Palermo
Best for: Foodies, market lovers, culture
Sicily's extraordinary capital — street food markets (Ballarò, Vucciria), Arab-Norman architecture (UNESCO), and raw energy. Best food in Sicily. Stay in the Centro Storico or Kalsa district.
Taormina
Best for: Romantics, luxury seekers, views
Perched above the Ionian Sea with Etna views. The Greek Theatre is spectacular. Beautiful but expensive and touristy. Best as a 1-2 night splurge, not a full-trip base.
Catania
Best for: Budget, nightlife, Etna access
Gritty, vibrant, volcanic stone city at Etna's foot. La Pescheria fish market is unmissable. Best base for Etna excursions. Cheapest car rental pickup. Lively nightlife and university energy.
Siracusa (Ortigia)
Best for: History buffs, couples, architecture
The island of Ortigia is Sicily's most elegant base — Greek temples, Baroque squares, sea swimming. The Archaeological Park has a magnificent Greek theatre. Stay ON Ortigia island.
Cefalù
Best for: Beach lovers, families, relaxation
A beach town with a Norman cathedral and a photogenic old town. Less intense than Palermo, more relaxed than Taormina. Great for a beach day combined with culture. 1 hour from Palermo.
Our recommendation
Start in Palermo for the cultural shock, base in Catania for Etna and eastern Sicily, and finish in Siracusa for elegance. Rent a car from Catania airport for maximum flexibility.