Taormina

Pros: Gorgeous breathtaking views of ocean and Mt. Etna.
Cons: Hot in July/August early September. Expensive.

We were told that Taormina was the nicest place in Sicily. When we told someone we were going to Taormina for one week we were told ..."For one week? But you can see Taormina in 1 hour." This was told to us by someone who took a 1 week bus tour of the who ...

Pros: Fascinating to visit sites that are mentioned in Homer's Odyssey and Greek Mythology -
Cons: Driving a rental car not for Seniors...be prepared for walking up steep steps.

Exploring Taormina and it's environs before Easter Week 2005 was a unique experience for us. We had planned our day trips months ago using various known guide books - the usual tourist places were on our list. Our plans were changed once we rented our ...

Pros: Stunning views. Awash in Greek and Roman ruins. Very dramatic active volcano.
Cons: Food is on par with USA Italian restaurants. No outstanding regional food.

We have been to most of Italy and love going back to experience the regions, sights and various styles of cooking. We had never been to Sicily because everyone we know had advised us to do it on a tour as it is very difficult and much more expensive to...

Pros: Lovely shops, many restaurants, clean, lots to see
Cons: Very touristic and thus crowded, not easily accessible, can be pricey if you're not careful

Accessibility
Taormina, one of Sicily's best known tourist towns is situated very near the Eastcoast but high above sea level. Accessibility is a bit compromised as from the shore, and unless you're in for a hefty 30 minute climb, your only...

Pros: Beautiful views, amphitheater, view of Mount Etna, history
Cons: Expensive

When you go to Taormina, you'll realize that Woody Allen sure knows how to pick a movie location: the amphitheater in his film Mighty Aphrodite is from here. The Greeks (who clearly also knew exactly what they were doing) chose to build it on the best ...

Pros: Unique setting and some good shopping.
Cons: Constant conga line of tourists through a generally attractive town.

Yes, Taormina is touristy. If you can go out of season you will enjoy it more. We were there in November, 2003, and especially pleased with our decision to stay in Mazzaro, on the water below the town. It is a short walk to the cable car station, which drops you off nearly in the center of town. There is ample parking below, and you don't have to cope with driving in a very congested town. The restaurants in Taormina are geared for tourists and are not particularly noteworthy. there are some distinctive shops amidst a lot of industrial grade knick-knacks.

The Hotel Villa Sant' Andrea is deservedly a Michelin "red" Hotel, a member of the luxury Framon group of hotels. The public rooms and accommodations are superb, but the food was institutional. Fortunately, there are two excellent seafood restaurants a short walk in either direction along the water.

After the day trippers have gone, strolling through the town at night is enjoyable. The ruins in Siracusa and Agrigento are more memorable, but while you are here, they are worth a stop.