Where to stay Sicily?
 

Hello,

We are a couple in our late fifties, traveling to Taormina for 6 nights for a work trip at the end of April. We’d like to add a few more days to our trip and we were wondering where we should base ourselves after Taormina. We like historical sights (Roman ruins), cultural sights, and food. We are flying into Catania, but could fly out of Palermo.

Should we base ourselves in Palermo or is that too hectic if we visit sights outside the city? We’d be happy to stay in the countryside if we could find a place that is accessible to sights. Should we maybe stop one night on our way into Palermo and then settle there? If so, where would you recommend? I have been looking in and all around Palermo, but I can’t figure out what would be the most central place to stay. Thank you!

For Roman ruins, areas to the east of Sicily might make more sense than Palermo -- the mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale are truly magnificent. There are also some Roman ruins among the Greek ones in delightful Siracusa. You could easily visit the Villa Romana en route to Siracusa, which holds more than enough to occupy several days.

Palermo is also a fascinating place. Whether to head there, and whether to stop somewhere en route, really depend on what you want to see and experience.

Thank you! This is a great idea.

Would you recommend staying in Ortigia or will that be difficult with a car?

Yes to staying in Ortigia! And yes, having a car while there will complicate your stay, so research your options. But ... will you need a car while there? Maybe you could pick up a rental when leaving Taormina (where I can't imagine having a car would be a benefit) and drop it in Siracusa? With the exception of the Villa Romana, most of the key sights in that part of Sicily can be easily reached from Siracusa by public transportation, and that includes the airport in Catania.

Catch a bus to Ortigia, lots to do there

Catania - Siracusa, Catania - Piazza Armerina and Piazza Armerina - Palermo can be done by direct bus without any problem.
Piazza Armerina - Agrigento would mean a bus change at either Gela or Caltanissetta.

We loved Ortegia. Taormina not so much. Our hotel in Ortegia was next to a large car park so easy to leave and go for day trips. Argientoto and the Villa would be good to visit along with some towns a short distance to Orgiento. Depends on your interests and how much time you have

I’ve been to Sicily a few times, and personally I’d base myself in Palermo after Taormina. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s also the best hub for exploring — you’re close to Monreale, Cefalù, and plenty of Roman/Greek sites. I tried staying in the countryside once, and while it was peaceful, it added too much driving time. My favourite combo is a night in Cefalù for the coast, then 3–4 nights in Palermo for the food, history, and day-trips. It’s the most convenient and enjoyable balance.

I’ve been to Sicily a few times, and personally I’d base myself in Palermo after Taormina. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s also the best hub for exploring — you’re close to Monreale, Cefalù, and plenty of Roman/Greek sites. I tried staying in the countryside once, and while it was peaceful, it added too much driving time. My favourite combo is a night in Cefalù for the coast, then 3–4 nights in Palermo for the food, history, and day-trips. It’s the most convenient and enjoyable balance.

@ adamdylan: What Roman ruins are near Palermo? I know a number of Greek ruins in the area, but I think most of the Roman ruins are in eastern Sicily. That would seem important to me, given that the OP expressed a specific interest in Roman ruins.

kja is right: in Western Sicily, I know only Solunto and the Roman Villa at Porto Empedocle.

Consider from your post, I would suggest the following:

1. Taormina: offers luxury, views, and history.
2. Syracuse: excellent for history and charm.
3. For beach lovers, San Vito Lo Capo is a top choice.

....there is no need to go up to often crowded San Vito lo Capo. The beaches South of Siracusa/Noto ar good too.

I think exploring the southeast (Modica, Noto, Scicli, etc) would be a nice contrast to Taormina. We used Noto as a base.