Sicily resources. . .

We are planning to travel around Sicily for about 10-14 days. Don't know
much in the way of hosteling or budget options, but I do know this is a much
more popular destination nowadays. Wondered if anyone has recommendations
on where to start, and how adequate getting around via public transport or
weather an auto is a necessity.

thanks
enzosf

Hy enzosf,
let me introduce, It's my first time here.
I'm from sicily and if you need any advice feel free to ask.
there's a sicilian web site about home hospitality and home exchange it
could be a nice idea to start. Why don't you go and take a look.
www.sgumma.com
hope to help you
beth

Sicily is great!
Trains and buses pretty much encircle the island. The interior is a
bit less accessible, buses, but few train routes. We had a car for a
few days as well - driving is easy enough, but parking, getting lost,
etc. take a lot of time (rental cars in Italy are the most expensive in
Western Europe - about $100/day avg./with gas, insurance, etc.) - I'd
much rather be on the trains; they bring you to 'where you want to be'.

I loved the south-eastern area (Syracusa vicinity) the best - Boroque
architecture, incredible food...Sicily is cheaper than 'Italy', but
nothing is cheap any more. I went there in 2001 with a budget of
$100/day (single traveler) and treated myself to a 'nice' dinner at
night, usually pizza-ish for lunch, breakfast in the hotel - I never
felt like 'I can't afford to do that' (museum, etc), and I really was
able to stick to my budget. I went back in 2003, with friends, but
still a single traveler, and with $130-150/day I had to skip a few
'nice' dinners and limit my 'extras' to stick with the budget - (this
is with hotels, not hostels, both times)