Mark

Planning a trip to Sicily in May. Have two children – both under 3 years old. Will rent a place for two weeks, and do the occasional driving trip. Recommendations on a town or village (near the sea) in which to stay for the entire 2 weeks much appreciated.<BR><BR>Mark<BR>

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

In a word, Taormina. Go to www.initaly.com to find a rental place near there. I forget the name.

GAC

In Taormina, you can rent either up the hill in the old town itself, or (less expensive) down the hill in the coastal resorts. You might also consider Cefalu', but the Taormina area is a much better choice.

Dodin

We are a French Italian couple, we run in SICILY a SCIACCA TERME<BR> in the middle of the ancient Greek temples itinerary our self catering accommodation,<BR>(fully equipped, 1 or 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and patio or garden)<BR>situated in an old farm house recently restored and converted, 1 mile from town <BR>center, 2 miles from the sea, <BR>We speak English and french. Please visit our site:<BR> http://verdetecnica.tripod.com

Emily

Taormina is a great choice.<BR><BR>I've been trying to think of others -- my only other thought is somewhere near Siracusa, which is an incredible city, though I don't know personally of any good small towns to stay in near the city.<BR><BR>Here's a thought -- near Palermo, there's a really nice beach town just half an hour away. It's very quaint, but with enough activity that you won't get bored -- you can also very easily drive into Palermo and all around the countryside to see ancient ruins. I will find the name of the town and post it here.<BR><BR>Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Have a great time.

GAC

Emily is thinking of Mondello, near Palermo. Or perhaps she is thinking of Santa Flavia/Porticello, on the eastern side of the Capital City. Both towns are connected to Palermo by frequent buses. Each would make a good base to travel from, and both are spared the incessant noise of central Palermo. There is really nothing comparable near Siracusa. However, Taormina remains the most obvious choice for its glamour and scenery (though it has far, far less in terms of architecture, museums and churches than does Palermo)

richard j vicek

Good evening, Mark<BR>as formentioned, Modello is a good <BR>choice, do recall some large sand <BR>beaches, where Taormina is pebble.<BR>Also seach for the town of Cefalu.<BR>It is smaller but has some very nice<BR>little hotels on the beach....<BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

Emily

Mondello is it! That's the one.<BR><BR>Thanks for reminding me, GAC.<BR><BR>This is bringing back memories of pasta alle sarde, live octipii on the docks, whole swordfish in fish shops, sea water that was as pristine as pool water, cats, eating ricotta with a spoon, laughing...OK, I must stop.

joedy

I agree with Taormina. It is beautiful, there are clear shallow areas for kids to enjoy the water and what kid wouldn't get e big thrill from a chance to visit a real volcano....show and tell material for years to come!! I am stationed in Naples and while the Italian mainland has a plethora of enjoyments to choose from, Taormina and Catania are two of my favorite summer haunts.

meg

With small children in tow, I'd have to say it depends where you're flying to- if it's Catania, then I'd agree with the previous posters and go for Taormina. But if it's Palermo, I'd recommend Cefalu- beautiful old town with great restaurants and a safe sandy beach. Try La Calette or Hotel Kalura- they're a little way out of the town (0.5 mile) but in pretty location

Mark

THANKS ALL OF YOU FOR THE GREAT ADVICE.<BR><BR>MARK

dodin

We are a French Italian couple, we run in SICILY a SCIACCA TERME<BR> in the middle of the ancient Greek temples itinerary our self catering accommodation,<BR>(fully equipped, 1 or 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and patio or garden)<BR>situated in an old farm house recently restored and converted, 1 mile from town <BR>center, 2 miles from the sea, <BR>We speak English and french. Please visit our site:<BR> http://verdetecnica.tripod.com

John

I think Taormina was really the low point of our month in Sicily. It is easily th emost touristy part of the island. Cefalu is a neat little town, not far from Palermo, on the water, etc. Another great place for kids (beaches, lots of restaurants, easy access to other parts of the island is Capo D'Orlando on the northern coast. Check out the agritourism place there -- run by a lawyer and his lawyer daughter and set on an orange/olive farm. You can rent a house for the family (definitely not too expensive) and use it as a great base. (I'm sorry but the name slips my name right now.) Good luck and good for you for bringing your kids to Sicily -- the friendliest people in Italy.