Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 2
137 mi1 mi
Stair of the Turks and Places that Created Legend, Castles, Plus Hidden Gems in Nature
Begin the day with a yummy breakfast and journey to the mystical limestone formations (the Stair of the Turks). Then drive to the mythical Cozzo Matrice, where a legend began. After that, enjoy the architecture of ancient castles and then more beauty found in nature.
08:001 hrHotel visit
B&B La Scala
7.4
Start your day off with the free scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. Sip on some steaming hot tea before heading to the Stair of the Turks. You can either drive there or walk. If you plan on walking, it's about 1km away. A nice way to start off the day!
0.6 mi
15 min
09:1530 min
Scala dei Turchi
Landmark
Open Details
This viewpoint (Stair of the Turks) gives you a great overview of this pristine white cliffs. If you want to get to the water, then you have to take a different route away from these rock formations. Recently, they have restricted it from tourists since someone had vandalized the stairs.
These limestone rock formations were actually a safe haven in the Early Modern Period for Turkish pirates since they blocked the wind and made it easy as a landing a boarding place.
0.6 mi
15 min
10:3015 minHotel visit
B&B La Scala
7.4
Don't forget to pick up your car! Now it's time to get back on the road.
60.1 mi
1 hr 30 min
12:2030 min
Ristorante Da Carlo
Restaurant
Open Details
Try out these mouthwatering dishes while you take in the culture. There's in and outdoor seating, along with gluten-free options. The entrance has a narrow door and the backside is open to the outside. Find parking on the street and it's not free.
Open Hours:
Monday- Sunday: 12–3pm, 7:30pm–3am
Phone: +390935541030
1.9 mi
10 min
13:0015 min
Parking
Parking
Open Details
Park your car and start hiking your way to the top of Cozzo Matrice to see the unbelievable views!
0.1 mi
5 min
13:302 hrs
Cozzo Matrice
Landmark
Open Details
This enchanting nature spot is a beautiful peak in the middle of Sicily. But the road to get to it can be a bit bumpy. Be prepared for that and take it easy on the road. The 360° view will be well worth it! Enjoy seeing the ancient structures, a view of Mount Etna, the cave of Pluto, and near is the Pergusa lake. There's a legend from this area that tells about how Kore (Persephone) was kidnapped by Hades (God of the underworld). Her mother Demeter pleaded to her brother Jupiter to help. Jupiter then, made it so Kore could be with her mother 6 months of the year and then for the other 6 months, she would be the Queen of the underworld. Thus, for centuries, Demeter (and Kore) were worshiped and were important on this island.
Don't forget to hike back down and pick up your car!
Don't forget to hike back down and pick up your car!
48.9 mi
1 hr 20 min
17:0030 min
Paternò Castle
Open Details
This epic tall castle was built in 1072 by Count Roger I of Sicily. Eventually, it was used as a jail and slowly decayed. But in the 19th century, restoration began to bring life back to this historical building. The views are breathtaking overlooking the city and on the horizon are the Erei and the Iblei mountains. It's possible to see the active volcano Mount Etna as well. The drive to this is also unbelievably beautiful. By the time you reach this, it will already be closed. But the drive and just seeing this structure are well worth it!
Open Hours:
Monday- Sunday: 9am–1pm
Phone: +39 095 797 0257 (Appointment required)
Website: Paterno Community (Only in Italian)
18.2 mi
40 min
18:1530 min
Castello Normanno - Svevo di Aci Castello
Landmark
Open Details
Yet another outstanding castle and this one juts out of the sea on a rocky formation. Currently, it's a museum that will take you to the past.
Open hours:
Monday- Sunday: 9am–1pm, 3–7pm
Phone: +39 320 433 9691
Website: Castello Svevo di Piazza Castello
0.1 mi
5 min
19:001 hr 30 min
Ristorante Bettola
Restaurant
Open Details
Since your tummy is probably rumbling, it's time to get some delicious Sicilian seafood. You have a great view while you dine!
Open hours:
Wednesday- Monday: 12:30–3:30pm, 7pm–1am
Tuesday: Closed
Phone: +39 095 274516
Email: info@trattorialabettola.com
Website: Trattoria la Bettola
7.8 mi
25 min
21:0010 hrsApartments
B&B Suite
8.2
These apartments offer free Wi-Fi, a delightful breakfast, and free private parking. The feeling here will help you ease down for the night. There's even a bar near if you want a to end the night with a drink.