Introduction

The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a historic state that encompassed southern Italy and Sicily from 1816 to 1861. Today, this region includes modern-day southern Italy (Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, Molise, and Abruzzo) and Sicily. This guide will help you explore this historically rich region on a budget.

Best Regions to Explore

 

Naples and Campania

Budget Accommodations

- Hostels: €20-35/night - Budget hotels: €45-80/night - B&Bs: €40-70/night - Agriturismos: €50-90/night

Must-See Historical Sites

- Royal Palace of Naples (€10) - Castel Nuovo (€7) - Palace of Caserta (€14) - Pompeii ruins (€16) - Herculaneum (€13)

Sicily

Budget Accommodations

- Hostels in Palermo: €18-30/night - Guesthouses: €35-65/night - Farm stays: €40-70/night - Shared apartments: €30-50/night

Historical Attractions

- Norman Palace, Palermo (€8.50) - Valley of Temples, Agrigento (€12) - Teatro Greco, Taormina (€10) - Cathedral of Monreale (free) - Palazzo Biscari, Catania (€10)

Transportation Options

 

Getting There

- Main airports: - Naples International Airport - Palermo Airport - Catania Airport - Budget airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air

Regional Transportation

- Trains: - Regional trains: €10-30 - High-speed trains: €30-70 - Buses: - FlixBus: €5-20 - Local buses: €1-3 - Ferry to Sicily: €20-40

Money-Saving Transportation Tips

1. Book trains in advance 2. Use regional trains instead of high-speed 3. Consider bus travel for longer distances 4. Buy city transit passes 5. Walk in historic centers

Budget Food Guide

 

Naples Area

- Pizza Margherita: €4-7 - Street food (cuoppo): €3-5 - Pasta dishes: €8-12 - Local wine (house): €3-5/glass

Sicilian Specialties

- Arancini: €2-4 - Pasta alla Norma: €7-10 - Street food (panelle): €2-4 - Cannoli: €1-2

Budget Dining Tips

1. Eat at local markets 2. Try street food 3. Look for "menu fisso" (fixed menu) 4. Shop at local grocers 5. Stay at places with kitchens

Seasonal Considerations

 

Best Times to Visit

- Spring (April-May) - Moderate temperatures - Lower tourist numbers - Better rates - Fall (September-October) - Pleasant weather - Harvest festivals - Reasonable prices

High Season (June-August)

- Higher temperatures - Peak prices - Crowded attractions - More events and festivals ## Cultural Experiences

Free Activities

1. Walking tours of historic centers 2. Church visits 3. Local markets 4. Public beaches 5. Festival participation

Budget Cultural Activities

- Cooking classes: €40-70 - Wine tasting: €20-40 - Local craft workshops: €30-50 - Historical walking tours: €15-25

Budget Breakdown

 

Daily Budget Options

Ultra Budget: €50-70/day

- Hostel dormitory - Street food and self-catering - Public transportation - Free activities

Moderate Budget: €70-120/day

- Private room in budget hotel - Mix of restaurants and self-catering - Some paid attractions - Occasional guided tours

Money-Saving Tips

 

Accommodation

1. Book in advance 2. Stay in less touristy areas 3. Consider hostels and B&Bs 4. Use booking sites with free cancellation 5. Look for weekly discounts

Activities

1. Get museum passes 2. Use city tourist cards 3. Join free walking tours 4. Visit churches and markets 5. Take advantage of free museum days

Essential Phrases

- Grazie: Thank you - Per favore: Please - Buongiorno: Good morning - Scusi: Excuse me - Quanto costa?: How much?

Practical Tips

 

Money Matters

- Use ATMs for best exchange rates - Inform bank of travel plans - Carry some cash for small purchases - Look for "no commission" exchange offices

Safety Tips

1. Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas 2. Keep valuables secure 3. Use licensed taxis 4. Stay aware in busy areas 5. Keep copies of important documents

Regional Events and Festivals

- Holy Week processions (Easter) - Feast of San Gennaro (September) - Festa di Santa Rosalia (July) - Local food festivals - Historical reenactments

Suggested Itineraries

 

One Week Budget Itinerary

1. Naples (3 days) - Historic center - Archaeological Museum - Pompeii day trip 2. Sicily (4 days) - Palermo - Agrigento - Taormina

Two Week Budget Itinerary

1. Campania (6 days) 2. Calabria (3 days) 3. Sicily (5 days)

Final Recommendations

1. Travel in shoulder season 2. Mix free and paid activities 3. Stay in central locations 4. Use public transportation 5. Eat local specialties 6. Book main attractions in advance 7. Engage with local culture This historically rich region offers incredible value for budget travelers who plan carefully and embrace local experiences. The key is balancing must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path discoveries.