Sights to See in Sicily - Taormina, Noto, Siracusa, Aragona
We spent a week in Sicily to explore and experience this country with the intention of creating itineraries for you. Our 5-day itinerary includes some incredible sights to see in Sicily; Taormina, Noto, Siracusa, and Aragona, and we want to share them with you.
As a travel company, we believe in experiencing the itineraries we create for you, our customer. This includes visiting hotels, using car service, taking private tours, finding local (non-touristy) restaurants, etc. We find that not everything is worth the hype, and simultaneously we discover new, great places to recommend.
TAORMINA - DAY ONE
We have a 1-hour private transfer to Taormina to our Hotel Villa Carlotta, a perfect location to set foot and explore the city. The food is very good here too.
ISOLA BELLA- This is definitely a sight to see in Sicily. We did not have a full day to spend here, so we viewed this island from the highway. It can be accessed by cable car in the town center or one of the local city buses. It is a pebble beach (bring some swim shoes) with both private and public beach areas. Once there, you can rent boats and explore several of the grottos.
CORSO UMBERTO - This is the main thoroughfare to the town center and is pedestrian-friendly. This great street leads to shops, a few churches, bars, and restaurants. The path is filled with blooming flowers; the most notable is the cascading Bougainvillea. And you cannot miss the large, proud display of handmade ceramics. We spent a few hours here but could have spent most of the day here. Very easy walk.
BAM BAR - Located on Via di Giovanni, 45, - steps off Corso Umberto. It is the legendary small cafe serving Granita and Brioche. Upon arrival, put your name on the list. Is it worth the hype? YES! We used the GPS on our phone and found it easily.
VILLA COMUNALE OF TAORMINA - We visited this outstanding, free public garden with views of Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. It is large, with structures serving as bird aviaries. The peaceful vibe makes it a perfect escape from the busy city. A great sight to see in Sicily, with many photo opportunities.
TAORMINA - DAY TWO
MT. ETNA-BE PREPARED! On a beautiful day, this is an amazing sight to see in Sicily! After all, it is the largest active volcano in Europe! It erupted about ten days previous to our arrival. Unfortunately, we were completely unprepared for the terrible weather.
Our cable car took us to the summit, over 9,000 ft. We were able to rent jackets and buy socks.
When we set foot on the volcano's ground, it began to rain ice! It is about 30 degrees in June! We looked around briefly and witnessed nothing more than a black moon-like terrain, ice rain blowing in all directions, and fog. Stayed for about 10 minutes, then LEFT! FYI - Walking with sneakers and/or hiking shoes is moderately easy. If it is raining, it becomes more difficult. If you get winded easily, this is not for you.
SICILIAN WINE TASTING- The wine tasting immediately followed the nightmare of Mt.Etna and could not have been more timely. We were driven to Barone Di Villagrande Winery & Resort. Their wine tasting consists of six wine samples; 4 white and two red. At least, that is what I remember.
ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE OF TAORMINA-If you love ancient architecture, this is a spectacular sight to see in Sicily! This is a quick walking distance from our hotel, and we spent a few hours here. One of our favorite sights - and we happened to catch it on a day that offered free admission.
NOTO & SIRACUSA - DAY THREE
NOTO - Self-guided walking tour. Our driver drops us off at the historic city center of Noto, where we wander for two hours. Here you can view beautiful baroque-style architecture and experience the Noto Cathedral and the incredible Palazzo Ducezio, where the Town Hall is located. There is shopping, street entertainment, and plenty of restaurants. I highly recommend this as a sight to see in Sicily. We loved this.
SIRACUSA- ORTIGIA - Arrive at Alglia Ortigia Charme, a boutique hotel in the heart of Siracusa's historic city center. The hotel is ornately decorated, the restaurant is very good, and the staff is accommodating. From this location, we could walk to many historical sites.
DUOMO di SIRACUSA - Beautiful baroque-style church where we witnessed a traditional Carabiniere wedding with swords. Here you can also see the Greek columns of the Temple of Athena (the original base of the Duomo was a Greek temple dedicated to Athena).
TEMPLE OF APOLLO- 6th Century BC Ancient Greek ruins are considered historically very important because they are the earliest example of monumental stone in Sicily.
SQUARE OF ARCHIMEDES- This piazza is dedicated to the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes and the fountain in the square is surrounded by historic palaces. Truly a great sight to see in Sicily.
FONTE ARETHUSA (FOUNTAIN OF ARETHUSA)- Natural spring fountain. A beautiful site filled with both historical importance and local legend.
ARAGONA - DAY FOUR
Arrive at our next accommodation, Fontes Episcopi, a renovated 1800s country mansion. This is in the country, so there is nothing to do here except enjoy the outdoors and eat. Everything is grown organically, and the food is STELLAR!
Warning-they advertise air-conditioning, but it is not turned on until July 1st! Check the weather.
ARAGONA - DAY FIVE
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES- One of the best sites to see in Sicily is this archaeological site filled with Greek ruins. Our favorite (and one of the best preserved in the world) is the Temple of Concordia, built in 440-430 BC. In front of the temple lies the dramatically broken Statue of Icarus.
The site is divided into two sections and takes a couple of hours to walk. I could return every year just to see this!
In addition to this itinerary, we visited (as a travel company) some five-star hotels, including the Four Seasons hotel from "White Lotus, Season Two."
We love Sicily, and if you are considering a trip to Europe but are unsure where to visit..we highly recommend Sicily!
It is all waiting for you,
Henry & Debbie