After our 2022 travels in Greece, we knew we wanted to return to Southern Europe. As much as we loved Greece, this time we knew we wanted to get some beach time in and some city exploring.
I knew 10 days just wasn’t enough, so my original plan was actually 5 weeks and included Croatia, but with everyone's budgets and the amount of time we could all get off school/work three weeks ended up being what we could swing. The original plan was to spend a minimum of 3 nights in almost every spot, but we adjusted the itinerary to fit everyone's schedules. I honestly loved the pace of the trip, we got to see so much and travel so much ground, but if fast-paced backpacking isn’t for you then that’s no worries.
This itinerary can totally be modified according to your needs. I’ll go through all of the spots and what we did and maybe that can help you pick which destinations are right for you. Now fair warning, this is an EXTREMELY detailed blog lol, if you would like the less detailed (and less rambling) version, click here.
The best travel crew I am so thankful to have <3
The three-week Itinerary
Toronto to Lisbon - Flight
Air Canada
Departure: Saturday, May 6th, 2023 10:55 pm
We took a redeye from Toronto to Lisbon with Air Canada out of Pearson Airport. Toronto was just what worked for us but there were also flights available from Montreal for the same price if that works better for you. Our flight left at 10:55 p.m. and arrived in Lisbon at 11:10 am.
Day 1, 2 & 3 - Lisbon, Portugal
Beautiful Lisbon :)
Arrival in Lisbon
Arrival: Sunday, May 7th, 11:10 am
To Apartment: The public transit in Lisbon is super cheap and easy to use, so I would recommend taking the metro over getting a cab. We took the subway from the airport to Martim Moniz Metro Station. This took about 30 minutes and cost about €2.50 each. We rode the pink line from the airport then switched to the green line until our stop.
Stay in Lisbon
Address: Martim Moniz Square
We spent two nights in Lisbon. We stayed in Martim Moniz Square, which was very central and beside the Martim Moniz Metro Station and then we had access to the whole city. Martim Moniz is just outside of the Alfama and Baixa districts which are the areas most travel blogs recommend staying. We tried to get as close as possible to our budget so Martim Moniz did the trick. Martim Moniz Square is where you can catch Tram 28 which is perfect, it’s also within walking distance to attractions such as Castelo de S. Jorge and Rossio Square.
Lisbon Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival: On our first day in Lisbon, we weren’t able to check in right away, but luckily our host let us store our luggage until we could. We went and grabbed some sangria and lunch until the room was ready.
Castelo de S. Jorge: Once we checked in, we showered and changed and headed to Castelo de S. Jorge which was only 200m (up hill) from our apartment. We bought our tickets online to avoid the line. The castle was my favourite part of Lisbon, it is absolutely a must-see. We went earlier in the evening but I bet the sunset here would be incredible.
Dinner: We ate dinner at an amazing restaurant called Restaurante de Se which is right across the street from Lisbon Cathedral. That was honestly one of my favourite meals on the whole trip. I got the seafood Paella and port wine.
View from Castelo de S. Jorge
Day 2
Tram 28: On day two we rode Tram 28 in the morning. I definitely recommend taking the Tram early in the day because we had to wait about 35-40 minutes and the line wasn’t even that long. When we got back later in the day the line was massive.
Belem: Once we got off the Tram, we walked to the nearest train station and then took the train to Belem station and visited Belém District. We walked over to Jerónimos Monastery which we unfortunately couldn’t go in because it’s closed on Mondays, but it looked beautiful. We then walked over to Belém Tower and walked over to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument. We then grabbed the train back to our place, where we rested up and got ready for dinner.
Rooftop Patio: We wanted to hit up a rooftop patio for the sunset, which Martim Moniz Square was full of. However, these places are super overpriced and don’t have many food options. So we grabbed a drink and watched the sunset at the Hotel Mundial Rooftop. The Topo restaurant also had a great view and drink list for a similar price.
Baixa District: For dinner, we walked to the Baixa district and found a spot on Rua Augusta, which has tons of restaurants and shops. We had the traditional Bitoque with Sangria and Pastéis de Nata for dessert.
Day 3
Lisbon to Lagos - Bus
Flix Bus
Departure: Tuesday, May 9th at 9:15 am
Bus stop: Gare de Oriente, 1990-203 Lisbon
Duration: 3 hours 50 mins, with two 5 min stops
Arrival: in Lagos at 1:05 pm at Largo do Rossio de Sao Joao Batista 2, 8600-315 Lagos
Walk 12 minutes from the bus stop to the apartment
The next morning we travelled to Lagos, a beach town in the south of Portugal. We took Flixbus from the Gare de Oriente bus station in Lisbon. Just a heads up, this bus station is a little out of downtown so you will likely have to take the subway to get there. Our tickets were about $16 each and the trip took about 4 hours. We arrived in Lagos around 1 p.m. and were able to check into our apartment right when we got there.
Day 3, 4 & 5 - Lagos, Portugal
One of our fave destinations
Lagos
Address: Old Town
We stayed at Ema’s Beach and Night Life House which was in the perfect location. It was located right in Old Town, close to so many restaurants, bars and shops and was a quick 5-minute walk to the beach. Our apartment had a beautiful view of the ocean where you could catch the most gorgeous sunrise. The apartment had two bedrooms, one had a queen bed and the other had two singles. We had a living room, dining room and small kitchen. It was perfect for us.
Lagos Itinerary
Day 3
Praia dos Estudantes: Once we checked in we headed straight for the beach. We spent the afternoon at Praia dos Estudantes soaking up the sun and having a few drinks on the beach.
Dinner: For dinner, we went to a restaurant called Millenium Jardim in Old Town. I got the Piri Piri chicken which was delicious.
Val’s: Lagos has amazing nightlife. When we went it wasn’t exactly peak tourism season so the streets were a bit more quiet, but still super fun. We went out to a bar called Val’s, the only spot that would open early enough for us (Europeans go out crazy late and the bars open accordingly lol). A lot of the bars don’t even open until 2 am. We were still too jetlagged to make it out to the late-night bars but we had a lot of fun at Val’s. The owner gave us some free drinks and even let us choose some of the music.
Day 4
Kayaking: The next day we did a kayaking tour of the caves along Ponta di Piedade. This was such a highlight of the trip and you have to do it if you find yourself in Lagos. The tour is about 3 hours long and you get to see all of the beaches and caves along the coast of Lagos. You paddle downstream and then the boat pulls you back at the end.
Ponta di Piedade: After the kayaking, we walked up Ponta di Piedade, which is insanely beautiful, I wish we had more time to hike up the whole thing. Then we wrapped up the day on the beach, soaking up the sun until dinner.
The Garden: For dinner, we went to The Garden which was a very cute restaurant with delicious food.
The Ponta di Piedade trail
Day 5
Lagos to Seville - Bus
Flix Bus
Walk 12 mins from apartment to bus stop
Departure: Thursday, May 11th, 8:00 am
Bus Stop: Largo do Rossio de São João Batista 2, 8600- 315 Lagos
Duration: 5 hours 35 mins
Arrival: at 1:35 pm
Bus station: Seville (Bus Station Plaza de
Armas)
We took a FlixBus from Lagos to Seville for $14. The bus ride was 5 and a half hours with one 15-minute pit stop. Once we got to Seville, we we exhausted and it was 35 degrees so we decided to split an Uber to get to our apartment. It ended up being pretty cheap, probably about 5 euros each.
Seville
Stay: Apartamento Centro Santa Catalina
Address: Santa Catalina
We stayed at Apartamento Centro Santa Catalina in the Santa Catalina area. We found this area to be great and a close walk to many of the city's destinations. Our apartment was great, a gorgeous 2 bedroom apartment with a living room, kitchen, shared porch and private balcony overlooking the Church of Santa Catalina. The apartment had laundry which was super helpful. Our apartment was right next to several restaurants and bars.
Day 5, 6 & 7 - Seville, Spain
Seville Itinerary
Cathedral de Sevilla: On our first day we walked to the Cathedral de Sevilla and explored this area.
Horse Carriage: From here, we booked a horse carriage ride and it was awesome. The carriage takes you all around the city and you get to see all of the attractions listed above. We were touring around for close to an hour, and it was only about €12. Just go to the Cathedral and you can book a tour right outside the church.
Lunch/Dinner: We ate a late lunch/early delicious tapas dinner paired with Spanish Sangria.
Flamenca Show: We then walked back to the apartment and had some downtime before we went out for a Flamenca show at La CarbonerÃa. This venue offers a unique blend of live music, flamenco, delicious tapas, and a vibrant artistic ambiance. We visited this Tavern for its famous and free Flamenco performances. This was one of my favourite memories of the trip. We were truly immersed in the local culture, the staff was great, and the drinks were delicious.
We were the BIGGEST fans of Sevilla
Day 6
Plaza de España: On our second day, we hit up the Plaza de España in Seville. We had such an incredible day here exploring the Plaza and gardens. Here you can walk around the plaza, go inside the building and rent a row boat to paddle up the water along the Plaza de España. This was a highlight for Seville for sure.
Dinner: That night we went out for dinner in town and had another round of paella and sangria.
El Rinconcillo: After that, we made our way to El Rinconcillo, the famous and oldest tapas tavern in Sevilla. We loved it here and had a delicious and affordable glass of wine.
KOKO Discoteca: From here, we headed to the KOKO Discoteca, which is located under the Setas de Sevilla. KOKO offers a vibrant atmosphere and a mix of pop and Latin music, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. We danced the night away at this fun location and I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a fun club night in Seville. KOKO was super close to our apartment, so we wandered home and got a good night's sleep before our train ride to Madrid the following morning.
Day 7
Seville To Madrid - Train
Iryo
Walk 18 mins from apartment to train station
Train station: Sevilla-Santa Justa
Departure: Saturday, May 13th, 12:15 pm
Duration: 2 hours 32 mins
Arrival: 2:47 pm
Train station: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
Walk 16 mins to the hostel
This was our first train ride of the trip and we had a great experience. I highly recommend taking the trains in Europe. This ride cost us about $54 each. We split an Uber from the train station to our hostel because it ended up actually being cheaper than public transit.
Madrid
Stay: Way Hostel
Address: Centro
I have nothing but good things to say about this hostel in Madrid. The hostel is clean, the staff was kind and it was very centrally located. The hostel's team went the extra mile by organizing daily events and activities, providing ample opportunities to mingle with fellow travellers. From beer pong tournaments to walking tours and even bar crawls, they never failed to create a vibrant social atmosphere.
Day 7 & 8 - Madrid, Spain
The famous Puerta del Sol
Madrid Itinerary
*We were only here for 1 day so we absolutely PACKED our day full lol*
Plaza Mayor: Plaza Mayor in Madrid is an iconic and picturesque square that exudes historical charm with its elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere. There was an orchestra concert going on while we were there which was really cool to see.
Mercado de San Miguel: Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid is a vibrant and bustling food market. The food may be overpriced, but it is delicious. We were big fans of the olive skewers.
Puerta del Sol: Another bustling and iconic square located in the heart of Madrid.
Royal Palace of Madrid: The Royal Palace of Madrid stands as a symbol of Spanish royalty, showcasing unique architecture, and beautiful gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the country's regal history. Here you can check out the palace, the Catedral de la Almudena and the royal gardens.
Temple of Debod: The Temple of Debod in Madrid is an ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Spain. It is a bit of a commute and away from other attractions so make sure to prep your walking shoes haha.
Dinner in Plaza Mayor: So we had dinner in Plaza Mayor but I actually wouldn’t recommend this because it is way too busy and overpriced.
Chill evening: We actually had a really early night and went back to our hostel. The girls read and chilled on their phones, while I worked on my thesis on the ancient hostel desktop…
Day 8
Madrid to Barcelona - Train
Ouigo
Train station: Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
Departure: Sunday, May 14th, 7:05 am
Duration: 3 hours 45 mins
Arrival: 9:50 am
Train station: Barcelona Sants
This train ride was about $30 each:)
Day 8 & 9 - Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona
Stay: Hotel Pelayo
Address: Eixample Neighbourhood
Barcelona is a great city, however, some areas are not the safest. I highly recommend staying in the Eixample neighbourhood. We read online that this was one of the safest and best areas for tourists to visit and I couldn’t agree more. We had no issues with this area, there were a ton of nice restaurants, shops, and parks and we were very close to the subway. We stayed at Hotel Pelayo which was a decent stay for just one night. If you were staying in Barcelona longer however I wouldn’t recommend it. The room was rather tight and a bit overpriced for what it was.
GaudÃ's art at Park Güell
Barcelona Itinerary:
Coffee: Our first stop was for coffee and treats in Catalonia Square to fuel up for the big day ahead.
Casa Batlló: We walked over to Casa Batlló to look at the beautiful architecture.
Park Güell: Park Güell is a vibrant and whimsical public park in Barcelona, designed by Antoni GaudÃ, featuring colourful mosaics, organic shapes, and stunning panoramic views of the city. Park Güell is a short subway ride from Eixample and then a DECENT hike uphill from the subway. Apparently, there is an escalator but we had no idea so we made the steep climb haha.
Dinner in Eixample: We had our final go of Spanish sangria and patatas bravas at a local restaurant in Eixample.
Sagrada Familia: After dinner, we grabbed a cab and headed over to the stunning Sagrada Familia. We grabbed some ice cream at a Ben and Jerry’s across the street after haha.
Day 9
Barcelona to Nice - Flight
Vueling Airlines
Departure: Monday, May 15th, 7:10 am
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Arrival: 8:30 am
We wanted a full day in Nice so we paid a little extra for an early flight. It was about $140 each. It was worth it though because we had a delicious breakfast on the Promenade des Anglais and got a full day of beach time in. Once we got out of the airport, we grabbed a street car up the Promenade des Anglais for about €1.50 each. Since it was too early to check in, we paid a local spot to store our luggage for €5 each at Luggage Storage Jsk Nice. When you get to this location it does not seem like a super trustworthy spot lol but they took great care of our items!
Day 9, 10 & 11 - Nice, France
This is your sign to visit the French Riviera <3
Nice
Stay: Alex Studio
Address: 5 Rue Flaminius Raiberti, 06000 Nice, France
I would recommend staying in Old Town, Libération or Jean Médecin. Old Town is a bit pricier so we decided to find a place around the Libération and Jean Médecin neighbourhoods. We stayed at Alex Studio which was a great Airbnb for an excellent price. The Libération tram station was conveniently located about a 5-minute walk away from the apartment. There was also a nice grocery store, and markets on our street. We were even a short walk away from the famous Libération market.
Nice Itinerary
Brunch on Promenade des Anglais: We had a delicious brunch at Balthazar, located along the famous Promenade des Anglais. We had coffee, and brunch while overlooking the gorgeous French Riviera.
Beach Day: After breakfast, we headed to the beach across the street. We couldn’t check into our Airbnb right away so we baked in the Mediterranean sun all day and took our first dip in the beautiful, turquoise French Riviera.
Shopping and dinner in Old Town: Old Town Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, is a charming and picturesque neighbourhood filled with narrow winding streets, colourful buildings, lively markets, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants. Here we had a delicious dinner and bought some great souvenirs at some of the local shops.
May 10th -Day Trip to Monaco
The Monaco harbour
Breakfast and Coffee: We grabbed a quick coffee and pastry at a cute cafe right across the street from the Nice-Ville train station.
Train: We hopped on the train from Nice-Ville to Monaco. There are three train stations in Nice so just hop on the one closest to your accommodations. These include Nice-Ville (Gare de Nice-Ville), Nice-Riquier (Gare de Nice-Riquier), and Nice-Saint-Augustin (Gare de Nice-Saint-Augustin). The tickets were about €6 each and the ride took about 45 minutes to an hour.
Monte Carlo Casino: Our first stop in Monaco was the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, a magnificent Belle Époque masterpiece that has welcomed the rich and famous for over a century. We didn’t gamble or anything we just checked the beautiful place out.
Monaco Harbour: We spent some time walking around Monaco Harbour, checking out all of the yachts and the F1 race track. We also grabbed lunch here at a fast food joint because it was all we could afford lol.
Beach Time in Nice: We concluded our afternoon by having one last swim in the French Riviera at one of the beaches along Promenade des Anglais. We pre-made some mimosas and picked up some macaroons to enjoy during our last swim.
Rooftop Dinner in Libération: Rooftop Monsigny in Nice, is an amazing rooftop bar and restaurant offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline. This was one of our favourite meals on our whole trip. This was our last night before two of the girls went home from the trip and before two of us headed to Italy, so we toasted to an amazing trip and prepared for the next adventure ahead.
Day 11
This day was a tough one. We had a teary goodbye with the girls, and then Cass and I had to get on a plane to Rome, Italy. We flew with Wizz Air, which seemed sketchy at first but ended up being a decent enough airline.
A hard goodbye with these girls
Nice, France to Rome, Italy
Wizz Air
Departure: May 17th, 1:25 pm
Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Duration: 1hr 15mins
Arrival: 2:40 pm
Train to Rome City Centre: There is a direct train from the airport to the city centre with Trenitalia, it’s very easy to navigate, much more affordable and takes you directly to Rome. Just follow the train signs when you arrive in Rome and you will figure it all out.
Rome Stay
Stay: Roma Carina
Address: Via Nino Bixio 74 Central Station 00185 Rome Italy
Day 11, 12 & 13 - Rome, Italy
Rome Itinerary
Colosseum: Our first stop in Rome was obviously the incredible Colosseum. We walked from our apartment and wandered around the site for a few hours. If you want to enter the Colosseum, make sure to book your tickets in advance. Tickets sell out very quickly and pretty much as soon as they’re posted.
Dinner in Bed: We were absolutely exhausted at this point in the trip. We didn’t want to get dressed up or go anywhere lol. So we went to the local grocery store and bought things to make our own sandwiches, ate dinner in bed and went to sleep super early. We actually did this both nights in Rome and it was exactly what we needed.
Day 12
Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque artistry nestled in the heart of Rome. We visited the fountain super early so we could get pictures without hundreds of people's heads in it.
The Vatican: The Vatican is a sovereign city-state ensconced within Rome and holds a treasure trove of artistic and spiritual wonders. We did a tour here with a random man that approached us on the road. It was expensive but worth it because we got to skip the line haha.
Lunch near The Vatican: We ate at a DELICIOUS little restaurant outside of the Vatican and I cannot for the life of me find it online. I wish I could share it with you but I guess I’ll just have to go back to Rome and find it.
Day 13
This day was a MAJOR travel day. We took a Flix Bus from Rome to Naples, then another Flix Bus from Naples to Pompeii visited the archeological site, then took the public train to Sorrento. View the exact details below.
Rome to Naples
Flixbus
Departure: Friday, May 19th, 8:30 am
Bus Station: Rome Tiburtina Bus Station
Duration: 2 hours 35 mins
Arrival: 11:05 am
Bus Station: Naples (Metropark Centrals)
Naples to Pompeii
Flixbus
Departure: Friday, May 19th, 11:35 am
Duration: 30 mins
Arrival: 12:05 pm
Pompeii: This archaeological marvel offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives and enduring legacy of a bygone era. As you navigate the cobblestone streets and explore its remarkably intact structures, you peel back the layers of history to reveal a society frozen in time. We had a great time in Pompeii and we were so happy we made the trip. You can store your luggage for free here which was very helpful. Definitely bring water and sunscreen with you as all that white stone can warm up pretty quickly under the hot Italian sun.
Pompeii is a must-see!
Pompeii to Sorrento
After we explored Pompeii, we hopped on the Circumvesuviana Train to Sorrento. This train is cheap and runs frequently HOWEVER you get what you pay for. The ride is not smooth at all, it’s extremely hot and they pack a TON of people on board. You also need to be very cautious of pickpockets and thieves. However, we did make it to Sorrento in one piece lol.
Sorrento
Stay: Hostel Santa Fortunata
Address: Via Capo 39/A 80067 Sorrento Italy
We stayed at Hostel Santa Fortunata which was amazing and I can’t recommend a spot more than this one. For only $36 a night each, we had a 3-bed cabin with a private bathroom in this gorgeous campsite. There were even some cheaper options to stay in one of their tents or domes. The property has a gorgeous pool, beach, and restaurant with a patio overlooking the Sorrento cliffs and town. Santa Fortunata also has a shuttle bus that runs hourly and will take you to and from town for €1.50.
Day 13, 14, 15 & 16 - Sorrento, Italy
Cheers to Italy!
Sorrento Itinerary
Pool: After the extremely long travel day we were dying of heat and wanted to cool off. So we went and hung out by our hostel pool, had a drink and a dip.
Dinner: We had dinner at our hostel restaurant which had a gorgeous view of the city and cliffs.
Day 14
Brunch: Radical Sorrento is a popular brunch spot in the city that offers a unique and flavourful menu, providing a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for both locals and visitors alike. We had a super tasty breakfast and iced coffee at this location. Just a warning though, as cute as this place is on the inside there is NO A/C so maybe ask for a patio seat haha.
Vallone dei Mulini: Vallone dei Mulini, located in Sorrento, Italy, is an intriguing historical site where the remnants of ancient flour mills are tucked within a lush, steep-sided valley, offering a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past of the region against a backdrop of lush vegetation and natural beauty.
Leonelli's Beach and Port: We spent a bit of time down at the port and exploring Leonelli’s beach. It was a rainy day so we didn’t swim and just checked it out.
Shopping in Piazza Tasso: Piazza Tasso, the vibrant heart of Sorrento, Italy, is a bustling square that brims with energy, surrounded by charming cafes, shops, and historical architecture, offering a lively hub where locals and visitors converge to experience the essence of the city's bustling life and culture.
Night Out in Sorrento: After a few early nights in a row, we were ready for another night out on the town. The English Inn, a charming establishment in Sorrento, presents a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where guests can savour classic British pub fare. We went for drinks at this spot because we loved the vibe and ended up staying until they closed haha. We made friends with the staff and some of the customers and they even sent us with a drink to go for the walk home. We absolutely loved this spot.
Much love for Sorrento!
Day 15 - The Amalfi Coast
Transportation: We boarded a bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, this journey lasted around 2 hours and was quite an adventure, to say the least. We waited probably an hour for the bus and it wasn’t peak tourist season so I could only imagine what it’s like during the summer. We embarked on a winding bus journey, navigating the twists and turns of the road as it ascended and descended cliffs, tracing a narrow path between mountains on one side and sheer cliffs on the other.
Amalfi: Amalfi is a captivating destination that seamlessly marries natural beauty with centuries of history. With its colourful buildings clinging to the hillsides and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea as a backdrop, Amalfi exudes an undeniable allure that has enticed travellers for generations. We had lunch here stopped for some pastries and explored Amalfi’s cobblestone streets before grabbing the bus to Bomerano.
Bomerano/Path of the Gods: The mountain village of Bomerano is absolutely stunning. This is also where you can embark on the famous Path of Gods hike. This was probably my favourite part of our entire European vacation.
Positano: We hiked from Bomerano across the mountains to Positano. This destination is a jewel on the Amalfi Coast, enchanted with its cascading pastel buildings, nestled against the cliffs like an artist's masterpiece. We spent a bit of time exploring Positano before heading back to Sorrento for dinner.
Dinner at Fauna: This was probably our favourite meal in all of Italy and possibly the whole trip. Fauno Bar in Sorrento, Italy, is a charismatic and beloved local establishment known for its welcoming ambiance, signature cocktails, and live music, providing a charming setting where both residents and visitors can unwind, socialize, and immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife of this enchanting coastal town.
The Path of Gods was a trip highlight!
Day 16
We ventured back to Naples on the bus and hopped on a plane for Catania, Sicily.
Naples to Catania
EasyJet
Departure: 3:05 pm
Airport: Naples International Airport → Fontanarossa, Catania
Duration: 1 hour
Arrival: 4:05 pm
Catania Airport to Apartment
We hopped on the airport shuttle at the airport and rode it all the way to the city centre. This is a cheap and easy way to get from point A to point B.
Catania
Address: Via Guglielmo Oberdan 73, Catania, Città metropolitana di Catania, 95129
When staying in Catania, it’s recommended to stay in Centro. Here you are closer to great restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Catania is super cheap to stay in. We stayed in a spot in Centro for 25 euros a night each. The place seemed a bit scary at first because the host spoke to us through a weird camera that followed our movement… But when we met the host family the following morning we realized everything was all good haha.
Day 16, 17, 18 & 19 - Sicily
There is nothing quite like the Sicilian sun
Catania Itinerary
Dinner: By the time we got to our hostel and settled in it was pretty late. So we showered, got ready and went out for dinner. We ate at Biosinhai Pizzeria Biologica and this pizza was AMAZING. This was my favourite meal in Sicily and possibly even in all of Italy. I got a spicy pepperoni pizza on gluten-free crust and Cass got a sort of Margarita pizza. The menu is completely in Italian and the servers don’t speak English so it was a bit challenging to order but we made it work and it turned out great
Dessert: We picked up some Sicilian cannolis and headed back to the apartment to hangout.
Day 17
Fish Market: We accidentally strolled upon the famous Catania Fish Market and were SHOCKED at what we found. The market is massive and absolutely packed. The scent was strong, to say the least lol. It was also very interesting to see that they leave a lot of the fish and food out after the market, for the week to follow. It bakes in the hot Sicilian sun and gets super smelly. To say the least, it was a truly unique and intriguing experience…
Playa di Catania: Playa di Catania is a beautiful and bustling beach along the Ionian Sea. This beach is over 18km long and you can’t really go wrong with any of its locations. We spent an entire day here and loved every minute of it.
Dinner: I wish I could find the name of this restaurant but haven’t had any luck. We ate at a delicious taco restaurant in this cute little alley with live music, lights and outdoor patios.
Etna Wine >>>
Day 18 - Day trip to Taormina
Transportation: We opted for the coastal train journey from Catania to Taormina, which lasted approximately one hour.
Lunch: We stopped at one of the first restaurants we saw and had a delicious and refreshing salad for lunch.
Piazza IX Aprile: Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina is a charming and historic square known for its stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. This picturesque gathering spot is adorned with quaint cafes, boutiques, and the iconic Church of Saint Joseph.
Villa Comunale Gardens: This lush oasis offers a peaceful respite surrounded by vibrant Mediterranean flora. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy the scent of blooming flowers, and take in breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna
Charming Streets and Boutiques: We wandered around this gorgeous city for hours, got lemon slushies and shopped for souvenirs.
The Ancient Greek Theater: Taormina's most iconic attraction is undoubtedly the Ancient Greek Theater. This historic site, perched dramatically on the hillside, offers visitors not only a glimpse into the past but also panoramic views that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Scenic Beaches: We spent the rest of the afternoon bathing in the sun at Baia Di Villagonia. We had a pina colada and bathed in the hot Sicilian sun.
Dinner and Drinks on Via Santa Filomena: This street is full of great local restaurants and bars. We had a late dinner and drinks at Curitigghiu. We had the most delicious pasta at this restaurant. Served with a MASSIVE glass of Etna Wine. They also had gluten-free noodles which was awesome. Overall a 10/10 for this meal.
We could start a Taormina fan club!
Day 19
Brunch: We slept in a bit and had a later brunch at a local cafe. We had an extreme language barrier and ended up ordering some wacky stuff but it was pretty funny honestly.
Final Beach Day: We had a late flight from Catania back to Rome so we soaked up every last possible second of that hot Sicilian sun. We headed to San Giovanni Li Cuti, a little swimming hole on the outskirts of the city.
Catania to Rome
Ryan Air
Departure: 8:40pm
Airport: Fontanarossa (Catania)
Duration: 1 hour 25 mins
Arrival: 10:05pm
Day 19 & 20 - Rome
We stayed at an affordable airport AirBnb for our final night. We had an early flight (well before it got delayed 8 hours..) the next day so we just slept here. However it was a great place and had beach access so it would have been great to know about the delay in advance lol.
Rome
Stay: Casa Donna di Cuori
Address: Via Colle del Miglio 9 00054 Fiumicino Italy
Rome to Toronto
Air Canada
Departure: 11:35 am
Airport: Fiumicino International
Duration: 9 hours 30 mins
Arrival: 3:05 pm
So that was a much lengthier explanation of our trip itinerary than I had intended haha. When I started writing, I just couldn’t stop. Again, if you want the far less detailed version, click here. This truly was the trip of a lifetime and I got to experience it with some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for. I would like to say a GIGANTIC thank you to my best friends who go on these adventures with me, I really couldn’t explain how grateful I am for these trips and these people. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for my girls.
I hope this blog series has been helpful, I have absolutely loved writing these pieces and have given a little piece of myself and this trip with every post. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions, and stay tuned for my next travel series. Yes, there will be another, I may or may not have another 3-week trip planned for January;)
There is literally nothing better than beach hair and freckles for Euro Summer :)