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  • Taormina, Sicily: A Mediterranean Paradise
  • Taormina, Sicily: A Mediterranean Paradise
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Taormina, Sicily: A Mediterranean Paradise

 

Taormina is a beautiful city, located on the cliffs of Sicily, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with rich history and breathtaking landscapes. It is situated near the active volcano, Mount Etna that can be seen in the distance.

 

After a long day of flight delays from London, I arrived very late at Catania Airport in Sicily. Luckily, I had booked a driver to take me to my apartment in Taormina, which was an hour away.

 

It wasn’t until the next morning when I wokeand opened the patio doors that I realized I was in paradise. My charming apartment is owned by Francesca and Tom, who I first met while in Croatia in 2021, when I had stayed in their Airbnb in the small village of Sucuraj on the island of Hvar. Francesca told me if I ever went to Sicily, they had an apartment in Tarominaavailable to rent.

 

The home had been in their family for many generations. The grounds surrounding the apartment is filled with trees and potted plants. The limes trees offered me an endless supply. With high ceilings and lots of windows, there was always a breeze during the day sweeping through the apartment.

What I loved most about the home was the large patio overlooking the town and the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea. In the mornings, I’d sip my coffee and admire the sea view, and at night, I’d have a glass of wine and watch the moon rise. It was the perfect space to read a book and do my daily meditations. And while the apartment isonly seven minutes walking distance into town, there were days I just stayed put and enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of my surroundings.

 

But…there was an island to explore!

 

My Day at Isola Bella

 

Exploring the beautiful beach of Isola Bella was both a challenge and exhilarating. It was so crowded it was impossible to even find a space to put my towel down. But, a dive in the stunning water was worth the adventure. I ended up sitting in a taverna, staring at the sea and enjoying the vibe and people watching.

Isola Bella is connected to a funicular that travels from the center of Taormina down to the beach. That in itself was a challenge because it was very crowded and I had to wait in line 45 minutes for the short 15minute ride up the mountain—But that still beat making the trek uphill with an hour walk.

 

Another day, I decided to take the bus along the coast to try another beach. Of course I got lost, but it worked out perfectly because I ended up in the town of Letojanni, which had a beautiful beach. This beach was far from the mass of Taormina tourists and mostly visited by locals. I spent $15.00 for a lounger and umbrella and spent the day on the uncrowded beach with miles of pristine shoreline.

 

 

Culinary Delights

 

Taormina is more than stunning views. It is a foodie’s paradise-- from fresh seafood to traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini and cannoli.

Gelato stores are and I loved the heavy lemon cream they whipped up to go on top of the gelato. There was even a Sushi restaurant and yes, smash burgers have made their way to Italy!

 

Exploring the Botanical Garden

 

The town’s botanical garden was anotherpeaceful escape from all the tourists and crowded streets. There were so many varieties of plants and trees and beautiful views of the sea. I was also lucky to attend the Garden’s opening of the “Taromina Jazz Festival.”

 

Castelmola

 

Located a few miles above the town of Taromina, is the enchanting village of Castelmola, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna.

To get there, I took a bus ride with lot’s twists and turns flanked by steep mountain cliffs. I admit that watching the bus driver manage those hairpin turns was a bit frightening. This picturesque hilltop village offers history and culture –not to mention stunning panoramic views. I definitely recommend a visit here –it’s worth the bus ride!

 

Teatro Antico di Taormina

 

The highlight of my time in Taormina was the ballet performance of “Roberto Bole and Friends,” which took place in the Teatro Antico di Taormina. Roberto Bolle is a well-known Italian ballet dancer who often performs in Taormina.  The amphitheater was built by the Greeks in the third century B.C. and is the second largest amphitheater in Italy. The ballet,with its stunning background of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, was a truly magical evening.

 

The next leg of my summer adventure takes me to Siracusa, which is a two-hour train ride north of Taormina. Stay tuned… Ciao!

 

 

 

 

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