Tour Review: Messina to Taormina, Castelmola & Isola Bella

Visiting Sicily is quite the treat, and getting out to see the sights around Messina is very rewarding. Thinking of seeing Taormina, Castelmola, and Isola Bella? Well, you have come to the right place. I’ll talk about my own experience on that very tour. I hope it helps you decide if it’s right for your own trip!

What You Need To Know Beforehand

Before setting off, some preparation actually pays off, it really does. This trip combines history, amazing landscapes, and some village vibes, it’s almost the perfect combination, right? Packing comfy footwear could be very advantageous as there tends to be a reasonable amount of walking involved. So consider that. Then, depending on the time of year, the Sicilian sunshine might be quite intense. Bringing hats and some sunblock is very sensible. It will help you to enjoy the outings, anyway.

Water and possibly some light snacks are a very nice touch as well, just because it really helps to keep energy levels up, as a matter of fact. Look at what the tour offers regarding meals, or perhaps lack thereof. That way, it’s quite easy to make plans accordingly, and budget accordingly too. Making sure your camera has enough space for videos and photographs might sound obvious, that is also quite important. Each place you go to offers wonderful photo possibilities!

Messina: Starting The Day

Messina, the jumping-off point for a trip like this, certainly deserves some attention, as a matter of fact. The city has quite a rich history. It’s got quite a lot to see even just around the port area.

The Duomo, or Messina Cathedral, might be the first stop on many tour itineraries. So have a gander! With its impressive Norman architecture and astronomical clock, it’s basically quite impressive, anyway. Experiencing the bell tower chime at midday can be just memorable. Just seeing the mechanical figures come alive and reenacting scenes from history is quite cool. Walking round Piazza del Duomo gives the opportunity to admire the Fountain of Orion, by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. It’s one of Messina’s finest monuments.

Basically, some tours give a little bit of free time in Messina. Exploring local shops close to the harborfront to grab a coffee could be quite the chance to, that is. It’s a lovely opportunity just to soak up the Sicilian atmosphere, too it’s almost. Finding yourself a traditional granita – maybe a lemon or almond flavor – it might be really the refreshment that hits the spot.

Taormina: Ancient Theater and Upscale Charm

Taormina seems to be an incredibly popular stop for people exploring Sicily. Rightly so. Because this place has a really mix of history, glamour and incredible views!

The Ancient Theater, also named Teatro Antico di Taormina, seems to be the jewel in Taormina’s crown. This Greek theater boasts perhaps just the most stunning view you’ll ever see at any performance venue, in that case. Overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, performances happen to still get hosted there today, very. Walking the ancient stones and looking out at such scenery might just be awe-inspiring. Actually, if performances aren’t occurring while there, exploring the site to have a grasp on the history will feel just really cool.

After soaking up ancient history, actually wander through Taormina’s chic boulevards, so just stroll on down Corso Umberto! Designer stores, stylish boutiques, and some lovely cafes really line the way. Window-shopping actually feels great here, really. Maybe treating oneself to some traditional Sicilian pastry or an espresso it might be fun, actually. Consider trying almond biscuits – so delicious! If you’re able to, find some gelato shop, just a bit away from the main streets that often give you some amazing flavors and prices. You could find great tucked-away things, virtually.

Castelmola: Breathtaking Views

Perched above Taormina, Castelmola is usually quite like a hidden gem offering even more fantastic views, very. You can get this village for those Insta-worthy photos!

The climb up to Castelmola might offer spectacular panoramic views stretching up to Mount Etna down to the coast. Small medieval streets just lead up to the town. That creates picture-taking chances, that is.

So, while you’re wandering round, peek in on the main Piazza Duomo. Here you can find the Mother Church. Have a closer look, it’s been reconstructed on top of what may have once been an ancient church. You can even enjoy a drink at the famed Bar Turrisi, so why not! This is arguably the most talked about place in Castelmola!

Isola Bella: Natural Beauty

Isola Bella, which they sometimes call “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea” looks pretty and amazing. Isola Bella may have lovely shores and clear blue waters. It can be actually just the perfect spot for kicking back for a while.

A narrow strip of sand connects Isola Bella to the mainland during low tide, you know. This may let you easily walk over and enjoy the island, literally. Perhaps swimming or relaxing on the shore feels quite delightful! For those happy enough to do so, so consider snorkeling there. Because that provides an opportunity to see some of Sicily’s aquatic life around the protected nature reserve. In a way, if relaxing regarding the beach it might be not really your kind of thing, basically take the cable car coming from Taormina right down for some awesome sights!

Some tour operators may add Isola Bella into trips. This very depends upon season and just how the weather is. Maybe check ahead to ensure it actually happens to be part of the tour before anything else, very.

Basically, depending on when your visit goes down, Isola Bella can get busy. It’s a nice spot, virtually. It has become really, popular. So be prepared for people around. Visiting at certain times may prove just very enjoyable! Or choose to find some other beach nearby.

Some Additional Suggestions for Making the most of the tour

Thinking over how the whole day should actually play out, so it feels worth looking into some advice beforehand.

Getting a Taste of Sicily! Use any free time to experience local dishes. You might try arancini (rice balls) and cannoli (sweet ricotta-filled pastries). Enjoy Sicily, after all! Actually look at street food, even local spots off the major squares.

Chat With Locals. Just a little conversation may well make the whole experience of traveling through a brand new destination more amazing, too. As a matter of fact, do not be actually shy; actually talk to local sellers for guidelines about exactly what to do actually do around! Get in touch with folks that live there for amazing points regarding historical value that the manual books miss out on!

Respect Local Customs and Traditions. Just follow certain simple guidelines. The area should really be quite a welcoming spot if you take into consideration specific cultures when taking walks about!

Purchase Little Souvenirs! Do think about picking little trinkets at local artisan stores or possibly just even nearby market stalls when souvenir searching! Those could certainly support native financial systems whilst simultaneously allowing a genuine memento through the travels too; pretty impressive actually.