Taormina Rocks Amayzingness! One of the more dramatic looking towns in Sicily, Taormina is place I keep visiting. Why? It's on top of a mountain, overlooking the coast of Eastern Sicily, the people are reserved as most Sicilians, the history incredible, the views of Mt. Etna (you can see lava flow at night) and the Ionian Sea, breathtaking!! The ceramics (if you haven't seen the color Taormina Red, is present in ceramics), the food, authentic. My fave resto in Taormina, Tischi Toschi sits off the main street. Oh yes, the delicious gelati (Sicilian pistachio, almonds/mandorla and liquirizia/licorice at O'scialty). Some friends who spent 5 days in the Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento found Taormina really cool, cheaper and fun also. The Amalfi is played out and trendy, not really known for cuisine and culture so I quest for less "fashionable" places when I travel. Taormina, although visited by Europeans, is one of those cool places I love. Taormina is situated on a mesa, winding roads past beautiful sea vistas, take you there. Or take the funicular up to the mountain if you're staying at the bottom. Aside from its interesting history of takeovers and invasions by different cultures, the village of Taormina is home to expats, artists, writers, photographers, intellectuals. It's one of the wealthier towns in Sicily, where tourists and residents take strolls into the evening, window-shopping, eating gelati, having a drink at some of the neighborhood bars.... stunning to walk in day or night. The people of Taormina are happy to oblige because they are appreciative that travelers make it up to their somewhat isolated village. Visits: 3, Yelp=1 Tip: Stay in Taormina your first time as the scenery changes from day to evening; it's stunning views are enough to make you fall in love with the place. Taormina is a shopper's paradise: clothing, Italian chic, Sicilian marzipan goods and almond type cookies, antiquities and great dining options. This city is great for a 2 day stay and you can drive your rental here with no issues; parking lots are accessible. Taormina is about 45 minutes by car from the Catania airport (reachable from London, Berlin and other cities in Europe for cheap and from many cities in Italy). Cabs cost about €85 one way, make sure you ask for the price before you get into the cab. There is a train from CTA that stops close to Taormina and cab it to your hotel. Airfare from FCO (Rome) to Catania (CTA) is approx $50 one way for an hour flight. read more

See all

One of the most beatiful sea-side city I've ever been during my italian summer vacation. Amazing landscape, astonishinig sea-side and beaches and wonderfull restaurant/bar in which to spend time and have your lunch/dinner. People are warm and wellcome you kindly. Love Italy and love this city over others. read more