Termini ImereseSicily · Italy

All About Termini Imerese

Termini Imerese is named after the naturally heated geothermal waters that bubble up in the city. Populated since prehistoric times, the city has offered shelter to some of the most important cultures in Sicily. In fact, the Carthaginians and Romans fought over the area some 2,500 years ago. Termini Imerese never seems to have been far from people’s minds since. It has developed into a major port city over the centuries, and so it’s little surprise that it’s easy to book ferry tickets to Termini Imerese from mainland Italy.

Beyond its ancient sites, which include the ruined Greek city of Himera, Termini Imerese is well-known for its traditions and culture. In May of each year, it celebrates one of the oldest feast days anywhere on the Italian peninsula. Visit during the fiesta and you’re sure to see uniquely costumed performers and no shortage of fireworks.

Located on the north coast of the island around 30 kilometers east of Palermo, Termini Imerese is perfectly located as an entry point to all of Sicily’s mix of natural, cultural, and historic attractions. Ferry tickets to Termini Imerese can be easily compared on Ferryscanner, so you know you’re getting the best deal available.
 

Routes and Ferries to Termini Imerese

Facing north across the extraordinary island-studded waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, arriving by ferry remains the most evocative way of reaching Termini Imerese. What’s more, potential passengers have the choice of two different routes from peninsula Italy. Both are operated by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), one of the foremost ferry companies serving Sicily.

The first of GNV’s ferries normally arrives into the ports of Termini Imerese once a week from Naples, which is located almost directly due north. Services arrive and depart Termini Imerese each Saturday. Tickets for an adult foot passenger range from €24-55, although motor vehicles are also welcomed on board. Passengers are able to choose between Pullman-style seats, private cabins, and suites for the 9.5-hour journey.

Alternatively, those looking for ferry tickets to Termini Imerese might prefer to depart from Civitavecchia, near Rome. This ferry route takes slightly longer at 12.5 hours but has the advantage of seeing up to five different sailings each week. When it comes to prices, tickets usually range between €50 and €75 for foot passengers.

If you’re traveling in your own car or a rental vehicle, you won’t have any problems finding routes into or out of the city. This is because it lies on a junction with the A19 autostrada highway that crosses the island from Palermo to Catania. Likewise, Termini Imerese has excellent rail connections, with trains crisscrossing the island via its central station.

The nearest airport is the international airport at Palermo, called Falcone Borsellino Airport. It receives flights from cities in Europe, especially during the high season of May to October.
 

Ports of Termini Imerese

The ports of Termini Imerese are divided into several sections providing docking points for the ferries from Naples and Civitavecchia as well as for private yachts and other pleasure crafts. It is located on the eastern side of the city, a short distance from the winding alleys of the old town. It is also just a few hundred meters from Termini Imerese’s railway station. When it comes to places to eat and drink, it’s generally better to depart the port area and head to the heart of the city, where there is the best range of options. When it comes to boarding a ferry at Termini Imerese, it’s recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal at least an hour before departure. The loading of vehicles also begins about an hour before scheduled sailing times.

Best Beaches

While major ports don’t always make good beach destinations, this is definitely not the case in Termini Imerese. The town boasts some fantastic stretches of coast. And unlike other parts of Sicily, it’s not difficult to find an area of sand rather than rocks either. Here we’ve highlighted the best beaches in Termini Imerese to look out for.

Spiaggia Pietra Piatta

Located to the west of Termini Imerese before you reach the village of Tabia, Spiaggia Pietra Piatta is a blend of sand and pebbles. It is named after the attractive outcrop of rock just offshore. While small, its proximity to Tabia means you’re never far from bars and restaurants.

Campofelice di Roccella

By contrast, this beach located between Termini Imerese and the town of Cefalu is named after a historic fortress standing on the rocks at one end. Larger than Spiaggia Pietra Piatta, it’s rarely so crowded that you can’t find an area of beach to yourself.

Cefalu Beach

Travel just a little further from Termini Imerese and you’ll soon come to the fine sands of the beach in Cefalu itself. One of the best beaches in the region for the traditional beach escape, there’s a good number of facilities and wondrous views. What’s more, it’s still only 45 minutes by road from Termini Imerese’s port.

Altavilla Milicia

Another excellent sand beach that’s worth mentioning is that at Altavilla Milicia. During the summer months, it’s alive with activity, making it easy to rent a sun lounger or have a game of beach volleyball. It slopes very gently into the warm waters of the Mediterranean, making it particularly suitable for those with younger children.
 

Places to Visit

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the other places to visit in Termini Imerese, since many stand amid dramatic landscapes worth the journey in and of themselves.

Ancient Himera

The most famous individual structure found within the ancient city of Himera is probably the Temple of Victory. However, the real treasures can be found in the two on-site museums, which detail everything from daily home lives to religious practices during the times this was a thriving Greek metropolis.

Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari

The peach-colored stone of this cathedral church’s exterior is a fine contrast to the delicate carvings found within. Comparable to the grandest of wedding cakes, its altar comprises marble, lace, and goldwork. There are also several sculptures by the Sicilian artist Ignazio Marabitti.

Aqueduct of Cornelius

The best-preserved aqueduct anywhere on Sicily, the Aqueduct of Cornelius cuts across the countryside around five kilometers east of Termini Imerese. Its remains shift between the arched forms we associate with these structures and castle-like towers used to increase the water pressure and ensure a constant flow of freshwater to the city.
 

Transportation Around Termini Imerese

Occupying an area of around one-kilometer square, if you’re planning on staying in the historic heart of Termini Imerese you’ll have little need for transportation. But if you’ve got heavy luggage or are looking to explore the beaches and places to visit outside of the city’s modern confines there are some options. Public buses trundle around the main thoroughfares within the city, although information on the exact routes they follow and when they depart can be difficult to get for non-Italian speakers. This means taxis might be a better option. They generally await the arrival of ferries into the port, and can also be hailed from the roadside if vacant. Alternatively, there is a steady flow of regional trains passing through Termini Imerese’s railway station. They form a mix of trains stopping at every station along the line, and those that are semi-direct to larger cities such as Palermo.