I am planning 10 to 12 nights in Sicily this September. I have never been there but have been to Italy several times and relied on trains, buses and rented a car for several trips. My husband and I drove from Venice to CT and another trip from Sorrento to Cisternino in the Puglia region. I am thinking of flying into Palermo renting a car take several day trips then move on south west and circling the island to Catania where we will fly back to Connecticut. Is it reasonable to drive and stay 2 to 4 nights in different towns making our way to Catania? I don't have an itinerary and I am just starting to plan this trip. We are both young 60's and love adventure. We enjoy local culture, archeticture, food and beaches. I would like to stay a few nights in a coastal town with a beach for relaxing a few days in the center of the time there, perhaps nights 5 and 6. I am realizing Sicily is larger than I originally thought but I can't afford to stay longer. Additionally we maybe four people traveling, another couple may join us. Suggestions for accommodations and resturants are are greatly appreciated.
Lorieann
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Two to four nights is very reasonable, in my opinion. I would choose Cefalu for your beach days, a nice stop between Palermo and Taormina.
There are also beaches near Agrigento, if you go south from Palermo.
Siracusa is in the southeast but it is a great city, once as prosperous and important as Athens. Beautiful old city (Ortigia) with a big daily market, great museum and archeological sights. I can recommend hotels and restaurants once you decide on cities.
Posted by
OP
east haven, ct
365 posts
John and Zoe
Any advice on driving? If I stay 3 nights when I first arrive in Palermo should I rent a car or rely on public transportation to get to day trips? If the latter, then I'll get a car when I leave Palermo yes/no ugh...Thanks for your help
Lorieann
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Driving is very easy but not in Palermo, rent a car on your way out.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
From my 2-week experience 2 years ago . . .
Driving is easy, but traffic moves like molasses in January in Palermo and Catania and jaywalkers are as numerous as pigeons, only they can't avoid the cars, so be careful in those cities.
I started with 3 nights in Palermo, then, leaving most of my luggage there, took the train to Cefalu for 2 nights, then back to Palermo to pick up my luggage and a rental car. I went south then east. 3 nights near Segesta to visit the coastal towns (Erice, Trapani, etc) and the temples. One night in Agrigento, one night in Piazza Armerina (for the superb mosaics at Villa Romano), then on to Ortigia (Syracusa) for 6 nights with day trips - Noto, Etna, Taormina - wherever you like. I flew out of Catania, dropped the rental car at the airport.
The ancient temples were truly amazing. Sicily is the cheapest place I've been in Italy, with great food and wine. Try to squeeze in as many days as you can. You won't regret it.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15193 posts
Don't rent a car while you are in Palermo. According to TomTom (a GPS navigation company) data shows that Palermo has the absolute worst traffic in Italy and the 12th worst traffic in Europe. Rent a car on your way out of Palermo.
Two full days (3 nights) are sufficient to visit Palermo and Monreale. If you want to visit Cefalu' by train from Palermo, just add another day to your stay. Actually since you plan to circumnavigate the island going to the Southwest, since Cefalu is East of Palermo, you should probably do that (visit it by train from Palermo).
On West Sicily visit Scopello, Zingaro Natural Reserve, Erice, Segesta, San Vito Lo Capo, Selinunte. The Province of Trapani (West Sicily) is the biggest producer of grapes in Italy, therefore you might squeeze some wine tasting too. Scopello would be an excellent base with your car to visit all of the above on day trip.
In South Sicily visit Agrigento (valley of the temples, staircase of the Turks cliff), Piazza Armerina and villa del Casale.
In SE Sicily visit Siracusa, Noto, maybe Ragusa.
In East Sicily visit Taormina, Mt. Etna. I don't care about Catania much, but if you fly out of there, maybe spend your last day seeing the city.
Posted by
Portland
3601 posts
One more bit of advice on driving. Be sure to carry a good map as back up. Our gps seemed to want to send us on bizarre routes more often in Sicily than in other places. Set your gps to favor autostrade. If the gps still wants to send you onto smaller roads, check your map to see if there is an autostrada route that will get you close to your destination. Even if it seems to take you a little out of the way, it will be faster than what may appear to be a more direct route.