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HOME : OUT 'N' ABOUT OUT 'N' ABOUT Taormina Taormina, with its Greek ruins, small medieval village atmosphere and chic restaurants and bars is a must for anyone visiting Sicily. There are two sides to Taormina - the mountain village and the seafront - and both are worth experiencing. Only 45 mins drive it is easily accessible either for a days outing or an evening meal and stroll. Taormina seafront or Taormina Mare is a stunning and very popular beach. Walk out to the beautiful Isola Bella Island, which has a tropical feel. As with many of the beaches along this part of the coastline the beach is more pebble than sand - however the crystal clear water and panoramic views make it all worthwhile. For more detailed information see www.gate2taormina.com Aeolian Islands The Aeolian Islands - a cluster of seven volcanic islands off the Northeastern coast - offer fabulous secluded sandy, fantastic swimming, boating and snorkelling opportunities, good restaurants and pizzerias and even an active volcano! Their main attraction must be the crystal clear clean blue water - now you're really in the Mediterranean. The main island - Lipari - is approx 1 hours boat trip. An old Greek and Roman village it's history can be unveiled in the Archaeological Museum set in a 16th century castle. The island is quite small (40 km.sq) and there are buses which run to various points along the coastline. Catch the bus to the beautiful beach of Cannetto. Discover the old pumice and obsidian past of the island - telltale signs of its volcanic origin. Try the pizzeria-restaurant PesceCane in the main street with its excellent food and outdoor atmosphere - you won't be disappointed! Local muscatel desert wines such as Malvasia, Zibbibo and Vino di Mandorla (Almond wine) are well worth sampling at the tavern/boutiques along the main street. For detailed information on getting to the islands see: http://www.snavali.com/aliscafi/index_eng.htm Mount Etna Worthy of a complete holiday on its own Mount Etna offers something for everyone - from its renowned volcano summit to its less well-known vineyards, citrus groves, fabulous gastronomy and restaurants, myriads of mountain villages and walks. The foothills of Mount Etna are within an hour's drive of the villa. Whether it's the volcano, or a day away from the heat of the sun in the cool of the mountain villages, or a trip to the many vineyards, Mount Etna won't disappoint. Check out the many enchanting villages such as Zafferana, Milo, Trecatagni, Tremestieri Etneo and Nicolosi. Famous for there local production of honey, wine and lemon liqueurs - the local cuisine is also excellent with such specialities as 'funghi porcini' mushroom dishes. There is an old railway, departing from Catania, which tours the mountain villages. For more information see: http://www.circumetnea.it/en/ Wines and Wine Trails There are many excellent Sicilian wines - both red and white -, which are a typically full of flavour and body. While most of the large vineyards are in the western side of the island there are many small vineyards and even more small producers on the eastern side. Most small producers will grow some local grapes varieties, and also purchase grapes from the western part of the island. The result is a wide variety of different wines that for the best part are not DOC but are great tasting wines. Many are organic. Closer to the villa on Corso Sicilia in Torregrotta is the wine outlet of Mimmo Paone. Here you will find many excellent bottled and 'by-the-litre' wines and also a good selection of grappa and lemon liqueurs. In the same direction - on entering into Torregrotta - follow signs on the left to Monforte S.G. (San Giorgio). Monforte is a mountain village about 10km from the coast road and is well worth a visit to see the surrounding countryside and the village life. On entering Monforte, turn right and follow signs for Carabinieri (Police Station). To the left of the police station is a narrow road - here's you'll find the wine shop Enoteca run by the Giordanni family. They sell a full selection of wines from all over Sicily and also their own local wines. They serve tasty local food from approx 19.00 onwards. (The trattoria/ristorante at the end of the lane - a few doors down - is fantastic value and excellent). For more information on Sicilian wines see www.vitevino.com Milazzo The nearby port of Milazzo, only 30 minutes away, is a beautiful seaside town with great restaurants, shopping, a fantastic castellated fort, and seafront walks. There are organised tours of the castle, which is well worth visiting and has very panoramic views of the Aeolian islands. Shopping - from hi-street fashion to the hustle and bustle of the local fish market - will not disappoint. The fish market is open mornings from 7am till noon. Most shops open from 9am till 12.30 and from 4pm-8pm. Try the Covo del Pirato restaurant - midway along the seafront - for excellent pizza's and traditional Italian food. Milazzo is also the main port for ferry connections to the Aeolian islands. For more information and photos of Milazzo http://www.comune.milazzo.me.it Forest Walks Close to the villa - only 15 mins by car - is the forest and nature reserve of Colle San Rizzo. Get away from the beach for a while and enjoy a walk or picnic in the cooler mountain shade. No need to prepare the picnic - the café Don Minico beside the forest entrance make the best panini (sandwiches) and have one of the best red wines in town. The homemade traditional bread is fantastic and the spicy house speciality panino is delicious. The wine is homemade - from their own vineyard on the island of Filicudi. Mount Etna - approximately an hours drive from the villa has superb walks at about one-third to halfway up the mountain. Head in the direction of Catania and exit at Fiumefreddo for the Rifiugio di Sapienza, or at Giarre for Zafferana. A trail or pathway is known as 'sentiero'. Note - weather conditions can change rapidly on Mt. Etna. Please enquire about weather forecasts and let someone know your route. Mobile phones may not work in certain locations. Cities/Towns The are many cities and towns to visit - please see a guide to Sicily such as 'Rough Guide to Sicily' . Here's a short list with an approximate journey time from the villa :
For more information on Sicily see the following sites
: http://www.enit.it/navgraficacomuni.asp?LANG=UK®ione=SICILIA Ceramics/Pottery Interested in Mediterranean ceramics and pottery? For a full day out travel to Caltagirone - approx one hour south of Catania - the world famous home of Sicilian ceramics. A beautiful medieval town it is worth visiting just to walk around the old narrow streets and steps. Santa Stefano di Camastra is not quite as fascinating or as famous as Caltagirone - however it has an excellent selection and at only 2 hours from the villa it's a little easier to get to. The town is on the Messina-Palermo route.
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Site designed by Danny O'Grady
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Taormina
village, set on Mount Tauro, is a beautiful olde world village full of
beautiful architecture, narrow winding side streets and terraces with
fantastic sea views. The main street is pedestrianised making it a relaxing
and very enjoyable setting for either sipping a cappuccino or shopping
in the many upmarket boutiques. There is no shortage of pizzerias, restaurants,
café's, bars and nightclubs that can cater for every taste. Being an 'in'
place for Italians themselves you can be sure to find the best of Italian
food.
The
islands are reached by hydrofoil/ferry from the nearby town (15 mins by
car) of Milazzo. The closest island is Vulcano - approx 30km from Milazzo,
one kilometre further out is the main island Lipari and the furthest is
Alicudi (50km west) while Stromboli with its active volcanic is 40km to
the east.
One
of the best areas for wine must be the villages at the foothills of Mt.
Etna. The rich volcanic soil produces grapes with excellent qualities
and distinct flavours. One particularly good DOC vineyard is the Villagrande
Vineyard close to Milo, which produces Rosso Etnea. There are many signs
for 'vino' as one passes through the villages and along the roadside.
Stop off and sample - you've nothing to lose!