The primary entry points for international visitors are Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) and Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Where Catania is the closer one.
These airports are well-connected with major European cities and several intercontinental destinations. Airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, easyJet, and Lufthansa offer frequent flights, making reaching Sicily from cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and New York convenient.
For those travelling within Italy, Sicily is easily accessible via several domestic flights. In addition to Palermo and Catania airports, Comiso Airport (CIY) is an excellent option to get close to Ragusa. Located in the southeastern part of the island, Comiso offers a closer entry point if you want to avoid travelling around with a bus or car.
Flights to Comiso are available from several major Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, and Pisa. Airlines such as Ryanair and Alitalia provide regular service, ensuring that domestic travel to Sicily is convenient and efficient. But Comisio is a tiny airport.
From Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you can enjoy multiple daily flights to Palermo, Catania, and Comiso. Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN) also offer numerous flights to these Sicilian destinations. Naples International Airport (NAP) provides another convenient connection, with several daily flights to Palermo and Catania.
You can easily plan your journey to Sicily by leveraging these domestic flight options, starting from Italy’s larger cities. The array of flight choices ensures that reaching Sicily is straightforward and flexible, catering to various travel preferences and itineraries.
Travelling to Sicily by boat offers a scenic and leisurely alternative to flying! Allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Several ferry routes connect Sicily with mainland Italy and nearby Malta, providing convenient and enjoyable options for reaching the island.
One of the most popular ferry routes to Sicily is from Naples to Palermo. Several ferry operators, including Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and Tirrenia, offer regular services on this route. The journey typically takes about 10 hours, making overnight crossings popular. These ferries are well-equipped with comfortable cabins, onboard dining options, and entertainment facilities, ensuring a pleasant voyage. Travellers can enjoy the scenic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and arrive refreshed in Palermo, ready to explore the vibrant capital of Sicily.
Malta quaint former British colony with a mix of former rulers (also including Italy and Morse). But flying to Malta is usually cheap this time a year – so having a bit of time there first won’t be half bad.
For those travelling from Malta, the ferry route from Valletta to Pozzallo is convenient. Virtu Ferries operates this route, with several crossings each week. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to travel between Malta and Sicily. Pozzallo, located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, provides easy access to the picturesque towns of Ragusa, Modica, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Val di Noto.
Another excellent ferry option from Malta is the route from Valletta to Catania, operated by Virtu Ferries. This journey takes around 4 hours, offering a direct connection to one of Sicily’s major cities. Catania, situated on the eastern coast of the island, is known for its rich history, vibrant markets, and proximity to Mount Etna. The ferry service provides a comfortable and scenic voyage, with amenities such as spacious seating, dining options, and panoramic views of the sea.
Driving to Sicily from mainland Italy is an adventurous and scenic journey. It allows you to explore the finer things Italian countryside and coastline at their own pace. (also passing the romantic Amalfi coast)
To drive to Sicily from mainland Italy, travellers typically start their journey by heading south through the Italian peninsula. The main highways used are the A1 and A3, which connect major cities such as Rome and Naples to the southern region of Calabria.
Starting from Rome, drivers take the A1 Autostrada del Sole towards Naples. This segment of the journey offers picturesque views of the Italian countryside and passes through historic towns such as Cassino, home to the famous Montecassino Abbey.
From Naples, the route continues on the A3 highway towards the region of Calabria. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps a stop in cities like Salerno or the coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast for a break and some sightseeing.
The final leg of the mainland journey takes drivers to the southern tip of Calabria, to the port city of Reggio Calabria. From here, travellers can take a ferry to Sicily. The ferry crossing from Villa San Giovanni (a suburb of Reggio Calabria) to Messina, Sicily, is the most direct and shortest route, typically taking about 20-30 minutes. Several ferry operators, including Caronte & Tourist, provide frequent services, ensuring a smooth and efficient crossing.
Upon arriving in Messina, you have easy access to the island’s extensive road network, making it simple to reach various destinations across Sicily. From Messina, the A18 leads south to Catania and onwards to Syracuse. (onwards towards Ragusa)
The island’s well-maintained roads and highways make driving a convenient way to explore Sicily’s diverse regions, from the bustling cities to the serene countryside and coastal areas.
Syracuse and Mount Etna are a must see!
