We are 4 adults planning a 9-10 day stay in Sicily during mid thru late September this year.
This is the first visit for all of us and I’m hunting suggestions for a town or village to base ourselves in and use as a jumping off point for day trip.
We will have are car and hope to locate somewhere that has a good market, restaurants and local scene that isn’t too very touristy.
I had thought Taormina might fit the bill but most reviews say it very contested-but I think that vibe on a toned down scale is what we’re after.
Thanks!!
Posted by
North Italy
526 posts
Trapani might fit your requirements. Lots of day trips easy from there from the islands like Favignana to the salt pans, Erice, Marsala etc
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/03/trapani-october-2016-trip-report.html?m=1
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16683 posts
I like Scopello (do a Google search to see what it looks like). It’s very quaint and you can visit several places in day trips with a car from there (Segesta, Zingaro Natural Reserve, Erice, San Vito lo Capo, Selinunte, Marsala, TrapaniCastellammare, etc.).
Sicily doesn’t lend itself to be visited from one place since it’s very large. In any case, if you fly to Palermo, I would spend 3 nights in Palermo also since it’s a beautiful city and there are many places to see there. If you do so, rent the car after visiting Palermo when you head elsewhere, because having a car in the city is a hassle (chaotic traffic and difficult parking)
Posted by
Phoenix, Arizona
66 posts
I agree with Roberto that Sicily does not lend itself to being seen from one place. The reality is that the top experiences are spread throughout the island. I would recommend deciding what in Sicily is important to you, and splitting your time in at least two places based on where your priorities are.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Appreciate the feedback and recommendations. That being said, are there any two towns in opposing areas of the island that could accomplish the goal of being able to see more sites and not too much time on the road? jcmdunc3 and Roberto de Firenze?
Posted by
Phoenix, Arizona
66 posts
If you're gonna make me pick, I would pick Palermo or Trapani in the west (I personally would go with Palermo, but note Roberto's comments about having a car there). In the east, Taormina or Syracusa (more specifically, the island of Ortygia). I consider Taormina a must-see although quite touristy; Ortygia is my personal favorite place in Sicily, but would not be car friendly. And I would stop in Agrigento when going from one side of the island to the other. But in the end, it all depends on what you want. Eg, If the urban nature of Palermo doesn't appeal to you, or Monreale is not on your list, then you shouldn't pick Palermo. And if you think youll be back some time, then maybe the better strategy might be to hang on one side of the island this time, and the other side the next time.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks very much- that advice is so helpful jumdunc3!
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1788 posts
Almost 25 years ago, we were in Sicily for a few weeks and very much enjoyed Scopello, among other places (we had three bases on that trip and we had to do WAY too much driving and we had to skip the whole western part of Sicily except to go see Monreale). In just a few days, we return to Sicily for a month and some of the towns where we will stay might suit you: Randazzo near Etna, Ragusa Ibla (day trips to Modica and Scicli), Ortigia, and both Sciacca and Trapani on the west coast. None of these will be touristy, except probably Ortigia a bit, but may be quite hot in September. By the time we are back and I make myself write a trip report, it may be too late for your plans, so I thought I'd mention some of the towns that we picked out very, very carefully so that you could check on them yourself.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you Nancys8!
All great suggestions-the plan is starting to gel.