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Yesterday we left Syracusa stopping to check the ancient remains of the Greek theatre just outside town - another over commercialised operation which we decided to photograph from the outside only so drove around the perimeter stopping at intervals.
Today's update is from Taormina - the most spectacular mountainside village where we have just had breakfast on the terrace of our hotel. This has been our "splurge" accommodation and well worth it. Villa Shuler is situated right on the mountainside in the village with views directly out to the Meditterranean Sea with the Roman amphitheatre to our left and Mt Etna to our right. We managed to score the prime breakfast table on the terrace this morning which was wonderful, as you can see above. Breakfast to order - anything you want.
Our journey up from Syracusa yesterday should have been short but due to a detour into Catania to check the route to the airport and our accommodation on Wednesday night it took ages to get in and longer to get out for the usual reasons.
We arrived in Taormina at 1pm and were able to check into our room straight away. The roads wind along the mountainside in one direction and are the width of one car so it is tricky. We walked around the town which is charming - main street is just pedestrian and lined with restaurants, cafes, wine bars and upmarket shops together with souvenir shops. Lots of lovely painted ceramics which I could easily get carried away with but trying to restrain myself.
We took the cablecar down the mountain to the beach which was a little grubby and so we did not stay long. The village has a wonderful atmosphere and we enjoyed our usual afternoon indulgence of gelato strolling down the street window shopping.
Last night we had a nice but not spectacular meal in a laneway restaurant off the main pedestrian street - nice atmosphere. It looks like we will have to wait for Crete to have that "memorable meal". Overall we have been a little disappointed in the food - perhaps our expectations were too high?
We will make the most of our time at Villa Shuler until checkout at 11am - just enjoying the views, weather and general ambience on the balcony - lucky we have the corner deluxe room with 2 balconies - before tackling the final roadtrip to Catania for the overnight.
Hoping to stop off at Mt Etna for lunch (if we don't get lost).
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