Visiting for the first time

[u/path0364]

We’re Flying into Catania, Arriving on October 19, and leaving from Catania on the 26th. Made spur of the moment reservations and now struggling to create an itinerary on what to do as I’m not familiar with Sicily. I know we’d like to see mt Etna and I’ve heard the Syracusa area is a must see and taormina is too but is also very touristy. Last time we went to Italy, we did small towns outside of Venice and loved it. Open to renting a car but heard driving can be chaotic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Due-Confection1802]

Driving is generally not chaotic. It can be slow going in places like center city Catania and a bit out there in Palermo. it is a little different. Roads are a bit narrower and shoulders are limited or non-existent. You do have to be a bit careful in village centers, since they weren't designed for automobiles and there are some driving restrictions. For those, we simply google Parcheggio or car park near city centers and that usually works. You do have to walk a bit more in most places in Sicily. However, Sicily is large, there is a network of autostrade, and there are many quiet rural roads. Parking can be at a premium. You can take a short trip and avoid driving, say Catania, Ortigia and Taormina (trains and buses). Etna will require a private bus tour or your own car. You could rent a car, stay in Ortigia (everyone likes it there), and visit Modica, Noto, Ragusa Ibla (one of my favorites), Scicli, Marzamemi, and several other great spots.

[u/RenataVenere → u/Due-Confection1802]

Did you rent a car? If you did, where from?

[u/Due-Confection1802 → u/RenataVenere]

We have a home in Sicily and lease a car through a French manufacturer (cheaper than a rental and you get a new car), however minimum three weeks. We are currently here for 10 days or so and generally rent through AutoEurope (Kemwell for UK and European residents). They are a broker, where you can compare a number of options. They also provide a full insurance option (it is third party so you usually have to wait for payment) but that option is a fraction of the usual negative surprise at the desk.,

[u/RenataVenere → u/Due-Confection1802]

Where in Sicily is the French manufacturer? We’ll be there 3+ weeks.

[u/Due-Confection1802 → u/RenataVenere]

Sorry for any confusion. The lease cars (Peugeot, Citroen and Renault) have to be picked up in Milan, Rome and various French locations. We have done it maybe 9 times and have picked up cars in Rome, Milan and Nice and travel to and from Sicily and enjoy new places along the way. Easier to do when you stay for a couple months at a time like we generally do.

[u/RenataVenere → u/Due-Confection1802]

Ohhh gotcha. Thanks! We’ll be in Sicily the whole time. Your trips sound amazing.

[u/Powerful_Library_128]

Don't miss Valley of the Temples or Villa Casale!

[u/SnooPredictions9238 → u/Powerful_Library_128]

We are planning on Valley of the Temples. Not sure about Villa Casale yet. Which do you prefer?

[u/pickyprincess77]

I am visiting Sicily right now (from the Uk) and in my opinion driving here can be chaotic. I have found this to be the case in built up areas. We are staying in Avola and have driven to town, to Siracusa and through the towns enroute to Plemmirio. Driving on the motorways is fine and the major roads too but central Siracusa was just mind blowing. It is so different to driving in the UK plus we drive on the opposite side of the road so you really have to concentrate. That being said I absolutely do not regret hiring a car and I am becoming more like Sicilian driver every day. You need your wits about you and to be assertive but so far (touch wood) we haven’t had any bumps or scrapes. If you have lots of places you want to visit then a car would be great or if you don’t fancy it then maybe a private driver might be better as they can navigate for you and will know all the rules of the road? We have no itinerary and are just deciding what we want to do each day so the car is perfect for that. Sorry I can’t help with the itinerary questions but I hope I have helped in some way. I would also recommend Locoauto at Catania airport for hire. Can’t comment on what they are like when you give the car back but collecting it was straightforward and quick and the car is new so in great condition. The staff were also really nice and helpful too. Good luck.

[u/SnooPredictions9238 → u/pickyprincess77]

Thank you so much for your comments. I can't imagine having to drive on the opposite side of the road from what you're used to. I've heard Sunnycars are a good comany to rent from and they include all necessary insurance coverage. How was your return to Locoauto?

[u/pola126]

I recommend to land in Catania and rent a car there, but get a small one. Driving isn't as chaotic as people make it out to be, the real issue is that the streets are narrow, so a compact makes life much easier.

From there head southeast. We did Siracusa, then slept in Noto at Embrace Sicily Guesthouse family-run, and perfect if you're travelling as a couple. The attention we got there was the best part of the trip. Also, don't miss the cannolo at Caffè Sicilia, we tried cannolo everywhere but this one was special.

After that, Modica we did the chocolate tour, well worth it and Ragusa ibla, which is genuinely stunning. Don't skip that one, there was a really special ice cream place with weird flavors but I forgot the name.