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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Castione della Presolana – Winter Fun Vacation in a little known Mountain Community

Castione della Presolana, the last town in the Upper Seriana Valley, owes its name in part to Mount Presolana which dominates over the area. The Castione basin and its outlying district of Bratto, Dorga and Cantoniera face each other in terrace-fashion along the road that leads up to Presolana Pass. The pass faces Adamello and serves as a divide between the Valle Seriana and the Valle di Scalve. Castione is a classic Bergamo winter resort and is also frequented during the summer due to its panoramic location and the fine hotels that have a long tradition of hospitality.


The ski lifts are located in the Cantoniera area toward the pass and in the south on Monte Pora. The slopes range from beginner to expert and the scenic view is captivating, as are the cross-country ski trails at 1600 meters. The slopes are not just limited to skiing. The wide trails permit snowboarding and sledding. The local operators also organize classes for all experience levels.

Rock and Mountain climbing are also big attractions with numerous groups organizing excursions in both the winter and summer months. For young climbers the local groups organize classes during the summer time for some spectacular climbs. Cycling is one of the most followed sports in the Bergamasca. The Presolana is no exception sponsoring international races riding over and through the 2,200 meter passes. Finally a new addition in the last 10 years is the appearance of top grade golf courses including both Italian and European competitions.

The Presolana is a destination, like many destinations in Italy, primarily known by the locals. The schools prepare fieldtrips and the older kids will make this a favorite weekend destination. The lack of notoriety does not mean that the snow is not great or the infrastructures are not adequate. Close by are the Springs of San Pellegrino, the water so famous here in the US. Spa treatments are available with a little planning and there are numerous B & B, Agriturismo and apartments for rent. I cannot suggest great lodging because I lived just a hop, skip and jump away but the people are friendly and down to earth. They could easily be your drinking buddies on a Saturday night.

This is a white winter vacation for those who want to stay away from the crowds and just enjoy a week in the snow. The food is fantastic, many of the local dishes are traditional Bergamasco so Polenta Taragna, Pizzoccheri with porcini mushrooms, Taleggio, Casoncelli, and wild Boar are just a few of the hearty dishes. Carnevale is celebrated with masks on the ski slopes including night parades with torches. Vin Brule’, dancing, live music and pastries are on tap just about all year round. Surely no one will write about this jewel of a small but for me it was a winter escape for many years.


Tags: Winter Vacations Presolana Bergamo Skiing Spa Mountain Climbing Travel Italy

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