We are traveling by car to Sicily after seeing Sorrento,etc.What is best way to ferry over to Sicily.Also any advice on the various islands,Stromboli,etc. Worth seeing and what ferry to take. We plan on staying several days in Palermo and several days in Taormina and then some time elsewhere in Sicily but don't know where? Any suggestions.

There are overnight ferries from Naples to Palermo run by TIRRENIA (dep. 20.45)and SNAV (dep. 19.30), and from Naples to Catania run by TTTlines (dep. 21.00).

Ferries from Naples (dep. 21.00) to the Aoelian Islands (Stromboli, Lipari) currently run twice per week, operated by SIREMAR.

You can find details and fares on their websites.

Alternatively you can drive down to Villa San Giovanni near Reggio Calabria, from where there are very frequent ferries to Messina.

The Aoelian Islands are definitely worth a stay. Lipari is especially attractive IMO and makes a good base, - you can day-trip to the others from there.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Just back from Sicily this minute...wonderful, amazing experience in Siracusa (about 1 1/2 hours south of Taormina) and environs. If you go south from T. do catch Ortigia and the ruins of the Greek and Roman theatres in Siracusa and then head further south for Noto and Cava Grande in the Parco Nazionale near Noto which is nothing short of spectacular. We were also impressed by Noto Antico. If you go to Noto, a little Baroque jewel of a town, do stop for incredible, imaginatively cooked seafood at Ristorante Neas.

The Aeolian Islands are marvelous and spend a little time in the city which that ferry departs from (Malozzi)(sp?) as that area has much of interest too.

Ferry service from contintental Italy to Sicily:Villa San G. (don't miss exit-its before Reggio di Calabria) is every half hour and costs 16 Euro for a small car, more for larger vehicle. The ferry from Reggio Calabria (Meridian Lines) goes much less frequently but costs only half as much and comes into the same port. Also apparently much less likely to have big line-ups though we did not experience any at this time of year, they can keep you waiting as mcuh as 3-4 hours in June,July and August.

Have a wonderful time...

Thanks for all the great info. really appreciate it. Any other suggestions,please let me know.
Thanks again,
Frank

Another question. We are staying 3 nights in Palermo and 3 nights in Taormina. Any suggestions for other locations to overnight to see more of Sicily. We have 10 nights allocated to Sicily.Thank you.
Frank

If you feel like a change of pace, try Ortigia, a very special part of Siracusa: full of fascinating alleyways and artisan's shops, yet right on the old port of the ancient world. Great food and less expensive than Taormina and Palermo.

I agree entirely with LJ: stay overnight on Ortigya Island, Siracusa. There are both very expensive and inexpensive properties to choose from.

this message for LJ--
since you went to Sicily recently, would you happen to know about the ancient caves of Monte Pelligrino, near Palermo. I found these on the internet, and am going to Palermo soon. they are awesome looking and i can't find any info on them, and want to know if i can go to see them.
thanks
surfingmomma