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Sicily Regional Information

07-03-2025

In this article, we cover the basics you need to know before traveling/cycling to Sicily. Among other topics, you’ll learn about the various ways to travel to Sicily, things to see and do, and more…

For general travel tips to Italy, we recommend you check:

How to get there: Airports

Our two tours in this region start in Catania (“the Milan of the South” ) and Piazza Armerina. Regardless of your destination, the best airport for this region is the Catania International Airport (CTA), also known as the Vincenzo Bellini Airport. This airport is connected to most European airports, so you may need flight transfers in London Gatwick, Dublin, Rome, Turin, Istanbul, Paris etc. if coming from outside of Europe. For those starting their cycling tour in Catania, you’re all set. For those headed to Piazza Armerina, you have several options from Catania Airport.

 

How to get there: Trains

Europe is known for its excellent train system, and Italy’s Trentalia system is known for its high-speed Frecce trains. If you’re coming from Europe, taking the train to Catania might be the best way to travel! There is a ferry crossing included in your Trentalia ticket purchase if you start on the mainland of Italy. There’s more good news: the train system is fairly friendly to bicycle owners. That being said, there is unfortunately no train station in Piazza Armerina.

If you wish to travel by train with your bike in Sicily, do read the following pieces:

If you’re taking a train and the ticket costs you less than 3.50 Euros, Trenitalia suggests that you buy another second-class ticket for your bicycle from the self-service machine, and you can take your bicycle with you. Another option for longer train rides is a separate 3.50 Euro ticket that is valid for 24 hours of train time (which cannot be purchased from a self-service machine). The rate may be increased on some night trains. For full details, please see Trenitalia’s website: www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Services/Travelling-with-your-bike


As in France, all bicycles can be carried on board for free if they are dismantled and in a box or covered.

Here’s the makeup of the Italian rail network:

Alta Velocità (AV): The fastest trains, named in descending order of speed, the Frecciarossa (“Red Arrow”), Frecciargento (“Silver Arrow”), and Frecciabianca (“White Arrow”). These only connect a short list of Italian cities, including Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Salerno. Reservations are required on AV trains.
Intercity (IC): Day trains to and from Italy's major cities and towns.
Intercity Night (ICN): Overnight trains to and from Italy's major cities and towns.

Eurocity (EC): Day trains that link major Italian cities to major European cities.
EuroNight (EN): Overnight trains that usually travel long distances.
Regionale: more local trains that stop at every station.


Please see www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en or www.raileurope.com for more details or to book train tickets online.

 

How to get there: Piazza Armerina

As Piazza Armerina doesn’t have a train station, you’re most likely going to need a bus connection or a taxi. The good news is that Cyclomundo can arrange private transfers to Piazza Armerina for our clients (prices available upon booking the tour). This applies only if you book one of our bicycle tours in Sicily.

 

If the bus is more your speed, from Catania Airport SAIS Autolinee offers the A19 bus to Enna Bassa. This takes about an hour and costs around 10 euros. From here, you can take the 3 bus (also by SAIS) from Enna Bassa to Piazza Armerina which takes about 30 minutes and costs about 5 euros - a total of 15 euros and about 90 minutes for the whole trip. Alternatively, there is also a bus run by AST SpA that transfers through Santa Michele di Ganzaria. This trip takes about 3 hours, but costs only around 10 euros for both buses combined.

 

How to get there: Car Rental

You may choose to rent a car in Italy for part of your journey. Dealers can be found at the Catania Airport, as well as in Ragusa, and Syracuse. Some of the smaller towns such as Modica and Scicli do have rental agencies, but they are few and far between. You can find the best deals by comparing rental companies online: Catania Airport Car Rentals. Note that drivers must be over 21 to rent a car (21-25 year olds may face extra fees) and they must possess a valid driver’s license. (An international driver’s license would help.)

Typical Sicilian Farmland

When is the best time to travel to Sicily?

All the time! Sicily is an island off of Italy’s southwestern coast and has a gentle Mediterranean climate. This means it is a perfect winter cycling destination! That being said, early spring and late fall see sunny days in the 70’s (Fahrenheit) which makes them both ideal for church going, beach lazing, hiking, and of course, cycling! All year round, rain is quite rare in Sicily which makes it an ideal destination to explore baroque towns, hidden caves, and sandy beaches by bike.

 

What is there to see and do in Sicily?

Sicily has a unique mix of architecture and culture, which means there are lots of amazing palaces and museums in the area. Just in Catania you’ll have access to the Biscari Palace, the Manganelli Palace, and Ursino Castle! This region is also home to olive groves, baroque towns, and ancient cathedrals. Highlights of this region are the Caltagirone ceramic shops, Modica’s fantastic chocolate, Syracuse’s Greek and Roman ruins, and the towering Mt. Etna! The Southeast corner where our tours are located boasts agricultural riches such as quality wines, olives, fruits, and the flavoursome tomatoes of Pachino. This agricultural abundance is equally matched by the fishing fleets of Sicily’s many coastal towns.

To learn more about some things to do and to see in Sicily.

 

The Terrain

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily’s terrain is surprisingly varied. Indeed, Sicily is home to mountain ranges, fields, beaches, and even a volcano. Our tours take place in the southeast corner of the island where it is less mountainous. In fact, the area south of Catania (the starting point of one of our tours) is called “The Plain of Catania.” Where our tours take place you can expect rolling hills of olive and orange groves, and a coastline mix of sandy beaches and cliffs parted by gullies.

Fontane Bianche, Sicily's coastline

Sicily Weather and Climate

Sicily usually has warm or hot summers typical of mediterranean climates. The climate in the spring and autumn is sunny with few showers and pleasant temperatures, but during these seasons, we suggest wearing layers of clothing so that you are ready for cooler mornings and hotter afternoons. Sea temperatures near Sicily range from around 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter to approximately 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.

 

Temperature and Rainfall
Sicily's Weather

 

Local produce/shopping

In Caltagirone, ceramics are deeply ingrained in the local culture, with the town being a renowned center for pottery and tile-making. One of the standout attractions is the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, a 142-step staircase adorned with vibrant, hand-painted ceramic tiles, each uniquely designed. For food lovers, Caltagirone isn't just about ceramics—nearby Modica is an absolute must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Known for its distinctive, artisanal chocolate, Modica’s chocolate-making tradition dates back to the Aztecs, and the local recipe has been passed down for generations. Aside from these sweet indulgences, both Caltagirone and Modica offer a wealth of other regional delights, such as savory pastries, fresh local cheeses, and regional wines, making the area a paradise for those who appreciate good food and authentic local culture.

For more on local products: http://www.visitsicily.info

 

Gastronomy: Food

Some food products local to Sicily are red garlic, fresh or smoked provola (cheese from cow milk), yellow plums, and vastedda del Belice (cheese made by kneading sheep curds). Other products common in Sicilian cuisine are sardines, eggplant, olives, capers, and almonds.

Gastronomy: Favorite Sicilian Dishes

  • Arancini- fried stuffed rice balls
  • Caponata- a cooked vegetable salad and capers dish
  • Cassata- a sponge cake stuffed with sheep’s milk and ricotta cheese, decorated with candied fruits
  • Pasticceria- sicilian almond cookies
  • Pasta alla Norma- pasta with tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta and basil.
  • Pasta con le sarde- pasta with sardines and anchovies.
  • Scaccia- a thin flatbread layered with vegetables, cheese and meats and rolled up.

Gastronomy: Wine

Sicilian wine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse range, thanks to its unique climate and terroir. The key native grape varieties include Nero d’Avola, often considered the island's most important red grape. Known for its bold, full-bodied character, Nero d’Avola produces wines with deep color, ripe fruit flavors, and a touch of spice, making it a favorite for pairing with Sicilian meats and rich pasta dishes. Another prominent native grape is Catarratto, primarily used for producing white wines. Catarratto wines are crisp, fresh, and aromatic, often displaying notes of citrus and green apple. or those who enjoy sweet wines, Moscato di Pantelleria is a standout. Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes grown on the island of Pantelleria, this dessert wine is known for its intense floral aromas and sweetness, often with hints of orange blossom and honey.

For more information on Sicilian wines: http://www.visitsicily.info

 

List of links:

Tourism http://www.visitsicily.info/en/

Airports http://www.aeroporto.catania.it/?lang=en

Trains https://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

https://www.raileurope.com/

Buses http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it:8080/default.aspx

Car Rental

-Avis (www.avis.com)

-Europcar (www.europcar.com)

-Budget (www.budget.com)

-SIXT (www.sixt.com)

-Hertz Italie (www.hertz.com)

-Enterprise Italie (www.enterprise.com)

 

List of markets

We’ve organized some notable markets by location, date and time. If you happen to be in the area, stop by to check out the local produce! You never know what you’ll find...

Caltagirone

  • Antique Market, very third Sunday of the month, held in the historic center.
  • Produce Market, every Saturday, in the city center.

Catania

  • La Pescheria (fish market), Every morning, this bustling market is a must-see for seafood lovers.
  • Piazza Carlo Alberto Market, household items, jewelry, and produce, every morning.

Noto

  • Produce Market, Every Friday, from 3 PM to 8 PM, at the Noto Gardens (La Villa Comunale).

Modica

  • Produce and Clothing Market, Every Thursday, from 8 AM to 1 PM.
  • Antique Market, Last Sunday of the month, along Corso Umberto.

Piazza Armerina

  • Produce Market, every Thursday in the city center.

Palazzolo Acreide

  • Produce Market, The 1st and 15th of each month, along Viale Dante Alighieri.

Ragusa

  • Produce Market, every Wednesday from 7 am to 1 pm along Via Psaumida.

Scicli

  • Produce Market, every Tuesday on Via Saffi.

Syracuse

  • Produce and Clothing Market, daily (except Sunday) from 5 am to 2 pm.

 

Please note that market schedules can change due to local holidays, special events, or unforeseen circumstances. It's advisable to verify the current timings and availability closer to your visit by checking local sources or contacting the respective town halls for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

Are you ready for your next adventure with Cyclomundo? Contact us.

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