We wrap up a two week first time tour here in late October. We arrive in Catania (3 nites), then Syracuse (4 nites), then 2 nites at an agriturismo near Valley of the Temples then north to Castellammare. We chose this as a base city as we are older so we should be a no stress rental car return at PMO airport plus we got a great apartment overlooking what looks like a cute harbor. So far we plan to go to Segesta, Erice & Trapani. Going farther south down the coast looks a little tring. Anything else we should consider in area? Saw some wineries in area but the info was years old. Also if anyone has stayed overnight in Castellammare any suggestions for where to go at nite ie. the port area or up the hill more into town? Grazie
Posted by
Washington DC
27401 posts
The obvious omission from your itinerary is Palermo. I certainly wouldn't drive there, and I don't know whether there's a convenient way to get to the city by public transportation so you could just leave the car parked for the day in Castellammare del Golfo. But I wonder whether the drive to Monreale would be OK. The cathedral there is fabulous--absolutely one of Sicily's top sights. Monreale's west of Palermo.
I haven't driven at all in Europe, much less in Sicily, so I can't comment on what you'd run into south of Trapani. Logistics permitting, I'd certainly choose Monreale over the salt pans over that way. I did like Trapani and Erice.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
You might enjoy visiting the small town of Scopello which is very near Castellammare. If the weather is good, you might consider chartering a small boat for a ride along the coast towards the Zingaro nature reserve, or just driving to the park on your own. Depends on your interests.
Posted by
OP
vio;a, il, usa
3 posts
We decided to save Palermo and the north coast for another trip so we would have time for the incredible sights on the east and west coasts. Monreale sounds very tempting and being west of Palermo may be an easy drive. Anyone stayed over nite in Castellmmare?
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2220 posts
Yes, we stayed a couple of nights in Castellammare. It is, indeed, a cute harbor. We did not have a car, so had a different experience than you can expect. We did take the bus to Scopello one day, but it was raining (this was late March) and we didn't stay. We didn't get into any night life, so I'm really not that helpful - sorry.
Posted by
OP
vio;a, il, usa
3 posts
Will there be anything open in Scopello in November? Anyone done the wine tours near Segesta? Grazie