5-Day Sicily road trip from Catania to Messina and surrounding area

Photo of aerial view of Mount Etna, City, beaches and Port, Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Sicily.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Sicily. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Catania and 1 night in Messina, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Sicily. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Sicily you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Catania, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Sicily, including the stunning Castello Ursino and Giardino Bellini.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Sicily. From the magnificent Ancient theatre of Taormina to the breathtaking Neapolis Archaeological Park and Temple of Apollo, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Catania, Messina, and Syracuse, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Sicily. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Sicily.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Sicily. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Sicily.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Sicily.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Sicily has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Sicily. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Sicily extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Sicily fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Sicily today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Port of Catania, Sicily. Mount Etna in the background.Catania / 3 nights
Syracuse - city in ItalySyracuse
Messina - city in ItalyMessina / 1 night

Map

Attractions

photo of Scenic sight in Taormina, famous beautiful city in the Province of Messina, Sicily, southern Italy.Ancient theatre of Taormina
Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse, Siracusa, Sicily, ItalyNeapolis Archaeological Park
photo of Giardino Bellini .Giardino Bellini
Panoramic view to ancient Doric Temple of Apollo in Ortigia island. Syracuse, Sicily, Italy.Temple of Apollo
Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park
Ursino castle in Catania, ItalyCastello Ursino
Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary Most Holy (Duomo) in Syracuse, Sicily, ItalyCathedral of the Nativity of Holy Mary / Cathedral of Syracuse
Limeston cave called Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionigi) on Sicily, Italy.Ear of Dionysius
photo of Famous symbol of Catania - Elephant Fountain, island of Sicily, Italy .Elephant Fountain
Piazza Università, Centro storico, Catania, Sicily, ItalyPiazza Università
photo of view Cathedral (Catania) - exterior, Catania, Italy.Catania Cathedral
Siracusa, Ortigia Island from the air at sunset, Sicily, Italy. Isola di Ortigia, coast of Ortigia island at city of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Aerial view. June 2023Isola di Ortigia
Castle of Aci
Porta Catania

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Catania - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Catania - arrival day

  • Catania - Arrival day
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Sicily begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Catania. You’ll stay in Catania for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Catania has many popular destinations you can explore.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Catania, Mezzaparola Cocktail Art Bar. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Catania also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Catania is Caffè Europa. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,459 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Catania is First Lounge Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,328 customers.

Locals also enjoy DOC - DUOMO OF CATANIA. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 946 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Sicily!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Catania

Day 2

Day 2 – Catania

  • Catania
  • More

Drive 10 km, 36 min

  • Piazza Università
  • Catania Cathedral
  • Castello Ursino
  • Elephant Fountain
  • Giardino Bellini
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Catania has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Catania by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Catania. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Catania, like the extraordinary Piazza Università. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,354 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Catania is the spectacular Catania Cathedral. This attraction is a cathedral and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,668 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Castello Ursino. This hohenstaufen castle in southern italy has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,039 visitors.

Elephant Fountain is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This fountain is a popular destination among visitors in Catania. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,587 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Giardino Bellini. Giardino Bellini is an urban park and popular attraction in Catania. More than 16,413 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Catania does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Catania on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Sicily, be sure to eat at Lettera 82 Risto Pub, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Catania. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 631 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Bohéme Mixology Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Catania for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 634 customers.

Collage Boutique Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Catania. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 455 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Catania is Mezzaparola Cocktail Art Bar. Mezzaparola Cocktail Art Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Catania!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Catania and Messina

Day 3

Day 3 – Catania and Messina

  • Messina
  • More

Drive 156 km, 2 hours 54 min

  • Castle of Aci
  • Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park
  • Porta Catania
  • Ancient theatre of Taormina
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Sicily. Today, you'll wake up in Catania and embark on a scenic drive to Messina, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Catania before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Catania. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,581 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Porta Catania. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,066 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Ancient theatre of Taormina. This greek theatre and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,382 reviews. This site welcomes approximately 244,264 yearly visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Miscela d'Oro - Sicilia 1946. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 458 customers.

Locals also recommend Docker's Pub, another of the best restaurants in Messina. Docker's Pub is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 353 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Ghota Messina - ristorante cocktails bar. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 248 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Gli Antenati Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Messina, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,042 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Torino. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bar Torino has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,226 customers.

Bar Noviziato is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 683 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Sicily, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Syracuse and Catania

Day 4

Day 4 – Syracuse and Catania

  • Syracuse
  • Catania
  • More

Drive 237 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Ear of Dionysius
  • Neapolis Archaeological Park
  • Temple of Apollo
  • Isola di Ortigia
  • Cathedral of the Nativity of Holy Mary / Cathedral of Syracuse
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Sicily. Today, you'll wake up in Messina and embark on a scenic drive to Catania, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Messina and Syracuse before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Messina. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Piluni đđî Turri Faru. This attraction is a sculpture that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,307 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Interdisciplinary Regional Museum of Messina (MUME). This attraction, a beloved museum, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 912 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Messina is the stunning Fontana di Nettuno. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 988 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Syracuse and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Syracuse has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Ear of Dionysius. This attraction is a cave that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,144 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Neapolis Archaeological Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 18,306 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Temple of Apollo. This ancient greek temple and travel destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 16,056 visitors.

The lovely Ortygia is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,807 visitors have left this island an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Cathedral of Syracuse is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Syracuse. This point of interest is a cathedral rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,153 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Syracuse, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Catania. When you arrive in Catania you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

After dinner, visit Lettera 82 Risto Pub to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Catania, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 631 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caffè Opera. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Caffè Opera has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 298 customers.

Circus Cocktail Bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Sicily, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Catania - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Catania - departure day

  • Catania - Departure day
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Sicily is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Catania before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Catania and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Sicily.

You’ll then say farewell to Catania. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Sicily!

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Experiences

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