Sicily in October - Tips

Weather and climate
First things first: in October, the average water temperature in Sicily is still well above 20°C. According to the climate table, the air temperatures are similar to those in May and June.
However, these tables are blind to one thing: The ground has "absorbed" the heat from the summer like a tiled stove and is now radiating it again. The "perceived" temperature is therefore higher in October.
On clear nights, however, it can get fresh "from above". A light jumper should therefore always be in your luggage - as well as rain gear, as there are occasional showers in October.

Arrival and excursions by train
Directly from the airport to your holiday flat without a car - that's what more and more holidaymakers in Sicily want - and not just in October. And it's actually no problem! At least if the holiday flat is close to a train station.
As for instance in the old town of Santa Flavia. The train will take you here from Palermo airport in around 1.5 hours.
How do you then go on excursions through Sicilian October?
Also by train!
Because Santa Flavia is located in the centre of the most modern train network in Sicily. This is the best prerequisite for an October in Sicily without a car.

Excursions by bike
But why wander into the distance? The area around Santa Flavia offers almost everything that Sicily as a whole has to offer in October. Here we have "Sicily - All in one Place". The only thing missing is a small volcano.
Many things to see are within walking distance in Santa Flavia. However, some beaches and nature reserves are too far away. And they are particularly interesting in Sicilian October.
In such cases, a bicycle is the ideal means of transport - and it just so happens that there is a bicycle rental for selected holiday lettings in Santa Flavia.
So, with the right combination of train, bike and holiday letting, a car-free holiday in Sicily in October is no problem.

Excursions to the sea
Sicily offers a very special beach holiday in October. The mass tourism of the summer months is over, but the water temperature is still well above 20°C.
If you spend your holiday in Santa Flavia, you can choose between two village beaches and a wonderful bay. The photo on the left was taken in this bay at the end of October 2022.
All bathing facilities are within easy walking distance or reachable by bike. Details can be found on this map:

Excursions into nature
The brown of the harvested fields and the blue of the sky - these are the dominant colours of a typical October in Sicily.
Together with the warm wind, they create a very special atmosphere outside in nature. So now is the perfect time for hiking.
If you are spending your holiday in Santa Flavia, you can hike to the eastern side of Monte Catalfano. The view of the sea from up there is spectacular. This map shows you how to get there:
Monte Catalfano and other "natural wonders" are easily accessible by bike.

Excursions into antiquity
Sicily was once one of the most important locations of Greek antiquity. As a result, some of the most important archaeological sites in the world can be found here today.
One of them - Solunto - is even located directly in Santa Flavia. Solunto is unique in Sicily, as the layout of a complete ancient town has been preserved here.
In addition, the view of the sea from there is spectacular. Solunto is very easy to reach by bike:

Excursions to Cefalù
The Sicilian town of Cefalù is known for its wonderful sandy beach. In summer, it is a magnet for holidaymakers from all over the world. That doesn't change in October either - only there are a lot fewer of them now.
In October also the other parts of the city become interesting again. Like the cathedral, for example. It is not part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing.
Or the Rocca. This rock nestles right next to the old town and can be climbed in October without breaking a sweat. The view from up there over the Mediterranean is fantastic.
From Santa Flavia it is very easy to get to Cefalù by train. The wonderful beach is just 500 metres from the train station.

Excursions to Palermo
Palermo - the capital of Sicily - was once considered a stronghold of the Mafia. Today, it is proof that organised crime can be successfully overcome.
So it is no wonder that Palermo today attracts holidaymakers from all over the world. There is now even a cruise terminal. In October, however, the hustle and bustle is over.
In good weather, the whole old town is one big thing to see. In October, however, it can also rain. This is the perfect time to visit Palermo's museums.
From Santa Flavia, it is very easy to get to Palermo by train. The old town begins directly opposite the main train station.

Holiday lettings
Also usable as a home office
The tiny penthouse Casa Enza has always been one of the most popular holiday lettings in the old town of Santa Flavia. Since its renovation in spring 2025, it also offers a connection to the fibre optic internet - free of charge.
This makes Casa Enza generally suitable for longer stays and especially as a home office. The nearby railway station is also perfect for this purpose. It offers a fast train connection directly to Palermo airport (please see this train map). Clients in the north who wish a visit in person can therefore be reached quickly.
The tiny penthouse is perfect for 2 guests and offers plenty of light and sun even in Winter:

Holiday lettings
Perfect in October
The holiday flats we recommend are located in the centre of the old town of Santa Flavia, far away from mass tourism.
Experience the smell of freshly cooked pasta, the laughter of the neighbours and the stories from the village that no travel guide can tell you.
You will not only live in these holiday lettings - you will be part of.
But it gets even better: you can also rent high-quality bikes for all these holiday lettings.