Sicily vacation: costs at a glance

The cost of a flight to Sicily varies depending on the airline, season, and your departure and arrival airports. From the East Coast, direct or one-stop flights to Sicily typically start around $700 to $900 in Economy Class. For example, a roundtrip flight from New York City (JFK) to Catania (CTA) often falls within this range, including one checked bag (up to 50 pounds) and one carry-on item.

Several airlines—including major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and ITA Airways, as well as select low-cost options—offer flights to Sicily. To find the best deal, it’s recommended to book your flight at least two months in advance whenever possible.

Because prices can fluctuate based on your travel dates and the departure airport, it’s smart to compare different options early to secure the best fare.

In the 1- to 2-star hotel category, you can find rooms in Sicily starting from around $50 per night. Prices for 3-star hotels typically begin at about $70, while 4- to 5-star hotels and resorts usually start around $110 per night.

Accommodation options in Sicily are highly varied, ranging from vacation homes and boutique hotels to larger international hotel chains. Whether you're looking for a cozy guesthouse or a luxurious resort, there's something to suit every taste and budget.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate significantly based on the city and location. The time of year also plays a major role, with August being the most expensive month for travel and January offering the best deals.

The most popular activities for travelers in Sicily typically range from $35 to $55. With this budget, you can enjoy experiences like a wine tasting at the wineries of Marsala, a guided bike tour in Syracuse, or a semi-submarine tour to Isola Bella.

Many memorable activities are available free of charge, such as visiting the beautiful beach at Mondello or exploring the charming old town of Palermo. If you bring your own gear, snorkeling is also possible at no additional cost.

For more extensive tours and excursions, expect to spend around $90 to $120. Options include a guided trip to Mount Etna—complete with cable car, jeep ride, and hiking to the summit—or a full-day tour from Taormina that visits Lipari and the nearby volcano. You can also take a cultural day trip to Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto.

One of the most practical ways to explore Sicily is by renting a car. Rates for a small car typically start around $50 per day, while a mid-size car averages about $70 per day. If you need a larger vehicle or an SUV, expect to pay at least $90 per day. Keep in mind that gasoline prices are approximately $8 per gallon.

Public buses are a convenient option for getting around major cities like Palermo and Catania. City bus tickets usually cost about $1.60. If you're traveling between cities, an intercity bus ride from Palermo to Catania generally starts around $16.

For train travel, tickets from Palermo to Catania typically start at about $22. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive, with fares ranging from $2.75 to $9 per mile, depending on the distance and city.

In Sicily, you can expect to pay around $16 to $28 for a meal at an inexpensive, tourist-friendly restaurant. Meals at snack bars are even more affordable, typically costing between $9 and $13. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant usually falls between $45 and $80.

Classic Sicilian dishes are a must-try during your trip. For example, pane e panelle—fried chickpea cakes served in a bread roll—costs about $8, while pasta alla Norma, a pasta dish with tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta, averages around $9.

In local bars found on nearly every street corner, you can enjoy hearty "tavola calda" snacks. Popular choices include arancini (deep-fried rice balls with meat filling), pizzette (small pizzas with thick dough), and a variety of sweet pastries (pasticcini), such as the famous cannoli. Prices for these snacks typically range from $1 to $2 each.

Food tends to be more affordable in less touristy areas, so it’s well worth taking the time to explore Sicily’s diverse and authentic restaurant scene.