of Catania with your standards for Italian travel permanently raised.

3 Mistakes to Avoid in Sicily

I made some of these so you don’t have to:

• Staying too far from where you’ll spend time. If you’re not renting a car, location matters. Stay central in walkable areas like Taormina center, Giardini Naxos, or Cefalù. A cheap villa 30 minutes from everything becomes expensive fast when you’re paying €40 per taxi ride.

• Trying to see the whole island in 3 days. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Palermo to Taormina is 3+ hours each way. Pick a coast and go deep. East coast (Catania, Taormina, Syracuse) or west coast (Palermo, Trapani) — not both in one trip.

• Not planning airport transport. Catania Airport to Taormina by taxi can cost €80–€120. The airport coach bus costs a fraction of that. Pre-book a shuttle or check bus schedules before you land.

What This Sicily Itinerary Actually Costs

• Accommodation: €70–€200/night (Giardini Naxos is cheaper than Taormina center)

• Teatro Antico: €19

• Mount Etna tour: €50–€90

• Food: €25–€50/day (pasta, granita, street food, Sicily eats well at every price point)

• Transport: €5–€15/day with buses. €80+ per taxi ride if you don’t plan ahead.

Total estimate for 3–4 days (not including flights): €500–€1,000 depending on hotel choice and activities.

Combine Sicily with Malta

If you’re already flying to Sicily, adding Malta to your trip is one of the smartest moves in Mediterranean travel. The two islands are only a 45-minute flight apart and the contrast is incredible, Sicily gives you the full, loud, glorious Italian energy. Malta gives you the exhale. Boutique, quiet, ancient, unhurried.

I spent 9 days across both islands and it’s one of the best trip combos I’ve done. Two cultures, two vibes, one trip.

FAQ: Sicily Travel Questions

Is 3 days enough for Sicily?

For one region, yes. Three days gives you a solid taste of Taormina and the east coast. If you want to see Palermo or the west coast, plan a second trip or add 2–3 more days.

Is Sicily safe?

Yes. Taormina and the main tourist areas are very safe. Use the same common sense you’d use anywhere.

Do I need a car in Sicily?

Not if you’re staying in Taormina/Giardini Naxos. Buses and the occasional taxi cover everything. If you’re exploring more of the island, a rental car gives you much more flexibility.

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

April through June and September through October. Summer is peak season — hot, crowded, and expensive. Shoulder season gives you great weather without the chaos.

Can I fly from Malta to Sicily?

Yes. Direct flights between Malta and Catania take about 45 minutes. It’s one of the easiest country-coupling combos in Europe.

Last Updated: March 2026. All prices and recommendations reflect my personal experience and are subject to change.