Taormina

Taormina, a city suspended between blue skies and mesmerizing sea, is nestled among a cascading hillside lavished with nature. Tourists are drawn to Taormina throughout all periods of the year to admire the sun-kissed beaches, antique monuments, beautiful gardens and famous cuisine. This beautiful sea-side community is a little paradise on earth.

Attractions

The “Corso Umberto” between the two arches of

           Porta Messina 2 mn walking distance from The Dolphinsguesthouse  and   Porta Catania, and its alleys are the pedestrian area of Taormina .

The griek-roman  theatre, other smaller archeological areas, the botanical garden,

more historical buildings enriche the town center.

A cableway and some small pedestrian path connect Taormina to the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella (Nature reserve WWF) below. Towering above Taormina is the church of the Madonna della Rocca, and further above is the neighbouring historical town of Castelmola. Both are challenging but rewarding walks. There are also local buses as an easier option.

Particular events in Taormina are the East Fryday and Corpus Domini processions

Day Excursions

Day excursions are possible to the cities of Forza DÀgró (bus or walking), Messina (bus), Catania (bus or train), Siracusa (train). Two agencies (SAT and CST) are offering day excursions also to Agrigento, Palermo and the Eolian Islands by Coach.

You can also take advantage of a private individual tour with English speaking guide/driver and deluxe car with air-conditioning by contacting Sicily Life www.sicilylife.com .

Mt. Etna

To reach Mt. Etna, the best option is to rent a car ,

having this way the possibility to visit the Alcantara gorges and the town of Castiglione di Sicilia,

or prefering to join an organized tour, there are the SAT or SAIS companys that provide half or full day excursions.

Starting from Giarre/Riposto (reachable by train) there is a small train (Circumetnea) that makes the round trip to Catania across the small towns surrounding Mt. Etna. At about halfway, there is a stop in the town of Randazzo (weekly market on Sunday mornings) famous for its Lava Cathedral . To return to Taormina from Catania you can take a normal train or a bus (from the train station of Catania).
More information is available at  www.mountetna.net .