Author: Renata Green

The world is my oyster: I'm Renata, founder and editor of this travel blog. bye:myself - no, that's not a typo, it's referring to me saying bye to my comfort zone and heading for new shores solo. Having been a solo traveller, flashpacker, and poverty jet setter for ages made me an avid and savvy planner and organizer of worldwide travel. Since I've been an author and journalist practically all my life, I love to put my travel experience into writing to encourage, inspire, and assist you. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on this planet!

The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

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Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima in Ortigia, Syracuse
Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima, the cathedral of Syracuse, impressively illustrates Sicily’s strongest side, namely facades bathed in golden afternoon light.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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What Not to Miss in TAORMINA, the Most Beautiful Town in Sicily

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Agreed, Taormina is definitely one of the most touristy places in Sicily, and this comes with all the annoyances overtourism tends to cause. This being said, no one can deny that Taormina is the most beautiful town in all of Sicily, hence, in this guide, I’m introducing the best thing not to miss when visiting this gem on the eastern coast of the island.

View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra on the shore below Taormina, a place definitely not to miss when visiting this beautiful town.
View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra below Taormina, the most beautiful town in Sicily.
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One Day in CATANIA, Sicily’s Building Ground of Grand Palaces

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Although often overlooked and definitely underrated, Catania is a city full of beauty, history, and, on clear days, magnificent views of Mount Etna. In particular, the palaces constructed during the Baroque period after the city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Although there is no generally accepted exact number, there are certainly around 50 notable palaces in and around the city.

Fontana dell’Amenano in Catania.
Waterbearer at the Fontana dell’Amenano, a Baroque fountain with mythical figures created by Tito Angelini.

Apart from the famous palaces such as the Palazzo Biscari, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, and the
Palazzo Minoriti, there are numerous smaller and lesser-known ones scattered throughout the city. Many of these are privately owned and have been converted for business purposes. That’s why, even as a self-proclaimed Poverty Jetsetter, I was able to spend a restful night in a real Italian Palazzo!
More about that – and all the other marvels of Catania – in this post.

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What to See in NOTO, the Baroque Town of Sicily

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What a treat to see Noto, Sicily’s Baroque Town, on a day trip! This architectural gem dazzles with honey-colored limestone buildings that glow at sunset, making every corner feel like a masterpiece. Stroll up and down picturesque streets lined with stunning palaces and churches. Make time to enjoy delicious caffè, artisan gelato, and Sicilian charm. With beauty at every turn, Noto promises an unforgettable day of history and magnificence.

Chiesa di San Domenico in Noto
Chiesa di San Domenico, just one of around 30 churches in Noto.
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SYRACUSE Unveiled: A Trip to the Ancient Wonders and Coastal Charms of Sicily

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In this post, I’m taking you on a trip to Syracuse to explore the ancient wonders and coastal charms of Sicily. However, this city on the island’s southeastern coast isn’t just for history buffs! Its markets burst with local flavors while its sun-soaked piazze invite leisure’n’pleasure. And as the sun slowly sets, bathing the historic buildings in a burning golden light, the coast of Syracuse shines in its radiant splendor, waiting for you with a delicious dinner by the sea.

Piazza del Duomo on the Ortigia peninsula of Syracuse - not to miss on a day trip.
Piazza del Duomo on the Ortigia peninsula – probably the most iconic square in Syracuse.

Few places can match Syracuse’s ability to captivate both mind and heart. It’s not just a destination—it’s a journey through time and an invitation to experience Italy’s legendary dolce vita at its most enchanting.
Syracuse is Sicily at its finest!

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The Valley of the Temples of Agrigento And La Villa Romana del Casale di Piazza Armerina: A Day Trip Not to Miss

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One of the most memorable things I did on my recent trip to Sicily was an extraordinary journey through the island’s rich history on an excursion to two of its most iconic treasures. In fact, a day trip to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and La Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina perfectly blends Greek grandeur and Roman elegance.

Temple of Concordia in Agrigento with the broken statue of Icarus by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj seen on a day trip to Temples Agrigento Villa Romana
Temple of Concordia in Agrigento with the broken statue of Icarus by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.

So, step back in time to ancient Greece as you wander through the valley that’s home to some of the most well-preserved Doric temples in the world. Set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, it’s a feast for the eyes and the spirit. Eventually, immerse yourself in the luxurious world of Roman aristocracy by exploring the opulent Roman villa, famed for its astonishing mosaics. From the colorful Bikini Girls to the intricate Hunting Scenes, in this mansion, every room is a masterpiece brimming with vivid storytelling and unparalleled artistry.

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Best Things to Do in Two Days in PALERMO

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Particularly in recent years, Sicily has developed from an insider tip into a holiday destination for aficionados of history, passionate nature lovers, but also the rich and famous – and not just since the second season of The White Lotus, which is set primarily in the incredibly picturesque town of Taormina. However, while places like Cefalú, San Vito Lo Capo, and obviously Taormina are groaning under the influx of visitors, life in the capital Palermo continues largely unaffected by this development. Actually, that’s not a bad thing. On a two-day visit, it allows you and me to experience the real, authentic Sicily from up close.

Chiesa di San Domenico in Palermo.
View of the Chiesa di San Domenico, the resting place of many significant figures in Palermo’s history, and the mountain range on the city’s outskirts.

Hence, in this post, I’ll show you the best things you definitely shouldn’t miss – even those that are a bit off the beaten path.

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ISLAND HOPPING in the AZORES

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Two handfuls of volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from basically everywhere: Although the Azores belong politically to Portugal, it takes more time and money to get there. This is one of the reasons why the Azores, despite their mesmerizing beauty, are still a rather hidden gem when it comes to tourism. However, for me, that was a perfect reason to check out for myself if you can rightly call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
In this post, I’m telling you all about my formidable island hopping and if I found the famous Azores High.

The crater lakes of Sete Cidades in Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
The iconic crater lakes of Sete Cidades in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
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What Not to Miss in TERCEIRA, the Azore Island of History and Grace

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Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo which UNESCO crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azore Islands.

Rua de Jesus in Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island in the Azores
The beautifully tiled Rua de Jesus is lined with colorful houses like something out of a Lego construction set.
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