Sicily & Sardinia

Randy,

We have done Sicily at least twice, and really want to go back. But a lot depends on the time of year that you are planning upon going.

Sicily is fantastic in Spring. In June it REALLY starts heating up, but in Spring...ahhh, what an amazingly beautiful place. We were swimming in the water in May.

You can't begin to see it from one location; it would make a better choice if you spent 4 days in one location, and 4 in another. It is easy to drive, and has wonderful Greek and Roman ruins.

One year we combined 5 days in the Sorrento/ Amalfi/ Naples area with another week in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands (off the NE coast of Sicily.). Each island is completely different, and each can be visited by high speed ferries from the other islands. There is an overnight car ferry that leaves Naples. When it passes by the island of Stromboli in the early morning you may be able to see it erupt. (We missed the Naples ferry, and took the train from Naples to Milazzo in Sicily....then took the hi speed ferry. And yes, the train is loaded on a ferry and taken across the straight from Italy to Sicily. What a fun journey thast one was!)

Oh, and when you do Sicily, make sure that you stay in an "Agritourisimo"...and Italian "farm", with lodging facilities.

Another "off the beaten path" place to visit in Italy is Puglia; the heel of the boot. It is a 4 hour drive from Rome. Lecce is a mini Siena. The SE Coast is beautiful but barren. The best and most economical meals we have had in Italy have been here. There are none of us "tourists". The people are warm and friendly, and there lots of sights to visit.

On the other hand, our world traveling friends who into'd us to Italy absolutely love Sardinia.

Look at the things that make you happy, read up on these destintions, and GO!

Some years ago, we spent 9 days in Sicily and felt that we still needed more time. It is one of the richest historical areas in a country replete with historic sights. Think ancient Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Baroque. There's Mt. Etna and the volcanic islands. (I'm told the beaches are nice, but we were there in January.) The food is great. You won't be disappointed if you include Sicily.

Thanks for the Sicily responses. How would you describe the difference between Sicily and the southern boot? In other words, what would one miss by skipping Sicily in favor of a week on the "foot"?

Any thoughts about Sardinia out there? I have only heard a few anecdotes of Europeans often vacationing there, which makes me wonder if it's too resort-y.