Since Sicily seems to be fairly pricely I am thinking about for a week of a vacation to rent an apartment in a beach area of the island. Is there a place that would be recommended for easy day trips to the archaeological sites? Has anyone used welcometosicily.com for renting apartments? Their prices seem reasonable.

Since you will be in Sicily only one week, your idea to base yourself in one location makes sense. However, no matter what location you select, it will be a bit of a challenge to see all of the important archeological sites as day trips. For example, if you select to base yourself in Agrigento, you would be within striking distance of Segesta, Selinunte, Palermo, Piazza Armerina, Siracusa and Taormina. The latter two constitute tiring day trips by car from Agrigento (but nevertheless doable). By contrast, Taormina and Siracusa are too far for day trips to Segesta and Selinunte. Hope this helps....

I would actually be in Sicily for closer to 2 weeks (should have mentioned that). Maybe the 1st week stay in Taormina and Palermo, Lipari?, then spend the 2nd week in Agrigento. Would do you think?

If you will be in Sicily for two weeks, I would definitely split the overnights in at least two locations: Taormina for the east coast and Palermo for the western area. If you will have a rental car, you could even stay in the environs of Palermo (e.g. Santa Flavia/Solunto or Trabia) and of Taormina (e.g. Letojanni or Naxos). The following side trips could be made:<BR><BR>From Palermo area:<BR>Segesta, Erice/Trapani, San Vito lo Capo, Mozia, Marsala, Selinunte, Agrigento, Cefalu, Monreale, Solunto, Imera<BR><BR>From Taormina area:<BR>Lipari, Catania, Piazza Armerina/Casale, Caltagirone, Palazzolo Akreide, Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa

Recently returned from Sicily - spent 13 nights on Sicily (plus 5 on Lipari and 2 in Calabria - the latter two thanks to GAC - see above posting!) <BR><BR>We broke the Sicily (ex Lipari) portion of our stay down as follows:<BR><BR>1) 5 nights near Siracusa - did day trips to Siracusa, Noto/Pachino, Piazza Armerina (and Caltagirone same day) - had planned a day trip to Taormina but my husband was ill that day - it would have been an easy day trip<BR><BR>2) 6 nights in Sciacca - 45 minutes West of Agrigento (by car) - did day trips to Palmero (2 days including Monreale), Segesta/Erice/Trapani, Selinunte<BR><BR>2) Two nights near Gangi (interior)<BR><BR>The east/west split was very practical. Writing a trip report now but if you have specific questions happy to help if I can.