Sicily in November

I'm going to Sicily for one week at the begining of November and am
looking for recommendations for places to go / avoid. The prime reason
for this holiday is to relax and enjoy the food, though it would be
nice to have the flexibility to explore and see the sights on those
days we're feeling energetic!

We (my wife, my one year old daughter and I) fly into Catania but from
what I've heard there isn't much of a reason to stay there; places
suggested so far include Siracusa and Taormina.

Would you suggest that we base ourself out of one location (and if so
where?) and then explore or do you think seven days is enough time to
do three days in one place and four days in another (again, where do
you suggest)?

Would you suggest we get a car or are the trains as good as mainland
Italy?

Any tips re hotels (good 3*s and 4*s) would also be appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Yamit

Thanks Ken,

We do have a tempestuous child with us so we do need to be slightly
pragmatic about how much we can fit in. It's looking like we'll stay
on the East side of Sicily this time and look at doing the West another
time...especially as I've heard so many wonderful things
about Palermo and Agrigento....and of course, Corleone.

Current thoughts are to:

>> Hire a car

>> Base ourselves in Siracusa for half the holiday - as I really want to see the Greek Ruins and the Temples of Ortigya. Also its a convenient place to take a day trip to Modica to pick up some of their famous chocolate liqueur!

>> Base ourselves in Taormina for the second half of the holiday - everyone speaks so highly of it and we could also see/climb Mt Etna. We could also make a day trip up to Milazzo and see if we can get across to the Lipari Islands

Of course if we have problems with our daughter and/or weather both
Siracusa and Taormina look like ideal places for us to while the day
away in a piazza somewhere with a good cup of coffee and a novel
(currently thinking 'Midnight in Sicily' by Peter Robb).

Either way, hopefully that should provide us with an nice introduction
to Sicily and ensure us a pleasant holiday.

Yamit

[Liotru2006]

QUOTE : ....and of course, Corleone.

The perfect way to insult Sicilians is to associate Sicily with the Mafia and to visit places because you think it would be "cool" to see the Corleone signpost or something like that. The residents of Corleone don't like foreigners coming for these "Mafia-holidays" so please be respectful.