Sicily's sun soaked coast
View of Mt. Etna from the Teatro Antiquo
A feast for the senses!
Before I set sail on the Splendida, if you had asked me to describe Sicily, I’d have said: Italian island; big Italian island; Mount Etna. But now that I’ve spent a day there, I can’t wait to return.
Yes it is a large island just at the toe of the “boot” of Italy. Only 5 km. from the mainland, Sicily is easily accessible by ferries which dock at the city of Messina (founded as a Greek colony in the 8th century).
While there is a city tour of Messina (as well as a beach tour, one to famous Mt. Etna and one to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna), we opt to visit the splendid resort town of Taormina.
It’s a 30 min. drive on a modern highway along the coast and through countless tunnels from Messina to Taormina. On the way we get a glimpse of the sea, terraced farms and Mount Etna, which we learn is still active, but looks quite serene, belching puffs of smoke that drift lazily away in the Sicilian sunshine.
The day trip to Taormina is the most popular excursion in Sicily and it isn’t hard to see why. It is simply, gobsmackingly beautiful. Tourism is clearly key here, with small shops (ranging from tourist kitsch to very high end) lining the pretty main street. Glance up and you’ll be rewarded with a view of flower-strewn balconies.
Another attraction is the amphitheatre, the Teatro Antico di Taormina. Seating 7,000, the theatre dates from the 3rd century BC but has hosted entertainers as modern as Elton John, Simply Red and Liza Minelli (and was due to host New York City Ballet the following week).
After a spot of shopping, we are in serious need of a refreshment. A reviving granita does the trick. A concoction of ice, sugar and lemon juice (or other flavours), it’s a snazzy slushy ideal on a hot day. Add a sidewalk café with some handsome Sicilian musicians and you have the perfect way to end your excursion in lovely Taormina.
Good to know: While we were initially disappointed that the early dinner seating (6:30 p.m.) on the Splendida was not available, we ended up quite pleased with the 9:30 p.m. seating. It gave us more time to relax and clean up after a shore excursion - and with the time difference it didn’t seem so late after all.
