best driving route,Sicily?
 

We will be traveling to Sicily in Nov. and I have read several different opinions on which is the better itinerary.<BR>One was to see the East side of the island by car and to then take a train to Palermo, Trapani, Segesta, Erice and Monreale, Agrengento. We will be arriving in Messina. I would love to know what others think. Thanks for any help!!

Don't forget that many routes within Sicily are better served by bus rather than by train.

We did some of both. Rented a car to drive from Siracusa to Agrigento when it seemed impossible to get there in less than a day by public transportation, but turned in the car in Agrigento and took the train to Palermo.<BR>Our biggest mistake we thought was not having the car for Trapani and Erice. The train from Palermo to Trapani, just missed the bus up to Erice and we had to wait hours for the next one. After having lunch in Erice, it was hours more to get another back down. We spent almost all day waiting for public transportaion feeling we could have done so much more there if we had a car.<BR>Bus from Palermo to Monreale is a breeze and probably easier than driving and parking.

you didn't say how long you have in Sicily. If it's only one week, I'd say either stick to the east (Catania) or west (Palermo) sides only. If it's two weeks you could do both. <BR>From Messina, start with a couple of days in Taormina, a couple more in Siracusa then don't miss Noto and Modica before heading west toward Agrigento.<BR>Caltagirone, if youre interested in ceramics, also makes a great day trip.<BR>And there are several small towns that have amazing historic ruins--like Palazzolo Acriede--see &quot;i santoni.&quot;<BR>We did the whole trip by rented car. Public transportation makes any vacation more limited and less spontaneous.<BR>I'm not as familiar with the west side, but plan to devote an entire week to it in the next year or so.

Of course, it all depends on what your priorities for your trip are. If you are considering visiting the most important sightseeing of the island I believe that you need a car, unless you want spend most of your time waiting for trains or regional buses, besides, you need two starting points (home bases) to be able to see most of it : In the east coast (anywhere around Etna, Catania or Siracusa). In the west side of the island, anywhere around Sciacca or Marsala. Roads are good and you can take day trips to Agrigento, Eraclea, Monreale, Selinunte, Segesta, San Vito lo capo and Erice. Try to avoid driving in Palermo or Catania.<BR>http://www.verdetecnica.com<BR>