Taormina, Sicily 02-12-2016

Taormina  is a small town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Italy, midway between Messina and Catania. It is known as the Sicilian Riviera.  It sits atop a bluff above the Ionian Sea. Taormina’s past is Sicily’s history in a microcosm: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, the French and the Spanish all came, saw, conquered and left.  Idyllically perched on a rocky promontory high above the sea, Taormina has been the most popular tourist destination in Sicily for a couple of hundred of years, ever since it became an integral part of the Grand Tour. Beautifully restored medieval buildings, breathtaking views around every corne,r and a giddy network of winding streets strewn with shops, bars, and restaurants make for a perfect holiday spot.
We are tourists and here we are.  I do wish I had paid more attention in my world history classes in school.  Everything here is old.  The Greek Theater (we will visit later) was built in the Hellentistic age (3rd century BC) and is used today.

Back to the trip.  We stayed in Sigonella overnight and drove up the coast toward Messina and stopped in Taromina.  We had two apartments reserved here and will be leaving here Sunday for another village.  Terry is doing a great job driving on these narrow streets.  I am just glad I am not on the insurance to drive the rental car.  Great meal last night and we topped it off with Gelato.  I had Fig gelato.  You can't get this at home.  I close now and go take a walk through history.

Mary and Terry Carter in Taromina

beautiful church

street scene

ancient church, in use today

What you come to Sicily for

Late night shopping at the local grocery store