TAKE a look at this pretty European destination with miles of golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, a volcano and fabulous coastal views. The gorgeous hilltop town of Taormina in Italy is just three hours and 25 minutes from Dublin Airport . Ryanair offers flights to Palermo in Sicily from €19.
99 and it then takes a three-hour drive to reach the fabulous destination. The hilltop town is situated on the east coast of Sicily and sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. The area is known for its spectacular settings, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes - and boasts sunny temperatures of 32C and above.
It is also well-known for its rich cultural experience, with its charming old town steeped in history and plenty of hidden gems to find on the island - and the town has an ancient Greco-Roman theatre which is still being used to this day. There is a wide variety of exciting things for visitors to see and do with a mix of ancient and modern history including the origins of the town, unique streets, food tours and fabulous trips to the golden sandy beaches. Isola Bella Di Taormina beach is one of the main charms that the area has to offer - and it's just minutes from the heart of the busy coastal town as it can be accessed by cable car.
Tourists flock to the popular beach spot for its soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of the cliffs which can be seen from the beach. The beach spot is fabulous for kayaking, swimming and scuba diving as the water is warm and basked in direct sunlight. Mazzaro Bay is another beach that is popular with tourists due to its unique location, surrounded by rocks, lush plants and golden sands.
The beach offers sunbeds with an umbrella and a table, offering a relaxing experience at the beach at cheap rates. A set of two sunbeds with an umbrella and a table are priced from €10 for the day. Minutes from the beach, you will find cafes, restaurants, bars and local shops.
The venues near the beach often provide local cuisine and products that represent the town and the country, meaning a lot of yummy pasta and pizza to try out. Taormina is hailed for its affordable pasta and pizza classes and gelato, with tourists travelling all over the world to try delicious pasta and pizza from scratch with gelato as dessert from a local restaurant. Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €15.
There are many music events held in the city, expressing the culture of southern Italy at local pubs and clubs - with tunes also being played on the streets. One of the popular entertainment spots in the town is the ancient Greco-Roman theatre, which showcases dramatic performances and musicals. Locals often urge visitors to see Mount Etna - Europe's most active volcano - with a private guide, and it boasts incredible views of Sicily.
And there is a local honey store that is produced from the fertile volcano terrain. Tourists can try out honey, olive oil, olives, wine and liquors. They also urge tourists to see the beauties of the famous Sicilian towns of Savoca and Castlemola, boasting incredible cultural experiences of the southern Italians during the past centuries.
The average price per night at a three-star hotel costs around €70..
