We will be in Sicily in May and because of the areas we would like to see, are thinking of staying in Palermo, Trapani and Ortigia. We were thinking of flying into Palermo and going straight to Trapani, onto Ortigia and them back to Palermo because that is were we fly out. However, there doesn't seem to be an easy way to get from Trapani to Syracuse without going back to Palermo. A private driver so far has quoted us over 600euro (3 people/3 suitcases). Does anyone know of another way from Trapani, maybe a bus that I'm not seeing in my research? Or should we forgo our stay in Trapani? We were planning on going to the Egadi Islands, Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo from there but now were are not sure. Thank you for your suggestions.
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
I went to the Egadi Islands in 2015 and, as an American, was disappointed. I think a lot of the gushing about the islands is related to the very uncrowded, sandy beaches (boat capacity is controlled), which are quite rare in Europe. I don't go to Europe to spend time on sandy beaches, so I would have done better to spend my time elsewhere. It takes a full day, at least, to see anything of the Egadi Islands, and there's just so much to see in Sicily.
Another sightseeing option from Trapani is Erice, a very atmospheric medieval town reachable by bus or bus plus a lift. The lift isn't close to the part of Trapani you'd be staying in, but a city bus will get you to it.
As for transportation from Trapani to Siracusa (Ortygia), there are buses from Trapani to Palermo; they're faster than trains because the trains are slow to begin with and follow a non-direct route. In Palermo you could continue by bus or switch to a train. There are trains cutting through the interior of Sicily as well as trains following the coast. Routings vary and may involve a train+bus combo, but some take just over 4-1/2 hours. There's also bus service from Catania to Siracusa, most likely more frequent than train service.
You can make this trek by public transportation, but it will be rather convoluted. One advantage to using a driver (wonder whether you'd save some money by meeting the driver in Palermo) is that you could arrange a stop at the Villa Romana del Casale, near Piazza Armerina. There would be an extra cost, I'm sure, but it's a top sight (fab mosaics) you'd probably all enjoy a lot.
I try hard to see the interior of the islands I visit rather than just hanging out on the coast the entire time. The interior is usually a lot less touristy. So in your situation, I'd try to take some form of transportation that cuts through the middle of the island.
Right-click for a Translate-to-English option on the SAIS website. You may have to do that on each webpage as you browse.
Posted by
OP
47 posts
Thank you for the suggestions. This is actually my second time in Sicily and I’m trying to see areas i haven’t seen before. However, we will be doing some interior cities as well since we will be there for 17 nights. Although I have heard from others that share your same opinion regarding the islands. Thank you again for the detailed travel info to Siracusa. Much appreciated!
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
Well, it's different if this a second trip. I just realized in retrospect that there were other places I would have enjoyed more.
Posted by
1045 posts
In fairness, the private driver is 200€ per person, for a 4-5 hour drive (without breaks.) I know that’s not cheap, but considering how easy they might make this for you it could be a splurge worth considering. Time is money, as they say.
Also, it sounds like you have may not have purchased airfare yet? I would check into flying open jaw Catania/Palermo. I had a lot of difficulty even finding a round trip through Palermo only. It was also way cheaper flying into Catania and out of Palermo versus the other way around. I saved a lot by flipping my itinerary. Starting in Ortigia and heading to Palermo then Trapani might also be easier than what you’re facing now.
Posted by
OP
47 posts
Thank you. Our airfare is already booked. But, I tried open jaw and I couldn’t get a flight without a 20+ hour layover on the way home. I also was oddly limited on airlines. There were few choice of airlines without paying an exorbitant amount. In the many years I’ve been traveling to Italy, this year I had the most trouble with booking. Although, I’m not too comfortable with it, we just may end up driving. Thank you again for your suggestions.