Sicily offers good value for money, but costs can rise significantly in popular destinations like Taormina.
Luxury accommodations in Taormina during peak season can range from €150 to €300 per night, while high-end dining can cost €50-70 per person. Tours and activities, such as guided trips to Mount Etna, typically range from €80 to €120.
Palermo and Syracuse are generally more affordable but still offer pricier options.
Boutique hotels can cost up to €200 per night, and upscale dining experiences may set you back €40-50. Renting a car costs around €30-50 per day, but prices increase for larger vehicles or private transfers.
Generally, it is expensive, but you can go on a budget and have a great time also!
Key Takeaways
Is Sicily Affordable or Expensive?
Both low-cost and regular airlines offer connections from major European and Italian cities to Palermo and Catania airports.
You can find flights as cheap as 19 euros if booked in advance, with the best prices typically available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays according to Forbes Advisor UK.
For easier access to destinations like Taormina, Syracusa, Noto, Mount Etna, and the East Coast, it’s better to fly into Catania.
If you’re visiting San Vito Lo Capo, Erice, the Valley of the Temples, or Palermo itself, then flying into Palermo is a better option.
You can also consider flying into one airport and out of another to create a more flexible itinerary around Sicily.
Holiday Costs
Sicily represents excellent value compared to other European locales.
To stick to a budget, I recommend avoiding peak seasons and popular destinations like Taormina, known for higher prices.
Accommodation costs can vary significantly, providing options whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or seeking a more sumptuous experience.
Is Dining Expensive?
Tourist vs. Local Costs
No, tourists generally pay the same prices as locals. There’s no price differentiation, but if you have a concession or pension card, you can get discounts at museums and on public transportation.
Is Catania or Palermo More Expensive?
Palermo is generally 10-15% cheaper than Catania when it comes to accommodations and food. This is an average difference, so it’s worth exploring both cities to find what fits your budget.
Is Sardinia More Expensive than Sicily?
Yes, Sardinia is about 30% more expensive than Sicily. While the two islands are often compared, they offer very different experiences. Sardinia is known for its beaches and natural beauty, while Sicily is rich in history and culture, though both islands have beautiful beaches.
Sicily Prices
Destination
Accommodation (€)
Dining (€ per meal)
Public Transport (€)
Additional Info
Taormina
200-250 per night
25+
Moderate
High popularity increases costs
Palermo
35-100 per night
20-25
Less than 10
Better value than many Italian cities
Syracuse
20-125 per night
Around 25
Moderate
Cheapest among major Sicilian cities
Traveling Economically in Sicily
Exploring Sicily doesn’t have to strain your budget, even if you choose to enjoy a bit of luxury. Staying away from well-known tourist hotspots like Taormina can help stretch your funds further. Opting for public transportation instead of pricey private taxis means more money spent on experiences rather than travel. Always ensure that the taxi meter is running or agree on a price beforehand if you decide on taking a cab.
The island’s rail network is quite affordable as per seat61.com. For just 6 euros, you can venture off on a day trip to experience different regions. Buses within cities and to nearby beaches cost even less, around 2 euros per ticket. This makes it easy to explore urban hubs without overshooting your budget.
Where you rest your head can also dictate the cost of your trip. I suggest finding accommodations via Airbnb for as low as 25 euros per person per night. Hotels near city centers also offer budget-friendly options, typically ranging from 30 to 40 euros per night. Experiencing local culture is another affordable attraction. Spend your days on free beaches, wander through quaint villages, or visit energetic street markets.
For those looking for attractions that won’t break the bank, destinations like the Archimedes Technology Museum or the Sciacca Castle charge under 6 euros per ticket.
Dining out requires setting aside 20 to 25 euros each day for budget-friendly meals or more if you choose upscale restaurants. Cooking with fresh local ingredients from the market in your Airbnb can save further costs and is a delightful experience in itself.
Daily Essentials in Euros
- Lodging: Airbnb starts at 25E per person per night. Hotels begin around 30E.
- Food: Pizzas can be around 8E each. A meal at a restaurant with starters, a main course, and wine will typically be about 20E.
- Local Activities: Many attractions cost nothing or are inexpensive, usually between 5-10 euros. The Valley of The Temples has a higher ticket price at 16E. Planning a trip to Etna can be an adventure best done independently for savings.
- Simple Drinks: A cappuccino is around 1-1.5E if you stand, though sitting will increase the price. Meanwhile, a small beer bottle is priced at 2-4E, with pints costing up to 8E. Wine may be more economical than beer.
- Soft Drinks: Expect to pay around 2E for sodas like Coke or Sprite. Water costs about 1E for a 0.5-liter bottle at a bar and 30 cents at supermarkets.
- Groceries: Fresh bread is 2E per kilo.
- Transportation: Renting a vehicle costs around 30-35E per day.
- Smoking Items: Cigarettes hover at 6E a pack though I don’t buy them personally.
If pinching pennies is a must, select an Airbnb to cook your own meals with fresh market produce. Picture yourself amidst bustling vegetable, meat, and fish stalls, a vivid and immersive experience all its own.
Total Daily Spending: From about 50 to 70 euros a day per individual, especially when traveling with someone and preparing meals, maximizing both value and enjoyment without financial stress.
Cost of Visiting Taormina
Taormina, a renowned Sicilian destination, is known for its stunning views and upscale offerings. For accommodations, expect to pay between €50 to €100 per night for budget options, while mid-range stays can range from €100 to €150. Luxury accommodations in Taormina often cost between €150 to €200 per night, especially during peak seasons according to Sicily Insider.
For dining, you can find affordable meals at local pizzerias for around €10 to €15. Mid-range restaurants will cost about €25 per meal, while high-end dining options could set you back €40 to €50. If you’re planning on activities and transportation, set aside around €20 to €50 per day, depending on your itinerary.
Taormina is the most famous and upscale city in Sicily. Known for its beauty, it attracts large crowds, especially during peak season, and prices are about 15-20% higher compared to other Sicilian cities. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to visit Taormina as a day trip.
At Casa Niclodi, in the popular tourist destination of Taormina, you can find these prices on the menu:
Cost of Visiting Palermo
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Budget Your Trip says that Palermo is relatively more affordable than Taormina. A daily budget ranges from €70 to €150. Meals can be quite budget-friendly, with prices starting at €10 to €12 for casual dining, while mid-range restaurants offer meals for €20 to €25. Fine dining might cost €30 to €40.
Accommodation prices start as low as €35 per night for budget options, with mid-range options going up to €100. Boutique hotels or more luxurious accommodations are typically priced between €150 and €200 per night.
Cost of Visiting Syracuse
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Syracuse offers great value for money, with a daily budget ranging from €30 to €70 for budget travelers. Affordable accommodation options like Maison Ortigia cost under €100 per night, while mid-range options like the Sole d’Ortigia Apartment are priced between €100 and €150. Luxury stays, such as at Elegante Appartamento, cost between €150 and €200.
For dining, expect to pay around €10 to €20 for budget-friendly meals, with mid-range restaurants costing about €20 to €25. High-end dining options can cost up to €35 per meal.
