Advice on Sicily & Aeolian Islands

Old Apr 26th, 2017, 04:54 PM
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Advice on Sicily & Aeolian Islands

My hubby and I are planning a trip to Sicily at the end of July thru early August for about 10 days. We're landing in Catania and then plan to spend a couple of nights in Taormina and need to plan from there. I'd like to spend some time on the islands and would love some advice on what not to miss.
I'm reading that Lipari and Salina are preferred...any other reco's or is this where I should be looking? How many nights should we plan for the islands?
We love culture, beauty, vistas, beaches, great food, charming towns with a lot of authentic character.
What else should we make sure to see/do while we're there? We don't have our departing city chosen yet but thinking of leaving from Palermo so we don't backtrack to the same places.

Any advice would be appreciated!
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Old Apr 26th, 2017, 05:20 PM
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Hi Jesse,

I would suggest starting with reading some of the many trip reports here on Fodors by those who have visited Sicily. Lengths if trips have been all different and people have chosen to do different things based on their personal priorities. With just ten days you will need to be very selective about where you go..

If you must visit Taormina for 2 days, and it will take you about a half day to get to the Aeolians, then another half day to return......that is three days used.

You could spend three or four on the islands and spend your last two or three seeing some of the amazing sights in Palermo.

One suggestion, once you decide on your destinations, see if putting the Aeolians last makes sense. You could take the overnight ferry back to Naples and fly home from there. Might give you a little more time.
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Old Apr 26th, 2017, 05:41 PM
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Sicily is delightful, but 10 days is VERY little time for it – you will need to be very selective.

Taormina is beautiful, but the day-time crowds can be so dense as to be seriously unpleasant. If you decide to go there, plan accordingly!

For information on the Aeolians, I defer to Dayle, while also urging you to get a good guidebook or two. The one I found most useful for Sicily was the Rough Guide, but honestly, ANY of them would serve better than none. The cost will be nominal in comparison to the cost of your trip, and you will learn things you don’t even know to ask.

Palermo is one of my favorite cities. I’m not sure you would have much time for it, but you might get enough of a taste to make it worth your while.

And BTW, in addition to reading trip reports here on Fodor’s, read the planning threads – there are some wonderful discussions of things that never make it to trip reports!

I took the overnight ferry from the Aeolians to Naples. Whether that makes sense for you depends, I think, on what you would do with your time in Naples, but you should be able to enjoy some stunning views. I would think you would pass the Fariglioni Rocks a bit after sunrise and have some stunning views of Mt. Vesuvius and the coast as you head to Naples.

Hope that helps!
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Old Apr 26th, 2017, 07:43 PM
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It will be hot.

There is much more to Sicily, and with only ten days you'll have to be very selective.

A huge attraction for many Sicily visitors, often the main reason for visiting, are the Greek temple ruins below the hilltop town of Agrigento, and that is in the opposite direction from the islands.

Then there is Cefalù with the pretty church on the north coast, on your way to Palermo if you go that way from Messina.

On the West Coast are Trapani with the pretty hilltop village of Erice, and picturesque Marsala (home of the fortified dessert wine by that name) further south.

Between Trapani and Palermo is the site of temple ruins and a stunningly located former amphitheater at Segesta.

So pick your poison.

If you "do" the East Coast and an island hop, I doubt that you can even make it to Palermo. Less is more, especially in the heat of summer,so plan on coming back to see the rest of the island another time rather than spreading yourselves too thin this time around.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 01:53 PM
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Thanks so much for the replies. I only wish we could have more time there, although we may be able to push it a day or 2. Good advice to be selective and not spread ourselves too thin. We usually like to spend 3 nights in each location...enough to settle in, but then we get anxious to see another spot.

I think we'll do Taormina for 2 nights to adjust to the time change nearby, then Salina (as I'm not loving the accommodations we're seeing on Lipari), and then we need to figure out the rest. Great idea to take a Ferry from Naples but we have decided we want to see Palermo so we'll plan to fly out from there to the mainland and then back to the US (it's also looking like we can get the best flights out of Rome, Milan or Barcelona with our miles).
Scopello looks really beautiful and not as on the tourist path as some other spots - has anyone been?

Here's where I am right now:
Sunday: depart US
Monday: Arrive Catania 1:10pm, overnight in Taormina
Tuesday: Overnight in Taormina
Wed: Salina
Thurs: Salina
Friday: Salina
Sat: Scopello?
Sun: Scopello?
Moncopello?
Tues: Palermo
Wed: Flight to mainland
Thurs: Depart
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 02:02 PM
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If you go via Palermo, give it at least one more day. Getting around Palermo is not quick (watch your step, broken sidewalks can trip you up), and there is sooo much to see! A fascinating mixture of a cultured capital city of historical significance and, in part, almost third-world grittiness.

Aside from the obvious targets that will come up wherever you look, make sure to reserve an hour or more for the museum of marionettes - not just little figures that hang from strings (although lots and lots of exquisite examples since that is a venerable ancient art form), but rooms and rooms of full-sized figures and costumes from around the world, on several floors - you'll be amazed at the discovery!

They close for lunch. Check www.museodellemarionette.it/index.php?lang=en
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 03:55 PM
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I agree with michelhuebeli that you might want to consider adding time to Palermo. The main sites there can easily take 3 or 4 days! And whatever else you do, give some serious thought to visiting the cathedral in Monreale, just outside Palermo -- it is, IMO, extraordinary.
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Old Apr 27th, 2017, 05:58 PM
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JES,

I did visit Scopello although in the off season when it was basically shut down. Dont kid yourself about it being off the tourist radar. Its very much on the radar and will be extremely busy in July and August when you plan to go. A max of two nights there would probably be enough unless you want to do a lot of hiking and swimming at Lo Zingaro nature preserve. Scopello itself is microscopic. Read my trip report for a suggestion on a catamaran trip.

My main comment is that you are wasting a day to fly back to the mainland and then fly home the next day. It would be well worth the money to book your ticket entirely on one airline amd just connect thru Rome or another option. You will gain a day. Also, if you can add a couple more days, DO IT. You will not be sorry!
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 03:37 AM
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Thanks so much for all of the added advice. I have no doubt we'll want to spend more time in Palermo..the only reason we were going to leave only a day is because it's in the middle of the hot summer and at that time I was thinking we would prefer beach time.
We like a mix of exploring and beach/swimming at that time of year but would like to at least see Palermo while there, wander the streets and have a good meal
We haven't been able to find a flight originating from Sicily using our miles which is the reason for the extra step, however if we may be able to find an early connection that will allow us to fly through on the same day, which worked out for us last year.
If not Scopello for a base for 3 nights, where else do you suggest? We do like to not have to move for 3 days at a time. And I hear you on the tourists, I'm sure the entire island will be filled that time of year, but I was thinking some places might have less than others..as I hear Taormina for example is one of the biggest tourist spots.
If you can recommend another area instead, I'd love to learn about it.
To give an example of what we prefer, last year we were in Corsica and our favorite spot was in a little mountain village away from but overlookingr a crowded touristy town.(and the ocean). We could shop around there, go to the nearby beautiful beaches, and then retreat to our serene oasis up in the mountains with incredible views for a wonderful dinner and then to our inn to retire.
Scopello looks so beautiful, but if there's another area you might better recommend, I'd love research it.
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 03:46 AM
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And Michel, thank you for the museum recommendation, the marionettes would be so interesting to see! I will definitely save that information for when I can come back in a shoulder season and spend more time in Palermo!
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Old Apr 28th, 2017, 05:05 PM
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I would again recommend that you read some of the very excellent and detailed trip reports here. Fodorites have spent a good amount of time planning and reporting back. They have gone to all corners of Sicily and stayed in many different types of accomodations. I know you will find many good ideas! Something will probably just hit you as exactly right.

Buon viaggio!
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Old Apr 29th, 2017, 01:26 AM
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Thanks Dayle, and btw your trip report is so great and well written-have you considered writing a book on your travel adventures??
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Old Apr 29th, 2017, 08:42 AM
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Well thanks for the compliment, but I am not nearly entertaining enough!

If you want to read some of the very best reports, check out maitaitom's reports.

I would rec La Forresteria Planeta Estate for your views near a beach and lovely uncrowded retreat. Not sure if you are planning early enough to get a res though!
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Old Apr 29th, 2017, 12:43 PM
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Dayle, I beg to differ - very entertaining and it makes you feel like you are there!
Thanks so much for the recommendation, it looks wonderful! There were just a few rooms so I was able to grab one!
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 08:33 PM
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Oh! Lucky you and now I am SO jealous. You will love it. Be sure to visit Selinute nearby. I did not have time to do the wine tasting lunch at their vineyard location. If you do, be sure to report back!
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 07:35 AM
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I'm very excited! And I will be sure to check out the wine tasting lunch...do you mean at La Forresteria or in Selinute?

As we're planning the trip, we are wondering if it will be too quiet on the aeolian islands and if we should plan a day boat visit rather than a 3 night stay. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 04:16 PM
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I might be the wrong person to answer your question about the Aeolians -- I spent 3 hours on Lipari, and while I enjoyed it, that was enough for me. But then, I don't seek relaxing moments when I travel, and obviously, many people do!
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 04:38 PM
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Jess,

I think the Aeolians will be quite busy during your timeframe. If you dont want to be too relaxed, hike a volcano, either Stromboli or Vulcano which also has mud baths. I believe you can also take a boat tour that includes kayaking and swimming, snorkling. Rent a scooter and zip around the island of your choice. I didnt hike but I understand there are some good hikes. There are some fabulous beaches for the relaxing part. Lipari has some nice shops, very good restaurants and an important archeological museum.

For La Forresteria, I was referring to their own winery. Its at a different site than the inn. Reservations for the tasting lunch are required in advance.

Selinute is an awesome temple site in a beautiful setting. Near Menfi and worth a half day.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 05:47 PM
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Great advice and rundown, thank you so much.
Ok, got it for the wine tasting...I will make a reservation right away! Thank you!!
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 05:57 PM
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I second Dayle's recommendation of the archeological museum on Lipari!
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