It was a perfect day when we arrived in Taormina, a pleasant walk along the Corso Umberto, was definitely the order of the day. The bustling main street, lined with former mansions, enchanting architecture and balconies brimming with flowers beckoned and we succumbed.
We took a cab from our hotel to the Piazza Vittoria Emanuele and I was truly amazed at the number of tourists! I had assumed that Taormina would be a quiet, laid back town with few tourists---NOT !!
In ancient times a circuit of walls with a triple fortification system protected Taormina, looking towards Messina and continuing in a northeast direction; ending in the west looking towards Catania. Traces of these walls can still be seen today not only in the center of the city, but also at the furthest ends of the city where there are two entrances, called Porta Messina and Porta Catania.
Our guide, Maria-Luisa, met us at the Porto Catania. She guided us through the Piazza Vittoria Emanuele, led us on a walk through the inner courtyard of the medieval Corvaja Palace where we were introduced to the richly painted original "Sicilian Caretta" carriages. She discussed the puppet shows given periodically and provided historic insight into the history of Taormina, but we wanted more! We wanted time to REALLY see the people of this lovely town.
So, we decided to "Cut School"! We found out where the tour would end, and we set out on our own to see the REAL PEOPLE of Taormina--No tours, No glitz, Just the REAL people and feel of the City. We would meet up with our tour group again, later in the day--but for now we were on our own!
We loved the tour, but getting to see the REAL CITY and visit with the REAL People was the height of the trip.