After another big storm over night (we watched it lighting up Italy across the sea), we woke up to a fresher temperature, a light breeze and blue skies. Heading down to breakfast, we arrived just in time for some people with the best table to finish, so we nabbed it and settled down in the sunshine, almost surrounded by stunning views. Although we arrived in plenty of time before they finished serving, they had run out of quite a few items, but we happily filled up on amazing, custard filled croissants, fresh bread with delicious jam and with fresh ricotta, and Tom even treated himself to some nice meats and a small slice of a delicious apple tart.
We packed the bags into our Fiat 500, ready for our later departure, and pootled the very short distance up the street to catch the “Funivia” down the hill to the beach area. Despite what my internet research had told me, it was nowhere near as grockly as we expected and we had a very pleasant paddle along the shore line. Tom then clambered up some rocks (while I watched, trembling with fear) to get to the perfect photo spot! Baking in the heat, after what has been such a cool summer in the UK, we stopped at a little pizzeria for some cool refreshments, before reaching the station just in time to hop onto a moving cable car back up to the old town. We both decided that we prefer it at the top – it’s much older and prettier.
Before we left, we took one last stroll into town to visit the Greek Theatre. Wow! It was definitely worth the walk through the midday heat! The place itself is stunning, but the views are unbelievable! You can see right down the coast and up to Etna, which dominates the skyline when you look inland from anywhere on this part of the east coast.
Back in the car, we drove just a little way down the hill, round hair pin bends, to find a spot for Tom to crack out his drone! He only flew it for a few minutes, but the spot we chose, overlooking the bay with Isola Bella in it, provided him with the most perfect back drop to film and we’re both delighted with the results. Tom is planning on editing together all his footage from the honeymoon when we get home and publishing it on this website, so keep your eyes peeled! Personally,I have nothing but admiration for his confidence to fly it out over the sea!
We then drove for what should have been about an hour, but turned out to be more like an hour and 40 minutes, to reach our next hotel. I’m glad Tom’s done all the driving so far – the drivers here are truly crazy! We are staying on the slopes of Etna and are absolutely delighted with our bed and breakfast here. We had yet another wonderful welcome, the surroundings are lush and incredibly peaceful, and, yet again, the views back to the coast are lovely.
We’re off out shortly to hunt out some dinner (I’m considering being brave and driving the car, but we’ll see if my bottle holds!), then back for an early night. Tomorrow promises a trip on another cable car, this time up the volcano, then off to near Messina for one night. Sicily is proving to be just as stunning as we expected 🙂
Recommendations:
Domus Verdiana bed and breakfast on the slopes of Etna.
Teatro Greco in Taormina. It’s free entry too!