Would you recommend we take the fast route from Naples to Catania and fly, or take the 7 hour train from Naples to Taormina? Is it scenic enough to warrant a full day on the train?
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Fly. Best option IMO. The ferry crossing is tedious, slow and boring. The highway is a trunk one, cutting mostly on trenches, walls or dilapidated parts of different cities, not a scenic one.
Posted by
Portland
3603 posts
I agree with Andre. In May, we went from Sorrento to Catania. I researched all the options and concluded that flying from Naples was the best. The others just took too long.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you want to save the cost of a night in a hotel, you could take the direct night train that leaves Napoli at 23:40 and arrives at Taormina at 07:39. If that doesn't appeal to you, then flying is your best option.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Fly to either Catania or Palermo. Use Wichbudget.com to find one of the lo-cost inter EU airlines, making sure that you read the weight and carry-on restrictions. We took the train; only part of it was good. Since then we have taken the plane. The overnight ferry from Naples to the Aeolian Islands is another great option. We loved the Aeolians, and combined a few days there with time in Taoromina and Syracusa area.
Posted by
West Chesetr, PA, USA
1 posts
Hi all, I just booked an overnight ferry from Naples to Catania. It seemed like a reasonable option, since the 67 euro fee covered both transportation and a double berth cabin. We decided to fly back to Naples rather than take the train or bus. The flight is Air Italy (as opposed to AirItalia) and the cost was only $75 per person - a one-hour flight. I'll let you know how it turns out.
We're going in October.