Hello, <BR>we are looking for a hotel in the Messina area of Sicily. We are only going to be staying 1 or 2 nights. We will be taking the train in and want to visit the place where my husband's grandparents are from. <BR> <BR>The town is Raccuia and it's near Patti in the Messina area. <BR> <BR>We are looking to maybe stay in Taormina. <BR> <BR>We will then drive over to Sciacca and visit with members of my family any recommendations on hotels in Sciacca? <BR> <BR>We will be a total of 8 people including 2 small children. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any replies

<BR>Dear Jo, <BR> <BR>Out of curiosity, I did a quick internet search re lodging in "your" town of Raccuia. There's an agriturismo place there. That's a farm that offers rooms and meals to guests. (I stayed in one in San Salvatore di Fitalia, which is also in province of Messina.) <BR>Name: CASA LIPERNIIt might be fun for you to stay one night right there to get the feel of the local area, instead of driving in from a crowded (but beautiful!!) tourist center like Taormina. Here's the info on the agriturismo place in Raccuia: <BR>Name: CASA LIPERNI <BR>Owner: Calogera Bellomo <BR>Address: Contrada Fosso Chiodo <BR> 98067 Raccuia <BR>Tel.: 0941-21915 <BR> <BR> Carol

I just looked up a map. Raccuia, also spelled Raccuja, seems to be in the Nebrodi Mts., though not within the confines of the park. So it must be a beautiful location, and the area is worth exploring, if you'd like to see fairly unspoiled towns and soft mountains where there are very few tourists. I think this town is in the middle of the main hazelnut-producing area, so it the surroundings will look very green, not at all burned and dry like some parts of Sicily. <BR> <BR>You can take a train from Messina to Patti or Capo d'Orlando and then figure out how to get to Raccuia from either of those towns. Right near Patti is Tindari, with interesting Greco-Roman ruins. If you stay at an agriturismo, the owner will probably be willing to pick you up. Or some town official may offer to pick you up if you write to the municipal hall and ask questions and say when you're coming. Or some distant relative may surface and want to pick you up. Good things may happen that will make the visit easier than you ever imagined. (They did for me.) <BR> <BR>I realize this is more than you asked for, but if it's not too late during your planning, I thought you might want to consider spending more time in this area, in addition to spending time in the Taormina and Etna area.

Here it is.

Check out site for "villa Ducale" hotel in Taormina. It's truly first class.

A bit off the subject, but I recently gave a friend the book "A House in Sicily" by Daphne Phelps and she loved it. Friend has spent much time in Sicily since she's an archaeologist. The book was a happy find for me, as friend enjoyed it much--and now has lent it to me to read! THought others Sicily-bound might like to read it, too.

The most gorgeous place in Taormina is the San Domenico Palace--it is a restored monestery and it over looks the mediterrean sea. View is fantastic. <BR>Expensive but memorable. <BR>larry

Hi Larry <BR>We are going to be in Taormina in the end of December. Would you please tell us more about San Domenico Palace and include any contact information. I am looking for a great place where we can celebrate my husband's birthday. Thanks

The Jolly Hotel in Messina..it's right <BR>on the Harbor and convenient....the rooms are adequate....we stayed there<BR>last June...the people very friendly..<BR>restaurant is nice..but for 1 or 2 nights I think it would be perfect..<BR><BR>Taormina is gorgeous..you will love it!!!<BR>Nancy

We just returned from 10 days in Sicily - 5 at Villa Ducale in Taormina. It is a great place to stay = see the web site. If you can find a place to stay in country near family site you should do so. While researching our trip we found lots of agrotourism sites that looked interesting.