Getting to and around Sicily
Palermo Airport (Falconi-Borsellino)
The main airport of Sicily it is 31km west of Palermo. It carries internal and international flights from Ryanair. The Prestia e Commande bus connects between airport and town regularly and is 45 minute journey.
Catania (Fontanarossa)
A tiny domestic airport that deals mainly in Italian only flights from Rome or Milan, although Meridiana fly there from London. It is 7km south of Catania and the Alibus connects with the train station every 20mins.
Trenitalia run trains direct from Rome to Messina, taking them across the straits on ferries. There are local trains on the island but they are not overly frequent.
The intercity SAIS and AST buses service the island more regularly and extensively than rail.
Tickets are a little less at €0.80 for a single and must be validated in the yellow machines inside the bus. You must buy these from the Tabacci's and ticket machines as the drivers don't sell them . The destinations are written on the front of the bus.
Cheap and environmentally friendly. Most of the towns and villages are fairly compact and can be easily walked round in a day. Places on hillsides and steep country will need suitable footwear and a reasonable level or fitness.