We are young retirees, heading to Sicily for May and June 2024 and want to take the time to immerse in the culture of the country as much as possible. Originally thought of a volunteer workaway role but can’t find the right fit. Where would be the best place to set up house and live as much like a local as possible? We won’t have a car and love an adventure. Initially drawn to Sciacca but now wondering if that’s too far off the beaten track. Will rent a car for short trips if necessary but happy to use public transport to get around if that is possible.
Posted by
New Jersey
217 posts
Hi Geraldine. Just wanted to say that if you don't get many responses to your question -- you might want to post on the Tripadvisor Sicily Forum. That particular site has a VERY robust Sicily group. There is one particular expert, her posting name is "Vagabonda" and she among others are extremely helpful and well-informed. My 17-day Sicily visit last May was largely planned using guidance from TA (not to say that Rick Steves isn't good, because it absolutely is). But for Sicily, I think Tripadvisor might have the edge.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
Sicily is a very large island. It cannot be seen from a single base or even two bases.
To me the largest concentrations of sights are in and near Palermo and in the southeast (Siracusa and the Baroque towns). However, that excludes the Greek ruins at Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte and the areas around Trapani and Catania/Taormina.
I stayed in each of those areas during my 2015 trip, and I couldn't have managed without any of them. It would have been better if I had also set up camp somewhere in the interior in order to hit places like Enna and Piazza Armerina without so much travel time.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the advice, I will check out Trip Advisor too.
Posted by
North Italy
395 posts
I would have two or even three bases. Trapani could be good, lots to see and get to by public transport and then maybe rent a car for a few days. https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/03/trapani-october-2016-trip-report.html
Pozzallo is a good base to visit Ragusa, Modica ecc
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/05/east-coast-sicily-pozzallo-trip-report.html
Or spend 2/3 of weeks travelling around seeing the main sights and then settle down somewhere for the remaining five
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
You can't see Sicily from one base only. It's too large. You need at least 3.
If without a car, then Palermo for the Western side. If big city environment is not to your liking, then try Mondello, a district of Palermo with a beautiful beach that is only 30 min frm the city center by bus.
On the South Eastern side Syracuse.
On the North Eastern side Taormina or Giardini Naxos