Hi Sarah,
I can't speak to Prestelli specifically, but I can share some local perspective on the Godfather villages since I'm based in Taormina.
Doing it on your own with a car:
Totally realistic! The drive from Taormina to Savoca (Bar Vitelli) is about 25 minutes, and Forza d'Agrò is 15 minutes. The roads are good, though Savoca's final approach is narrow with steep parking.
What you'll see:
- Bar Vitelli in Savoca (the bar from Michael's wedding proposal scene)
- Church of San Nicolò in Forza d'Agrò (the wedding scene)
- Both villages have stunning views
Self-drive pros:
- Complete flexibility with timing
- No group schedule
- Free parking in both villages
- You can explore at your own pace
Self-drive cons:
- Easy to miss some filming spots without guidance
- Navigation in narrow village streets can be tricky
If you go with a tour:
Most tours use English-speaking drivers who know the locations and can share the basic filming history. The main benefit is convenience - they handle the driving through those narrow village roads and know exactly where to park. Tours typically run 4 hours with hotel pickup included.
The big difference is between large bus tours (many stops, limited time) vs. smaller private tours where you can take your time at each location.
My two cents:
If you're comfortable navigating Italian villages and just want to see the locations, self-drive works great. If you prefer someone else handling the logistics and want basic context about the filming, a driver-led tour is convenient.
Feel free to ask if you need specific directions or recommendations!
Francesco
