{"id":673292,"date":"2022-10-24T15:55:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-24T12:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=673292"},"modified":"2024-04-28T05:18:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T02:18:43","slug":"what-to-see-in-sicily-by-car-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/what-to-see-in-sicily-by-car-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Sicily by car on your own – route, photo, description, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

What to see<\/a> in Sicily by car<\/a>? Yes, anything! The possibility of free movement, independence from taxi<\/a>s and public transport<\/a> (which runs very irregularly) allows you to visit not only popular resorts, but also quiet rural villages in a short vacation<\/a>. And the speed of movement is determined only by your own mood and desire. The only rest<\/a>riction: if the trip is made during the high sea<\/a>son, it is recommended to book hotels<\/a> in advance. This is necessary to get the optimal quality of services at a reasonable price.<\/p>\n

Benefits of car rental<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

More and more tour<\/a>ists rent a car near the place of the planned vacation<\/a>. This is not surprising: traveling<\/a> by car, you can visit the main sights<\/a> of Sicily in a short time, appreciate the beaches<\/a> of the northern and southern parts of the island<\/a>. This type of holiday is ideal for those who cannot sit in one place even for 10 days. But having read horror stories about unscrupulous car lessors, tour<\/a>ists are afraid to enter into contracts with unknown companies<\/a>. But, fortunately, there are firms that have proven themselves in this sector of the market: for example,<\/p>\n

AutoEurope<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Catania<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The first city<\/a> seen on the island<\/a> of Sicily is Catania. From the airport, you should immediately go to explore it. With parking in the center<\/a>, the situation is not very good, but you can still find a place. Today, this city is flourishing: there are many fashionable boutiques here, so Catania will also delight shopping lovers. And for sightseeing<\/a>, 1 day will be enough.<\/p>\n

The main historical buildings are located<\/a> in the central square: Piazza del Duomo. From here begins the main street: Via Etnea. It pierces through the city from south to north<\/a>. Catania is compact: it is worth moving away from the center<\/a> a bit to see the rest<\/a> of the cultural monuments. It is worth paying attention to:<\/p>\n

Etna is worth climbing: the fire-breathing craters look amazing. And not far from the eastern tip of the volcano, in the village of San Alfio, grows a unique<\/a> Chestnut of hundreds of horses. This is the oldest monument of nature: according to scientists, it is about 4000 years old! Having a rental car<\/a> at your disposal, you should definitely look at this miracle!<\/p>\n

Around Etna, the lands are cultivated and artificially irrigated: there are many vineyards and orchards. Therefore, it is in this area<\/a> that the most delicious fruits and excellent local wine are found. All this should be sure to try, and maybe buy for gifts<\/a> to friends. If there is no desire to go further on the same day, you can stay overnight at the hotel<\/a>. Prices<\/a> depend on the location and the number of stars, but the service is excellent everywhere.<\/p>\n

Syracuse<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The first thing that catches your eye when leaving Catania is the lack of maintenance of local roads. They are very similar to the tracks of Greece<\/a> (Halkidiki). Moreover, the difference between paid and free sites is practically not noticeable. It is worth driving only 65 km along the coast to the south, and here they are, Syracuse. This most interesting<\/a> place consists of 2 parts: the old city, located on the island of Ortigia, and the new, mainland. Walking<\/a> along the island planted with cypresses and palm trees is pleasant. In addition, it is here that the famous Archimedes Square and the Temple of Apollo are located.<\/p>\n

And history<\/a> buffs will appreciate the Neapolis Archaeological Park with its wonderful Quarries, the Greek theater, the cave of the Ear of Dionysus. There are excellent beaches in the area. The swimming sea<\/a>son starts in early May and lasts until mid-November, so it's worth staying in the city to enjoy the gentle waves of the sea and lie down on the soft sand. Those wishing to spend a few days in Syracuse should choose hotels<\/a> on the island of Ortigia: everything is imbued with the spirit of antiquity.<\/p>\n

Castello Maniac<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

This landmark of Syracuse is located on the southern tip of Ortigia. The castle<\/a> is named after the commander George Maniac, who returned Syracuse to Byzantium in the 11th century. It was he who built the harbor, at the entrance to which he installed 2 bronze rams. The castle<\/a> was built by order of Frederick 1 in the 13th century. It is noteworthy that the walls were decorated too elegantly for a functioning fort. From the time of its founding until the explosion of supplies in the 18th century, Castello Maniace defended the city from the sea. For some time it served as a royal reside<\/a>nce. Previously, access to the territory was possible only by a drawbridge<\/a>, today the moat is covered with earth, and a regular road leads to the monument.<\/p>\n

Ragusa<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The town is located in the very south of Sicily. Ragusa<\/a> is called an island within an island: it consists of 2 parts: the old (Ibla) and the new (Superior). Between them lies a wide and deep ravine, and 3 bridges connect the regions.<\/p>\n

Tourists<\/a> visit mainly sights<\/a>:<\/p>\n

The architecture of the town is so unique that the whole of Ragusa is a UNESCO World<\/a> Heritage Site. It is noteworthy that there are enough cafes and restaurants in the town, and it is visited, most often, by lovers of cultural tourism, so Ragusa is not crowded. It's nice to spend 1-2 evenings here. If you want to combine a visit to Ragusa with a beach holiday<\/a>, you should visit the clean beaches of Marina di Ragusa. To do this, drive 25 km to the coast.<\/p>\n

Agrigento<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

In order to arrive at the next point of the road trip, you will have to travel<\/a> more than 100 km. Taking into account the lack of maintenance of local roads, it will take more than 2.5 hours. Today Agrigento is a small town, although it was once a thriving trading city. Unfortunately, few people come here: tourists<\/a> prefer to see the sights<\/a> located in the vicinity of the town. And definitely worth a visit.<\/p>\n

There is also something to see<\/a> here:<\/p>\n

The botanical garden has a collection of rare plants. On the territory of the complex there are caves that are also worth exploring. And the beaches of Agrigento are considered among the best in Sicily. There is fine sand, warm sea. True, after storms, plucked algae are washed ashore, but they are quickly removed.<\/p>\n

Scala dei Turchi<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The staircase of the Turks is located 10 km from the Valley of the Temple<\/a>s, in the Porto Empedocle area. There is paid parking, from which you should walk about 500 m to the cape. Locals say that Turkish pirates once hid in the caves on the coast. Hence the name of the cape. The rock of the Turks itself consists of white limestone. He steps down into the sea.<\/p>\n

The contrast of the snow-white stone and the azure sea is interesting: the water seems to have an even more saturated color. Sicilian children<\/a> dive from ledges, but this risky trick should not be repeated. If you want to swim, you should go to one of the 2 equipped beaches located nearby. They are sandy, there is minimal infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Valley of the Temples<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

A unique complex located in the southeastern part<\/a> of Agrigento. Entrance to the territory is paid, and you will also have to pay for car parking.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the unique complex is in need of extensive restoration. The best preservation is:<\/p>\n

Against the background of these artifacts, it is pleasant to take selfies and be photo<\/a>graphed. The rest of the sights<\/a> look like heaps of stones. It is extremely hot in the Valley: for a comfortable viewing, you will need a skin protection cream and a hat.<\/p>\n

Trapani<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Trapani is located in the west of Sicily. This city can hardly be called the tourist center of the island, but nevertheless, the flow of tourists (especially those who rent cars) is growing. Historically, Trapani developed as a trading port and a center for salt production. Salt is still mined in the traditional way: it is considered the best on the island. Tourists willingly buy it for gift<\/a>s. The historical center is interesting: it is a cape that goes deep into the sea. It is called the nose of the city.<\/p>\n

It is here that the buildings of the old building, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and boutiques are concentrated. During the high seas<\/a>on it gets crowded. But there are no beaches suitable for swimming in the center. The coastal zone is occupied by the port. Several areas have been allocated for recreation near the Tyrrhentian Sea, the best of which is Lido Paradiso. The shore is strewn with fine sand, there are changing cabins, a toilet, a shower. There is a free zone next to Lido Paradiso, but there are no amenities.<\/p>\n

Above the beach there is a prome<\/a>nade. In the evening and in the morning it is especially crowded. If you drive 3 km from the center, you can swim on the municipal beach of San Giuliano. There is a sandy coast, the entry into the water is gentle. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent. And up close you can see the ruins of Tonnara San Giuliano and windmills: these are the main attractions<\/a> of Trapani.<\/p>\n

Favignana Island<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Having visited Trapani, you should definitely get to the neighboring island. You can take a ferry from Trapani to Favignana. And you should move around the island on a rented bike or on foot: it is too small for a car. But, if the bicycle transport has already been dismantled, and there is no desire to ride a bus<\/a> along the coast, it is recommended to move on foot.<\/p>\n

The coast is indented with cozy bays, among which it is difficult to choose the most beautiful. But it's nice to swim in any of them. The most visited places by tourists:<\/p>\n

And those tourists who are too lazy to go far can swim near the pier: there is a shallow sea and a sandy coast. And the main attraction of the island is the Tuna Museum, founded by the owner of the island, Inazio Florio.<\/p>\n

Alcamo<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

If you drive along the coast from Trapani towards Palermo, then it is simply impossible to bypass Alcamo. This ancient city<\/a> was founded in the 12th century. Throughout its history<\/a>, it has been owned by Arabs, Normans, Turks and Greeks. Alcamo is built on a hill, from the highest point of which there is an excellent panorama of the sea and city streets. The old center is well preserved.<\/p>\n

Here you can see:<\/p>\n

The old center immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A particularly vivid illusion occurs at sunset. It is noteworthy that tourists who choose cultural recreation come here. Alcamo has an excellent fish market selling freshly caught fish and seafood.<\/p>\n

Palermo<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

It is noteworthy that the Palermo area is quite wooded. Once mixed and broad-leaved forest<\/a>s covered all of Sicily. But for many centuries, local residents have been rapaciously cutting down trees for the construction of ships and household needs. Today, the remaining forests are concentrated in the northern part of the island. The contrast with the south coast is especially noticeable when moving from south to north.<\/p>\n

It will not be possible to explore (even briefly) the capital of Sicily in one day: you will have to stay here for at least 2-3 days. And housing should be chosen closer to the center: this will save time moving around the city. All major attractions<\/a> are concentrated here. A good value for money demonstrates the hotel Kasa Kala. It offers duplex rooms at a very reasonable price. The hotel is located near Vittorio Emanuele, Kuznetsky Most.<\/p>\n

Palermo is worth examining thoughtfully, because 4 cultures are layered on top of each other here:<\/p>\n

And examining the buildings of the historical center, it is easy to independently<\/a> determine by what people and when it was created. And the stories about the Sicilian mafia frighten and excite (however, this is all in the distant past: the current surnames are engaged in legal business). Palermo is a bustling cosmopolitan city. Settlers from Africa and Asia settled in places adjacent to the historical center. Therefore, you should not move away from tourist route<\/a>s.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Palermo has a huge number of restaurants and cafes where you can try dishes from almost any cuisine in the world. A luxurious Sicilian wine will not leave anyone indifferent. The best beaches<\/a> are located outside the city limits, but they are magnificent. The purest sand, gentle entry into the water, gentle and warm Tyrrhenian Sea attract fans of coastal recreation. And those who want to tickle their nerves must definitely go down into the catacombs. The endless underground galleries are inhabited by the dead. Scientists have counted more than 8000 remains of people buried here at different times.<\/p>\n

Chefalu<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

To get to Cefalu, you should drive east from Palermo for 73 km. By the way, at the entrance to the city, the highway becomes toll. Perhaps this is due to the fact that many tunnels had to be built. Cefalu is small but charming in its own way. One day is enough to see it. But if you want to visit the nearby Madoni National Park<\/a> or relax<\/a> on the wide bank of Le Salinelle, then you can rent an excellent hotel in the center: Palazzo Maria. Prices<\/a> are reasonable, service is great.<\/p>\n

Archaeologists claim that on the rock, repeating the outlines of the head, the siculi first settled. They were attracted by the inaccessibility of the place. The second inhabitants of Cefalu were the Greeks: they rebuilt the settlement and called it Kefaloydion. They fortified the city, equipped a convenient harbor. During the war with the Arabs, the invaders had to work hard to make holes in the city walls.<\/p>\n

At various times, Cefalu belonged to Byzantium, Arabs and Normans: the name given by the latter has survived to this day. And Cefalu became part of Italy<\/a> in the 19th century. Of the cultural attractions<\/a>, it is worth seeing the Cathedral<\/a>: its mosaics have no analogues. And if you get bored, you should go to the Mandralisk Art Gallery. Here is an excellent city beach: clean and well-groomed, but too cramped. Lovers of space tend to visit La Salinelli. Its length is 8 km, the coast is sandy, and the entry into the water is gentle almost everywhere.<\/p>\n

Mystreta<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Mistretta is located 90 km east of Palermo. From Cefalu, drive 32 km. It is a small commune in the district of Messina. 1 day is enough for sightseeing<\/a>. If you are planning a secluded vacation, you should stay at the Neart of Sicily hotel. Here are comfortable rooms with sea views, good cuisine. There are few tourists in Mistretta.<\/p>\n

Nicosia<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Is it worth it to drive into the depths of the island? Everyone decides for himself. When travel<\/a>ing by car, there is a unique opportunity to see the life of non-resort Sicily. True, you should be prepared for the fact that entertainment and attractions will be somewhat less than expected. Nicosia is located on the mainland of Sicily. It is equidistant from Piedmont and Messina, so in the past it played an important strategic role. The cities<\/a> were well fortified and were a serious barrier to invaders. Not without reason, Nicosia is translated as the City of Victory.<\/p>\n

The first inhabitants were settlers from Lombardy and Piedmont. The monarchs also did not leave the city unattended: under William 2, it was declared a royal residence, and Charles 5 came here in 1535. Nicosia was almost completely destroyed by the 1967 earthquake. The buildings were partially restore<\/a>d, but the city has lost its former grandeur: today it is inhabited only by elderly people. Young people leave in search of a better life, and even African immigrants do not stop here.<\/p>\n

Interesting to see the cathedral. It is named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Nicosia. A wooden crucifix made in the 17th century is kept here. If you go up to the upper part of Nicosia, you can admire the ruins of the castle. Nicosia has excellent local wine, which is quite inexpensive, and excellent fruits<\/a>. And the soft cheese produced by the peasants will serve as an addition to the meal.<\/p>\n

Galliano Castelferrato<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the end point of a road trip<\/a> in Sicily. The city is located away from the tourist route<\/a>s, in the depths of Sicily. Gagliano Castelferrato gives the impression of being as sparsely populated as Nicosia. Even immigrants from Asia and Africa do not stay here. The streets are empty, there are no tourists. The main advantages<\/a> of the town are wine and soft cheese. It is made here from goat and sheep milk, the taste is quite specific, for an amateur. But it's a great accompaniment to wine.<\/p>\n

In Gagliano Castelferrato, you can stop for a few days to explore in detail the Nebrodi National Park, 29 km away. From Gagliano Castelferrato we return to Catania. There remains one important event: the delivery of a rented car. An employee of the company arrived at the parking lot near the airport exactly at the appointed time. The process took about 5 minutes: the car was inspected, there was no damage. The keys have been handed over. Farewell, hospitable Sicily! After 1.5 hours, the plane<\/a> home.<\/p>\n

Route<\/a> in Sicily by car on the map<\/h2>\n