What is the best base to explore Sicily?

Its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches, stunning views, endless entertainment and strategic position, make Taormina the ideal base for a wonderful Sicilian holiday. Taormina is located in an area with easy access to many other important and popular destinations around Sicily.



People Also Ask

Away from the main coastal train routes, buses are generally the best way of getting around Sicily. Buses offer faster, more direct service on certain intercity routes where train connections are inconvenient, such as Catania to Agrigento, Syracuse to Palermo, or Palermo to Trapani.

MORE DETAILS

Places to Avoid in Sicily
  • Ballarò: This neighborhood in Palermo is known for its street markets, but it can also be dangerous, especially at night.
  • Brancaccio: This neighborhood in Palermo is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city, so it's best to avoid it altogether.


MORE DETAILS

Taormina - The prettiest town in Sicily. One of the most famous and touristy towns in Sicily and not for nothing, a picturesque and colorful town, surrounded by two mountains and a close view of the volcano Etna.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

Sicily can be experienced in as little as three to five days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it's much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have seven days, you can explore a meaningful section of the island.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The islands of Italy, Sicily in particular, can be completely what you make of it, Sicily is an interesting destination with a lot to offer all travelers. It is generally less expensive to visit than a vacation in Rome, Venice, or Florence, but it is by no means a cheap European destination to visit.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Although Taormina and Palermo are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty.

MORE DETAILS

Palermo is a great base for exploring Sicily and several fascinating places make easy day trips from the city.

MORE DETAILS

How long does the train from Palermo to Catania take? The average journey time by train between Palermo and Catania is 4 hours and 32 minutes, with around 17 trains per day.

MORE DETAILS

Sicily is one of the cheapest places in Italy, owing primarily to the fact that you don't have to worry about paying for any high-speed trains. Additionally, food at most restaurants in Sicily is generally a bit cheaper than what you'd find in cities on the Italian mainland like Rome, Florence and Venice.

MORE DETAILS

If you're traveling solo to Sicily to really enjoy your me-time, then visiting the island in the winter is just the ticket. Some businesses and restaurants may be closed for the season during the winter months, but there will still be plenty to do and see—those archaeological wonders aren't going anywhere, after all.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. These late spring and early fall months offer hospitable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, which are ideal for temple gazing, beach lazing or hiking. These are both considered shoulder seasons, and you may be able to score some discounts.

MORE DETAILS

The Amalfi Coast is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy fine dining and high-end shopping, and take in beautiful scenery. Travelers looking for more culture and history should opt to visit Sicily for their vacation.

MORE DETAILS

Sicily can be budget-friendly if you stick to staying in hostels and eating at local restaurants. You can save money by visiting the free attractions and following the tips in this post. How much money do I need per day in Sicily? You can expect to spend between €70 – €90 a day, depending on where you are staying.

MORE DETAILS