SICILY - PALERMO or TRAPANI as a base?
 

First time in Sicily and we want to spend 7 days in North-Western Sicily.
Can anyone advise us the best place to base ourselves, Palermo or Trapani and why?
Also would appreciate any other suggestions in that area as a base.
We like visiting the 'sites', like the beaches, love the food !

Sicily is so large that it is difficult to see much of it with only one base. I would choose at least 2 locations, perhaps Trapani and Palermo, We did not spend much time west of Palermo so it is difficult to say but I would recommend 2 locations for a week.

I would stay in Palermo as there is lots to do there and you're close to bus transportation for Trapani and beaches.

Do you mean as a base for the NW of the island? Will you be driving? I am not sure I would want to drive in and out of Palermo too often.

yes, as a base for NW of the island.
may consider renting a car
(I've read about the traffic in Palermo)

I would do both. You can take a bus from Palermo to Trapani, and up to Erice, but if you want to visit Zingaro you will need a car.

There is a lot to do in Palermo, especially if you are a fan of mosaics, but I wouldn't want a whole week there. Trapani is charming and has a different feel. Erice is magical....

You asked for my input on another forum. I would do both Palermo and Trapani/Erice. I suggest flying into Palermo and go straight to Trapani and spend the first part of the trip there for 3-4 days. Then back to Palermo for the balance - this allows a short trip to the Palermo airport. There is so much to do and see in Palermo that you need at least three days to scratch the surface.

Why not choose and accommodation between Trapani and Palermo, such as Terrasini, Balestrate or Castellammare Del Golfo. They are well connected to the highway, have lovely beaches and within minutes you can reach lots of places of interest.
From the town I've mentioned you can easily reach Palermo by bus or train but for visiting Segesta, Erice or Selinunte you would be better off renting a car.