Beyond Taormina

Sicily is an extraordinary island full of natural riches and cultural landmarks. Mother Nature has bestowed a varied natural landscape upon the island – from mountains, bays, beaches, canyons and rivers to the Etna volcano with its fertile soil. Three Mediterranean seas meet around Sicily - the Tyrrhenian, the Ionian and the Sicilian Canal - creating a spectacle of shades of the blue and green. The island has thousands of beaches of sand or pebbles, often framed by majestic cliffs. It is also a cradle of Mediterranean culture – a land that has been influenced by many cultures from Ancient Greek and Roman to Islamic-Arab, Norman and Spanish. It is home to a plethora of architectural and artistic treasures, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The concierge team at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel will be delighted to arrange experiences and excursions tailor-made to suit each guest's interests and tastes.

Here are some suggested itineraries in and around Taormina:

Sicilian Beauties – Nature Edition

Explore some of Sicily’s natural wonders, including:

• The Gorges of the Alcantara River (approximately 30 minutes by car) - Considered the Grand Canyon of Italy, the gorges are carved out of volcanic rock, believed to date back to the magma flows of the last 8,000 years. The Alcantara is 53 kilometres (33 miles) long and can be discovered by river trekking, body rafting, mountain biking and other exciting activities.
• The Isle of Currents (approximately 2 hours by car) - Located in the extreme south of the island of Sicily, just off of Portopalo, this small island is called Isle of Currents because it is positioned where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas meet.  Here the seas are a stunning crystalline colour and sunsets are a spectacle of pink, purple and orange.
• The Stair of the Turks (approximately 3 hours by car) - The Stair of the Turks is a stunning, blindingly white cliff located in one of the most evocative corners overlooking the Strait of Sicily. The sea takes on hues of turquoise and green, a dazzling sight in contrast to the stark white of the cliffs.  Not far from the Valley of the Temples, it’s a perfect place to discover following a visit to this archaeological wonder (see below).
• Mount Etna (approximately 1 hour by car) - Mountain, volcano, mother, energy – these are just some of the words used to describe Mount Etna. In Sicilian dialect, they refer to Mount Etna simply as “idda” meaning “she.” Mount Etna is not just the birthplace of Greek myths; at 3,343 metres (10,968 feet) she is Europe’s highest active volcano and a playground for exploration any time of the year. Whether for trekking, off-roading in a 4x4 vehicle, mountain-biking, or even downhill skiing with spectacular views of the Ionian Sea in wintertime, Mount Etna offers endless adventures.

Sicilian Beauties – Culture Edition

Sicily’s cultural treasures offer great sightseeing any time of the year, here are some easy daytrips from Taormina:

• Ortygia Island (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car) - A UNESCO World Heritage site, the island of Ortygia is the city of Syracuse’s historical centre. Tourists can breathe the air of antiquity in this city founded by the Ancient Greek Corinthians more than 2,700 years ago.  Among the highlights are the Cathedral, erected on the site of an ancient Greek Athenian temple; the fountain of Arethusa, a fresh water fountain from which papyrus plants grow; and Archimedes Square, named after the Greek mathematician.
• Noto (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car) - Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Noto is an absolute must for lovers of the Baroque period with its ornate churches and palaces. The architecture is characterized by the use of a rose-coloured stone. At sunset the pinkish hues come ablaze with the evening light, creating a stunning show.
• Caltagirone (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car) - Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Caltagirone is Sicily’s ceramics capital. In every corner of the town visitors can admire artisans creating in their workshops. One of the highlights is the iconic staircase, composed of 142 stairs decorated in colourful ceramic tile.  There are two festivals of note that take place around this staircase: L’Infiorata di Caltagirone during the month of May, when the stairs are decorated with plants and flowers, and the Luminaria on July 24 and 25, when the stairs are filled with little lights.
• Agrigento (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car) - The Valley of the Temples is another UNESCO World Heritage site, an archaeological park where visitors can admire the ruins of ancient Greek temples as well as the Temple of Concordia still in remarkably good condition. The Valley of Temples has been a source of inspiration for many a poet, writer, painter and artist and will easily transport visitors into the past.