We are booked on the RS Sicily and South Italy tours in April. Between the tours we will be staying at Hotel Villa Schuler in Taormina Sicily for 5 days. Would love recommendations on must see sites and restaurants. Also if anyone has used a wash & fold for laundry in Taormina. Looking forward to a little R and R by the sea.
Tess
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
In Taormina, we booked a taxi for a couple of hours to take us up to the very small hill town of Castelmola, high above Taormina, nice little town to poke around, with great views. Then on the way back we stopped at the small, rustic church of La Rocca, carved out of the rocks, with a great view of the Amphitheater in Taormina.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
With 5 days, you will likely see every nook and cranny of Taormina. It's not that big at all - the main sites can all be seen in 1 day (5 days is a very generous timeframe). If you have extra time you can hike up to the town above (Castelmola), take a funicular down to the little island and beach below (Isola Bella) or take a short trip to Giardini Naxos or daytrip to Mount Etna. My favorites were the botanical gardens, the Greek theater, and the little alleyways all over the place which were really fun to wander through. Stop at the Bam Bar for dessert - it's very atmospheric.
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/taormina-i-si-ta.htm
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
We discovered Al Giardino on via Bagnoli Croci, looking onto the public garden, hence the name. Such good food, wonderful menu, and an owner who speaks 5 languages. At least, I hope he is still the owner. We had dinner there three times.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Castelmola is a great place to wander around. Another outstanding destination is Mt. Etna. You can take the funicular up to the top and eat at the cafe at the top of the mountain.
Buon viaggio,