If there’s a tourist hotspot in Sicily, it’s got to be Taormina. We took an “on-your-own” tour of this beautiful mountain-top village, and wow—what a blend of ancient charm and high-end glamour!
At first, Mary swore we’d been here before, but I couldn’t recall visiting a historic town perched on a Sicilian mountain with stunning views of smoke-wreathed Mt. Etna. As we walked through the ancient gates and onto crowded Corso Umberto, the main cobblestone street lined with luxury boutiques and cafes, I was convinced she was mistaken. Taormina is a shopper’s paradise, with stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana housed in beautifully preserved buildings dating back centuries. Even if you’re not shopping, the elegant displays and stone facades are sights to see!
We decided to skip the well-preserved amphitheater Teatro Greco due to the long lines. But we still soaked in Taormina’s rich past in everything from the Greek and Roman ruins to the architectural touches left by the Normans and Arabs. Taormina truly feels like a town where history is woven into every street and alleyway, church and square.
Toward the end of our visit, we came across two talented street musicians dressed in red and white striped jackets with straw hats, playing near a scenic plaza overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. Suddenly, I felt a wave of familiarity—it turns out I had heard these musicians in this very plaza before! Mary wasn’t gaslighting me after all. 
It turns out we had entered from the opposite side of the town in our last visit and hadn’t explored the street lined with fashion shops. So, in the end, it was like seeing Taormina for the first time – again. With its incredible mix of culture, history, and breathtaking views, it’s definitely worth braving the crowds for a day!
