This Sicily travel cost guide gives you a practical look at what travelers typically spend when visiting Sicily. Our trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of real trips, covering hotel prices, meals, sightseeing, entertainment, and transportation. Sicily is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities.
How much does it cost to travel to Sicily?
A typical traveler spends $141 (€123) per day on a trip to Sicily. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Sicily based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (€55) on meals
- $15 (€13) on local transportation
- $135 (€118) on hotels
A one-week trip to Sicily for two people costs, on average, $1,968 (€1,722). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Sicily expensive to visit?
In Sicily, budget travelers spend $61 (€52) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $143 (€123) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $301 (€260) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Sicily.
Sicily is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Sicily to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Sicily is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sicily Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sicily?
The average Sicily trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sicily travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sicily cost?
Sicily on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$29
(€26)
|
$67
(€59)
|
$134
(€117)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(€4.85)
|
$15
(€13)
|
$43
(€37)
|
|
Food2
|
$26
(€23)
|
$62
(€55)
|
$133
(€117)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6
(€4.83)
|
$14
(€12)
|
$33
(€29)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-10
(€3-9)
|
$8-24
(€7-21)
|
$18-53
(€15-46)
|
Accommodation Budget in Sicily
The range of hotel prices in Sicily can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $, but during peak season the average price can reach $. From $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sicily for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $135 (€118). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $67 (€59) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sicily? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Sicily
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (€13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sicily. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sicily is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
€13
Sicily's main airports are in Palermo and Catania. Catania has the largest airport and it offers domestic flights throughout Italy as well as a few international flights. Palermo also has domestic flights as well as some budget international flights that are worth looking into.
There is train service that connects into the Italian train network in the city of Messina. The long distance trains that travel from Rome, Naples, and Milano cross the Straits of Messina by railferry and arrive at Palermo and Catania. It takes about 8 hours to travel from Naples and 10 from Rome. It can be uncomfortably hot to travel by train during the summer months. You can also travel by bus from Rome and Naples to Catania and Palermo.
Large ferries travel from Palermo to Civitavecchia, Naples, Genoa, Livorno, and Sardinia among other destinations. From Catania, ferries travel to Naples and Malta. There are hourly ferries that cross the Straits of Messina between Messina, Sicily and Villa San Giovanni on the mainland.
Public transportation on the island of Sicily is good during the week but service is very limited on Sundays so plan ahead. Trains are decent and affordable. There are fast trains that run along the main lines between Messina and Palermo and Catania. Less popular routes can be slower and less frequent. Buses are also a good option as there is a comprehensive system that is cheap. The bus hubs are located in Palermo and Catania but there are many routes between small cities and towns. Renting a car is another option for exploring the island as the roads are good and this allows you more flexibility to get off the beaten path.
When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
How much does it cost to go to Sicily? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sicily will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sicily
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sicily can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sicily is $62 (€55) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
€55
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sicily is around $63 (€55) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $135. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sicily are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Being an island, Sicily's cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood, as well as the cultures of Spain, the Middle East, and North Africa. The food is often made with tomatoes and olive oil as well as unique spices that give it a very different flavor than the food found elsewhere in Italy, although it does maintain its Mediterranean roots. Popular flavors include almond, jasmine, rosemary, mint and basil.
Sicilian desserts are also excellent. The famous Italian dessert, the cannoli, can be found everywhere in Sicily. Other options include "granita", which is made with ice that is mixed with crushed fruit and juice, and "cassata" which is a cake that comes from Arabic influences.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sicily. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Etna: Wine Tasting and Food Tour for $146 details
- Cooking class we knead the dough with a Sicilian cook for $151 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sicily
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sicily typically cost an average of $14 (€12) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
€12
Visitors come to Sicily year around for its excellent climate and impressive sights and attractions. Among the favorite places to visit are archeological sites, beaches, cities and Mount Etna. Popular cities include Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa. Other places of interest are Taormina, Giardinni Naxos, Erice, Cefalu, Agrigento, the Pelagie Island and Capo d'Orlando.
There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily. These are Valle dei Templi, Villa Romana del Casale, the Aeolian Islands, the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, Necropolis of Pantalica and Mount Etna.
Trekking is becoming increasingly popular on the island due to its rugged beauty and stunning vistas. Other places worth visiting include the Salt Flats of Trapani, the seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo and Erice, which is the highest town in Sicily. There are a diversity of activities spread throughout the island. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure, a beach vacation, or a city filled with culture, then Sicily has something for you.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sicily. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- From Catania: Mt. Etna, Wine and Alcantara Tour with Lunch for $111 details
- Sicily Islands: Ferry ticket between Palermo and Ustica for $41 details
- Palermo: Zisa Palace Entry Ticket with Audio Guide App for $13 details
Nightlife Budget in Sicily
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $16 (€14) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sicily per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
€14
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 29, 2026
Traveling in Sicily
Cefalu, Sicily, Italy
If Italy is a boot, then Sicily is the football about to be kicked. This large island is separated from mainland Italy by the Straits of Messina. It has a dynamic and rich cultural history that is a mix of many different invading forces over the course of history, each leaving its own mark on Sicily's art, cuisine, and language. Various archeological areas can be found throughout the island and many are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sicilians have their own language, although most speak Italian and many learn English in school.
The island has a Mediterranean climate that is mild but damp in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. You can expect uncomfortably hot temperatures during the summer months so it is best to visit during the fall and spring seasons when temperatures are more mild. As a general rule you can expect the amount of rainfall to go up as you go up in elevation. The southern and southeastern coasts receive the least rainfall and the northern and northeastern highlands receive the most.
Regions
Sicily's provinces include Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracue, and Trapani.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Sicily, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $61 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Tourists visiting Sicily generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $143 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $301 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
