Getting to Sicily
If you’re flying from the States the best way to get to Sicily is via Rome. Round trip flights between Rome and Palermo usually run around $150 round trip through Ryan Air or the newly acquired airline ITA. Formerly Alitalia. If in Europe already, Palermo is an easy connection with direct flights to and from many cities in Europe. If you’re already in the boot region of Italy (Puglia) you can take the ferry into Messina, Sicily. They actually have a train that pulls right up onto the ferry and disembarks right onto the train tracks in Messina. Cool stuff! You don’t even have to get off the train.
Once in Sicily the possibilities of what to do are endless. History is bountiful in the historic center of Palermo. A lot of streets were spared during the bombings of World War 2. If this is your first time in Palermo I would definitely recommend a walking tour to see the sight or a walking food tour to get your bearings. Trip advisor is a great way to book a tour. If you feel like getting out of town and hitting the beach, San Vito Lo Capo is the place to go. A crescent shaped mile long beach with a jagged mountain rising up into the sky. The water is crystal clear with little to no waves. Perfect for families with young kids. The Who’s who of Palermo will be here on any given day. Hop the train and get dropped off right by the beach for the afternoon. Palermo Centrale has routes that head in every direct. Tickets run 9.00-12.00 Euros each way.
Quattro Canti is in the heart of Old Town Palermo. It’s a great place to explore old world architecture and craftsmanship . Musicians line up at night to play all their hits or covers. When the sun sets the square is lit up and it’s a perfect photo op. No matter which one of the four directions you head, each street is has endless shopping, restaurants and art galleries.
Agrigento And The Valley Of The Temples
The largest free standing Greek ruins out side of Athens. The shear size and the fact that the ruins are still in tact are beyond amazement.
Agrigento in my opinion is a must visit city while in Sicily. To pass on Agrigento would be a shame. This town has it all. Thousands of years of history. The archaeological site of Valle Dei Temple is one of the most outstanding examples of Magna Graecia art and architecture and one of the most visited places in Sicily. Head down to The Valley Of Temples early morning for a few hours and see all the ruins. It’s funny, the ruins were almost a nuisance and an eye sore for locals in the early 1900’s. The site was almost torn down until a British sailor by the name of Captain Alexander Hardcastle purchased the land and started excavations and restorations. After that, head down to Scala Dei Turchi for lunch at one of the many beach side restaurants and a dip in the ocean. Climb the rocks and get that photo for the gram! Afterwards take an evening walk down the cobblestone streets of Agrigento. There are a few shops that sell Persian rugs(all original and prices are great) and plenty of restaurants to refuel your belly after a long day of sightseeing. Check my blog for food recommendations!