ITALY - CLASSICAL SICILY
£ 1,849
CLASSICAL SICILY
The largest of the Mediterranean islands, Sicily is the ‘ball’ situated South West of Italy’s ‘boot’. Steeped in history Sicily is famous for many things but The Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna, the birthplace of Achimedes, it’s wonderful cuisine, stunning beaches and of course it is where the Italian Mafia originated.
A mixture of many cultures, Sicily has a different ‘vibe’ than seen on mainland Italy with many Sicilians sharing many varied traits from Arabs, Catalans, Spanish and even Vikings.
You will be welcomed warmly into ‘la famiglia’ when visiting Sicily with it’s traditional restaurants, coffee shops and quaint villages, not to mention the sprawling white sandy beaches and a plethora of historical places to see and visit. Bellisimo!
Our Resort - Letojanni, Taormina
Nestled on the east coast of the captivating island of Sicily, Taormina is a picturesque town that effortlessly marries history, culture, and natural beauty. Perched on a hill overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and with the majestic Mount Etna as a backdrop, Taormina has long been a magnet for travellers seeking an enchanting escape. Its cobblestone streets wind through charming medieval architecture, leading to treasures like the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre, offering panoramic views of the sea and the volcano.
Just a short distance away lies Letojanni, a charming coastal village that complements Taormina's allure. Letojanni is renowned for its pristine beaches, where golden sands meet the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The town exudes a laid-back atmosphere, providing a serene contrast to the vibrant energy of Taormina. Visitors can indulge in waterside relaxation, explore the local markets, and savour fresh seafood at seaside trattorias.
The synergy between Taormina and Letojanni creates a harmonious blend of Sicilian allure. While Taormina captivates with its historic richness and panoramic vistas, Letojanni beckons with its coastal charm and tranquil ambience. Travellers can seamlessly transition between the cultural delights of Taormina and the leisurely coastal lifestyle of Letojanni, making this duo an ideal destination for those seeking a diverse and fulfilling Sicilian experience. Whether exploring ancient ruins or lounging on sun-kissed beaches, Taormina and Letojanni offer an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sicily's captivating landscapes.
Glamour and gelato
Cary Grant and Greta Garbo used to be regular visitors to Taormina, on Sicily’s east coast. And today this charismatic resort still attracts a glamorous crowd with its Medieval old quarter, elegant piazzas and hold-your-breath views of Mount Etna. There’s also a well-kept Greek amphitheatre, designer shops and some of the best pasta in this part of Italy.
Beaches and lidos
Taormina sits on top of a hill, so a cable car from Via Pirandello takes you down to the beaches. The most popular is Mazzaro, a pebbly strip with a well-equipped lido where you can rent beach umbrellas, chairs and watersports kit. There’s also a small, sandy beach next door, in the Bay of Spisone, that’s a big hit with the locals.
Medieval town
Marking the start of Taormina’s Medieval quarter is the Porta di Mezzo, or clocktower – a favourite landmark of street artists here. The area's a great place to wander, with its winding streets, Baroque fountain and 15th-century cathedral. Between antique shops and boutiques there’s also the shaded Villa Comunale – thought to be one of Sicily’s most beautiful parks.
Trips to Mount Etna
In Taormina, you’ve got one of Europe’s most jaw-dropping volcanoes on your doorstep. The hour’s journey to get there takes in the postcard–pretty village of Castiglione di Sicilia, as well as the Alcantara Gorges waterfall – formed from an old lava eruption. And when you arrive at Etna, there’s the walk through the national park up to the volcano’s craters to look forward to.
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