Taxis, which are white, can be pricey, and there is a surcharge for luggage. Taxis can usually be found at taxi ranks, bus stations and outside popular attractions.
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I will tell you now that taxi services in Sicily are incredibly expensive, and even more so in Palermo. This increases further when you travel at night. As you might be able to see, locals seldom take cabs. The primary source of revenue for these taxi drivers comes from tourists to Palermo.
The best way to get around Sicily is by train, as it allows you to quickly and affordably get from the island's various cities while still enjoying the scenery. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines. Buses are another affordable transportation method and may be your next best option.
If the taxi rates are compared to those in Madrid, they are slightly higher and the minimum fare is also higher. However, if compared to Florence and Amsterdam, the prices in Rome are slightly lower. Based on the official taxi rates, an average journey in the centre of Rome should cost between 6 and 8 euros.
The cost of taxis can vary based on factors such as local regulations, demand, fuel prices, and overall cost of living. In Sicily, certain factors like lower population density, limited public transportation options, and possibly higher operating costs for taxis might contribute to higher prices.
You don't need to tip taxi driversCab drivers in Italy never expect a tip, so if you give one to them, they may be surprised. If you're using a car service like Uber or Free Now (formerly myTaxi), tipping is also not required. But if any driver goes out of his or her way to assist you, it's OK to give a small tip.
For those that haven't yet committed to a flight, there are some key differences between west and east Sicily that you should consider first: Western Sicily has the best beaches. Eastern Sicily has the prettier towns (particularly in the south east corners, such as Noto).
Is Sicily expensive to eat out: no, it's not. You can easily go down below 10 Euro if you eat a pizza with sparkling water and of course a coffee. If you are after some wine, you can get a half litre local wine for 7-8 euro.
Palermo or Catania. Both Palermo and Catania are great choices for a short 2-4 day visit. Palermo has more attractions in the historic center so we recommend at least 3 days to see everything in Palermo. On the other hand, Catania's historic center can be explored in 2 days.
However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from parked cars can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. It's also important to note that there are some areas in Sicily that are known for Mafia activity, particularly in some of the larger cities.
At a high level, we think you're going to need at least two weeks (14 days) to see both eastern and western Sicily. Anything less than that and you'd need to cut some of the best sights in each region to try and fit it all in, which we would absolutely not recommend.
Taxis are safe. There is also Uber in Rome. If you are timid and unsure about finding your way, I think you'd be more comfortable in a taxi or Uber than on a train or bus, regardless of time of day. You should be prepared with a piece of paper with the hotel's name and address to show the driver.