Sicily 4 days - Palermo or Taormina
 

We are considering a side trip from Rome to Sicily. We have 4 days.

Any suggestions? We were thinking of a relaxing type of trip vs jumping in a car or bus the four days.

What are your thoughts about Palermo vs Taormina?

Windy roads are an issue so that is why we are considering a location which may offer a lot to do.

As usual, we appreciate your feedback.

Byron,

The road up to Taormina is very windy, but not too long of a distance. If you stayed there for 4 days you would quickly run out of things to do unless you did day trips out.

Palermo will have plenty to see ans do for 4 or days.

You might also look in to Ortigia, the tiny island at the tip of Siracusa. Very nice with plenty to see and easy day trips to Some of the Baroque towns if you like.

Have you tried Scopalomine patches? I understand they work well foreople who get motion sickness if that's the issue. My Mom used them for cruises and found only a half was all she needed.

Dayle, thank you for your response. My wife does use those patches and they are helpful. Thanks for mentioning it.

We thought that of Taormina but we have read so many good things. Some say, stay in Gardini Naxos and go from there but it seems like a party town.

Palermo and area.....tell me more.

Ortigia as well.....

We do not want to rent a car and we really want to limit travel to roads that are appropriate and not a long distance.

Thanks again, Dayle.

If you have only 4 days, you will most probably fly from Rome to either Palermo or Catania.
Palermo and surroundings is a 3 days program by itself. If you have more time, you may day trip to Agrigento or Segesta (by train or bus).
If you land at Catania, you may take a direct bus from the airport to either Taormina (not much to see beside the Greek theatre, but stunning landscape and possibility of day trips to Mount Etna) or Siracusa (stuff for about 2 days, possibility of day trips to the Baroque towns of Noto, Avola, Modica, Ragusa and to the stunning roman mosaics close to Noto).

Do you have 4 full days in Sicily?

I assume you're going to fly into and out of Sicily. The biggest airports are Palermo and Catania. So Palermo would be easiest to visit between flights to/from Rome (or elsewhere?). Especially if the 4 days include travel time.

Thank you everyone.

We will be flying first thing in the morning from Rome and staying four nights. So that gives us 3.5 days.

Bryon

When is your trip? That might make a difference.

Also what do you and your wife enjoy most? Where are you visiting in mainland Italy? Just Rome?

If you want to see all the amazing sites in Palermo, fly there. Palermo would give you the opportunity to do a day trip to Cefalu by train, a half day to Monreale, to perhaps a day tour to Segesta and Erice.

If you want a change from large cities, I would recommend Ortigia. Plenty to enjoy for 3 days, history scenery theatre, museum, fantastic food, interesting strolling and history everywhere. Easy day trip option to Noto by train, but this is not something I did myself since I drove and stayed in Scicli instead for dose of Baroque.

There are many great trip reports here that will give you ideas of what to do In each place. You have the hard job of choosing!

It depends on what you want to see and experience!

I loved Palermo and could easily imagine spending 4 days there, making sure to visit the cathedral in Monreale (just outside of town) and perhaps making another day trip (maybe to Cefalu), both of which are easily reached by public transportation.

I also loved Ortygia, from which you can visit Noto by public transportation. I think 3.5 days might be a bit much for Ortygia, but that would depend on your preferred pace.

I thought the views from Taormina stunning, but the town itself was so packed with tourists during the day that it was actually unpleasant. Much nicer after they left, but little to do then....

Hope that helps!

We loved both Palermo and Taormina - there is much more to see and do in Palermo so with 3.5 days, it makes more sense. The day trip to Monreale makes a visit to Palermo essential and is not to be missed. The views in Taormina are stunning. We had a fabulous view of Mt. Etna from our balcony. It erupted while we were there making it all the more special. I guess, on balance, I would choose Palermo. But you will simply have to return to Sicily to see everything you can't fit into 4 days.

Thank you, all! Rome is the only other destination. We've been to Italy before.
Palermo seems to make more sense for us this time. We appreciate everyone's comments. You guys are always so helpful. Have a great day!

Byron,

I did a half day historical walking tour with Jackie Alio while in Palermo and enjoyed it very much. I would highly recommend Jackie if you enjoy that type of thing.

Buon viaggio

I haven't been to Taormina, never had much interest. But Palermo all the way for me, though I'm not sure it's relaxing. Incredibly interesting, though, such a jumble of cultures.

Or for more r-and-r, Siracusa, Ortigia specifically. I am a fan of the Sicilian Baroque:

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/145142338