Puglia to sicily

No places to recommend, since I haven't been to Puglia for several years, just be aware of the distance you will be traveling. It's a 6-7 hour drive (plus stops) from Puglia to across the strait of Messina in Sicily, so plan your time accordingly.

I traveled through both areas last year by public transportation. To me, Sicily alone is worth at least a couple of weeks, but if you don't expect to have another opportunity to see it, at least you have a car, which will make you more mobile.

My base in Puglia was Lecce, a lovely baroque city and a spot from which there are tours to places like Alberobello. The second factor will not be a concern for you, of course, and you might prefer to stay in a smaller town. Do try to see Lecce, though. The tourist office can connect you with an inexpensive walking tour if that interests you.

You might consider stopping in Matera on your way to Sicily. The cave dwellings are very interesting. I think you'll want some sort of guided tour there, but I don't know how to arrange one since I took a van-trip from Lecce that stopped in Matera.

I suggest that you limit yourself to the eastern part of Sicily due to your limited time. Taormina is beautifully sited but can be totally overrun with tourists. If your trip is in high season, try to hit Taormina early or late, or spend a night there. You'll need to investigate parking ahead of time. There are nearby beaches, but I didn't visit them myself.

Ortygia, the historical part of Siracusa is one of my favorite spots in Sicily. It's worth at least a day's wandering around, and there are Greek ruins to investigate in Siracusa (not much in Ortygia itself). There are some lovely towns inland from Siracusa: Noto, Modica, Ragusa and others. Easier to see with a car.

A little farther north is Enna, which doesn't seem to get as many foreign tourists. It's a good base if you want to see the Villa Romana del Casale, which is outside Piazza Armerina and has incredible mosaics. There's a lightly visited Greek site not too far away, which I was unable to see. I think it's called Morgentina.

If you have time to run up to the north coast, I think you'll find decent beaches around Cefalu. I saw people wearing swimsuits in the old town.

Either place is worth ten days (how many nights?), but acraven gave good advice.

I would base closer to Bari to visit some of the town's nearby - Martina Franca, Alberobello, Trani, Locorotondo, Ostuni. Many others. Definitely stop in Matera, spend a night if you can, the sassi at night are beautiful and everyone is on the the main street above them for an evening stroll.

Taormina has two or three parking garages in the upper town, hotels give discount vouchers. There is a pebbly beach. You can drive part way to Mount Etna, but the 4-wheel drive tours past the parking area may not be running off-season.

I prefer Piazza Armerina for a visit to Villa Romana; Morgantina is only a few kilometers further.

In Ortigia, there is a big parking lot near the daily market.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! We will be there mid September. Can you recommend hotel or b&b in or near Lecce? We will have a car. Also are the beaches better in Puglia or Sicily, and are there hotels on or near the beach? We are planning on only visiting part of Sicily as our time is limited!

There are lots of hotels on the beach at Taormina, and in Cefalu. The beach at Siracusa is only so-so.

Stayed at La Fogliarella in the town of Cisternino. I would recommend staying more north since you have limited time. There is a lot to see in this region. You can take a train to Lecce for the day. The beaches near Torre Canne are outstanding. Alberobello and Locorutundo can both be seen in a day. Can't comment on Sicily until after our trip this September.

Lorieann

I stayed at Larala in Lecce and would highly recommend it if you're looking for a modestly price option. It's listed on booking.com and probably also venere.com. It's located outside the old town but very near it, in a relatively new building. No breakfast. Just three rooms, I think, nicely appointed. The owner doesn't live on the premises but was very responsive when I experienced a major delay on my inbound bus.

However, I have no idea what sort of parking would be available nearby. Since you'll be making a lot of day trips, a place outside town might be more convenient.