Travel Information

Please click on the links below or scroll this page for more information about travelling to Sicily and things you will need to know as the traveller in Sicily.

Flights to Sicily

Airport Connections
From Palermo Airport – Falcone e Borsellino

The airport is located approximately 30 Km from Palermo city centre.

Private airport transfer to your villa can be arranged by the local travel agent. Prices start from €45. Please ask for more details. (Highly recommended)

Driving:  from the airport take the motorway to Trapani A29 – journey time approximately 25 mins

By Train: Trains run from the airport to Stazione Centrale (Central Station) every hour from 6.00 to 22.00 and between 5.00 and 20.00 from Stazione Centrale. The journey time is approximately 1 hour. Ticket can be purchased at the ticket office - €5.00

From Stazione Centrale to Balestrate: Trains are running approximately every 2 hours. From Stazione Centrale take the Palermo - Trapani train. First train is at 6.30 and the last one is 19.30. Journey time to Balestrate is 1.5 - 2 hours. For more information and time table check www.trenitalia.it

For late arrivals we recommend to arrange an airport transfer.

By Bus: Buses run every 30 minutes from 05.00 and until the final flight arrives and the journey time is 45-50 minutes to Stazione Centrale (Central Station) which is the final stop.

From Palermo Stazione Centrale to the airport - first bus is at 04.00 then from 05.00 to 23.00 every half  hour. You can purchase your ticket on the bus - €5.60

From Stazone centrale you can catch a bus to Balestrate, the fair is usually a little more expensive than the train.

By Taxi: Taxi Services are expensive so it is best to ensure that you get an idea of the cost of the journey before you travel. There is a taxi rank outside the Arrivals Area and they operate from 06.00 to midnight.

The taxi fare from Trapani Airport to Balestrate can cost up to €120.

From Trapani Birgi Airport - Vincenzo Florio Airport

Located 13 km from Trapani.

Private airport transfer to your villa can be arranged by the local travel agent. Prices start from €40. Please ask for more details. (Highly recommended)

Driving: Motorway A29 to Palermo, take Balestrate exit - journey time approximatley 40 minutes.

By Bus & Train: From the airport you can take a bus to Trapani Central Station.
From the Central Station you can take the Trapani - Palermo train, which stops in Balestrate. Good availability approx every 2 hours, first train 5.00, last train 20.30. Journey time approx 1 hour.

For more information and time tables check www.trenitalia.it
For late arrivals we recommend to arrange an airport transfer.

By Taxi: Taxi Services are expensive so it is best to ensure that you get an idea of the cost of the journey before you travel. There is a taxi rank outside the Arrivals Area and they operate from 06.00 to midnight.

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Travel from Italy by Land or Sea

If you are travelling to Sicily from mainland Italy there are a number of options:

By Train: The Eurostar operates throughout Italy and run a service from Rome taking in Naples and Milan arriving at the port of Villa San Giovanni near Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, there the train cars are rolled onto barges for a crossing of the Strait of Messina which will take approximately 1 hour. When you arrive in eastern Sciliy the train cars are rolled back onto the tracks and its off to Palermo. During the crossing there is no need to leave your seat but if you wish you can go on deck and take in some of the sights.

If you are not in any hurry, we would highly recommend taking the train as the crossing is an experience you will never forget! Journey time 10-12 hours.

By Ferry: ferries operate services to Palermo from Rome and Naples (Napoli). Taking the ferry to Sicily would be a great way of taking in the sights while at the same time saving you money. Ferries keep to a tight schedule offering the passengers a very inexpensive way to travel.

Snav Ferries: (Tel: Napoli: + 39 081 428 5555, Palermo: + 39 091 6014211)

Departures from Naples (Napoli) to Palermo daily at 20.00, journey time is 10.30hrs.
Departures from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Palermo, Mon, Wed & Fri at 19.00, journey time is 14hrs.

Tirrenia Navigazione: (+39 02 2630 2803)
Departures from Napoli to Palermo and from Cagliari to Trapani & Palermo. Journey time approximately 10.30 hours.  

Ustica Lines: To Trapani from Livorno (Tuscany) Tel: +39 0923 873813
Trapani ticket office: +39 347 8734219
Departs only some days of the week.

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Travelling around Sicily

There are local bus services and you must purchase a fare ticket, which are sold in newsagents & tobacco vendors.  When you board the bus you must ensure to validate your ticket. For long journeys tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.

Driving: a full driving licence is required by EU Nationals. Nobody under the age of 18 can drive in Sicily even if they hold a foreign licence.  Non EU Nationals should contact the local Italian Consulate for advice.

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Information for the Traveller in Sicily

Currency: Euro (your credit card and laser cards can be used in almost every shop and restaurants)

Language: Italian – each region has it’s own local dialect, you will find that a number of the locals can speak some English so don’t hestiate to speak to them. We recommend that you purchase an Italian phrase book which you will find in the Airport Duty and the majority of book stores.


Dining out: You will find a variety of different restaurants on the island offering a mix of traditional Italian dishes. When eating out in Sicily you will experience some of the best cuisine in the world. The majority of menus will be in Italian so it is recommended that you have your phrase book to hand, but do ask if they speak English.

In regards to service, you won’t be disappointed as the Sicilians are extremely friendly and will make you feel more than welcome. An average meal (2-3 courses) for 2 with a nice bottle of local Sicilian wine should set you back approximately €30-50 depending on location and the type of restaurant. Of course you may want to have a nice cold bottle of beer with your food and that will cost you on average 2-3 euro for a 660ml bottle. For the ladies, a large selection of cocktails is available and should cost you 4-5 euro. If you would prefer some bubbles, a bottle of local Prosecco will cost you between €12 & €15.  Buon appetitto! 

Time: GMT +1 hour

Weather: The weather in Sicily is beautiful all the year around with long hot summers and short mild winters with a very light rain fall. The Sicilian winter lasts between December and February when the average temperature is 15 degrees. The best time to visit would be in the spring (April to June) and Autumn (September and October) when temperatures are pleasant and haven't quite reached the extreme temperatures which you can expect during the high summer season (July and August) when temperatures can reach a staggering 35 degree Celsius.

You will find that the sunshine on the island is more intense than on the main land and across Europe, so please make sure that you use a high factor sun cream and try to stay in the shade during the hours of 11am until 3pm as this is when the sun is at its highest. Rest assured you will get that golden tan. For more information on the weather in Sicily, click here >>

Beaches: Along the beach will find many different lidos (Private Beaches) that offer sun beds and umbrellas, as well as public beaches where you can lie down for free.

If you decide to use the private beaches expect to pay €11 per day for 2 sun loungers and 1 umbrella. We would highly recommend using the private beaches as they offer good clean facilities including toilets, changing rooms, showers and of course a nice bar where you can order food and beverages. The food here would consist of small snacks like panini, salads and various pasta dishes. During the day they arrange aqua aerobics, dancing and other activities on the beach which is all included in the price. 

Opening Hours: Please note that majority of places close between 1pm and 4pm for siesta, except a few restaurants and shops. The opening time for shops is 9.00am and evening closing time around 7.30 to 8.00pm.Most shops are closed on Monday morning and Sundays. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 08.30 – 13 and 14.30 – 16.00. Offices and shops are closed on National Holidays.

Electricity: The Italian mains supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European style two pin plug, so adapters are still needed.

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Visas & Embassies

Visas: Eu Citizens do not require a visa.

United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand nationals in possession of valid passports can stay in Italy up to 90 days without a visa.

To confirm your visa requirements contact your local Italian Embassy.

Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 660 1744

Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 73122200

Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States
Tel: + 1 202 612 4400

Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada
Tel: +1 613 232 2401

Italian Embassy, Canaberra, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6273 3333

Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0)4 473 5339

Foreign Embassies in Italy:

Irish Embassy, Rome
Tel: +39 06 697 9121

British Embassy, Rome
Tel: +39 06 4220 0001

British Honorary Consulate, Palermo
Tel: +39 091 326 412

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National Holidays

1 January - New Year's Day
5 February - St. Agatha's Day - Catania
Easter Sunday - Mar/Apr
Easter Monday - Mar/Apr
1 May - Labour Day
2 June - Republic Day
15 July - St. Rosalie's Day - Palermo
15 August - Assumption of the Virgin
1 Nov - All Saints' Day
8 Dec - Immaculate Conception
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - St Stephen's Day

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Useful Contact Numbers

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Tourist Offices

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NOTE: Every effort has been made to keep this information accurate but we are not responsible for possible inaccuracies due to updates/changes made without our knowledge.