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Getting to and around Sicily

Getting to and around Sicily has never been easier. There are now new direct routes from the UK and many different connecting flights from hub airports all over Italy and the rest of Europe. In addition, there are the more 'traditional' routes by sea from Calabria, Napoli, Genoa and Malta.

Getting around Sicily with trains, boats and buses is not as difficult as it once was. Services are not always very efficient but they do function. It's easy to find a ferry departure at Milazzo for the Lipari islands. But for land transportation, we would recommend you hire a car s it's the best way to this this beautiful island.

Getting to Sicily

If you're planning on going to Sicily after visiting the Italian mainland, you can take a plane, the train or drive.

By Plane: Sicily's two principal cities are Palermo [the regional capital], in the east, and Catania in the west, and each has an airport.

Palermo Airport [PMO]: Palermo Airport is the most convenient Sicily airport for UK budget travellers, as Ryanair run low-cost flights from London Stansted. Most flights, though are to/from other Italian destinations, including the holiday islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria. The airport is named Aeroporto Falcone Borsellino and is located at Punta Raisa, about 30km from the city.

Catania Airport [CTA]: Fontanarossa Airport is only 5km from Catania. This is the best option if you're visiting the Eastern or southern destinations such aas Taormina and Siracusa.

By train: Palermo and Catania can be reached easily by rail from all major Italian cities or even outside of Italy. The trains drive right onto the ferries and if you can't be bothered, you don't have to get out of your seat but you'll be missing some fantastic views.

To book a train and check time tables visit www.trenitalia.com

By Car: Contrary to many public services in Italy, the ferry service to Sicily is super efficient. There are also private firms running ferries to and from the mainland. The cost of the public service is slightly less than the private but both are cheap. The ferries take cars or walk-on passengers and are easy to find in Villa San Giovanni and Messina. Look for signs for Sicilia. They leave every 15-20 minutes, 24 hours a day with no advance bookings.

Between April 20 to October 7, you can also take a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples to Palermo. Either one takes cars. The hydrofoil takes four hours; the ferry leaves at 7:30 and arrives the next morning where you'll find two and four bed cabins, restaurant, bar and a cinema on board. Online ticket purchases and timetables can obtained from www.tirrenia.it

The same company also runs a hydrofoil to Lipari in the summer

From Sardinia by ferry there are weekly departures from Cagliari to Trapani and Palermo, the overnight voyage takes about 13 hours. Also see www.tirrenia.it

Getting to Sicily from the airport

Renting a car in Sicily: If you need a car in Sicily and we highly advise it, we would recommend you fly and rent one online before you get to the airport. We've rented a car via RyanAir before and the queue length on arriving at the Hertz desk was shocking.

Hotel Enthusiast is partners with Auto Europe, one of the leading car rental companies in Europe. They have both a large range of vehicles and pick-up and drop-off points all over Sicily and Italy.

All you need to do is click on the link below to go to their site and search the best fare for you. When you enter Auto Europe site you will leave Hotel Enthusiast.

Auto Europe Car Hire: click on this link >> Auto Europe

Sicily is generally an easy place to drive. The whole island is well connected by a motorway that runs around the island. However, the cities can be somewhat challenging. Palermo and Catania can be chaotic so you have to have your wits with you. The Sicilians also have a reputation for careless driving and the cities such as Catania, Messina and Palermo can be chocked with traffic. Be confident and stay aware and you'll have no problems.