Round trip Sicily

Blog | Italy | Travel- & Landscape photography

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22. November 2022

Round trip Sicily – Travel planning:

Eight days were planned for the round trip on the island of Sicily. The journey to Catania, the starting point of the tour, was by plane from Germany.

In order to keep travel times to the chosen destinations as short as possible, I have reserved accommodation in Ragusa, Cefalú, Nicolosi and Castelmola.

The best time to travel to the island is between May and mid-October. If you are planning to climb Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, you should definitely pack warm and weatherproofed clothing and sturdy shoes.

Arrival on Sicily:

For the duration of my stay, I reserved a rental car with insurance at Catania airport through Rentalcars.com. Due to the sometimes extremely narrow streets and alleys as well as the nature of the roads outside of the cities, insurance cover is definitely advisable.

A bright room with two beds, a desk, a window with red curtains, and a modern, minimalist style.

From Catania we drove to our first accommodation, the Giardino Sul Duomo in Ragusa. Ragusa is one of the must-see baroque towns in the south of the island that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the center. Freshly prepared, delicious breakfast is served in the adjoining conservatory. We stayed here for two nights.

Ragusa:

The view of the town of Ragusa from the ring road. The old town itself can easily be explored on foot. Due to the sometimes narrow streets, driving a car is not advisable.

A view of a picturesque, hilly town with white buildings, surrounded by green countryside and colorful flowers in the foreground.

A historic stone facade with green shutters and warm lighting, surrounded by an inviting square at dusk.

You can also enjoy the wonderful panorama from the garden of the accommodation. In the center there are numerous small shops and restaurants. Here you can end the evening wonderfully and enjoy the Sicilian cuisine.

Noto:

A man with a backpack is standing in front of a rustic wooden door set in a yellow wall, surrounded by a green plant.

A bustling street lined with historic buildings, a gray sky, and people walking beneath the arcades.

East of Ragusa is Noto, another small baroque town. Unfortunately, the weather was not ideal that day, but the streets and alleys invite you to stroll here too. The dark cloud cover creates a unique atmosphere.

The interior of a Baroque church with white walls, ornate decorations, and an impressive altar.

Dramatic clouds drift across an impressive, historic building with golden facades and a bustling street.

The rooftops of a historic town under a cloudy sky, surrounded by rolling hills and green countryside.

In Noto you should definitely visit the cathedral and enjoy a view over the roofs from the tower.

The magnificent Baroque facade of a church glows in warm shades of yellow beneath a dramatic, cloudy sky.

In the foreground stands an impressive, historic building with columns, while gray clouds create a dramatic atmosphere.

Noto Cathedral and Town Hall are both part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Colorful ceramics and handmade figurines are displayed on shelves and tables in a bustling market.

Colorful fruit and vegetable stands in front of a blue wall decorated with fish motifs in a bustling market scene.

It looks colorful in the souvenir shops. Small souvenirs made of ceramics are offered here in all imaginable colors.

Colorful flower arrangements adorn a narrow street, while people stroll among historic buildings.

Colorful floral patterns adorn a cobblestone street in a historic town, while a person stands nearby.

An artistic pattern of colorful petals in red, white, yellow, and black, arranged on a green background.

The Festival Infiorata di Noto takes place every year in May. During this time, beautiful and elaborately designed flower arrangements can be admired everywhere in the streets of the city.

Modica:

Colorful palm trees and historic buildings frame an inviting square with tables and umbrellas under a blue sky.

A picturesque town with historic buildings and a striking church, surrounded by rolling hills beneath a blue sky.

Located in the west of Noto, Modica is another small baroque-style town worth seeing. You can easily visit both cities in one day.

Magnificent red bougainvillea blooms in front of a historic building under a bright blue sky.

The Church of San Giorgio offers a particularly impressive sight, especially during the flowering period in spring.

A view of a historic cityscape with sand-colored buildings, surrounded by green hills and blooming bougainvillea.

A narrow alley lined with green plants and blooming flowers, with a person with gray hair and another person walking along it.

The panorama and the alleys with hidden cafés also make a visit worthwhile.

Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina:

A steep staircase with colorful tiles, flanked by historic buildings, under a cloudy sky.

A sunny alleyway with a historic, sand-colored building, balconies full of plants, and an inviting outdoor café.

On the way to the north of the island you pass Caltagirone. Here you should definitely climb the 142-step staircase decorated with ceramic tiles, which leads you from the upper to the lower part of the old town.

A hilly cityscape with narrow alleys and terraced buildings beneath a cloudy sky.

North of Caltagirone you pass Piazza Armerina, a municipality with a long history. Even from afar you can see the Colle Mira with the Dom Maria Santissima Assunta.

Villa Romana del Casale:

An ancient mosaic depicts various scenes featuring people and animals, surrounded by a stone wall and soft light.

An ancient mosaic depicts a mythological scene featuring figures, animals, and vibrant colors in a historical setting.

An ancient mural depicting scenes of horsemen, oxen, and a chariot, rendered in warm earth tones with fine detail.

The Villa Romana del Casale is a building from the late Roman period. It is located near Piazza Armerina and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colored mosaics, which have been almost completely preserved to this day and decorate the floors of the palace building, are unique.

A flock of sheep is wandering along a road, surrounded by green bushes and under a blue sky.

When driving through the interior of the island of Sicily, you can feel that agriculture is still of great importance here today. Herds of sheep and goats, hundreds of meters long, stroll leisurely down the road on their way to their pasture.

Cefalù:

A modern hotel building with a red facade, surrounded by palm trees and several parked cars under a cloudy sky.

In Cefalù I booked the Hotel Hotel Kalura for two nights. We especially recommend the rooms with a balcony and sea view. The included breakfast buffet is rich and tasty.

The hotel is characterized by its quiet location right by the sea. The town and the sights can be easily reached and explored on foot.

A narrow hallway with a light-colored wall, a table and chairs in the foreground, and an open door in the background.

A simply furnished room with a red bed, green walls, and a person standing at the balcony door.

The rooms are sufficiently large and modernly furnished. On the sea side, they have their own small balcony with sun loungers.

Gentle waves lap against large rocks against the backdrop of a blossoming coastal landscape under a cloudy sky.

A man wearing a T-shirt and shorts is standing on a viewing platform overlooking the calm water and the surrounding hills.

A small bay with parasols and loungers is also part of the Kalura hotel complex and can be used free of charge as you wish.

A detailed map of Cefalù with colored markers, points of interest, and information about local businesses.

The signpost in the center shows the most important sights, restaurants and hotels. You should definitely plan a trip to the mountain La Rocca.

A view of a coastal town with colorful houses, surrounded by green hills and the blue sea under a clear sky.

A greenish lizard scurries across a gray rock next to a purple flower and fresh greenery.

A rocky coastal landscape overlooking the sparkling blue water and a small settlement below.

The ascent is varied and entertaining. Again and again you have spectacular views over the town and the sea.

A view of a picturesque coastal landscape featuring a marina, turquoise-blue water, and mountainous surroundings under a clear sky.

The view from the summit down to the small harbor is simply breathtaking.

Colorful, historic buildings with balconies and cafés on a sunny, lively street.

In a bustling piazza, people sit on benches, surrounded by historic buildings and palm trees, under a cloudy sky.

After returning from La Rocca, it's time to explore the center of Cefalù. Numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to linger and enjoy their delicacies.

A man in a T-shirt is sitting at a table with a red tablecloth, surrounded by plants and various snacks.

A particular specialty here is the bruschetta, which is offered in different versions.

A traveler is sitting on a staircase in front of an impressive, historic church with two tall towers and sculptural elements.

Colorful fishing boats are moored along the shore, while old buildings and rolling hills can be seen in the background under a clear sky.

After lunch we went to the sea. The old promenade with the small fishing boats is a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll.

A field of red flowers stretches out before rolling hills under a clear sky.

The next morning we continued to Catania via Enna. On the way you will always come across wonderfully blooming fields.

Catania:

An artistically designed mask with a fierce expression, colorful details, and a green border around the hair.

An elegant church made of light-colored stone with golden accents stands in the foreground, while passersby cross the square.

A wide staircase winds through a green park dotted with palm trees, while people sit relaxed on the steps, watching the clouds drift across the sky.

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily and is located at the foot of Mount Etna. The city is also known for its sometimes weird ceramic figures, which can be found scattered in the center. On a clear day, Etna can be seen from the center of Catania.

A green landscape with a large, upright flagpole, surrounded by trees and flowering plants under a cloudy sky.

A well-maintained park with a fountain, surrounded by colorful flower beds and tall palm trees under a cloudy sky.

The well-kept parks in the city invite you to relax and are also a popular meeting place for young and old.

Syracuse:

A lively market with colorful stalls, fresh food, and a vendor in traditional clothing standing under a parasol.

Colorful market stalls filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, surrounded by visitors under a sunny sky.

About 50km south of Catania is the city of Syracuse. The city has a history of more than 1000 years and is strongly marked by Greek influence. Syracuse is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

A green meadow with old stones and palm trees, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear sky.

Ruins of once Greek buildings are still visible today and characterize the cityscape.

A striking blue police car is parked on a narrow street, surrounded by other vehicles and an urban backdrop.

A blue police car is parked on a busy street, surrounded by other vehicles and urban architecture.

The Sicilian police, on the other hand, is equipped in a modern and sporty way.

A magnificent fountain complex with golden sculptures and water jets, surrounded by lush greenery and historic architecture.

A historic building with an impressive facade, large windows, and a cobblestone courtyard under a clear sky.

The Piazza Archimede with the Fountain of Diana is surrounded by historical buildings. These tell the architectural history of Syracuse from the Middle Ages to the present day.

A tranquil pond with dark water, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, under a cloudy sky.

A gentle stretch of coastline with clear, turquoise waters, surrounded by historic buildings and lush greenery.

The Aretusa fountain also bears witness to the Greek influence. The fountain is located right on the promenade, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea.

A winding road leads through a volcanic landscape of black lava, surrounded by green trees and a mountain in the background.

From Syracuse we drove up to the upper part of Nicolosi, which lies on the high plateau of Mount Etna. From here, weather permitting, you can either take the cable car up the volcano or go on a guided excursion to the summit craters.

Expedition to Etna Volcano:

A simple hotel room with a double bed, a blue chair, a nightstand, and warm light from a lamp.

In Nicolosi we stayed for two nights at the Corsaro Etna Hotel&Spa. The hotel is located at 2000 meters altitude in the Etna Regional Park, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In the in-house restaurant you can eat just as delicious as in one of the restaurants in town.

The rooms are relatively simply furnished but still comfortable. If you want, you can also book and enjoy a spa in the hotel.

The included breakfast is rich, fresh and tasty.

A man in a red jacket is standing next to a white minivan in front of a cluster of modern buildings under a clear, blue sky.

An all-terrain vehicle stands on black volcanic sand in front of the majestic volcano under a brilliant blue sky.

The base station for guided volcano hikes is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. For such a hike, warm, windproof and weatherproof clothing is a must. Sturdy alpine shoes are a must, as is appropriate sun protection.

A group of hikers is making its way across a snow-covered volcanic landscape under a bright blue sky.

A hiker wearing weatherproof clothing looks out over a snow-covered volcanic landscape beneath a clear blue sky.

Even in May, deep snow fields can be hiked through, which are often covered by fresh, volcanic rock. On our tour, the last eruption was just over and the ground was still hot at times.

Due to the loose rock, the ascent to the summit is tedious and exhausting. In good weather, the view over the island is fantastic.

Thick clouds and fog hover over a barren, volcanic landscape beneath a bright blue sky.

A hiker in a red jacket on the misty rim of a volcano, while another hiker in a blue jacket walks behind him.

At the summit crater of Etna you can perceive the activity of the volcano with all your senses. Dense smoke, smelling of sulphur, billows from the crevices.

You can almost burn your hands on the ground, the rock is so hot. From time to time, the rumble from inside the volcano can also be clearly heard.

A lava flow with patches of yellow moss beneath a bright blue sky dotted with a few white clouds.

A group of hikers is standing at the edge of a volcanic crater, surrounded by fog and a gray sky.

The crater is traversed by sulfur deposits that give the summit fascinating colors. Sometimes the smoke escapes so densely that visibility is severely restricted.

An impressive volcano with billowing smoke beneath a clear blue sky, surrounded by gray lava and rock.

A group of hikers wearing colorful jackets is climbing a steep, rugged slope under a bright blue sky.

It is much more pleasant and much faster to descend from the summit.

Black lava fields surrounded by rolling hills and a clear blue sky, with a hint of sunlight.

A view of a hilly landscape with clouds, as the sky glows in the soft blue and yellow hues of twilight.

On the return there is a magnificent view of Nicolosi and at sunset one can follow Etna's shadow beyond the horizon. A fascinating natural spectacle.

Aci Castello:

A steep rocky outcrop with trees, right by the sea, under a clear blue sky, surrounded by a promenade.

A massive stone castle stands atop a rocky outcrop under a clear blue sky.

On the way to the next accommodation in Castelmola you come to Aci Castello, a place named after the castle by the sea.

A short stop for a visit is particularly worthwhile at dusk.

An ancient ruin with crumbling walls stands in the soft light of twilight, surrounded by rolling hills.

Dark silhouettes of the mountains against a clear sky, while the lights of a town in the valley shine.

From Aci Castello we continued to Castelmola and when we arrived at the hotel we were able to enjoy another view of Mount Etna.

Taormina:

Green hills and forested mountains beneath a bright blue sky with just a few clouds, with a vast landscape in the background.

In Castelmola, which is a little north and above Taormina, we stayed for two nights in the Hotel Villa Sonja. The hotel has spacious rooms, a terrace where you can have breakfast when the weather is nice and an outdoor pool that invites you to swim.

If the visibility is good, you can also see Mount Etna from the terrace.

Colorful bougainvillea vines frame the view of the calm sea and a small island beneath a bright blue sky.

Clear, blue water laps against rocky shores covered in lush greenery beneath a bright blue sky.

In Taormina, a walk to Isola Bella is worthwhile. The island, which is located in a small bay and is a nature reserve, can be reached on foot via a sandbank. It provides a habitat for numerous rare animal and plant species.

Clear, turquoise water laps at a sandy beach, while boats bob off a rocky coastline.

Crystal-clear water laps at a pebble beach, while people stroll along it under bright sunshine and a blue sky.

The path across the stony beach to Isola Bella is heavenly. Crystal clear water and a wonderful panorama.

Many sea creatures can be observed in the shallow water even without diving equipment.

A man is sitting on a patio, looking out at the clear blue water and the rocky coastline under a bright blue sky.

A person is walking in the shallow water of a pristine beach, surrounded by lush vegetation and gentle waves.

There are also some quiet spots with excellent views on the small island.

A cobblestone street lined with green trees, tables, and chairs, surrounded by lush vegetation and a clear sky.

An inviting, green oasis with stone walls, fruit stands, and colorful plants under a blue sky.

In Taormina you will also find a number of excellent cafés and restaurants to stop off at. In the Timoleone Café you can enjoy freshly prepared local specialties on the terrace.

An ancient theater with stone seating rows, surrounded by green hills and a blue sky dotted with white clouds.

After a refreshment in the café, we visited the ancient theater of Taormina, which is the second largest in Sicily after Syracuse.

People are strolling across a square lined with historic buildings under a cloudy sky, and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.

A stone structure with a roof and sculptures stands in a park-like setting, surrounded by trees and flowering plants.

The pedestrian zone and the city park of Taormina also have a lot to offer and are worth a detour.

A view of rolling green mountains beneath a dramatic sky with an orange sunset and scattered clouds.

Back at the hotel, we were able to watch another fascinating sunset from the hotel terrace, with Mount Etna in the background.

The return flight to Germany was planned for the next day.

Conclusion:

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a destination where everyone gets their money's worth. Whether hiking, mountaineering, lying on the beach or visiting cities, you can experience everything in Sicily.

Due to the size of the island and the distances covered, it is advisable to book several accommodations. This shortens travel times considerably.

A particularly fascinating adventure is the excursion to Mount Etna accompanied by an experienced volcano guide. The hikes to the summit craters can only take place in good weather. If possible, stay in the area for a few days so that you have some leeway.

In any case, Sicily is a destination that is highly recommended for anyone who likes to discover something new.

This report is part of my series Europe travel reports – there you will find an overview of all countries.

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