Taormina Sicily – Hot Vacation Spot on the slopes of Mount Etna

Have you ever thought of playing a round of golf in the shadows of an Active Volcano? Think about putting on the 14th green, snow covered mountain slopes visible in the distance and continuous fireworks show sparkling over the peak of the towering giant. A cool breeze carries hints of salt from the early morning waves on the beach just below. Golf is not your game, how about an after-dinner game of tennis in the Mediterranean gardens on a warm summer night? Ok, I get it, sports and vacation is not your thing, how about a relaxing in an open-air arena, built in 200 BC, overlooking the peaceful bay with the wind in your hair and the sun warming your body? Still not convinced? How about strolling down the streets of medieval architecture chatting with local artisans presenting their wares created with the passion of ancestral tradition?

For those who have visited the Amalfi Coast or Montecarlo Taormina will seem strangely familiar. The city, settled in 396 AD, maintains the primary infrastructures and architecture built during the Roman Empire. Over the centuries Taormina, as most of Sicily, has been powerful and then conquered to again regain its prominence. In the 1800s Taormina was the favorite vacation destination of the American and European aristocrats, a colony of expatriate artists, writers, and intellectuals. D. H. Lawrence stayed here at the Fontana Vecchia from 1920 to 1922, and wrote a number of his poems, novels, short stories, and essays, and a travel book, Sea and Sardinia.

Today, the David di Donatello Taormina Film Festival has been held for over fifty years, with international film stars viewing films on a screen erected in the Greek theatre. During the Festival Taormina becomes a “one stop shopping” destination for the who’s who of cinema. This is a weeklong opportunity to hob knob at a local bar or restaurant with your favorite star.

Carnival in Taormina, usually the first three weeks of February, Friday, Saturday and Sunday have numerous events and parades. The final week of Carnival in Taormina translates to festive parties, feasts and costume balls.

Taormina can be expensive. This is more true in the peak periods as Taormina is one of Italy’s most famous destinations. It is extremely important to plan well and make reservations significantly in advance.

One of my spots is an antique home of nobility in the heart of Taormina, the Hotel Villa Taormina, The Sicilian garden is incredibly relaxing, this is a small luxurious residence of total Sicilian character. The atmosphere is exclusive, decorated with antique furniture in an original mix of Baroque, Neo-classic and Imperial styles with refined elegance. Villa Taormina, among the hotels in Taormina, is a hidden jewel. The hotel only has 8 rooms and is located walking distance from the primary destinations. Breakfast on the terrace is rejuvenating with fresh squeezed juices, fruit, and pastries consumed with a breathtaking view and a cool morning breeze.

Taormina is a great stop on a vacation initiating in Catania, visiting mount Etna and some of the great Agriturismo on your way to Messina. Take a few days and relax, eat foods from the local markets and pamper yourself in the fantastic taverns.

Tags: Catania Food and Wine Taormina Golf Theater Italian Vacations sicily Travel Italy

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Vacationing on the Sicilian Volcano – Agriturismo Il Ciliegio del Etna

Vacationing in Sicily is a bit different than the rest of Italy. The breathtaking landscapes, the rich cultural traditions, and the balance in life are part of the experience as the rest of Italy however the distances between locations are greater. Knowing your way around the island and the places to stay and eat is also extremely important as one can easily find themselves in an expensive structure that does not meet their expectations. This is more true in the large cities of Catania and Palermo. Over the years, with the help of Sicilian friends, I have found some interesting solutions that are both reasonably priced and where the service is excellent.

Outside of Catania, at 300 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the volcano Etna there is a great little agriturismo. When staying in the city is not a requirement this is a great destination. The internal restaurant prepares traditional recipes and is worth a visit even if you do not lodge in the rooms. The structure was initially built in the 1800s and recently restructured maintaining the original characteristics. Located in San Giovanni Montebello in the city of Giarre the Agriturismo Il Ciliegio del Etna is only 20 minutes from Taormina and overlooks the Sicilian coast of Catania.

The complex is in the middle of a citrus and fruit orchard. Needless to say the fruit, when in season, is heavenly. The restaurant is not sophisticated. It is like coming to dinner at your Italian cousin’s home. Homemade pasta, Mafalda bread, free-range meats, fruit preserves, Sicilian Pecorino, vegetables under oil, and the Olive Oil from the orchards of Etna. The Olive Oil is unique. The minerals and ash from the volcano, still active, enriches the land and gives the Olives from this area their flavor.

The agriturismo offers numerous activities. You can engage in cycling around the mountain, tennis, ping-pong and horseback riding. They also organize day trips for snorkeling in the Sicilian waters, deep sea fishing, hiking toward the mouth of the volcano, and boat tours through the caves along the coast.

This is a vacation into Sicilian life. The rooms are not luxurious, but they do have air conditioning. This is an opportunity to experience the rugged but beautiful island of Sicily through the flavors of the foods, the smell of the land, and the taste of the wine.

Agriturismo Il Ciliegio del Etna
Via F. Meda, 88/90
San Giovanni Montebello - Giarre (CT) - SICILY


Tags: Catania Food and Wine Agriturismo Italian Restaurants Italian Hotels Italian Vacations Sicily Travel Italy

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