Sicilian trips, tips and tales: the beauty of driving an electric vehicle on an island

Does taking a trip by electric vehicle on an island seem like a foolish thing to do? Don’t count it out. Our story will convince you that you can make just that kind of journey.

If you’ve not done it already, download the Be Charge app and become the perfect eco-traveller. Get to know your vehicle’s battery range and choose the right hotel with a charging point. Plan your stops for the distances you want to drive with the right charge. Make a couple of calculations, do up your seat belt, pack your charging cable, and off you go.

Do you want to know how we got on in Sicily?

The beautiful island has numerous Plenitude+Be Charge public charging stations, ready to give you a full charge. Thanks to Be Charge’s monthly subscription (we chose the 250kWh denomination) we recharge by taking advantage of roaming and convenient rates.

To date, the only way to reach Sicily by car is to drive from Villa San Giovanni (Reggio Calabria) to Messina. There are ferries every 30 minutes.

Go clockwise, towards Siracusa

Do the words ‘climate’ and ‘change’ mean anything to you? We like to think that they don’t always have a negative sense. The increasingly hot and humid climate here has allowed people to introduce tropical fruit. Yes, you read that correctly; in this region, farmers have adapted to change, growing avocadoes, bananas and pineapples.

Think how good it would be not to have to import exotic fruit by plane. It’s a real delight to be able to taste these succulent fruits just after they’re picked.

Our destination for the first two nights was Cassibile, 20 minutes from Siracusa, deep in the Sicilian countryside where we breathed in the intense scent of the lemon groves. In fact, this is where Siracusa’s femminello lemons are grown. The protected geographical indication rules forbid any use of wax or fungicides, so you can also eat the very sweet peel which is rich in essential oils.

If you like silence, the scent of the countryside and the salty air, this area is just right for you. Stop a while and charge your vehicle. Walk along to the centre of Siracusa: the island of Ortigia. A tiny 1km² square of land where you’ll find the oldest part of the city.

Some splendid monuments have been built here and you should absolutely go and see them: the Castello di Maniace which dates back to Norman-Swabian times, the Temple of Athena (built in the 5th century BC) and Siracusa Cathedral, built in the 17th century in High-Baroque style.

Electric vehicle drivers can ask for a tag that allows them to park and access the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). You should do this well in advance because it can take from 4 days to one week for one to be issued.

But don’t be lazy, the most eco-friendly way of visiting this part of the city is on foot. Meanwhile, you can plan your charge at the charging point located in the Parcheggio Molo Sant’Antonio car park or if you have a ZTL tag, you can use the charging point behind the Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel.

Once you’ve crossed the pedestrian bridge, sample the first ‘arancino’ of your e-tour. Remember, it’s ‘arancin-O’! It only becomes ‘arancin-A’ when you reach Palermo (you’ll have to get the people there to tell you why). Don’t forget to taste the best almond granita of your holiday at the Artale patisserie. 

Stop here to charge, or you’ll regret it!

Carry on to Val di Noto

In a few words, we’ll tell you about the real inland areas of Sicily.

This part of Sicily is really well equipped. For example, we were impressed by the number of charging points installed in the small town of Ragusa.

We stopped the car and chose a public charging point really close to the steps that take you to the historic part of Ragusa Ibla. You should try and get here just before sunset to see the sunlight playing on the imposing facades of its churches and palazzos, like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. George’s Cathedral and Palazzo Zacco, in high Sicilian Baroque style. The town is elegant and sophisticated, and rich in history.

Ragusa is renowned for its tradition of using Sicilian carts to get around, surely the most eco-friendly means of transport in history.

In Sicilian, a ‘carrettu’ is a horse-drawn cart used to transport goods, in use throughout Sicily from the 19th century.  Here you’ll find the historic workshop where innumerable generations of the Cinabro family have built these carts and kept alive this artisanal tradition with teaching seminars and partnerships with some of the most illustrious names in fashion.

A 4-hour stop here in Ragusa allowed us to fill the car’s battery, stretch our legs in the town centre and have a ‘refined cuisine’ dinner at I Banchi. At I Banchi, Ciccio Sultano has created a knowledgeable and attentive kitchen. Here, bread is made with flour from local ancient grains, and Ciccio matches it with his recipes handed down from his grandmother. Don’t miss out on the Aubergine Parmigiana: it’s incredible!

A morning in Noto, the Italian capital of the Baroque, where you can lose yourself in the long and winding stairways of its historic centre, is the right compromise to work off the delicacies of Sicilian cuisine. Before setting off, watch the Netflix documentary Chef’s Table, for a taster of how our stop went at Caffè Sicilia.

Don’t forget to walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, to have a look at the town’s most important monuments like Porta Reale, Palazzo Ducezio and the Church of Santa Chiara.

Marzamemi is a traditional marine village, famous for its tuna nets and for its pale stone houses. A beautiful village, it looks like it’s on a film set. Everything is cared for in detail. It’s like another world, when you compare it with neighbouring towns, which have, sadly, become very dilapidated.

We went in low season and there’s something in the air that smells of ‘over tourism’.

A piece of advice to the true traveller: walk along the shores of the village, taking in the creative details that it offers the eyes and follow the workers to find an authentic street food aperitif.

We went into a local bakery, where the temperature reached 40 degrees, to get good scaccia, which is an old recipe of rustic bread similar to focaccia with different fillings, from tomatoes to local and seasonal vegetables, to ricotta cheese and Sicilian sausage.

Moving South: Agrigento and the Scala dei Turchi

Agrigento is a real paradise. Its archaeological park has Be Charge branded charging points: one in Via Imera and in Via Piersanti Matterella.

In this magnificent corner of Sicily, you can enjoy a number of diverse activities: visit archaeological sites, lose yourself in its natural beauty and relax in thermal spa complexes.

Formerly known in Greek as Akragas, Agrigento is an ancient city that has been dominated by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. You can find traces of these origins in the area, in its cooking, in the people who live here.

The Valle dei Templi – Valley of the Temples – archaeological park is huge, so you’ll need to wear trainers. Ticket offices are located in Via Panoramica dei Templi at the Tempio di Giunone – the Temple of Juno (the highest point on the hill) and in the Sant’Anna district (Via Caduti di Marzabotto) at Porta Quinta (Gate 5).

There are parking spaces near each ticket office. It’ll cost you €3 to park your car.

Tip: entry is free on the first Sunday of the month. Of course, we only know this because we came here on a Sunday. Thanks to the great advice of our host, Andrea.

We used the charging point in Via Empedocle to fill the car during the night.

Once you’re parked, it’s best to get around on foot. On Andrea’s advice, we headed for a fantastic bistro wine bar with natural wines from the area and Slow Food produce. We stopped at ‘N’zolia’, just a couple of paces from the historic centre. Try the local bread board with cheese from ‘Girgentana’ goats, the ancient native breed that lives in the Valle dei Templi park, and mortadella made from donkey meat. It’s exceptional!

If this aperitivo has opened your appetite and you want to dive into authentic Agrigento tradition for dinner, book at ‘Ex Panificio’, an authentic osteria located on one of the city’s most beautiful piazzas and with excellent dishes and service.

Do you want to know how you can visit the Scala dei Turchi without queues and without getting ‘ripped off’ by parking charges?

Leave your car at Lido Rossello for free (thanks Andrea), put your flip-flops and swimming costume on and go the beach – either on foot or you can swim there – to look at the white cliff in front of you and to enjoy the unique view. In low season, there aren’t many people in the area, and the beaches give an immense sense of freedom.

Follow the advice from the locals 😉

Ah… we almost forgot, since this is an unequipped beach, you can stock up on supplies at one of the Sicilian rotisseries for a picnic with a view.

We continued our tour in the direction of Trapani, joining the main road and leaving the sea behind. You’ll pass infinite stretches of orange grove, and Ribera is an excellent place for a refreshing stop to enjoy fresh orange juice.

We had a pit-stop at the charging point at Via De Gasperi 257 in Sciacca. Make the most of it by going down to the port on foot and buying the locally caught tuna. We enjoyed the hospitality of some of the local fishermen whose houses directly faced the harbour, where we tasted the more traditional lemon granita in historic Bar Mario.

Where can I see Sicily’s best sunset?

We’re still bewitched by those we saw on the coast in the province of Trapani. You will be, too. The area is strewn with breath-taking bays with crystal-clear waters that project myriad colours, from turquoise to dark blue. The scenery in front of you opens out onto a spectacular panorama of the Aegadian Islands.

Thanks to Be Charge’s roaming service, we used the charging point on the Dante Alighieri promenade during our stay in a former salt mine. Sleeping in a recently restored windmill is a very enjoyable experience.

It’s worth driving up the hill from Trapani to the medieval village of Erice. An unmissable and authentic flavour of the area. Along the panoramic road, the silence of the scenery and the silence as your electric car takes the curves will be in perfect symphony. Keep going until you reach the top of the hill where you can savour the sunset over the gulf.

There are four charging points available for you. We chose the one in Via Conte Agostino Pepoli. A few steps from the charging point you’ll find the entrance to the village walls and the viewpoint. On a clear day you get an amazing 360º view of Trapani’s old salt mines from this viewpoint.

The best cannoli? Without a doubt at Erice’s Maria Grammatico patisserie. You’ll know you’ve reached the right place when you see the long queue outside the shop, and from the intoxicating scent that pervades the village streets. Expert hands box up the sweet jewellery with accuracy and tradition.

Almost all of the produce is made from a base of almonds and local flour. Don’t miss out on getting breakfast, something after lunch, or even an after-dinner coffee, on a terrace with a view. The cherry on the cake is the friendliness and warmth of the family that manages it!

Booking dinner in Erice will take you back in time. But while your car is charging, book dinner at Pentolaccia. If you’re there on a Friday, you must try the cous-cous with local fish. It’s a real delicacy. Now that you’re full and your car’s almost full, you’ve earned a bit of range for your descent towards Trapani. Trapani and Erice are really regenerating!

True Sicily in a man-made world: an intact, natural stretch of coastline

The Zingaro Nature Reserve was established on 06 May 1981 by a regional law.

This followed numerous demonstrations in the 1980s in which a committee of some 2000 courageous and daring citizens protested against the construction of a road on the last virgin strip of the north-western Sicilian coast.

A road that was supposed to connect San Vito Lo Capo to Scopello. Today it is only passable on foot! Trust me, the hike is worth it and is a real day of relaxation. To those people, on behalf of Electric-Trips we say thank you!

Piccolo rabbocco elettrico dalla turistica ma altrettanto affascinante San Vito lo Capo, da dove fuggiamo in direzione del parcheggio per la partenza dei vari sentieri della Riserva dello Zingaro. Indossiamo le scarpe da trekking, per addentrarci nella natura.

Qui troverete le spiagge e le calette più belle entrando dal lato Nord (da San Vito lo Capo). Seguite:

• Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo (20 Minuti a piedi solo andata)
• Cala dell’Uzzo (30 Minuti)
• Cala Marinella (1 ora)
• Cala Berretta (per quest’ultima dovrete camminare un po’ di più ma ne vale la pena)

La Riserva dello Zingaro è un parco a pagamento: uno scrigno dove tutto è in ordine secondo i ritmi della natura, lontano dai rumori, laddove prevalgono suoni autentici.

Le sette calette localizzate nei sette chilometri di costa si possono raggiungere con una passeggiata dolce. Attenzione a calcolare bene i tempi tra andata e ritorno (il parco chiude alle ore 16.00).

Our journey continues to Castellammare del Golfo

The town is built around its Arab-Norman castle. If you look carefully at the building, you can see the numerous changes made over the centuries by the island’s various occupiers: there are Arabic, Norman, Swabian and, subsequently, the barons of the town.

Public charging points aren’t so readily available in this part of Sicily. So, we decided to use a destination charging location to charge the car overnight.

The hotel we chose powers its entire building, including its charging points, using solar energy. That was important to us.

After a few hours in a car, you’ve got to relax and go for a walk along the seashore.

Thanks to the fact that they’re only short distance from the generous Monte Inici, you can find excellent truffles, among the most sought-after in Italy, at the area’s restaurants.

If you’re a lover of fresh fish, you’ve come to the right place!

Finish your meal with a Cassatella di Castellammare: a sweet mixture of a cassatella from Agira and a Sicilian cannolo.

Road to Palermo

Mondello

The passage from the gulf to the city could be traumatic. But if you’re missing the sea, you needn’t worry. Do as we did and leave your car on charge at the charging point in Via Mongibello, rent a fully electric scooter and in five minutes you’ll arrive at the Palermitans’ favourite beach. It’s just the place to enjoy a bit more sand and hot sun.

The warm and crystal-clear waters are perfect for a great deal of relaxation!  And when the heat gets too much, just cross the road to nip into one of the many gelateries/patisseries for a delicious seaside granita.

However, at Da Piero’s, you can relish one of the best octopus salads, one of the area’s typical dishes. It’s like being at home.

Beautiful Palermo

We stayed in the hotel area of the city. Our room had a marvellous view of the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits).

Just a few steps away, we reached the Norman Palace, today the site of the Regional Council’s offices.  The palace, a UNESCO heritage site, is the oldest royal residence in Europe, the residence of the sovereigns of the Kindgom of Sicily and the imperial seat of Frederick II and Conrad IV. In fact, many refer to it as the Royal Palace.

An impressive building welcomes you as you enter the historic city centre. With its large domes, towers and embattlements, doorways and arches, smaller tiled domes, arch bridges and a bell tower, Palermo’s cathedral is a splendour to behold!

Our advice is to get around Palermo on foot, especially so you can enjoy the city’s varied gastronomical stops. Now you know, it’s the best way to sample the finest tastes!

Of a morning, go to Ballarò, it’s an experience that verges on the mystical. You’ll only understand why when you walk through the market stalls and the passageways in this district!

This is the modern version of a souk, which could be found on these streets during Arab occupation and continues to evoke that atmosphere. You’ll be hypnotised by the ‘abbanniate’, the songs that the market traders use to sell their goods, and trust your nose to find genuine Italian street food! The scent of frying is a clue that you’ll find freshly cooked panelle (fritters made from chickpea flour). A cloud of smoke, accompanied by the aroma of meat announces that ‘stigghiole’ (rolls of offal) are being cooked.

We tasted the best bread with spleen from Nni Franco U’ Vastiddaru, located near the largest fig tree in Europe, together with the best panelle in the whole of the La Vucciria district.

We were struck by Piazza Bellini, whose surrounding buildings were designed in architecture of different styles and eras. Here, you’ll find the Church of the Martorana (Church of St. Mary of the Admirals), the Church of San Cataldo with its red cupolas, and the Monastery of Santa Caterina (St. Catherine). Behind the Palazzo delle Aquile (Palace of the Eagles) you’ll find the Piazza Pretoria hidden away. The piazza has a monumental fountain known as ‘della vergogna’ or ‘shameful’.

According to legend the name derives from the nude statues contained in the work, others say that the ‘shame’ is down to the amount spent to create it. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between the two. Who knows?

We drove to nearby Cefalù, and without wasting time we charged the car while we took a stroll in the city centre. Even here, nothing has been left to chance, and the atmosphere attracts many tourists from all over the world.

The coast of Sicily is an area that has no need for large-scale advertising! But at the end of the day, it was the interior of the island that attracted our curiosity. Knowing that we could definitely charge the car on the coast, so that we wouldn’t run out, we decided to give the islands’ inland areas a chance. To show you that even these areas are filled with energy.

It’s a shy, yet vivacious region; it’s filled with folklore and mystery; it moves slowly, but it’s changeable. It’s always ready to amaze you with its thousand facets, and you’ll fall in love with it during any season. ‘Everybody knows that love blossoms in spring, warms the heart until winter, and in summer it sweeps you off your feet’.

Have a good trip!

Article and photo material by Alexandra & Pasquale of Electric-Trips