We are heading south of Rome to Sicily for 3 weeks by car and would like to find a couple of "bases" to stay in and do day trips from. Would anyone be able to help? Any hotel tips along the way would also be great!
Thank you, fellow travelers!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, United States
174 posts
We did a similar trip several years ago, but more hurried. Karen Brown's books were very helpful about nice places to stay (after we eliminated the terrifically expensive ones). I remember particularly the Villa Chete Elite in Maratea, with spectacular views and equally spectacular food. Also the Villa Fiorita in Taormina. We found the town of Castellamare in the west was a good base for Erice and Segesta, as well as the outskirts of Palermo like Monreale. (We didn't want to drive in Palermo, so didn't stay there.) There is also a national park with several B&Bs just west of Castellamare where we had planned to stay but they were full. That would also have been a good base. I envy your trip!
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I stayed in Taormina for a full week and loved every minute of it. Rented an apartment through: magicofsicily.com Look at the "accommodations" tab and you may find that an apartment is so much less expensive. Their are two sides to this business, one is the apartment rental side (run by Claudio) and the other side is the excursions/guided tours offered by Angelo. From Taormina we went to Etna, Godfather town, a lovely winery and a farm. If you have your own car you may not need a guide, but the apartments are lovely and Claudio is wonderful.