Sicily - Pozzallo to Taormina - Best Transport?
Aug 16th, 2005, 01:33 PM
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Sicily - Pozzallo to Taormina - Best Transport?
I need to get from Pozzallo (the malta ferry dock) in Sicily, to Taormina on August 25, then return August 26 to catch the ferry back at about 9 pm. It will be me, wife and 3 small kids.
Anyone ever traveled that route? Can you recommend bus, train versus rental car?
We're not nervous about driving in other countries, but if the roads are confusing or signage not good, that might score points against rental car.
Thanks for any light you can shed on this question.
Anyone ever traveled that route? Can you recommend bus, train versus rental car?
We're not nervous about driving in other countries, but if the roads are confusing or signage not good, that might score points against rental car.
Thanks for any light you can shed on this question.
Aug 16th, 2005, 01:46 PM
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The best method of public transport is to take the train (requiring a connection in Siracusa). Trip takes 3 to 4 hours, and the one-way fare is 9.20 Euros, taking local (Regionale) trains all the way.
There is also bus service from both Catania and Siracusa to Pozzallo (with connecting bus or train service to Taormina), but the bus takes longer.
Note that there is no public transportation back to Siracusa, Catania or Taormina at 9 pm.
www.trenitalia.com (train)
www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it (bus)
There is also bus service from both Catania and Siracusa to Pozzallo (with connecting bus or train service to Taormina), but the bus takes longer.
Note that there is no public transportation back to Siracusa, Catania or Taormina at 9 pm.
www.trenitalia.com (train)
www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it (bus)
Aug 16th, 2005, 01:52 PM
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Are you aware that there is seasonal direct boat service between CATANIA and Malta which might be more convenient if your point of origination and return is Taormina?
www.virtuferries.com
www.virtuferries.com
Aug 16th, 2005, 04:12 PM
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GAC, You are awesome! I had not found any train or bus info on the web so I am indebted to you.
Yes, I am aware of the Malta-Catania run, but unfortunately, it only goes on certain days. My days it did not go, ergo I am spending another 3-4 hours of transport (but getting to see the sicilian countryside).
By the way, my hotel in Taormina told me it would be 1 1/2 hours from Pozzallo to Taormina (45 min from Catalnia to Taormina). From what you say, I ask myself "What planet were they from?" Did they mean by car? I'm willing to drive if it halves the time, but...are there other issue with driving? Poor roads? Rental car companies that foist extra charges or don't come through when you reserve the car?
Appreciate all your advice.
Yes, I am aware of the Malta-Catania run, but unfortunately, it only goes on certain days. My days it did not go, ergo I am spending another 3-4 hours of transport (but getting to see the sicilian countryside).
By the way, my hotel in Taormina told me it would be 1 1/2 hours from Pozzallo to Taormina (45 min from Catalnia to Taormina). From what you say, I ask myself "What planet were they from?" Did they mean by car? I'm willing to drive if it halves the time, but...are there other issue with driving? Poor roads? Rental car companies that foist extra charges or don't come through when you reserve the car?
Appreciate all your advice.
Aug 17th, 2005, 07:21 AM
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You could make it to Pozzallo from Taormina in two hours if you drove fast. I doubt that there are any major problems driving, and you might consider doing so if the public trasportation schedules simply don't work.
But you would need to garage the car somewhere in Pozzallo during your side trip to Malta, which makes the rental option all the more expensive.
I don't know how easy, expensive (or recommendable) it would be to rent in Pozzallo for the one-way trip back to Taormina (and necessarily dropping the car in Taormina).
Have you checked the flight schedules and fares between Catania and Malta?
But you would need to garage the car somewhere in Pozzallo during your side trip to Malta, which makes the rental option all the more expensive.
I don't know how easy, expensive (or recommendable) it would be to rent in Pozzallo for the one-way trip back to Taormina (and necessarily dropping the car in Taormina).
Have you checked the flight schedules and fares between Catania and Malta?
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:15 PM
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GAC - Appreciate your further follow up. Actually, after reviewing the info you pointed out to me last night, I changed my trip to Sicily by one day, moved my hotel reservation by one day, and now can take the ferry to Catania instead of Pozzallo.
Virtuferries was very helpful and responsive in making this change. So was Pensione Svizzera in Taormina, who luckily had our room open up the next night, so I just shifted our side trip to Sicily by one day and voila!
Your sage advise came in very handy, GAC. Thanks.
Virtuferries was very helpful and responsive in making this change. So was Pensione Svizzera in Taormina, who luckily had our room open up the next night, so I just shifted our side trip to Sicily by one day and voila!
Your sage advise came in very handy, GAC. Thanks.
Aug 17th, 2005, 12:52 PM
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Happy to have been of help to you, and congratulations on the significant improvement (in terms of geography) to your planned itinerary. Catania to Taormina and back is MUCH easier than Pozzallo to Taormina.
You should be able to walk from the ferry dock in Catania to both the central train station and adjacent bus terminal, for your ongoing short trip to Taormina. Taking the bus to Taormina is easier. The bus terminus in Taormina is about 200 yards from the Pensione Svizzera.
www.interbus.it (bus schedule)
You should be able to walk from the ferry dock in Catania to both the central train station and adjacent bus terminal, for your ongoing short trip to Taormina. Taking the bus to Taormina is easier. The bus terminus in Taormina is about 200 yards from the Pensione Svizzera.
www.interbus.it (bus schedule)
Aug 17th, 2005, 02:19 PM
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GAC, Hallelujah! That sounds about as perfect as it gets. (Let's hope my execution of the plan comes off as nicely.)
You've really made my day.
You know, I would have liked to have seen Pozzallo (I guess I will from the sea, since our ferry still stops there) and all points in between. But, as my wife pointed out, we'll go back and do Sicily some day. This is mainly a trip to Malta. The side trip was so the kids could have the adventure of seeing Mt. Etna. I hope it's worth it!
Again, thanks. I'll let you know how it turns out.
You've really made my day.
You know, I would have liked to have seen Pozzallo (I guess I will from the sea, since our ferry still stops there) and all points in between. But, as my wife pointed out, we'll go back and do Sicily some day. This is mainly a trip to Malta. The side trip was so the kids could have the adventure of seeing Mt. Etna. I hope it's worth it!
Again, thanks. I'll let you know how it turns out.
