So with that being said we are starting to plan a trip to SICILY! We are looking to fly out of Newark on Friday May 9th, 2014 and return on May 26th,which is Monday memorial day. 16 nights/17 days. This would be the minimal we would stay at this time. We want to spend the whole time in Sicily. What we have so far is flying into Catania from Roma. Staying 1 night there and then getting our car and go to Taormina. Stay for 5 nights. This is where we would like to be for our anniversary on the 14th and the 15th is that other big day. Check out on the 16th and head to WHERE???? Now we believe we would need a car for Taormina cause we want to visit Mt.Etna wineries, and explore the immediate area. I have seen that it can be a problem having a car. So thats something to think about. As far as lodging we have had very good luck with B&B's or agriturismos. But we want to be in centro of Taormina to be able to walk to dinner and down to the water.
We have had very good luck in the high tourists places going by Rick Steves books but I guess he doesn't like Sicily! Any rec's on places to stay and of course wineries and restaurants would be great! Culture sites would be nice too. So that takes care of 6 nights! 10 left! We were thinking of driving the South coast and make our way eventually to Palermo where we would fly back to Roma. Maybe we would have to spend the last night in Roma due to the time of flight back to Newark on Monday mourning. Something to think about. Looking for places to stay on the way to Palermo, things to do, producers of food and wine??? This is all in the very beginning stages, nothing is written in stone. Any thoughts or ideas from anyone thats been or can suggest where to look would be appreciated!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16364 posts
For Taormina inquire with your hotel/apartment about parking facilities. Traffic and parking is restricted in the historical center of Taormina (but there is a parking structure inside the mountain). Recommendations for Eastern Sicily.
Besides Taormina and Mt. Etna, Syracuse is a must (especially Ortygia island, which is the historical core, and also the Archeological area. More to the south, Noto is a nice baroque city. In the interior visit Ragusa, Caltagirone (staircase), Piazza Armerina/villa del casale. In the south, the Valle dei Templi, near Agrigento is a must. In the West: the temples at Segesta and at Selinunte are worth it. The town of Erice on top of a steep peak is also nice. For best beaches, look at San Vito lo Capo and also the Zingaro Reserve, near Scopello. In the north, Palermo+Monreale and also Cefalu' are to be seen. Not sure if you'll have time for the offshore islands (Aeolian islands) but if you do, Panarea and Stromboli are nice. If you leave Palermo for last (since you fly back from there), return your car upon arrival in the city. You won't need the rental car in Palermo and traffic in Palermo is a problem. check this website for ideas: www.bestofsicily.com
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I have done this trip twice! And again in 5 weeks. I have had the best luck with www.legendofsicily.com They rent apartments of all kinds, one, two, three bedroom apartments and also offer a tour service that covers the entire East Coast of Sicily including Etna, Syracuse, and Wine Country. Several friends have gone and all have thoroughly enjoyed. The tours are reasonably priced, and eliminate the need for a car. They speak perfect English, and are charming and entertaining! They are based out of Taormina. I flew in and out of Catania, and they pick you up at Catania airport for a reasonable price, so no need for a car on that side of Sicily. Many of the apartments offered include parking, which is a slim commodity in Taormina if you choose to have a car. Taormina, itself is incredibly beautiful, with fabulous views of the Med. There are weddings every day which only adds to the charm! P.M. for more info if you like. This time, after I tour the East side exploring further, even Syracuse, I am departing Taormina by bus to Cefalu, then train to Palermo. I may rent a car and explore that side of the island this time as well. Happy Travels!