How to Spend 4 Unique Days in Eastern Sicily: A Complete Travel Guide
Our view from dinner one night in Aci Trezza, Sicily
For years, Sicily felt like the Italy I hadn’t seen yet. A place that everyone described as completely different from popular Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast. A few years ago, we met someone from there who quickly became a dear friend, and we promised we’d visit someday. That “someday” finally came, and Sicily didn’t disappoint.
With just four days to explore, we chose to focus on the eastern side of the island, and it proved to be the authentic Italy we’d been hoping for. Thanks to our friend, we stayed in Augusta a couple of nights, a small coastal town that gave us a glimpse into everyday Sicilian life. We spent the second half of our trip in Aci Castello, a charming seaside village where we felt at home. Both places became perfect bases for exploring some of the best spots along Sicily’s eastern coast.
This guide is for travelers who want to experience a different side of Italy, one that moves at a slower pace, is unfiltered, and raw in its beauty. Eastern Sicily has a character unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Italy, and I hope this 4-day itinerary inspires you to see it for yourself.
“Sicily is a dimension of the imagination.”
Planeta Sciaranuova on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily
Why Visit Eastern Sicily?
Eastern Sicily is authentic and unforgettable. Centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influence give Sicily a unique blend of history and flavors. Here you’ll find baroque towns, seaside villages, and vineyards - all with stunning Mt. Etna as a backdrop. What struck me most was how local people embraced us. We could explore as visitors, yet feel included in their world.
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit?
We visited in August, and to be honest, it was too hot to fully enjoy being outdoors during the day. If you have the flexibility, aim for later in the season or earlier in the year. Spring (April - June) and fall (September - October), when the weather is warm but not overwhelming, and there are fewer crowds.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The easiest way to reach Eastern Sicily is by flying into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), which is right on the coast and is only a short drive from most towns in the region. There are direct flights from several major European cities as well as nonstop options from the U.S., including Delta flights from New York. Having Catania as your entry point makes it simple to start exploring right away without a long transfer across the island. I highly recommend picking up a rental car at the airport, which will enable you to easily access the smaller towns, seaside villages, and wineries that define this part of Sicily.
Where to Stay?
The Blue Window in Augusta, Sicily
@_thebluewindow_
For the ultimate local stay, Augusta delivered. We based ourselves at The Blue Window, a guesthouse managed by Gabriele Gianino, and it felt like we were plugged into everyday Sicilian life. The apartment had everything we needed, plus a view of the sea that made time feel slower in the best way.
At Terrazza Rossini we tried our first true Sicilian breakfast: granita with brioche. Another day, before setting out on a long drive, we grabbed coffee and pastries from Caffé Premier, a neighborhood favorite. These were the moments we loved most — when we felt part of local life (and could even practice our Italian).
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time in Augusta, but if you do, Gabriele also offers these experiences HERE, which you can book with him by contacting him at gab.gianino@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at +39 3348388600.
SouthHaus at House of Palms in Aci Castello, Sicily
@houseofpalmssicily
Our time at SouthHaus in Aci Castello felt like a little slice of coastal paradise. The space was beautifully designed and surrounded by palms that gave it a true sense of escape. What made it even more special were the owners, Ignazio and Darcy, who were incredible hosts. Every single one of their local recommendations was a ten. Their thoughtful touches in the apartment and recommendations around town truly made our stay memorable.
4-Day Eastern Sicily Itinerary
Day 1: Noto’s Baroque Charm, Wine Tasting at Feudo Maccari, and Marzamemi by the Sea
Begin your morning in Noto, a town that stuns with its baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets, climb the steps to the cathedral, and take time to admire the piazzas. Stop at Caffé Sicilia for a break and a bit of people-watching. It’s the kind of place that reveals itself around every corner and alleyway. Set aside a couple of hours to explore it.
Spend the early afternoon at Feudo Maccari with a guided tour and tasting. The visit begins with a tour of the vineyards and ends with a wine and small plates pairing that showcases the region. It’s a relaxed experience and a great way to spend the afternoon surrounded by the countryside.
Arrive in Marzamemi in time for sunset and take a walk around the piazza and waterfront before dinner. This former fishing village still carries a laid-back charm, with pops of color all around. End the night with dinner at Taverna La Cialoma, a restaurant right in Marzamemi’s main piazza. The perfect way to close out your first day in Eastern Sicily.
Day 2: a morning in Catania, an afternoon at Planeta Winery, and the Slopes of Mt. Etna
The city of Catania has an energy that feels different from the smaller towns nearby. Its streets and piazzas are built from dark volcanic stone, which gives it a bold and gritty look. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’re in luck; the weekly flea market is a great place to capture the city’s character. The records we picked up turned out to be our favorite souvenirs of the trip.
Visiting Planeta Sciaranuova was one of the highlights of our entire trip. I’ll admit, it first made my list because part of The White Lotus Season 2 was filmed here, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. The drive up Mt. Etna’s slopes, with vineyards and volcanic views at every turn, set the stage for what was an unforgettable day. Once there, the tour with Miriam was incredibly informative and gave real insight into how the Planeta family launched these estates across Sicily and how the land shapes the wine. We ended with a tasting paired with small bites. An afternoon we’ll always remember.
TIP: Prebook your experience ahead of time on their website.
Day 3: A DAY ENDULGING IN Taormina’s Timeless Beauty
Taormina has long been known as one of Sicily’s most famous destinations, and it’s easy to see why once you arrive. If you’re driving, make sure to park at the Lumbi parking lot and take the free shuttle bus up into town. Begin with a Sicilian breakfast of granita and brioche at Bam Bar, then wander through the streets at your own pace. The public gardens, Giardini della Villa Comunale, are free to enter and offer a quiet break, while the Greek Theater, Teatro Antico di Taormina, is worth a visit for its sweeping views. We stopped for lunch at La Tavernetta, where Pepe made us feel right at home, before spending more time walking through the lively streets. If you have time, take the tram (Funivia Taormina – Mazzarò) down to Isola Bella. We didn’t make it there, but it’s supposed to be worth it, especially if you go early to avoid the crowds.
Day 4: A QUIET BEACH DAY IN Aci trezza and aN INITIMATE DINNER AT RISTORANTE IL NESPOLO
Plan to spend your final day in Sicily at Ghenea Beach Club in Aci Trezza. The water is calm and clear, the vibe is relaxed, and even as what felt like the only American tourists, we felt completely welcome. In the evening, head to Ristorante il Nespolo for a truly local dinner - the kind of spot you’ll want to return to more than once (we did). Pipo, our waiter, was the highlight of the evening. In the end, it’s always the people who make a place memorable.
This entire day was recommended to us by our Airbnb hosts Ignazio and Darcy (thank you!).
The best part of this last day (and our entire trip) was reconnecting with our friend Stefano Gianino, a talented actor, in his home country and meeting his family and friends. We met him years ago in New York City and kept our promise of seeing him again one day in Sicily.
We liked Ristorante il Nespolo (and Pipo) so much that we went back on our final night with our Sicilian friends.
Final Thoughts
Four days in Eastern Sicily gave us a glimpse of this other side of Italy. Even in such a short time, we felt a strong connection to local life, which is exactly what we had hoped for. If you’re looking for something different and quietly unforgettable, Eastern Sicily delivers.
For more on Italy, check out my other blog post:
Top Things to See and Do in Florence, Italy with a Stopover in Milan
✧ For the intentionally curious traveler — pass it on.