Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Taormina, in Eastern Sicily, overlooks the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Built on the side of Mount Tauro about 650 feet above sea level, the city offers magnificent views of the coast and of Mount Etna in the distance. Visitors explore the narrow and winding medieval streets in search of antiques, unusual gifts, quaint coffee shops and ice cream parlors, and baroque architecture. Cafes and restaurants that specialize in local seafood are plentiful. The Greek amphitheater, built in the third century still hosts scheduled performances and offers tours daily until sunset. The view of Mount Etna from the amphitheater is breathtaking. The Odeon, a small Roman theater, is located behind Saint Catherine's church. Taormina's churches include a 14th century abbey (Badia Vechhia) and a Norman-Arab church (Duomo) that dates back to the 12th century. The city has a modern parking garage and a pedestrian-friendly layout.
A visit to the bustling city of Palermo in Sicily makes an excellent day trip. Founded as a port in the 8th century B.C. by the Phoenicians, Palermo's architecture reflects a history of conquerors and invaders including Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Moors and Normans. A single wall in Palermo may boast a Norman doorway with Gothic and Moorish windows on various levels. A guide book is a must to help visitors identify points of interest and unusual architecture. The catacombs of the Capuchin Monastery display hundreds of mummies dressed in the finery of their day, some well preserved or posed in family groups. It's a macabre, yet fascinating way to spend an hour in Palermo, but not for children or anyone with a sensitive stomach. Palermo's main streets are filled with excellent shops, some alleyways host local markets with dusty antique shops. Excellent restaurants can be found on quiet side streets throughout the city; the local residents are happy to provide recommendations.
The valley of the temples is the main attraction in Agrigento, a city on Sicily's southern coast. The valley contains the ruins of Greek temples, houses, streets, necropolis and a small amphitheater. The Concord Temple, built in 440 B.C. is still intact and illuminated at night, and the Temple of Hera, dated from 450 B.C. is also worth seeing. The city of Agrigento, with its medieval architecture, is lovely in spring and fall when it is surrounded by fields of wildflowers.