My son and I are going for a short visit to Sicily, after a few days in Portofino and Tuscany. I have never been to Sicily so I have no idea if we should just stay in one town, or rent a car or take a ferry to see one of the islands. Our focus will be mostly on walking around to see the sites, people, markets, etc., and on swimming in good, sandy beaches, if there are any. Should we consider either Palermo or Agregento and a visit to Lipari? Not sure how long it will take to go from those cities to Liparu. Thanks for your suggestions.
Sicily is a big island, with a great deal to see. It is possible to do a lot by public transport, but a car would be better (Although some of the driving I saw in Palermo was some of the worst I have ever seen in Italy).
I am by no means an expert, but Cefalú might meet your criteria. It is a very pleasant town with an excellent sandy beach. There is a hydrofoil out to one of the Aeolian islands most days (I think Alicudi, but I am open to correction).
Palermo is easily reachable by train (about an hour), and you could also get to Agrigento by train changing at Termini Imerese.
I am by no means an expert, but Cefalú might meet your criteria. It is a very pleasant town with an excellent sandy beach. There is a hydrofoil out to one of the Aeolian islands most days (I think Alicudi, but I am open to correction).
Palermo is easily reachable by train (about an hour), and you could also get to Agrigento by train changing at Termini Imerese.
When I was there in October 2005, we used a rental car and travelled from Cefalú to Agrigento and then on to Selinunte (a long day, but well worth it).
Using the same base we also visited Monreale and Segeste. Piazza Armarina/Enna would also be possible.
A minor word of caution depending on time of year: Parking can be a problem in Cefalú as many of the old streets are barred to most traffic for much of the day. I found it easiest to buy a ticket to the multistorey car park to cover the days I was there.
Using the same base we also visited Monreale and Segeste. Piazza Armarina/Enna would also be possible.
A minor word of caution depending on time of year: Parking can be a problem in Cefalú as many of the old streets are barred to most traffic for much of the day. I found it easiest to buy a ticket to the multistorey car park to cover the days I was there.
Hi! It happens that i just came back from Sicily. Besides Palermo (pls GO visit MONREAL: it's a MUST!), I've been to Siracusa and close to it, the towns of NOTO and Ragusa (Ibla): 2 beautiful places, easily reachable by train. Noto is considered to be the capital of the baroque style in Europe. SEGESTA is also a must... before an earthquake destroys its magnificent Greek temple. Enjoy!
Recommend Palermo, Monreale (the cathedral is a GEM); Cefalu (beaches and Norman cathedral) Segesta (greek temple and amphitheatre in wonderful setting) Agrigento )amazing Greek ruins); Erice (mountain top town); Siracusa (magical) We regretted hiring the car at the airport as we definitely did not need it in Palermo and it was much safer travelling by bus. But getting around by public transport would have been difficult otherwise.
