Things To Do In Sicily – East Sicily In Four Days

Fifty minutes. That’s all it takes to reach Sicily from Malta by plane. The convenient short flight makes Sicily a famous destination amongst Maltese. It is the ideal destination for a weekend break away, or a short getaway.

Here is what we did during our 4 day stay on the largest region and island in Italy.

1. Gole Alcantara

This is a tree-hugger’s paradise. It is basically a number of gorges situated in Alcantara valley and natural park.

Visit: If you like hiking and outdoor activities.

Avoid: During summer season. It will be too hot to hike, and the small beach at the foot of the valley will be jam packed with tourists.

Other Information: Entrance fee for a walking tour around the nature park was €12. Follow the orange-signed pathway. To go down to the small beach at the foot of the valley, there is a lift. With this walking ticket, you get both the upwards and downwards trips to the beach.

2. Castelmola

A really small town on a hill.

Visit: If you want to have lunch with a view.

Avoid: If you are on a tight schedule.

Other Information: Of all the bars, restaurants and cafeterias at Castelmola, we highly suggest you head to Gallo Cedrone. This family run restaurant might be the last one in its road, but it had the best food and views. Maria, the owner of the restaurant makes you feel as if you were eating at her house. Well, she told us that she is the one that prepares all the food for her clients.

If like us, you would die out of curiosity if you couldn’t see what Bar Turrisi is all about, we do suggest you pay a visit to this bar. It is great fun. Having said that, we are all for local tourism and experiences, and therefore would definitely recommend places like Gallo Cedrone over Bar Turrisi. Also, as per usual, commercial places tend to be overrated and overpriced.

3. Taormina

A touristic village with chic feels and pretty views.

Visit: If you want to see this cute part of Sicily, and take photos with one of the narrowest alleys ever.

Avoid: If you are not into window-shopping (everything here is super expensive).

Other Information: Taormina might me really tricky to get to if you are going with your own transport, and especially if you are visiting during high season. Here is where you could park your car if you do visit with a private car. An easier option is using taxi service.

4. Catania

One of the most important hubs in Eastern Sicily.

Visit: Because there is so much to do, that you will definitely find something that tingles your curiosity.

Avoid: Wearing uncomfortable shoes. Just like any other city, a lot of walking will be in order when visiting Catania.

Places of Interest:

• Fontana dell’Elefante
• St. Agatha’s Cathedral
• Giardino Bellini
• Via Etnea

5. Shopping

Sicily is home to a number of great shopping malls.

• Etnapolis
• Porte di Catania
• Centro Commerciale Centro Sicilia
• Sicilia Outlet Village
• Forum Palermo
• Misterbianco
• Bricoman

6. Parcallario

An adventure park in the forests close to the small village of Buccheri.

Visit: If you enjoy the outdoors.

Avoid: Going with public transport. You definitely need your own transport or taxi service to reach this adventure park.

Top Tip – Transport in Sicily

Hiring a car to go round Sicily was not an option for us this time round. We wanted to enjoy our stay in Sicily, relax, spend less time going round for parking and more time exploring, and couldn’t be less bothered about what routes to take to avoid traffic. Our taxi driver was, Francesco, was exactly what we were looking for. He was always on the dot, and ready to answer our questions. Being driven around by a local, and having spick and span transportation alongside comfortable van rides made us feel at ease during our road trips.