Another possibility that is much closer is Lido di Ostia. It is a beach resort near the airport. Lots of locals - it's where the Romans go. Lively and lots of restaurants. Not romantic, though we enjoyed our last night in Italy there. http://www.ostialido.it/index_e.php http://www.lidodiostia.org/ (in Italian) http://www.atypical.net/gallery/ostia

We visited Ostia Antica as well - although I don't know how it compares to Sicily. http://www.ostia-antica.org/

Frances Toronto, Canada