Located in southern Italy, in Sicily, Taormina is one of the most beautiful and unforgettable cities I have ever visited.
When someone asks me about a city to visit, I don’t hesitate to say “Taormina“. It’s a place I would go 1000 times if possible. If you like mountains, terraces with sea views, picturesque alleys, flowered balconies, and good food, you should definitely put it on your list. The city is very small, with approximately 10,909 inhabitants, so you can easily explore it in one day.
1: Greek Theatre
Ancient Theater of Taormina
The Greek Theater of Taormina was built around the 3rd century, and to this day it hosts concerts by great artists. Can you imagine attending a concert in this place? The view from the theater is truly breathtaking, with mountains and the Mediterranean Sea surrounding it. Personally, it is one of the most beautiful views I have ever witnessed. We bought the ticket at the entrance ticket office and paid €10 to visit it, but if you are there on the first Sunday of the month, admission is free. The opening hours vary depending on the time of year, usually closing at 4 p.m. in winter and 7 p.m. in summer.
2: Views
First, Taormina is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and located on top of mountains. Can you imagine the view you will have?
3. Details
If you are one of those people who loves the details of the cities you visit, you will spend the day trying to observe everything. Taormina is rich in small details.
4. Alleys
Full of picturesque alleys, you will always find a cute detail along the streets of Taormina.
5. Food
Cannoli, a typical Sicilian dessert
Sicilian cuisine is full of flavor, and a typical Sicilian dessert is the cannoli, made of a crispy dough filled with sweet ricotta.
6: Balconies
As Taormina is located on top of a mountain, there are numerous wonderful balconies where you can stop and have a coffee while enjoying the view.
7: Flowers
Flowers on balconies and lemon trees on sidewalks are the perfect way to add more charm to the city. How can one not fall in love? ❤️
8: Traditional Italy
Taormina is located in the southern part of Italy, where authentic Italy is known. It is full of traditions and captivating, just as I had imagined Italy before visiting.
9: Shops and Crafts
Walking through the streets full of little shops and crafts
10: Piazza IX Aprile
Piazza IX Aprile
The main square of the city not only has a beautiful church but also a terrace with one of the most beautiful views of Sicily.
11: Eating at Piazza IX Aprile
Have a coffee or wine at Piazza IX Aprile while waiting for the sun to set.
12: Public Garden
A garden full of flowers with a beautiful view of the city and Mount Etna, when we arrived, had just closed; we could only see this part that is in the photo.
Taormina is a captivating combination of nature, the sea, picturesque streets, and great food. When you reach the central balcony of the city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, your thoughts will be the same as mine – When can I come back? 😊
Scenario of the movie The Godfather: Savoce is a quiet medieval village in southern Italy, Sicily
Church of the movie The Godfather
Those who watched the movie The Godfather got to know through the film the small town of Savoca, a medieval and quiet village in southern Italy in Sicily, where scenes from the movie were filmed. There is even a sculpture as a tribute to the film director Francis Ford Coppola.
Tribute to the director of the movie The Godfather
Savoca is located near the famous and touristy Sicilian city of Taormina, and this is one of the reasons why you should include it in your visit to Sicily. But unlike Taormina, Savoca offers a chance to take a deep breath and see what an authentic mountain village in Sicily is like. Savoca, a small village with less than 2000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d’Italia), an association that includes small Italian towns of historical interest and rich cultural heritage.
A beautiful view of the road leading to Savoca, Sicily, Italy
Savoca is located on top of a cliff; the road to it is full of curves and very narrow, being an attraction in itself, increasing the anticipation to arrive soon and see where these little roads lead.
Well, as expected, the view when you arrive in the city is breathtaking. One of those where you just take a deep breath and contemplate nature in its true color.
View from town
Right at the entrance of the city, you will see the most photographed spot, Bar Vitelli, where the powerful godfather Michael proposes to the father of his first wife, Appolonia.
Bar Vitelli, The Godfather movie
Nearby is also the Church of San Nicolo, the location where Michael and Apollonia got married.
Church of San Nicolo, Savoca, where the wedding scene was filmed in the movie The Godfather
Regardless of the fame Savoca gained from the movie, it is more than just that. It is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, and it gives the impression of being frozen in time. Taking a walk through Savoca will confirm this.
Savoca, Sicily
When I look at the photos of my visit to Savoca, I still feel the same warmth and embrace that I experienced when I was there. Italy has a special closeness and hospitality that I think many of us descendants of Italian immigrants can relate to as if we are being welcomed with open arms.
Visiting these villages feels like stepping back in time. They are cherished memories that bring warmth to the heart.
How long does it take to visit Savoca?
Savoca is a small town that can be explored in just 1 hour. However, I recommend reserving half a day to fully appreciate the city at a relaxed pace. Take a leisurely walk through the streets, enjoy some delicious ice cream, capture memorable photos, and be captivated by the unique charms it has to offer.
Savoca is located 170 kilometers from Palermo and approximately 30 kilometers from Messina. I have included some photos here that showcase this stunning region of Italy.
An amazing off-the-beaten-path tour, a true hidden gem in Tuscany, Italy,for hot springs lovers!
San Filippo’s hot springs are one of those places that locals love.
You may have heard of the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany, which are often featured in photos on the internet. Saturnia, a small town in Tuscany, Italy, is known for its natural hot springs and beautiful scenery. However, in recent years, the town has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. During the peak season, which runs from June to September, the spot can get quite busy. You may find yourself struggling to find a space to relax and enjoy the healthy, therapeutic thermal effect.
Bagni San Filippo
The San Filippo hot springs are a stunning natural wonder. They boast beautiful calcium formations, waterfalls, and small pools of hot water surrounded by forest, making for an unforgettable experience. These thermal waters are situated in Tuscany, specifically in the Val d’Orcia region, near the charming town of Bagni San Filippo.
In this post, I will explain why I believe Bagni San Filippo is an excellent alternative to Saturnia, particularly if you are looking for a more genuine and authentic experience.
The water temperature is very pleasant, being even warmer near its fall.
Bagni San Filippo is a hidden gem of a natural attraction in Tuscany, Italy, that’s popular among locals and a must-visit for tourists looking to experience the region’s natural beauty. Unlike the crowded tourist spots found in Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo offers a more peaceful and secluded experience.
Where is it located? To get there, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive from Florence, passing through charming Tuscan towns and picturesque countryside. We visited it during our stay in Val d’Orcia, in the beautiful city of San Quirico, which is known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Entrance is free, but be sure to bring coins for parking on the street just before the entrance.
You can visit at any time of day, as there are no gates and it’s located in the middle of nature. The first hot spring pools are only a 5-minute walk from the entrance, and they’re perfect for relaxing and soaking in the warm waters. If you walk a little further, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of cascading white limestone formations, which have been shaped by the thermal waters flowing through them.
The first thermal pools we see as soon as we arrive
The area that surrounds the waterfall is truly extensive. Once you follow the path that takes you deeper into the woods, you’ll come across the first pools, as you can see in the photo above. Keep walking, and soon you’ll see the Fosso Bianco, also known as the “White Whale.” This unique rock formation resembles a white whale emerging from the thermal waters and is a popular spot for taking photos and admiring the beauty of nature.
The White Whale
This stunning natural wonder is located at the point where the warm water from the springs meets the cold water of the river, resulting in a beautiful bluish-white color that contrasts beautifully with the green of the surrounding forest. The scenery is truly fascinating and will leave you in awe.
When we got close to the “White Whale”, we decided to get into the water right there. It was already the end of the day, and we wanted to take advantage of the light, but if you keep walking, you’ll have beautiful views and angles of the calcium formation with the waterfalls.
In case you’re planning to visit, here’s a little map that will help you get a better idea of the area and all the scenic spots you can explore.
Curiosities: The calcium formation in the first photo is called White Whale due to its resemblance to a whale’s mouth. This formation is the highlight of the thermal waters of San Filippo, being its most impressive section.
Locals and tourists have created new pools below the waterfall, gathering stones, branches, and leaves. At the bottom of these pools, you will find a rich deposit of thermal mud that is excellent for facial and body masks, so sit down, cover yourself in mud, and enjoy the free and natural beauty treatment 🙂
Extra Tip: If you’re looking for beauty treatments and massages, there is a spa hotel in the village. For an entrance fee of about 10 euros, you can also relax in the hotel’s pools.
Attention: Please avoid walking on the calcium formations, as they are delicate. The springs nearby emerge from the ground at a temperature of 48°C, making the water in the area where the “White Whale” is located very hot. This allows for bathing even in autumn and winter.
The Healing Effects of Water: The thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo are believed to have restorative properties due to the high mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sulfate, in the water.
Soaking in these waters is beneficial mainly for joints and bones, but also for skin and respiratory organs.
It’s important to note that wetting your hair is not recommended, as the minerals in the water can damage it. I made this mistake and my hair became like straw. 😢 It took three washes to return to normal. 🙌
In conclusion, experiencing the benefits of the water, the temperature, and the scenery among the trees in the middle of nature is an amazing experience that I highly recommend for those who enjoy this type of activity.
I’ll leave a video here to show a little bit of the beauty of this place.
I hope you enjoy your trip to this magical region of Italy.
Discover Castelmola, a unique and charming town perched on a rock. With its authentic, breathtaking views, it’s a true Sicilian treasure you must visit.
Panoramic view of the small Village of Castelmola, overlooking the town of Taormina with sea background, Sicily island, South of Italy
Castelmola is on the list “I Borghi più belli d’Italia,” which is a list of small Italian villages of historical interest and rich in cultural heritage. Well, for me, it wouldn’t need a list to reinforce how beautiful it is.
A beautiful view from Castelmola village
As soon as I arrived in Castelmola, I felt a wave of happiness running through my body. Sometimes, or rather, most of the time, it only takes me a few seconds to identify and fall in love with a place, and from that moment on, it becomes priceless to me. That’s how Castelmola became special to me ❤️.
Bell tower of the Church of St Nicholas of Bari in Castelmola, a small town on Sicily Island, Italy
Castelmola is located in the south of Italy, in beautiful Sicily, near Taormina and Savoca. The little town is quite small, and one hour is enough to explore it, but if you have time, stay a little longer.
Breathtaking views from a beautiful Sicilian village
We visited Castelmola in the afternoon after visiting Savoca in the morning. It’s a great combination that will make you completely in love with Sicily 🙋♀️. Castelmola is right next to the famous Taormina. There’s a post here about it too. Approximately 6.5km separates the two. Savoca is 23km away. All three are must-visit places, and you will discover something special in each of them.
The typical rustic charm of Sicilian villages
The view of the city is something you shouldn’t miss. I highly recommend it. The combination of the view with the authentic and rustic charm of the village is perfect. You will have a beautiful piece of Italy to cherish in your memories.
Almond biscuit, typical of Sicily
We parked the car at the entrance of the small town and went to explore it. I don’t know if I mentioned it, but it is situated on top of a rock, which is why its terrace is spectacularly beautiful. Going up the stairs, you will find the ruins of the Norman Castle, and in the city center, there are some souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. We took the opportunity to have pizza in the late afternoon. Those are the kind of moments that make us happy. It started to get colder towards the end of the day, and we had a coffee with a typical almond biscuit from the Sicilian region.
Castelmola is a unique, authentic, and charming town.
I will leave here the criteria that cities need to meet to be included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, like Castelmola.
To be part of the list “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” (“The most beautiful villages in Italy”), they need to meet certain criteria. To be eligible, the town must:
Have architectural and/or natural heritage certified by the requesting municipality and/or the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Conservation.
2. Historical buildings must prevail over the total number of constructions and must form an aesthetically homogeneous ensemble.
3. Offer a valuable heritage for its urban and architectural quality.
After being included in the list, the city or village is constantly monitored to see if it still meets other aspects, such as its maintenance and tourist development.
