Located between the Ionian Sea and and the
volcanic Mountain Etna, Taormina is more than just a town lying on the Sicilian coastline. The sea and the mountain embrace in their meeting point a place full of history, a history which is neither minor, nor has passed without leaving traces of its grandeur. Such features make Taormina worthy of its statute as the most popular Sicilian tourist destination.
The reasons for which Taormina is an extraordinary resort have been known since ancient times: the view, the mild climate, the geographical position. However, other incentives have been added to the list: the vestiges of past civilizations represent the second most important tourist asset of the place.
Taormina's history is, from it's beginning, the history of a place hankered by a series of people trying to gain dominion over it precisely because of its specific features. However, the origins of Taormina are somewhat situated between historic certainty and mythical and legendary speculation. What can be stated beyond all doubt is the place was renowned even before 832 BC., so the ancient origins of the place can not be questioned. As from the 19th century, when the first hotel was opened, Taormina began to discover its real tourist destiny.
Taormina is a place where no tourist will be left without an accommodation solution. Thus, the place is home of both luxury hotels and 2-star hotels, of youth hostels and holiday houses and of whatever establishments are comprised between these categories. Grand Hotel San Pietro, the Ariston Hotel or Andromaco Palace Hotel count as some of the most recommendable lodging alternative for tourist who can afford to splurge or who travel on a reasonable budget.
A dinner at a restaurant in Taormina is, in most cases, an experience which exceeds the limits of the usual act of feeding oneself. Most restaurants and taverns pay really good attention to place and to the manner in which dinner is served. Thus, most of them offer great sea views or the chance of having dinner in the pleasant surroundings of an orange tree garden. The Sicilian cuisine is extremely reach in meat and cheese, fish and vegetables. Fish dishes are said to be the favorite ones when it comes to dinner tables.
The Greek Theater – which, despite of its Greek origins, owes a lot to the Romans who understood they should preserve the Greek heritage – and the ruins of another theater originated in the Augustan era are the main archeological site available for tourists in Taormina. Piazza IX Aprile, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza del Duomo are the three Piazzas which are definitely worth seeing. The medieval part of the town is another priority objective, along with the Clock Tower which represents the passage to the mentioned medieval part of Taormina.
One of the most famous events in Sicily, namely, Taormina arte, is a festival of music, dance and theater. The Taormina Film Festival, which originally was a part of the Taormina arte, is now an event in itself, and it takes place in June. Madonna della Rocca occasions both a religious procession and the carrying out of a banquet.
There are more than 70 museums in Sardinia, which is why the island is held in great respect in terms of cultural tourism. In addition, Sardinia is home to 3 national natural parks, 10 regional parks of this kind an 60 wildlife reserves. Impressive, isn’t it?
Syracuse is an exquisite embodiment of what the meeting of the Greek and Roman cultures were able to yield. This particularity is mirrored both in the historic heritage and in the local cuisine.
There is a certain inner picturesque dash of Sorrento by force of which this destination has always appealed to worldwide visitors. And, indeed, regardless of their budget, virtually all tourists can make their experience of Sorrento, since accommodation here ranges from 5-star hotels to one-star establishments.
Fish dishes are held in great respect on the Amalfi Coast, which is no surprise given both the geographical location and the history of the settlement on the coastline. Yet, the local culinary delights could not explain by themselves the popularity of the Amalfi Coast. Santorini is replete with both natural history and human history marks and vestiges. However, the popularity of the place is enhanced by its gastronomic and oenological reputation.
Only a short boat trip from Sorrento or from the Amalfi Coast, the island of Ischia is rightfully the most popular island in the Bay of Naples. The fancy dining in Ischia is already proverbial, a feature of no little importance for advised dainty feeders.
It’s no overstatement to say the Leaning Tower of Pisa betters the city of Pisa proper in reputation and fame. However, in order to discover the genuine richness of the city behind the all-overshadowing Leaning Tower, tourists should definitely plan a stay in Pisa.
Behind the controversial Turin Shroud, the city of Turin hides plenty of more or less striking attractions. Chocoholics, for instance, will be fairly impressed with the amazing offer of chocolaty delights put forward by Turin.
Birthplace of several Roman emperors and of plenty other personalities, Rome is, by some ratings, the third most popular destination in Europe, after Paris and London. Rome has rightfully gained this statute both by its historic reputation and by its solid tourist infrastructure (hotels, countless tourist opportunities).
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