Citalia has over 90 years of experience in helping guests discover Italy in ways they never have before. We’ll help you create a once in a lifetime holiday in Sicily you’ll find nowhere else.
In May 2022, our Marketing Executive Ellie Harding went on her latest Italian adventure, this time was a road trip around the sensational island of Sicily. Flying into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport and departing from Palermo Airport after a week of exploring. Ellie shares Sicily’s secrets with us as well as the benefits of hiring a car for your next Italian escape.
This was my first time in Sicily, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I chose to hire a car for the week from one of Citalia’s trusted partners, AVIS, to make getting around the island easier. It was so convenient to be able pick the car up immediately after landing into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport and just like that I was on my way! My first stop was Taormina, just under an hour’s drive away.
“I can’t believe I hadn’t visited Sicily sooner! This Italian Isle has the perfect blend of culture, cuisine and coastline and its size makes visiting multiple towns very accessible.”
Taormina is a breathtakingly beautiful hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. The town has a picturesque coastline as well as a convenient cable car that elevates you to the heights of Taormina’s Old Town, offering visitors the best of both worlds.
I chose to stay in Mazzarò Bay, Taormina, at the five-star Mazzarò Sea Palace for my first night. As you enter the hotel’s reception, you’re instantly struck by the most spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. Mazzarò Sea Palace has arguably the best spot on the bay as it was the first hotel to be constructed here. Pink flowers sit on every balcony framing this magical view perfectly, making you feel as though you have stepped into a painting.
All the rooms here boast captivating sea views, and my Junior Suite was no different. I could have easily let time pass me by while sitting out on the balcony looking out at the heavenly horizon. The room was comfy, light, and welcoming and this feeling persists throughout Mazzarò Sea Palace. After exploring the hotel, pool area and exclusive strip of beach reserved for guests, I ventured out to wonder around the local area.
I was lucky enough to be invited to spend my next two nights in another Junior Suite at Mazzarò Sea Palace’s idyllic sister hotel, Atlantis Bay. Atlantis Bay retains much of the same alure as its sister but manages to create an entirely unique stay. This hotel has such intriguing décor, the hallways make you feel as if you’re walking around a mediaeval castle.
Waking up to the tranquil sounds of calming waves and views of the glistening pool and ocean was a definite highlight. Atlantis Bay’s advantageous location on Mermaid’s Bay, provides a mesmerizing backdrop to your morning coffee on the terrace or signature cocktail by the pool.
“I’d recommend trying a ‘Mermaid Sea’, a signature cocktail handcrafted by Atlantis Bay’s resident mixologist. This refreshing concoction resembles the colour of ‘Mermaid Bay’ – just as pretty but I assure you it tastes much nicer - Salute!”
After checking in I took the five-minute cable car ride up from Mazzarò to Taormina town which runs every 15-minutes. Lemon trees brighten cobbled streets and it’s easy to lose yourself in the inviting passages and gardens such as Villa Comunale. Under the warmth of the Sicilian sun, I spent the day enthralled by all Taormina had to share. From the main square you’re greeted by Mount Etna as she dominates the skyline (I would definitely recommend visiting at sunset!) Another must see is the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater that will transport you back to the 3rd century B.C.
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