In addition to the coastal road, which could be interrupted several times due to destroyed bridges, landslides, and other difficulties, the journey from Palermo to Messina was possible by sea by embarking in Palermo or Termini. Beyond the dangers inherent in navigation, the Tyrrhenean Sea was infested with pirates, therefore that route was considered dangerous. The alternative was to travel the mountain route from Termini to Scillato, through Polizzi, Petralia, Nicosia, Traina, Cesarò, Bronte, Randazzo, and Taormina, then up to Messina. The journey would take five to seven days. AC, 266.