Sicily in May.
 

What would be the best location as a base (and a possible beach resort) to explore the island? We are flying from Milan to Sicily for 9 days. There are flights to Palermo and Catania. Also, we have no plans to rent a car, And the last question is: what kind of weather can we expect in Sicily in the last week of May?
Thank you very much for any suggestion/info.

Is your principal reason for visiting Sicily a beach resort? Or do you plan to visit the island and its treasures? The weather should be fine in May; check weather.com for averages. Touring Sicily is difficult without a car so some ideas from you re your interests would help us to give you some suggestions.

We had a great time in Sicily without a car -- trains and buses work well for most sights on the island. You can click on my name to read my trip report if you like. I can't imagine picking just one base for 9 days in Sicily, but you could split your time between Palermo and Ortigia/Syracuse with excellent day trips possible from each.

The weather at the end of May should be excellent. Sicily is a big island with a lot to see and doesn't lend it itself to just one base. Nine days is really not nearly long enough, but you should look at using at least two bases, maybe Ortigia (Siracusa) on the east coast and Palermo or Trapani on the west. Click on my name for my TR.

Thank you for all the answers so far. Anyone else has any ideas where to stay in Sicily? We'd like to combine sightseeing with some beach rest. We will probably need at least three days for Palermo. Then from what I understand the trip by bus from Palermo to Mt.Etna is no longer than 3 hrs. So, here is a one-day trip from early morning till late evening. After all day sightseeing we'll need two days of rest (we are not so young). And here is my dilemma: east coast of the island or Palermo area as a nice, clean, quiet beach area/base? I'll appreciate more replies.

Beach - there's a beach near Palermo, I'm not a beach person and forget the name, but check your guidebooks. There's a very nice nature reserve with good beaches west of Palermo - Zingaro/Scopello. There's also Cefalu, a small town east of Palermo with a good beach.

Where did you read that you get to Mt. Etna in three hours by bus? Even if it's right, that's six hours round-trip, which hardly gives you time to do anything once you get there, and you'll have get UP Mt. Etna from the bus stop.

I studied abroad in Siracusa and did not have a car. I was able to get around very easily and really enjoyed my time on that side of the island!
I recommend basing yourself on Ortigia and taking day trips to Arenella beach, Mt. Etna, and Taormina. The beaches and snorkeling on the east side are fantastic! Nice hikes in that area too if you are interested-Pantalica and Vendicari.
If you can make it to Palermo I think you should do that too. I know that you can take a bus right there and it should only be about 3 hours.