Just got back from Sicily.Did a twin centre Cefalu and Taormina with Holiday Options.
We had a week at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina absolutely superb.One of the "Leading Hotels of the World".Very very posh but loved every minute of it.
It was built in 15C as a monastery and we were given a convent room one of the monks cells.Bedroom quite small but adequate.Lovely bathroom with fluffy towels changed twice a day.All the usual toiletries,bathrobes and slippers.
Feather bed with gorgeous bed linen changed every day.
French balcony with the most amazing view of Etna and the sea.
Taormina is the loveliest place with great views from everywhere.If you like Sorrento then you will love this place.
Definitely going back but maybe not to the San Dom very expensive but then again maybe we will.I have been completely spoiled.
Cheers.

Thanks holidaylover - the more we read and see of Taormina, the more we think we'll like the place.

Hi All
I'm feeling quite wistful(sigh).Thinking about my holiday in Taormina last month.I can't understand why the Sicilian Tourist Board don't push it more.Can't believe I didn't find this place years ago.

I agree, it's such a beautiful place yet I had heard nothing of it until I started reserching into the area before we went away. It has a delightful feel and some amazing views yet it's only a few minutes from the beach. I will definitely return to Taormina.

I have thought that about a few places I've visited over the years Holidaylover, but dont knock it - it you find somewhere really special that's not promoted greatly it keeps it nice. Promote places too much and they just become crassly commercialised (like most of Spain over the past 30 years).

Hi Klofron
You are quite right.We certainly do not want places we love to become too commercialised.
Looking at 2006 brochures Brit Tour Ops seem to have cottoned on in a big way.
Is Italy already the next Spain?
Shhhh we won't talk about it anymore.In fact sorry I had my wistful
moment.Must have been two glasses(or three)of wine too many.
Regards.

We have just returned from a fabulous DIY holiday in Sicily. Sicily has a reputation of being expensive, we paid £750 for a huge 2 bedoom apartment with magnificent views across (INVALID URL £550 for flights to Catania (Air Malta) and £350 for a Ford Focus (Nova) for 2 weeks for 2 adults and 3 kids.
Mount Etna is a "must-do". The cable car goes about two thirds of the way up and there is a jeep which takes you almost to the summit. It is very eerie and quiet up their, apart from the wind, very lunar! We stayed in Cefalu, on the north coast, which is a nice resort - very "Italian", not too touristy. We also visited Palermo (by train), Corlione (hubby is obsessed with The Godfather - wouldn't bother making the trip - nothing much there!), Mazzaro, Messina and Taormina. Taormina is very very touristy, with lots of tacky souvenier shops, but is very picturesque. You can also go on boat trips to the Aeloian Islands.
Cefalu has a nice sandy beach and there always seemed to be lost to do - there was a Pirate Festival, the festival of the patron saint of Cefalu, with parades and a huge firework display, the 3 day Festa della Madonna, the festival of the Assumption, the Coca Cola roadshow, with a disco on the beach, an open-air cinema, lots of nice shops, a puppet theatre, people-watching on the beach or in cafes etc etc. It is extremely hot in August (unfortunately we are tied to school holidays, so have no choice) and we saw quite a few hill-fires - the kids were fascinated, watching the planes fill up with water to put out the fires!
I would definately recommend Sicily to anyone!

Anyone been to Sicily who can tell me about it. Is it possible to fly there direct from Scotland? I had seen a hotel on one of the websites that looked really lovely with wonderful views of mount Etna from the balconies of the rooms. I cannot remember the name of it, all I remember is that it was called Hotel Villa Ducal or something similar???? Does anyone know of this hotel who can tell me more about it please.What is the weather like in July. thanks,

#never been - but I'm thinking of taking my family in October.

I can tell you that it'll be scorchingly hot in July!

The weather will definitely be sunny, but it can be dangerously hot in July so make sure you're well hydrated and well protected. Taormina is probably the resort you're thinking of in Sicily which is indeed beautiful. However to really get the best out of Sicily you have to read up on it quite a bit. There are many important architectural and historical treasures and beautiful landscapes but lots of problems too. Taormina is fairly safe - just exercise the same precautions as you would at home. Apparently near some of the hotels down at the coast you have to be careful with your bags etc but I've been to Sicily twice with no problems. The food is exquisite. Try to eat at places where the Sicilians eat - I think they probably have the best cuisine on the planet. Also, don't be offended if the restaurant staff look a bit dubious about your choices from the menu. They really do know what food choices and combinations can make your meal into a memorable experience. If they suggest something it may be worthwhile taking their advice. Sometimes the house wines will be the owner's home-made brew but it will usually set your meal off wonderfully well.

Would Sicily be a good destination for a long weekend?

My partner would love to go to Sicily and we're thinking of leaving the children home, but we wouldn't leave them for any longer.

Going to Sicily how far is Taormina from Palermo, is it to far for a 4 night stay

Hi, could anyone tell me how easy it would be to get a train or bus from Pozzallo to Palermo, as we are staying in Malta and would like to do a trip from there? Also, if it would be easier to drive. We are willing to stay overnight in Palermo. Any info on the easiest route would be appreciated. Thanks

Alex, Sicily a weekend would be great as a taster for this fascinating island. Were you thinking of flying into Palermo or Catania? You could of course have two weekends, one at each side!

kft, Palermo is quite a way from Taormina, it would take a few hours, see map below.

http://www.investsicily.com/map_files/sicily%20large.jpg

Scousemouse - Sorry for the very late reply, I have had no email notification of yours

To answer your question I have only looked at flying into Palermo. To be honest I thought that was the only airport there.
We have looked at a lovely hotel 10 mins walk from the centre of Taormina.

We can't decide between here and Nice.

Hi going to Sicily for a day on our Cruise any Ideas what to do while there?
We have never been before.
Thanks Liz.

Merged with existing topic. You may find some information in earlier posts.

luci

We go in 3 weeks to Sicily, anybody know if we could possibly do mount Etna cable car from the port in half a day?
Also any advise on what to do there when we get of the ship?
Thanks Liz.

Hi

I am new to this site but have found quite a lot of good information, so thanks all. However, I am hoping for more.
My sister & I (both in mid 30's) would like to go to Sicily,beginning of May for 1week.
We want to do some sightseeing mostly but would also like to relax on a good beach (for atleast 1 day) before going back to the stress of work in England.
Where is the best place to be based? We will be on a tight budget so is public transport a lot cheaper than booking arranged tours to sites like Mount Etna? Is it easy to get from place to place on buses & trains? my sister hasn't had a holiday in over 2years do to her work commitments so I'd appreciate your help so that she can enjoy every minute she is there.

Many thanks in advance
Suzi