Dash to Sicily January Advice hel....
Dec 14th, 2016, 06:35 AM
#1
Dash to Sicily January Advice hel....
5 of us (3 Kiwis and 2 Brits) dashing off to Sicily for a mid-winter break at the start of January, one a Professor of ancient and medievel history. Kiwis all vegetarians. Brits serious wine tasters. Will be interested in Greater Greece monuments etc. Not yet booked an appartment. Driving not an issue but don't want to spend hours in a car.
Where would you stay?
Where or what would you eat?
What should not-miss?
Where would you stay?
Where or what would you eat?
What should not-miss?
Dec 14th, 2016, 06:41 AM
#2
Siracuse.
Fly into Catania, hire car, drive to Siracuse [about an hour and a half] and stay in Ortigia. The greek and roman theatres, the ear of dionysis, temple of Apollo, and a great museum all in Siracuse. Noto for a taste of the Baroque nearby.
Food is wonderful.
Have fun.
Fly into Catania, hire car, drive to Siracuse [about an hour and a half] and stay in Ortigia. The greek and roman theatres, the ear of dionysis, temple of Apollo, and a great museum all in Siracuse. Noto for a taste of the Baroque nearby.
Food is wonderful.
Have fun.
Dec 14th, 2016, 07:16 AM
#3
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In addition to Ann's suggestions, you might also want to drive to Agrigento to see the great temples there. Although that would take a bit of a hike (at least three hours one way) and probably an overnite stay from Siracusa, it is a must for students of Magna Graecia. Return through Enna to see Piazza Armerina and Morgantina.
There are many others, even farther from Siracusa.
There are many others, even farther from Siracusa.
Dec 14th, 2016, 08:48 AM
#4
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How many days on the ground?
A great way of doing the “Greek” thing, plus lots more, would be this:
Fly into Palermo. Decide if you want to “do” Palermo or not. In either case, rent a car from the airport (but not if you go into the city) and drive to Monreale (look it up), then on to Segesta. Fabulous Greek temple, looks better from afar than up close. Make sure you take the shuttle to the hilltop and walk to the amphitheatre!
Next I suggest Trapani with the funiculaire up to Erice for a good walk-around to the “other side”, quaint village, great views etc.
Then Marsala (the Brits will know the beverage...), where you could go see the history lesson on Flemish tapistries in the Arazzi museum (look it up, it’s in the middle of town).
Now head for Selinunte (Greek) and then, of course, Agrigento, where the “valley of temples” (actually a ridge, not a valley, but down below Agrigento on the hill) will keep your Greek profs enthralled - also the archeological museum (see http://www.lavalledeitempli.it/Museo...gico_Agrigento).
How much time do you have left? Either keep going - lots more to see as you head east and fly home from Catania, or head north, with a quick detour to Cefalù maybe (can’t drive anywhere near the church, park and walk), and surrender the car back in Palermo.
A great way of doing the “Greek” thing, plus lots more, would be this:
Fly into Palermo. Decide if you want to “do” Palermo or not. In either case, rent a car from the airport (but not if you go into the city) and drive to Monreale (look it up), then on to Segesta. Fabulous Greek temple, looks better from afar than up close. Make sure you take the shuttle to the hilltop and walk to the amphitheatre!
Next I suggest Trapani with the funiculaire up to Erice for a good walk-around to the “other side”, quaint village, great views etc.
Then Marsala (the Brits will know the beverage...), where you could go see the history lesson on Flemish tapistries in the Arazzi museum (look it up, it’s in the middle of town).
Now head for Selinunte (Greek) and then, of course, Agrigento, where the “valley of temples” (actually a ridge, not a valley, but down below Agrigento on the hill) will keep your Greek profs enthralled - also the archeological museum (see http://www.lavalledeitempli.it/Museo...gico_Agrigento).
How much time do you have left? Either keep going - lots more to see as you head east and fly home from Catania, or head north, with a quick detour to Cefalù maybe (can’t drive anywhere near the church, park and walk), and surrender the car back in Palermo.
Dec 14th, 2016, 10:47 AM
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Will be interested in Greater Greece monuments etc.>
Yup Agrigento and Syracuse are near enough to each other you could do those and Catanaia -great drive around Vesuvius and awesome to ascend it from Philosopher's Tower -subject to conditions.
Segesta is a neat Greek temple area- easy day trip from Palermo-a fine old city.
I'd split time between Catania area - Syracuse and Agrigento (neat town there and also a modern seaside resort area) and Palermo.
Cefalu is a dreamy seaside town near Palermo.
Taoormina has a classic Greek theatre but I'd do just a drive by -visit the Greek area and move on - very very touristed town - but seaside resort under it is neat for what it is.
Yup Agrigento and Syracuse are near enough to each other you could do those and Catanaia -great drive around Vesuvius and awesome to ascend it from Philosopher's Tower -subject to conditions.
Segesta is a neat Greek temple area- easy day trip from Palermo-a fine old city.
I'd split time between Catania area - Syracuse and Agrigento (neat town there and also a modern seaside resort area) and Palermo.
Cefalu is a dreamy seaside town near Palermo.
Taoormina has a classic Greek theatre but I'd do just a drive by -visit the Greek area and move on - very very touristed town - but seaside resort under it is neat for what it is.
Dec 14th, 2016, 10:55 AM
#6
Given your interests, I would make every effort to see the Valle dei Templi at Agrigento.
I loved Palermo but not everyone likes it. Segesta is easy from Palermo (we drove to Agrigento from Palermo, stopping to see Segesta on the way).
There's a lot of interesting stuff to see in Sicily, so you will have to make some hard decisions to avoid racing all over the island.
I loved Palermo but not everyone likes it. Segesta is easy from Palermo (we drove to Agrigento from Palermo, stopping to see Segesta on the way).
There's a lot of interesting stuff to see in Sicily, so you will have to make some hard decisions to avoid racing all over the island.
Dec 14th, 2016, 01:55 PM
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Bilbo I don't see that you've told us how long you'll be there.
I'm guessing you're not going for the sun, but here's an interesting take on winter visits to Sicily
http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art330.htm
The temples at Agrigento would be a must, along with the Archaeological Museum there.
Selinunte, although interesting in its state of disarray, will probably be pretty quiet in that area in January.
If Palermo's Museo Archaeologico Regionale Salinas is open it possesses metopes from the temples at Selinunte. It has been closed for refurbishment since 2011, but it seems parts of it are open
http://www.regione.sicilia.it/bbccaa...formazioni.htm
But it's very hard to get accurate information about this museum.
Siracusa/Ortigia would be a nice spot for some relaxation as well as the Greek Theater.
I can make some restaurant suggestions depending where you decide to stay. So much good seafood and pasta in Sicily. I'm pretty sure your vegetarian friends could get some good pasta sans meat.
I'm guessing you're not going for the sun, but here's an interesting take on winter visits to Sicily
http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art330.htm
The temples at Agrigento would be a must, along with the Archaeological Museum there.
Selinunte, although interesting in its state of disarray, will probably be pretty quiet in that area in January.
If Palermo's Museo Archaeologico Regionale Salinas is open it possesses metopes from the temples at Selinunte. It has been closed for refurbishment since 2011, but it seems parts of it are open
http://www.regione.sicilia.it/bbccaa...formazioni.htm
But it's very hard to get accurate information about this museum.
Siracusa/Ortigia would be a nice spot for some relaxation as well as the Greek Theater.
I can make some restaurant suggestions depending where you decide to stay. So much good seafood and pasta in Sicily. I'm pretty sure your vegetarian friends could get some good pasta sans meat.
Dec 14th, 2016, 04:49 PM
#9
Not a place I would visit in January, but your choice, although you might want to check into whether many hotels and restaurants will be closed. The island has a lot of excellent sites, including amazing Roman and Byzantine mosaics, but it does not lend itself to a base-with-day-trips type visit. There are numerous TRs on this site - do a search.
You don't need a car in Ortygia - if you fly into Catania you can take a bus or train to Siracusa and pick up a car when you leave.
I agree that the theater in Taormina is worth seeing, as are the views of the coast and Mt. Etna. In January it may actually be worth an overnight as I assume that the crowds will be less.
You don't need a car in Ortygia - if you fly into Catania you can take a bus or train to Siracusa and pick up a car when you leave.
I agree that the theater in Taormina is worth seeing, as are the views of the coast and Mt. Etna. In January it may actually be worth an overnight as I assume that the crowds will be less.
Dec 14th, 2016, 06:03 PM
#10
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The question of how much time you have is critical.
I found enough differences between the ruins at Agrigento, Segesta, and Selinunte to be very glad I visited each. As others have said, the views from the theater in Taormina are spectacular, although I found the Romanized proscenium somewhat distracting. I also enjoyed the ruins of Siracusa, and particularly enjoyed Ortygia as a place to stay. As for museums, I thought the one in Palermo (with the metopes from Selinunte) best, but also found the ones in Siracusa and Agrigento well worth visiting.
Of course, the Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale are stunning.
And then there are all the Romanesque structures – the most stunning of which is the cathedral in Monreale, but Palermo is full of awesome examples and there are medieval gems scattered across the island. Agrigento has a warren of medieval streets that can be a delight to roam.
Sicily does not lend itself to a base-city approach, IME – but you may be able to find a base to see a select few sites. Again, it depends on how long you'll be there, in addition to what you choose to see.
The <i>Rough Guide</i> and <i>Michelin Green Guide</i> are particularly good for Sicily, IMO.
You shouldn’t have any problem finding delicious foods and some extraordinarily robust wines.
If you can spare 2.5 weeks, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
I found enough differences between the ruins at Agrigento, Segesta, and Selinunte to be very glad I visited each. As others have said, the views from the theater in Taormina are spectacular, although I found the Romanized proscenium somewhat distracting. I also enjoyed the ruins of Siracusa, and particularly enjoyed Ortygia as a place to stay. As for museums, I thought the one in Palermo (with the metopes from Selinunte) best, but also found the ones in Siracusa and Agrigento well worth visiting.
Of course, the Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale are stunning.
And then there are all the Romanesque structures – the most stunning of which is the cathedral in Monreale, but Palermo is full of awesome examples and there are medieval gems scattered across the island. Agrigento has a warren of medieval streets that can be a delight to roam.
Sicily does not lend itself to a base-city approach, IME – but you may be able to find a base to see a select few sites. Again, it depends on how long you'll be there, in addition to what you choose to see.
The <i>Rough Guide</i> and <i>Michelin Green Guide</i> are particularly good for Sicily, IMO.
You shouldn’t have any problem finding delicious foods and some extraordinarily robust wines.
If you can spare 2.5 weeks, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Dec 16th, 2016, 07:30 AM
#12
For the most sights which fit your interests in the smallest area then I would go for the east of the island BUT if the weather is going to be crook, Palermo [where I've never been!] might be a better wet weather destination. Syracuse/Ortigia is lovely but might not be so much fun in the rain.
Dec 16th, 2016, 04:35 PM
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Sorry, but I don't have an apartment recommendation.
You might want to decide what you want to see. That could dictate whether you should be looking for an apartment in
- Palermo (for Segesta, Selinunte, Palermo, and Monreale) or
- Ortygia (for Ortygia / Siracusa, Taormina, and the Villa Romana del Casale) or
- Agrigento (for Agrigento, Selinunte, the Villa Romana del Casale, and maybe a few stops further afield.
Since you are already committed to flying into Catania, Ortygia might make most sense -- but only you and your friends can decide how many day trips, and of what length, you are willing to take, or to which sites.
You might want to decide what you want to see. That could dictate whether you should be looking for an apartment in
- Palermo (for Segesta, Selinunte, Palermo, and Monreale) or
- Ortygia (for Ortygia / Siracusa, Taormina, and the Villa Romana del Casale) or
- Agrigento (for Agrigento, Selinunte, the Villa Romana del Casale, and maybe a few stops further afield.
Since you are already committed to flying into Catania, Ortygia might make most sense -- but only you and your friends can decide how many day trips, and of what length, you are willing to take, or to which sites.
Dec 16th, 2016, 04:42 PM
#16
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Catania was our least favorite city in Sicily, but it is in a rather central position for the east side of the island.
I would suggest that, if your flight gets in early, drive the 2.5 hours to Agrigento and stay there for 2 nights. Then back track, stopping in Piazza Armerina to see the mosaics at the Roman Villa, then continue on to Syracuse, where you could stay on the island of Ortigia at a rental like this:
http://www.ortigia-siracusa-apartmen...asa-mirabella/
Or, if you want to stay closer to Catania, perhaps you could stay out of the city a little, like these 2 rentals:
https://www.sawdays.co.uk/italy/sici..._text=catania&
https://www.vrbo.com/872554ha
The south side of Catania is very unattractive. But going towards Taormina on the sea side is pretty.
Weather will be better the farther south you go. Near Etna of course, will be more likely to rain. But the weather doesn't look too too awful..
As mentioned above, the theater at Taormina has been somewhat rebuilt and is more Roman than Greek, but the view is fabulous, and you might enjoy a day sans tourists in Taormina if you get a nice day.
Many things will not be open in Taormina, though, because it will be out of season and it is a resort.
Syracuse is a more real city, and there should be lots of options for dining there. That's in addition to it's wonderful setting.
Syracuse is about a 35-45 minute drive from Catania airport, easily doable if you want to stay there before your flight home.
I can't give any first hand experience with apartments, though, because we always stay at hotels.
I would suggest that, if your flight gets in early, drive the 2.5 hours to Agrigento and stay there for 2 nights. Then back track, stopping in Piazza Armerina to see the mosaics at the Roman Villa, then continue on to Syracuse, where you could stay on the island of Ortigia at a rental like this:
http://www.ortigia-siracusa-apartmen...asa-mirabella/
Or, if you want to stay closer to Catania, perhaps you could stay out of the city a little, like these 2 rentals:
https://www.sawdays.co.uk/italy/sici..._text=catania&
https://www.vrbo.com/872554ha
The south side of Catania is very unattractive. But going towards Taormina on the sea side is pretty.
Weather will be better the farther south you go. Near Etna of course, will be more likely to rain. But the weather doesn't look too too awful..
As mentioned above, the theater at Taormina has been somewhat rebuilt and is more Roman than Greek, but the view is fabulous, and you might enjoy a day sans tourists in Taormina if you get a nice day.
Many things will not be open in Taormina, though, because it will be out of season and it is a resort.
Syracuse is a more real city, and there should be lots of options for dining there. That's in addition to it's wonderful setting.
Syracuse is about a 35-45 minute drive from Catania airport, easily doable if you want to stay there before your flight home.
I can't give any first hand experience with apartments, though, because we always stay at hotels.
Dec 16th, 2016, 05:04 PM
#17
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I think sundriedtopepo is giving some great ideas. FWIW, if you follow this plan, I would strongly encourage staying in Ortygia -- it is part of a "real" city, has some great restaurants, is a delight to roam, and has a stunning Duomo among other things that should fit the interests of at least some of your group.
Just one warning: Ortygia is NOT car friendly. Again, if you go with sundriedtopepo's proposal, consider returning the car as soon as possible after you reach Siracusa and using public transportation thereafter. (And, of course, be sure you have a plan for dealing with the car until you return it.) It is very easy to get from Siracusa to Taormina and to Catania that way.
Just one warning: Ortygia is NOT car friendly. Again, if you go with sundriedtopepo's proposal, consider returning the car as soon as possible after you reach Siracusa and using public transportation thereafter. (And, of course, be sure you have a plan for dealing with the car until you return it.) It is very easy to get from Siracusa to Taormina and to Catania that way.
Dec 16th, 2016, 05:15 PM
#18
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I'm late to the thread, but I share the opinion that Sicily is not well suited to apartment rental, unless you want to just focus on one small part of the island.
I think the Greek highlights would be Selinunte, Agrigento and Segesta, but those are all on the western side. With a flight in and out of Catania and a week to travel, I would probably do a circle down to Siracusa/Ortygia and then over to Agrigento (and I wouldn't miss the mosaics in Villa Romana Casale).
We didn't stay in Catania, but when we took the bus from Taormina to Siracusa, we had to transfer in Catania and I didn't think it looked particularly wonderful. I'm sure there are nice parts, but we saw a lot of parts that weren't so nice.
I think the Greek highlights would be Selinunte, Agrigento and Segesta, but those are all on the western side. With a flight in and out of Catania and a week to travel, I would probably do a circle down to Siracusa/Ortygia and then over to Agrigento (and I wouldn't miss the mosaics in Villa Romana Casale).
We didn't stay in Catania, but when we took the bus from Taormina to Siracusa, we had to transfer in Catania and I didn't think it looked particularly wonderful. I'm sure there are nice parts, but we saw a lot of parts that weren't so nice.
