GIAK Travel - Taorminan Italy (Sicily)

Taormina, Sicily

For our indoctrination to Sicily, we took what they call the "get lost trip". On this, small groups of ignorant Americans board public transport, and head off into the unkown. We and our small group grabbed a bus, and headed for Taormina.

Taormina is called the St. Tropez of Sicily, and has attracted the attention almost everyone through the centuries. When people say they've been to Sicily, they normally mean Taormina. It is a great place, and with the visit. The Greeks built the fantastic temple that you see here, the Romans modified it and continued to use it, Goethe, waxed poetic about Taormina, and even D.H. Lawrence called it the "Dawn coast of Europe".

Today, this temple is still in use, still entertaining people with plays and concerts in the summer time. We, however, simply enjoy the views of Mt. Etna, and the mediterranian.

Besides the theater, Taormina also boasts some nice shopping, in a very touristy atmosphere. Despite this, Taormina has become one of our favorte spots on the island. Down below the city are a variety of beaches; we normally hang out at the Isola Bella, in the shadow of Mussalini's villa.

We visit here often, and consider a must do for anyone who comes to Sicily.