GPS IN Sicily

We used our Garmin in Sicily a couple of years ago. I think we just had to download maps of Europe. (I can't tell you the model # because it was stolen out of our car, here in the USA, a few months back.). However, I caution you to carry a good map, along with your gps. Ours led us on some bizarre routes on several occasions. We found that the best plan was to use the map to work out a route to get close to our destination. Then, the gps was useful for the fine points; like which autostrada exit to use, and how to navigate streets to get to a museum or our lodgings, etc. Also great for getting out of town efficiently.

Hi, We used a Tom Tom GPS which we purchased with included Europe Maps. There was an anecdotal post on this forum that mentioned that a B&B owner in Sicily said that Tom Tom was more accurate in either Sicily or Italy, not sure. Our GPS worked well except in once instance inland where there was extensive road construction with confusing detours. Our model circa 2011 is the 540 s and included Canada, USA, Mexico and Europe with unlimited updates. It is still going strong. Enjoy Sicily!

I've used my 10 year old Garmin in Sicily and never had a problem with its routing. I purchased it with North American and European maps. When the free updates expired, I signed up for unlimited map updates. I usually receive two updates a year. Without the GPS I'd still be trying to get out of Palermo.

With Garmin you have a number of options. Get a unit with just North American maps and then pay an addional fee to download the European maps or get a unit with NA and European maps preloaded. If you Google search for Garmin unit with NA and Europe Maps you can link to some. Note that the 2557LMT and 2559LMT are discontinued models but they'll do the job at a great price. The cost of the Italian or Europe map download on SD card from Garmin is $69/$99 and you have to purchase an additional subscription for future updates.

I'm the one who posted about the TomTom knowing certain roads in central rural Sicily that the Garmin just did not know. I'm suyre there are pluses and minuses to each brand in general; but if you're buying specifically for Sicily, get a TomTom.

To answer your question, if you buy a GPS with European maps, or buy the European maps for a model that only came pre-installed with North American maps, it will have Sicily. If you already own a GPS, just get the European maps. If you don't, you can buy a TomTom from Amazon that has both sets of maps, such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-1505M-Traveler-Navigator-Lifetime/dp/B00BHSTWOY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458428231&sr=8-1&keywords=gps+tomtom+europe

Does anyone have advice on using my google maps from my phone.

Thanks,
Lorie