Is there more to do in Catania or Palermo?

Both Palermo and Catania are great choices for a short 2-4 day visit. Palermo has more attractions in the historic center so we recommend at least 3 days to see everything in Palermo. On the other hand, Catania's historic center can be explored in 2 days.



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It is steeped in history, with Greek and Roman ruins standing side-by-side in the heart of the city. All in all, Catania is an incredible city that should definitely be on your itinerary if you're visiting Sicily. It has something to offer for everyone! Is Catania Worth Visiting?

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Taormina - The prettiest town in Sicily. One of the most famous and touristy towns in Sicily and not for nothing, a picturesque and colorful town, surrounded by two mountains and a close view of the volcano Etna.

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Yes, absolutely. The historic center of the city is pretty compact, and many of the must-sees are within walking distance of each other. But beware, the city has some hills and some sidewalks can be a little narrow or rough, so it might not be the best choice for those with mobility issues.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Catania? We think either one or two nights is the perfect amount of time for exploring Catania itself, depending on how much time you have. If you want to use it as a day trip to either Taormina or Mount Etna, add a day for each one.

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Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities:
  • 4 days: Palermo (with half-day trip to Monreale for its cathedral) and Siracusa.
  • 6 days, add: Agrigento.
  • 8 days, add: Mount Etna and Taormina.
  • 10 days, add: Villa Romana del Casale and Cefalù


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The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old. Palermo is in the northwest of the island of Sicily, by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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Between the 1950s and 1980s the mafia ravaged Palermo: many of the beautiful art deco buildings that epitomized the aesthetic of the city were destroyed (some without permission, in the middle of the night); parks were paved over; and uninviting apartment buildings, some with faulty construction, became a mark of the ...

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Places to Avoid in Sicily
  • Ballarò: This neighborhood in Palermo is known for its street markets, but it can also be dangerous, especially at night.
  • Brancaccio: This neighborhood in Palermo is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city, so it's best to avoid it altogether.


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The Amalfi Coast is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping, and take in beautiful scenery. Travelers looking for more culture and history should opt to visit Sicily for their vacation.

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Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial center of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy. The central old town of Catania features exuberant late-baroque architecture, prompted after the 1693 earthquake, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Yes, Palermo is very walkable and pedestrian friendly. The main streets such as Via Maqueda or Via Vittorio Emanuele are pedestrian areas and the city center is closed to cars without the city pass. Hence, you will be better off walking around Palermo rather that driving through it by car.

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How long does the train from Palermo to Catania take? The average journey time by train between Palermo and Catania is 4 hours and 32 minutes, with around 17 trains per day.

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Why Visit: Taormina is the jewel of Sicily and one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world, making it is the island's most loved town. Its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches, stunning views, endless entertainment and strategic position, make Taormina the ideal base for a wonderful Sicilian holiday.

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Yes, it is possible with public transportation, and I will tell you how in this blog post. Spending seven days in Sicily without a car is perfectly doable if you can manage the train, buses, and local Taxis on Sicily Island. Also, by using local public transportation, you will see a different side of Sicily.

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It is a tie: both cities offer so much that is difficult to choose. Catania is probably better for an active 3-day trip, meanwhile, Taormina is more suitable for a relaxed stay.

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