Let's go today to Sicily. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is a perfect destination, whatever the time of year and will offer you a guaranteed change of scenery. the road trip in sicily has been part of fashionable travel for a few years. Indeed Sicily is located very close to France but especially in Europe, which facilitates many things such as payments (with the euro) but also, more recently, with compatible mobile plans throughout Europe.
Sicily is an island populated by nearly 5 million inhabitants, distributed in particular in a few large cities such as Palermo, Catania or Messina. Sicily is home to places known all over the world, thanks to their unique history such as Syracuse for example, but also thanks to their nature such as the famous Aeolian Islands, located north of Sicily. You will discover, in this article, all the essentials of Sicily but also advice and circuits for a road trip in sicily successful.
Summary:
> Getting to Sicily: In which airport in Sicily should I arrive?
> Road Trip in Sicily: Rent a car in Sicily
> The essentials of a road trip in Sicily
> 3 circuits for a road trip in Sicily
> How long for a road trip in Sicily?
> When to leave? The best times for a road trip in Sicily
Getting to Sicily: In which airport in Sicily should I arrive?
Let's start this article with, what will certainly be the first step in your preparation for road trip in sicily : choose the end point. Indeed Sicily is relatively large and has several airports located in different places on the island. There are 4 international airports in Sicily: Palermo, Trapani, Comiso and Catania. When looking for flights, do not hesitate to compare the price to these different airports. For my part, I use the Skyscanner comparator which allows you to compare the price of plane tickets to different airports.
Palermo Airport
Palermo airport is the most important in Sicily. It is the main hub of communication with the other airports of the island but also of the country. It is located about 30 kilometers from the city of Palermo.
It is possible to reach the city center of Palermo, from the airport, by bus, count about 6€ for 40 minutes, by train, about 55 minutes or of course, by taking a taxi.
Trapani Airport
Trapani is a town located about 100 kilometers west of Palermo. The airport is not very important but saw its attendance explode when the airline Ryanair settled there a few years ago. From the airport, reach the city center by bus for less than 3 euros one way. 15 kilometers separate the airport of Trapani to the city center.
Catania Airport
Catania airport: Fontanarossa is located less than ten kilometers from the city center of Catania. Along with Palermo, Catania airport is one of the best served in Sicily. From Catania airport it is very easy to reach the city center, either by bus or by taxi. Buses run all day from 5 am to midnight. The price of the bus journey is around 1€. They pass every 20 minutes. By taxi, count between 15 and 30 minutes to reach the city center and around 15 to 20€ depending on the time of day.
Comiso Airport
Sicily's last international airport, the brand new airport of Comiso. Located about 15 km from the city of Ragusa. The airport offers the most central position on the island but is located relatively far from the main places of interest on the island. It is particularly served by low-cost companies. Transport companies make the connection with the city of Comiso but also other more distant cities such as Catania.
Which airport to choose?
To conclude on the “airport” part, your choice will depend on several criteria, first of all on your itinerary but also of course on the prices. The airports of Palermo and Catania will often prove to be the most practical due to their position and their proximity to large cities, but the smaller airports such as Trapani and Comiso will have the particularity of offering, in general, more affordable prices. If you plan to rent a car when you arrive, then these “secondary” airports can still be a good choice. If you want to travel by bus, for example, or stay in one or two major cities in Sicily for day trips, then it will be wiser to choose the "big" airports on the island of Palermo and Catania.
Find a flight to Sicily at the best price
The main companies reaching Sicily and offering discounted tickets are Ryanair, Volotea, Transavia, Vueling or Easy Jet.
These companies depart from the main cities of France such as Paris (Orly or Beauvais), Lyon, Nantes or Marseille.
To find the best prices, do not hesitate to compare with Skyscanner
Road Trip in Sicily: Rent a car in Sicily
The best way to visit Sicily is, of course, to rent a vehicle. The Sicilian road network is very well developed and makes it possible to reach all the points of interest on the island.
A car will allow you to have complete freedom of movement. You can rent a car in all the major cities of the island but also airports. Regarding the rental of a vehicle, I advise you to use the comparator AirpotRentals.com which compares a large number of vehicle rental companies.
The essentials of a road trip in Sicily
Let's get to the heart of the matter with the essentials of a road trip in Sicily. Let's start with the city of Palermo, then head east to tour Sicily and its essentials. We will then see some examples of circuits, depending on the duration of your trip, for a successful road trip in Sicily.
The essentials of Sicily:> Palermo
> Cefalù
> Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands
> Messina
> Taormina
> Mount Etna
> Catania
> Syracuse
> Ragusa
> Piazza Armerina
> Agrigente
> Selinunte
> Marsala
> Favignana
> Zingaro Nature Reserve
> Evening
Palermo
Palermo is the largest city in Sicily with almost a million inhabitants. Depending on your place of departure and your itinerary, it could be that Palermo is your city of arrival. Its airport is one of the best served on the island. The city conceals places to visit such as its Norman palace, its many churches such as the Church of Saint John of the Hermits or the Church of San Domenico. Its cathedral, the Cathedral of Monreale is one of the city's must-sees. We can also mention the Massimo theatre, the Capuchin catacombs or the San Nicolo all'Albergheria tower.
Palermo is a city where it is pleasant to walk around, to enjoy the many squares and terraces of the city. Count a minimum day to visit Palermo. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to take a look at our article dedicated to the city of Palermo.
Find a hotel in Palermo
Cefalù
Placed at the foot of an imposing rocky promontory, the town of Cefalù is a renowned seaside resort. The city has a rich and impressive history. Founded by the Greeks, the city saw the invasion of many peoples, Romans, Arabs and even Normans. Cefalù is today a quiet little town with a surprising charm. Unmissable visit of the city, the cathedral and its seafront populated by fishing boats.
Find a hotel in Cefalu
Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands
Now let's move on to one of the most famous places in Sicily, a place that attracts many tourists and may be the goal of your trip: the Aeolian Islands. The Aeolian islands are 17 in number but only 7 of these islands are inhabited. To reach these islands you will first have to go to the town of Milazzo. You can spend the night there to take the ferry from this city. The main Aeolian islands worth visiting are Stromboli and its constantly active volcano, Vulcano and its hot mud baths, and Lipari, the largest of these islands. If the Aeolian Islands are part of your trip and you want to know more, do not miss our article dedicated to the Aeolian Islands in Sicily.
Find a hotel in Milazzo
Messina
A very old city, Messina is famous for its strait which separates it from the mainland. In this context, it has always been the main gateway to Sicily. It is not surprising that its coasts have seen the landing of peoples including Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Byzantines who have left their mark as evidenced by the magnificent cathedral which dominates the city. Messina is also a land of volcanoes bordered by a sea whose waters come in a wide range of blues. Thus, a walk in the surroundings is essential to admire nature, but also to discover the artistic treasures carefully guarded in the palaces and churches.
Find a hotel in Messina
Taormina
Placed on the east coast of the city, Taormina is one of those cities that we do not forget. Divided into two parts, an upper part where the center of the city is located and a lower part, where its beach is located, Taormina has plenty to see. Its city center is beautiful with many small streets and squares. A must on a visit to Taormina, its famous theater dating from the XNUMXrd century BC From this place, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Etna. In the lower part of the city, there is a charming little beach and, a few meters from it, a tiny island, Isola Bella, not to be missed.
Find a hotel in Taormina
Mount Etna
Are you hungry for thrills? Take advantage of your Sicilian getaway to climb the highest volcano in Europe and the most active on the planet! Culminating at 3 meters above sea level and listed by UNESCO, it is a leading tourist destination for a half-day or full-day excursion with a professional guide. You can also ride the cable car installed on the south face of the volcano, or reach Piano Provenzano from the north side. From there, you are free to walk or take the bus to the craters. During the winter season, Etna becomes the favored terrain for skiers. As soon as spring arrives, the ski slopes give way to hiking trails in the woods. Whatever the season, you can only marvel!
Catania
Catania is one of the largest cities in Sicily. The city has more than 300 inhabitants, it is the main city on the east coast of Sicily. It is in this city that it will be the most practical to land if you plan to visit the Aeolian Islands, Taormina, Syracuse or if you want to go around Etna. Catania is a very pretty city similar in spirit to many cities in southern Italy with very pretty streets, many small squares and a large number of churches. The must-see number 000 in Catania is undoubtedly its piazza del Duomo. The city is home to some impressive vestiges of the Roman Empire such as its amphitheater.
Find a hotel in Catania
Syracuse
Now let's move on to visiting Syracuse, a must-see on the east coast of Sicily. This city has several special features and must-see places. First of all, what made it famous, the archaeological park of Neapolis. You should know that Syracuse was considered one of the most beautiful cities of ancient Greece. Many places, including this famous archaeological site, testify to the importance of the city in antiquity. Inside this archaeological park is one of the largest Greek theater of antiquity, a theater with 15 seats and a Roman amphitheater with more than 000 seats.
If you go to Syracuse, under no circumstances should you miss the visit to Ortygia Island. A small island, the historic center of the city with charming little streets, old squares and churches on every corner. The seafront is also one of the most pleasant to discover.
Find a hotel in Syracuse
Ragusa
It is simply unthinkable to visit Sicily without going through Ragusa. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval city is built on two distinct levels. From the top of its cliff, the historic center invites you to contemplate its magnificent noble residences, churches and cathedrals with classical Baroque architecture. By taking corso Mazzini, you reach the modern district, called Ibla. Although devastated by an earthquake in 1693, it was rebuilt identically. Its medieval plan allows you to stroll through its narrow streets, climb a good number of stairs and sneak through secret passages. To admire a splendid view of the valley, take via Mercato which winds towards the highest point of Ibla. Take the time to stroll around Ragusa to let yourself be dazzled by its dazzling whiteness and its limestone buildings.
Find a hotel in Ragusa
Piazza Armerina
Piazza Armerina is a small town located in the center of Sicily. It does not offer much interest except for one place in particular which attracts many tourists: the Roman villa of Casale. This site contains the remains of an old Roman villa built in the 3th century AD. The particularity of this old residence lies in its mosaics. Indeed, more than 500 square meters of mosaics were discovered and renovated. The site is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Agrigento
Agrigento was erected in the 6th century BC on a rocky promontory and represents a real treasure chest of art. It is absolutely necessary to get lost in its maze of steep alleys and stairs, to take a leap into the past. From the top of its belvedere, you will see the Valley of the Temples which stretches out in front of a crystal clear sea. This famous sanctuary, listed as a World Heritage Site since 1997, is an impressive historical testimony to classical Greek civilisation. Formerly the Greek city of Akragas, the archaeological park now houses an infinity of Doric temples, all in a bucolic landscape. The Temple of Concordia is undoubtedly the most impressive, but also one of the best preserved Greek ruins on the globe. A twilight stroll through this bewitching place is an experience that will forever mark your mind. Once night falls, the buildings light up to create a magical atmosphere.
Find a hotel in Agrigento
Selinunte
Absolutely grandiose, the archaeological site of Selinunte contains the remains of one of the most influential Greek cities. It was founded in the 7th century BC 27 km from Mazara, to be rediscovered in 1825. Considered the rival of Segesta, Selinunte had 80 inhabitants at its peak. The temples which still exist today offer a spectacular view of the sea. the Mediterranean.
Favignana
Located 7 km west of Sicily between Trapani and Marsala, Favignana is the main island of the Aegadian archipelago. This island jewel preserved from tourists immerses you in the real Dolce Vita. With its picturesque villages, lively squares illuminated with dim lights at nightfall, coves of fine sand inaccessible by land, Favignana is the perfect place for idleness. It would be a shame to miss the limestone caves, which form natural pools for bathing in an atmosphere at the end of the world. From a gastronomic point of view, the island also owes its fame to its tuna boats. Fish soup, arancini, sardine pasta, sweet and sour tuna are all specialties that will not leave your taste buds insensitive.
Marsala
Marsala is located on the far western tip of Sicily, in the province of Trapani. Its name obviously evokes the famous liqueur wine, and visiting this city with its authentic charm is an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful wine regions in Italy. Inside its fortifications are marvelous monuments, such as the Duomo and its baroque architecture or the cathedral installed in Piazza Loggia. Between its fascinating museums, its succulent specialties, its magnificent coastline and its salt marshes which attract artists from all over the world as the decor is so surreal, Marsala has all the ingredients for an exceptional tourist experience.
Find a hotel in MarsalaZingaro Nature Reserve
Between sea and mountains, the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro was created in 1981 to preserve the ecodiversity of fauna and flora. To get there, just go to Scopello or Trapani. Its exploration can only be done on foot, through a stony path within reach of the whole family. Along the route, you can contemplate sumptuous panoramas of the Mediterranean and swim in one of the many coves. Do not miss to enter the cave of Uzzo, an impressive prehistoric site which has made it possible to know the evolution of Man since the Mesolithic.
Good evening
A true symbol of Sicily, located on Mount Bàrbaro 72 km from Palermo, the archaeological site of Segesta was built by the Elymians well before our era. Today, only a Doric temple and a Greek theater still stand. These two vestiges surrounded by green hills are marvelously well preserved. The architecture of the temple is typical of the late 5th century BC and according to historians its roof was never completed. Perched 400 meters higher, the theater dates from the 3rd century BC and is still used for concerts and shows.
Circuits for a road trip in Sicily of 7, 10 or 15 days
I will present three different travel circuits for Sicily, three circuits of different duration for a road trip in Sicily. A 7-day circuit, i.e. 1 week, a 10-day circuit and a 15-day circuit.
- Day 1 -
For 7, 10 and 15 day tours: Arrival in PalermoSo let's start our three travel itineraries for Sicily in Palermo. Note that, as specified above, it is possible to reach Sicily from different places. Our circuits pass through the city of Catania, it is possible to start this circuit from this city. You therefore start this circuit on day 6. If you arrive in Trapani, then you can keep this order and reach Palermo from Trapani as soon as you arrive.
This first day will therefore be devoted, according to their arrival, to the visit of Palermo. The first night will take place in this city. Don't forget to book your hotel in advance. Guided tour of Palermo
To find out more about things to see and do in Palermo, you can consult our article dedicated to the city of Palermo.
Find a hotel in Palermo- Day 2 -
For circuits of 7, 10 and 15 days: Palermo, Cefalù, Milazzo: 200 km – 2h20This second day will be, in part, devoted to the visit of Palermo, depending on the time of your arrival the day before, take advantage of the morning to finish your visit of the city. You will also need to take possession of your rental car. Car rental in Sicily
Be sure to leave at the end of the morning to reach the small town of Cefalù. A must on your road to the East. This small town has a crazy charm, but the things to do there are not very numerous. We will therefore reach the town of Milazzo where we will spend the night, at the end of the day.
Find a hotel in Milazzo- Day 3 -
For 7, 10 and 15 day tours: Head to the Aeolian IslandsOn this third day of our tour in Sicily, let's head for the Aeolian Islands. I particularly recommend the island of Stromboli. This small island rests on a volcano, which is still active. The main activity of this island is also hiking to the top of this volcano to see sheaves of lava coming out of the crater.
Apart from a few hikes around the volcano, the activities on the island are quite limited, even if the island of Stromboli has magnificent beaches. Find a hotel in Milazzo
If you want to visit one of the Aeolian Islands but a hike to the top of this volcano means nothing to you, you can also go to Vulcano Island. Another volcanic island of the archipelago. There too you can hike on the volcano but much easier because the volcano is much lower. The island has another peculiarity, these mud baths which, it seems, have many benefits for the skin.
Book the ferry to the Aeolian IslandsIt is possible to visit other islands such as Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. It will, however, be imperative to book your ferry crossing (from Milazzo) a few days in advance.
Find a hotel in Milazzo- Day 4 -
For circuits of 7, 10 and 15 days: Return to the main island then direction Messina: 40km – 38 minutes
If you have opted for a stay on the island of Stromboli, it will be possible to go to Vulcano Island today. Stromboli being relatively far away, it is imperative to spend a night on the island, which is not the case for Vulcano. It is possible to take an early ferry from Stromboli to Vulcano, spend the day there and return to the main island in the evening.
Otherwise join Milazzo then the city of Messina located 40 minutes drive from Milazzo.
- Day 5 -
For circuits of 7, 10 and 15 days: Messina then Taormina: 50km – 40 minutes
Depending on your itinerary, 7, 10 or 15 days, the visit to Messina should be done relatively quickly. The goal, especially for the 7-day itinerary, is to get to Taormina and visit the city during the day. For longer routes, it will be possible to reach Taormina at the end of the day and thus enjoy a little more of Messina.
Once you have visited Messina, head to Taormina, an essential town on this east coast of Sicily. Its theater and its city center are the main things to see in this city. Its view of Etna is also worth a look.
In the evening, it is in this city that we will stay.
- Day 6 -
For the 7-day circuit: Taormina then Catania: 40km – 30 minutes
On this day 6, the alarm clock is therefore carried out in Taormina, let's finish the visit of the city then take the direction of Catania. Depending on the time of your flight on Day 7, two solutions will be available to you. Visit Catania, spend the night there, then reach Palermo on Day 7 to catch your plane.
The other solution is to visit Catania and then reach Palermo at the end of the day in case your plane takes off early on Day 7.
Catania is a city worth visiting, the city is full of things to see.
For 10 and 15 day tours: Taormina
Take your time on day 5 to visit Messina, your arrival in Taormina will only be at the end of the day. Dedicate this day 6 to the discovery of Taormina. This small town has a crazy charm, the ancient monuments are numerous. If the weather allows it, go down to the old town and enjoy Taormina beach and take a short tour of Isola Bella, a tiny island located a few dozen meters from the beach.
We will spend a second night in Taormina.
- Day 7 -
For the 7-day circuit: Catania then Palermo: 220km – 2h30
Not much planned on this day 7, last day of this road trip in sicily. Reach Palermo, by car or by plane from Catania. In the latter case, make sure to return your vehicle to Catania.
For circuits of 10 and 15 days: Excursion towards Etna then Catania: 100km – 3h
This day will be devoted to the journey separating Catania from Taormina but also to the discovery of Etna. Many activities are possible such as hiking but also, depending on the season, skiing!
It is possible to book excursions from Taormina or Catania to the volcano.
In the evening it is in the city of Catania that we will spend the night.
Find a hotel in CataniaAnother solution is to go directly to Catania from Taormina. From Catania you can enjoy an excursion to Etna in the evening to enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Excursion to Etna from Catania in the evening- Day 8 -
For circuits of 10 and 15 days: Catania then Syracuse: 70km – 1 hour
Day 8 will be dedicated to visiting the city of Catania. Depending on the time of arrival in the city on day 7, take advantage of the evening to take a short tour of this city, which is very lively in the evening.
Visit Catania during the day then join the city of Syracuse, in the South, at the end of the day finally to spend the evening and the night there.
- Day 9 -
For 10 and 15 day tours: Syracuse
This ninth day will be devoted to visiting the magnificent city of Syracuse. Famous for its theater and amphitheater but also for its island, the island of Ortygia, the old town. Do not hesitate to take a look at my article dedicated to the visit of the city of Syracuse!
Guided tour of SyracuseThe end of the day will be different depending on the itinerary chosen (10 or 15 days). For people traveling 10 days in Sicily, depending on the time of your flight on day 10, you will either have to return to the city of Palermo on day 9 or spend the night in Syracuse then reach Palermo on Day 10.
For people traveling 15 days in Sicily, take the direction of Ragusa located about 1 hour drive from Syracuse.
Find a hotel in Ragusa- Day 10 -
For 10-day circuits: Syracuse, Piazza Armerina then Palermo: 300km – 3h30
If your flight takes off from Palermo at the end of the day, then it will be possible to do the Syracuse – Palermo route on day 10. Depart early and go to Piazza Armerina to visit an ancient XNUMXth century residence known for its impressive mosaics. The detour is not very big and it will give you a break in the middle of this journey.
For 15-day circuits: Ragusa then Agrigento: 130km – 2h
Take your time to visit the city of Ragusa, a medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the end of the day, take the direction of Agrigento to spend the evening and the night there.
- Day 11 -
For 15-day circuits: Agrigento – Selinunte then Marsala: 150km – 2h20
Agrigento is a city that should not be missed. The city, listed as a World Heritage Site, bears witness to the impressive know-how of Greek civilization in terms of building construction. THE Valley of the Temples is a must in the region.
On your way to Marsala, stop at Selinunte to see the ruins of an ancient Greek city. Selinunte was one of the most prosperous cities of Sicily during the domination of Greek civilization in the region.
Take the road towards Marsala at the end of the day. If the itinerary is a little too busy, spend the night around Selinunte. It is possible to reach Marsala the next day.
- Day 12 -
For 15-day tours: Marsala
Marsala and its region are famous for two reasons, the first is the presence of many wine estates, the second is its simply sublime coastline with many beaches.
The city also deserves a look with its Duomo or its cathedral.
- Day 13 -
For 15-day tours: Marsala – Trapani: 40km – 45h
Take advantage of this day to visit Marsala and its region. The end of the day will be devoted to visiting the city of Trapani.
Find a hotel in TrapaniFrom Trapani it is possible to make a day trip to the islands of Favignana and Levanzo. A cruise to the most beautiful beaches in the region!
Cruise to the beaches of Favignana and Levanzo- Day 14 -
For 15-day circuits: Trapani – Segesta – Palermo: 110km – 1h30
Departing from Trapani, let's now return to Palermo, the city of departure. Before returning to this city, a short detour to Segesta and its archaeological site.
Find a hotel in Palermo- Day 15 -
For 15-day tours: Palermo
Depending on the time of your flight, the day will be devoted to walking around the city of Palermo, returning your vehicle and then reaching the airport.
Guided tour of PalermoSummary of travel circuits in Sicily
Use the left pane to select your circuit.
How long for a road trip in Sicily?
Difficult to answer this question. It is common to travel between 1 and 2 weeks in Sicily but, in most cases, it will be necessary to choose one of the routes mentioned above to visit all or part of Sicily.
A week can be a good length if you want to visit the Aeolian Islands for example as well as some surrounding towns. 10 days will prove to be a bit more comfortable for a road trip in Sicily.
For periods of two weeks and more, this will allow you to tour the island without rushing too much.
When to leave? The best times for a road trip in Sicily
The best time to go on a road trip in Sicily will obviously depend on the weather. Sicily enjoys a very favorable climate. There really isn't a bad time for a road trip in Sicily. However, depending on what you are looking for during this trip, certain periods may indeed be a little less favorable.
If your goal is to enjoy the beaches of the island, then it will be mandatory to favor the summer months, between April-May and September. Even if the winter is particularly mild in Sicily, the temperatures are still lower, a little too low to enjoy the beaches and swim in the sea.
If your goal is to visit the island, its towns, its historical places but also to consider some hikes and walks on the beach, then you can enjoy almost all months of the year, although the months of June to August can be hot and therefore a little less pleasant for visits. The winter months, although a little rainier, are not really a bad time unless you plan to climb the volcanoes of Sicily like Etna, which is likely to be snowy in winter, or Stromboli. Although the latter is not subject to snow, it is still necessary to have good weather conditions to consider its ascent.
| Ja | Faith | Ma | Av | Ma | Ju | Jul | Au | Se | Oc | No | The | |
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