A Sicilian Summer: A few days in Taormina and Catania
When I booked a few days in Sicily, all I really wanted was sun, sea, and good food (the perfect formula for any summer getaway!) - and that’s exactly what I got. I went with a friend and we split our time between the beachside calm of the bay of Isola Bella and the energy of Catania, with plenty of swimming, snacking, and wandering in between. Nothing too fancy, just a trip that did what a good holiday should: gave us the space to enjoy it as it happened.
Isola Bella: Mornings by the Water
We stayed by the coast overlooking Isola Bella, a tiny, picturesque island near Taormina that is almost too pretty to be real. Mornings were slow - with the hotel overlooking the coast, we drank our coffees to the sound of waves brushing against the pebbled shore, the warmth already starting to rise from an early hour. After a swim in the ocean, the cable car to Taormina made getting into town effortless - up and over the cliffs in a matter of minutes, climbing from sea level to stone-paved streets.
It’s a strange and beautiful contrast: the lushness of the coast below and the elegance of the town above. Taormina, with its sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, dramatic cliffside gardens, and the beautiful ruins of the ancient Greek theatre still standing proud, is a place that wears its history with elegance.
A Boat, a Mask, and Coral-Coloured Dreams
One of the highlights of the trip was a coastal boat tour, winding past rugged cliffs and secret caves. We dropped our anchor in a quiet cove, where the water was crystal clear and so warm I never wanted to get out. We dived off the boat and floated through the waters for a few hours, watching the coral shimmer beneath the surface and little silver fish dart around like they had somewhere important to be.
There’s nothing like being out on the water with no other plans except to swim, float, and take it all in.
Street Food, Markets & Mount Etna Wine
From Taormina, we made our way to Catania, a city that feels grittier and more lived-in than its polished neighbour. Here, the rhythm was faster, the streets louder, but full of energy and good food. We started with a walking food tour that doubled as a crash course in local history - past Baroque buildings, lively piazzas, and the famous fish markets, where fishmongers called out over the scent of salt and lemon.
After starting the day with the catch of the day, we also tried arancino still warm from the fryer, filled with ragu and saffron rice. There was pasta alla Norma, named for the opera, with aubergine and salty ricotta salata. Ice-cold granita in the afternoon heat. And traditional cannoli, a sweet and satisfying way to end our tour.
Later, we did a wine tasting with food pairing, where local wines from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna thoughtfully met delicious cheeses, cured meat, and more traditional samplings. The host provided a short introduction to the volcanic region and each of the wines. There was no fluff, just seriously good food and wine with real character.
What Sicily Left Me
This wasn’t the kind of trip where you race from sight to sight. It was quieter. Slower. And in that stillness, Sicily found a way in. Through the food, through the sea, through the old stone streets and through the hospitality of everyone we met.
Taormina showed me beauty. Catania gave me flavour. And together, they reminded me why I love to travel in the first place - not to escape, but to connect.
If you're planning your own Sicilian escape, I can recommend both of these locations and I hear that the North of the island is just as brilliant with even more to see if you have the time.