Hotels in Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is frequented by millions of visitors all over the world for various reasons. It is filled with archaeological sites, temple ruins, beaches, cathedrals, restaurants, and artisan shops.

The island is simply everything that is Italy and more. The influence of the ancient Romans and Greeks, the spread of the Renaissance movement, and the impact of industrialization and globalization can all be seen in the architecture, habits, and cuisine, in the rich, multicultural neighbourhood of Sicily.

How to Get There

The fastest way to get to Sicily is by plane travel. There are four international airports on the island situated in Catania, Comiso, Palermo, and Trapani. You can also get to Sicily through a train line from Naples or Rome.

The bus is also another option, but it will take you hours to get to the city proper. If you prefer to travel by water, ferry services to Sicily are also available and you can catch them from the ports of Catania, Messina, Palermo, and Trapani.

Getting Around

Buses are the best option to get around Sicily. They’re affordable, they provide intercity routes, and they can get you to the interior of towns that other modes of public transportation can’t get into.

Trains are generally reliable and appropriately priced. They can get you from one city to another, but they’re not as common as buses. They also stop at major stations only, so you may have to take another ride to get to your destination. Meanwhile, taxis are expensive, so take them sparingly.

Top Things to Do

Prepare for a great adventure when you visit Sicily and its famous attractions. For hikers, climbing Mount Etna is one of the top things to do in Sicily. The highest volcano in Europe is safe to climb for hikers and skiers, despite its frequent activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also offers other geological features to explore like caves, grottos, and glaciers.

You could also take a boat trip to the volcanic Aeolian Islands and spend a full day visiting one of the most famous tourist spots in Sicily. Among these volcano islands, there’s the Stromboli volcano which spews pyrotechnics at night that’s a beauty to behold.

The Aeolian Islands, on the other hand, host fine beaches, diving spots, scenic excursions, and water sports of all kinds. Some also have prehistoric ruins that are just a wonder to witness. History buffs won’t be able to get enough of the ruins and archaeological sites the city has to offer. The Greek Theatre of Taormina, the Selinunte Archaeological Park, the Valley of the Temples, and the Villa Romana del Casale in Enna are just some of the must-visit tourist spots in Sicily.

Every corner of the island has a cathedral. The biggest and most stunning of them make up many of the major tourist spots in Sicily. The Cathedral of Monreale, Cappella Palatina, La Martorana, Cefalù Cathedral, and Cathedral of Siracusa are a few of these gigantic cathedrals with luxurious interiors and exquisite ceiling paintings.

What to Eat

Arancini is the region’s favorite Sicilian street food. It’s made of deep-fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Caponata is another must-try antipasto made of eggplant, capers, tomatoes, and vinegar.

The Parmigiana di melanzane is another Sicilian classic. It’s made of layers of baked aubergine with tomato sauce and cheese, almost like a lasagna. For those with a sweet tooth, the Frutta Martorana, a Sicilian version of marzipan, and the cannoli, a fried dough filled with sweetened ricotta, are heaven-sent to the taste buds.

Nightlife

Throughout the island of Sicily, you’ll find bars, pubs, and clubs open until dawn. There’s simply too many of them to mention, so we’ll just mention the places and bars that stand above the rest. The bars in Palermo and Catania are the best in the region. They’re easy to find as they’re usually clustered together in certain locations in these cities.

Up for partying all night long? The Koala Discotheque offers a luxurious dance floor filled with fluorescent colours, paintings, and sculptures. If you want a more intimate night to drink with someone special, Trapani & Vini and Il Moro are two of the best choices to consider.

Where to Stay

Sicily hotels in Palermo are near major tourist attractions, making them one of the best places to stay for families and first-time travellers. Hikers and nature lovers should stay in Catania or Taormina because of their close proximity to Mount Etna. There are also a few beaches in the area as an added bonus.

Budget travellers can look for hotels in Sicily located at Syracuse because accommodations here are the cheapest on the island. Meanwhile, history buffs will love Sicily hotels in Agrigento because of the sprawling number of temple ruins in the area.

The coastline area of Trapani, on the other hand, hosts Sicily hotels that give off a medieval vibe. The affordable B&Bs and lodgings here are great for solo travellers who want to enjoy their quiet time alone. For beach lovers, book your stay in Cefalu and enjoy long stretches of sand.

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