Motorhoming in Sicily: Best 7-Day Itinerary

Embarking on a motorhome adventure through Sicily offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island’s stunningly diverse scenery—from craggy canyons and haunting catacombs to quaint mountain towns and idyllic beaches.

Nestled at the crossroads of cultures, Sicily’s landscape is as varied as its history.

Our guide to motorhoming in Sicily details a flexible itinerary that can be tailored for anything from a week to extended exploration. This post provides practical tips and inspirational ideas from our experiences to make the most of your Sicilian road trip adventure.

Whether you’re motorhoming or campervanning in Sicily, you’ve chosen the perfect way to travel this wonderfully diverse Mediterranean island, bringing adventures to your doorstep.

Join us as we wake up to the breathtaking views of Mount Etna, discover secluded beaches, and dive into the heart of Sicily’s beauty and historical past, immersing ourselves in a rich tapestry of cultural and geographical diversity.

Map: Motorhoming in Sicily Road Map

How to Use This Motorhome Route Map

1. To use this interactive map effectively, click the square icon in the upper right corner to expand.
2. A key will appear on the left, guiding you through various locations.
3. Clicking on any site reveals detailed information about that spot.
4. Each motorhome/campervan stopover on the map links to the Camper Contact website. Here, you can explore available amenities, pricing, and operational hours and read reviews from other travellers.
5. Look for the motorhome/campervan overnight stops marked by a purple icon.
6. The places we’ve personally visited are also highlighted with distinct orange location icons.

Motorhome Sicily 7-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Guide

Join us as we motorhome in Sicily on a captivating 7-day journey that will take us to the heart of this enchanting island.

This itinerary is carefully designed based on our personal experiences. It includes driving distances, times, and insightful tips to help you navigate the island efficiently.

We were captivated by Sicily’s rich history and diverse landscapes. From its ancient streets to majestic mountain slopes. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or venturing into historic towns, our guide will help you discover the best of Sicily, just as we did.

Although we were campervanning in Sicily, this itinerary is just as suitable for a road trip by car and can be used to plan either a shorter or longer itinerary.

Prepare to explore Sicily through our eyes, and get ready for a road trip filled with adventure and discovery as we campervan Sicily.

Day 1: Taormina, Isola Bella and Castelmola

Taormina

Leaving our motorhome parked on the outskirts of Taormina, we took to the streets. Perched on a terrace surrounded by orchards and rolling hills, Taormina boasts stunning views of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.

This city has been a crossroads of cultures for over 2500 years, with influences from Arabs, Greeks, and Italians enriching its heritage.

The Ancient Greek Theatre is a focal point of Taormina. It is located high on the hills and offers a dramatic backdrop of Taormina and distant Mount Etna.

It dates back to the 3rd century BC and is the second-largest of its kind in Sicily. During the summer, this historic venue hosts concerts and festivals.

Entrance fees to the Theatre cost €13.50 Euro and an extra €5 for an audio guide. If you are visiting in peak season, we recommend a skip-the-line ticket to save time.

Today, Taormina is a popular tourist destination known for its Ancient Greek theatre, mesmerizing blue grottos, inviting beaches, and vibrant water activities.

Start your wander through the city from the Messina Gates which leads you into a pedestrian-only zone lined with craft and antique shops nestled within narrow, colourful alleys.

We really enjoyed the feel of the old town.

A major highlight is the Piazza IX Aprile, where the Chiesa di San Guiseppe stands. This historical baroque church, known for its double-flight staircase and intricate marble portal, dominates the square.

Don’t miss the panoramic views of the ocean from the square’s observation point, right in front of the church.

Isola Bella

Beneath Taormina’s gaze, you’ll discover the enchanting ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea,’ Isola Bella. This charming small island and nature reserve is linked to the mainland by a slender sandbar.

Until the 1980s, Isola Bella was privately owned. Now, the World Wide Fund for Nature manages it.

To reach the shoreline, follow the concrete path with steps whilst enjoying the fabulous views.

To reach the pretty tidal island of Isola Bella, you need to cross the small Mazzaro Beach. At low tide, a narrow strip of sand connects Isola Bella to the mainland.

Once there, you can visit the island and the last owner’s private home, Villa Caronia, for €6 per person. Entry is permitted daily except Mondays from 9:00 a.m. until a few hours before sunset, but times may vary in winter.

Whilst we were near the island, a local boat owner offered us a trip to visit the Blue Grotto at the nearby island of Capri for €25 each, with a promise of about 45 minutes of boat sightseeing time. 

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave that can be entered in a small boat. It is renowned for its underwater bright blue glow, illuminating the cave.

The brilliant blue hue of the Blue Grotto is influenced by the water’s depth, clarity, and the amount of sunlight it receives. For the best experience, try to visit on a sunny day, as overcast conditions can diminish the vivid colours.

Additionally, aim for morning or early afternoon excursions to avoid the rougher sea conditions that often cause boat trips to be cancelled later in the day.

You might like to indulge in a booked boat tour that takes you from Giardini Naxos to explore the Taormina coastline and the Blue Grotto with typical local fruit and drinks.

Our boat trip included visiting several other grottos near Taormina and circumnavigating Isola Bella. From the water, we were treated to spectacular views of Mount Etna, Taormina, and the picturesque village of Castelmola perched above.

Castelmola

The mountain town of Castelmola lies over Taormina’s shoulder. The small village of Castelmola is built on a natural terrace around the ruins of a Norman castle.

On the highest peak in Castlemola are the ancient citadel ruins. The walls are all that remains of the fortress.

Feeling energetic, we began the 4 km walk from Taormina to Castelmola. Halfway up, we were recognised by a passing driver from the earlier boat trip. We kindly obliged when he gestured to jump in his car for a lift to the top, not too disappointed not to miss out on the calf-burning walk up the hill!

During the short drive, he gave us a brief history of Castelmola and recommended we visit the old church on our way back down. We always ask the locals what they think is worth visiting and any interesting out-of-the-way places.

The views from the summit of Castelmola were absolutely fantastic, especially those of Taormina and Mt Etna, which seemed but an arm’s length away.

After exploring Castelmora and taking in the magnificent views, we walked a 2.6km downhill pathway towards Taormina to visit the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca church.

Carved into the rock in 1640, the church’s rocky roof contrasts the white-washed walls and fresco decorations.

The steep descent from the church into Taormina offers magical views of the coast and nearby islands, including the Ancient Greek theatre of Taormina.

Day 2: Day Trip of Your Choice

Many Sicily tours depart from Taormina, so while you are in the area, why not take advantage of one?

Below are some super-interesting tours that have received great ratings.

🚐 Motorhome Stop: Giardini Naxos

This is a paid campervan campsite near Taormina with a view of Mount Etna in the distance.

Syracuse

If you love history, make sure to plan a stop on your Sicily itinerary at Syracuse. It’s most famous for its Neapolis Archaeological Park, which houses the largest Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily.

This huge amphitheatre, originally built in the 5th century BC and further modified by the Romans, had 59 rows and could hold around 15,000 people.

Isola di Ortigia is the island that forms the historical part of Syracuse and can be accessed via a bridge.

Enjoy Sicilian culture by visiting the Ortigia outdoor markets, which are open every day, except on Sundays, from 7.00 am to 2.00 pm.

A wide range of vegetables, seafood, spices, cheeses, and clothing is on sale.

In need of more guidance on getting around Syracuse?

A great way to experience and learn about a new place is to join a walking tour of Syracuse, or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not book a Velobike tour?

🚐 Motorhome Stop: Ippocamper

A well-rated motorhome stop near Syracuse.

Cavagrande Del Cassibile

The next stop on this Sicily 7-day itinerary, a 45-minute drive from Syracuse, is Cavagrande del Cassibile,

If you enjoy hiking and dramatic scenery, you will really enjoy the trail down through the Cavagrande Canyon to the Cassibile River.

What is there to look forward to?

The limestone rocks are weathered away at the bottom of the Cavagrande, beside the river, forming natural steps. The river cascades over several small waterfalls, forming crystal-clear swimming pools. 

🚐 Motorhome Stop: Cavagrande des Cassibile

We used the free motorhome parking located at the start of the trail down to the Cassibile River. There are no facilities here. 

Modica

We were looking forward to visiting Modica on our Sicily road trip.

Modica is part of the Val di Noto area. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 and rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style. Moreover, since 2002, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage.

It’s not the only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site we’ve visited in Italy. The trulli houses of Alberobello were definitely something special, as well as the historical Matera caves and Rupestrian Churches.

However, it wasn’t so much the Baroque architecture nor its prized Cathedral of St George that drew us in. I wanted to discover the secret surrounding one of my particular passions… Chocolate.

We all know that whilst road-tripping, the next bend in the road can often reveal a pandora’s box of treasures.

But, it can also result in traffic mayhem, narrow streets and stressful situations.

Driving our campervan into Modica, it was just that … mayhem.

Even though it was winter in Modica, there was lots of traffic and many narrow streets. But this wasn’t the only challenge.

Cars were parked on both sides of the street, causing two lanes of traffic to squeeze into the space of 1.5 lanes. Now, if driving by car, you’ve got a chance, but when driving a motorhome? It was a stressful situation.

We were sometimes forced to drive on the pavement, had to reverse up for oncoming traffic numerous times, and were beeped by other drivers.

Finally, we abandoned our plans for a Modica visit. We would head to our next destination, Enna.

So, if travelling through Sicily by motorhome, plan carefully where you may park and be forewarned of the narrow maze of streets. We’d love to hear about whether you make it to Modica’s many chocolate shops 🙂

Enna

Arriving at Enna in the late afternoon, we found the town foggy. This ancient city sits on a summit surrounded by steep cliffs.

Enna is about as central as you can get in Sicily and is also known as the navel of Sicily.

After the Modica madness, we ensured we had the best entry into the city and knew exactly where we would park. 

Arriving in Enna, all the designated double campervan parks were taken; however, close by, we found a free space for our 7.5m long motorhome.

A short walk around the Castello di Lombardia perimeter and down a small pathway led to a viewpoint at the Rocca di Cerere, a former site of the Greek Temple of Demeter.

Although little remains of the temple, it is a lovely spot with magnificent views.

The next morning, the fog-shrouded cobblestoned streets were empty of people. It was quite eerie.

We walked to the 14th-century Cathedral of Enna, in the centre of the old town.

We met a local parishioner, Giovanni, who realised we were tourists and proudly showed us around the church. He was keen to show us the back area of the church, the Alessi Museum, and tell us about its hidden treasures.

We were close behind him because who doesn’t get excited when they hear the word treasure?

The Alessi Museum is an ornately decorated room that leads into a locked room where the cathedral’s treasures are kept. That’s as close as we got.

The treasures apparently include a gold crown embedded with diamonds, thousands of ancient coins, and other special collections. 

We departed Enna and drove north on the A19 to Palermo, finding a motorhome stop on the city’s outskirts.

🚐 Motorhome Stop: Parcheggio Comunale

We used free street parking near Lombardia Castle (refer to the map). However, this street parking option is no longer shown in Camper Contact, so the closest free parking location is Parcheggio Comunale.

Palermo

No road trip to Sicily is complete without experiencing its vibrant capital, Palermo.

Rich in history, culture, and diversity, Palermo has transformed from the shadows of the infamous Mafia Wars to emerge as the pearl of Sicily.

Founded in the 8th century, Palermo has been shaped by various rulers including the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The most recent era saw the decline of the notorious Mafia’s influence.

The Mafia Wars reached a climax in 1992, leading to significant changes thereafter. Since then, Palermo has regenerated remarkably, reviving and reclaiming its cultural heritage.

Once derelict, areas of the city are thriving hubs of community and culture.

In recognition of its cultural renaissance, Palermo was named the Italian Culture Capital in 2018. Additionally, UNESCO has recommended its historical centre for designation as a World Heritage site, underscoring its rich historical importance.

Although we managed to fit all these activities into one day in Palermo, I recommend taking a couple of days to truly immerse yourself in everything the city offers.

With more time, you might also consider joining a guided tour to enhance your experience.

1. Visit The Palermo Catacombs

Our exploration of Palermo began with the mysterious and captivating Capuchin Catacombs. The Capuchin Catacombs, located in the dark underground corridors of the Capuchin Monastery, house over 2000 mummies.

It was a chilling yet fascinating experience. Some of the dead are propped up while others lay limply on wooden shelves. The experience evoked mixed emotions, but the children’s chapel area brought with it an intense sadness.

Among them resides the remarkably well-preserved tiny body of two-year-old Rosario Lombardo, dubbed Sicily’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Her serene expression belies the somberness of her surroundings, making it a touching highlight of our visit.

2. Stroll Around Old Town Palermo

After exiting the catacombs, we strolled along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a vibrant thoroughfare that slices through the heart of Palermo’s historic and most captivating district.

This bustling street guided us to the grand Porta Nuova, the ceremonial gateway to the old city. Flanked by statues, this imposing arch commemorates Charles V’s victory over Tunis in the 1500s, standing as a testament to Palermo’s rich past.

3. Visit Palermo Cathedral

Continuing east along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the stunning Palermo Cathedral emerges as an architectural marvel that is impossible to overlook. Constructed in 1185, this magnificent structure combines various architectural styles, reflecting the myriad of influences that have swept through Palermo over the centuries.

With its Norman, Gothic, and Baroque additions, the cathedral offers a visual timeline of the city’s rich and diverse history. We thought it was a visually attractive building and garden, making for great photos.

In need of tips for successful road trip photography, we’ve got you covered.

4. Walk By The Square Of Shame

At the heart of Palermo’s historic centre lies the Praetorian Fountain, an elaborate work of art that serves as a centrepiece of Piazza della Vergogna, or the Square of Shame.

This ornate fountain, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, is adorned with statues of twelve ancient Olympians, mythical creatures, and figures representing the rivers of Palermo. To be honest, we felt that this attraction was somewhat out of place amongst the other Palermo attractions.

Originally built in the 16th century, the fountain later became emblematic of the city’s corruption between the 18th and 19th centuries. The name “Square of Shame” also reflects the controversy over the nudity of its statues, which was quite scandalous for its time.

Today, this square offers a unique window into the complex social and historical narratives that have shaped Palermo.

5. Take a Twirl in the Four Seasons

Next on our journey was the octagonal Piazza Vigliena, better known as Quattro Canti.

This unique intersection is framed by four grand Baroque buildings at each corner, with the streets of Palermo radiating outward.

Each building features a strikingly similar façade, differentiated only by its ornate fountains and statues, each representing one of the four seasons. It’s quite a busy intersection, forcing me to duck around traffic to take some photos.

6. Take a Stroll in Giardino Garibaldi Park

Just a short walk east from the Piazza, you’ll find the tranquil shade of Giardino Garibaldi Park.

This park not only holds a sombre piece of history as the site of the first police murder by the mafia but also boasts a more uplifting feature: Palermo’s oldest tree.

The venerable Moreton Bay Fig tree, standing 25 meters high and 150 years old, is a majestic sight. Known as the Australian Banyan and native to the east coast of Australia, was certainly familiar, making us feel right at home.

7. La Cala, Palermo’s Yacht Harbour and Marina

Our exploration concluded at La Cala, the crown jewel of Palermo’s urban renewal efforts and its premier yacht harbour and marina. It’s hard to imagine that up until 2005, this vibrant area was once a neglected and unsafe part of the city.

Thanks to Palermo’s dedicated regeneration initiatives, La Cala has been transformed. Today, it teems with luxury yachts gently bobbing in the brilliant turquoise waters, symbolizing the city’s successful resurgence.

The attractions mentioned are just a start of what Sicily has to offer. Countless other experiences and Palermo day trips await, ready to enrich your Sicilian road trip.

☑️ Plan your Palermo experiences and day trips to other parts of Sicily by browsing these awesome options here

🚐 Motorhome Stop: Freesbee Motorhome Park

We used the paid Freesbee Motorhome Park in a quiet location with facilities including electricity. Public transport to Palermo city centre is within easy reach. You can buy an all-day bus ticket at the motorhome park office.

Essential Planning for Your Sicilian Motorhoming Road Trip

Best Times to Visit Sicily

Visiting Sicily in a motorhome offers flexibility and unique experiences, but the timing can greatly affect your experience.

Choosing when to visit Sicily depends on what you’re looking for in your trip, as each season offers its own advantages and drawbacks.

Summer (June to August): Sicily becomes a bustling hub during these months, attracting both tourists and locals to its beautiful coastal regions. While the weather is warm, the high temperatures, which can exceed 40°C, often come with crowded attractions and elevated accommodation rates.

Shoulder Seasons (May/June and September/October): If you prefer warm weather but fewer crowds, these months are ideal. The milder temperatures and reduced tourist traffic make it easier to explore and enjoy Sicily more comfortably.

Winter (December to February): During the winter, temperatures are cooler, ranging typically from 7°C to 17°C, which is mild by European standards. You’ll find significantly fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs. However, be prepared for a higher chance of rain during these months.

Optimal Months for Motorhoming in Sicily

The best months for a motorhome trip in Sicily are outside the high summer season. May, June, September, and October offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and manageable tourist numbers, making navigating the roads easier and securing parking at popular spots.

Personal Experience

Our winter visit to Sicily was ideal. We enjoyed the great weather, clear blue skies, and warm days without the crowds. This timing allowed us to fully appreciate Sicily’s attractions in relative solitude, a perfect scenario for those who prefer a quieter travel experience.

Be mindful that what may seem like an idyllic beach setting in our photos could be jammed-packed with sun worshippers in summer.

Planning Your Sicily Route

• Your Sicilian itinerary will depend on your mode of arrival and intended destinations. Our route began in eastern Sicily and ended in Palermo, optimizing our travel experience and ferry connections.
• If you are driving from Europe, you could take the same route as us easily and either loop back or take the ferry elsewhere from Palermo.
• Alternatively, you may be arriving by air and hiring a camper, motorhome or car once you arrive. All of these factors will influence where you begin and end your Sicily road trip.

Free Road Trip Planner – Make Life Easier

This Free printable Road Trip Planner is A4 or A5 and can be printed as many times as you like. It’s perfect for keeping your planning and all necessary info in one place.

Free Road Trip Planner

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🛞 For more planning tips and detailed information, jump over to our post: How to Plan a Road Trip

Motorhome Rental Options

We explored Sicily in a motorhome, which gave us the freedom to explore in whatever direction took our fancy, which suited our flexible travel plans. We would adjust our itinerary to suit.

For those considering motorhome hire in Sicily or campervan rentals, we highly recommend Motorhome Republic. They do the footwork when shopping around to secure the best rates for you, ensuring you get great value.

When renting, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Check for unlimited mileage options.
• Review the insurance policy for adequate coverage.
• Ask about roadside assistance inclusion.

Preliminary Advice for Travellers

• Booking in Advance: Especially during the shoulder season, book your motorhome and campsites in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
• Driving in Sicily: Be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in historic towns and rural areas. Parking can be scarce in busy areas, so plan your route with possible parking spots in mind.
• Legal Requirements: Ensure you have an international driving permit if your license is not EU-based, along with all necessary documents like insurance and registration for the motorhome.

How to Get to Sicily

Sicily is served by two main airports:

• Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located on the east coast, is well-connected to European and major international destinations.
• Palermo Airport (PMO) on the north coast also has extensive flight connections and is a convenient entry point if you plan to explore the northern or western parts of the island.

If arriving by air, you might consider renting a motorhome, camper, or car at the airport. This choice will influence your travel itinerary, depending on your arrival airport and planned route across the island.

By Car Ferry

For those bringing a motorhome or renting one in Italy, taking a car ferry can be a practical option:

• We embarked on our journey from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, mainland Italy, catching a ferry directly to Messina, Sicily. The crossing is brief, about 30 minutes, and costs approximately €60 for a motorhome.
• This route is particularly convenient for starting your Sicilian road trip in the eastern part, allowing easy access to the island’s northern and southern coasts.

End of the Journey

• After exploring Sicily, we concluded our trip to Palermo, where we took another ferry as part of our onward travel to Spain. This made logistical sense given our travel plans and can be a good strategy if you’re planning a larger European road trip.

Booking Your Ferry

• You can book your ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina here. This popular route offers frequent services, making it a flexible option for travellers.

☑️ Book the Ferry Villa San Giovanni Ferry Here

Our guide to campervanning in Italy offers practical advice and insights for those new to camping in Sicily or looking for tips on navigating the unique challenges of Sicilian roads.

Accommodation in Sicily

If you are travelling by car and looking for accommodation on your Sicily road trip then we recommend finding the best deals on Booking.com — especially those that can be cancelled free of charge if you have a change of plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you motorhome in Sicily?

Absolutely, you can motorhome in Sicily. It is a fantastic destination for touring, and it has a bit of everything for any visitor.

Is driving in Sicily difficult?

Driving in Sicily can sometimes be difficult, especially in the historical parts of a town or city with narrow streets.

Can you travel by train in Sicily?

Yes, you can travel to Sicily by train, with many of the larger towns being connected; however, many of the off-the-beaten-path places that make Sicily so memorable will need alternative means of transport to reach them.

Motorhoming in Sicily … That’s a Wrap

Exploring Sicily by motorhome has been an unforgettable journey, filled with diverse landscapes, historical insights, and the unique charm of each town and city we visited.

We especially enjoyed the historical parts of Palermo, the pretty Isola Bella and the snowed-capped summit views of Mount Etna.

Each day brought new discoveries and memorable experiences.

There’s so much to see and do, from ancient ruins to stunning coastlines, that rushing through Sicily could mean missing out on what makes this part of Italy truly special.

Our 7-day motorhome itinerary is designed to give you a taste of everything Sicilian, covering its key highlights and diverse attractions.

We hope this post inspires you to embark on your own Sicilian road trip.

Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your Sicilian adventure!

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