Exploring Sicily for Less: Why We Skipped Taormina and Stayed in Palermo

Sicily had always been at the top of my bucket list. The perfect Italian island getaway. Known for Mount Etna and its iconic towns of Taormina and Catania, Sicily is full of rich history, stunning architecture, and that irresistible Italian charm. As college students on a budget, we had to figure out how to explore this unique island without draining our bank accounts, while still giving ourselves the time and space to really dive into the culture.

Palermo, Sicily

Catania and Taormina weren’t too pricey, but between the two cities, we found that there wasn’t a ton to do beyond the usual tourist spots, and we would have to split up the accommodations between both destinations. Hiking Mount Etna was one of the top activities, but otherwise, we felt a bit stuck on the east side of the island. We realized that the best way to experience Sicily’s full beauty would be a road trip, but with only six days, that wasn’t realistic.

So, how could we make the most of our time and our money? That’s when we found our golden ticket: the overnight ferry into Palermo. It was not only affordable (just $40 per person!), but it saved us time by traveling while we slept. We were already planning to stop in Naples, so it made perfect sense, especially with Naples being a major hub for budget friendly transportation options, like EasyJet or Ryanair, trains and ferries!

When we started looking into accommodations in Palermo, we were pleasantly surprised. A five-night stay ranged from $400–$600 total, and splitting that between two people made it super budget-friendly. Plus, Palermo had everything we were looking for: a lively city vibe, beaches, nightlife, local culture, and endless energy. It was the perfect home base for two students looking to be right in the action.

Even better? Palermo’s central location made it easy to venture out and explore nearby towns and coastal gems. Staying there allowed us to get a broader sense of Sicily’s culture without constantly switching accommodations or blowing our budget.

Fontana Pretoria, Palermo, Sicily

Lesson learned: Always choose an affordable home base that allows you to explore beyond the city limits. You don’t have to confine yourself to one place for your entire trip. Even if a smaller town or village just outside the cities boarders, it doesn’t have a checklist of things to “do,” it’s still part of the adventure. Travel is about discovery, and sometimes, the best parts are found just outside the edge of the city.

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