Advice for 1 week trip to Sicily - key spots to hit?
 

Hi guys, we are a couple (30-35 y.o.) travelling to Sicily on a 1 week break in June. We are keen to hit some key spots but also to avoid burning ourselves out or risk not appreciating where we are due to an overly rushed itinerary! We are not into overly touristy places but love hitting spots with stunning scenery, sandy beaches and atmosphere! Open to car hire and zipping about a bit, but like to spend at least 2 nights in a location if possible. We were thinking 3 key locations (likely eastern coast side), driving through some smaller spots en route would be a possibility. Have options to fly in/out of Catania/ Palermo or Cosimo. Budget is reasonable but not swish! Any advice/ recommendations re locations and accommodation would be greatly appreciated?! Thanks!

We spent two weeks in Sicily two years ago. We flew into Catania and home from Palermo. There is a lot to see so we focused on the eastern part.

Palermo was an interesting city with lots to see and great food. If you stay in Palermo, the Ambasciatori Hotel is a bargain, centrally located, and a fantastic rooftop terrace with views: http://www.ambasciatorihotelpalermo.com/

About 30 miles east of Palermo is a small fishing village Cefalu' with a nice beach. Taorimina is a little touristy but well worth a visit. We stayed at the Villa Schuler and give it two thumbs up. http://www.hotelvillaschuler.com/description.htm

Siracusa also gets a very high recommendation. Good day trips from here. Feel free to ask questions. Sicily is one of my favorite places. I can't wait to go back to visit some of our favorite places and see the western part of the island, too.

Hi CaWino
recently posted this and would appreciate your comments-

"First time in Sicily and we want to spend 7 days in North-Western Sicily.
Can anyone advise us the best place to base ourselves, Palermo or Trapani and why?
Also would appreciate any other suggestions in that area as a base.
We like visiting the 'sites', like the beaches, love the food !"

Here is a sneak preview---you will love Sicily:

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3828

Probably not time with only one week but the Aeolian Islands are some of the most beautiful islands in the world...each with different character...if you have time to get out there from Milazzo (I think that is the aliscafi port) do go.

Thanks for the replies guys.. so helpful. Anything further greatly appreciated.

Sicily is a large island that can easily fill three weeks. With only one week (is that seven nights? eight nights?) you will have to pick either the east, flying into Catania, or the west, flying into Palermo.

I would only spend one night in Taormina, as it is <i>very</i> touristy, although the views are good and the theater worth seeing.

I loved Ortygia (do not stay in Siracus proper) and would spend at least three nights there, doing a day trip to Noto or Modica or Ragusa.

On the east side of the island I also highly recommend the Roman mosaics at Villa Casale. The temples at Agrigento are also worth seeing, although you may not have time.

On the west side, in addition to Palermo - and Monreale! - I loved Erice and Trapani, both worth overnights or more. Zingaro is good for hiking but you will need a car for access.

Click on my name for my TR.

E

I went last spring for just over 3 weeks. Loved Sicily! Click on my name for my report.