We're planning an 11 or 12 day "circle tour" of Sicily in November. We prefer to stay several nights in one hotel and do day trips from there rather than move every day. What's the minimum number of "hubs" you'd recommend? I'm thinking maybe 3: Palermo to explore the north, Mount Etna area and something in the south. Does that sound reasonable?
For the north, also consider Cefalu. It's about an hour drive east of Palermo. Very nice resort town.
Siracusa is perfect for the archeological sites of the at area, and Noto, Modica etc. Trapani in the west for Erice and Segesta. Lipari for the Eolie islands, and for a little down time if you can squeeze it in. Agrigento for 2 nights. Palermo.
Go to Siracusa and its historic center of Ortigia. Beautiful!
Carol, be sure to spend some time in Taormina. Villa Schuller is absolutely lovely and not at all overpriced. Siracusa is also very interesting. Try the hotel Gutkowski. But don't miss Palermo. The architecture is very exotic and very beautiful.