8 days discovering Eastern Sicily in a motorhome
We saw together
why you should choose to visit Sicily in an RV
. But also as
setting up our vehicle in the best possible way
so as not to have any surprises during the trip and what are the best ways to get to the Island.
At this point, all that’s left is to set off on our tour!
The first RV trip will take place through Eastern Sicily, starting from Messina, touching on Taormina, the nature of Etna and Alcantara, Catania and the wonders of Baroque.
Ready? Here we go!
Eastern Sicily itinerary in 8 days
Day 1 – Messina
We are going to discover the world’s largest mechanical clock in Messina Cathedral, the Orion Fountain, made by a pupil of Michelangelo that has been called “the most beautiful of 16th-century Europe” by art historian Bernard Berenson.
The monument depicts Orion, who according to myth founded the city, along with four statues representing the rivers Nile, Tiber and Ebro and the Camaro stream, which feeds the fountain.
We do not miss the opportunity to take a picture of the Statue of the Madonnina, set atop a 35-meter stele at the entrance to the harbor, which is the very symbol of Messina.
Where to stay
Parking Via Bonino
In the center of Messina, just a few meters from the highway interchange, the tramway line, the train station and the port, convenient stopping point for the camper passing through, arriving or departing from Sicily. Annual opening.
Day 2 – Taormina
We recommend, of course, that you visit the Greek Theater during the day or, why not, buy a ticket to an opera or concert.
For a better view of the city we suggest the cable car from the Mazzaro district on the coast.
To finish in relaxation and beauty enjoy the sun on the beach of Isola Bella while admiring the waters of the Ionian Sea.
Where to stay
Piergiovanni RV parking area
Highway exit 18 Giardini Naxos, pass the village of Trappitello.
Level, tree-lined area with 15 sites and RV facilities: children’s playground, wood-burning stone barbecue, outdoor showers with sinks, indoor restrooms with showers, camper service station with grill and ground drain.
Public services at 100 meters, supermarket at 500, sea at 1 km.
Days 3 and 4 – Etna Regional Park
The perfect opportunity to learn all about Etna Park’s unique flora and fauna and its many hiking trails.
The ascent of Mount Etna is pure excitement, one of the most memorable experiences it is possible to have in Sicily. Depending on your stamina and thirst for adventure, you can also travel part of it by jeep or cable car. In order to get a glimpse inside the crater, however, you must venture on the last section, which is over 3,300 meters above sea level!
Looking for even more nature and more adventure? We recommend that you include a trip to the
Alcantara Gorge
, the natural canyon at the mouth of the Alcantara River, which flows through lava rock!
Just as many emotions are felt in the Cave of Frost: perennial ice is found inside this lava cavern!
Where to stop on Etna
Sapienza Refuge Parking
Paid parking spot (purchase ticket at local merchants) at Rifugio Sapienza (1980m a.s.l.), large paved square with area reserved for RVs, on Etna’s southern slope, no services.
Where to stop in the Alcantara Gorge
Alcantara Gorge Area
In front of the entrance to the Gole Dell’Alcantara with 10 places on grass equipped with loading/unloading (difficulty with nautical), hot shower, sink for dishes, grill, picnic area.
Day 5 – Catania
We certainly take a look at the famous elephant fountain in Piazza del Duomo: the elephant is made of black lava and is said to soothe Etna’s rage.
Want to cook some fish on your RV? Connoisseurs shop at the Fish Market, where delicacies from the seas around the island can be found.
Also not to be missed is a walk along the Via Etnea.
Where to stay
Campsite Jonio
Camping Jonio is located in Catania at Via dei Villini a Mare 2, conveniently located if you are coming from the highway.
Several signs along the way will lead you to here where you will find a wonderful surprise: the campsite is located overlooking the sea.
Day 6 – Syracuse
A walk around the island of Ortigia, which constitutes the oldest part of the center of Syracuse indulging of course in a stop to admire Piazza del Duomo!
Definitely worth seeing The Neapolis Archaeological Park which encompasses
2,000 years of Roman and Greek history in one of the largest archaeological areas in the Mediterranean.
A stop then to relax on the beach at Vendicari with its famous pink flamingos.
Where to stay
Claudcar rest area
Rest area surrounded by greenery, located 3km from the historic center of Syracuse, the island of Ortigia and the renowned beaches of the Syracuse coast, which can be reached by the facility’s shuttle service.
Day 7 – Noto
About 30 km from Syracuse, treat yourself to a walk through the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop to taste the area’s celebrated wines, Eloro or Val di Noto.
Immerse yourself in a true splendor of flowers. If you are planning to travel to Sicily in the spring, choose the third week of May: during of the May Infiorata, the entire Via Nicolaci is covered with a bed of paintings made with flowers. A unique spectacle.
Where to stay
Oasis Park Falconara
Rest area 700m from the sea 4km from the historic center of Noto, with 50 spacious pitches some shaded, 10 of which have gray water drainage.
Facilities include: camper service, restrooms with hot showers, children’s play area, bar.
Paid shuttle to the sea.
Pets allowed.
Day 8 – Marina di Ragusa
To end this brief tour of eastern Sicily we enjoy the sea at Marina di Ragusa. The shoreline is also enchanting during winter, when it is less crowded and the sky is colored in soft, romantic hues.
From here it is possible to book a boat trip to the marina and devote a pleasant evening stroll on the pier.
Then take a detour to Ragusa, another Val di Noto location not to be missed by Baroque lovers.
Where to stay
RV area the Carob tree
Municipal equipped area, guarded h24, about 700m from the sea, has places with electricity connection, laundry, hot showers for a fee and cold shower, sewage loading and unloading.
Car rental and RV service available.
Municipal shuttle stop (for a fee) outside the area.
What do you think of this itinerary? Leave us a comment and keep following us for more RV itineraries!
by Paola Crippa