I'm planning a (roughly) one week trip for September and have narrowed my choices down to Sicily or Spain (specifically, Costa Brava). I have been all over Italy, but never Sicily and I was wondering if you all thought a week (about 12 days) would be do-able? What are some of your favorite and not-so-favorite places in Sicily?
Thanks for any and all input!
Try searching the helpline for Sicily. Instructions at http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/25801/how-to-search-the-helpline.html
Palermo - Segesta - Selinunte - Agrigento – Noto -Syracuse - Etna - Taormina.
You can see details and pictures of our trip at our blog at:
Don't forget Ortigia, the old Siracusa and historical area and a small island just over the bridge from Siracusa....we stayed at a small b&b there a few years ago and had a beautiful water view.
We also stayed at an agriturisimo not too far from there (Il Limoneto), a lemon orchard...hosts very welcoming and a fun place.
Also, don't forget Cefalu and the Aeolian Islands.
I'm jealous!!!
Mary
Cefalu, stay at La Giara in the old part of town and hike La Rocca!
A week to 12 days is certainly do-able!!!
As far as what to see, if you're into archaeology, Agrigento on the Southern coast is a must-see, Syracusa has an excellent museum that I HIGHLY recommend, Piazza Armerina and Morgantina in the center are impressive (and fairly close to each other). On the east coast, Syracusa again has some fascinating sites and architecture along with the museum, Taormina, Mt. Etna (which was the one place we weren't able to visit, but drove by frequently). Near Taormina (to the south of the place) there is a museum and site at Giardini Naxos, as well as a beautiful harbor. On the north, Tindari is great, and you have a good view from their towards the Aeolie Islands. I don't know that much about the western coast and area, but others have suggested sites around there.
A nice day trip is to catch a ferry to Reggio Calabria on the mainland (if you haven't been there) and visit the museum there. It's worth the trip.
The Aeolie Islands (Lipari) is a lot of fun, there is an excellent museum there, and on the northwest coast there is a small site with a hot spring that used to be a bath. If you've ever had any experience with a motorcycle or scooter, rent a scooter and drive around the Island... it's worth it!!! Oh, and take the hydrofoil- it's fun and VERY smooth.
I was there last summer, and while we were busy during the week, we did all of this (and more) on the weekends (5), including driving from where we stayed (north of Taormina near Fiumedinisi) to these places.
Plan your stays and visits so as to go from one area to another, and you can get it all in- and if you drive, you'll see some fantastic scenery!
I am thinking about the same trip (Sicily) in October. Please post how your trip went I would be interested in where you stayed etc...
