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Sicily is a sunny island located in the southern part of Italy. Getting there from Rome isn’t tricky, and the most convenient option is by air. Moreover, you can get there by train on a ferry or the usual ferry. The distance between Rome and Sicily is 494 km. This air travel distance is equal to 307 miles. Therefore, it will take 1 to 14 hours to get from Rome to Sicily.
Here’s the list of options on how to get from Rome to Sicily:
By Plane
One of the most popular options is to travel from Rome to Sicily by plane with Ryanair from Fiumicino airport to the airport of Trapani and then take a train to Palermo. However, the price for one way ticket starts from 19 euros, and it takes 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Palermo from Rome by plane. Therefore, booking tickets in advance for lower prices is always better.
EasyJet is another airline that offers flights to Sicily from Rome Fiumicino airport to Palermo. There is a flexible ticket cost of about 70 euros for a one-way ticket. Therefore, the best fare offered by this airline will be about 40 euros for one way ticket. Also, Catania to Rome flights is provided by www.ita-airways.com with the price of 40 euro or for flex tickets about 60 euro total.
“Partenza” means departure, “arrivo” means arrival, and “prezzo” is a price.
By Train on a Ferry
You can also take a train on a ferry from Rome to Messina. The journey will start from Rome Termini Central Station and take about 8 to 10 hours. The train on a ferry ticket costs about 50 euros one-way. There are also many Italy rail links from Rome to Palermo via Messina, with many other train options going between Messina and Palermo. Travel time is about 3.5 hours, and the price is 11 euros one-way. To make a reservation online, go to Trenitalia website.
There are also hourly trains between Messina and Taormina, Sicily’s major resort to the south, taking 1 hour and costing 4.50 euros each way.
By Ferry
Another option is to take a train from Rome to either Naples or Salerno, and then catch a ferry to Messina. The train from Naples takes about 5.5 hours and usually costs around 35 euros. You can purchase ferry tickets to Sicily online at www.directferries.com/sicily.htm. You can also travel from the port of Civitavecchia near Rome to Palermo by ferry—this trip takes about 14 hours, with round-trip fares starting at 160 euros per adult, including a compact car.
By Car
Yes, it is possible to get to Sicily from Rome by car. The route originates from the highway through Calabria and crosses the Stretto on one of the ferries. You have to buy your ticket at the port and get in line with all the other cars to get on board the ferry.
You can rent a car in Rome with rentalcars.com. Read about all the features of car rental in Rome in this article.
Where to Stay in Sicily – Best Places
Plan to spend at least three days in Sicily to truly experience all the island has to offer. From stunning beaches and ancient ruins to vibrant markets and incredible cuisine, there’s so much to see and do—and even more to taste! Whether you’re drawn to the lively atmosphere of Palermo, the charm of Taormina, or the laid-back beauty of coastal villages, Sicily is full of unforgettable destinations.
Below you’ll find my editorial selection of the best places to stay in Sicily, chosen based on traveler reviews and my own personal experiences. Each of these locations offers something unique, ensuring you’ll find the perfect base for your Sicilian adventure.
Verdura Resort in Ribera
Verdura Resort is a high-rated luxury hotel located in Ribera. The resort is on 230 hectares of olive groves and Sicilian countryside. It offers a private beach, 3 golf courses, and fantastic sea views.
The price per night for 2 people starts from 400 euros.
Taormina
NH Collection Taormina features a roof-top terrace with a cocktail bar and panoramic views. It is set in the heart of Taormina. Spacious rooms, a modern wellness center, and an infinity pool overlooking the bay.
The price per night for 2 people starts from 350 euro
Messina
Elysium B&B is in Messina, a few steps from Sant Elia Church. There is a buffet breakfast served daily. Moreover, all rooms are spacious and feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
The price per night for 2 people starts from 90 euro
Palermo
Exclusive Rooms Palazzo Natoli is located in Palermo. It offers rooms with free WiFi. Moreover, the property is close to well-known attractions such as Teatro Massimo and Via Maqueda.
The price per night for 2 people starts from 250 euro
What to Visit in Sicily
- Mount Etna (Monte Etna) – the main attraction of Sicily, created by nature itself. This is the largest active volcano in Europe, located in the eastern part of the island.
- The second natural attraction of Sicily is the cave bearing the name “Ear of Dionysius” (Orecchio di Dionisio). The cave is located near the city of Syracuse.
- Botanical Garden of Palermo. Today, the garden covers 10 hectares. There you can see a wide variety of tropical plants, cactus groves, a variety of beautiful lilies, and much more.
- When arriving in Agrigento or Selinunte, you can enter ancient Greece’s world. In Selinunte, the ruins of the unknown temple are of the most significant interest. It is assumed that it was once dedicated to the great Zeus and was like the Parthenon in Athens. Today, on the temple site, only one column has been preserved. There are many other remains of ancient temples in the city.
- The road between Selinunte and Agrigento is very picturesque. It is mainly surrounded by deserted beaches and rare fishermen’s settlements. However, the most fantastic place on this road is the Valley of the Temples – an architectural complex made up of 5-4 centuries BC temple buildings. The whole valley is divided into two parts – east and west.
- The oldest temple in Sicily – Tempio di Ercole is located in the eastern part of the valley. Once upon a time, it was a magnificent vault on 38 massive columns. The Temple of Concord (Tempio di Concordia) is preserved much better.
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Tempio di Zeus Olimpio) is a striking detail of the western part of the valley. The majestic temple is considered the pearl of the ancient Greek architecture of Sicily. The height of its columns was once 15 meters. However, they eventually began to grow into the ground due to rains and winds.
What to See in Palermo
An essential attraction of the island is the city of Palermo – the capital of Sicily and the province’s main city of the same name. The number of its attractions is such that it could well be enough for a small European state.
- The city’s main attraction is the Royal Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni). Looking at its western part, you will see the Norman fortress; on the south side, you will see a typical Renaissance building. Previously, the palace was the residence of kings, and today it houses the government of Sicily.
- The city of Taormina, located in the province of Messina, amazes tourists with fabulous beauty. Medieval palaces and monuments of Greek-Roman architecture can be found there at every turn.
- Also, Syracuse was founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC. Since then, the city has preserved many monuments of history.
Sicilian Food – What are the Must-Try Things?
Sicily has a distinct cuisine that’s steeped in history and has become world-famous. Sicilian food is a really mixed – a fusion cuisine that’s influenced by French, Arabic, and North African settlers. When in Sicily, you should definitely try:
Arancini
Arancini is a ball of creamy risotto rice that’s breaded and deep-fried. This is the iconic Sicilian dish! This is a perfect snack while walking around the island’s streets.
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is probably the best representation of Sicilian cuisine. It is made of local tomatoes, aubergines, garlic, basil, and salted ricotta. Must try! Perfect for vegetarians.
Pasta con le Sarde
Pasta con le Sarde is the fishy version of Pasta alla Norma. It contains fresh sardines, salted anchovy fillets, and wild fennel mixed in a sauce with an addition of pine nuts, raisins, and saffron. The taste is fantastic.
Caponata
Caponata is an example of external influences on Sicily’s cuisine. The recipe can change from one chef to another, but it must always contain aubergines, pine nuts, raisins, and plenty of vinegar. It is usually served as an antipasto (starter).
Dolci
When in Sicily, you should definitely try: cassata, cannoli, and granita. Sicilian sweets are unique and incomparable! For instance, cannoli are little deep-fried pastry tubes piped full of creamy ricotta. Cassata is a Sicilian sponge cake flavored with chocolate, citrus fruits, marzipan, and ricotta cream. Then, granita is iced with flavors. Typical flavors are almonds, coffee, and watermelon. You have to eat it with a spoon, so it is not slush.
