Depending on where you are coming from, the Entries to Sicily varies. SicilyShortStay enumerated the ways to reach the beautiful island of Sicily.
Tourist Information in Sicily
VISA REQUIREMENTS | ENTRIES TO SICILY | TOURISM DESKS |
SAFETY REMINDERS | TRAVEL TIPS | EMERGENCY NUMBERS |
“The purity of the outlines, the softness of everything, saggy of colours. The harmonious unity of the sky with the sea and the sea with the land. Who saw them only once, he owns them for life.”
Sicily is a dream, a whereabouts so isolated yet makes you so connected, with nature, with history and with yourself. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is without a doubt one of the best destinations in Europe. It is since ancient times until today. We cannot wait for the entire world to discover this island’s enchanting beauty.
Entries to Sicily
Sicily has nine provinces and minor islands. The abundant territory of the island generally consists of rich history with influences from foreign occupations. Its principal cities, charming villages and seaside towns offer plenty of things and sites to see. The mountains, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, rivers, forests and wildlife are natural wonders that can be compared to a dream.
Convince to visit Sicily now? So, what are the entries to Sicily? The easiest way to access the region of Sicily is by plane. And you have a lot of options to get around. All you need is a prepared mind, a patient heart and a free spirit to experience the incredible.
Sicily by plane
Sicily is situated on the Southern coast of Italy where the island is separated from the other 19 regions by the narrow Straits of Messina. The region has two principal airports in Palermo and Catania and four other small airports.
- Catania–Fontanarossa Airport or also called as Vincenzo Bellini Airport. It is the largest/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. There are shuttle bus services from Catania city centre which can take you from and to the airport.
- Palermo Airport or Falcone Borsellino Airport is the airport for the metropolitan city of Palermo and its nearby towns. The train is currently under renovation(should be fixed by this time now) so one can take the bus on the Palermo Stazione Centrale from and to the airport. It’s the airport hubs for Alitalia, Ryanair and diverse domestic and international flights.
- Trapani or Aeroporto Vincenzo Florio is the third airport and serves as a military and public airport. It is the base for the Italian Air force and combat, search and rescue helicopters. After its relaunch in 2003, the airport has gained domestic and international flights.
Here are the popular airlines that operate in Sicily airports.
- Alitalia
- Ryanair
- Volotea
- Mistral Air
- Air France
- Easy Jet
- KLM
Sicily also has smaller airports with smaller planes to go in the islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria. Ferry option to go to these minor islands will take a few more hours.
Sicily by boat
Surrounded by water, one of the best ways to access or transit around Sicily is by the sea. You can reach the island by cruise ships, ferries, yachts, or boats. Large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Club Cruises and more include Palermo and other Sicilian cities in their holiday itineraries in the Mediterranean. In western Sicily, the ships are docked on ports which are usually near the city centre. It allows passengers to wander around the historical centres for a few hours. Ride a horse cart. Furthermore, try out local restaurants to dine in before the ships head into their next port of call.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d25107.348209130225!2d13.35459180169435!3d38.130460122373606!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xfdf334104dc8d3ab!2sPorto+di+Palermo!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sit!4v1549961799391&w=600&h=450]You can go from seeing beautiful sceneries or grab the chance to go island exploring in the Aeolian and Aegadian Islands by hopping on ferries. The ferries run from the port of Palermo. There are private boats to hire too or motor yachts.
Major ports for the cruise, passenger and cargo ships include the Port of Palermo, Port of Termini Imerese, Port of Trapani, Port of Empedocle in Agrigento, Port of Catania and the Port of Messina. Hourly ferries also operate in the Port of Messina. It will take you from Messina to Calabria. In case you are driving, you can take your car with you on RORO ships. From mainland Italy, the train also runs through a train ferry carrying it across the Straits of Messina to Palermo and Catania
Sicily by public transports
Not all provinces of Sicily have airports so you need to get to the closest one to your destination. Get a transfer from there, either with bus or rented car services. There are plenty of choices when travelling by land and Google Maps will be your best friend during this journey. Please research whether you’ll opt with the public transport route or hire a car service.