Ferry to Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, sits gracefully at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Its strategic position has shaped a diverse cultural tapestry, reflecting influences from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilisations. The island's landscapes are equally diverse, ranging from the fertile plains of Catania to the magnificent shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With its captivating history, delicious cuisine, and enchanting villages, Sicily offers an unforgettable experience whether you’re a history buff or a beach lover.

To reach Sicily, you can choose from three major airports: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Palermo Airport (PMO), and Trapani Airport (TPS), all offering international and domestic flights. The island is well connected by flights from major European cities, as well as ferries from cities like Naples and Genoa.

Explore the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel: Delve into centuries of history at the Palazzo dei Normanni, a stunning example of Arab-Norman-Byzantine architecture. Its highlight, the Palatine Chapel, is adorned with breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, showcasing an incredible fusion of cultures.

Hike or Cable Car to Mount Etna’s Craters: Experience Europe's most active volcano. Depending on conditions, you can hike around its lower slopes or take a cable car and then a 4x4 bus to reach higher, more active craters, offering incredible views and a unique volcanic landscape.

Wander through Ortygia and Ancient Greek Theatre: Discover Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse, a charming island with narrow alleys, baroque buildings, and ancient ruins. Don't miss the impressive Greek Theatre, where classical plays are still performed today.

Marvel at the Valley of the Temples: Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The Temple of Concordia is remarkably well-preserved and offers a powerful glimpse into Sicily's ancient past.

Visit the Ancient Theatre and Isola Bella: Enjoy the panoramic views from Taormina's ancient Greek theatre, set against the backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Afterwards, descend to Isola Bella, a stunning nature reserve and small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.

Relax on the Beach and See the Duomo: Combine a relaxing beach day with cultural exploration in this picturesque coastal town. The Norman Duomo of Cefalù, with its striking twin towers and beautiful mosaics, is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.

Taste Local Wines and Visit a Winery: Immerse yourself in Sicily's winemaking tradition by visiting a winery in Marsala, famous for its fortified wine. Enjoy a tasting and learn about the production process of this unique local speciality.

Go Sailing or Snorkelling: Take a boat trip to the stunning volcanic Aeolian Islands (a UNESCO site), such as Lipari, Vulcano, or Stromboli. Enjoy sailing, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore dramatic coastlines and volcanic beaches.

Indulge in street food like arancini and cannoli: No trip to Sicily is complete without trying its iconic street food. Savour arancini (fried rice balls with various fillings) and satisfy your sweet tooth with cannoli (crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese).

Witness the Salt Production and Windmills: Explore the historic salt pans near Trapani and Marsala, where salt has been harvested for centuries. The landscape's white salt mounds, traditional windmills, and vibrant pink hues (especially at sunset) makes for a truly unique and picturesque experience.

Spring (March to May): Experience vibrant blooms and temperate weather ideal for hiking and exploring archaeological sites. Events like the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento welcome the season with celebrations.

Summer (June to August): Offering warm weather and lively beaches, summer is perfect for sunbathing and water sports. However, expect crowds in popular tourist areas. Enjoy local gelato to beat the heat.

Autumn (September to November): The wine harvest season brings festivals celebrating Sicilian wine and food. The milder climate offers enjoyable exploration of the rural landscapes and historic towns.

Winter (December to February): While cooler, winter months offer a peaceful time to visit museums and cities without the summer bustle. Ski enthusiasts can enjoy Mount Etna’s snowy slopes.

Languages: While Italian is the official language, Sicilian (Sicilianu) is a distinct Romance language spoken by many inhabitants. It has significant influences from Greek, Arabic, French, Catalan, and Spanish, reflecting Sicily's long and varied history of foreign rule.

Currency: As part of Italy and the European Union, the official currency of Sicily is the Euro (€). Before adopting the Euro in 2002, the Italian Lira was the currency.

Ancient History - Magna Graecia: Sicily was a crucial part of Magna Graecia, the extensive coastal areas of Southern Italy colonised by Greek city-states. Syracuse, for example, was one of the most powerful and influential Greek cities in the ancient world, rivalling Athens in importance.

Strategic Crossroads: Sicily's location in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea has made it a highly strategic and frequently conquered island throughout history. It has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, Spanish, and Bourbons before becoming part of unified Italy.

Nearest Neighbours: Sicily is separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, which is only about 1.9 miles (3 km) wide at its narrowest point. To the south, its nearest international neighbours across the Mediterranean are Tunisia and Malta.

Cultural Traditions: The Opera dei Pupi (Sicilian puppet theatre) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. These elaborate puppets, often depicting Charlemagne's knights, tell epic tales and are a vibrant part of Sicilian folk tradition.

Festivals: The Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania is one of the world's largest and most impressive religious festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every February. It involves a massive procession with a silver reliquary containing the saint's relics.

Famous People Born There - Archimedes: The brilliant mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer Archimedes was born in the ancient Greek city of Syracuse, Sicily, around 287 BC. His inventions and discoveries, such as the Archimedes' principle and the Archimedes' screw, are still renowned today.

Famous People Born There - Luigi Pirandello: Luigi Pirandello, a Nobel Prize-winning dramatist, novelist, and short story writer, was born in Agrigento, Sicily, in 1867. He is best known for his plays, which often explore themes of identity, illusion, and reality, with "Six Characters in Search of an Author" being one of his most famous works.

Covering an area of approximately 9,974 sq mi (25,832 km²), Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Getting around is straightforward with a combination of public transport and road networks. The island's diverse geography includes everything from mountains and rolling hills to beaches and vineyards. Distances between major destinations are manageable. For example, Palermo to Catania is about 209 kilometres, making day trips feasible. Whether travelling by car, train, or bus, Sicily's landscapes promise scenic journeys.