As of 1st July 2020 Malta's airport and ports will open for travel to most European countries, including Italy. Less than 2 hours away from Malta by ferry, Sicily makes the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in different cultures, fantastic sights and food. Sicily is also the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys shopping trips. 

Sicily is a country rich in both history and culture. even though the island is not particularly large, one can note huge contrasts from one city or town to another. 

The quickest and most efficient way to travel from Malta to Sicily would be by ferry, as it avoids unnecessary waiting times at airports. 

The following itineraries have been made – bearing in mind an arrival at Pozzallo, and will help you make the best out of your stay – if not tease you into booking a longer holiday next time round. 

Although you can get around using public means of transport, the best way to make the most out of your time would be either by driving or else by hiring a driver to take you around the island. 

Catania & Riviera of the Cyclops 

 

Sicily's 2nd largest city sitting at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is a bustling city, with its unique character and personality giving it must-sees such as its baroque city centre, greek theatre and roman ruins, its many markets, and obviously as with any other place in Italy, good food to eat. 

What to do 

Visit its historic landmarks, immerse yourself in the city, explore its markets and savour its specialities. 

What to see

Greek-Roman Theatre, Duomo Square, Ursino Castle, Palazzo Biscari for architectural and historical sightseeing, La Pescheria and Fera 'O Luni - some of the city's oldest and most traditional markets providing a memorable experience, Via Etnea - Catania's main shopping street, which connects Piazza Duomo to the foot of Etna, and through which you can admire Etna in its grandiosity casting its shadow over the city. 

What to eat

Arancini, Cannolo Siciliano, Granita Siciliana, seafood, Pasta alla Norma. 

Where to stay overnight

Stay in Central Catania to enjoy the nightlife and the proximity to the main attractions or in an agriturismo close-by for a unique and authentic experience.

Riviera of the Cyclops

Just 20 minutes away from Catania by car, you can escape the hustle and bustle to reach the Riviera of the Cyclops, where you will be able to see the Cyclopean Isles, which owe their mythical origins to the Odyssey. Legend has it that it is here that the one-eyed cyclops once lived…whether you believe the legend or not, the beauty of this riviera is indisputable. 

Modica & Mt. Etna 

 

Driving up from Pozzallo, stop in Modica, a historic town divided into two parts: Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, which is also one of the area's UNESCO-listed Baroque towns. It is known for its picturesque views, architecture and steep staircases. It is also famous for its chocolate, which makes it a must for any chocoholics! 

What to do

Explore the town's baroque buildings and savour the speciality chocolate produced locally - inspired by an ancient Aztec recipe for Xocolatl. 

What to see

Cathedral of San Giorgio, Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, Church of San Pietro  to marvel at architecture, Pizzo Belvedere for spectacular views of the town, the Chocolate Museum to learn more about the traditional locally-produced chocolate. 

What to eat

Modica chocolate obviously, in all its varieties and flavours! When it comes to lunch and dinner, Modica offers both typically Sicilian meat-based dishes as well as seafood. 

Where to stay overnight

Stay in an agriturismo at the foot of Etna, or in the centre of Modica if you want to head back south after Etna. 

 

Mount Etna

Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano, and one of the most active ones worldwide. Since 2013, Mount Etna is also part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and is a landmark to be seen at least once in one's lifetime. There are many routes to take to explore Etna both independently as well as on tour. Make sure you plan ahead, and that you make sure you do so within all official safety guidelines. You can also visit the Etnaland Acquapark especially if you are travelling with children. 

Syracuse & Avola

 

 

With Avola for its locally-produced wine Nero d'Avola as well as its almond cultivation, this itinerary is for lovers food and wine, but not only! Nearby Syracuse, together with Ortygia are the right mix of food, wine and sightseeing. 

What to do

Explore Syracuse, once one of ancient Greece's most important cities and learn more about its rich history, at Pachino tomatoes in Pachino, book a Nero d'Avola wine tour, and learn more about Avola's select almond cultivation, or simply enjoy its sea and beaches. 

What to see 

Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Ear of Dionysius, Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne, Ortygia to savour and immerse yourself in Syracuse. In Avola you can visit the Avola Almond Museum, together with its charming city centre, the Vecchio Mercato, as well as the nearby Riserva Naturale di Cava Grande del Cassibile, also known as Sicily's Grand Canyon. 

What to eat

Avola almonds in all forms, and naturally a glass of Nero d'Avola!

Where to stay overnight

Stay in central Ortygia and explore Ortygia by night, or right between Siracusa and Ortygia, close-by to attractions in Siracusa and also to Ortygia. 

 

Whether it's food and drink, archeological ruins, or nature reserves, Sicily has much to offer - making the above itineraries not only non-exhaustive, but a great starting point for whoever is considering a day trip from Malta to Sicily this summer.

If you're still waiting the current situation out, make sure to bookmark it for your future travels! As Goethe famously exclaimed, "to have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything."