Between the comfortable and scenic trains plus the comprehensive bus network, it's possible to get around much of Sicily without your own vehicle. And prices on public transportation are very cheap, making it a great budget option.
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Train services in SicilyThere is an efficient network linking the key cities and destinations of interest. However, the high-speed vehicles of the Italian mainland are not in operation here – as a result, expect journey times to take longer. More in-depth train information and timetables can be found at Trenitalia.
We did Sicily last May using buses but we only did Taormina, Lipari, Modica and Ortigia. The buses were reliable and inexpensive; a very relaxing way to travel. We stayed in Taormina for 3 nights at Hotel Villa Schuler and 3 nights in Ortigia at Palazzo del Sale.
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.
Fares cost around 80 to 90 euros (about $90 to $100) one-way to the mainland or around 200 euros (about $220) to go to the mainland and then on to a different island like Corsica or Sardinia. To travel between cities on Sicily, it costs between 50 to 70 euros (about $55 to $80).
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.
Most travelers will find that driving in Sicily is not overly difficult, especially in larger cities like Palermo and Catania. When navigating around some of the island's more complex historic centers, drivers will need to be on top of their game.
Sicily can be almost considered a luxury vacation spot if you stay in famous towns like Taormina, however, outside of that, you can have a really wonderful trip on a tight budget.
When it comes down to cost, Sicily is a clear winner as a holiday destination if you are looking to travel on a budget when you are visiting Italy. Whilst there are many expensive and luxury accommodation options across the island, overall it's a relatively cheap part of the world to travel to and explore.
Cab 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.
On the west side of Sicily, you should check out Fontane Bianche, a quiet town with a chilled-out beach, the perfect spot for a relaxed holiday. Best place to stay in Sicily without a car: my favourite spot is Catania.
Average Daily CostsWhile meal prices in Sicily can vary, the average cost of food in Sicily is €33 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Sicily should cost around €13 per person.
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.