We plan on staying a few extra days at the end of the tour and would just like to relax and enjoy the beauty before we head back. Even though the trip ends in Catania, would you recommend spending the time in Taormina or Catania. We would like access to a beautiful beach and a picturesque walking town. If you have any hotels to recommend, I would appreciate it.
Posted by
CA, USA
1343 posts
We were on the Sicily tour a few years ago so I'd say not Taormina. You take a cable car down to the beach which is just a smallish cove. We went down to relax and swim on our free afternoon in Taormina, renting chairs and an umbrella. It was ok but it isn't what I'd consider a beautiful beach. You can find pictures online and see what you think. As for walking, in the evening Taormina has a charming shopping street but during the day it is slammed with day-trippers if cruise ships are in town and walking is like going thru molasses.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9361 posts
When we did the tour, we thought we should have added days in neither place, but rather go to Cefalu, and then fly back from Palermo (Punta Raisa).
Posted by
back in the Americas
783 posts
I am assuming that you fly out of Catania since tour ends there. Your choice of Taormina or Catania offers two very different experiences. Taormina is beautiful but very small and you will already have been there as part of your tour. Beaches in that area are rocky, not sandy. It is quaint, and attractive with gorgeous views of the coast and Etna. Catania is a big vibrant , loud, nitty gritty city and your tour doesn't spend much time there. There are quite a few very interesting sites there to explore. I know nothing about the beaches in or near Catania, but I have read that there are sandy beaches south of the city, accessible by public bus. Catania has a different kind of beauty and vibe than Taormina. In the evenings the passegiata is in full swing with lots of locals strolling in the main piazza and on Via Etnea. Both choices lend themselves to interesting daytrips. Base your choice on your personal travel style and interests.
If you stay in Taormina make sure you visit the community gardens, (Villa Communale di Taormina) for an oasis of shade and greenery and tremendous coastal views. Check to see if there are any concerts scheduled in the Teatro Antico during your stay. Maybe take a boat tour along the coast. You could easily do a daytrip to Savoca or Messina or some of the Aci towns. I stayed at B&B Evelyne a few years ago and it was pleasant. I was in Taormina again in March of this year but as a daytrip by bus from Catania. In March in Catania we stayed at B&B San Placido Inn, very near to the St. Agatha Cathedral so location was excellent, with big rooms, good breakfast, large outdoor terraza with views of Mt. Etna, and elevator. My room had a small terrace looking out over the port.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you for the advice. We had heard that Taormina was a beautiful town but if it’s a stop for cruise ships, we’ve dealt with that and it’s not fun. I welcome more comments about Taormina if anyone has other thoughts. I’ll look into Cefalu and see if that’s more of what we’re looking for.
Posted by
NC
588 posts
We did not spend any time in Catania, but were in both Taormina and Cefalu. Our experience in Cefalu was that it was unwelcoming, very touristy, extremely crowded and even the food was subpar. It is the one stop in Sicily that we would not repeat. Conversely, we enjoyed our two night stay in Taormina. The locals there were friendly and happy to help with tips on where to eat/drink outside of the more touristy area. And, the Teatro Antico has jaw-droppingly, gorgeous views…but you will see that on your tour. If it were me, I would return to Palermo and relax there… Plenty to do, people are welcoming and food is great.