Sicily in one week: how to plan your vacation and which resort to choose? Catania or Palermo How to get around Palermo
Advice on where to stay in the eastern part Sicily(I'm currently considering Catania, Giardini Naxos, Taormina). Well, I really want to chat! We are flying with a guy at the end of May in Catania. Which area is noisier and more partyy? Where are many young people? Our goal: close to the sea, clubs / bars, and of course - what to see. First stopped at Taormina, as they seemed good and beautiful beaches, and very beautiful city. But as for parties until the morning ... I can’t understand ... I rewatched Catania- seemed to me...
Daggry... Naxos. Another question is how far the sea and the beach are Catania worse than Giardino? And from Giardino there is the possibility of a wonderful evening departure to Taormina, which you don’t want to lose, + a walk along ... from D.N. V Catania. I was already thinking about changing the places of these days. There on railway around Etna, it turns out there is a Giarre station, halfway between catania And Taormina. Maybe from her it is possible to Taormina get on the way back or start the journey from there. Quote: There can be no answer, it is subjective. Noto closest to syracuse, probably ... , cathedrals Palermo and Monreale. I believe that I can somehow put it together! Another question: where can I buy beautiful ceramics on Sicily(on trifles, such as a vase)? Or in all...
When going to Sicily, many people ask themselves: where is the best place to relax on the island? Unfortunately or fortunately, but Sicily is the very case when it is better to immediately forget about the plan to “embrace the immensity in a week”, see all the sights at a time, and at the same time swim in the sea to your heart’s content.
The island is large enough that seven days is not enough for you, so if you have only one week of legal vacation left, then it makes sense to immediately prioritize, or rather, answer a simple but important question: “ Which vacation do you like best at the moment? - vegetable-relaxed on the beach or cultural-cognitive. And depending on this, choose one or another resort in Sicily and plan a program.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DEVOTE A HOLIDAY TO SIGHTSEEING
If you prioritize educational tourism, then it makes sense for you to stay near major cities: Syracuse, Catania, Palermo or Trapani. Firstly, in the cities themselves there is something to see, and secondly, they are very conveniently located in relation to the main highways of the island - freeways. In 15-30 minutes you will reach the highway by car and will be able to go in the direction you are interested in. Motorways on the island are paid, but compared to other regions of Italy, they are inexpensive, for example, a trip from Catania to Taormina costs only 1.70 euros.
It is clear that, having settled in some cozy San Vito Lo Capo, you will only go to the freeway for an hour, but you also need to get to this or that city along it. There's nothing to be done, this is a payment for the resort - you will not find good beaches in big cities. I do not include Messina in the list as a matter of principle, since it is not very conveniently located relative to the main attractions of the island. Second important point. You need to choose which part of Sicily you want to explore: north or southeast.
If north, then focus on. The capital of Sicily itself is very curious from a historical and architectural point of view. However, many people do not like this city for its dirt and a certain “clunkiness”. Not without this, alas, but, nevertheless, the city is extremely colorful. From Palermo you can go to the suburbs: Monreale and Monte Pellegrino. Nearby is also Mondello with a very popular local residents beach. In addition, from Palermo you can also go to Trapani and Erice, a small medieval town on the mountain with fabulous views, and also go for a day in Castellammare del Golfo to admire the panoramic scenery, or visit national park and the Riserva dello Zingaro nature reserve, where, by the way, one of the most famous beaches in Sicily is located.
On the picture: Cathedral Palermo
If you are more interested in the southeast of the island, then choose Catania. From here you can take a day trip to the beautiful Taormina, visit the Isola Bella beach, as well as visit Messina and, of course, explore Etna. It’s worth saying right away that this is a whole separate world. The area of the volcano is huge, the local landscapes sometimes resemble the surface of Mars, sometimes the craters of the Moon, and the numerous towns located on the slopes of the volcano are individual in their own way.
In the photo: Mount Etna with black sand
From Catania, you can also go to Syracuse - the journey will take about an hour, and even go to Ragusa, by the way, the road to this city passes through picturesque hills and orange groves, and takes only an hour and a half. In addition, from Catania you can easily get to the center of the island and visit Enna, Caltanisetta, Piazza Armerina or arrange a day of shopping in Sicilia outlet village. If you are a lover of natural beauties, then you should definitely explore the Alcantara Gorge.
Many choose as their main place of residence on the island syracuse and they do it right. Within a radius of 5-15 kilometers from the city you can find excellent sandy beaches. At the same time, the city itself is small, there is no such crazy crowd of cars as in Palermo or Catania, but in terms of architecture and historical value, Syracuse can give odds to many cities in the world, and the local old center of Ortigia deserves a detailed inspection. In addition, from Syracuse you can easily reach Catania, Etna and Taormina, and if you go the other way, you will find yourself in the magical valley of Val di Noto. See the handsome Noto himself, and then go to the Sicilian Baroque region - the cities of Modica and Scicli. From Syracuse, it is also about an hour's drive to Pozzallo, the southern gate of Sicily, and from there you can take a ferry to neighboring Malta in just 90 minutes.
FOR LOVERS OF RELAXED REST
If you chose beach holiday in Sicily, and if you want to see the sights in a relaxed format, then I would recommend avoiding Palermo and the surrounding area for obvious reasons. The proximity of a major port city, traffic jams on the highway at the entrance. Mondello beach, which is located near Palermo, is beautiful, but it is better to come here in the low season. Otherwise, you will share your couple of square meters of the beach with your neighbors, and indeed, the proximity of the beach area to the city is always more of a minus than a plus.
In the photo: Mondello beach near Palermo
good beaches in the north, the islands begin at Castellammare del Golfo. The resort itself has a sandy beach, Alcamo Marina is also nearby, and lovers of secluded bays can find suitable accommodation in Scopello. Further behind the Riserva dello Zingaro National Park is a famous resort - a small village in the Arab style. The place is quite touristy and hyped, the restaurants there are not the cheapest, but the beach is good. Of the minuses - it is crowded in the season, especially in August, when all the local Italians rest here. However, the resort is good for a relaxing holiday, and from there, if desired, you can go to Trapani or Erice, they are within an hour by car.
In the photo: the resort village of San Vito lo Capo
In the other direction from Palermo in half an hour you will reach Cefalu- pearls of the Tyrrhenian coast. This is a beautiful medieval town on the rocks, but with a sandy beach. It is small, during the season, of course, it is crowded with both residents of the town and tourists. If you rent a car, parking may be a problem. Only residents of Cefalu are allowed to enter the center, while the rest are forced to look for a parking space, which is very difficult, and parking spaces here are not cheap. In a word, if you are with a car, then it is better to rent an apartment or a villa in the vicinity of Cefalu, and not in the city itself, I also recommend this to families with children. But for singles or couples without a car, Cefalu is very pleasant and comfortable.
There are excellent beaches in the province Agrigento, including the famous Scala dei Turchi (Turkish stairs), which is a chalk rock of white limestone. They are a maximum of two hours from Palermo. There are also good beaches in San Leone, Eraclea minoa, Capo Bianco, Siculiana Marina, Marinella di Selinunte, they are very long, so even during the August peak there is a place for everyone. Another perfect place close to Agrigento thermal spa Sciacca. There are no standing beaches in the city itself, but you can rent a villa nearby, where there are many small cozy beaches with golden and even red coral sand.
In the photo: Scala dei Turchi (Turkish stairs)
Now to the southeast. Many tourists are looking for accommodation in the vicinity of Catania - because of the proximity to the airport. In Catania itself, I would not recommend staying for the same reasons as in Palermo. Big City, bustle, traffic, stress. There is a city sandy beach, but this is a solution for very budget holiday. The beach is not very clean, a large number of Arab merchants and a very different, not always decent public. By the way, doctors, lawyers and professors of Catania do not rest in their city, they all go south - beyond Syracuse, in San Lorenzo or Marzamemi.
Another important point: from Catania towards Taormina, almost the entire coast is rocky. There are black volcanic rocks, which are very picturesque, so many people love or Achikastello. There is a good sandy beach in Mascali, a large sandy beach in Giardini Naxos, and a pebbly beach in Letojanni. Taormina, despite its fame, is not famous for its beaches. The tiny beach of Isola Bella, which can only be reached by cable car or stairs, is inconvenient and usually crowded. In general, Taormina is a town for a day trip, but definitely not for beach relaxation.
In the photo: the ancient amphitheater of Taormina
We are heading south from Catania. Up to Syracuse, the entire coast here, with rare exceptions, is rocky, but to the south of the city, relaxation zones begin. The beaches of Fontane Bianche, Arenella, Lido di Noto, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi are magnificent. This Ionian coast of Sicily with the most transparent azure water, a gentle bottom, and, as a result, a smooth entry into the water. There are many who want to relax on them, but there are also a lot of beaches, so the people are smoothly dispersed along the entire coastline, and no one has the feeling of “herring in a barrel”.
If we want even more free space, then we go south and get to. I advise you to visit this place, if only to mark in your personal map that you have visited the southernmost point of Europe. In addition, here you will find swimming in the waters of two seas at once, in addition to the sandy shores, there are also rocky ones, which means that this place is great for diving, and, of course, the Spanish fortress of Philip III located here deserves a close look.
Then the spacious beaches of the Mediterranean begin, just perfect for a relaxing holiday in Sicily. The seven-kilometer Santa Maria del Focallo, followed by the beaches of Pozzallo, Sampieri, Marina di Modica and Marina di Ragusa. The beaches beyond Syracuse are a 40-50 minute drive from Catania. To the beaches beyond Portopalo di Capopassero, from Catania, an hour and a half. Not so much if you know that you are going to relax on the spacious sandy beaches, marked with the EU blue flag for the purity of the water.
In the photo: Pozzallo, 30-meter tower of Torre Cabrera
By the way, if you are interested in this area, then you can take a ticket not to one of the airports in Sicily, but to Malta - after all, the island is located nearby. At the same time, see Malta, and then by ferry in just 90 minutes you will reach Pozzallo. You can also fly to the new Comiso airport, which is near Ragusa - from there, a maximum of half an hour's drive to the Ragusan beaches. There are good beaches in Punta Secca - Italians adore this place, as the famous TV series "Commissioner Montalbano" is filmed there. But the Gela / Gela zone - avoid - there is an oil refinery with all the consequences.
Copes well with the reputation of a hotbed of petty and organized crime.
If you want to fully discover and feel the uniqueness of Palermo, which lies in the fusion of various architectural styles and cultures, as well as hear interesting stories and legends, you can book a tour with a Russian-speaking guide on this one.
How to get around Palermo
Walking tours in Palermo
As in most cities, the best option to see Palermo - take a walk. This will allow you to wander through the web of alleyways, discovering hidden palaces and churches that might otherwise be missed. old center The city, where most of the interesting places are located, is vast, but easily accessible.
Bus tours
Two open double-decker buses run every hour from Politeama Square. Tickets cost 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for children (from 5 to 15 years old). A family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children under 18 is available at a price of 50 euros.
Horse with carriage
Another popular way to get general idea o Palermo - hire a carriage, which can usually be found in front of the Teatro Massimo or near the cathedral. We advise you to negotiate the price with the driver first, so that there are no unpleasant surprises at the end.
Security in Palermo
Palermo is no more dangerous than any other big city in Europe. You should follow standard precautions, such as paying attention to your bags, cameras and wallets in crowded places or on buses.
Accommodation in Palermo
Hotels and hostels in Palermo vary greatly in price and luxury. Discounts can be negotiated with the owners of small hotels. Palermo also has affordable bed and breakfasts. Most likely, you will use the hotel as a base for exploring the city.
Stay in or near the city center bus stop to the airport. This is usually the most practical option, but travelers should be aware that Palermo is quite noisy and difficult to explore at night. From the hotel in the city center you will have the opportunity to walk to the nearest ones without any traffic jams. You can view and choose a suitable hotel in Palermo at this link.
Districts and attractions of Palermo
If you look at a map of Palermo, you can easily see how it was built. old part cities. La Cala is a small harbor next to the port. There are also four easily recognizable neighborhoods, clearly separated by Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. It is in these four quarters that you will find the most interesting places, including Arab markets, many magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces, the old Arab quarter "La Calsa", the cathedral and the Palatine chapel. There are many restaurants and bars in the area as well (Via Roma, Via Maqueda). Read more about the sights of Palermo in our article.
A small service charge in restaurants ("pane e coperto") is usually included in the bill in the amount of 2-3 euros per person. As a rule, many restaurants charge a sum of 10%, but sometimes it goes up to 15% and more. If a tip is not included in the bill, leave it at approximately 10% of the total bill.
From 8:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, restaurants and pizzerias get especially crowded. In general, in Sicily, lunch is around 2 p.m., and dinner starts after 8 p.m. Therefore, do not be surprised if a cafe or restaurant tells you at 18.00 that only drinks are served for now and no food.
Children are generally welcome in all local restaurants, family taverns, pizzerias and cafes. In the evening in a prestigious restaurant you may feel less comfortable, although the Italians take their offspring there at night, especially in summer.
In cafes and bars, first pay for the bar and take a receipt from the "barista" in order to then order food and drinks.
Ordering a drink/coffee or a quick snack at the table costs much more than at the bar.
What to do in Palermo?
If you come to Palermo for one day, then most likely you will not have time to see and do much. For this reason, it's best to plan a few itineraries ahead of time to help you focus on a particular area and the places you particularly want to visit. Alternatively, simply choose the appropriate route and create your own "priority" list.
What to bring?
If you're visiting Palermo when it's hot, be sure to bring sun protection accessories such as sunglasses, a beach hat, or a scarf when packing for the trip. Sunscreen is also very helpful. In warm weather, you will probably want to walk as much as possible, including on the beach, so make sure you have suitable shoes. Remember that the humid climate of Sicily attracts not only tourists, but also mosquitoes, and means to protect against these insects will not be superfluous at all.
Best day to visit Palermo
Have a nice and fun time in Palermo!
Copes well with the reputation of a hotbed of petty and organized crime.
If you want to fully discover and feel the uniqueness of Palermo, which lies in the fusion of various architectural styles and cultures, as well as hear interesting stories and legends, you can book a tour with a Russian-speaking guide on this.
How to get around Palermo
Walking tours in Palermo
As with most cities, the best way to see Palermo is on foot. This will allow you to wander through the web of alleyways, discovering hidden palaces and churches that might otherwise be missed. The old city center, where most of the interesting places are located, is extensive but easily accessible.
Bus tours
Two open double-decker buses run every hour from Politeama Square. Tickets cost 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for children (from 5 to 15 years old). A family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children under 18 is available at a price of 50 euros.
Horse with carriage
Another popular way to get a general idea of Palermo is to hire a carriage, which can usually be found in front of the Teatro Massimo or near the cathedral. We advise you to negotiate the price with the driver first, so that there are no unpleasant surprises at the end.
Security in Palermo
Palermo is no more dangerous than any other big city in Europe. You should follow standard precautions, such as paying attention to your bags, cameras and wallets in crowded places or on buses.
Accommodation in Palermo
Hotels and hostels in Palermo vary greatly in price and luxury. Discounts can be negotiated with the owners of small hotels. Palermo also has affordable bed and breakfasts. Most likely, you will use the hotel as a base for exploring the city.
Stop in the city center or near the bus stop to airport. This is usually the most practical option, but travelers should be aware that Palermo is quite noisy and difficult to explore at night. From the hotel in the city center you will have the opportunity to walk to the nearest ones without any traffic jams. You can view and choose a suitable hotel in Palermo at this link.
Districts and attractions of Palermo
If you look at a map of Palermo, you can easily see how the old part of the city was built. La Cala is a small harbor next to the port. There are also four easily recognizable neighborhoods, clearly separated by Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. It is in these four quarters that you will find the most interesting places, including the Arab markets, many magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces, the old Arab quarter "La Calsa", the Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel. There are many restaurants and bars in the area as well (Via Roma, Via Maqueda). Read more about the sights of Palermo in our article.
A small service charge in restaurants ("pane e coperto") is usually included in the bill in the amount of 2-3 euros per person. As a rule, many restaurants charge a sum of 10%, but sometimes it goes up to 15% and more. If a tip is not included in the bill, leave it at approximately 10% of the total bill.
From 8:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, restaurants and pizzerias get especially crowded. In general, on Sicily lunch at about 2 pm, and dinner starts after 20.00. Therefore, do not be surprised if a cafe or restaurant tells you at 18.00 that only drinks are served for now and no food.
Children are generally welcome in all local restaurants, family taverns, pizzerias and cafes. In the evening in a prestigious restaurant you may feel less comfortable, although the Italians take their offspring there at night, especially in summer.
In cafes and bars, first pay for the bar and take a receipt from the "barista" to then order food and drink.
Ordering a drink/coffee or a quick snack at the table costs much more than at the bar.
What to do in Palermo?
If you come to Palermo for one day, then most likely you will not have time to see and do much. For this reason, it's best to plan a few itineraries ahead of time to help you focus on a particular area and the places you particularly want to visit. Alternatively, simply choose the appropriate route and create your own "priority" list.
What to bring?
If you're visiting Palermo when it's hot, be sure to bring sun protection accessories such as sunglasses, a beach hat, or a scarf when packing for the trip. Sunscreen is also very helpful. In warm weather, you will probably want to walk as much as possible, including on the beach, so make sure you have suitable shoes. Remember that the humid climate of Sicily attracts not only tourists, but also mosquitoes, and means to protect against these insects will not be superfluous at all.
Best day to visit Palermo
Have a nice and fun time in Palermo!