Sicily from Naples

Hi there,

I'm planning short vacation starting in Naples 28th of May and want to visit Sicily and be back to Naples to take a plane back on 6th of June. What I want is to visit Sicily (Modica, Etna, Catania, and Palermo is optional) during this stay. Fitting in some beach time would be nice as well.
There would be three of us including 3-years old daughter.

What transport options do I have? I currently see the following:
- night train Naples to Catania
- ferry from Naples to Palermo
- ride a car from Naples
and similar to get back.

Would you mind helping to choose among them? Am I missing some other options?

Or fly...

There are also buses but I wouldn't recommend that option.

As you have limited time I would fly and then hire a car in Sicily. But can you not fly direct to Sicily or buy a connecting flight.

thanks a lot for your suggestions. Direct flight is not available from where I am and connecting flights are rather expensive so I rule them out. Flying from Naples to Catania on the other hand looks very convenient.
I have found only one night train and it appears it is faster to drive then to ride on day train. It seems flying is the best option.

Easyjet flies direct between Naples and Catania...pretty cheap if you book in advance.

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All will depend on your arrival time at NAP. Count enough time for your change between planes por between plane and train, catamaran or overnight ferry

After little consideration I'm actually considering driving all the way. This will reduce the pressure imposed by strict plane/train schedule (except for strait of Messina ferry, but it seems to navigate every 40 minutes).

So now I have several more questions:
- Is there anything specific I need to know about driving in Southern Italy?
- What would be the good place to stay somewhere about an hour from Naples airport and close to the route to Sicily? I presume there should be something with beaches or picturesque views on the way so we can have some rest before venturing 6 hour ride to Sicily, and probably on our way back as well.
- What about strait of Messina ferry? Is it first come, first served or I need to buy tickets for specific time in advance?

It is a long and slow drive.That time of year SHOULD be reasonably ok..in the middle of summer there can be very long lines.

For the ferry you just get there,buy the tickets and get on..no need to do it in advance.

" Is there anything specific I need to know about driving from Naples to Sicily?"
You will waste your time.

"What would be the good place to stay somewhere about an hour from Naples airport and close to the route to Sicily? I presume there should be something with beaches"
I would drive up to Castellabate (medieval Unesco heritage hill town, sandy beaches below), according to viamichelin about 2 hrs from Capodichino airport and 6 hrs from the Messina ferry.

I strongly suggest you to fly to Ctanaia instead of driving.You will use better the time spared to explore all you can in Sicily, where there are few highways but a lot of beautiful scenic roads, with google earth you can see by yourself how wide are the roads in southern italy...

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. Meanwhile I have already booked a car at Naples airport as I considered I would rather spend several hours driving on highway rather than loitering at terminal. Pity I cannot fly directly to Catania but that is something I cannot change.

Would you mind advising on toll road in Italy? Am I supposed to pay in cash?

You can pay in cash or with a card, but not a pre-paid currency card.

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