A big road trip destination that does not only stop at the stunning blue waves that edge its rocky coastline, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and as such, it is a location that is worth seeing. A network of winding pastoral roads winds its way through the mountainous hinterlands close to Palermo and ascends to the darker volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, which is a challenging mountain. Relics of the past are given by the dozen in Sicily, which is located at the crossroads of history. These relics include Greek and Roman ruins, as well as medieval and baroque villages that will captivate you with their charming beauty.
Here are some suggestions for organizing a comprehensive road vacation in Sicily, including determining which inner hamlet is home to the most delicious cannoli.
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Mount Etna
The best road trip for wine enthusiasts who are also adventurous
The distance between Catania and Catania is 162 kilometers (100 miles); allow one or two days.
You might drive around Europe’s most active volcano in a single day, but a longer journey will allow you more time to enjoy the distinctive terroir of this microregion, which is responsible for producing some of the exceptional wines that Sicily has to offer. There are a variety of one-of-a-kind lodgings available in the smaller towns around the area. One example is Palazzo Previtera, which is a family-owned boutique hotel located in Linguaglossa. Additionally, there are accommodations in the countryside that include a comfortable agriturismo or vineyard stay.
Also, think about including a hike to the peak of Mount Etna in the schedule, or drive the vehicle as high as it can go to reach Rifugio Sapienza. Both of these options are worth considering.
Palermo to Agrigento
When it comes to experiences in tiny towns
165 kilometers (102 miles) from Palermo to Agrigento; allow one or two days for travel.
After leaving the hustle and bustle of Palermo behind, begin your journey with a sweet treat by making your first stop at the village of Piana degli Albanese. It is well acknowledged among the people of Sicily that Extra Bar Petta is the place where the finest cannoli on the island can be found. After that, you will have the opportunity to go through the genuine Corleone in order to have an understanding of the depressing reality of the mafia and the motivational tale of the anti-mafia struggle at CIDMA.
It is possible to take a detour to Leccara Friddi, the proud ancestral home of Frank Sinatra, in order to pay honor to Old Blue Eyes. This may be done by traveling east from Corleone. You may also go to Giuliana, which is located in the west of the island, and from the historic castle walls, you can get a breathtaking view over the southern portion of the island. Agrigento and Valle dei Templi, a large archeological complex that dates back to ancient Greece, will be the last stops on this tour of Sicily’s little towns.
Tip from the locals: The well-known Scala dei Turchei beach is always worth a visit, particularly if you want to unwind after a hard day of touring in the ruins. This is true regardless of how you come to Agrigento.
West Coast
The ideal vacation for families by car
It takes two or three days to get from Palermo to Marsala, which is 221 kilometers (137 miles).
To the west of Palermo, you will discover some of the most beautiful places to swim in Sicily. These places include the resort town of San Vito Lo Capo, which is perfect for families, as well as a number of fascinating historical sites, such as castles and fortifications that date back to the middle ages.
The first thing you should do, however, is visit the Segesta temple, which is a temple that is two thousand years old and is incredibly preserved. If you like being outside, you may also go on a hike via the trails in the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. Alternatively, you can continue your adventure in the direction of Erice, a community that is situated in an impossible location and has a spectacular fortification. You will need to make a stop at Trapani, which is the main city on the western coast of Sicily and serves as your entrance point to the Egadi Islands ferry. Continue driving down the coast until you reach Marsala, where you will have the opportunity to explore the salt flats, relax on further sandy beaches, and drink the sweet dessert wine that the region is famous for.
By using the cable car from Trapani, you may go to Erice without having to drive up the mountain. This is a helpful planning suggestion.
Palermo to Catania
Most suitable for seaside sightseeing
The distance between Palermo and Catania is 317 kilometers (197 miles); allow two or three days.
at the direction of the east from Palermo, the beaches will become more rocky; thus, it is essential to make the first stop at sandy Cefalù, a picturesque coastal hamlet that is a well-known holiday destination. You may either continue towards Messina and contemplate traveling all the way to the point of Torre Faro, where you will be able to view mainland Italy across the Strait of Messina’s narrowest point, which is just 5 kilometers wide. Alternatively, you can take the coastal road to Milazzo, where you could take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands.
Take the coast south to Taormina, where it is recommended that you find a hotel on the low road near Isola Bella, such as the Panoramic Hotel, which provides you with a picture-perfect view of the island, and then take the cable car up to the mountainous city to enjoy the luxury shopping and Mount Etna Views from the awe-inspiring Greek Theatre when you arrive. When traveling from Taormina to Catania, you may want to think about getting off the highway and making reservations for a guided trek to the peak of Mount Etna for yourself.
A helpful hint for planning: if you want to complete this journey as quickly as possible, but with fewer picturesque views, you should bypass across the island. Despite this, it does provide the opportunity to see the medieval city of Enna, which was a significant player in the history of the island.
Syracuse and the Southeast
Most suitable for antique and baroque jewels
The distance between Catania and Ragusa is 170 kilometers (105 miles), and it takes around two to three days to go.
Start from Catania and travel south along the coastal road until you reach Syracuse and Ortigia. Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to see the old ruins and stone quarries of the ancient city, as well as the historic island that has a fantastic nightlife in addition to its historic attractions. Continue traveling in a southerly direction until you reach Noto, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily due to the baroque architecture that it has. Following a leisurely tour around the town, continue down the coast until you reach the little beach village of Marzemmi, where you may take a short break and enjoy the Ionian Sea.
The smaller towns of Modica and Ragusa are particularly well-known and sought-after gastronomy destinations, with an array of Michelin-star restaurants such as the two-star Duomo being the prime foodie attraction. Once you are satisfied with the southeastern tip of the island, turn west to continue your baroque journey in these towns for a more authentic experience.
Purchasing a ticket to a show is the most effective method to experience one of the ancient Greek theaters outside of the daylight hours. This is a helpful piece of advice for planning. It is imperative that you purchase your tickets in advance only.
Driving advice for the island of Sicily
Sicily is not a place for those who are easily intimidated by driving. The culture of driving is aggressive, and you will have the opportunity to see other drivers doing risky moves in the middle of a jam. You will need to have a heightened sense of awareness and to drive with additional caution while you are in the central business districts of large cities. When taking shortcuts in rural hilly regions, you should also brace yourself for the possibility of encountering difficult road conditions. It’s possible that you’ll need to pull over for animal crossings.
When you are driving in tiny medieval towns, you should be prepared to negotiate streets that are steep and tight, and you should not put all of your reliance in the automatic navigation system. Find a central parking spot and walk if you are able to, particularly if the area is designated as a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL), which indicates that you may be subject to a fine if you make your way into the area by automobile. Search for the circle that is white and has a red outline below it.
