Italy
White-Knuckle Drives and Delicious Surprises Our Epic 10-Day Sicily Journey
Article and photography by Judi Cohen
A Scenic Adventure Awaits
As we drove our rental car from Catania Airport along Sicily’s winding roads, we quickly realized that this road trip was going to be one wild ride. Driving in Sicily is an experience unto itself—chaotic yet liberating and exhilarating. The narrow streets and spontaneous drivers kept us on our toes, but the freedom to explore the cities and towns at our own pace was unbeatable.
Sicily’s landscape is a mix of beaches, ancient ruins, desert-like terrain, and hilltop villages, all wrapped in a dramatic coastline. The island might not be huge, but it’s packed with interesting sites—and we were determined to see as much as we could during our ten-day visit.
Taormina: A Cliffside Gem
Our drive into Taormina, overlooking the Ionian Sea, was thrilling with its narrow roads and hairpin turns—a true nail-biter! Staying at a boutique hotel near the top of the town, made us feel like we were on a movie set. We enjoyed sitting on the terrace, with sweeping views of the city and beach below. We took the hotel shuttle down to explore the charming cobblestone streets, shop and dine. Parking was very limited in town.
Agrigento: The Valley of the Temples
Driving towards Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples was mesmerizing, especially as we approached the Temple of Concordia. Our hotel offered sensational views and direct walking access into the Valley of the Temples. We spent hours exploring the site during the day and couldn’t resist returning at sunset for the golden illumination of the temples.
Relaxing in Cefalù
Not-to-be-missed while driving in Sicily is Cefalù, a bustling beach town with limited parking for visitors. Be sure to use the designated visitor parking lots to avoid the hassle of navigating the narrow streets only to find that parking is reserved for residents with permits. We strolled along the medieval streets and wandered along the sandy beach with its colorful umbrellas and food stands.
White-Knuckle Ride to Mount Etna
The road to Mount Etna was a steep, twisting climb with dramatic views of the volcanic landscape. We white-knuckled it through the sharp turns, but the sight of smoking craters and black lava made it worth every heart-pounding moment. If you drive there, be sure to locate the shop where you can buy parking tickets to avoid fines.
A Culinary Journey: Food Stops You Can’t Miss
We found ourselves stopping at every turn—for gelato, granita, and cannoli, as well as penne alla Norma. One of the best unexpected surprises was the food at the Autogrill. Like service centres along Canadian highways, they offer gas and snacks, but that’s where the similarity ends. In Sicily we found fresh sandwiches, pastries, gourmet pasta and risotto. Morning drives started with a brioche dunked in pistachio granita with espresso poured on top – a Sicilian frozen treat.
A Taste of Sicily
Sicily swept us off our feet with its beauty, history, and culinary delights. Driving was an exhilarating experience with breathtaking landscapes and cool towns. If you prefer, you can always book a private driver, but that’s just not our style!
Tips for Renting a Car in Sicily
• Document Everything: Take videos and photos of your rental car before leaving the lot.
• Have Your Licenses: Carry both your home country’s driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit. They may or may not ask for both.
• Have Your Passport: It’s often required at rental locations.
• Credit Card Name: Ensure your credit card matches the name of the renter.
