Peak season:
The busiest season to visit Sicily is from June to September. You’ll need to make sure that you secure your flight tickets well in advance though as cheap flights to Sicily are very difficult to come by during these months. The weather is also hot practically every day and the beaches can get very crowded. Spring time, from late March to late May, is usually warm and dry for the most part but you’ll find cheap flights to Sicily a lot easier. There are also fewer crowds making it more enjoyable on the beaches. If you plan on visiting Mount Etna then definitely visit during the summer months. Even during the peak of July and August it is freezing at the top of mountain so plan ahead and pack clothes accordingly. The Tuesday before Lent sees the Martedi Grasso, the annual carnival in Sicily. Many towns and cities prepare for an evening of partying and celebration and it shouldn’t be missed if you’re in Sicily at the time. July to August is great for fans of the arts as the International Festival of the Arts takes place. It’s a great event that include a world-class International Film Festival, as well as dancers, music artists and performers.
Off season:
The weather is at its worst from November to March. This is generally the off season in Sicily. The upside is that the island sees much fewer tourists making it easy to find the cheapest flights to Sicily without too much trouble. Accommodation is also discounted so if you don’t mind damp and chilly weather, visiting during the winter months will save you a lot of money.
The best time to book flights to Sicily in regards to the price, would be January or February. This is where you’ll find the cheapest flights to Sicily. That said; you’re better off securing your flight tickets well in advance and booking your flights for June, July or August so you can take advantage of the events and the weather. If you can be flexible with your dates and with your location within Sicily, then you’ll find the cheapest flights to Sicily are a lot easier to come by. School holidays will dramatically increase the price of your flight tickets, accommodation and transport options so keep this in mind when you’re looking into different flights to Sicily.
Flights from London to Parlermo, Sicily: 2 hours 50 minutes.
Flights from Manchester to Parlermo, Sicily: 6 hours 20 minutes.
Flights from Birmingham to Parlermo, Sicily: 5 hours 30 minutes.
Flights from Glasgow to Parlermo, Sicily: 7 hours 25 minutes.
There are a few airlines that operate cheap flights to Sicily although the major ones are Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways. If you’re looking for direct flights then you’ll want to fly from London, where Ryanair will be the most frequently operating airline. When choosing your airline it comes down to your own preference and your budget. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet provide the cheapest flights to Sicily although you’ll need to sacrifice your comfort and quality on-board. Also take care when securing your flight tickets as budget airlines have a tendency to charge a fortune for checked in baggage, especially during the peak summer months. British Airways don’t usually offer the cheapest flights to Sicily although you’ll get complimentary snacks and drinks onboard for the duration of your flight.
The most common form of transport from the airport is to jump on a bus. They run every 30 minutes and take you directly into the centre of the city. From the bus station you can then catch a bus to other parts of Sicily. Another option is to catch a train. The Trinacria Express goes from the airport to the main train station in the city. Strangely enough the train service is slightly cheaper than the bus journey however travel times can be over an hour, or even longer, making a bus a more convenient option. Lastly you could opt for a taxi, however they are no recommended as you’ll almost certainly be extremely overcharged for the privilege. If you must take a taxi make sure to negotiate with the driver and insist on a receipt to ensure he sticks to the meter.