Savings Tips

Sicily is already affordable — with these tips, it gets even better:

• Travel in the off-season: In May, June, September, and October, accommodations and rental cars are 30–50% cheaper. Taormina in August can cost twice as much as in October — with better weather.
• Street food instead of restaurants: The street markets in Palermo and Catania are the best restaurants on the island. Breakfast: Granita con Brioche (3–4€). Lunch: 2 Arancini + Panelle (5€). No joke.
• Water from fountains: In many Sicilian cities, there are public drinking water fountains (Fontanelle). Bring a bottle and refill.
• Book rental cars early: In summer, rental cars in Sicily become scarce. Booking 2–3 months in advance saves up to 50%.
• Use morning hours: Many museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
• Agriturismo with half board: In the interior, agriturismi offer multi-course dinners with local wine for 25–35€ — better and cheaper than any restaurant.
• Train instead of car: The train connection Palermo–Catania (3.5h, from 9€) and Catania–Syracuse (1.5h, from 7€) are cheap and convenient.
• Pasticceria instead of hotel breakfast: Cornetto and Cappuccino at the bar cost 2–3€ and are more authentic than any hotel buffet.