Every Summer Has Its Story

It’s true. Every summer season has its story to tell. This Unseasoned Traveler is telling a summer story from Sicily, an island located off the toe of Italy’s boot.

Most of us recall Sicily as the birthplace of Vito Corleone of The Godfather novels and movies of the same name.

AND who can forget that Michael Corleone fled to Sicily after an enormously dramatic family enemy reckoning ending in many deaths. But Sicily is so much more than the Godfather effect allows…so much more…as I discovered.

Travelers, like myself, are welcome to visit multiple cities on Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. There’s Palermo; there’s Catania; there’s Syracuse; there’s Milazzo, and plenty more, but I randomly selected Taormina on the east coast of Sicily. The reasons for selecting Taormina were random; after all, I didn’t know anyone who had traveled there. I had no reference points about the city other than what the guide books and internet told. Yes, the selection was random, but my reasons for loving the place and wanting to return to it are clear. For me, the formula for a great travel experience includes great lodging, delicious food, stimulating adventures, and unforgettable personal connections.

If your reason for falling in love with a destination is lodging, then have no fear. Taormina has an abundance of lodging selections, but exploring online and booking in advance is an excellent idea. Full disclosure, I did not follow my own advice and booked my room right before take-off at Dulles Airport. (Don’t Do This!!!) I was, indeed, fortunate to find the Hotel Corallo where I put myself in the capable hands of Marco and Walter and the Corallo staff of friendly workers. Marco is the owner;

and Walter is his best friend.

Both are innkeepers extraordinaire, making visitor happiness their main goal. But I would be remiss if I did not mention the real star of the hotel, Pedro.

Pedro presides over a hotel that seems to grow out of the side of a mountain. It is clean and comfortable and pet friendly.

If your reason for falling in love with a destination is eating, no worries. Taormina abounds with eateries. Food in Taormina is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

Please leave room for gelato.

If adventure is at the top of your holiday list of to-dos, then head to Mount Etna. I have to admit, my heart was in my throat 100% of the time I was on Etna, but I am thrilled that I went. Mount Etna is about an hour away from Taormina and about 3350 meters above sea level; it is the largest volcano in Europe.

I went to 2000 meters above sea level. The difference in temperature 2000 meters up is dramatic. Jackets, leggings and sturdy shoes are all necessities, especially if the weather is overcast. If you find yourself on Etna without a jacket, one can be rented. The landscape is a challenging walk due to the shifting gravel underfoot; many of the inclines are steep. In addition, the air is very thin. Unless you’ve mentally prepared yourself for this particular challenge, working it out can be tough…I know it was for me. The challenges were great, but so was the satisfaction.

Here’s my guide, Lori, explaining how this side of Etna was used as a ski resort before it decided to become active.

The old, rusty and abandoned ski lifts can be seen behind her and below.

The entire landscape is bleak, and yet, Nature finds a way to bring forth new life. This green plant is called mother-in-law’s bed because it is prickly and full of thorns.

The texture of the volcanic debris is uneven, some of it small and fine while other pieces are massive.

Craters are all over the place thanks to the ongoing exceptional level of volcanic activity.

A trip to Mount Etna could end with a visit to the craters, but there are several volcanically created caves that visitors have access to. This cave has its opening next to the highway. I was persuaded to climb inside. Needless to say, wearing a hard hat IS a requirement.

If beaching makes your holiday a success, the beaches in Taormina will more than meet your needs. The stony beaches are a sharp contrast to other beaches with fine sand,

and note, there are free and private beaches. A bit of a splurge for a private beach gets you a lounge chair and a staff willing to bring refreshing drinks and tasty food. However, the main event is the blue Mediterranean….and YES….it is THAT BLUE!!!

Taking a boat ride is a great way to spend a few hours on the water.

Swim with the fish.

Have some snacks, and get the captain to let you drive the boat back to port.

If a healthy dose of culture factors into the selection of a holiday locale, then look no further than this part of Sicily. Here you can attend an opera or concert held in an ancient Roman amphitheatre. This theatre was erected in Taormina in the second century BC. It overlooks the sea and Mount Etna. We saw the extraordinary production of Aida.

Finally, if meeting nice folks from far and wide is your idea of what travel is really all about, then Taormina is just about perfect. Let me introduce you to Richard and Sarah and their two daughters from the UK. We all stayed at the same hotel, and we had a few charming chats. They were in Taormina for some quality family time. It was special to connect with them and reaffirm what I have learned time and time again….We are more alike than we are different.

Well, it is true, every summer has its story, and this post is not the end of mine. Sicily has been wonderful; all has unfolded happily, but it’s time to vacate seat 15 at my favorite beach and move on.

Look for me at my next stop….

Love, The Unseasoned Traveler