Sicily - what to see ?

Going to Sicily next week - have about 10 days...What's a must ?

Cefalu', Taormina, Syracruse ?
Aeolian Islands ?

I'm looking for nice villages, beach relaxation, local markets,
views.

Car needed ? Rent there ok ?

alan

"Alan Strassberg" <alan@internal.wj.com> wrote in message
news:cikaij$eqb$1@internal.wj.com...
> Going to Sicily next week - have about 10 days...What's a must ?
>
> Cefalu', Taormina, Syracruse ?
> Aeolian Islands ?
>
> I'm looking for nice villages, beach relaxation, local markets,
> views.
>
> Car needed ? Rent there ok ?

We rented in Palermo and drove around the island. With the exception of
driving in Palermo proper, driving and navigation is easy.

For views, Taormina can't be beat. Go to the old Roman Theater and marvel
at the views of Etna.

Syracusa isn't exactly a village -- more of a small city -- but definitely
worth a visit, particularly if you like ancient ruins. There is a
well-preserved Greek theater. The old section of the city is on a pennisula
(actually an island) and has some beautiful vistas.

We're not beach people, so I can't help you there (we went in December).


>
> alan

In Palermo, the market is fascinating, & the Cathedral at Monreale & the
Palatine Chapel have wonderful mosaics. For more mosaics try to see the
villa at Piazza Armerina - the villa was once a hunting lodge for a Roman
emperor- several rooms with the most wonderful mosaic floors. Interested in
volcanoes? A trip up Etna is exciting. The trip down is even more
fascinating, as you can see the lava paths (and the damage they have
done)quite clearly. If you are in Messina & interested in antiquities, take
the ferry across to Regio Calabria on the mainland & be awed by the Greek
bronzes in the museum. The Aeolian islands have other volcanoes,
particularly Stromboli. Taormina is stunning- if it is too cold for
beaching, just sit & take in the views. Cefalu has another wonderful town
square, made for coffee & people watching And of course the entire island
is one magnificent gelati stop. It is hard not to enjoy Sicily.
Alan Strassberg <alan@internal.wj.com> wrote in message
news:cikaij$eqb$1@internal.wj.com...
> Going to Sicily next week - have about 10 days...What's a must ?
>
> Cefalu', Taormina, Syracruse ?
> Aeolian Islands ?
>
> I'm looking for nice villages, beach relaxation, local markets,
> views.
>
> Car needed ? Rent there ok ?
>
> alan

In article <cikaij$eqb$1@internal.wj.com>, alan@internal.wj.com (Alan
Strassberg) wrote:

> Going to Sicily next week - have about 10 days...What's a must ?

Cefalu and Trapani are both pleasant seaside places, but you really must
make time for Palermo too - a terrific city. Marsala also seemed
attractive, though I only spent a day there.

I couldn't get so excited about Syracuse though the archaeological park is
worth seeing. If you are into Roman remains, Piazza Armerina is a must.

A car will be helpful.