Backpacking Sicily? 9 must-dos for an unforgettable backpacking trip

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Backpacking in Sicily? From a dreamy train journey along the east coast to socializing in unique hostels: nine affordable activities and tips for an unforgettable backpacking trip through Sicily.

1. Socializing in hostels

Slightly more comfortable than an overnight stay at the campsite, but just as cosy. For an average of 25 euros per night you can go to one of the many hostels that Sicily has to offer. Connect with other travelers and share while enjoying a Aperol Spritz your experiences.

At LOL Hostel in the port city of Syracuse and Hostel Taormina in the beach town of the same name Taormina, you have come to the right place in terms of location, hygiene and cosiness. Armed with earplugs, brave a bunk bed in a dorm, or pay a few euros more and sleep in a private, air-conditioned room.

My hostel tips:
Hostel Taormina
LOL Hostel

2. Train journey along the east coast

Gazing at the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, you travel perfectly by train along the Sicilian east coast. The route from the northeastern university town of Messina to the southeastern baroque village of Noto, rightly on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its beautiful honey-coloured architecture, spans almost two hundred kilometers.

Absolute must-sees during the ride are the cultural theater city of Catania, the aforementioned picturesque Taormina and the historic port city of Syracuse. The cost for a one-way ticket from Messina to Noto is only twelve euros. Enough money left for Birra Morreti's and pizzas!

3. Climb Etna

Backpacking through Sicily isn't complete without climbing the largest active volcano in Europe: Mount Etna. The three thousand meter high colossus can be admired in all its glory from Catania. With its countless tour organizations, the city is therefore a perfect starting point. The costs are on average fifty euros per person.

For seasoned hikers, there is a day trip to the top. Led by a guide, you will climb up and down the intimate lava landscape in seven hours, while you feel the warmth of the boiling magma under the soles of your shoes.

Not much of a sports fan? Then take the cable car that takes you to an altitude of 2.600 meters. Finish the unique experience with a glass of Etna Rosso or Bianco: white and red wine from grapes that grow on the fertile volcanic soil.

4. Island Hopping

Tens of kilometers off the coast of northeastern Sicily are Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panerea. Seven pearls known as the Aeolian Islands. Hiking enthusiasts can indulge themselves: all islands can be explored on foot and each has its own characteristics.

For example, the sulfur smell of the volcanic Stromboli meets you meters before the coast and you will find numerous cafes in the touristic Lipari where you can enjoy the impressive surroundings. On Panarea you will spot white bounty beaches and on Stromboli you will be surrounded by pitch black sand and impressive lava rock.

But the islands are also worth visiting for another reason. In the clear sea water that surrounds the islands, you can snorkel among the unique aquatic plants, fish and shellfish. The Aeolian Islands are best reached from the port city of Milazzo. Several organizations offer boat tours where you visit two or more islands.

5. Back to basics at the campsite

Thanks to its location, Sicily is not overrun by hordes of Dutch campers. Ideal for backpackers. Travel to the southern Italian island with a light throw-out tent, so that you are assured of a place to sleep for a few euros a night.

Many Sicilian campsites are small in size and located on the coast: plenty of time to recover from the many hikes on the beach!

My camping tips:
Recommendations are Campsite La Focetta Sicula in eastern Sant'Alessio Siculo en Campsite Sanfilippo in northern Cefal.

6. Riding a scooter through the mountains near Cefalù

About seventy kilometers east of the capital Palermo is the historic fishing town of Cefalù. The name of the town does not mean 'head' for nothing. A huge rock in the shape of a headgear offers an amazing view over the picturesque center.

Rent a scooter downtown and ride up the steep mountain roads to admire the Temple of Diana and the castle ruins. Then cruise on to the villages of Gratteri, Collesano and Isnello, and get lost on foot in the medieval alleys.

Tip:
Buy a pot of delicious at a craft store Pistachio cream. Many pistachios are grown on the island, which are used to make the most delicious spreads for bread.

7. Eat local dishes

Making pasta an Italian craft? Not in Sicily. Here the islanders learned to make pasta and catch fish from the Arabs, who ruled it in the Middle Ages. So is pasta con la sarde – pasta with sardines – a meal not to be missed.

You don't have to worry at all about a sugar content that is too low in Sicily. Pastries, marzipan and pastries abound here, thanks to the Arabs who brought the sugar cane with them.

Brioche and granita, a Sicilian delicacy (photo: Wikimedia)

The most famous sweet is brioche with border: a sweet sandwich filled with ice cream that you eat for breakfast. End your dinner like a real Italian with a glass of sweet Marsala wine or Limoncello, made from fresh Sicilian lemons.

8. Take the funicular to the beach in Taormina

Perhaps the most beautiful city in Sicily: the ancient seaside resort of Taormina. The popular spot is located two hundred meters above sea level in the east of the island.

It has been a popular holiday destination since ancient times. Admire unique remains such as the Greek amphitheatre, the public gardens and the Arab palace Palazzo Corvaja. A cable car departs from Taormina every ten minutes and takes you to the bay of Mazzaro – think of azure blue waters, green-covered rocks and white sandy beaches. A return trip by cable car costs 3,50 euros.

9. Enjoying an agriturismo

Enjoy the purest products in the Sicilian countryside while completely relaxing. At agriturismo's (farmhouse restaurants in good Italian) you get to know local life in a casual way. Agriturismos, as the word implies, are primarily farms (Agri) and secondly tourist accommodation ( ).

With the fertile Sicilian soil you are assured of the tastiest dishes. For a few tens a night (depending on the season) you can sleep in a simply furnished room in a country house, which often has Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a terrace.

But you can also choose to dine alone at an agriturismo. You often have a huge meal for twenty euros, accompanied by an unlimited number of glasses of wine and also digestive.

Tip:
Current offers for the most beautiful agriturismos in Italy can be found here.