Because a picture paints a thousand words, I am just going to show you the gorgeous cliff top town of Taormina in Sicily, a lava rock’s throw from Mt Etna, which I visited by cruise ship on my amazing 8-day itinerary from Istabul to Nice, and let you decide…
Our cruise ship, L’Austral, is docked in the distance and we came in by tender boat to explore this beautiful city which spawls from the beach front up to the top of the hill where the main shops and sights are.
I managed to find free WiFi at this restaurant so settled in with a beer and opened my office while buskers played and tourists pottered around. So happy!
If you really need a souvenir and can’t bothered with the 45 minute ride up the mountain, just buy Mt Etna lava rock for €1 a piece
You’ll need to pack this guy into your hand luggage to protect his cigar!
One of the many cafes around the town square anchored by this old church high on the hill overlooking the harbour
These guys were fantastic singing Italian songs from scenes of an old mafia movie. Check out the “red head”!
A room with a view. Just one of the many cute balconies hanging over the narrow streets lined with souvenir, ceramic and fabric shops.
Locally painted ceramics. I regret not buying an adorable figurine of a Sicilian woman. Sniff!
Another lovely church at the top of the hill. If you look reeeally closely you can make out my “office” at one of the yellow cloth-covered tables.
Looking back over the entrance gate into the clifftop town I spotted this church bell peeking above a roof.
Arriving at Taormina by cruise ship and Mt Etna rises in the distance
Sting and Ben Harper recently performed here in this ancient ampitheatre. Imagine the accoustics!
This guy just would not move, so I let him have his way and be the centre of attention! This is the entrance into the hilltop city from the gate beyond, edged in shops.
Our cruise ship is docked waaay down there. Can you see it? (Where’s Wally?)
The colourful houses of Taormina overlook the bay
As well as souvenirs and ceramics you’ll find fashion retailers, shoe shops and the obligatory gelataria!
I got to Taormina onboard Ponant’s boutique cruise ship, L’Austral. With only 130 cabins we sailed for 8 days from Istanbul visiting ancient sites in Greece before arriving in Sicily, then up to Pompeii, Corsica and finally Nice. I can thoroughly recommend this relaxed way to see the world!
Jump here to Francis Travel Marketing who supported my trip because they sell all sorts of cruise lines and itineraries >>>
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