Environmental consciousness is thankfully ever on the rise, and more locals are investing in electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles. But electric car owners might not consider an overseas road trip unless they are aware how easy it is to charge their car abroad. Virtu Ferries are making your travel planning simpler with charging station maps and app suggestions, and additional trips to meet everyone’s needs.
Over the Easter period, Virtu Ferries will be increasing their daily trips, with up to three voyages each way, on most days. This will not only ensure that there are enough trips to cater for the demand, but it also makes it convenient to choose the travel time that suits you best.
Better yet, there’s no need to worry about your car battery running flat, if you’re travelling with an electric vehicle. Virtu Ferries are recommending the ‘Be Charge’ app, and other apps similar to it, that mark all the charging points around Sicily, making it incredibly simple for you to drive to the nearest one. Sicily currently has 728 charging stations around the island, mainly based at service stations along roads and motorways, and in every town and city. These points are fast-charging, so you won’t have to spend hours waiting to use your car again.
If it’s a super quick getaway that you’re after – maybe a one-day visit to the market in Catania, a shopping trip to Sicilia Outlet Village or any of the shopping malls, or perhaps just a really good lunch by the sea, Virtu Ferries have the perfect offer for you. A one-day trip on any day between Monday and Thursday, until the 31st of May costs only €55 for adults and €37 for children, including the return ticket.
Easter time, on the other hand, is the perfect period for a weekend getaway, but also for a longer holiday. This year, Freedom Day (31st March) coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which is one week before Good Friday. So a week-long trip during ‘Holy Week’ could also be an option, with the possibility of making it back in time for Easter family lunch! If it’s just a weekend break that you’re after however, make it a long weekend away as both Fridays are public holidays, which will save the need for vacation leave from work.
Need some inspo for your Sicily travels?
Sicily is not just about food, wine and shopping, as much as we all love that. Travelling by car will make it far easier to move around the island and explore its gorgeous sites. For history lovers, the Greek temples of Agrigento and the Roman Mosaics at Piazza Armerina are a definite must-see. Not to mention the different Greek and Roman theatres, the marvellous cathedrals and churches, and the Baroque cities of Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli.
For photography enthusiasts or if you’re just looking for the perfect Instagram photo, Cefalu and Taormina are the places to visit. And if it's an adventure you’re in the mood for, climbing Etna is always a great option, as is a visit to one of the island’s adventure parks. The nature lover on the other hand can wander around one of several nature parks with the most beautiful scenic views. Sicilians have similar Easter traditions to Malta so the avid tradition and culture enthusiast can visit beautifully decorated churches and follow the solemn processions.
Where to stay...
Car travel will not only make it easy to get to hotels and resorts in any location, and to carry your entire wardrobe in your luggage boot if you don’t know how to travel light; it also gives you the possibility to stay in remote locations. Sicily is full of agriturismi that provide a unique accommodation experience. These little gems offer the perfect family environment, with delicious home-made food made from fresh produce grown on their farms, in beautiful surroundings. Most of the time they also offer the tastiest home-made olive oil or wine, depending on their specialised produce, as well as tours of their vineyards, wineries, or olive groves. An agriturismo can offer the perfect base for a relaxing and quiet holiday, and it is often best reached by car, as most are generally far from the main towns and cities.
The comfort of travelling overseas with your own car, whether electric or not, is only possible with the kind of service that Virtu Ferries offers. What makes their service so efficient? The frequency of trips and affordable prices are definite advantages, but the comfort and speed of their state-of-the-art catamarans are also factors to keep in mind. So, if you’re travel-hungry and eager to plan your next trip, check out the Virtu Ferries offers and schedules here.