Day 1: Castellammare del Golfo
Arriving at Palermo Airport, also known as Falcone-Borsellino, you’ll be less than an hour from our villas in Castellammare del Golfo. This stunning, private pool villa can sleep up to five, ensuring you have plenty of space to enjoy your holiday with your loved ones. Surrounded by a large garden, the villa’s outside area is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing.
Equipped with a BBQ, a stove, and a wood-burning oven, you will be able to spend your evenings cooking with the fresh ingredients you can buy locally. Fitted with two shower rooms and two bedrooms, you can relax comfortably after a full day of sightseeing. And don’t forget a nice cup of tea in the fully furnished living room, in front of the open fireplace!
Around an hour away by car, Castellammare del Golfo is a beautiful fishing port where you can sit down outside for a delicious grilled fish meal. The 17th century Aragonese castle stands near clear, blue water beaches, perfect for sunbathing.
Day 2: Palermo
As the capital of Sicily, Palermo has a rich gastronomy and history starting in 734 BC when the town was founded by the Phoenicians. The 12th century chapel, Cappella Palatina, has stunning, gold mosaics, marble floors, and wooden ceilings. The muqarnas motif is a unique one, inspired by the Arabic style of honeycomb carving.
The Mercato di Ballarò is a busy market located southeast of Palazzo dei Normanni, selling fresh produce that will let you cook delicious meals after a fun-filled day of exploring. The hot Mediterranean climate is ideal for sun-filled days, with approximately 2,500 hours of sun a year.
Day 3: Erice
Located near the port of Trapani and on top of Mount Erice, the town’s name derives from its Greek name Eryx. 750 metres above sea level, its position provided the ideal location for naturally fortified occupation. Its opulent history is associated with the town being the centre of the cult of Venus, its sacred association dating back centuries.
Dating to Arab times, Pepoli Castle used to be a feudal stronghold. The other nearby castle, Venus Castle, was built on the ruins of the Temple of Venus in the Norman period. Magnificent and panoramic views can be seen from both castles’ towers.
Day 4: Trapani
Founded by the Elymians to be Erice’s port, Trapani was first called Drepana from the word Drépanon, meaning ‘sickle’ in Greek. The name alludes to the shape of the harbour, curved like a sickle, which features in one of the legends of the city’s origins.
Filled with history, Trapani has impressive churches with stunning details. The Chiesa del Purgatorio is one of such churches, with 20 life-sized wooden effigies representing the story of the Passion of Christ, and dating to the 18th century. The stretches of coastal plains and the lovely countryside add to Trapani’s charm, which includes restaurants with delicious food.
Day 5: Marsala
Following the coast from Trapani you reach Marsala, part of Trapani’s province. The town was built upon ruins of an ancient Carthaginian city, Lilybaion, which was founded around 397 BCE. Famous for its Marsala wine and Garibaldi’s docking on May 11th 1860, Marsala is a beautiful historic town. Porta Garibaldi can be found in town by following a lion’s head to a gateway where Garibaldi led his men.
Should you want to try Marsala wine, the local establishments are a great place to comfortably sit down for a meal and a glass of wine. After a hearty meal, you can visit the Museo Archeologico, which contains the Punic ship that has allowed archaeologists to learn how ancient naval warfare ships worked.
Day 6: Mazara del Vallo
Home to the largest fishing fleet in Italy, Mazara del Vallo follows much of the local Sicilian history, being founded by the Phoenicians around the 9th century. You can see the statue of the Dancing Satyr in the Museo del Satiro, found 500m deep in the sea in 1998, and thought to have been made by Praxiteles, a Greek artist.
Have a wonderful day out through the old town centre, walking through the streets filled with churches and cathedrals. Try the local cuisine and fish dishes, sure to make you want to return to Mazara del Vallo!
Day 7: Castelvetrano
In the province of Trapani and where the archaeological site of Selinunte can be found, Castelvetrano is an old town with records dating to the 12th century. The old part of the town features the Piazza Garibaldi and the Piazza Umberto I, with the town’s main monuments. The Piazza Regina Margherita overlooks the stark façade of 15th San Domenico, which, in olden times, was attached to a convent. Small but charming, Castelvetrano contains a beautiful forestry estate that is perfect for a midday picnic.
If you’re inspired to travel and see the beautiful sights of Italy, why not see our other 7 day itineraries in Sardinia? You can also pop to Crete and continue your adventure in the Mediterranean! And don’t forget to learn a few basic words before your visit to Sicily – the locals will appreciate it!
