Sicily with a 5-year-old | Italy - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 19:54:14 +0000

Hi everyone!

I booked a week's stay at an agriturismo near Etna beginning of May with my little child. I fly into Catania and rent a car for the week. I don't want to spend too much time in the car with my son. One week is a short period, but I would like to do a mix of culture, beach and nature. I am thinking of doing a short hike on Mt. Etna. Being this close I shouldn't miss the opportunity I guess. Would you think it would be doable to go to the Aolean islands on a day trip? Or should I spend at least one night there? I also think of visiting Siracusa, Taormina and maybe Alcantara canyon. Would it be too far to drive to Noto and/or Agregento? What beach would you recommend?

Any tips or advice are highly appriated!

ONLINE

Tue, 02 May 2017 14:09:10 +0000

Hi!
Really it's worth to visit Aolean islands. Every island has its own attractions.If you take the farthest island it's not enough one day. Only ship to this island takes 2-3 hours to get there.Also timetable is not very flexible as you could see on the internet.No cars allowed to be taken to Stromboli. Better the nearest port Milazzo.

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ONLINE

Tue, 02 May 2017 20:41:53 +0000

Hi Ryte,

Thanks for your answer! Do you have a link of a timetable for ferries to the islands? Do you think I can just show up or would I need to book in advance?

Thanks for your help!

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ONLINE

Wed, 03 May 2017 05:28:14 +0000

In response to #2

Hi!
The hydrofoil and ferry operators SIREMAR [2], Ustica Lines [3], and NGI [4] all connect Aeolian Islands to each other and Sicily. Remember no bringing a full-sized car with you to Stromboli, Ginostra or Panarea as you'll have no place to use it. I see the same is on Vulcano despite that it has better developed road system. Try to look "get around" info at http://wikitravel.org/en for every island. So is better to leave car at Milazzo. Ask at the car rent office where is possible to leave car for some time at Milazzo port.
Changing point of boats is Lipari. In the port I saw only Siremar and Ustica line ships. Perhaps NGI has another port or operates at the high season. I was in Sicily in October without any advance booking. Better is to avoid long weekends. What about you, depends at what time of May you go. Write e-mail to ticket office.
On the spot everything will be seen better.
Links for timetable:
http://www.siremar.it/
Be careful about your pockets especially in Palermo, Catania, Siracusa! Bring your bag on the inner shoulder not outer(from street). So there is need for some control about your things.

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Fri, 04 May 2018 01:00:15 +0000

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