Sip a coffee while enjoying a view of the sea, in one of the small cafs overlooking the two natural harbours, La Fossa and La Balata. The train that goes to Taormina from Syracuse takes 2h45. The view from the Greta Garbo suite at Casa Cuseni in Taormina, Sicily, Looking back at the curve of Ortigia where Hotel Gutkowski is located, View from the rooftop restaurant terrace at White Bay Resort in Fontane Bianche, Sicily. Visit with us also Catania, Siracusa, Noto, Ispica and others towns in the south est of Sicily From Catania, Piazza Armerina is a day trip, fewer than 90 minutes away. All around, rocks dot the limpid water. Else, it is pretty straightforward, you just have to drive from A to B with the car. Click on the following button for more info about the trip to Etna volcano: Catania, the 2nd largest city in Sicily after Palermo, is located at the foot of the Etna. Disconnecting by reconnecting with nature Plus, be sure to visit Piazza del Duomo, see the Cyclops rocks, and check out Duomo Di Catania. Still, if swimming isn't tops on your agenda, autumn is one of the best times to visit Sicily, after the summer crowds have left, cities return to their usual hum, and touristic sites start to empty out. The environment and construction were thoughtfully considered to create perfect harmony with the landscape, reminding me of the clean lines, neutral colors, rectilinear forms, and earthy materials of Nobu Hotels. However, if you only have one day to devote to Aegadian Islands, I recommend you choose Favignana. this time of year brings a more authentic experience, with hotels and restaurants typically able to provide better service with fewer patrons. The wedding is on Aug. 4. In ancient Ortigia, an island connected by three land bridges from Syracuse in southeast Sicily, find the quaint hip Hotel Gutkowski at the edge of the sea, in the center of town, where the location makes it easy to walk the labyrinth of narrow streets to explore many attractions. San Vito lo Capo Hotels. Just wear comfy shoes, youll thank me later! 3. We loved it and their rooms are just lovely (especially their painted ceilings). Noto Hotels. Therefore, an unwritten, but firmly honoured, contract came about in which the seedy underside of Sicily was kept away from tourists and tourist areas. Stromboli: a trip to the foot of the volcano for complete relaxation For example it takes more than 4 hours to go from Palermo to Syracuse by car (even more by bus/train). On the east coast of Sicily and in the shadow of the islands famous volcano, Catania is the second largest Sicilian city after Palermo. The 3 Aegadian Islands are Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Isnt life beautiful? 3. After tackling monster valleys and volcanic treks, you deserve to treat yourself to some seaside relaxation. Settle down at an outdoor table in one of the many restaurants and order prawns from Mazara del Vallo, pasta with cherry tomatoes from Pachino and specialities made from ventresca, botargo and bluefin tuna mosciame, which you can also buy in the large emporium in the historic centre. However, we are flying into Palermo late evening and have then 5 nights for a road trip. Giardino Sul Duomo Ragusa Ibla. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania; Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina; See all day trips from Sicily on Tripadvisor Can you suggest an itinerary? Marzamemi was such a surprise for us both. Most of the time, trains and buses will arrive or depart late. Marsala Hotels. 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There is a skeleton subway service in the city and also a partial tram service, which will get you to the most popular tourist areas in Mondello, Old Town and Politema/ Liberta. The locals have nicknamed the volcano Iddu, Sicilian for he, because of its small explosive flashes, repeated at intervals of about 15-20 minutes, and because of its perpetual grumbling and the periodic minor eruptions. Now the question is: Where to go in Sicily? Castellammare del Golfo now offers a tranquil peace and calm that quite belies its former reputation and visitors can live, walk and explore in complete (if sensible) safety. You have 4 full days in Sicily (roughly 40 hours of day time), and you plan to spend: 6 hours to go from Palermo to Syracuse 6 hours to go from Syracuse to Taormina and back 6 hours to get back to Palermo for your return flight, Thats 18 hours (and I am being very conservative, in real it can end up being quite more if you include train station to hotel transfert time, waiting time etc. It is one of the islands main attractions, and it should definitely be included in your tour in Sicily. Whether youre dozing on Sorrentos cliff-backed lidos, Sicilys cosy coves or the shores of Lake Como, youre never far from a top-billed landmark. The buildings of ancient Greece still stand at Paestum, in Campania, and at sites on Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island.. It is 100 metres in length with a series of columns that once supported the roof, and it has a tall chimney. I know that it will require driving but is it possible to base myself in certain places (of an area) for a couple of days and then do day trips to surrounding areas? Natural richness, with its volcanoes (Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano), its islands, its beaches and its magnificent nature reserves like the one in Zingaro. Vulcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site less than a kilometre from Lipari, is the closest to the coast among the seven islands of the Aeolian archipelago. That being said, you can also pop over to some of the other islands, like; Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli. Cloudy with bouts of sunshine, December is the rainiest month of the year in Sicily.Temperatures across the island range between an average low of 52F and high of 61F (11-16C) with the hills in the interior of the island being colder (sometimes seeing snow during cold spells), and mountainous areas over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) sometimes receiving an The latter is a medieval laundry house that, I promise, is more interesting than it sounds. Perched in the middle of the green hills, Segesta Temple dominates the surrounding countryside. Marzamemi. In the small town of San Pietro, the centre of the archipelago's summer nightlife, among clubs and discos to dance until dawn, among boutiques and restaurants, you can also visit a small branch of the Lipari Archaeological Museum: it preserves artefacts that testify to the island's ancient history, from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age, almost all from the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese. Experience the true beauty of Sicily! Spring is a shoulder in Sicily, a fine time to visit if you want to concentrate more on museums, winery tours, and archaeological sites and less on beaches. However, if you want to do everything on your own, you can do so, but I would always recommend hiring a guide. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania; Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina; See all day trips from Sicily on Tripadvisor The village has a main square now filled with local restaurants with outdoor tables and colorful decor and it is also famous for beautiful tonnara Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Go on an adventure among hidden underwater landscapes and treasures and discover Sicilys underwater treasures! Surrounding the market are seafood restaurants dishing up ultra-fresh delicacies like the locally beloved zuppa di pesce (seafood soup). Partly for fun, partly to learn But an excursion to its summit craters is also definitely worthwhile. With a total surface area of 280,000 square metres, Etnaland is located in Belpasso, a few kilometres from Catania: inside it a host of attractions for all tastes and ages, including a popular water park, plus an incredible educational area that will capture the attention of your children, starting with the Prehistoric Park and the botanical trail. Exclusive Private Day Trips customized according to your wishes and needs! Theyre one of the best places in Sicily to visit if youre island hopping. From here, you can hire a boat and visit the enchanting Cavallo cave. Palermo has a little of something for everyone. Festa FedEricina is a medieval fair held in a most authentic setting: the old city of Erice, near Trapani. Its still used in summer to host concerts and theatrical performances. Siracusa offers a charming mixture of high-end boutique hotels and budget-friendly B&Bs so you can choose the right accommodations for your tastes and your budget without needing to compromise on either. Im really looking forward to your advice! You will come across other beaches, such as the magnificent San Lorenzo beach, which is very child-friendly and also close to the Spiaggia della Tonnara, of which it is the natural extension. Best of Eastern Sicily: Taormina and Castelmola private tour from Giardini Naxos. Thanks for your great tips for visitors to Sicily. Would flying home to NY directly from Palermo be possible? Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value. Thank you, Anna. Listen to the church bells as you are transported back in time and cool off from the Sicilian heat with a refreshing dip in the pool for sunset aperitivo. 14.) So Im hoping you might have some ideas for us. In real life it is Porto Empedocle, where the writer was born. Located in the heart of Sicily, Enna is nicknamed the navel of Sicily. Lets continue this bucket list of things to do in Sicily with Taormina, nicknamed the Pearl of Sicily. And if you have any other question, dont hesitate. Seawater is warm for swimming, and everyone has the same ideato head to the beach. The temples with the sea view is simply a must-see during your trip to Sicily. The Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cloudy with bouts of sunshine, December is the rainiest month of the year in Sicily.Temperatures across the island range between an average low of 52F and high of 61F (11-16C) with the hills in the interior of the island being colder (sometimes seeing snow during cold spells), and mountainous areas over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) sometimes receiving an Erice is very small, so 1h30-2 hours is really enough and Trapani city iself isnt very interesting (not worth going). To avoid the thickest crowds or the least appealing weather, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit. With most of the sights gathered within walking distance even the furthest flung attraction is a mere 25 minutes stroll getting around Siracusa is best done on foot. Castellammare del Golfo Hotels. I have a feeling well be settling on only 2 locations, but were just in the beginning stages of our planning, so we may change it to 3 different spots. Even the name has its own interesting quirks. Geology as a work of art Europes highest Volcano, Mount Etna is one of most active of the world. And of course, the fabulous Italian Cuisine! Ok, I will tell you something, so you will not be disappointed when you will visit Sicily: the reality is nowadays a bit different because Cefal has become a popular seaside resort. So where do we start? Since 2012, Etnaland has raced to offer an increasingly adrenalin-fuelled and exciting experience. 3) We have seen photos on Instagram of a new hotel called Villa Saraceni at Scala Dei Turchi that should open in 2022, but we havent been able to find further information. Trapani, charming old town and gateway to Aegadian Islands, 6. The best day trips from Sicily according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Etna Tour in 4x4; Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo; Full day boat excursion to Palermo with aperitif and lunch. Sicily's best hikes: ancient ruins, volcanic craters and beautiful beaches Nov 24, 2021 8 min read. I am glad my articles are helping you to plan your trip! On Voyagetips.com, I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Sicily by yourself. Avoid leaving your car on the parking lot with your belongings inside. The wonderful slopes and mountains in the area have made it a popular holiday spot for rock climbers, while the beautiful surroundings, chilled seaside ambiance and delicious seafood only enhance their experiences. The 10 things to see in and around Trapani. The island is divided into towns, almost all clustered on the north-eastern side, where you will also find the main beaches: Scari, Piscit, San Vincenzo, Ficogrande and the town of Stromboli. 0.3 km $$ - $$$ Italiensk Fra middelhavsomrdet Helsekost. Walking alone at night is not recommended for anyone. Being on the far (westernmost) point of Sicily, Agrigento is largely free of major crimes, with even petty crime being lower than the national average, and people able to walk freely at almost any time of day or night without worries. This is not to say that you will not have a good time in Noto, just that if back-to-back raves and thousand-strong discos are your preference, Noto might not be the destination where to stay in Sicily for you, being more suited to laid back, authentic holidays. There has been a development in our planning, though. Just shy of Palermo, Monreale is a gorgeous town to visit in Sicily. For a combination of beachgoing and discovering Sicily's cities and interior, September is a top month for touring the island. Messina lies on the point of the triangular island of Sicily that is closest to mainland Italy, and it is a thriving port city, deriving its income from tourism especially from cruises agriculture of citrus fruit, olives and wine grapes; and commerce. First of all, Vincent, I cant get over what a valuable and generous resource you provide. In Sicily, summer is the hottest season, when temperatures average in the high 70s and 80s F but can go much higher, especially at midday. Late December to March is high season in the Alps and Dolomites. From social to cultural benefits, there are many different reasons why signing up for a guided tour makes more sense than trying to go it alone. Agrigento Hotels. If you are interested in visiting the temples (Agrigento, Selinunte) + Marsala Salt pans + Aegadian Island + Erice village (all 3 next to Trapani city), staying in Selinunte or Sciacca town can be a good idea. If you want to avoid heavy crowds or bad weather, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are the best times to visit Sicily. Once at the top, here are some of the must-see places in Erice: For more information on Trapani region, I recommend that you read our article: Visit Trapani: The Ultimate guide. Unfortunately, I wont be able to help you too much with the Aeolian Islands because I dont know all of them very well (especially Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi, I cant tell you if they are worth it or not). The beaches: beautiful and all to conquer Across deeply religious Sicily, Easter is second in importance only to Christmas. Aeolian Islands. Cefalu, good place to stay in Sicily for families, 4. If you can, I really recommend you to stay there for the sunset. Adresse de la Scala dei Turchi: Strada Provinciale 68. To go to the east side (Catania), its a 3 hours drive. Sicily Restaurants Things to Do in Sicily Sicily Travel Forum Sicily Photos Sicily Map of the geography on the ground there, as a first time visitor, I wanted to just get a sense of what neighborhoods are best (perhaps that would have been the better question). The food, the wine, the historyits no wonder people cant get enough of la bella Italia. Fly to: Comiso Airport. The nearby Punta Scario cove is also a wonderful place to spend a day in the sun. Some tours will even take a trip past the island and the bays around Basiluzzo, too. Nicknamed the black city because of its buildings built in lava stone, Catania has many things to offer. Earlier still, the eruption of Vesuvius in a.d. 79 preserved Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash for 2 millennia. Etna and Taormina make sense during that week? At age 20 she traveled around the world on Semester at Sea and has been globetrotting ever since. Thanks to its protected central position, Salina, the second largest of the Aeolian islands, is also the richest in vegetation and water of the entire Sicilian archipelago, and certainly the one where volcanic activity is at its quietest. With bustling cities like Palermo and Catania and the gorgeous Scala di Turchi, Sicily is the kind of place in Italy where theres something for everyone. Now its time to make up for it! 4 days would be a good start to explore them. With its volcanic islands and rugged shorelines, Sicily offers dramatic landscapes that are perfect for a hiking vacation. I met him on the beach for complimentary sunset yoga, taught in Italian, of course, where he shared with me that the painting in the lobby hallway took over 5 years. (Full Sicily tour) Agrigento: The 10 best things to do in and around the city; Catania: The 12 must-see attractions; Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital; Taormina: Top 10 things to do and must-see! We had decided on Sicily, but in a conversation late last week, Greece was mentioned. So it really depends on what you plan to visit, what kind of things you enjoy doing while traveling. I have written 2 detailed itineraries that will help you to plan your stay. While there may be no actual centrally located business district, there is no need to leave Whitebay Resort. If you prefer, you can skip Palermo and do a day trip to Erice. The fumaroles, the breath of the ancient volcano Truth be told, there are so many of the best places in Sicily to visit that youll be spoilt for choice. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Catania, nice city to stay in Sicily to explore the island. To visit beautiful places. This way, youll have all the time to explore and none of the admin or scouring for places to visit. Each islands has its own charm and atmosphere: To get to Aeolian Islands, you will have to take a hydrofoil or a boat from Milazzo, Palermo or Messina. If you want to know more about Monte Cofano Nature reserve, you can read our article : Top 10 Things to see in Tripani. Would really appreciate your help. This small fishing town with its colorful boats moored at the pier seems calm and peaceful. This place is the king of mixing sunbathing with sightseeing. Mt. In early August in Cefalu, the Festival of San Salvatore celebrates the town's patron saint with processions, fireworks, and street food. The best time to go to Sicily, Italy, for good weather, sightseeing, shopping, beaches, events, festivals, and fun things to do. Along the same path, you will also come across Cala degli Zimmari, in a bay backed by a cliff and Mediterranean scrub, the only sandy beach on the entire island, known for its characteristic red colour that, by contrast, gives the sea that washes it a unique cobalt blue hue. For the latest information on COVID-19 travel restrictions in Italy. Along Salina's historical-artistic itinerary it is worth visiting the Saracen caves, a series of interconnecting tunnels dug into the tuff and used as a refuge during the Saracen invasion in 650 AD. Such nightlife as there is aside from the usual restaurant/ pub lifestyle tends to be centred around the hotels that are big enough to contain nightclubs and employ DJs. No matter what your social tastes are, you will find somewhere to feel home in Catania. It was so lovely. Anyway, any advice, tips, or whatever youd like to share will be most appreciated.