After my visit to Mount Etna in the morning and Catania the day before, after a small lunch with a sea view, I continued my journey to Taormina in the north, a town with just 11,000 inhabitants. After the frosty temperatures on Mount Etna, the pictures I had seen of the town beforehand at least confirmed my hopes of sunshine and beautiful photos.

Lift to the town – arrival via the parking garage

When I arrived at the entrance to Taormina, the first surprise was waiting for me, as I had to explore the town entirely on foot. My shuttle service could not drive into the town and had to be parked at the local parking garage, but I could then take the elevator to the 7th floor and would then be at the “town entrance”.

I hadn’t seen an elevator to the town before, but at least I had seen the smallest subway train, back then in Serfaus and my ascent to the Alm. I was curious – was this town also suitable for high-heels?

Taormina – small, cozy, cute

Arriving and first enjoying the view is how you could describe Taormina. When you get out of the elevator on the 7th floor, you come to a large forecourt with a great view over the city and the surrounding mountains. I can only say that this view is quite something, but I only realized later that it would get even better.

I like this “small town”. Clean, bright friendly colors and a few tourists – it was low season and you didn’t get the feeling that this town could change completely in summer.

Luxury and relaxation

To my surprise, not the typical cobblestones, but beautiful tiles, large squares and except for small mountains, also easy to walk with high heels, but above all, on every street corner, fashion labels (such as Armani) and of course (also important for me 🙂 ice cream parlors!)

This city was really geared towards the upscale and luxurious tourist and had a lot to offer. Some 5-star hotels, a large selection of 4-star hotels and a striking cleanliness.

Greek Theater – Film Festival

The center of attraction for Taormina and one of the biggest events ever is the Taormina Film Festival and to my surprise the second biggest festival after the Venice Film Festival. World stars such as Elton John and James Blunt meet in the Greek theater of Taormina for their concerts or to receive their awards during the film festival. In July, Taormina becomes the “jet set metropolis”!

The Greek theater offers an almost unique view of the city of Taormina and the bay of Naxos, especially in the evening. The dark blue sky, the lights on the coast and the messengers of the jet set in the bay. The peak of Mount Etna can be seen in the background. Who can offer that – a great bay, jet set and an active volcano?

Grand Hotel Timeo

If you don’t want to spend the night on your own boat, you can perhaps use the “secret passage” and go back to the adjoining hotel – the Grandhotel Timeo. The ratings in the hotel portals are 9.5+/10 points and I also found the hotel “very interesting” from the first impression and should probably introduce it to you in more detail in the future.

But it’s not just the Grand Hotel Timeo that offers a wide range of luxury; many other 4- and 5-star hotels offer guests in Taormina exceptional service and a fantastic view. I like to think back to my relaxing days at the Four Seasons in Milan.

Churches and cathedrals

What immediately struck me while strolling through Taormina was the high density of different churches with special looks and beautiful decorations. As you know, I love visiting churches and spires, like in Cologne or Barcelona.

I have to admit, this small town fascinated me more and more, designer boutiques, churches, culture, the second largest film festival, a great view and a reception with the mayor at the end of the day.

The subsequent discussions with members of the city parliament gave a wonderful insight into tourism in the city and why Taormina is so popular with celebrities.

Conclusion – Taormina in Sicily

I hope this won’t be my last visit to this beautiful little town and I’ll get another opportunity to tell you about the hotels and an event, for example.

The small town fascinated and inspired me. I’m really looking forward to coming back and already have some great outfits in mind that I’d like to photograph in the settings and streets.

I’m now looking forward to Syracuse and Noto, as well as the Aeolian Islands on my Sicily trip with the best sights.