We are debating on whether to rent a car (after visiting Palermo) to visit Cefalu, Taormina, and Siracusa OR travel by train. My husband and I are planning on packing light. Also, if you recommend renting a car, are there agencies that you would recommend? We've heard some horror stories and would like to avoid any mishaps.
Thanks!
We rented at the Palermo airport last year. I always use Gemut.com. They will negotiate the agreement for you, and you will pay Gemut. Gemut provides full service in English 24x7, and they have always provided me with a rate that beat AutoEurope and Hertz although my contracts have been with Hertz thru AutoEurope. Go online, submit your info, and they will get back to you with a quote. It is very personalized, Also look at their guide to renting in Europe. Super useful advice.
If you just want to visit those towns, trains, buses and taxis will work. If you want to venture into the out of town places, then a car might be advisable.
Cefalu is a short train ride from Palermo. You can get to almost anywhere by train or bus, but a car would be faster and more convenient if you want to go to some smaller or more remote places. I've done it both ways and visited everplace I wanted to see without a car, except Morgantina (archeological site).
Your train and bus route would be Palermo-Cefalu (train), bus or train to Taormina, train or bus to Siracusa. All rhese cities have restricted traffic in the historic center, so I would recommend trains/buses.
One year (6 years ago, I think) we rented a car in Sicily from Maggiore, the largest car rental business in Italy. I suggest you check directly with them for a quote. We had a nice little Alfa Romeo for 9 days for under CAD 500.
