Catania would be your most convenient base in Eastern Sicily via public transport. Taormina is optimal for Etna, and Etna wineries, but it’s also possible to visit Etna from Siracusa, and wineries as well, but then also the UNESCO Val di Noto towns.
Where should I base myself in Sicily?
Where to stay in Sicily: 14 Best Areas to Stay in Sicily
- Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
- Catania, nice city to stay in Sicily to explore the island.
- Cefalu, good place to stay in Sicily for families.
- Taormina, one of the best places to stay in Sicily.
- Trapani, charming old town and gateway to Aegadian Islands.
Where should I stay in Sicily for the first time?
Palermo is the best place to stay in Sicily if you are visiting for the first time as you will have easy access to the main attractions of Sicily and be able to reach nice beaches easily.
Which is the nicest part of Sicily?
Top 15 Places to visit in Sicily
- 1) Taormina.
- 2) Syracuse and Ortigia Island.
- 3) Lampedusa and Rabbit Beach – Pelagie Islands.
- 4) Val di Noto.
- 5) Aeolian Islands.
- 6) Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples.
- 7) Cefalù
- 8) Mount Etna.
Which is better Palermo or Catania?
Palermo “may” have the edge on markets, but overall, Catania is better for shopping – You would find boutique shopping on via Etnea, as well as hypermarkets all around Catania. There are beaches in Catania and beaches easily reached by public bus from Catania towards the airport – Mondello is Palermo’s beach.
Which is better Catania or Taormina?
If you prefer large, gritty, working cities, then stay in Catania. If you prefer a beautiful mediaeval resort hill town, then stay in Taormina. If you prefer a mix of the two, then stay in Siracusa, since Siracusa amicably blends everyday life and tourism. And also consider your intended day trip destinations.
Is Taormina too touristy?
Not Disneyland, but Taormina is a beautiful mediaeval hill town with a Teatro Greco, lovely garden, alleys to wander and explore, and stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna, but Taormina is a tourist resort town with a high ratio of tourists to locals.
Which side of Sicily has the best beaches?
Sicily’s best beaches: chosen by readers
- On the south coast, this is close to Agrigento but far less touristy.
- Pristine white sands and the beautiful backdrop of a rocky mountain jutting dramatically out into the sea are just a couple of reasons to go to this tropical-feeling beach in the west of Sicily, near Trapani.
What is the best month to visit Sicily?
The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. These late spring and early fall months offer hospitable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, which are ideal for temple gazing, beach lazing or hiking. These are both considered shoulder seasons, and you may be able to score some discounts.
How many days do you need in Sicily?
Sicily can be experienced in as little as 3 to 5 days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it’s much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have 7 days you can explore a meaningful section of the island.
How long does it take to drive around Sicily?
I was able to complete my tour of Sicily – driving approximately 900 miles around the entire island in nine days and eight nights. There were early mornings, of course, and, at times, long stretches between stops. But since the main roads are well maintained, you can move about fairly quickly.
Is Sicily a good place to retire?
Sicily is one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations, but it is also a well known place to settle down and enjoy retirement. Being the largest island in the Mediterranean, you will have no shortage of cities, beaches, or breath-taking countryside to choose from.
Is Taormina safe?
Without a doubt Taormina is the safest town in all of Sicily. Since it’s Sicily’s chicest resort town, English is widely spoken.
Where are the best sandy beaches in Sicily?
From pebble shores and smooth sands to hidden coves and off-the-radar spots, these are the best beaches in Sicily to seek out.
- Cala Dogana, Levanzo.
- San Vito lo Capo, Trapani.
- Caletta del Bue Marino, Trapani.
- Cala Mazzo di Sciacca, Trapani.
Can Etna be seen from Palermo?
From a touristic perspective, the main thing you need to know about Mt Etna is that it is well worth the day trip out from Palermo. There are many places in the city that offer you distant views of the volcano, but this is no substitute for being up close.
Is Catania a touristy?
Catania isn’t touristy or overly expensive, and it’s actually a UNESCO site. Although Catania enjoys the best public transport connections in Eastern Sicily, 8-10 days is a long time to spend in Catania.
Do you need a car in Sicily?
If you are visiting Sicily for 2 or 3 days, more than likely you may not need to rent a car. There is so much to do in the large cities, and public transport is readily available. As with many old Italian cities, some streets are quite narrow and parking can be difficult.
Does Taormina have a beach?
Mazzarò Beach
The most popular beach in Taormina (and one of the most popular in all of Sicily) is the Baia di Mazzarò just below Taormina.
Where can I stay in Sicily without a car?
If you are looking for where to stay in Sicily without a car, I recommend you consider staying in the northern town of Cefalu. The town is small enough to comfortably explore on foot, but still has plenty to keep you occupied, as evidenced by the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Is it worth staying in Taormina?
Taormina—The Gem of Sicily
My opinion of Taormina is that it is certainly worth more than a day to fully enjoy all that the area has to offer. It is also possibly the most beautiful place that you will visit in Sicily. Enjoy your stay.
Is Taormina Sicily expensive?
Though Taormina is a chic and expensive resort, it is still possible to find reasonably priced and good value hotels and restaurants.
