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Sicily is made for road trips. Italy’s largest island packs in ancient Greek temples, Roman mosaics, dramatic Baroque towns, smoking volcanoes, wild beaches, and food that will have you rerouting for one more lunch stop.
From the chaotic charm of Palermo and the slopes of Mount Etna to the cliffside streets of Taormina and the extraordinary ruins of the Valley of the Temples, Sicily delivers huge variety in a relatively compact space. One day you’re wandering through UNESCO-listed old towns, the next you’re hiking volcanic landscapes or swimming in impossibly clear water.
This Sicily road trip itinerary follows a coastal route, linking the island’s standout highlights with practical driving tips, route planning advice, and an interactive map to help you make the most of your adventure. If you want the freedom to explore Sicily properly, a road trip is hard to beat.
Planning tools we actually use for Italian road trips
Sicily Road Trip Map
This map shows the main bases and driving route. You can save it to Google Maps for planning or offline use while driving.
Sicily Itinerary
Route: Syracuse – Ragusa – Scala dei Turchi – Valley of the Temples – Erice – Segesta – Palermo – Cefalù – Taormina – Mount Etna
Optional: Marsala, Stagnone, Monte Cofano, San Vito Lo Capo, Catania
Distance: ~900 km
Duration: 2 weeks
Best time to go: April to June, September to October
Best for: History lovers, scenic coastal drives, food-focused travellers, and first-time visitors wanting a classic Sicily road trip
Days 1 and 2: Syracuse
Drive from Catania to Syracuse: 65km, around 1 hour 15 minutes
It’s worth noting that if you’re collecting your hire car at Catania Airport and driving straight out, allow a little extra time for airport traffic and getting used to Sicilian roads, especially if this is your first stop. The route itself is straightforward, mostly along the A18 motorway south toward Syracuse.
Syracuse, or Siracusa if you want to use the Italian name, is a brilliant first stop on a Sicily road trip. Sitting on the Ionian coast, this historic city blends ancient ruins with a lively modern feel, making it an easy place to ease into the rhythm of Sicilian life. You’ve got excellent cafés, buzzing bars, long dinners that drift into late evenings, and plenty of beautiful streets made for aimless wandering.
The real magic is in Ortigia, Syracuse’s atmospheric old town, set on a small island linked to the mainland by the Ponte Umbertino. Cross over and the mood shifts instantly. The traffic noise fades, the streets narrow, and suddenly you’re wandering past honey-colored Baroque buildings, hidden piazzas, bustling markets, grand churches, and the sea appearing unexpectedly at the end of alleyways. It’s the sort of place where you head out for a quick walk and somehow lose half a day.
Piazza Duomo is the obvious centrepiece, and for good reason. Syracuse Cathedral is one of Sicily’s most fascinating buildings, built around the remains of a 5th-century BCE Greek temple dedicated to Athena. Look closely, and you can still see the original Doric columns built straight into the church walls, which gives the whole place that distinctly Sicilian mix of layered civilisations stacked on top of one another.
Another worthwhile stop is Fonte Aretusa, the famous freshwater spring right by the waterfront. It’s a surprisingly peaceful little corner, home to ducks, fish, and papyrus plants, which are said to be the only naturally occurring examples in Europe. If you have extra time, the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the mainland is well worth adding too, especially for the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, both reminders that Syracuse was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient Mediterranean.
Where to Stay in Syracuse (2 nights)
Upmarket: Ortea Palace is a beautifully restored grand hotel overlooking Syracuse’s harbour, with elegant interiors, spacious rooms, a luxurious spa, and an excellent location for exploring Ortigia in style.
Mid-Range: Caportigia Boutique Hotel is a stylish contemporary stay with polished interiors, excellent service, and a central location that makes it easy to explore Syracuse on foot while enjoying a quieter base.
Budget: Ortigia Boutique Palace is a smart, affordable option in the heart of Ortigia, offering modern rooms and apartment-style convenience in a fantastic location for sightseeing, restaurants, and evening strolls.
Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide, including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!
Day 3: Ragusa
Drive from Syracuse to Ragusa: 95km, around 1 hour 30 minutes
Ragusa is one of Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque cities, dramatically split between the newer upper town and the older, far more atmospheric Ragusa Ibla below. Part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, this is the kind of place where you’ll spend as much time admiring the city itself as ticking off specific sights, with honey-colored buildings, steep staircases, and elegant piazzas around almost every corner.
Ragusa Ibla is the real highlight, a gorgeous maze of winding lanes, churches, and grand palazzi that rose from the devastation of the catastrophic 1693 earthquake. The star attraction is the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, one of Sicily’s great Baroque masterpieces, sitting dramatically at the top of a broad staircase in a way that feels almost theatrical. Even if you’re not usually one for churches, it’s worth stepping inside.
For the best views, head to Giardino Ibleo, a peaceful public garden at the edge of Ibla where you’ll find shady paths, fountains, and panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside. One of the best things to do here is simply wander between the upper and lower towns, stopping for coffee or gelato as you go, because Ragusa is a place best appreciated slowly.
If you have time, Modica is only about 30 minutes away and makes an easy add-on, especially if you fancy tasting its famous chocolate, which has roots in an old Aztec-inspired recipe brought to Sicily by the Spanish.
Where to Stay in Ragusa (1 night)
Upmarket: Villa Boscarino is an elegant boutique stay set in a beautifully restored historic villa, offering stylish rooms, peaceful gardens, and a lovely pool, making it a calm retreat after a day exploring Ragusa.
Mid-Range: A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel is a characterful stay in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, with beautifully designed rooms, historic charm, and an unbeatable location for exploring the old town on foot.
Budget: Via Pezza 100 is a smart, affordable option with modern apartment-style accommodation and a great location for exploring Ragusa without stretching the budget.
Days 4 and 5: Agrigento
Drive from Ragusa to Agrigento: 115km, around 2 hours
Agrigento is home to one of Sicily’s most extraordinary sights, and this is one stop where slowing down really pays off. Rather than rushing through in a single afternoon, two nights gives you time to properly experience both the remarkable Valley of the Temples and the dramatic white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock.
Scala dei Turchi
Head straight for Scala dei Turchi, just a 20-minute drive west of Agrigento. This extraordinary natural landmark, known as the Stair of the Turks, looks almost impossibly perfect at first glance. Formed from soft white marl and limestone, the cliffs have been sculpted by wind and sea over thousands of years into smooth, sweeping terraces that cascade toward the Mediterranean in brilliant white curves against the deep blue sea.
The name comes from the Turkish and pirate raiders who were said to shelter in the bay centuries ago, although these days the bigger threat has been overtourism. Years of visitors climbing the cliffs, removing fragments of rock, and leaving rubbish behind led to official closures to protect the site.
It is possible to see Scala dei Turchi from the sandy beach to the east, from the road above as you approach from the west, or from a boat. People do slip through the gaps in the beach fence to climb the stairs, despite the site being officially closed.
Valley of the Temples
The following morning, get to the Valley of the Temples as early as possible. This is one of those genuinely unforgettable Sicily road trip moments. Even arriving by road is dramatic, with the temples appearing unexpectedly along the ridge as you approach. Despite the name, this isn’t actually a valley but a vast archaeological site that was once part of ancient Akragas, one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia.
Arriving early means cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer tour groups. Give yourself at least half a day here, longer if ancient history is your thing. The Temple of Concordia is the standout, one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere in the world, while the Temple of Heracles and the iconic remains of Castor and Pollux are equally worth seeing.
Walking among these extraordinary ruins, touching stone carved more than 2,000 years ago, is one of those travel experiences that really sticks with you.
If you’re interested in the deeper history, a guided tour is well worth it, but even exploring independently is hugely rewarding if you book tickets in advance. If energy allows, returning at sunset is a lovely way to experience the site in a completely different atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Agrigento (2 nights)
Upmarket: Doric Eco Boutique Hotel is a stylish contemporary stay with spectacular views toward the Valley of the Temples, a beautiful pool, and an ideal location if you want easy access to Agrigento’s biggest attraction.
Mid-Range: Colleverde Park Hotel is a reliable and comfortable choice with lovely gardens, classic Sicilian charm, and a great position close to the Valley of the Temples while still convenient for Agrigento town.
Budget: Le Terrazze di Pirandello is a great value stay in the heart of Agrigento, with simple but comfortable rooms, sweeping views, and an excellent location for exploring the historic centre while staying within easy reach of the Valley of the Temples.
Optional Add-On: Marsala, Stagnone Lagoon & the Salt Pans
Drive from Agrigento to Marsala: 130km, around 2 hours
Suggested stay: 1–2 nights
When: This optional detour works best between Agrigento and Erice or Trapani, adding a slower and very different side of Sicily to your road trip.
If you have a couple of extra days, western Sicily makes an excellent add-on, especially if you enjoy wine, dramatic coastal scenery, and places that feel a little less polished than Sicily’s headline stops.
Marsala is best known for its famous fortified wine, which is well worth trying even if you don’t usually go for sweeter wines. Produced only in this part of Sicily, Marsala has its own distinct character, and a winery tour and tasting at one of the historic producers is an easy and enjoyable stop.
Just beyond town, the Stagnone Lagoon is one of western Sicily’s most distinctive landscapes, with shallow waters, tiny islands, historic windmills, and traditional salt pans stretching across the horizon. Salt has been produced here for centuries, thanks to the shallow lagoon, hot Sicilian sun, and warm African winds, and the salt pans and their distinctive windmills create one of the island’s most photogenic scenes.
A boat trip out onto the lagoon is a great way to see the islands, including ancient Mozia, and to better understand the history of salt production in this unique corner of Sicily.
Where to Stay in Marsala
Upmarket: Hotel Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo is a beautifully restored historic estate surrounded by vineyards, with elegant rooms, sweeping countryside views, and a lovely pool that makes it feel like a proper Sicilian retreat.
Mid-Range: Viacolvento is a stylish boutique stay in the heart of Marsala, combining contemporary design with apartment-style comfort and an excellent location for exploring the town, waterfront, and local wine bars.
Budget: Villa Carlo Resort is a relaxed, affordable countryside stay with spacious rooms, a pool, and a peaceful setting that works well if you’re road-tripping and want easy parking outside the busier town center.
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Day 6: Erice
Drive from Marsala to Erice: 35km, around 45 minutes (or from Agrigento if skipping the Marsala add-on: 165km, around 2 hours 30 minutes)
Stay: 1 night
Erice is one of Sicily’s most atmospheric hill towns, perched dramatically 750 metres above sea level with sweeping views across western Sicily. With its cobbled lanes, stone buildings, quiet piazzas, and medieval feel, it’s the sort of place that invites aimless wandering rather than a rigid sightseeing plan.
Crowning the hilltop is the Castello di Venere, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus, with some of the best views on the island from its gardens and ramparts. On a clear day, you can see across Trapani, the salt pans, the Egadi Islands, and all the way toward San Vito Lo Capo. It’s absolutely worth timing your visit for decent weather.
Most visitors arrive via Porta Trapani, where you’ll find parking at the top of town, but if you’d rather skip the mountain drive, the funierice (cable car) from Trapani is a fun alternative and gives you brilliant views on the way up.
Give yourself at least half a day here to wander the medieval streets, duck into a few churches, visit the castle, and stop for lunch. Erice is also famous for its pastries and almond sweets, based on old convent recipes, so if you have a sweet tooth, this is your moment.
Where to Stay in Erice (1 night)
Upmarket: Il Carmine Dimora Storica is a beautiful, character-filled stay in a former monastery, with elegant rooms, peaceful courtyards, and a wonderfully atmospheric setting right in the heart of Erice.
Mid-Range: Residence Erice Pietre Antiche offers charming apartment-style accommodation within the old town, making it a great choice if you want space, character, and the freedom to settle in for a night.
Budget: Hotel Elimo is a simple, reliable option with traditional Sicilian character, comfortable rooms, and a great central location for exploring Erice on foot.
Optional Add-On: Monte Cofano & San Vito Lo Capo
Drive from Erice to San Vito Lo Capo: 35km, around 1 hour
Suggested stay: 1–2 nights
If you have extra time and want to experience Sicily’s wilder coastal scenery, this is an excellent detour from Erice before continuing east.
Monte Cofano Nature Reserve is one of western Sicily’s most beautiful landscapes, with dramatic limestone cliffs dropping into the sea, quiet coves, and walking trails that feel a world away from the busier historic towns on this itinerary. The coastal path around the reserve is especially rewarding if you enjoy hiking, with huge sea views for most of the route.
Just beyond, San Vito Lo Capo offers a completely different vibe, with a long sandy beach, turquoise water, and a laid-back seaside atmosphere that feels almost more North African than Italian. It’s one of Sicily’s most famous beach towns and a great place to slow the pace for a day or two.
This is less about sightseeing and more about scenery, swimming, seafood lunches, and enjoying a slower side of Sicily. If your ideal road trip includes coastal walks and beach time, it’s absolutely worth adding. If you’re focused on Sicily’s major cultural highlights, it’s easy to skip without missing the core route.
Where to Stay in San Vito Lo Capo
Upmarket: Baglio La Porta by Geocharme is a gorgeous countryside retreat with sweeping sea views, elegant rooms, and a peaceful setting near the Zingaro coast, perfect if you want a quieter, more upscale escape.
Mid-Range: I Mori Hotel is a stylish boutique stay in the heart of San Vito Lo Capo, with contemporary rooms and an excellent location just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and evening promenade.
Budget: Hotel Sabbia d’Oro is a simple, well-located beach stay offering comfortable rooms and an excellent position just moments from San Vito Lo Capo’s famous sandy shoreline.
Segesta: Scenic Stop En Route to Palermo
Drive from San Vito Lo Capo to Segesta: 55km, around 1 hour 15 minutes (or from Erice if skipping the San Vito Lo Capo add-on: 35km, around 45 minutes)
Rather than adding another overnight stop, Segesta works perfectly as a scenic break on the drive from Erice to Palermo.
Set among rolling countryside in western Sicily, the Temple of Segesta is one of the island’s most beautiful archaeological sites, and the setting is every bit as memorable as the ruins themselves. Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and distant mountain views, it feels wonderfully peaceful and far less visited than some of Sicily’s bigger-name ancient sites.
The great Doric temple is the star attraction, remarkably well preserved despite never actually being completed, which makes it all the more fascinating. Standing alone against the hillside, it’s one of those places that feels quietly dramatic rather than showy.
Higher up the hill, the ancient theatre offers spectacular panoramic views stretching across the countryside toward the sea and is well worth the shuttle ride or uphill walk if you have time.
Allow 2–3 hours here to properly enjoy the site before continuing on to Palermo. It breaks up the drive nicely and adds one final hit of ancient Sicily before the shift into the energy and chaos of the island’s capital.
RELATED POST: How to Visit the Temple of Segesta in Sicily
Days 7, 8 and 9: Palermo
Drive from Segesta to Palermo: 80km, around 1 hour 15 minutes
Stay: 3 nights
One practical note if you’re driving: Palermo traffic is not for the faint-hearted. Parking can be difficult, the historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTLs), and driving in the city can be stressful, so choosing accommodation with parking or leaving the car on the outskirts is a very sensible move.
Palermo is chaotic, complicated, exhilarating, and absolutely unmissable on a Sicily road trip. This is not a polished Italian city of elegant piazzas and orderly traffic. Palermo is louder, rougher around the edges, and far more interesting because of it. Caught between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for centuries, the city has layers of history that give it a character unlike anywhere else in Italy.
One of the best ways to get a feel for Palermo is simply to wander. The streets around Quattro Canti, the city’s famous Baroque crossroads, are always buzzing, with street musicians, food stalls, cafés spilling onto pavements, and plenty of opportunities for coffee, gelato, and excellent people-watching.
The city’s street markets are an absolute must. Mercato del Capo, around Via Porta Carini, is probably the easiest to visit and one of the most atmospheric, with fishmongers shouting over piles of fresh seafood, stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, spices, and all manner of Sicilian snacks. This is the place to try Palermo’s street food culture, whether that means something adventurous or simply a very good coffee while soaking up the chaos.
Palermo Cathedral is worth a look for its fascinating architectural mash-up of Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical influences, although it’s not Sicily’s most atmospheric church. For that, head to San Giuseppe dei Teatini, just off Quattro Canti, whose richly decorated interior is genuinely spectacular and often missed by visitors.
Three nights gives you enough time to explore the city properly without rushing, and also leaves room for a possible day trip to Monreale, whose extraordinary cathedral is one of Sicily’s greatest artistic treasures.
RELATED POST: One Day in Palermo: Best Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
Where to Stay in Palermo (3 nights)
Upmarket: Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel is an elegant boutique stay in the heart of Palermo’s historic centre, with beautifully designed rooms, refined service, and an excellent location for exploring the city’s major sights on foot.
Mid-Range: Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel is a stylish and characterful stay with chic interiors, a small pool, and a fantastic central location that gives you easy access to Palermo’s markets, churches, and lively street life.
Budget: Hotel Posta is a reliable, good-value option with classic Sicilian character, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location within walking distance of Palermo’s historic centre, restaurants, and transport links.
Day 10: Cefalù
Drive from Palermo to Cefalù: 70km, around 1 hour 15 minutes
Stay: 1 night
Cefalù is one of Sicily’s most photogenic seaside towns, and yes, it absolutely knows it. With its honey-colored old town, pretty little harbour, beachside setting, and impressive Norman cathedral, it’s easy to see why it appears in every Sicily itinerary.
The 12th-century Cefalù Cathedral is the standout attraction, dominating the main square with its imposing Norman facade and beautiful mosaics inside. Beyond that, Cefalù is really about wandering. Lose yourself in the old streets, browse the little shops, stroll along the waterfront, and admire the postcard-perfect views of fishing boats bobbing beside the old harbour walls.
That said, this is very much one of Sicily’s polished tourist favourites, and it can feel that way. In peak season especially, the narrow streets fill with day-trippers, guided groups, souvenir shops, and restaurants that aren’t always trying very hard. Go in expecting charm rather than authenticity, and you’ll probably enjoy it far more.
An overnight stay works well because the town becomes much more enjoyable once the day crowds thin out. Early morning and evening are by far the best times to experience Cefalù, when it feels a little less like a stage set and a little more like a real Sicilian seaside town.
Where to Stay in Cefalù (1 night)
Upmarket: Le Calette Garden & Bay is a gorgeous upscale coastal retreat with private bathing platforms, beautiful sea views, and a relaxed resort feel just outside Cefalù, perfect if you want a more indulgent seaside stay.
Mid-Range: Villa Totò Resort is a stylish boutique escape with modern rooms, a lovely pool, and panoramic views, offering a quieter base just outside the bustle of Cefalù.
Budget: Ossuna Bay Hotel Boutique is a smart, well-located stay right by the waterfront, with contemporary rooms and an excellent position for exploring Cefalù’s old town, beach, and harbour on foot.
Days 11, 12 and 13: Taormina
Drive from Cefalù to Taormina: 175km, around 2 hours 45 minutes
Stay: 3 nights
The final stop on your Sicily road trip deserves a little breathing room, and Taormina makes an excellent base for exploring Sicily’s dramatic east coast. With three nights here, you can properly enjoy glamorous Taormina, tackle mighty Mount Etna, and even add Catania if you have the energy.
Taormina
Taormina is undeniably touristy, but it’s touristy for good reason. Perched high above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna smouldering in the background, it’s one of Sicily’s most spectacular settings. Yes, there are designer boutiques, polished restaurants, and plenty of visitors, but it’s still a genuinely beautiful place to spend time.
The star attraction is the Teatro Antico di Taormina, the town’s ancient Greek theatre, which remains one of Sicily’s most extraordinary historic sites. The views alone are worth the ticket, with the stage framing Mount Etna and the coastline beyond in a way that feels almost absurdly perfect.
Beyond the main sights, Taormina is a place for wandering elegant streets, long lunches, aperitivo with a view, and embracing a slightly more polished side of Sicily. If you want beach time, head down to Isola Bella, where a tiny island nature reserve sits just offshore, linked by a narrow strip of beach depending on the tide.
Taormina is well known for its gastronomy, welcome, and hospitality. This highly recommended small group food and wine tour will take you on a walking tour of Taormina to discover the best places to eat and drink, and you’ll get to sample the typical foods of Sicily paired with fine wines from the region.
Mount Etna
Drive from Taormina to Mount Etna (Rifugio Sapienza / main south-side visitor area): 55km, around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Then there’s Mount Etna, which completely changes the mood.
Europe’s largest and most active volcano dominates eastern Sicily, and seeing it up close is one of the most memorable experiences on the island. At over 3,300 metres, Etna feels genuinely wild and otherworldly, with black lava fields, smoking craters, and landscapes that barely feel Mediterranean at all.
If you want the full experience, set aside a full day. Guided summit tours combine cable cars, 4×4 transport, and hiking with specialist volcanic guides, and while it’s not exactly a relaxing day out, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
If you’d prefer something less demanding, you can still visit the lower slopes independently, explore lava fields, wineries, and viewpoints, and still get a real sense of Etna’s scale.
Optional Add-On: Catania
Drive from Taormina to Catania: 55km, around 1 hour
Far grittier and less polished than Taormina, Catania has a completely different energy. Built from dark volcanic stone and shaped by Etna’s constant presence, it feels younger, louder, and more lived-in. Come for the chaotic fish market, Baroque piazzas, excellent street food, and a taste of real working Sicilian city life.
Where to Stay in Taormina (3 nights)
Upmarket: Grand Hotel Timeo is Taormina at its most glamorous, with extraordinary views of Mount Etna and the coast, impeccable service, lush gardens, and a classic old-world elegance that makes this a true splurge stay.
Mid-Range: Hotel Metropole Taormina is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of town, with chic interiors, a beautiful terrace, and sweeping sea views that make it feel far more indulgent than a typical mid-range stay.
Budget: Hotel Villa Sirina is a friendly, good-value option just outside the centre, offering comfortable rooms, a relaxed garden setting, and convenient parking, which is a real bonus in Taormina.
Sicilian Road Trip Resources
Things to Know About Sicilian Travel
The Mafia
Despite recent anti-Mafia movements, particularly strong in Palermo, the Mafia has retained much of its power in administrative and rural Sicily.
However, there are strong signs now that the Sicilian people have had enough. Movements against the Cosa Nostra are gaining momentum and becoming visible across the island, especially in Palermo. Sicilians are daring to believe that things are changing.
If you’re fascinated by the Mafia, take this brilliant Godfather private tour, which includes a visit to Castello Degli Schiavi, the beautiful and timeless villa used as a filming location for several Godfather films.
The Locals
The Sicilians don’t conform to carefree southern Italian stereotypes. Life has long been too hard and is dominated by hard work and not much money. Sometimes, locals can seem sullen and rude towards visitors, but if you persevere, then you will see a different side of the Sicilian people, who are fiercely loyal and proud.
It helps to be able to speak even a little bit of the language; most Sicilian people really appreciate it when you make an effort, even if you can’t pronounce ‘cinquecentocinquantacinque’ (five hundred and fifty-five!).
Waste
Sicily is a stunningly beautiful country, apart from the piles of rubbish literally everywhere. Waste is dumped all along the sides of roads and on any rough ground.
We were told by locals that it was a protest against the mafia’s control of administrative monies because no provision is made for the proper disposal of waste. Whatever the reason, you just have to learn to look past it.
Getting to Sicily
Already On the Continent
If you are already on the continent, there are boats to Sicily from all over Europe. You can sail to Palermo from Naples, Genoa, Sardinia, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Salerno and Tunisia. We use Direct Ferries to plan and book ferries around the Mediterannean.
If you’re not near any of those places, the chances are there is a route. The 24-hour crossing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome’s port) opens up possibilities from the Iberian Peninsula.
Hopping on a boat from Greece or the Baltic states across to Italy, or driving there from northern Europe, means Sicily is easily accessible from across the continent
Flying
If you choose to fly to Sicily, you can use Trapani, Palermo or Catania airports. Catania, on the east coast, is the best choice and a good road trip starting point if you are renting a car or want to hire a motorhome or campervan.
We recommend DiscoverCars.com, one of the world’s largest car rental platforms, because its scale helps secure competitive prices, giving you access to great deals when planning your Sicilian road trip.
If you’re planning a motorhome adventure, we recommend Motorhome Republic, a comparison booking platform that brings together deals from multiple rental providers, giving you a wide range of options alongside support from their excellent English-speaking motorhome concierge team.
Driving to Sicily from the UK
If you’re planning to drive to Sicily from the United Kingdom, then the most direct route from Calais to Villa San Giovanni (for the shortest ferry crossing from mainland Italy to Sicily) will take you around 23 hours of driving time over 2260km.
Once you get to Villa San Giovanni, you will need to get a boat over to Messina in eastern Sicily. You can book online, but it’s not necessary as there is no saving, and ferries cross at least every hour or so from a number of providers. It takes around 30 minutes to cross to Messina and will cost around €80 for a three-month open return by car.
RELATED POST: Driving to Italy from the UK: Routes & Tips
When to Visit Sicily
April to early June and late September to October are the best times to visit Sicily and travel or take a road trip. The temperatures are pleasant, and you will have the added bonus of Sicily’s gorgeous wildflowers being in full bloom in the spring months. Avoid a trip to Sicily at Easter as this is considered high season and costs will rise exponentially.
It becomes really busy around mid-June, when schools are closed, and from July to mid-September, the coastal areas are extremely busy. Unless you plan to spend time at a seaside resort or on an island, avoid a visit to Sicily in August; the heat is unbearable, and most city businesses are closed as the locals take their holidays.
It is quieter from late October to mid-December. There are fewer tourists in the cities, but sites and attractions do tend to close earlier, and some will be closed altogether. The plus is that you’ll be able to enjoy warm winter temperatures across the island, especially if the African winds blow north. Things pick up again briefly during the Christmas holidays when many shops and museums have extended hours.
RELATED POST: Southern Italy: Discover the Best 33 Places To Visit
Driving in Italy
Whether you’re travelling in your own vehicle or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you drive in Italy and Sicily:
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