tripster

Thinking of heading to Sicily in late March or April.
What are the pros and cons of each of these cities. . .

thit_cho

When I visited Sicily, I flew into Palermon and back from Catania, which allowed me to travel across the island. As far as the cities themselves, I found Palermo more interesting than Catania, but both are within distance of more interesting sites.

From Palermo, we visited Monreale, then headed to Agrigento.

From Catania, we visited Mt. Etna, Taormina and Syracusa.

tripster

good point. . . I was trying to avoid major driving, but i haven't identified the best possible base.

thit_cho

I relied exclusively on public transportation.

nessundorma

It would be easier to answer your question if you posted what you want to do and/or see in Sicilia and how long you are staying, and whether you were thinking of flying or taking the train.

Ann1

A car is good if you aren't in the city because public transportation isn't as good as the rest of italy. I think you should plan on driving if you want to see the most beautiful parts of Sicily and want to go to the small towns. Catania and Palermo are both fantastic cities. Catania is a much smaller city. If you can split half and half that would be the best.

Girlspytravel

I don't know Palermo, but I would like to, however I do know Catania, and while not terribly interesting, it is, as Thit-cho points out, exactly where you'd want to base yourself to go to those places mentioned-and more. If I were you, I'd try to get into the Sheraton Catania, where I stayed many a time. Right across the street from the water, on the gorgeous Bay of Cyclops, lovely little Sicilian village down the road within walking distance, and close to Taormina/Syracusa as well. The historical city center of Catania is 3 miles away. The little Sicilian restaurants around there were amazing.

You can check out the Sheraton Catania here:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...deliciousitaly

Check it out here:

tripster

Thanks for the advice. We were thinking about flying in and renting a car for the week.
Maybe trying to find a house or villa to rent and move around from there.
Ruins, scenery, small villages would be the big attractions, not beaches I guess since it will probably still be cool.

nessundorma

If you are basing yourself in Sicily WITH a car, you absolutely do NOT want to be driving the car in either Palermo or Catania.

The airports are on the outskirts of town. Pick up your car at the airport and base yourselves in an agriturismo or villa OUTSIDE a city.

For ruins, scenery and small villages, the southwestern area of Sicily is a good bet. There are many agriturismos and b&bs in the area that you can find with google searches.

Ann1

I agree with "nessundoma" We stayed in this wonderful winery for a few nights and were within easy driving many wonderful sites.
http://www.bagliosanvincenzo.net/

SaraLee

Dear thit_cho: Sorry to cut it. But I think you got an answer for me. You mentioned that you made a trip from Palermo->Agrigent->Pz Armerina->Catania in one day. Would you tell me how you made this trip and mode and schedules of public transportation you used. I am making a similar trip on Nov. 22. thank you.

thit_cho

SaraLee, while I made that trip by public transportation, I did not do so in one day.

My basic trip was:

Palermon to Agrigento (by train) -- spent time in Agrigento

I did go from Agrigento to Catania, with stop in Piazza Armenia, in one day. I took early bus from Agigento to Piazza Armenia (I think I had to transfer, but it was quick connection), then spent day at Roman Villa (with mosaics) near Piazza Armenia, and took late bus from Piazza Armenia to Catania.

SaraLee

Dear thit_cho: Thank you for your prompt reply.