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Sicily

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I went to Sicily a few years ago but only stayed in East coast. I have started a preliminary itinerary. I think car rental will be a must, at least in certain areas, then travel counter clockwise from Palermo. I love anthropology and sociology, and good views are a must.
Besides Palermo, where and how many nights in one place for lodgings? Any recommendations for an old(er) lady traveling alone? I like to be around the locals.

I am not a strong hiker anymore and don’t want to be a tourist really. After 2-3 days Palermo, I prefer staying on the beach at a nice little town west coast (where?) for 2-3 days, , staying in close proximity to Ragusa (or elsewhere?) area to see archaeological areas, maybe Ortiglia for 2-3 days, the area North of Mt Etna 1-2 days as a nature lover, then North shore somewhere 1-2 nights for final R&R and back to Palermo to go home. I am really not interested in Agrimento or salt. Is Modica worth it. Any hotels recommendations are welcome, not expensive. Do I need a guide and in what places?

THANKS!!

Posted by
73 posts

I am traveling to Sicily for the first time in late September. I applaud you for traveling solo. I have found it difficult to find travel partners. So it is stay at home or travel. Best of luck!

Posted by
417 posts

If you want to see all of Sicily, you do need a car. I picked mine up at the Palermo airport, did a road trip around the island, then dropped it off before my time in Palermo. This is the itinerary I did last summer:

Trapani (2 nights):
Segesta
Erice

Agrigento (1 night):
Selinunte
Agrigento

Ragusa (2 nights):
Villa romana del Casale

Siracusa (2 nights):
Noto

Taormina (1 night):
Castelmola

Cefalù (1 night):

Palermo (4 nights):
Monreale

Most of it was just the right amount of time for me. I probably would do 2 nights in Taormina and 2-3 nights in Palermo. I know many people would argue for more time in Palermo, but it wasn't a city that did much for me personally. Everyone has their own preferences.

Posted by
3961 posts

A couple of regular posters on the forum used public transportation in Sicily. One of the gals also used a driver for part of her journey. We had planned to follow their path in 2020 but had to cancel due to the Pandemic. Like you our first trip to Sicily was on the East Coast.
Take a look at Jane’s trip report: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/sicily-trip-report-april-2019-2-weeks-2-sisters-part-1-trapani-erice
Edited to add: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/my-trip-to-sicily-in-zoe-s-memory/

Posted by
7246 posts

On our trip on the west and south coasts we spent 3 nights in Erice (1 too many), 1 in Marsala, 2 in Monreale, and 2 in Agrigento. We did have a rental car.

Posted by
11 posts

I am taking the RS 11 Day Sicily Tour in October. Staying in Sferracavallo at a Una Terrazza sul golfo Bed and Breakfast for two days. Booked the Cefalù room which has ocean view. €135 for 2 nights.

22 minute train ride or 15 minute taxi from Palermo Airport. Looking to relax before the tour. A friend from Switzerland stayed in Sferracavallo recently and enjoyed it.

Booked via Booking.com
https://www.unaterrazzasulgolfo.com/en/

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