Welcome to Termini Imerese, Sicily: A Guide for Newcomers

Arriving in Sicily By Train

Traveling to Sicily by train offers a scenic and convenient way to experience the Italian countryside and coastline. Whether you’re coming from mainland Italy, other parts of Europe, or elsewhere in Sicily, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Traveling from Mainland Italy or Other Parts of Europe

For travelers arriving from mainland Italy or other European locations, Sicily is well-connected via Italy’s extensive rail network. Trenitalia, Italy’s national rail service, offers direct routes to major Sicilian cities, including Palermo, Catania, and Messina. You can find and book tickets here.

How it Works:

• From cities like Rome, Naples, or Milan, you can book a long-distance train that includes a ferry crossing.

• The train boards a ferry at Villa San Giovanni (on the mainland) and crosses the Strait of Messina to the port of Messina in Sicily. During the crossing (about 20–30 minutes), passengers can step off the train and enjoy views from the ferry deck.

• Once the ferry docks in Messina, the train continues its journey to other Sicilian cities.

Approximate Travel Times:

• Rome to Palermo: ~11–12 hours

• Naples to Palermo: ~8 hours

• Milan to Palermo: ~20 hours

PRO TIP: Book tickets in advance for long-distance routes. Consider reserving a sleeper cabin for overnight journeys.

2. Traveling from Other Parts of Sicily

If you’re already on the island, Sicily’s regional train network connects major cities and towns. Trenitalia operates these trains, making it easy to reach Termini Imerese and other destinations.

Popular Routes to Termini Imerese:

• From Palermo: A quick, direct journey of ~30–50 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

• From Catania: A longer trip of ~2.5–3 hours, with a transfer in Palermo.

• From Messina: ~3 hours, with a transfer in Palermo.

What to Expect on Regional Trains:

• Regional trains are affordable and reliable, but they may lack the amenities of long-distance trains (like dining cars or reserved seating).

• Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and seats are usually unassigned.

PRO TIP: Book online or use a mobile app like Omio to check schedules and purchase tickets.

Additional Train Travel Tips

• When you arrive in Termini Imerese: Termini Imerese’s train station is located in Lower Termini, approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from Termini Alta and La Casa Longo. You can walk uphill or hire a taxi for convenience.

• Ferry Travel Experience: The train-ferry crossing is a unique highlight for those coming from the mainland, offering stunning views of the Strait of Messina. If you’re not traveling by train but want to experience the ferry, you can book tickets separately through companies like Caronte & Tourist.

Whether you’re crossing the Strait of Messina by train or exploring Sicily’s regional rail routes, your journey will be part of the adventure as you make your way to La Casa Longo.

Arriving in Termini Imerese By Car

Traveling to Termini Imerese by car offers flexibility and the freedom to explore Sicily at your own pace. Whether you’re coming from mainland Italy, other parts of Europe, or traveling within Sicily, here’s everything you need to know to plan your drive.

1. Driving from Mainland Italy or Other Parts of Europe

For those driving to Sicily from mainland Italy or other European countries, you’ll need to cross the Strait of Messina using a car ferry.

How it Works:

• Drive to Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, the main port for ferries to Sicily.

• Ferries operate frequently and will transport you and your car to the port of Messina in Sicily. The crossing takes about 20–30 minutes.

• Once you arrive in Messina, the A20 motorway connects you to major Sicilian cities.

Approximate Driving Times to Termini Imerese from Messina:

• Messina to Termini Imerese: ~2 hours via the A20 motorway.

• Palermo to Termini Imerese: ~30–40 minutes.

PRO TIP: You can book ferry tickets in advance through companies like Caronte & Tourist to save time. Tickets can also be purchased at the port.

2. Driving from Other Parts of Sicily

Sicily’s network of highways makes it easy to reach Termini Imerese by car. Termini is conveniently located along the A19 motorway, which connects Palermo and Catania.

Popular Routes to Termini Imerese:

• From Palermo: A short drive of ~30–40 minutes via the A19.

• From Catania: ~2 hours via the A19.

• From Agrigento: ~2 hours via the SS189 and SS121.

Parking and Navigation in Termini Imerese

• Termini Alta (Upper Termini): La Casa Longo is located in Termini Alta, which has ample free and paid parking options. Look for designated parking spots marked with blue lines (paid parking) or white lines (free parking).

• Termini Basso (Lower Termini): Parking is easy to find here, but driving uphill to Termini Alta involves navigating narrow and steep streets.

• Middle Termini: This area has limited parking and is harder to navigate by car due to its smaller streets.

Pros and Cons of Driving to Termini Imerese

Pros:

• Freedom and flexibility to explore Sicily at your own pace.

• Direct access to Termini Alta, where La Casa Longo is located.

• Ideal for those planning day trips to nearby towns and attractions.

Cons:

• Streets in Sicilian towns are often narrow and challenging to navigate.

• Parking can be tricky, especially in peak tourist seasons.

• Most rental cars in Sicily have manual transmissions, so be sure to specify automatic if needed.

Driving to Termini Imerese is a great option for those who want to explore the island on their schedule. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of parking options near La Casa Longo, allowing you to enjoy all that Termini Alta has to offer.

Navigating Termini Imerese: Three Areas You Need to Know

Termini Imerese is a charming town divided into three distinct areas, each offering unique experiences and attractions:

• Termini Basso (Lower Termini):
  Located at sea level, this area is near the water and offers picturesque views of the harbor. It’s home to the local beach, charming seafood restaurants, and bars, making it a perfect spot for a coastal escape. Termini Basso is also where the vibrant Carnevale Festival takes place every February, attracting visitors from far and wide. Additional perks include the train station, plentiful parking, and a weekly market bustling with local flavor. However, staying here means missing out on the stunning views and cultural hubs located higher up in town.

• Middle Termini:
  Tucked between the upper and lower areas, Middle Termini is the quietest part of town. It features quaint Sicilian streets and picturesque homes. Some accommodations here may offer lovely balcony views. However, its central location means you’ll often need to hike up or down to reach the attractions in Termini Alta or Termini Basso. Parking is also more challenging in this area.

• Termini Alta (Upper Termini):
  The crown jewel of the town, Termini Alta is the highest point and boasts breathtaking views of the coastline and countryside from the famous Belvedere promenade. This area is rich in history and culture, featuring the lively Piazza Duomo—a hub of local life—along with cobblestone streets, scenic parks, museums, and numerous bars and cafés. It’s also the most convenient location for accessing Termini’s best restaurants and activities without needing to navigate steep hills or stairs. Termini Alta offers plenty of parking options and is ideal for those looking for a vibrant yet serene place to stay.

Getting Around Termini Imerese
While the town is compact and walkable, keep in mind the elevation changes. You can stroll downhill from Termini Alta to Termini Basso in about 15 minutes. However, the return trip uphill will take longer and often involves stairs or steep inclines. If you prefer not to walk, taxis or a rental car can make exploring the town more convenient.

Where to Stay in Termini Imerese

Now that you understand the three areas of Termini - which one is calling you?

Nestled in Termini Alta, the vibrant heart of Termini Imerese, La Casa Longo offers the ultimate Sicilian escape. Positioned next to Piazza Duomo, this prime location allows you to enjoy the best of the town—from cobblestone streets and historic landmarks to lively cafés, scenic parks, and breathtaking views from the Belvedere promenade.

We’re thrilled to share that La Casa Longo is currently undergoing renovations and will open its doors in 2026! When we welcome our first guests, you’ll enjoy beautifully designed spaces that blend Sicilian charm with modern comfort, all in the most desirable part of town.

In the meantime, we encourage you to explore nearby accommodations in Termini Alta through Booking.com or Vrbo for your upcoming visit. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear when bookings open—we can’t wait to welcome you!

What to Bring to Termini Imerese

Packing for your trip to Termini Imerese? Here are some essentials to help you make the most of your stay at La Casa Longo and enjoy all that this charming Sicilian town has to offer:

1. Good Walking Shoes

Termini Imerese is a walkable town, but its beautiful cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs make comfortable walking shoes a must. Whether you're strolling down Via Roma, exploring the upper and lower parts of town, or venturing out for a day trip, you’ll be glad you packed footwear that keeps you going all day.

2. Swimsuit & Beach Shoes

If a dip in the Mediterranean is on your list (and it should be!), don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and some beach-appropriate shoes. The beach in Termini is rocky, and you’ll need to wear shoes to walk from the street down to the beach across the rocks. La Casa Longo provides beach towels for our guests, so you can travel a little lighter, but your bathing suit and shoes are essential for enjoying Sicily’s beautiful beaches and sparkling waters.

3. Purchase a VPN

Staying connected abroad can have its challenges. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a handy tool for protecting your privacy and accessing geo-restricted content when using public Wi-Fi. Whether you're logging into your bank account, catching up on your favorite shows, or just ensuring your internet browsing is secure, a VPN can give you peace of mind while traveling.

PRO TIP: Purchase a VPN with Surfshark. This is the VPN I know and trust. Use my link to get a discount.

4. Outlet Adapters

Italy uses Type C, F, and L electrical outlets with a standard voltage of 230V. While La Casa Longo provides some outlet adapters for guests, it’s a good idea to bring your own if you have multiple devices to charge or specific plugs that require a certain type. Be sure to check your devices' compatibility with European voltage and bring a voltage converter if needed.

5. Light Layers

The Sicilian climate can vary depending on the time of year. Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days, but don’t forget a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, especially if you’re visiting during spring or fall.

6. Backpack

Perfect for carrying essentials like sunglasses, a water bottle, and your phone as you wander through town or on a day trip. It’s also handy to add any treasures you purchase as you are out exploring.

7. Personal Items

If you’re used to specific toiletries or medications, pack them with you, as they may not be readily available locally.