I’d Visit Mt Etna, but here are my thoughts…

Recommended by Emily

in response to Gaby

Eastern Sicily Advice: Stay 2 nights in Noto, Etna wine country, or Syracusa? 9 nights in October, 4 in Taormina (mix of chill and day trips); 3 Brucoli (for a wedding); we’re turning to the Rec League community for the middle 2! We will have a car, which makes Ortigia difficult but also hear Noto is perhaps too quiet. Have also heard it’s great to stay in Etna wine country…would love advice or even pro/cons from anyone who has stayed or visited the region that time of year! We would love to stay in Palermo but that will have to be a future trip!

I went to this area about 7 years ago in late September and used Syracusa as a home base to explore the area by bus and cycling. A few random thoughts:

Two nights is a good amount of time to visit a few wineries at a leisurely pace and enjoy hiking/cycling/being a bit active. Sicily is actually amazing for being outside. Check AllTrails!
If you’re okay with driving, you could swing down through Syracusa and Noto for a day trip. Noto, for me (not a huge history buff) was definitely a day trip in scale. Call to make sure the things you wan to see are open for the time you will be there. Obviously Caffe Sicilia is incredible.
Syracusa recs (though these may be out of date): Caseificio Borderi for big amazing cheese-centric sandwiches, Cappuccio Pesce Fresco for amazing seafood, Evoè for Sicilian wine to go or with snacks.

Enjoy! You are in for an incredible trip.

2 months ago