Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Sicily
You'll land at Catania airport and drive to Ragusa, a hilltop town perched in southeastern Sicily. After settling into your accommodation, take time to wander through the old town, walking narrow alleyways lined with baroque buildings. Later, sit down for your first Sicilian dinner and get a real taste of what the region offers.
Landmarks/POIs Ragusa Ibla Ragusa Superiore - Day 2
Ragusa to Marzamemi
Start by checking out Ragusa's two sides: the geometric layout of Ragusa Superiore gives you mountain views, while Ragusa Ibla down below has those baroque streets and historic passages. Then drive your rental car along the east coast toward Marzamemi, a fishing town where you can walk the narrow streets and see colorful boats. Stop at Regina Margherita Square to photograph those iconic blue restaurant chairs and the harbor views.
Landmarks/POIs Ragusa Ibla Ragusa Superiore Marzamemi Regina Margherita Square - Day 3
Marzamemi to Castelvetrano
You'll drive along Sicily's southern Mediterranean coast with several stops planned. The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento has the nearly intact Concordia Temple and is a UNESCO site worth your time. After that, head to Scala dei Turchi, where white limestone cliffs drop down to turquoise water. From there, continue inland to Castelvetrano for the night.
Included Activities
- Visit Valley of the Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Valley of the Temples (bookable online in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Valley of the Temples Concordia Temple Scala dei Turchi - Day 4
Castelvetrano to San Vito Lo Capo
Head to the Zingaro nature reserve, a seven-kilometer stretch of coast between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. You can hike through the terrain with Mediterranean plants and animals around, or find hidden beaches and caves along the way. Later in the afternoon, make your way to San Vito Lo Capo's beach, which has fine sand and clear water perfect for relaxing.
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails in Zingaro nature reserve
Landmarks/POIs Zingaro Nature Reserve San Vito Lo Capo Beach - Day 5
San Vito Lo Capo to Palermo
Drive to Palermo, Sicily's capital, and start at Quattro Canti to photograph the baroque facades. Grab gelato and walk over to see the Fontana Pretoria's marble statues. Visit the Palermo Cathedral after that, then head into the Ballarò market. It's chaotic and authentic, with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and local street food you can try as you walk through.
Landmarks/POIs Quattro Canti Fontana Pretoria Palermo Cathedral Ballarò Market - Day 6
Palermo to Regalbuto
Head up Mount Etna, Italy's most active volcano, and hike across lava fields to higher elevations (you'll need a mountain guide for certain sections). Keep an eye out for volcanic activity and smoke coming from the crater. On your way back down, stop in Taormina to see ancient theater ruins with Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea as your backdrop. You'll end the day in Regalbuto.
Optional Activities
- Guided hike up Mount Etna (bookable in advance or on site)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Etna Taormina Ancient Theater - Day 7
Regalbuto to Valletta
Explore Catania's historic center, starting at Piazza Duomo with its baroque cathedral and the famous elephant fountain. Walk through to see the Roman theater ruins. After that, drop off your rental car at Catania airport and head to Pozzallo port for the evening ferry to Malta. You'll arrive in Valletta, Malta's fortified capital, with baroque architecture visible behind the city walls.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Pozzallo (Sicily) to Valletta (Malta)
Landmarks/POIs Piazza Duomo Catania Cathedral Roman Theater of Catania Valletta - Day 8
Valletta Exploration
Wander through Valletta's baroque old town, passing ornate facades, saint statues, and fountains. Walk through the Grand Master's Palace courtyard and reach St. John's Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church with paintings by old masters. Cross through the modern city gate to Triton Fountain, then spend time in the Barrakka Gardens. Head up to the Upper Gardens for the best views of the city and harbor.
Optional Activities
- Interior visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Grand Master's Palace St. John's Co-Cathedral Triton Fountain Barrakka Gardens Upper Barrakka Gardens - Day 9
Valletta to Gozo
Take the ferry to Gozo island for turquoise water, rocky coves, and green landscapes. Bus around the island visiting Victoria and trying local food specialties. See the salt pans on the north coast, 350 years old and arranged like a checkerboard with different colors. Later, relax on the golden-red sand of Ramla Bay before heading back to Valletta by ferry.
Optional Activities
- Ferry to Gozo island (payable locally)
- Bus tour of Gozo (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Gozo Victoria Gozo Salt Pans Ramla Bay - Day 10
Departure from Malta
Your journey ends as you head to the airport. Watch Malta fade into the distance as you depart, thinking back on everything from the baroque streets to the volcanic hikes and the island beaches. Ten days across Sicily and Malta gives you plenty of memories to take home.
