A Big Travel Guide for Sicily

How to get - Sicily Travel Guide

Sicily Guide

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Chief Town

> Palermo
> Messina
> Catania
> Syacuse
> Ragusa
> Enna
> Caltanissetta
> Agrigento
> Trapani

How to get to Sicily

To Sicily by Air

The Airports of Rome and Milan are the most used connection points. A flight will take less then an hour from Rome and a bit longer from Milan. In summer there are various charter flights operated by the major European airlines which fly to Palermo from many major european centers.

To Sicily by Sea

There is a ferry service from Naples to Palermo (app. 7 hours) as well a much faster hydrofoil or catamaran variant (app. 4 hours).

To Sicily by Land

From the Italian mainland to Sicily one can get by train or car by crossing the Strait of Messina with a ferry..

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Sicily's Capital Palermo

Sicily's Capital Palermo is a place of beauty that is slowly being revived and restored by the determined city fathers to regain a semblance of its former glory. At various times during its varied and colourful history Palermo, beautifully sited on a wide bay under the bulk of Monte Pellegrino, has enjoyed a position as one of the greatest cities of Europe, particularly under Arab and Norman domination in the Middle Ages. The legacy of the past is evident today in its treasure-trove of Byzantine, Baroque and Norman historic buildings and relics in its many museums. Today the pulse of the city beats fast and furious even in the oppressive summer heat in its hectic street markets, cobbled squares and narrow alleyways, where sirens squeal and traffic roars indiscriminately. Old, historic quarters like Kalsa are being restored and restaurants, galleries and cafes are opening to cater for the tourist trade. Several days are required to appreciate the sights of the seething city before moving on to explore the rest of the island.

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Catania

The second-largest city in Sicily, Catania sits in the shadow of Europe’s highest volcano, Mount Etna, on the east of Sicily between Syracuse and Taormina. Ugly, decayed and crime-ridden today, it was once called the ‘city of black and white’ because of the use of white marble and black lava to construct its elegant buildings, many of which have since fallen into ruins or been destroyed by war, earthquakes and lava flows. In summer Catania sizzles; it is regarded as the hottest city in Italy with temperatures often soaring to 104ºF (40ºC). Despite its unattractive aspects, Catania is an ancient city, founded in 729 BC, and boasts some interesting historical relics. There are two Roman amphitheatres, one reminiscent of Rome’s Colosseum, and a 13th-century fortress, Ursino Castle, which is now a museum. The city’s cathedral contains some royal tombs and was built in the 11th century.

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