Hi there,
We’d like to take our bikes to Sicily in early April for Easter, then cycle back home via Puglia to the Lyon area.
Has anyone got any tips?
1: How to get there? Train or ferry?
2: Camping or other options in big cities? Is it true that campsites are really expensive?
3: Recommended route
We’re open to all suggestions.
Thanks, and happy holidays!
34 similar discussions in English
Hi, who can recommend a bike route from Vienne, Isère to Sicily, and what’s the best time of year to go?
Thanks
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
Hi there,
Is there a bike route that crosses Italy to catch the boat to Sicily?
If so, where does it start and where does it end?
Hi everyone,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight
Hi everyone!!!
I’m finally getting around to writing about this 20-day trip to southern Italy: we didn’t travel this summer, and luckily, we found beautiful light and dreamy weather there at the end of September.
First, here’s the context of the trip: we’re both "confirmed seniors" but still curious and alert enough to enjoy the itinerary we’d imagined! We wanted a mix of discoveries—culture, cities, and nature—with guaranteed sunshine and the occasional short hike... We’re flying to Naples, round-trip, because the flight times work better for us. We rented a car online, picked it up at the airport (details to come... and it won’t be the highlight of the trip!), and booked our hotels in advance.
A quick overview of the itinerary: leaving Naples on September 15th, early in the morning, we’ll drive straight across the boot of Italy to Bari. After 11 days in Puglia, we’ll head back toward our starting point, taking our time: Matera in Basilicata, Maratea by the sea, and finally Paestum with its incredible temples.
Day 1: Brussels-Naples flight (Brussels Airlines) went smoothly; it landed an hour early, and we were thrilled, thinking we could use that time for a quick visit or two... Everything went well until we left the airport. We took the shuttle to the car rental offices, and at first glance, we realized this wouldn’t be smooth sailing!!! In front of every office (they’re side by side), there were already lines and kids sitting on suitcases—everyone looked exhausted... We resigned ourselves to waiting: nothing moved until tempers flared at the counters, and two people nearly came to blows. Things sped up a little, and after 2 (two...) hours of waiting, we finally got our chariot: a black Fiat Tipo, dirty, with a few dents and scratches that we made sure to note in the contract... but it ran!
Off to Bari, then: no time for sightseeing along the way! From there, we headed straight to our hotel in the countryside near Polignano a Mare.
A recurring detail: this happened constantly during our travels. We’d installed our own GPS, fully updated... In recent years, many dirt roads have become drivable, and lots of hotels and hostels have opened in the outskirts of towns. It was extremely rare for our ‘guide’ to recognize the street—let alone the number—we entered. Often, we got by calling the hotel reception: it might seem like a small thing, but it happened so often it became frustrating. In hindsight, it seems like without Google Maps, we’d have been lost!
Anyway, we were beautifully settled, with a terrace overlooking olive groves and the sea in the distance: all was well.
To be continued...
I’m finally getting around to writing about this 20-day trip to southern Italy: we didn’t travel this summer, and luckily, we found beautiful light and dreamy weather there at the end of September.
First, here’s the context of the trip: we’re both "confirmed seniors" but still curious and alert enough to enjoy the itinerary we’d imagined! We wanted a mix of discoveries—culture, cities, and nature—with guaranteed sunshine and the occasional short hike... We’re flying to Naples, round-trip, because the flight times work better for us. We rented a car online, picked it up at the airport (details to come... and it won’t be the highlight of the trip!), and booked our hotels in advance.
A quick overview of the itinerary: leaving Naples on September 15th, early in the morning, we’ll drive straight across the boot of Italy to Bari. After 11 days in Puglia, we’ll head back toward our starting point, taking our time: Matera in Basilicata, Maratea by the sea, and finally Paestum with its incredible temples.
Day 1: Brussels-Naples flight (Brussels Airlines) went smoothly; it landed an hour early, and we were thrilled, thinking we could use that time for a quick visit or two... Everything went well until we left the airport. We took the shuttle to the car rental offices, and at first glance, we realized this wouldn’t be smooth sailing!!! In front of every office (they’re side by side), there were already lines and kids sitting on suitcases—everyone looked exhausted... We resigned ourselves to waiting: nothing moved until tempers flared at the counters, and two people nearly came to blows. Things sped up a little, and after 2 (two...) hours of waiting, we finally got our chariot: a black Fiat Tipo, dirty, with a few dents and scratches that we made sure to note in the contract... but it ran!
Off to Bari, then: no time for sightseeing along the way! From there, we headed straight to our hotel in the countryside near Polignano a Mare.
A recurring detail: this happened constantly during our travels. We’d installed our own GPS, fully updated... In recent years, many dirt roads have become drivable, and lots of hotels and hostels have opened in the outskirts of towns. It was extremely rare for our ‘guide’ to recognize the street—let alone the number—we entered. Often, we got by calling the hotel reception: it might seem like a small thing, but it happened so often it became frustrating. In hindsight, it seems like without Google Maps, we’d have been lost!
Anyway, we were beautifully settled, with a terrace overlooking olive groves and the sea in the distance: all was well.
To be continued...
After a pretty disastrous weather-wise trip to Gran Canaria, we’re hoping this time the sun will shine in Puglia.
It’s not a sure thing, though—the weather’s been awful all over Europe in early May.
For those who’d like to (re)read the story without the digressions, it’s here.
Saturday, May 16: This time we’re flying out of Charleroi (Brussels South): the ticket prices, flight times, and proximity all worked for us. The airport (Ryanair) was recently renovated... but it’s still not very well organized. There are hardly any seats in the boarding areas, and... the restrooms cost money!!! The flight goes smoothly, though, and we land in Bari a little late.
We quickly pick up our rental car, a very local-looking Pandina (even more so than the Fiat 500 in this region), and hit the Italian roads... and their unique driving quirks (like the fact that the countless road signs along the streets and in towns are purely decorative 😏, and that Italian cars don’t have turn signals 😮... except for rental cars).
About an hour later, we arrive at our first accommodation, right in the middle of the countryside near Monopoli. The owner isn’t there, but they’ve left us a ton of info via messages and even turned on the space heater, which is a nice touch. We explore the property:
And the next morning before breakfast, its immediate surroundings:
Sunday, May 17: After our "seaside" experience in Gran Canaria last weekend (packed with people and locals), we decide to start inland. After a hearty breakfast,
we head toward Alberobello, a super touristy village famous for its trulli—those stone houses with conical roofs. We easily find a free parking spot on a street near the Aia Piccola district, where some trulli are still lived in year-round.
We almost immediately come across the Trullo Sovrano (the only two-story one), which you can visit (but we skip it—it’s opening time, and there’s already a line).
From there, we head down toward the Basilica of Cosma e Damiano... but we don’t go in because there’s a mass.
Now we’re on the main Piazza del Popolo, which connects the two districts of Alberobello: Rione Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, the more touristy one.
For those who’d like to (re)read the story without the digressions, it’s here.
Saturday, May 16: This time we’re flying out of Charleroi (Brussels South): the ticket prices, flight times, and proximity all worked for us. The airport (Ryanair) was recently renovated... but it’s still not very well organized. There are hardly any seats in the boarding areas, and... the restrooms cost money!!! The flight goes smoothly, though, and we land in Bari a little late.
We quickly pick up our rental car, a very local-looking Pandina (even more so than the Fiat 500 in this region), and hit the Italian roads... and their unique driving quirks (like the fact that the countless road signs along the streets and in towns are purely decorative 😏, and that Italian cars don’t have turn signals 😮... except for rental cars).
About an hour later, we arrive at our first accommodation, right in the middle of the countryside near Monopoli. The owner isn’t there, but they’ve left us a ton of info via messages and even turned on the space heater, which is a nice touch. We explore the property:
And the next morning before breakfast, its immediate surroundings:
Sunday, May 17: After our "seaside" experience in Gran Canaria last weekend (packed with people and locals), we decide to start inland. After a hearty breakfast,
we head toward Alberobello, a super touristy village famous for its trulli—those stone houses with conical roofs. We easily find a free parking spot on a street near the Aia Piccola district, where some trulli are still lived in year-round.
We almost immediately come across the Trullo Sovrano (the only two-story one), which you can visit (but we skip it—it’s opening time, and there’s already a line).
From there, we head down toward the Basilica of Cosma e Damiano... but we don’t go in because there’s a mass.
Now we’re on the main Piazza del Popolo, which connects the two districts of Alberobello: Rione Aia Piccola and Rione Monti, the more touristy one.
Quick recap of a getaway to Sicily (June 3–13, 2022).
Day 1: Transavia flight to Palermo from Lyon Day 2: Zingaro Reserve (14 km coastal trail round-trip, about 4 hours of hiking + coves) / Evening in Scopello Day 3: Segesta + Erice via cable car + evening in Trapani (free parking at Piazza Vit. Emmanuele) Day 3: Bike day in Favignana (Cala Rosa, Cala Azzurra) Day 4: Marsala (quick stop at the salt flats), Selinunte, and sleepover in Agrigento Day 5: Day in Agrigento: Valley of the Temples, Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, Temple of Castor and Pollux Day 6: Villa Romana del Casale and Cefalù in the late afternoon Day 7: Relaxing beach day in Cefalù Day 8: Mosaics in Monreale Cathedral, then Palermo Day 9: Palermo Day 10: Return to Lyon
8 days on the ground covering 650 km, scorching heat all week (37°C in Zingaro), and a ridiculously expensive car rental (Sicily by Car).
Some truly great accommodations:
- Tre Giummare in Scopello (despite the AC breaking down the night before) - Laurus Apartments in Trapani (perfect for the Favignana ferry) - Terrazze di Montelusa in Agrigento (worth seeing—very unique!) - Rurale, Via Lancenia 22 in Cefalù (for the pool view!) - Il Giardino di Ballarò in Palermo (charming and right in the heart of the city)
Our top picks:
- Favignana (by far the highlight of the trip) - The temples in Agrigento - Palermo - The food here is amazing
No real disappointments, but Erice didn’t quite live up to expectations, and we were frustrated by the car rental prices.
Side note: make sure to specify that your card is a *credit* card (not debit). Ours was a deferred debit card, and our bank had the sense to label it "credit card"—otherwise, you’d be on the hook for an extra 200 €... those Southern Italians!
Hike in Zingaro:
Segesta:
Day 1: Transavia flight to Palermo from Lyon Day 2: Zingaro Reserve (14 km coastal trail round-trip, about 4 hours of hiking + coves) / Evening in Scopello Day 3: Segesta + Erice via cable car + evening in Trapani (free parking at Piazza Vit. Emmanuele) Day 3: Bike day in Favignana (Cala Rosa, Cala Azzurra) Day 4: Marsala (quick stop at the salt flats), Selinunte, and sleepover in Agrigento Day 5: Day in Agrigento: Valley of the Temples, Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, Temple of Castor and Pollux Day 6: Villa Romana del Casale and Cefalù in the late afternoon Day 7: Relaxing beach day in Cefalù Day 8: Mosaics in Monreale Cathedral, then Palermo Day 9: Palermo Day 10: Return to Lyon
8 days on the ground covering 650 km, scorching heat all week (37°C in Zingaro), and a ridiculously expensive car rental (Sicily by Car).
Some truly great accommodations:
- Tre Giummare in Scopello (despite the AC breaking down the night before) - Laurus Apartments in Trapani (perfect for the Favignana ferry) - Terrazze di Montelusa in Agrigento (worth seeing—very unique!) - Rurale, Via Lancenia 22 in Cefalù (for the pool view!) - Il Giardino di Ballarò in Palermo (charming and right in the heart of the city)
Our top picks:
- Favignana (by far the highlight of the trip) - The temples in Agrigento - Palermo - The food here is amazing
No real disappointments, but Erice didn’t quite live up to expectations, and we were frustrated by the car rental prices.
Side note: make sure to specify that your card is a *credit* card (not debit). Ours was a deferred debit card, and our bank had the sense to label it "credit card"—otherwise, you’d be on the hook for an extra 200 €... those Southern Italians!
Hike in Zingaro:
Segesta:
Hello,
I’m a 70-year-old retiree looking for two or three travel companions to visit Sicily, which I haven’t been to, in May or June. I’m also planning to visit Vietnam in September. I love exploring, learning, and meeting new people, and I’m adaptable, but it’s not easy to find people with the same interests. Team spirit is important to me. I travel on a mid-range budget. Looking forward to your comments. You can reach me at: maryse.21 @orange.fr Best regards,
I’m a 70-year-old retiree looking for two or three travel companions to visit Sicily, which I haven’t been to, in May or June. I’m also planning to visit Vietnam in September. I love exploring, learning, and meeting new people, and I’m adaptable, but it’s not easy to find people with the same interests. Team spirit is important to me. I travel on a mid-range budget. Looking forward to your comments. You can reach me at: maryse.21 @orange.fr Best regards,
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for female travelers to share a week of sunny vacation in Greece or Sicily.
The plan: sun, beaches, sightseeing, excursions, restaurants...
I’m flexible on dates between August 19th and September 1st, as well as the duration (more or less a week).
I’ll be departing from Paris.
If you’re interested (girls only), feel free to get in touch.
I’m looking for female travelers to share a week of sunny vacation in Greece or Sicily.
The plan: sun, beaches, sightseeing, excursions, restaurants...
I’m flexible on dates between August 19th and September 1st, as well as the duration (more or less a week).
I’ll be departing from Paris.
If you’re interested (girls only), feel free to get in touch.
Hi there,
I’ve been wanting to explore Sicily for a long time.
From an all-inclusive hotel so I don’t have to change accommodation every night, and getting around by rental car. About ten days.
Which spot would be best to stay so I can explore without excessive driving?
What are the must-see sites, knowing that Mount Etna is already my top pick?
What are the key things to know about renting and driving a car (laws, speed limits, requirements in certain cities, parking, etc.)?
Hi everyone! So nice to be back on our forum!
We’re thinking of taking a little trip to Sicily next month with our camper van. We’d leave from our place in Auvergne, then take a ferry from Genoa to Palermo, and on the way back, we’d follow the Tyrrhenian coast up to Naples. After that, we’d head straight back to Auvergne. We’ve never been to Sicily, Naples, or Pompeii before. Since we couldn’t plan this trip earlier in the year, we’re a bit worried about the weather—especially the temperature and rainfall in Sicily. I know the climate’s getting warmer, but still... Thanks for shedding some light on this for us! Junolu
We’re thinking of taking a little trip to Sicily next month with our camper van. We’d leave from our place in Auvergne, then take a ferry from Genoa to Palermo, and on the way back, we’d follow the Tyrrhenian coast up to Naples. After that, we’d head straight back to Auvergne. We’ve never been to Sicily, Naples, or Pompeii before. Since we couldn’t plan this trip earlier in the year, we’re a bit worried about the weather—especially the temperature and rainfall in Sicily. I know the climate’s getting warmer, but still... Thanks for shedding some light on this for us! Junolu
Hello everyone, 🙂
I’m thinking of chasing some sunshine in Sicily in mid-November (from the 7th to the 15th), mixing visits, great hikes, discoveries, gastronomy, and more! I’d like to head to Palermo, Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, and so on. I imagine the island will be really peaceful at this time of year. I’m 45, very adaptable, and curious—just looking to enjoy the experience.
If any kind souls are interested in joining, don’t hesitate to reach out!
See you soon, maybe! Grazie🙂
Antoine
I’m thinking of chasing some sunshine in Sicily in mid-November (from the 7th to the 15th), mixing visits, great hikes, discoveries, gastronomy, and more! I’d like to head to Palermo, Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, and so on. I imagine the island will be really peaceful at this time of year. I’m 45, very adaptable, and curious—just looking to enjoy the experience.
If any kind souls are interested in joining, don’t hesitate to reach out!
See you soon, maybe! Grazie🙂
Antoine
Hi there! In this post, you’ll find our 15-day itinerary in Sicily, including 2 days spent on the Aeolian Islands. It’s packed with info: our visits, favorite spots, hikes, volcanoes, and more!
https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2023/10/notre-itineraire-de-15-jours-en-sicile.html
Feel free to ask if you have any questions! :)
Hey there,
My boyfriend or my ex—I can’t even tell anymore—just bailed on me, saying "he can’t get on the plane." Long story short, I should be in Sicily right now, and I’m really bummed... I’ve got friends, like everyone else, but they’re all working. So, who knows why, but I’m looking for a stranger who’d be up for wandering around with me next week—I don’t even know where yet. At least I’ll have tried, right? Thanks.
Elodie
Oh, and I live in French-speaking Switzerland, in case that matters
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to spend about ten days in Sicily (in September if possible), and instead of renting a car, I’d like to get around by train and bus. Is this a practical option or not? Thanks for your tips and advice! 😉
I’m planning to spend about ten days in Sicily (in September if possible), and instead of renting a car, I’d like to get around by train and bus. Is this a practical option or not? Thanks for your tips and advice! 😉
I'd love to know if any of you travelers have been to Mazara del Vallo in Sicily.
Is there a bus station that serves the main cities?
Where can I find information and schedules?
Is there a train station that serves the main cities? Where can I find the information and schedules?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Sicily for the 3rd time at the end of August. I’ve planned to spend 2 nights in the Aeolian Islands. I know you’ll say—rightly so—that it’s too short, but I can’t do any better. I’ve already been to Vulcano.
Which island is the most worth visiting for its stunning landscapes and views?
At this point, I was thinking of spending 1 night on Stromboli (and doing the ascent) and 1 night on Lipari, Salina, or Panarea.
Thanks for your tips, personal experiences, and have a great weekend!
Virginie
I’m heading to Sicily for the 3rd time at the end of August. I’ve planned to spend 2 nights in the Aeolian Islands. I know you’ll say—rightly so—that it’s too short, but I can’t do any better. I’ve already been to Vulcano.
Which island is the most worth visiting for its stunning landscapes and views?
At this point, I was thinking of spending 1 night on Stromboli (and doing the ascent) and 1 night on Lipari, Salina, or Panarea.
Thanks for your tips, personal experiences, and have a great weekend!
Virginie
Planning Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece for autumn 2025
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Sicily, and we’ll be renting a car at Palermo Airport. For our first stop, we’d like to visit Palermo itself. I’m really struggling to find a parking spot outside the ZTL (since we don’t know what type of vehicle we’ll have) and that’s not too far to walk from the city center.
It’d also be great if the parking were monitored, since we’ll have all our luggage in the car for this first leg of the trip.
I hope I’m not asking for the impossible! If any of you have some great tips to share, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks for taking the time to read my message—it really means a lot!
Looking forward to your replies,
Alain
I’m planning a trip to Sicily, and we’ll be renting a car at Palermo Airport. For our first stop, we’d like to visit Palermo itself. I’m really struggling to find a parking spot outside the ZTL (since we don’t know what type of vehicle we’ll have) and that’s not too far to walk from the city center.
It’d also be great if the parking were monitored, since we’ll have all our luggage in the car for this first leg of the trip.
I hope I’m not asking for the impossible! If any of you have some great tips to share, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks for taking the time to read my message—it really means a lot!
Looking forward to your replies,
Alain
Hi there,
We had planned a trip to Sicily in August, and due to the volcanic eruption of Mount Etna, my flight was canceled. The airline is refunding the outbound flight, but none of the non-refundable expenses: accommodation booked through Booking, rental car, and the return flight aren’t covered. My SUPER Gold card doesn’t work in this specific case! :( If anyone has been in this situation, could you let me know if you were able to get any recourse and, if so, how?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
We’re thinking of booking an "all-inclusive" trip so we don’t have to worry too much... for a week at the beginning of next September, but we’re torn between several destinations: Crete? Cyprus? Sicily? Sardinia? The only thing we’re really looking for is sunshine. Thanks in advance for any tips you can share!
We’re thinking of booking an "all-inclusive" trip so we don’t have to worry too much... for a week at the beginning of next September, but we’re torn between several destinations: Crete? Cyprus? Sicily? Sardinia? The only thing we’re really looking for is sunshine. Thanks in advance for any tips you can share!
Hi there,
I finally have two weeks off at the end of April, and flight prices to some destinations have gone up, so I’m no longer considering the Canary Islands, for example.
I’m open to any destination, but not too far away given the short two-week timeframe.
Southern Italy, Sicily, Wales, England, Ireland... Eastern and Northern Europe appeal to me, but I’m not sure about the weather being ideal.
I’m looking for a female travel companion to hike, explore cities, etc...
Feel free to message me privately.
I finally have two weeks off at the end of April, and flight prices to some destinations have gone up, so I’m no longer considering the Canary Islands, for example.
I’m open to any destination, but not too far away given the short two-week timeframe.
Southern Italy, Sicily, Wales, England, Ireland... Eastern and Northern Europe appeal to me, but I’m not sure about the weather being ideal.
I’m looking for a female travel companion to hike, explore cities, etc...
Feel free to message me privately.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip around Italy using only trains or public transport in October (hoping the weather stays nice!).
I’d obviously like to see some tourist destinations, but I also want to get off the beaten path a bit, and I’m hoping to find some help here? I don’t plan to linger too long in the cities.
Starting in the north, I’d like to visit Lake Como or Lake Orta, pass through the Cinque Terre for some hiking, spend a few days in Naples and Rome, then head down to Sicily.
What do you think?
Thanks for your help! 🙂
I’m planning a trip around Italy using only trains or public transport in October (hoping the weather stays nice!).
I’d obviously like to see some tourist destinations, but I also want to get off the beaten path a bit, and I’m hoping to find some help here? I don’t plan to linger too long in the cities.
Starting in the north, I’d like to visit Lake Como or Lake Orta, pass through the Cinque Terre for some hiking, spend a few days in Naples and Rome, then head down to Sicily.
What do you think?
Thanks for your help! 🙂
Hi there,
On holiday from August 25 to September 13, I’m looking for hiking buddies to explore trails through the greenery, discover viewpoints, and enjoy panoramas.
A base location with day hikes radiating out, or a relaxed multi-day trek for one, two, or three days.
Visit heritage sites, canoe, mountain bike, swim, sightsee, take in viewpoints, local history, music, culture, arts—all chill 🙂
All your suggestions, ideas, projects, places, and destinations are welcome. In France, in Lanzarote, in Sicily, the Dolomites, in Crete… or elsewhere.
Let’s meet up for coffee in Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, or Meaux to get to know each other and chat (dates, locations, transport, budget, routes, visits, stages, duration, semi-autonomy/day trips, accommodation…).
And co-create together for a fun summer holiday.
A “basic fitness level” required. Energy, culture, sharing, respect, curiosity to discover the world. Chill vibes.
I play badminton and enjoy hiking. I love art, old stones, music, and upcycling.
Looking forward to meeting up here, there, or somewhere else. 😛
I’m 53, from Meaux (77).
Planning a trip to Italy in October. I’d love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m taking my first cruise on the MSC Fantasia in two weeks, so I’m looking for great tips on what to visit during the stops in Ibiza, Majorca, Naples, Livorno, and Genoa. I’d love to hear all your suggestions and visit ideas. If you still have your itineraries, I’d really appreciate them!
Thanks so much.
Have a great day.
I’m taking my first cruise on the MSC Fantasia in two weeks, so I’m looking for great tips on what to visit during the stops in Ibiza, Majorca, Naples, Livorno, and Genoa. I’d love to hear all your suggestions and visit ideas. If you still have your itineraries, I’d really appreciate them!
Thanks so much.
Have a great day.
Hello everyone,
This is my first time traveling to Italy
For a short cultural trip
From October 8th to 17th
Solo as a senior woman
I booked my one-way ticket with FlixBus
From Lille Europe
On October 8th at 11:55 PM
I arrive at Porte de Maillot (Paris Pershing)
At 3:05 AM
And I’d like to get to Palermo, Italy
Starting October 9th
I’ve checked tickets—prices are sky-high everywhere, and there are even scams
Can you advise me on how to get to this city
Affordably
By train, plane, or bus
I need to arrive by October 9th
For my hostel room
Which is located at
Address provided
5.4K followers • 426 following
Travel, meet, be surprised, and fall in love with Palermo
Book at: www.acasadiamici.com
Via Dante 57, Palermo | +39 091 7654650
Palermo
acasadiamicihostel
+39 328 317 2205
A Casa di Amici, a place to live!
And from Palermo, how do I get to the hostel where I’ve booked? I’m counting on your support and understanding To make things easier before I arrive And to recommend the best ways to get there Safely Can I count on you? Thanks for your trust. Looking forward to your advice, best regards.
And from Palermo, how do I get to the hostel where I’ve booked? I’m counting on your support and understanding To make things easier before I arrive And to recommend the best ways to get there Safely Can I count on you? Thanks for your trust. Looking forward to your advice, best regards.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to go away at the end of May for a short 5-day trip, not too far away! I currently live near Montpellier and have two kids (ages 2 and 7).
The idea is to have a relaxing, low-stress vacation that’s easy to manage with young children (I’m especially thinking of my 2-year-old—cities like Florence, which I’d love to visit, are probably too tiring for his age).
I was thinking of Majorca (which I don’t know at all) or Crete, for example, which I visited a long time ago (ideal: good food, ruins to explore, beautiful villages, etc.). But it could also be Malta or somewhere else...
It’s true that before having kids, I had more time (and budget) and traveled farther, so I’m not very familiar with the Mediterranean—my mistake!
My question is pretty vague, but what would you recommend for a 5-day trip at the end of May? Since the sea will still be a bit cold (swimming might be tough!), preferably by the coast, with a family-friendly hotel and kid-friendly areas?
Thanks in advance to everyone! :)
My question is pretty vague, but what would you recommend for a 5-day trip at the end of May? Since the sea will still be a bit cold (swimming might be tough!), preferably by the coast, with a family-friendly hotel and kid-friendly areas?
Thanks in advance to everyone! :)
Hi everyone,
Since I had a fantastic week in Puglia, and it's such a nearby and easily accessible destination from France,
I invite you to check out the article I wrote about it on my blog: www.philippebasset.com/puglia.html
I highly recommend visiting this coastal region along the Adriatic Sea for so many reasons: diverse landscapes, refined and varied cuisine, a very pleasant climate, a discreet and welcoming population, no mafia (it’s sad to say, but many Italian cities are plagued by this scourge, which brings insecurity, filth, and extortion...), and apart from July-August, there’s no risk of mass tourism!
*Dolce vita* guaranteed!
I’m happy to help if you’d like tips or recommendations :)
And plenty more photos to discover—hopefully, it’ll make you want to book a flight to Bari!
Since I had a fantastic week in Puglia, and it's such a nearby and easily accessible destination from France,
I invite you to check out the article I wrote about it on my blog: www.philippebasset.com/puglia.html
I highly recommend visiting this coastal region along the Adriatic Sea for so many reasons: diverse landscapes, refined and varied cuisine, a very pleasant climate, a discreet and welcoming population, no mafia (it’s sad to say, but many Italian cities are plagued by this scourge, which brings insecurity, filth, and extortion...), and apart from July-August, there’s no risk of mass tourism!
*Dolce vita* guaranteed!
I’m happy to help if you’d like tips or recommendations :)
And plenty more photos to discover—hopefully, it’ll make you want to book a flight to Bari!
The title might surprise you, but you’ll understand my point of view.
1/ MEAL STRUCTURE I’m talking about the standard meal, not the one for those who have to budget for financial reasons (generally fewer in northern and central Italy than in France, but more in the south, which makes up 35% of Italy—Eurostat figures), nor for those (mostly women) watching their figure.
The tradition (once the meal of the well-off, widespread among the general population in the 1950s) starts with soup or pasta (or rice, gnocchi, ravioli, lasagna)—this is the *primo piatto*.
Next comes meat or another animal-based product (fish, cured meats, eggs, etc.)—the *secondo piatto*, which can be replaced by cooked vegetables (the only known example in France: eggplant parmesan).
If the meat dish doesn’t already include vegetables, one is served. Salads, whether green or tomato-based, are side dishes, not starters.
The meal ends with dessert—no difference from French habits: cheese, fruit, or sweets.
*Antipasti* (appetizers) are reserved for festive meals or receptions and are served *in addition* to the main courses at the start.
4 practices unknown in France: - If the menu includes pasta and ham, you start with the pasta. - If the menu includes pasta with a meat sauce and fish, you start with the pasta too. - Pasta is never a side dish for meat. - It’s not unusual for Italians to start with pasta in a meat sauce and then have a meat dish—most do this several times a week.
Modern adaptations: - People eat pasta less often (on average 5 times a week, according to recent figures) and soups, which are being replaced by *antipasti*. - The main meal is now mostly dinner, so it’s much heartier, while lunch isn’t usually eaten at home.
2/ THE CUISINE What do we know in France? Pizza, pasta Bolognese, carbonara, arrabbiata, ravioli, and lasagna. Fried scampi, Milanese or Bolognese cutlets, carpaccio, and finally tiramisu.
In short, a few basic dishes, but nothing of the gastronomy—whether regional traditions or high-end restaurants.
2 anecdotes: **Bolognese sauce** In Italy, the most common homemade sauce is a meat-and-tomato-based sauce called *ragù* (pronounced *ragoo*). Every region, even every town and family, as well as every restaurant, has its own recipe. *Ragù alla bolognese* is just one of these countless *ragù*—and no one in France knows the real recipe (I can share it with those interested). The name *bolognese* given abroad to any *ragù* comes from a canned sauce manufacturer who once branded their product that way. Until the early 1960s, it was called *sauce à la viande* (meat sauce).
**Pizza** Before World War II, it was practically unknown north of Rome. Today, Italy is one of the countries where it’s eaten the least (twice as much in France, four times as much in Germany).
1/ MEAL STRUCTURE I’m talking about the standard meal, not the one for those who have to budget for financial reasons (generally fewer in northern and central Italy than in France, but more in the south, which makes up 35% of Italy—Eurostat figures), nor for those (mostly women) watching their figure.
The tradition (once the meal of the well-off, widespread among the general population in the 1950s) starts with soup or pasta (or rice, gnocchi, ravioli, lasagna)—this is the *primo piatto*.
Next comes meat or another animal-based product (fish, cured meats, eggs, etc.)—the *secondo piatto*, which can be replaced by cooked vegetables (the only known example in France: eggplant parmesan).
If the meat dish doesn’t already include vegetables, one is served. Salads, whether green or tomato-based, are side dishes, not starters.
The meal ends with dessert—no difference from French habits: cheese, fruit, or sweets.
*Antipasti* (appetizers) are reserved for festive meals or receptions and are served *in addition* to the main courses at the start.
4 practices unknown in France: - If the menu includes pasta and ham, you start with the pasta. - If the menu includes pasta with a meat sauce and fish, you start with the pasta too. - Pasta is never a side dish for meat. - It’s not unusual for Italians to start with pasta in a meat sauce and then have a meat dish—most do this several times a week.
Modern adaptations: - People eat pasta less often (on average 5 times a week, according to recent figures) and soups, which are being replaced by *antipasti*. - The main meal is now mostly dinner, so it’s much heartier, while lunch isn’t usually eaten at home.
2/ THE CUISINE What do we know in France? Pizza, pasta Bolognese, carbonara, arrabbiata, ravioli, and lasagna. Fried scampi, Milanese or Bolognese cutlets, carpaccio, and finally tiramisu.
In short, a few basic dishes, but nothing of the gastronomy—whether regional traditions or high-end restaurants.
2 anecdotes: **Bolognese sauce** In Italy, the most common homemade sauce is a meat-and-tomato-based sauce called *ragù* (pronounced *ragoo*). Every region, even every town and family, as well as every restaurant, has its own recipe. *Ragù alla bolognese* is just one of these countless *ragù*—and no one in France knows the real recipe (I can share it with those interested). The name *bolognese* given abroad to any *ragù* comes from a canned sauce manufacturer who once branded their product that way. Until the early 1960s, it was called *sauce à la viande* (meat sauce).
**Pizza** Before World War II, it was practically unknown north of Rome. Today, Italy is one of the countries where it’s eaten the least (twice as much in France, four times as much in Germany).