Sicily
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Sicily i June/July. We are almost all planned except for 4 days. we were planning on going to Taormina but it seems overpriced and touristy.
We would like suggestions for these days if possible. We are both foodies and I am a shopper!
After spending 4 days in Rome we land in Sicily and our trip is as follows
4 nights Syracuse
3 nights Modica
3 nights Licata
3 nights Tripani
3 nights Palermo
3 nights ?
2 nights Catania
Home
Any suggestions for the 3 nights would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance

Taormina is touristy and also very attractive. It enjoys a fabulous site with a view down the coast and Mt Etna looming in the background. Lots of shopping opportunities. We were in Sicily for two weeks in June 2010--you can click on my name for my trip report. If I'd had more time, I'd have added the Aeolian islands.

I would not miss Taormina, but also look at Cefalu.

I can only agree. You must see Taormina, even if it is only on a daytrip from your Siracusa or Catania stays.

Ian

Why three nights in Licata? What is there? I can think of some great places to stay from Modica to Trapani.

What are your interests? What kinds of things do you hope to see and experience on this trip?

We love food, people watching, the water, and I love shopping.
My husband is an architect and photographer and we love to visit not-touristy places to experience the authenticity of places we visit.
We both enjoy biking and kayaking and of course walking since we live in Colorado. Perhaps we can also fit in a visit to the Aeolian Islands.

Thank you for all your replies. We finally decided to go to Taormina for 3 days before we stay in Catania. We booked an apartment in City Center and are hoping it is accessible to shops and restaurants.

Glad you decided to go to Taormina. It is beautiful, with spectacular views and should not be missed.

You can easily take a day excursion to the Aeolian Islands from there.

P.S. I agree that you should also try to see Cefalu.

Are you driving or taking the train? Either way, Cefalu is an easy stop on the way east from Palermo. It's about an hour by train and could be a day trip.

Also, don't miss Monreale when you are in Palermo. It's easily reached by local bus.

Have you considered visiting Agrigento?

If you have a rent car,from Taormina you can arrive in Milazzo and go to aeolie islands with a boat. For example you can go to "Panarea-Stromboli by night" and see the vulcano and the red lava too!

With your interest in shopping, people watching and photography, Taormina is a must see destination. We absolutely loved it. Our hotel, the Villa Schuler, overlooked the sea and Mt. Etna and every day was a photo opportunity. If you like hiking, walk up to Castelmola from Taormina - spectacular views!

While Taormina may be "touristy", that is for a reason. It is beautiful.

Also, don't miss Monreale while in Palermo and try to include Agrigento.

> If you have a rent car,from Taormina you can arrive in Milazzo and go to aeolie islands with a boat. For example you can go to "Panarea-Stromboli by night" and see the vulcano and the red lava too!

You can get to the Aeolians by public transportation, too -- no car required! But you can only see the lava if Stromboli is active. As I understand it, it often is, but it was not doing anything the night my ferry passed it.