Around Sicily in 14 days — the full island circuit, Palermo back to Palermo

Days 1–3: Palermo and Monreale

Palermo: Ballarò, Cappella Palatina, Catacombs, Teatro Massimo. Day 2: Monreale mosaics + Cefalù (1h east). Day 3: street food deep dive — stigghiola, panelle, pani câ meusa, arancini. Every meal under €5.

Days 4–5: Aeolian Islands

Ferry from Milazzo to Lipari (1.5h, €18). Lipari: pumice beaches. Day trip to Vulcano (10 min, crater climb 1h) or Stromboli (3h ferry): nighttime guided climb (€28) to watch eruptions at 924m. Not for the faint-hearted. Literally.

Days 6–8: Taormina, Etna, Catania, Syracuse

Taormina Greek Theatre. Etna excursion. Syracuse Ortigia — Cathedral-in-a-temple.

Days 9–10: Val di Noto Baroque

1693 earthquake destroyed SE Sicily. What was rebuilt: the most extraordinary Baroque ensemble in Europe. Ragusa Ibla: golden stone cascade. Noto: Corso of golden facades. Modica: Aztec-style grainy chocolate at Bonajuto (since 1880, free tasting).

Days 11–12: Agrigento and interior

Valle dei Templi (€13.50): Temple of Concordia, best-preserved Doric temple outside Athens. Visit at 7am or sunset. Interior: Enna, Piazza Armerina (Villa Romana del Casale, €10 — 3,500 sqm Roman mosaics including "Bikini Girls").

Days 13–14: Trapani and return

Salt flats at sunset (free). Erice cable car (€9): medieval town at 751m, views to Africa on clear days. Segesta. Marsala tasting. Drive to Palermo (1h30). Total: ~1,000–1,200km.

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