The Trip That Ruined All Other Beach Destinations: Taormina, Sicily

Beach days at Villa Sant'Andrea

Every morning of the trip started the same way: at the beach of Villa Sant'Andrea, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Sicily. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can access the beach for a fee. I'd strongly recommend reserving a cabana, which includes everything you need for a perfect day: sunbeds, towels, shade, service a, andnd more. It's the kind of beach day that sets the tone for the whole trip.

Get lost in Taormina's streets

The centro storico of Taormina is one of the most beautiful city centers I've walked through anywhere. The Corso Umberto is lined with boutiques unlike anything you find in a regular shopping street: unique, local, worth taking your time in. There's no agenda here, just walking, looking, stopping when something catches your eye. Build time for this every day.

The Greek theater

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek theaters in the world, with the Etna on one side and the sea on the other. The view from the seats is one of the most dramatic in all of Sicily. Go in the late afternoon when the light is golden and the crowds are thinner.

The Godfather tour

If you're a fan of the film, this is non-negotiable. The tour covers the actual filming locations used in The Godfather, including Castello degli Schiavi and the village of Savoca, where some of the most iconic scenes were shot. It lasted about four hours and was one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip. Reach out to me to arrange this.

Sailing along the coast

Getting on the water and seeing Taormina from the sea is completely different from seeing it from land. The coastline, the cliffs, and the view back toward the city are breathtaking. Reach out to me to arrange this.

Guided Etna wine tasting at Linguaglossa

I visited a vineyard on the slopes of the Etna, with an excellent range of wines to taste and food to match. What made this experience stand out was the generosity of the hosts: they kept topping up the glasses, which meant we got to try far more than the usual wine tasting allows. The views over the volcanic landscape are extraordinary. Reach out to me to arrange this.

Ristorante Sant'Andrea

The ravioli is extraordinary, and the cannolo is the kind of dessert you think about for weeks after leaving Sicily. A meal here is the perfect way to end a beach day at Villa Sant'Andrea.

Ristorante Timeo

The view alone would be enough, but the food matches it completely. The lobster linguine with a good glass of wine and that panorama in front of you is one of those dining moments that defines a trip. Order the pasta, order the wine, and take your time.

Casa Niclodi

The ravioli with pear, ricotta, and nuts is one of the most memorable pasta dishes I had in Sicily: unexpected, beautifully balanced, and unlike anything I'd tried before. The desserts are equally worth saving room for. Try to book a table on the terrace—the setting makes everything taste even better.

Osteria Nero d'Avola

One of my favorite meals in Taormina. Traditional Sicilian cooking at its best: fresh pasta, fresh fish, and a menu that changes with what's in season. The kind of restaurant that reminds you why Sicilian food is in a category of its own. Don't leave without trying whatever pasta they're making that day.

Tischi Toschi

A small, intimate spot tucked into the historic center that feels like a genuine local secret. The fresh pasta is the reason to go, and the atmosphere makes the whole experience feel completely authentic. Book ahead; it fills up fast and for good reason.