A road trip in Sicily promises an unusual holiday, the real dolce vita Italian... In this article, discover everything you need to know to prepare your trip: itinerary, budget, legislation...
Sicily is an ideal destination for road trip. The beautiful roads that cross the island will lead you to cities with a grandiose historical heritage, fascinating ancient cities and charming villages.
An exemplary recipe for an unforgettable journey under the sun of Italy and the clutches of the Tyrrhenian Sea... But what are the things to know? In this article we give you all the secrets to organize your road trip in Sicily!
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1. Catania, the black city
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- 📷 To be visited: Ursino Castle, Amphitheatre, Sant’Agata Cathedral
- ✱ Where to stay: Beautiful town house "La Casuzza"
The so-called “Black City” is full of treasures. Visit the Roman amphitheatre, Ursino Castle, Sant’Agata Cathedral, Dome Square, Elephant Fountain...
Also discover the two palaces that surround the Dell’Universita square and refresh yourself in the gardens of the Bellini villa. Finally, enjoy your evening in the vibrant city centre.
To deepen the stage:
- Cyclopes Bay To see the faraglioni and to meet dolphins;
- bay of Catania : to discover the time of a diving or kayaking trip.
2. The ancient Syracuse
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Catania to Syracuse
- 📍 Traject: 65 km • 50 min
- 📷 To be visited: the city center and ancient vestiges
- ✱ Where to stay: Apartment with sea view
Founded in the 8th century BC, Syracuse was one of the most powerful Greek cities. There you will find many ancient vestiges: theatre, amphitheatre, temples of Apollo and Athena... A real open-air museum!
Moreover, don’t miss the vast and exciting museum Paolo Orsi, which explores Sicilian prehistory and antiquity. Also know that Syracuse faces Ortygie Island, which houses the city centre. He visits for his surviving charm and his many cafes and restaurants.
To deepen the stage:
- The Neapolis archaeological park : located north of Syracuse, it is a must;
- ♪ catacombes of San Giovanni : less touristic, these Byzantine remains are fascinating;
- ♪ beaches Surrounding.
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3. The Tower of Baroque Cities
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Syracuse to Modica
- 📍 Traject: 105 km • 1 h 55
- 📷 To be visited: the cities of Noto, Ragusa and Modica
- ✱ Where to stay: Beautiful studio in the center of Modica
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto, Ragusa and Modica are a must-see during a road trip in Sicily! In one day, you have the opportunity to explore all three of them.
To deepen the stage:
- If you have time, don’t hesitate to escape in the beautiful Sicilian countryside which surrounds the baroque cities.
4. Taormina and the slopes of the Etna
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Modica to Taormina
- 📍 Traject: 180 km • 2 h 15
- 📷 To be visited: Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the Greek theatre, the slopes of Etna and Isola Bella
- ✱ Where to stay: The "Fiore della Vita"
Perched on the plain of Catania, Taormina offers a breathtaking view of the Etna and Isola Bella. Visit the historic city, take the height to admire the sunset and enjoy the beaches... It is not for nothing that Taormina is one of the most visited cities in Italy!
It is also the opportunity to crowd the emblem of Sicily. Although Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, you can climb to its crater and admire a lunar landscape. A must during a road trip in Sicily!
To deepen the stage:
- L’Isola Bella : this small island full of coves and heavenly beaches offers real landscapes of postcard;
- The Madonna della Rocca Shrine : this chapel dug in the rock overlooking Taormina;
- Castelmola : this beautiful village is captivated by the ruins of a medieval castle.
5. Agrigento and the Temple Valley
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Taormina to Agrigento
- 📍 Traject: 213 km • 2 h 28
- 📷 To be visited: the Temple Valley, the archaeological museum and the beaches
- ✱ Where to stay: The terrace of Zia Maria
Visit the Temple Valley and the archaeological museum to dive into the historical roots of the region... You will find twelve temples of ancient Greece, dating from the sixth to the second century before our era. Agrigento is a must-see during a road trip in Sicily!
To deepen the stage:
- Punta Bianca Nature Reserve : you will find beaches among the most beautiful of Sicily ;
- Scala dei Turchi : composed of large staircases of limestone that border the sea, this natural site is worth a visit despite its strong frequentation.
- Rent a car in Sicily
6. Palermothe capital of Sicily
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: d’Agrigente à Palerme
- 📍 Traject: 128 km • 2 h
- 📷 To be visited: the Cathedral of Palermo, the Massimo Theater, the palaces and the catacombs
- ✱ Where to stay: Apartment in the center of Palermo
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century before our era, the capital of Sicily is a true open-air museum. His influences are rich and varied.
Don't miss visiting the cathedral, the Norman palaces , Capuchins catacombs , Massimo The Ballaro market... And of course, enjoy local gastronomy!
To deepen the stage:
- Monreale : located close to Palermo, this charming village is visited largely for its cathedral;
- beach of Mondello : ideal for getting older Farniente Between two visits.
7. Zingaro nature reserve
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Palermo to Scopello
- 📍 Traject: 75 km • 1 h
- 📷 To be visited: coastal path, coves and beaches
- ✱ Where to stay: Nice apartment with pool
Joyau de la Sicily, Zingaro’s natural reserve contains a rich biodiversity and postcard beaches. To enjoy it, you can plan one hiking or a boat trip!
To deepen the stage:
- Scopello : this very nice coastal village is an ideal point of fall to explore the nature reserve of Zingaro;
- San Vito Lo Capo : a tourist seaside town, but which offers a parenthesis of tranquility during your road trip in Sicily;
- Monte Cofano Nature Reserve : close to Zingaro, it offers more challenges for hikers.
8. Trapani and the Egades Islands
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- 🗺 in Itinerary: from Scopello to Trapani
- 📍 Traject: 36 km • 43 min
- 📷 To be visited: the city centre and the Cathedral of Trapani, the Egades Islands
- ✱ Where to stay: Superb accommodation in Trapani
To finish your road trip in Sicily, join Trapani via the famous salt road. The city centre and its cathedral are worth a visit.
But visiting Trapani is also an opportunity to book a trip on the Egades Islands. For example, you can ride Favignana by bike. Its coves house a water of a breathtaking blue azure...
To deepen the stage:
- Erice : to admire this sumptuous medieval bastide, perched like an eagle nest on the cliffs;
- Trapani Salines Natural Reserve : to combine discovery and beautiful landscapes.
- Rent a car in Sicily
Documents on board
Here are the documents to have on board during a road trip in Sicily:
- the driver's license;
- the certificate of registration;
- the insurance certificate;
- A friendly observation.
Rules of conduct
Sicilian cities are home to many portions of roads reserved for residents and public transport: these are the ZTL . They are indicated by panels with a red circle on a white background, and sometimes a schedule indicating the range of the ban. Be vigilant, because cameras control offences.
We all know the reputation of the Italians behind the wheel and Sicily does not deviate from the rule! We advise you in particular remain on the right track to let the other drivers exceed you. Another thing: the highways do not really have insertion paths. The secret is not to hesitate by engaging!
Recently, the priority rule on roundabouts has been the same as in France. But all Italians have not yet done so, so Keep your eyes open . Finally, the passing beams are mandatory from day to night!
Motorway tolls: information and prices
There are two toll motorways on the island:
- lA20 Messina-Palerme : 10,10 € ;
- lA18 Messina-Catane: 3,70 €.
The payment is made at the exit of the highway. Care must be taken to the right exit strap, following the signs that indicate the payment of tickets and not the blue and yellow Telepass panels.
- Rent a car in Sicily
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