Any impressions of the area or recommended stops? We are planning to have a rental car.
Tindari is a very scenic stop. The views from the church looking at the coastline down below are quite pretty. It is the site of the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari and there is also an archaeological site of Greek ruins. I travelled there by train, stayed overnight in nearby Oliveri and our BnB owner drove us up to the site and later returned to get us. Easy access for you if you are travelling by car.
Santo Stefano di Camastra, also on the coast, is known for its ceramics.
Cefalù is a very popular stop. Catelbuono near the Madonie mountains has a castle as does Caccamo.
We stayed a week in Milazzo to explore the area. This is the trip report: https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/05/milazzo-trip-report-september-2017.html
We liked Capo Milazzo and the Piscine di Venere, Messina, and the Laghetti di Tindari/Marinello and the sanctuary, all worth a visit.
Capo d'Orlando didn't mean much to us, mostly modern. All untouristy places when we visited in September.
We visited Cefalù on a separate visit, prettier than any of the above - but lots of tourists
Read Vincent Schiavelli's book Many Beautiful Things and you won't be able to resist a visit to Polizzi Generosa.