I enjoyed taking the Hydrofoil to Naples from Sicily. I think that we spent our last night in Sicily in the Aeloian Islands (Panarea, I think), and grabbed the hydrofoil from the Islands directly to Mergellina. It took about 4 hours. The Islands are spectacular. I have visited them a couple of times, but not in the last few years.

Also, I agree that a car is necessary in Sicily. I love Sicily, and woudn't miss it for the world if I were you.

best wishes Jonathan Chimene NY