Sicily - Taormina

The hill top town of Taormina is not to be given a miss whenever you are visiting the east coast of Sicily. Situated above Giardini with splendid views of the bay below, it has high street shopping second to none, a plethora of cafes and eateries to suit all comers, jewellers, hairdressing salons and small boutique style outlets to keep you looking and walking and stopping all day long. It has beautiful architecture in places, small piazzas and alleyways with hidden little gems waiting to be discovered. Don't just walk on the main thoroughfare, veer off and just follow instinct, you cannot get lost because you are on a hill top. Now how's that for a sales pitch?!
One more thing - it is Sicily's most visited area, together with Giardini - come and see it!

Giardini bay from the road leading to Taormina - Etna in the background

 

Ditto the above

 

We took the bus from our camperstop for the 20 minute ride to the terminus at Taormina, a scenic ride along the Giardini promenade following the beach, up the hill until you reach the terminus. Another 10 minute walk gets you to the main all pedestrian thoroughfare. My first stop was at the Barber, old school men's salon smelling of Old Spice aftershave and leather seats. I had a 5 minute wait and then sat down to an easy going 30 minute haircut with people passing by and some greeting the barber with a quick 'Ciao Guiseppe'. Even a Nun from a local convent came in and said hello to us proffering a blessing .... ! We are in Sicily!

 

Main pedestrian thoroughfare

 

Fruit and plants at an alimentari (general dealer)

 

Residential alleyway

 

North African influence

 

Passage to an art studio

 

Terrace of the 5* Metropole Hotel - Mt Etna in the distance

 

Sunny piazza with a view!

 

Decorative balcony

 

Sunny cafes and eateries

 

Excavations with a tiny cafe at the top

 

Avenues and alleyways, uncrowded in low season

 

Enjoying a pizza with some local gals - and a cool Moretti beer

 

Our visit was uncrowded and leisurely over some five hours with a midday espresso on a lovely piazza overlooking the sea below, walking the alleyways and narrow streets as the whim took us, ending up at a tucked away restaurant / pizzeria frequented by locals with a sunny terrace. Very Italian and very local with very professional service. How's that for ending the day!