Mt Etna stands as a sentinel guarding the beautiful city of Taormina below. From the ship, to a tender to a bus that took us up to the city entrance as we enjoyed breath taking views at every turn.
The downtown centre represents a variety of historical periods, from the early Greek settlements and the Roman ago to the remains of Byzantine and Medieval construction up to the 15th Century Catalan buildings and 17th century Baroque churches and palaces.
A stroll down Corso Umberto is a feast for your senses as you pass bakeries, tratorias, cafes and gelateries of course. We noticed that the quality of merchandise was much better that the last visit 4 years ago— but some if the prices where molto $$$$. Needless to say, there were plenty of souvenir shops all around and lots of shoppers.
A short uphill climb from Piazza Duomo, took us to the Greco Roman Theatre ruins (picture above,) which are fairly well preserved and offer expansive views of the bay and picturesque cities around. This theater was built by the Greeks in the 3rd century and later almost completely remodeled by the Romans. It is the 2nd largest in Sicily, surpassed only by the Greek Theatre in Siracusa. If you have time, visit the Palazzo Corvaja which is the most important palace in town.
You can reach the beach area, taking the cable-car in 5 minutes on foot, from the center town. Good sturdy comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this ‘Sicilian Experience’.
Whether you come for the history, culture or just to stroll around with the friendly locals, Taormina, Sicily is certainly an unforgettable part of Italy that should be on every itinerary.
