Dear Italy Travel Community,
I am hoping to travel solo to Sicily or Sardinia for a month early September to early October for my 60th birthday. I am trying to decide which island and which coastal small town or village to call home base. I welcome your thoughts. Below are some of my preferences to guide your response. Thank you kindly!
1. Coastal small town or village that is slow, relaxed, old world/historic feel and beautiful. Off the beaten path or not too touristy or not too touristy at that time of year. Love history, lived in Florence in college so can speak some Italian.
2. Focus is a restful personal retreat in a quiet place rather than lots of sightseeing but it would be nice if there is some life there and nice to be able to see sights or towns nearby by public transportation. I do not plan on renting a car.
3. Great food, at least a few good restaurants, some good cafes, weekly outdoor market. Don’t need much night life.
4. Comfortable and welcoming to stay for a month.
5. Nature nearby to take walks or hikes. I like walking on beaches but don’t need a beach to sunbath.
6. Possible to rent a charming (can be simple or small) accommodation (walking distance to the town center, near the water but not required) to rent with kitchen and outdoor space approx. no more than $75 or so per night plus tax.
Some of the towns in Sicily I am considering are:
Aolean Islands
Scopello (Riserva Dello Zingaro)
Portopalo di Capo Passero
Aspra
Taormina
Giardini Naxos
Marzamemi ***
Levanzo
Marettimo Island
Cefalu
Castellammare del Golfo***
Tonnara di Scopello
Santa Falvia (Punta Sant’Elia)
Favignana
Macari
Balestrate
Mazara del Vallo
Trapani
Marettimo
Licata
Sampieri
Trapani, Cantania ***
Some of the towns in Sardinia I am considering are:
Maddalena Acrchipelago
Alghero
Cala di Volpe
Cala Gonone
Isola Santa Maria Carloforte
Castelsardo
Cala dei Gabbiani (beach)
Thank you!