The Irresistible Charm of Taormina, Sicily
Have you ever been somewhere and felt like your soul just felt at home…even though you have never been there before? That was me when I visited Taormina for the first time. My soul connected to this place, the people, the sights, sounds and smells like the comfort of your mom’s hug after you scraped your knee. It was surprising to me as I had just been to Santorini and Positano days before, two places that had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and thought nothing could top that, especially somewhere I had not heard of or had even been on my radar previously.
My dream has always been the Amalfi coast. I had seen Only You with Robert Downey Jr. and Marissa Tomei and swore I would one day visit Positano and drive down the twisting roads of the Amalfi coastline with my hair blowing in the warm Italian sun, breathing in the smells of lemon trees and the ocean, while drinking wine and dining in the best restaurants. And don’t get me wrong, it was all that…and a bag of chips! It was incredible, even in the rain. It was everything I had dreamed of…but instead I stuffed my face with pizza and gelato and bought pottery and of course took a million pictures.
But then came a day in Sicily, where I journeyed by bus to Taormina, this quaint little town with beautiful shops, gourmet restaurants and historic landmarks. This quiet, charming little seaside resort town sits on a hilltop on the eastern coast of Sicily, located near Mount Etna, and is what you dream the Italian coast would look like.
The city is a perfect blend of old world charm and modern day life, seamlessly bridging the gap between locals and tourists. Corso Umberto is Taormina's main road through the city and cuts straight through the center of town. There are winding cobblestone streets off it, lined with boutiques and vendors selling everything from art and produce to clothing and souvenirs. There are restaurants with seating on staircases, musicians and artists along your stroll and even a single person street…yup…you read that right…The Vicolo Stretto or Narrow alley, is one of the narrowest streets in Italy. It is less than 50 cm wide, maintained throughout its length. It is a must see!
There is even a 10,000 seat Greek Theater, Teatro Antico di Taormina, that was erected in the third century BC and is still in use today. It is totally worth visiting for the views alone. On a clear day you get an amazing vantage point of Mount Etna and backdrops for your pictures your friends will thing you created in AI, they are so perfect. The natural beauty of this seaside city has earned the nickname of Pearl of the Ionian Sea.
The medieval buildings and architecture are steeped in history and there are tours and guides if you want to explore the more ancient and enchanting side of the city. For those that come to Italy for the culinary delights, Taormina does not disappoint. From traditional Italian delights to fresh seafood and everything in between, there is something for everyone. And the scenery and mood at each, are just as diverse as the food.
I only had a day in this beautiful city, buy it was enough to leave my heart there. I will be going back this Fall and I cannot wait to meander the city streets, breathing in the ocean air and immersing myself in the people and culture that make this place so special. Taormina is definitely a place that should be on your bucket list.
BBB -Boho Blue Best
Da Flying Nerd Travel
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