Hello fodorists,

I need your help.

Where do you suggest I set up base in Sicily with my boyfriend and our two daughters, age 12 and 13 for our summer vacation for the last two weeks in August? We would like to be near the beach, but also near a quaint, picturesque fisherman village. (preferably).

For instance, I'd like to find something similar to Villefrance Sur Mer in South of France but in Sicily. I don't want to stay in a place like Nice or Cannes.....in Sicily.

Waiting for your suggestions.

Thanks!!!!!!

Are you sure you want Sicily in August?
If so, look at Cefalu.

Look for places on the west coast (Trapani?) or the south coast (Sciacca?) rather than between Taormina and Syracuse.

You might want to ask this question on the Tripadvisior Siciliy forum. You'll get a wider spectrum of answers.

For what it's worth, I am not a beach person, but I'd probably investigate one of the Aeolian islands for half the trip--maybe Stromboli. But again, there are many folks on TA that visit Sicily fairly regularly and a few who live there. They can probably steer you away from anything Nice- or Cannes-like.

Agree with the advice to ask on TripAdvisor, where more people have knowledge of beaches and are more familiar with all of Sicily.

I highly recommend that whatever accommodations you secure, you make sure to book in advance beach access, including umbrella, lounge chair, changing room etc. If you leave it until when you arrive, you could find yourself without access to the nicest beaches, and stuck in jam-packed tiny corners of public access beaches. The last 2 weeks of August is THE time for beach-going in Italy, and many Italians head to Sicilian beaches to enjoy them. So reserve your spots in advance.