Catania vs Taormina

My preference would be Taormina. I noticed the one time we flew into Catania, that there are buses just outside the airport exit doors, to Taormina as well as many other places.

On our first trip to Italy in October 2010, we flew nonstop Chicago to Rome, then immediately boarded a jet to Catania. Upon landing, we were greeted by private transport who drove us to Hotel Villa Schuler in Taormina, where we spent 4 nights.

Some say Taormina is somewhat manufactured & touristed up, but I have to say that I was wowed by the place. The cuisine is an intoxicating mix of Italian, Arab, Greek, Spanish and German influences, the scenery breathtaking at almost every turn. It was cloudy so we couldn't view or visit Mt. Etna, but we did hire a driver to take us up the mountain to the medieval villages of Savoca, Forza D'Agro and Castelmola, the first two being where many of the Sicily scenes in the movie The Godfather were shot. Also viewed some underground catacombs--fascinating!

With all due respect to Catania and the other parts of Sicily, you could do far worse than staying in Taormina.

I haven't been to Catania, but Taormina is magic. When I read that people like Greta Garbo and Gore Vidal spent several months at a time there, I was puzzled - until I went. If I could do that, I would too.

Only three days for Sicily? I guess that's better than no days, but are you sure it's worth the time and expense of the detour? I know I just said how wonderful Taormina was, but there are lots of wonderful places on the mainland too, that will take less time and effort to reach.

It really depends on how you want to allocate your three days. If you want to go south one day, say to see Siracusa, then staying in Catania makes most sense because it's somewhat in the middle of both. That would give you one day in each city (Catania is a big city unlike the compact Taormina).

If, on the other hand, you want to see sites solely in the north, then Taormina makes more sense. Either way, it's very easy to get around from the airport by bus - either to Catania city center, or north or south.

Catania is a big city, while Taormina is a small town with an incredible Roman theater and breathtaking views to the sea below.

I find it a bit crowded and touristy and might stay down at sea level at Taormina-Naxos, but I wouldn't stay in Catania for sure!

The hotel we stayed at, Hotel Elios, is on via Bagnoli Croci, away from the busiest part of Taormina. Excellent restaurant, Il Giardino, just down the road, I mean via, and a pretty public garden just across the way with nice views. The tour buses to Mt Etna stop not very far from the Elios, should you wish to go there.

Thank you all for your comments. I think I'll leave my plans to stay in Taormina.