Sicily is not an island. It's a civilization. Greek temples older than the Parthenon (Agrigento). Norman cathedrals with Byzantine gold mosaics (Cefalù, Monreale). Baroque cities rebuilt after earthquakes (Noto, Siracusa). Europe's largest active volcano (Etna). Beaches that rival the Caribbean (San Vito, Favignana). Street food that makes Naples nervous (arancini, panelle, cannoli). 2 weeks is the minimum. 3 weeks is ideal. A lifetime is insufficient.
Days 1-3: Palermo + Cefalù. Cappella Palatina, Ballarò market, street food (panelle, sfincione, stigghiola), Monreale mosaics, Cefalù beach + cathedral. Days 4-5: West — Erice + San Vito Lo Capo + Favignana. Medieval hilltop, best beach, island quarry swimming. Day 6: Valley of Temples + Scala dei Turchi. Greek temples at dawn, white cliff at sunset. Days 7-8: Southeast — Noto + Marzamemi + Siracusa. Golden Baroque, viral fishing village, Ortigia island. Days 9-10: Taormina + Etna. Greek theatre with volcano, summit craters hike, Alcantara gorge swim. Days 11-12: Aeolian Islands. Stromboli eruption at night, Lipari, Vulcano mud baths. Days 13-14: Return to Palermo via the Madonie mountains. Total: 2 weeks, 1,200km, 3,000 years.
Beaches: San Vito, Favignana, Scala dei Turchi, Vendicari. History: Agrigento, Siracusa Neapolis, Segesta, Selinunte. Food: Palermo markets, Café Sicilia, Marzamemi raw fish. Architecture: Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Cefalù. Volcano: Etna summit, Stromboli eruption. Islands: Favignana, Aeolian 7, Pantelleria.
Airports: Palermo (PMO), Catania (CTA). Car essential (trains are slow + limited in Sicily). Rent at airport → Best time: May-June, September-October. July-August: 40°C + crowds.