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Sicily Travel-7 Things To Do In Taormina Italy

August 26, 2015 by Florentina 74 Comments

A collection of photos and videos from our Sicily Travel adventure + 7 things to do in Taormina the jewel of the Mediterranean !

Goethe was right: ” to have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything “

Sicily Travel-7 Things to Do in Taormina

When we decided on going to Sicily this summer we really wanted to get away from it all. We were not after the fanciest hotels and resorts as after a while they all look pretty much the same. So much so that it doesn’t really make much difference if we go to Sicily or Miami.

We were after some adventure, we wanted to do Sicily the way Italians and Sicilians do Sicily. So we ventured across the mystery surrounded island, from Palermo to Catania, Messina and Taormina, to the top of a mountain where the wind and warm sea breeze would embrace us with its silence. The Sicilian silence you have to hear and feel in your soul … The beauty, the love, the pain, the sorrow, the perfection of imperfection, the peace, you can feel it all with one deep slow breath …

The first night We rested our heads in a charming little hotel in the center of Palermo, Hotel Ambasciatori ! Old wooden elevators, simple furniture, tall ceilings, spacious rooms, and a spectacular terrace view with a whiff of old Sicily all around it, the perfect setting for two lovebirds looking for shelter from the mid August pouring rains.

A walk to the Champagnerie for a late night pizza and drinks in front of the Teatro Massimo is the perfect way to intertwine your stay with the fabric of the Palermitane(I) lives.

Sicily Travel-7 Things to Do in TaorminaSicily Travel-7 Things to Do in Taormina

The next morning we were on a bus to Messina and a short train ride to Taormina. We took a cab up the mountain to Hotel Bel Soggiorno, an old Italian villa standing there since 1908. Gorgeous wrought iron veranda , our own terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. Just what my soul was searching for.

Drying my hair and my clothes in the fresh morning sea breeze and enjoying endless meals of Sicilian tomatoes and freshly picked basil from outside our bedroom door, just a couple of lines off of my bucket list of things to do in Taormina !

Sicily Travel-7 Things to Do in TaorminaSicily Travel-7 Things to Do in TaorminaSicily Travel-7 Things to Do in Taormina

Sicily Travel-7 Things to Do in Taormina Italy

Here is my Sicily Travel list – have done them all!

7 Things to Do in Taormina Sicily

1. Eat Sicilian Cannoli, only the best will do at Roberto’s. Stuffed in front of your eyes with real fresh ricotta. While you are at it grab some real nougat to go.

Pasticceria Roberto: Via Calapitrulli, 9, Taormina Sicily, Italy

2. Have dinner at al Giardino Ristorante, a family run restaurant with simple but delicious Sicilian cuisine. Must ask for the ricotta fritters !
Via Bagnoli Croce, 84, Taormina Sicily, Italy

Sicily Travel-7 Things To Do In Taormina

3. Have Pizza at Santa Lucia Trattoria -Pizzeria on Via Cappuccini , 8 Taormina Sicily. A simple Sicilian pizza parlor where the locals go. Hidden on a side street away from your topical tourist trap this tiny restaurant is a hidden gem. Don’t expect anything fancy but at least a 30 minute wait, because this pizza is the real deal, the best pizza you’ll ever have in your life. This is the real deal kids !

Sicily Travel -7 Things to do in Taormina

4. Go to the Opera at the Teatro Antico Di Taormina. The ancient theater of Taormina from the Greek period, under the stars by the sea, an unmatched experience in an absolute picturesque location.

Sicily Travel- 7 Things to do in Taormina

5. Visit Castel Mola, rarely visited by non-Sicilians, this is a fascinating place with breathtaking views and so much history.

Sicily Travel- 7 Things to do in TaorminaSicily Travel- 7 Things to do in TaorminaSicily Travel- 7 Things to do in Taormina

6. Get your Italian custom handmade sandals by Luigi at Bottega Del Sandalo on Via Bagnoli Croce, 30 – Taormina. This one is for the ladies along with strolling up and down Corso Umberto, the Main Street in Taormina filled with shops and terraces.

7. Take the gondola from Taormina down to Massaro beach and Isola Bella ! A Thrilling ride especially if you’ve never taken the gondola before and enjoy pure beauty all around you! Time for IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE 🙂

Sicily Travel- 7 Things to do in TaorminaSicily Travel- 7 Things to do in Taormina

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Filed Under: TRAVEL

About Florentina

Hi, I'm Florentina, the voice behind the wholesome recipes you find in this journal. But I'm not alone, I'm really just channeling the Man in the Photo, one recipe at a time! Thank you for joining me in my quest for the art of simple, rustic living, trying to capture the raw beauty of organic food & life through the lens of my Iphone and camera.

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Comments

  1. Christine

    August 27, 2015 at 7:35 am

    Lovely lovely lovely. And you look so relaxed. That theatre almost made me cry. MUST get there.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm

      oh Christine, that theater gave me goosies. A chill and a feeling so Divine I could never even attempt to describe into words. I hope you get to go there 🙂

      Reply
  2. nagimaehashi

    August 27, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    You look like a LOCAL!!! I think my fave is you on the moped. I mean, I think you could have done more of a PlayBoy poise on it…

    I’m so jealous! Reading this and seeing the photos….I WANT TO GO!! N x

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      OMG Nagi you crack me up bahahaha ! Yes I got that LOCAL thing everywhere, say one word in the sicilian dialect and you won’t hear another word of English ever again. Oh my, I hope you figure out a way to go, not that Rome and Milan and Tuscany aren’t great, but they are nothing like Sicily. You gotta be there and feel the magic, I know YOU WOULD LOVE IT ! Just let me know so i can send you all the info and contacts you need 😉

      Reply
  3. errely

    August 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Oh my gosh – The FOOD and the lovely scenery! I hope that I can make it to Sicily someday. It’s where my family is from and it is just so pretty!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      Whaaat ? You must go ASAP or I’ll send you to the naughty corner 😉

      Reply
  4. jessicanwood

    August 27, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    I went to Italy right after high school and I feel like I didn’t fully appreciate how amazing it is. I’m dying to go back and now I really want to go to Sicily!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:33 pm

      You have to !!

      Reply
  5. athleticavocado

    August 27, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    I’ve been to italy before but never sIcily! It looks so beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories

    August 27, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Jealous!! Wonderful post!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 8:45 pm

      Don’t hate, Participate 😛

      Reply
  7. homemadefoodjunkie

    August 27, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Florentina I am SO jealous! You travel exactly as My husband and I have in Mexico. We would love to go to Italy and maybe will someday. In the meantime I will enjoy your travels through your videos and pictures. I LOVE the hotels you stayed in. Such charm and cultural perspective in the old ones. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      I love Mexico ! That’s our InstaTravel location. We need to swap Mexico travel tips !

      Reply
  8. Platter Talk

    August 27, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    These photos of Sicily are phenomenal; my only question is, how could you stop at 7 things to do?! Very nicely done, thank you for taking us here!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 27, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      Great question!! I had to contain myself and keep the post to a digestable length (I hope that makes sense ). But you are right, 7 is just a number, I could have done a Top 100 List here for sure haha !

      Reply
  9. Renee

    August 27, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    This looks like an amazing trip! I’ve never been, but certainly hope to some day!!

    Reply
  10. Sara

    August 27, 2015 at 9:53 pm

    I need to go to italy! One of my top ten places to go. The pictures are amazing 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:44 pm

      aww thank you ! My iphone is my best friend !

      Reply
  11. Matti

    August 28, 2015 at 1:11 am

    Si si Florentina! Taormina has been in our travel plans for long time and few years ago it was so close to happend-:) Anyway we will def do our dream come true very soon my friend:)

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 12:31 pm

      Of course you will Matti ! i expect a full detailed report as well! 😉

      Reply
  12. Sarah

    August 28, 2015 at 1:41 am

    Hi, Florentina! First of all, you look so beautiful in all your pictures! I love that white dress! Second, I am sooo jealous of your Italian journeys. I agree that the best way to see Italy (or any place for that matter ) is to do it the way the locals would. You get so much more out of it that way.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      awww thank you Sarah, I’m blushing 😉 I love that white dress too, mostly b/c it is so comfortable and summery and easy to pack. And then b/c I got a killer deal online last year, like 80% off. Hehe, it’s how i do ! Locals are your best friend when you travel anywhere, or you will find yourself in a tourist trap at every corner, experiencing nothing but a commercialized version of that place.

      Reply
  13. Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com

    August 28, 2015 at 4:32 am

    I love your to do list 🙂 Beautiful pics give one a sense of the place and the pace of life.

    Reply
  14. theskinnypot

    August 28, 2015 at 5:16 am

    Wow, the photos are beuatiful and your outfit looks gorgeous! Looks fun.

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:32 pm

      awww thank you so much ! 🙂

      Reply
  15. rosemolloy59

    August 28, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Italy really is a beautiful country, so much to see, one day I hope to travel to Sicily. Your photos are gorgeous.

    Reply
  16. Tina Marie

    August 28, 2015 at 7:34 am

    Very Beautiful pictures! I would love to go one day.

    Reply
  17. Claudia | Gourmet Project

    August 28, 2015 at 7:58 am

    my grandparents were from Sicily so I have a special relationship with this wonderful island. glad you enjoyed it!

    Reply
  18. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago

    August 28, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Such beautiful photos! Makes me want to go hop on a plane right now!!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      Thank you ! About the plane, try to avoid Alitalia and connecting through Rome. I want to love Alitalia but arghhhhh

      Reply
  19. Marye

    August 28, 2015 at 8:28 am

    I have always wanted to go to Italy… I haven’t been there yet but it is definitely on my list of places to go. Your images are beautiful!

    Reply
  20. cass0327

    August 28, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Looks amazing! One of my bucket list countries to visit! Beautiful photos!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you so much, hope you cross that off your bucket list really soon 😉

      Reply
  21. Christopher Kimball

    August 28, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Not sure which is better, the food or the pics of Italy! Great post!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      Sicily is everything !

      Reply
  22. Molly ~ EasycookingwithMolly

    August 28, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Sicily is within our list of Top 10 places to visit in world. Your pictures just made me crave a Sicilian vacation right now. So much fun with all the great food, scenic places and shopping – what more a girl can ask for 😉 You seriously look like a Model esp in the pic with vespa -Hugs!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:40 pm

      blushing 🙂 Molly this is a girl’s dream come true. I hope you book that flight soon.

      Reply
  23. Patti @ CooksRecipeCollection.com

    August 28, 2015 at 11:30 am

    What an amazing trip and photos!

    Reply
  24. lydiaf1963

    August 28, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Enjoyed the photos. Looks like you had an amazing trip!

    Reply
  25. Oana | Adore Foods

    August 28, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Looks like you guys had a fantastic trip! Sicily is on our list TOO and hopefully will get there soon. Loving your photos 🙂 They just take me there on the streets, having my private tour 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you Oana ! I just tried to portray a real glimpse of the life there, I really hope you make it to Sicily soon.

      Reply
  26. kelleyandcricket

    August 28, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    What an amazing trip! I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, and if I do someday I will for sure refer back here to this post!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      Of course you will !

      Reply
  27. Pretty Practical Pantry

    August 28, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Rome has been on my bucket list for many years. This will surely be of much help planning our trip for next year. Gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:37 pm

      Rome is cool except that airport is hell, but ” Sicily is the Clue to Everything ” 😉

      Reply
  28. A_Nerd_Cooks

    August 28, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Gahh gorgeous. I would so love to go some day.

    Reply
  29. Derek

    August 28, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    Ah man, I miss Italy. I’ve been all over, but you make me want to go back and enjoy the good eats. Awesome pics, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Derek, as you know the Cannoli alone are worth that flight 😉

      Reply
  30. WhitBit's Indian Kitchen

    August 28, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Florentina…wow..some of these photos look like they could be paintings..brilliant! I would LOVE to go to Sicily. My brother in law is from Italy, so all the Italy talk has always made me want to visit!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      why Thank you, i’m flattered, IPHONE forever 😉 I really hope you go, it will change you, Sicily has a way to get in one’s soul.

      Reply
  31. Hillary Reeves

    August 28, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Oh, how I’d love to take this trip! Marvelous tips!!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 28, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      I hope you do too 🙂

      Reply
  32. jtrogstad

    August 28, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Sicily sounds and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your trip with us! Yummy food too!

    Reply
  33. Lalaine

    August 28, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    Wow! You just put Italy on my bucket list! Love the pictures, especially the “toes”. Nothing says vacay than feet up in the air. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Richa Gupta

    August 29, 2015 at 9:27 am

    That trip looks fantastic! I’m so so jealous right now 🙂 I’ve been to Milan and the Gelatos were to die for. Can’t wait to visit Sicily after your post.

    Reply
  35. Katalina @ Peas & Peonies

    August 29, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    What a fantastic trip, I love all your adventures!

    Reply
  36. Whitney

    August 29, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    Would love to visit Sicily one day! The pizza and ricotta shells sound delicious! Beautiful pictures, and looks like a wonderful vacation!

    Reply
  37. Michelle@healthiersteps

    August 29, 2015 at 11:19 pm

    Sicily is on my bucket list, I can’t wait to go

    Reply
  38. Dinner, then Dessert

    August 30, 2015 at 9:43 am

    What a beautiful location! Sounds like you had an amazing time!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      Yes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.

      Reply
    • Florentina

      August 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      Yes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.

      Reply
    • Florentina

      August 30, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      Yes it was absolutely a scene out of a movie. Wish it lasted longer of course.

      Reply
  39. Trish @ Rhubarbarians

    August 31, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Oh my gosh girl, I am SO JEALOUS! It’s a dream of mine to go to Italy, Sicily especially. And I love that white dress!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 31, 2015 at 9:53 am

      aww thank you ! I love that dress too, it was a real steal in clearance a couple of years back and it has traveled with me from California to Kauai to Mexico, Italy and Romania. I have a hunch its gonna take a trip to El Salvador and Cuba soon haha

      Reply
  40. Sandra @ A Dash of Sanity

    August 31, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    I would hop on a plane right now and go if I could! It looks so beautiful and I’m sure the food is amazing!

    Reply
    • Florentina

      August 31, 2015 at 9:42 pm

      yes and yes, I hope you get a chance to go someday, Sicily will stay with you forever.

      Reply
  41. Chrissie Baker (The Busy Baker)

    September 1, 2015 at 7:48 am

    I’ve been to Italy several times (I used to live in Austria) but I’ve never been to Sicily! Your post has convinced me 🙂 I must go! Love the photos. They remind me of that soul-satisfying feeling you wrote about that travel experiences can bring. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

    Reply
    • Florentina

      September 1, 2015 at 11:54 am

      awww Italy is a wonderful place to visit, but Sicily has a magic you’ll be carrying for years to come.

      Reply

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Ciao Florentina Channeling the Man in the Photo, one recipe at a time, mostly Italian and Vegetarian lifestyle! Please join my quest for the art of simple, rustic living, trying to capture the raw beauty of food & life through the lens of my Iphone - Florentina L.

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