We're thinking of tacking 5 days to Sicily onto a cruise that ends in Civitavecchia on Oct 17. I've read posts that say it's relatively pleasant (60's and 70') at that time of year. But how is it activity-wise? Are lots of things closed for the season? Thanks.

I spent two weeks in Sicily this October, and found nothing closed.The Weather was plesant most of the time.

Nothing was closed but I had a lot of rain! That was October 2005.

thanks for the responses. Looks like we're ok on openings, and so-so on weather.

To Willit
We are also going to Sicily for our 1st time in October for 2 weeks. All we know so far is that we will leave from Venice and return to Rome for our flight back to Pittsburgh. How did you get there? Did you rent a car? We were thinking of staying at maybe 3-4 different places--Taormina, Palermo, somewhere in or near Syracusa and maybe Agrigento. Any suggestions of what to do or places to stay or not to do or not to stay?

Moorefun -

I flew into Palermo from London. If you are flying from Venice, I would guess you will arrive in Catania. We rented a car, and I found some of the driving to be the least enjoyable part of the trip.

With hindsight, If I had to do it differently, I would use more public transport, particularly buses, and maybe hire a car for a few days.

We stayed for a week in Siracusa - on Ortygia. It was enjoyable enough and there were plenty of available daytrips by bus to Noto, Modica or Ragusa.

We also stayed a week in Cefalu' which I loved, and will almost certainly return to. Two weeks was far too little to see much od Sicily at the pace I tend to travel. I loved Monreale, Segeste, Selinunte, Noto and Piazza armerina. The Temple complex at Agrigento was wonderful, but I did not like it nearly as much as Selinunte.

There are some excellent threads on this board on Sicily, many of which I used in planning my own trip.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34699704

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34416277

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34620334

I have a sort of an account of our trip at : www.microbes.plus.com/sicily2005.htm

<The Temple complex at Agrigento was wonderful, but I did not like it nearly as much as Selinunte.>
I agree with you, Willit. Selinunte is one of the best kept secrets in Sicily.