Sicily in April insight

If you are going to Trapani, it probably makes the most sense to rent the car from the Palermo airport. We returned there (rented in Siracusa) and it was easy. We took train both ways into Palermo.

Everyone warns you about leaving luggage in car in Sicily but we did at Villa Romana. Doing anything else was impractical. We all had back packs with us with everything of value (passports and prescription medicine mostly). Car trunk was packed when we left Ragusa and we did not enter it in the parking lot. There are buses there but area is away from where cars park. It is outside of town though and I didn't see anyone hanging around. Seemed to be minimal risk and we had no problems.

Thank you. I was also thinking of renting an AirBnB by the beach when we visit Agrigento. Wasn't sure if anyone had a recommendation.

Look at B&Bs in Porto Empedocle and San Leone to be nearer to beach and temples.

As you said your time is limited and you are trying to cover a lot of territory. Here are some thoughts that occur to me. Remember that two nights in a place gives you one full day of siteeeing. Given your time limits unless you are keenly interested in seeing Greek ruins, I would choose to see either Selinunte or Agrigento on this trip, It is a question of personal preference. Both places are beautiful. Agrigento is far more visited and popular but that being said it can get very crowded and busy. Selinunte is quiet and you are not likely to encounter a crowd. You will be free to roam and explore at your leisure. Both have multiple ruins. The museum at Agrigento is bigger. Agrigento is near the sea, Selinunte is directly on the coast. The town of Agrigento is nearby. and also not far from coastal towns where you could easily stay, especially if you have a car, There are also some small beach communities near the Selinunte ruins. If you stay in Trapani and drive to Selinunte on one of your Trapani days, the trip will take up the better part of your day, even if you have a car. You might combine it with a stop in colorful Mazara del Vallo or Marsala on your route. If you are decided to visit both archaeological parks, then I suggest you stop at Selinunte on your way from Trapani to Agrigento. If you stay in Trapani do not miss beautiful mountaintop medieval Erice with its panoramic coastline views. Trapani also positions you for a visit to Segesta where there are Greek and Roman ruins so you have lots of siteseeing options from there.
From Agrigento you can stop at Villa Romana del Casale on your way to Siracusa. We had a driver who drove us from Agrigento to the Villa Romana outside of Piazza Armerina and then a stop in Caltagirone and on to Ortigia. We did leave our luggage in the parking lot at the Villa. Romana and in Caltagirone. Be prepared for large crowds and big tourist groups at the Villa Romana too.

Ortigia and Siracusa are beautiful and have lots to see. Small but interesting street market there. Also one of the best sandwich shops in Sicily is located right near the edge of the market, Caseificio Borderi on Via Emmanuele de Benedictis 6. With a car you could explore as far as the Mt. Etna but a car is not necessary in Ortigia. You could always turn in your car in Siracusa and take the direct bus from Siracusa to the Catania airport. If you have not yet bought your airline tickets in and out of Sicily, you could even consider doing the whole trip in reverse, arriving in Catania and leaving from Palermo. Just depends on the flights that meet your desired schedule. and where you are coming from and going to after Sicily. Palermo is a great city for walking with lots to see or do so a car is not necessary there. But I understand your desire to visit places with less hustle and bustle. At the cathedral in Monreale, I really liked the cloisters. The mosaic work on all the pillars there is impressive. You can also walk on the roof of the Monreale cathedral. My friends did it but I do not like heights.

Enjoy your trip.

The beach is not likely to be warm yet in April. The water is still cold and if there's a wind off the water the beach will not be welcoming. Have you taken Easter Sunday into account - it's a big deal in Sicily with processions and religious ceremonies. Easter Monday is a total holiday with most restaurants closed or with fewer offerings. Trapani has a very big procession which is fascinating to see.

thank you for all of these. For the beach, we just wanted to be near some of the parks to hike. We are not the type to really lie on the beach but to walk along with a sweater is fine.

It all looks fair to me, the logistics are solid. I would consider swapping a night from Trapani for Palermo though. Two nights, with one being the arrival day and another taken up by Monreale makes it feel very squeezed. I wouldn’t categorize Palermo as a gritty city at all. The tourist zone is largely pedestrianized and very active. I found the city to be surprisingly clean and sophisticated. It’s very underrated imo.

I think planning a day/night around Agrigento is sensible. I can’t comment on Selinute vs Agrigento, but to me it’s can’t miss territory along with Villa Romana. Especially since you’re seeing Villa Romana en route to Siracusa, you’ll want to hit the road early. The Autostrada is good here, and easy driving. Can’t recommend a place to stay, but on a tight timeframe idk how much hiking you’ll fit in.

And yeah, obviously there’s some history behind the dire warnings around Villa Romana’s parking lot, but it seemed totally fine. Just use your common sense like you would anytime you have valuables in the car.

In Palermo, especially if going to Selinunte, I would try try to visit the Salinas Archeological Museum to "complete the story". Monreale is fabulous, but like others mentioned, there's a lot of non-grit to sink your teeth into in the city.

I stayed in Marsala and absolutely loved the small archeological museum there. The hull of the Phoencian ship is spectacular. I would consider it for a home base instead of Trapani, which is just a short drive away.

I was blown away by Selinunte, more so than Agrigento, though the museum there is great. Easily a half day to take it all in.

The WWI museum in Catania gave me a very different understanding on the war.

I am a huge fan of Siracusa.
4 enjoyable days there.