Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sicily Itineraries
If you have only a few days in Sicily
Spend your time in
Palermo.
This is a smart port of entry by air or sea
from mainland Europe, especially if you're coming from Rome or Naples. As
the island's capital, Palermo serves as its cultural and financial hub, and
enjoys a broad range of well-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as
ample public transportation. Palermo also offers an intimate glimpse of
Sicily's distinct brand of chaotic charm—from its eclectic multicultural
architecture to its many museums with their comprehensive collections of
Greek, Etruscan, and Roman artifacts. Based in Palermo, you can easily
explore the northern coast from Trapani to Cefalù with or without your
own transportation, and even zip down to the Greek ruins near Agrigento
or Selinunte in just over an hour by car, bus, or rail.
If you have only 5 days in Sicily
Consider arriving in Palermo and spending half your time there, and then
heading down to the Greek city of
Siracusa
for a stay in or near the old
center, which is on the island of Ortygia. From here you can explore
Mt.
Etna,
the popular (and expensive) resort town of
Taormina,
and the south-
ern coast. If you're traveling by air, leave the island from
Catánia
(many
airlines will allow open-flight tickets to and from Sicily at no extra charge).
If you have more than 1 week in Sicily
Divide your time between Palermo and Siracusa, as above, and add a day
or two on the
Aeolian islands,
the string of volcanic islands just off the
coast of Sicily, which offer everything from watersports to beachcombing
to volcano tours.
Driving
is also a pleasure, as you'll be cruising some of the country's best high-
ways, thanks to the organized-crime syndicates that reportedly dominate public
works contracts. Say what you will, they keep the roads in top-notch shape.
You'll save 30% to 60% on
car rentals
by bypassing the international chains
and renting from such Italian companies as
Maggiore
(www.maggiore.it)
or
Sicily
by Car
(www.sbc.it).
While their daily rates are comparable—be sure to shop
around—Sicily by Car consistently has the best weekly rates for a compact rental
at
€
80 for 5 to 7 days (Maggiore's weekly rate comes to
€
180; other car compa-
nies charge even more).
PALERMO
In many ways Palermo is the essence of Sicily. It's a city that combines tarnished
gems like the Kalsa district, its buildings still pocked from World War II and years
of neglect, with dazzling jewels like the Norman Palazzo and city cathedral.
