We were at the end of our trip to Sicily. It was time to go back to Catania, as our return flight to the UK was from Catania airport the next day. After visiting Neapolis Park and other places in Syracuse (read my previous post, Syracuse -Day 2), we collected our luggage from the B&B and headed to the E-45 motorway in the direction of Catania.
Below is a map showing the places we went to on that day:
We booked our last night at Catania International Airport Hotel, which is next to the airport. We went straight to the hotel for the check-in. We booked this hotel because our flight was very early in the morning, and we still needed time to hand back the hired car we booked via Discover Cars at the airport. We didn’t want to risk being late for our flight, so it made sense to book a hotel close to the airport.
After the check-in, we left the hotel to go to the centre of Catania. We decided to take the Alibus, a bus that takes you directly to the centre of Catania from the airport. This way, we didn’t need to worry about parking and could enjoy a few drinks if we were not driving. There was a bus stop for the Alibus about 300 metres from the hotel. This bus costs only 4 Euros each and runs every 30 minutes.
We must have missed a bus that must have passed just before we arrived at the bus stop. It took a long time for the bus to come, and more than half an hour. We started to get a bit worried because the place was not very busy and looked a bit run-down. Many cars stopped and offered us a ride to the centre of Catania for 10 Euros, but we refused. We were almost going back to the hotel to pick up the car, and going by car when the bus showed up.
When the bus finally arrived, the floor was all wet because the air conditioner was leaking. The bus driver picked us up and said we didn’t need to pay because of the wet mess on the bus. There were just a few people in the bus, and we had a free ride.
We got off in the centre of Catania and wandered the streets, but found it very empty. We also noticed many restaurants were closed, and almost no one was on the streets. I remembered that it was Wednesday. Wednesday is the day that most restaurants close in Catania. So, that must have been the reason for it to be so deserted.
I remembered about “L’Antica Pizzeria da Michelle” near the B&B where we stayed when we arrived in Catania at the start of our trip. We didn’t eat there because we tried other restaurants, but every time we passed in front of it, we felt like trying their pizzas. So, we decided to walk there to check if it was open.
“L’Antica Pizzeria da Michelle” is the same famous pizzeria from Naples. It is now a chain, and they have it in many places in Italy, in London and Manchester in the UK.
I’ve never tried the ones in the UK, but I tried the one in Naples when we visited many years ago. On that occasion, they only had two types of pizzas, Margherita and Marinara.
They were open, and on our arrival, we were promptly seated at a table. Contrary to the one I visited years ago, this one had a large range of pizzas to choose from, and there was no queue to get in.
We chose a pizza each, and mine, I think, was called “Diavolo” (Devil), which was served on fire, on top. Check the Instagram video below:
Both pizzas were delicious, and we enjoyed them very much, but they were enormous, and we both couldn’t finish everything.
This was our last meal in Sicily, and after dinner we decided to call an Uber to take us back to the hotel. We didn’t want to be waiting at the bus stop for the Alibus at that time, as it was already almost 10 pm.
This was the end of our wonderful trip to Sicily. If you are thinking about going to Sicily, you need to read all my posts on Sicily on the blog. You will find them on the home page or on the Italy page.
I hope this series of posts on Sicily will give you some idea of what can be done when you visit the island and helps you plan your own visit there.
Below is a reel from the Travelling Surveyor Instagram account showing more photos of Sicily. Check it out and follow me on Instagram as well.
Next week, I will start a series of posts on places we visited in the UK, and after that, it will be posts about our trip to the Algarve in Portugal. Check out the posts coming up in the next few weeks and don’t forget to subscribe to the site, so will never miss any posts from The Travelling Surveyor.
CONCLUSION
Wrapping up these 16 days, I can honestly say that Sicily has been a total whirlwind in the best possible way. If you’re planning your own route, I’ll tell you right now: this island is much larger and more diverse than you might expect, but every mile driven is absolutely worth it.
Looking back at our journey, here is how those 16 days truly felt:
Catania and Taormina:
- We kicked things off with the high-energy of Catania before heading to the “glitz and glamour” of Taormina. Seeing Mount Etna puffing away in the background while wandering the ancient Greek Theatre is a view I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
One of the best tours in Catania – Mount Etna, trek, cable car and jeep
One of the best 5* hotels in Catania – Palazzo Sangiorgio
One of the best 3* hotels in Catania – Opera Boutique (We stayed here)
One of the best restaurants in Catania – Concezione
One of the best tours in Taormina: Naxos: Isola Bella, Blue Grotto & Mazzarò Bay Boat Tour
One of the best 5* hotels in Taormina: San Domenico Palace (White Lotus Hotel)
One of the best 3* hotels in Taormina: Hotel Casa Adele
One of the best restaurants in Taormina: Ethica Chef’s Table and Garden
Cefalù and Palermo:
- The shift from the “relaxed beach vibes” of Cefalù to the “raw,” chaotic energy of Palermo was a highlight. I highly recommend the street food in Palermo. Trying “arancini” and “panelle” in the middle of a bustling market is the only way to do it!
One of the best tours of Cefalú: Walking Tour with authentic Sicilian Aperitivo
One of the best 5* hotels in Cefalú; Villa Dei Melograni Boutique Hotel
One of the best 3* hotels in Cefalú: Al Pescatore Suites
One of the best restaurants in Cefalú: Cortile Pepe (We ate here)
One of the best tours in Palermo: NO Mafia Walking Tour
One of the best 5* in Palermo: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
One of the best 3* in Palermo: Heritage Collection Palermo B & B (We stayed here)
One of the best restaurants in Palermo: Quattroventi
Corleone and Agrigento
- Exploring the Mafia history in Corleone was very informative and interesting, but walking through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento at sunset was a “must-experience” that felt like stepping back in time.
One of the best tours in Corleone: From Palermo: Half-day Corleone Excursion
One of the best 4* in Corleone: Suite S. Lucia
One of the best 3* in Corleone: Chiosi Country Club
One of the best restaurants in Corleone: Taberna Casanostra
One of the best tours in Agrigento: Valley of the Temples skip-the-line guided Tour
One of the best 5* in Agrigento: Doric Eco Boutique Resort & Spa
One of the best 3* in Agrigento: Belmonte Hotel
One of the best restaurants in Agrigento: Cozzitorto Osteria Del Capitano
Punta Secca
- For any fellow fans of Inspector Montalbano, visiting his beach and staying at his house felt like a fun, personal nod to the series.
One of the best tours in Punta Secca: From Catania: Southeast Sicily Inspector Montalbano Tour
One of the best 4* in Punta Secca: Dimora Storica Torre Scalambri
One of the best 3* in Punta Secca: Sempreverde Atelier B & B
One of the best restaurants in Punta Secca: Il Varo a Mare
Ragusa, Modica, Noto and Syracuse
- The Baroque South: These towns are like living museums. Whether it was climbing the endless stairs for a panoramic view of Ragusa Ibla, tasting the famous chocolate in Modica, or having the “best granita of the trip” in Noto, the southeast is pure magic. Ending in Syracuse, visiting the Ortigia island and the Neapolis Park was the perfect final touch. Ortigia’s narrow alleys and seaside charm make it a true gem, and the park’s fascinating history is unforgettable.
One of the best tours in Ragusa: Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania
One of the best 5* in Ragusa: Relais Antica Badia
One of the best 4* in Ragusa: B & B Giardino Di Pietra (We stayed here)
One of the best restaurants in Ragusa: I Banchi (We ate here)
One of the best tours in Modica: Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania
One of the best 4* in Modica: Modica Boutique Hotel
One of the best 3* in Modica: Le Magnolie Hotel
One of the best restaurants in Modica: Lorenzo Ruta
One of the best tours in Noto: Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania
One of the best 4* in Noto: Embrace Sicily Guest House
One of the best 3* in Noto: Incanto Siciliano
One of the best restaurants in Noto: Anche gli Angeli (We ate here)
One of the best tours in Siracusa: Neapolis and Greek Theatre guided tour
One of the best 4* in Siracusa: Maniace Boutique Hotel Ortigia
One of the best 3* in Siracusa: Ortigia Boutique Palace
One of the best restaurants in Siracusa: Concezione
I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the authenticity of this island, the people, the incredible seafood, and that “slower, immersive pace” that just gets into your soul. If you have the chance to spend 16 days there, take it. You’ll leave already planning your return, just like we are!
I hope my posts helps you to prepare your own itinerary for your visit to Sicily.
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