I'm very torn trying to plan my short stint in Sicily. I'll be going around the beginning of October and I can fly into either Palermo or Catania, but only have three days and don't want to spend hours every day driving. I would like to see Palermo, but it seems most of the attractions are nearer to Catania. I like hiking and beaches but also ruins and cities. Any advice? Must-see places?
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7053 posts
There are many attractions both in Palermo and around Catania (it's not as lopsided as you said) - it depends which ones are the most interesting to you. Maybe you can even fly into the much smaller Comiso Airport and only focus on the Baroque cities of Ragusa, Modica, and maybe Noto (you may not have time to see all three, but at least two since they're close together). Personally, unless you have 3 full days and you can make the most of them (and minimize transport time between attractions), I wouldn't bother going for that short of a stint (I did a 4 day full trip from Malta and ran myself ragged, so I'm speaking from experience how short of a time that really is). If you do go, I would restrict the geographic range of your trip so you have some time to actually see something and take it in. You can get to ruins and beaches from both Catania and Palermo, so start with a guide book or the link below.
Look at http://www.bestofsicily.com
Posted by
Washington DC
27648 posts
I'm with Agnes but even more stubborn. I absolutely wouldn't go to Sicily for such a short time. You're talking about taking two flights in order to have maybe 2-1/2 days on an island that is worth 2 weeks or longer. (Sicily is not like one of the small Greek islands.) Surely there are lovely places you haven't already seen in mainland Italy or whatever country you'd be flying from??
Unless you want to spend all your time in Palermo (which certainly has enough to keep you busy) or Catania (which probably doesn't), you'll lose time on trains or buses to Cefalu, Monreale, Taormina, etc. Even thinking about it frustrates me.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I doubt that most visitors return from Sicily saying that Palermo was their favorite city. So I would vote for Catania, hoping that particular corner of the island will leave you wanting more.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Here's a recent earlier thread on the same subject: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/sicily-questions-fe1f885a-801b-4c7a-aab1-e2cc300c7d35
I agree with acraven on this. Unless you have a very special reason, like researching family connections that can't be done anywhere else in Italy, it's not worth the time, hassle, and expense of flying to and from Sicily for only 3 days. This is particularly true if you want more than just a "city break" in Palermo. There's always more on the mainland to see.
If you tell us more about your trip (how long it is; where are you starting from - the US or somewhere else; what cities you are flying into and out of, or if this is not yet set; what places you are definitely seeing and possibly seeing, etc) we can give lots of ideas.
On the other hand, if you want to spend at least 10 days just in Sicily, go for it!
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thanks to everyone for your input! You've swayed me and I realize trying to cram Sicily into my week-long trip is nuts. I'm flying into Rome and now I'm just trying to decide between Florence Venice, or Naples for the last three days. It seems much more reasonable. Thank again!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
74 posts
My first trip to Sicily - 2014 - 10 days ... too short!
My second trip to Sicily - 2016 - 2 weeks ... too short!
My third trip to Sicily - October, 2017 - will be 3 weeks and I'm sure I'll say that's still too short!
Sicily is magical. It combines the best of many cultures.
I'm a solo woman active traveler. I prefer to fly in/out of Catania. I book AirBnB places with rooftop gardens/patios. On my most recent trip I moved around with public buses which are frequent and CHEAP!
I took a public bus up to Mt Etna (2nd time) and hiked around.
It's not a place to "check the box". The most unexpected joys and discoveries happen when you aren't rushing around.
Sicily is worth your time.
I use Lonely Planet Sicily book. Rick Steves is FINALLY publishing a Sicily book in 2017. I'll be first in line to order it.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7123 posts
I have to agree with those who say it's not worth it for 3 days, especially if traveling independently. I went to Sicily for 5 days but it was on an escorted tour so transportation was provided and that made all the difference. But even at that I left there feeling glad that I had gone but wished it could have been longer, much longer. We did not get to Catania and only had 1-1/2 days in Palermo - definitely not nearly enough. I think you're wise to follow the advice given here and save Sicily for when you can give it a minimum of 1 week and preferably 2 weeks.