offseason

Group of six, spending 6 days on Sicily in spring 2010, yes 2 years out. Nothing like planning ahead. We will rent a villa/private home. We would like suggestions for what area on Sicily would be a good base to rent in. We will have at least one car.

I have checked this board and have seen mentioned many places of interest; Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, Siracusa, Monreale near Palermo. Well these locations and others are spread out all over Sicily.

Can we realistically see the major points of interest in 6 days? How about 13 days? What is the real driving time from Siracusa to Palermo? We have seen many beautiful villas for rent on, or with views of, the sea. Or does it make more sense to rent a place in the middle of the island like in Enna or Caltanissetta?

TIA for all your help.

Paul

kja

Hi, offseason -

It really depends on what you want to see and do and your preferred pace of travel, but in my opinion, 6 days is NOT enough to realistically see the major points of interest in Sicily. 13 days is more realistic, and you would likely need at least 2 bases - one in the west and one in the east. And possibly a 3rd base in or near Agrigento.

Hope that helps!

offseason

Thanks KJA. I have received emails also suggesting it is not practical to stay in one location for a week. We are now planning to stay in 2 to 3 different locations for a couple nights each.

I would still appreciate input on points of interest, which ones you thought were most interesting; Recommendations for hotels/B&B's/2-3 night villa rentals, etc.; Restaurants.

Paul

bobthenavigator

Do a search above for my trip report from 2005 named "Navigating in Sicily". It take twice that time to see Sicily. I would concentrate east or west but not both.

kja

Hi again, Paul -

If you search this board, I think you'll find a lot of information about interesting places in Sicily. For comments on some restaurants I enjoyed, search for my post entitled "Southern Italian Restaurants".

Sicily is wonderful - enjoy!