Sicily or Portugal

Three weeks would be perfect for either Sicily or Portugal.

I have been to Sicily much more recently than Portugal, but I think 3 weeks would be nice in either place. I spent 18 days in Sicily without a car, have very little interest in Greek ruins, and wished for somewhat more time, but I am not an early starter in the morning--not great when you are depending on public buses for a lot of your moving around. If you wish, you can fly into Catania and out of Palermo, or vice versa, and cut out a bit of doubling back.

Portugal is about 40% larger than Sicily. While most people spend less than three weeks there, I suspect that you'd be more likely to end up wishing you had more time in Portugal after reading a comprehensive guidebook. It will help if you don't want to spend much time down on the Algarve.

You might take a look at historical day-by-day weather statistics for both potential destinations. I use timeanddate.com and go back at least five years. I have a feeling April can be rather cool, and possibly damp, in northern Portugal. I'm pretty sure Sicily will be warmer. I think this is of a bit more importance when you are traveling to small towns via public transportation. There's not always a covered place to wait for your outbound bus.

I’ve been to both and it’s a hard, almost impossible, choice. Both are wonderful. You wouldn’t go wrong either way. If you’re adventurous, spend two weeks in Sicily and take short flight to Sardinia for a week. It’s magical.

In my opinion, Portugal is nice, but Sicily is spectacular. 3 weeks is an ideal amount of time for it. The food and wine are super. Your husband will love the ruins and relics left by the series of invaders who ruled the island; Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman. Beaches, a volcano - - - sounds like it would be tailor-made for you.

i’ve been to both, they are both wonderful places to visit, and three weeks is an excellent amount of time for either one. Think of it this way: your choice is not which to visit, but just which to visit first, and which next time. It is probably somewhat easier to visit Portugal by public transit, than it is Sicily. Both have two wonderful cities, numerous small towns, beautiful rural and coastal areas, great food and wine, very friendly people. Sicily has various excellent Greek ruins, plus some Roman. Portugal has various Roman ruins. Some wonderful mosaics in Sicily, more gorgeous tile work in Portugal. I would love to return to both!

Two great choices! I've been to both amazing places. 3 weeks in either location would fit your wishes. It's been 4 years since we visited Sicily. I am ready to return. I left my heart in Ortigia! It was magical.

I think that without a car Portugal is easier.

Thank you everyone for your advice! It sounds like Sicily although harder to navigate by public transport maybe better option for timing and weather !
Happy travels!

April,

It sounds like Sicily although harder to navigate by public transport maybe better option for timing and weather !

I spent 3.5 weeks in Sicily last May and traveled solely by public transportation.
I will share my itinerary just to give you an idea of possible cities you may want to visit.
I flew to Milan, then after a couple of nights, I flew via Easyjet to Palermo. I then followed this route: Palermo (day trips to Cefalù [via train] & Monreale [via public bus] >> bus to Trapani (day trips to Erice [via funicular), Segesta [via bus] and Favignana [via ferry] >> bus to Agrigento (Valley of the Temples) >> 2 buses to Piazza Armerina (Villa Romana del Casale) >> 2 buses to Siracusa (stayed in Ortigia and took day trip to Noto via bus) >> train to Milazzo (overnight) >> Morning ferry to Lipari (day trip to Salina) >> ferry & train to Acireale (day trip to Taormina by bus) >> flew Easyjet from Catania back to Milan >> Home.

I’ve not written a trip report but will be happy to answer any questions- just send me a PM.

I found the Lonely Planet Sicily Book helpful in my planning, along with many trip reports by my late friend Zoe.

Have a wonderful trip!

It sounds like Sicily although harder to navigate by public transport maybe better option for timing and weather !

In anticipation of Sicily's public transportation problems, I planned my 3+ weeks with that in mind. Limiting the area and the number of locations (seven), and the travel distances between them (< four hours). Before departing, searching and printing out the bus/train schedules, and pinning the exact locations of the stations on Google Maps. Once landed, add patience, flexibility and a sense of humor.

It sounds like Sicily although harder to navigate by public transport

Sicily is not hard to navigate by public transport. I did it, using only the Lonely Planet book.

... I will share my itinerary ...

I was at some of these places.

Exceeding expectation: Trapani, Catania

Big letdown: Erice, Taormina

My husband and I have spent a total of five weeks in Sicily over two trips, and all by public transportation. And we would recommend it!