Astoria Palace Hotel, Palermo

Advantages: Great view of the sea, great swimming pool
Disadvantages: Coach loads, not for younger segment

...Please don't let the title put you off! The hotel is actually very nice next to a stream on the beach front in a little town outside of agrigento. We flew in to Palermo Airport and drove down to the hotel on the other side of Sicily. Words of warning here. The map shows a motorway going next to Palermo (like a bypass). Don't take it unless you want to have a hear attack. The Sicilians drive cars like nutters and all of them had dents! and in Palermo you have free for all with mopeds and pedestrians on this alleged motorway... After getting through Palermo the road is more sedate through the hills and mountains of Sicily, you will travel through Mafia country but they always leave tourists alone (bad for their reputation...) Agrigento is another nightmare traffic wise with no lane markings, directions, traffic lights are "advisory... Read review

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Advantages: Cultural diversity, historical interest, weather, food
Disadvantages: Can be difficult to navigate!

...It has been said that Sicily is Italy in concentrated form but that detracts from the many unique natures of the island which has enough of her own charms to win out over any of her mediterranean competitors. Palermo as the capital of Sicily has come down a peg or two over the course of history, being, at one time the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies before the Bourbons transferred themselves to Naples. But the vestiges of a regal past are very much evident in the old Sicilian capital. The most notable site being the Norman Palace at the gate of the Porta Nuova. It is possible to enter the palace to see the Royal Chapel but the opening hours are a little erratic (especially at the weekend) so it is always best to check when to go in advance. Whilst at Piazza Indipendenza (outside the palace), you should get the bus up... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful Culture and Scenery
Disadvantages: Mad Drivers in traffic choked streets!

...of getting about, but there are quite reasonable taxis, and buses to get around, and the cable car service between Taormina and the beach at Mazzaro is not to be missed. This cost us 2.60 euros return. We found a very good Trattoria "Al Giardino" just by our hotel in Via Bagnoli Croce, opposite the Public Gardens, which is well worth a visit also. On the downside of travelling here though, we found Air Italia's service very dissapointing indeed, especially when a group of our friends joining us were diverted the Palermo airport instead of Catania due to the baggage handlers goining on strike, subsequently causing them to drive from Palermo to Taormina - which they all described as a nightmare of a journey ! More direct flights also should be available, as we had to fly via Rome last time (never again). Next time we will be alot fussier about our... Read review

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