What to see in Sicily by car? Anything you want! The ability to move freely, independence from taxis and public transport (which runs quite irregularly) allows you to visit not only the popular resorts but also quiet rural villages during a short vacation. The speed of movement is determined only by your mood and desire. The only limitation: if the trip is made during the high season, it is recommended to book hotels in advance to get the best quality services at a reasonable price.
Advantages of Car Rental
More and more tourists rent a car near their intended vacation spot. This is not surprising: traveling by car, you can visit the main attractions of Sicily in a short time, evaluate the beaches of the northern and southern parts of the island. This type of vacation is ideal for those who cannot sit still for even 10 days. But having read horror stories about unscrupulous car rental companies, tourists are afraid to sign contracts with unknown companies. Fortunately, there are companies with a good reputation in this market sector, like AutoEurope.
Catania
The first city seen on the island of Sicily is Catania. From the airport, you should immediately go to explore it. Parking in the center is not very easy, but you can still find a spot. Today, this city is thriving: there are many fashionable boutiques here, so Catania will delight shopping lovers. And one day is enough to see the sights.
The main historical buildings are located on the central square: Piazza del Duomo. From here begins the main street: Via Etnea. It pierces the city from south to north. Catania is compact: a little walk from the center will allow you to see other cultural monuments. Pay attention to:
- The elephant fountain made of basalt
- The baroque monument – Cathedral of Saint Agatha (12th century)
- Bellini Opera Theater
- Ursino Castle
- Fountain of Proserpina and Hades
It is worth climbing Mount Etna: the fire-breathing craters are stunning. And near the eastern tip of the volcano, in the village of San Alfio, grows the unique Chestnut of a Hundred Horses. It is an ancient natural monument: according to scientists, it is about 4000 years old! Having a rental car at your disposal, you should definitely see this wonder!
The lands around Etna are cultivated and artificially irrigated: there are many vineyards and orchards here. Therefore, the tastiest fruits and excellent local wine can be found in this area. All this should definitely be tried and perhaps bought as gifts for friends. If you do not want to travel further on the same day, you can stay overnight in a hotel. Prices depend on the location and number of stars, but the service is excellent everywhere.
Syracuse
The first thing that catches your eye when leaving Catania is the condition of the local roads. They are very similar to the roads in Greece (Halkidiki). Moreover, the difference between toll and free sections is almost imperceptible. It is worth driving only 65 km along the coast to the south to reach Syracuse.
This fascinating place consists of two parts: the old town, located on the island of Ortigia, and the new, mainland part. Walking on the island planted with cypresses and palm trees is pleasant. Moreover, the famous Archimedes Square and the Temple of Apollo are located here. History lovers will appreciate the Archaeological Park Neapolis with its remarkable Quarries, Greek Theatre, and the cave “Ear of Dionysius.”
There are excellent beaches in the vicinity. The swimming season starts in early May and lasts until mid-November, so it is worth staying in the city to enjoy the gentle waves of the sea and lie on the soft sand. Those who want to spend a few days in Syracuse should choose hotels on the island of Ortigia: everything there is imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
Castello Maniace
This Syracuse attraction is located at the southern tip of Ortigia. The castle is named after the commander George Maniakes, who returned Syracuse to Byzantium in the 11th century. He built the harbor, at the entrance to which he installed two bronze rams. The castle was built by the order of Frederick I in the 13th century. Interestingly, the walls were decorated too elegantly for a functioning fort.
From its foundation until the explosion of supplies in the 18th century, Castello Maniace protected the city from the sea. For some time, it served as a royal residence. Previously, one could only enter the territory via a drawbridge; today, the moat is filled with earth, and a regular road leads to the monument.
Ragusa
The town is located in the extreme south of Sicily. Ragusa is called an island on an island: it consists of two parts: the old (Ibla) and the new (Superior). Between them lies a wide and deep ravine, connected by three bridges.
Tourists mainly visit:
- Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Cathedral of St. George
- Palazzo
- Port gate Vattiri
- Ibla Park
The town’s architecture is so unique that all Ragusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, there are enough cafes and restaurants in the town, and it is mostly visited by cultural tourism enthusiasts, so Ragusa is not crowded. It is pleasant to spend one or two evenings here. If you want to combine sightseeing in Ragusa with a beach vacation, you should visit the clean beaches of Marina di Ragusa. To do this, you need to drive 25 km to the coast.
Agrigento
To reach the next point of the car trip, you will have to drive more than 100 km. Given the condition of the local roads, it will take more than 2.5 hours. Today, Agrigento is a small town, although it was once a flourishing trading polis. Unfortunately, few people visit here: tourists prefer to see the attractions located in the town’s surroundings. But it is definitely worth visiting.
There is also a lot to see here:
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Historic center (especially impressive at sunset)
- Cathedral
- Church of Our Lady
- Calogero Sanctuary
- Gem museum
The botanical garden presents a collection of rare plants. The complex’s territory has caves worth exploring. Agrigento’s beaches are considered some of the best in Sicily. There is fine sand and warm sea here. However, after storms, algae are washed ashore, but they are quickly cleaned up.
Scala dei Turchi
The Turkish Steps are located 10 km from the Valley of the Temples in the Porto Empedocle area. There is paid parking here, from which you need to walk about 500 m to the cape. Local residents say that Turkish pirates once hid in the caves on the coast. Hence the name of the cape. The Turkish Steps themselves are made of white limestone. It descends into the sea in steps.
The contrast between the white stone and the azure sea is interesting: the water seems to have an even more intense color. Sicilian children dive from the ledges, but it is not recommended to repeat this risky trick. If you want to swim, you should go to one of the two equipped beaches nearby. They are sandy and have minimal infrastructure.
Valley of the Temples
The unique complex is located in the southeastern part of Agrigento. The entrance to the territory is paid, and you will also have to pay for parking your car.
Unfortunately, the unique complex needs extensive restoration. The best-preserved structures are:
- Theron’s Tomb
- Temple of Zeus
- Temple of Concordia
- Complex of Juno
These artifacts make great backgrounds for selfies and photos. The other attractions look like piles of stones. The Valley is extremely hot: for a comfortable visit, you will need sunscreen and a hat.
Trapani
Trapani is located in the west of Sicily. This city is not exactly a tourist center of the island, but the flow of vacationers (especially those renting cars) is growing. Historically, Trapani developed as a trading port and a salt production center. Salt is still mined in the traditional way today: it is considered the best on the island. Tourists eagerly buy it as gifts. The historic center is interesting: it is a cape that extends deep into the sea. It is called the nose of the city.
This is where old buildings, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques are concentrated. In high season, it can be crowded here. However, there are no suitable beaches in the center. The coastal zone is occupied by the port. Several sections are allocated for recreation by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the best of which is Lido Paradiso. The shore is covered with fine sand, with changing cabins, toilets, and showers. Next to Lido Paradiso is a free zone, but it lacks amenities.
Above the beach is a promenade. It is especially crowded in the evening and morning. If you drive 3 km from the center, you can swim at the municipal beach of San Giuliano. Here is a sandy coast with a gentle slope into the water. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent. Nearby you can see the ruins of Tonnara San Giuliano and windmills: these are the main attractions of Trapani.
Favignana Island
After visiting Trapani, you should definitely go to the neighboring island. You can reach Favignana from Trapani by ferry. On the island, you should move around by rented bicycle or on foot: it is too small for a car. But if the bicycles are already taken, and you don’t want to take the bus along the coast, it is recommended to walk.
The coast is indented with cozy bays, among which it is difficult to choose the most beautiful. But it is pleasant to swim in any of them. The most visited places by tourists are:
- Lido Burrone – the most equipped and longest;
- Bue Marino – a paradise for divers;
- Cala Azzurra – excellent sand;
- Cala Rossa – amazing mix of colors.
And those tourists who are too lazy to go far can swim near the pier: here is a shallow sea and a sandy coast. The main attraction of the island is the tuna museum, founded by the island’s owner, Ignazio Florio.
Alcamo
If you drive along the coast from Trapani towards Palermo, it is impossible to miss Alcamo. This ancient town was founded in the 12th century. Throughout its history, it was owned by Arabs, Normans, Turks, and Greeks. Alcamo is built on a hill, from the highest point of which there is an excellent panorama of the sea and the city’s streets. The old center has been well preserved.
Here you can see:
- Castle of the Dukes Enrico and Federico Chiaramonte
- Church of Saints Francis and Paula
- Church of St. Thomas
- De Ballis Tower
The old center immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The illusion is especially vivid at sunset. Interestingly, tourists who choose cultural holidays come here. Alcamo has an excellent fish market where only freshly caught fish and seafood are sold.
Palermo
Interestingly, the Palermo area is quite forested. Once mixed and broad-leaved forests covered all of Sicily. But the local residents have been cutting down trees for shipbuilding and other needs for many centuries. Today, the remaining forests are concentrated in the northern part of the island. The contrast with the southern coast is especially noticeable when moving from south to north.
It will not be possible to see (even briefly) the capital of Sicily in one day: you will have to stay here for at least 2-3 days. And it is better to choose accommodation closer to the center: this will save time moving around the city. All the main attractions are concentrated here. The Kasa Kala hotel demonstrates a good price-quality ratio. It offers duplex rooms at a reasonable price. The hotel is located near Vittorio Emanuele, Kuznetsky Bridge.
Palermo should be explored thoughtfully, as four cultures layer upon each other here:
- Byzantine
- Arab
- European
- Sicilian
And by examining the buildings of the historic center, you can easily determine who and when created them. Stories about the Sicilian mafia frighten and excite (however, this is all in the distant past: the current families are engaged in legal business). Palermo is a noisy multinational city. Immigrants from Africa and Asia have settled in areas adjacent to the historic center. Therefore, you should not stray from tourist routes.
Palermo has numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try dishes from almost any cuisine in the world. And luxurious Sicilian wine will not leave anyone indifferent. The best beaches are located outside the city, but they are magnificent. Clean sand, a gentle slope into the water, and the gentle and warm Tyrrhenian Sea attract lovers of coastal recreation.
Those who want to get a thrill should definitely go down to the catacombs. In the endless underground galleries, the dead dwell. Scientists have counted more than 8,000 remains of people buried here at different times.
Cefalù
To get to Cefalù, you need to drive 73 km east of Palermo. By the way, the highway becomes toll when approaching the city. Perhaps this is due to the many tunnels built. Cefalù is small but charming in its own way. One day is enough to explore it. But if you want to visit the nearby Madonie National Park or relax on the wide shores of Le Salinelle, you can stay at an excellent hotel in the center: Palazzo Maria. Prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent.
Archaeologists say that the first settlers on the cliff resembling a head were the Sicels. They were attracted by the place’s impregnability. The second inhabitants of Cefalù were the Greeks: they rebuilt the settlement and named it Cephaloedium. They fortified the city and equipped a convenient harbor. During the war with the Arabs, the invaders had to work hard to break through the city walls.
At different times, Cefalù belonged to Byzantium, Arabs, and Normans: the name given by the latter has been preserved to this day. And Cefalù became part of Italy in the 19th century. Among the cultural attractions, it is worth seeing the Cathedral: its mosaics have no analogs. And if it gets boring, you should go to the Mandralisca Art Gallery. There is an excellent city beach: clean and well-maintained, but too tight. Fans of open space strive to visit La Salinelle. It is 8 km long, with a sandy coast and a gentle slope into the water almost everywhere.
Mistretta
Mistretta is located 90 km east of Palermo. From Cefalù, you need to drive 32 km. This is a small commune in the Messina district. One day is enough to see the sights. If you intend to have a secluded vacation, it is worth staying at the Heart of Sicily hotel. Here are comfortable rooms with sea views and good cuisine. There are few tourists in Mistretta.
Nicosia
Is it worth driving into the island’s interior? Everyone decides for themselves. When traveling by car, there is a unique opportunity to see the non-resort life of Sicily. However, be prepared for fewer entertainment and attractions than expected. Nicosia is located in the mainland part of Sicily. It is equidistant from Piedmont and Messina, so it played an important strategic role in the past. The cities were well fortified and were a serious obstacle for invaders. It’s no wonder that Nicosia translates as the City of Victory.
The first inhabitants were settlers from Lombardy and Piedmont. Monarchs also paid attention to the city: under William II, it was declared a royal residence, and Charles V came here in 1535. Nicosia was almost completely destroyed by the 1967 earthquake. The buildings were partially restored, but the city lost its former grandeur: today, only elderly people live here. Young people leave in search of a better life, and even African immigrants do not stay here.
It is interesting to see the Cathedral. It is named after St. Nicholas, the patron of Nicosia. A wooden crucifix made in the 17th century is kept here. If you climb to the upper part of Nicosia, you can admire the castle ruins. Nicosia has excellent local wine, which is quite cheap, and excellent fruits. Soft cheese made by farmers will complement the meal.
Gagliano Castelferrato
This is the final point of the car trip around Sicily. The city is located away from tourist routes, in the heart of Sicily. Gagliano Castelferrato seems as deserted as Nicosia. Even immigrants from Asia and Africa do not stop here. The streets are empty, tourists are not seen. The main advantages of the town are wine and soft cheese. It is made from goat and sheep milk here, and the taste is quite specific, for an amateur. But it is an excellent addition to the wine.
You can stay in Gagliano Castelferrato for a few days to thoroughly explore the Nebrodi National Park, 29 km away. From Gagliano Castelferrato, we return to Catania. One important event remains: returning the rented car. The company employee arrived at the parking lot near the airport on time. The process took about 5 minutes: the car was inspected, no damage was found. The keys were handed over. Goodbye, hospitable Sicily! The plane home leaves in 1.5 hours.