Taormina - Village of Steps

It has been about 12 years since I was last here as an excursion from a Mediterranean cruise, and it is still every bit as magical. When Jose and I were planning this trip I insisted we come here as it was my favorite stop on that cruise. We are both very glad we came.

This charming seaside cliff town is full of tourism, yet still quite welcoming and every bit Sicilian as you'd imagine. It has perfect Mediterranean weather lending to our many outdoor amazing meals, coffee, and desserts. The sightseeing is spectacular with the impressive blue Mediterranean waters visible from almost anywhere here. The village is spread among the cliffs with maze like stairways as streets that you can wander through. Its about 600 feet from the water to the center of the village, and another 400 feet to the top where a church and castle are. If you continue 700 feet you hit Castelmola, another charming town with even more Spectacular views. All of this holds the Mediterranean waters in the distance and Mount Etna. Forget the "Stair Master", if you walk this place from top to bottom, you've got all the workout you need.

Our courtyard to enjoy at the B&B we are staying at, "La Pensione Svizzera"

One of the many side streets and markets here

On the "Via Crucis" (stations of the cross) steps up to Castel Saracena

Cats are everywhere here, this one likes its pot

The Greek Theater

View at night from Corso Umberto

At the rocky beaches down from the village

Climbing the steps from the beach back to the village

One of many random churches, this one in a cliff

This style of ceramic decorative head is everywhere here

View from Bar Turrisi in Castelmola

The narrowest streets here

The resident cat in the courtyard of our B&B