Page 44 - FAST 2024 Calendar Yearbook

Taormina Rest Day 6-7
After taking the ferry boat from the toe of Italy over to Messina on the is- land of Sicily, we rode south down the coast about 20 miles to Taormina. Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Its beaches on the Ionian sea, including that of Isola Bella. I was blown away that our hotel Biai Taormina (above) was perched right on the side of a mountain overlooking the beach and Isola Bella “Pretty Island” (right page). Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Its beaches are on the Ionian sea, including that of Isola Bella which was just below my hotel room balcony - what an amazing view!
The history of Taormina dates back to before Ancient Greece established its first colony on Sicily in 734 BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Taormina continued to rank as one of the more important towns of Sicily. Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Its beaches on the Ionian sea, including that of Isola Bella. The actual old town of Taormina is located on the top of the mountain above our hotel, and it takes a cable car ride to get up there from the beach side.
Right, the historic beautiful old town of Taormina has many shops, piazzas, old churches, cafes and restaurants and is a must visit on any trip to Sicily.
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