Now, we are talking about an apartment on the island of Ortigia, Siracusa. If you make a choice to…read morebe on your own nothing can beat this. Top floor status with a generous terrace and that's not an underestimation. Modern with everything you need and more. Top quality, a couple of minutes from the Piazza Duomo. And this goes also for the host and his son. You are warmly treated with respect and interested openness. I experienced the morning sunrise and the late evening's starry sky sitting on the terrace and in between the wonderful view over the Ionian Sea and the Baroque buildings of Ortigia.

As you arrive here, it seems to be in what I would consider not one of the nicest neighborhoods…read more Not in a safety sense, but in general. That is, it is not ultra-center town, so you don't walk out right into the piazza or market. As such, looks are quite deceiving. Once you walk in, you find an absolutely beautiful hotel. The common areas are stunning, and the rooms are updated classic... very nice, with excellent touches. The service of the hotel staff is excellent. All extremely friendly and helpful. I certainly will stay here again next time I am in town.

I just arrived at the hotel tonight after a long day of travel and couldn't be more grateful for…read moreAntonio's 5-star service. He helped me with my luggage, found me a room on a higher room for a better view, and promptly replied when I called down for room service (and followed-through with a delicious margherita pizza for 4,50 euro in 30 minutes!) Hotel is charming with a beautiful "winter garden" room where breakfast is served.

If you have an opportunity, I think this little village (built on the ruins of a Norman castle) is…read moreworth the visit. Take a 45 minute walk from the town or grab a bus to take you up here. If you walk you'll want to plop down at the little café as you enter the village and enjoy some of their biscotti with almond wine/liqueur. From there, wander around the village and ... well, simply enjoy. Check out the well maintained (and active) Chiesa (Church) di San Nicolo di Bari. And um, if you're tired of churches there's a bar in the same square that's full of ... well ... how should I put this? There are several spires, but not religious ones. If you're not the stuffy type, you'll get a kick out of it.

Beautiful villiage with amazing vistas each way you walk. Top of the mountain over Taomarina. Views…read moreof the Mediterranean, and Mount Etna as well as surrounding textured mountains. Lots of cute shops and restaurants in town. You can walk a trail from Taormina, it will be uphill and takes about 40 minutes. There is also a bus for 10 Euro a day that will take you back and forth. This is the furthest a cab will take you up the mountain. From here you take a walkway to a castle that sits high on top for even more magnificent views!