Yes, about 7 years ago

Sicily is fantastic! Catania & Palermo are OK, but only worth a day each really - you'll not miss much by skipping them - the real Sicily is outside these two towns. We hired a car and drove round the island: Catania then down the coast to Syracuse and then to the southern tip and then across to Noto (baroque heaven) and then across to Agrigento (roman & Greek temples) and (can't remember the name - famous Roman villa/palace). Then across to Palermo and then to a little place perched on top of a mountain where you can see practically the whole island and finally a couple of days in Taormina waiting for Etna to erupt (it didn't).

Driving anywhere in Italy is stressful; but I nearly had a nervous breakdown driving in Catania & Palermo rush hours! The food & wine is fantastic and cheap just about whereever you go. The scenery is beautiful and dramatic and the history interesting because of it's strategic importance and lots of ruins here and there. We found it easy to find places to stay (although it was April) with the aid of a good guide book.

Read Goethe's chapter on Sicily from "Travels in Italy" before you go - fascinating.

Posted By: BerlinCanary, Jun 16, 20:27:17