London to Palermo

acki · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 May 2021 Karma :

Hi, I'm planning a trip from London to Sicily in April.
I'll be heading down to Dover, cross over to Calais and then head to Genoa where I'll get on the ferry to Palermo.

I'd like to get to Genoa as smooth and quick as possible, so I'm thinking straight down the A6 and then through Lausanne and through the Alps.

Anyone have any experience and tips for this route?
And any good rides I should not miss in Sicily?
I was also wondering: I imagine the Alps are still pretty cold early April?

Thanks!

A100man · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Aug 2013 Karma :

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

Did you do this trip?

I went from Barcelona to Sardinia, then on to Palermo back in November. The first Grimaldi ferry from Barcelona to Sardinia was good, but the second one was pretty small.

Palermo is a complete hole. I then later moved to Catania, and that was worse. The driving is the worst I've seen, and I've been some places. The streets are filthy, and most places looks like a rubbish dump.

Even the nature in Sicily can't really be enjoyed due to the rubbish everywhere. Sardinia is many times better IMO so long as you avoid Cagliari.

That being said, the people are friendly, and aperol spritz is good.