Sicily- pre- RS Sicily tour recommended sites and hotels

We took this tour in 2019. We stayed at this hotel before the tour began and enjoyed it.
The address for the BB22 Palace hotel in Palermo is:

BB22 Charming Rooms & Apartments Via Pantelleria, 22 (Corner Largo Cavalieri di Malta) 90133 PALERMO 4997 + XQ Palermo, PAOK OWN HOTEL

https://www.bb22.it/en/

Thank you!

We visited Cefalu on a day trip by train from Palermo. The beach is just ok I think but the town is charming. It is the easiest location I can think of for a beach town near Palermo and accessible by public transportation.

It can be very crowded so I would guess that is source of negativity. We were there in early May and it was pleasant. I wouldn’t go there in high season. I have seen pictures and it is wall to wall people.

I liked Cefalu though I was only there for a day from Palermo in May some years ago. Pretty harbour, lovely Norman cathedral with beautiful mosaics, interesting main piazza and street, a shop near the cathedral selling realistic marzipan fruits, a beautiful old style pharmacy, the ancient community laundry. I think it’s a popular day trip from Palermo so it tends to get crowded around the main piazza which may be why some people are lukewarm about it. I could see spending some more time there if I ever get the chance to return to Sicily.

Look at San Vito Lo Capo for a nice beach town not far from Palermo.

I enjoyed Cefalu a lot and would recommend it. It’s a small town really, aside from the beach there’s not tons to do. This is fine if the weather is good, but April is still kind of early. I was in Sicily in late May and it was often quite chilly. Just saying it’s not a lock. Don’t miss aperitivo time in front of the cathedral.

Optionally, Palermo is amazing and the tour itself spends very little time exploring it. My experience there was pretty much a direct contradiction to stereotypical expectations: clean, lively, sophisticated, and pretty chill. The main drag through the center (and many other streets) are fully pedestrianized. It’s a pleasure to wander around. The three markets all have their own personalities and are worth seeking out. La Kalsa neighborhood was pretty hip/hipster, filled with young locals. You could do worse than spending a few low-key days in Palermo, and maybe day tripping to Cefalu or Mondello.

We loved absolutely everything about our trip to Sicily in September, 2022…except Cefalu. We found it extremely crowded and touristy. The beach was unremarkable, food was subpar and the locals were unwelcoming. Conversely, Palermo was lovely and relaxing, with kind people and great food. Not on a beach, but Santuzza Maison De Charme was a gorgeous, convenient place to stay in Palermo.

Thank you everyone- for the great tips of other locations as well as the Pros/Cons of Cephalu. I loved hearing the positives regarding Palermo too- in my mind, for some reason, it was the least appealing location on the tour. I’m taking another look now!
Thank you for the suggestions- back to do a little more research on the other beach location! San Vito Lo Capo

I have been to Sicily three times and love Cefalu. As well as Siracusa, Palermo, Noto, and Taormina. I did not love Catania, Ragusa, Modica, or Sciscli that much.

Depending on how much time you can take an overnight ferry to Naples or Cagliari too. In fact I would fly to Naples, see Pompeii and overnight ferry to Palermo passing the isle of capri at night.

Trains are somewhat infrequent in Sicily but there are various bus lines. It’s a project finding which coffee shop or tobacco stand sells the tickets for each line.

Get a guide book. I bought many of RS books but I feel his Sicily book is not up to the quality of his other books.

I have been to Cafalú twice and I liked it very much. The first time, several years ago, was only as a brief stop on a daytrip to Collesano but it made me want to return and see more of it. In 2019 I did return and spent two nights there, staying at Hotel La Giara in the historical center, not far from the main cathedral piazza. The hotel was fine, well located, included breakfast and had a rooftop terrace. The town itself is not very big but it is very pleasant so our two nights was just right. If you were to stay more days you could look at daytrips to either Castelbuono or Caccamo, both hill towns with castles, not too far away, or even to San Stefano di Camastra to see its ceramics. Travelled there by train. I did not swim in Cefalu. Beach is pebbly but that is typical in that area. Mondello, right outside of Palermo is also a very popular beach destination for folks from Palermo. Another place, relatively near Palermo that might work for you is the pretty village/town of Castellammare del Golfo. I have not stayed there overnight but have been through there. Train or bus from Palermo will take you there. Lots of BnBs and lodging options there. From Castellammare del Golfo you could do a daytrip to Scopello or the Zingaro but I am not sure if there is public transport to get there but I bet there are boat rides there and always a private driver or taxi. As mentioned by another forum member, and if your primary focus is relaxing on a beautiful beach and swimming, San Vito lo Capo is reputed to be one of the prettiest beaches in Sicily.

@Pat- thank you so so much for your detailed response! This information is just great! I am going to check out these places. Your generous knowledge sharing is extremely appreciated!! Thank you, thank you!!!
Lisa

And also thank you @railrider your detailed response is so helpful! Lots for me to consider here! Thank you, thank you!