Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND
If at all possible, it's preferable to have your own car (or motorbike) in Sicily. Getting around the island on public trans-
port is difficult and time-consuming, although not impossible. Connections between the major cities and coastal resorts
are fine, but if you want to venture off the beaten track you could find yourself up against it.
In most cases buses are better than trains, which tend to be very slow. That said, public transport is cheap and it does
save you the hassle of dealing with incomprehensible one-way systems, narrow medieval streets and nightmarish parking.
To get to the offshore islands there's an extensive system of hydrofoils and ferries. The frequency of services slows
considerably in winter, when many of the islands virtually shut down until the next tourist season.
For Pantelleria and the Pelagic Islands, planes are cheaper and faster than ferries.
Bicycle
There's no great cycling tradition in Sicily, but away from the main cities it can be a great way to see the countryside, par-
ticularly during spring (March to May) when it's not too hot and the wildflowers are out in bloom. Cycling is also an ex-
cellent way of getting round the smaller offshore islands. Note that much of Sicily is hilly, so you'll need to be in pretty
good shape to enjoy the scenery.
There are no special road rules for cyclists, but you would be wise to carry a helmet and lights. If cycling during the
summer, make sure you have plenty of water and sunblock as the heat can be exhausting.
Bike hire isn't widespread but it's usually available at coastal resorts and on smaller islands. Some small pensioni and
agriturismi also offer use of bikes to guests. Bank on about €15 per day to hire a bike.
Boat
Sicily's offshore islands are served by traghetti (ferries) and aliscafi (hydrofoils). To the Aeolian Islands services run
from Milazzo; to the Egadi Islands from Trapani; to the Pelagic Islands from Porto Empedocle near Agrigento; and to
Ustica from Palermo and Trapani.
Services run year-round, although they are pared back considerably in winter and can be affected by adverse sea condi-
tions.
On overnight services (for example, to the Pelagic Islands or Pantelleria) travellers can choose between cabin accom-
modation or a poltrona, which is an airline-type armchair. Deck class is available only during the summer and only on
some ferries, so ask when making your booking. All ferries carry vehicles.
The following serve Sicily's offshore islands:
Navigazione Generale Italiana (NGI;
800 250000; www.ngi-spa.it ) This company offers a ferry-only service operat-
ing out of Milazzo for the Aeolian Islands.
Siremar ( www.siremar.it ) Siremar operates hydrofoils and/or ferries from Palermo to Ustica, from Milazzo and Naples to
the Aeolian Islands, from Trapani to Pantelleria and the Egadi Islands, and from Porto Empedocle to the Pelagic Islands.
Ustica Lines ( 0923 87 38 13; www.usticalines.it ) This company runs hydrofoils to Ustica, Pantelleria and the Egadi
Islands from Trapani; to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo and Messina; and to the Pelagic Islands from Porto Empe-
docle.
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