Sicily
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jagmanx
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We did not really enjoy Sicily for a variety of reasons
Very narrow roads in towns..We nearly got stuck 3 times
Little wild camping..expensive camping
Noisy and dirty in car parks
We found some good spots so not trying to dissuade you.
Also F hot in July
We found Italy mainland good with several excellent Sostas
Our round trip was almost 3 months
Very narrow roads in towns..We nearly got stuck 3 times
Little wild camping..expensive camping
Noisy and dirty in car parks
We found some good spots so not trying to dissuade you.
Also F hot in July
2018 Italy 3
Italy 3A Mon 17th July - Tue 24th Firstly North up the "instep" before driving eastwards to "the ankle" or even "Achilles heel". Gioai Tauro is pleasant and although it is work in progress (swimming...
philmotorhome.weebly.com
We found Italy mainland good with several excellent Sostas
Our round trip was almost 3 months
Val54
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Yes we did it a few years ago and it’s well worth the effort. We were originally going to get the ferry from Genoa to Palermo but various blogs put us off using Palermo at that time. So we switched to Civitivecchia to Termini Immerese which is a few kilometers east of Palermo. Used GNV ferries - no problems and the extra travel in Italy was well worth it as Termini Immerese is a doddle to get in and out of. Not sure how the port at Genoa is coping with the bridge collapse. Returned across the Messina Straits and went over to Puglia before turning north for home. Campsites were fine, typical Italian, a bit tight on space but friendly. The roads away from the main arteries are very varied and some of the hilltop villages can be a challenge but we managed ok in a 7 metre moho. Road signage leaves a lot to be desired, either nonexistent or very small. The only time we got stuck in a town was through missing a tiny sign on a post with about 20 others, but the local police did a grand job in extricating us form a very small square, just adds to the experience!
Clunegapyears
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We went to Sicily in 2016. Stayed for nearly 3 months. Did the Messina crossing from San Giovanni on the mainland. It was cheaper to get a three month ticket, especially as we weren’t sure quite when we would want to return. Driving down through the mainland we experienced worse and worse driving the further south we went. You have to be warned that Sicily is off the Richter scale. The plus side of this, is that since then, we don’t find any driving in any country worse. Our nerves are now made of steel.
However the people are absolutely charming. Camp site manager coming round with fresh vegetables that they had grown. We asked directions of one chap and he gave us his fine Olive oil. Another campsite manager gave us a lift into town. A couple of times we were aware of mafia but only because of talking to locals or people that stayed there a lot. Things like campsites getting planning permission because the mafia and another one not because they aren’t.
There are more ancient sites Greek and Roman, then anywhere else. The mosaics are stunning. The Sicilian Baroque towns gorgeous. Lovely beaches. And the best Aronchini (rice stuffed balls) you will ever taste. Part of the south coast is poly tunnel city. Not pretty. But the benefit is that you get really cheap and fresh vegetables at the market.
Lots of roads are not suitable even for a mid-size motorhome. We managed to block a hill town for an hour and a half. Use Google satellite view. Check the route really carefully before you set off. Park outside towns and walk or cycle in. Even then, we tried to find one place and found the road I had substance and couldn’t get to where we wanted. This involved a high speed reverse through a mudslide. But all part of the experience.
We would really make recommend Sicily to anyone. It is almost like a rite of passage for motorhoming. If you want to see what we did ... clunegapyears.com and search on Sicily.
However the people are absolutely charming. Camp site manager coming round with fresh vegetables that they had grown. We asked directions of one chap and he gave us his fine Olive oil. Another campsite manager gave us a lift into town. A couple of times we were aware of mafia but only because of talking to locals or people that stayed there a lot. Things like campsites getting planning permission because the mafia and another one not because they aren’t.
There are more ancient sites Greek and Roman, then anywhere else. The mosaics are stunning. The Sicilian Baroque towns gorgeous. Lovely beaches. And the best Aronchini (rice stuffed balls) you will ever taste. Part of the south coast is poly tunnel city. Not pretty. But the benefit is that you get really cheap and fresh vegetables at the market.
Lots of roads are not suitable even for a mid-size motorhome. We managed to block a hill town for an hour and a half. Use Google satellite view. Check the route really carefully before you set off. Park outside towns and walk or cycle in. Even then, we tried to find one place and found the road I had substance and couldn’t get to where we wanted. This involved a high speed reverse through a mudslide. But all part of the experience.
We would really make recommend Sicily to anyone. It is almost like a rite of passage for motorhoming. If you want to see what we did ... clunegapyears.com and search on Sicily.
