Villa Isolabella at Sicilia

The Neighborhood

Villa Isolabella is in an incredibly privileged position close to the centre of Taormina (1km). The town’s bars, restaurants and nightclubs are within a 15-minute walk, as is the ancient Greek theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina (950m). Other historical highlights in Taormina include Duomo di Taormina (1.5km), a cathedral that is typical of Sicilian churches in the area, and Chiesa Madonna della Rocca (2km). The latter can be reached by walking up the slopes above the town, with a stepped footpath leading to the church cut into the rocks. The views from here over the town and Greek theatre are simply breathtaking. Corso Umberto (1km) is the main shopping street in the town and is lined with luxury boutiques and various other shops selling clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. Shops and restaurants that cater for international visitors sit alongside many traditional, family-run restaurants for soaking up the local ambience. After enjoying a delicious meal, end the evening in Piazza IX Aprile (1km) by taking in panoramic views over the bay from its huge terrace. The villa is also close to the coast with its beautiful beaches. The stunning small island of Isola Bella (4km) is a definite must-visit. It’s a steep and winding 35-minute walk down from the villa, with a thin strip of sand connecting the coastline to the island. There’s a pebble beach on offer here, as well as clear waters for swimming and trying activities such as snorkelling and diving. It’s a truly idyllic spot, with lots of hidden coves to explore. Beaches with a mix of sand and pebble can be found at the resort of Giardini Naxos (6km) - along with centuries of history. Giardini Naxos was said to be the first ancient Greek colony in Sicily, which you can still see some evidence of at the archaeological park and museum. Also enjoy a day trip out to Mount Etna (55km) to marvel at this iconic and still-active volcano on a guided tour. Another great place to visit is the ancient port city of Catania (52km), which sits at the foot of Mount Etna itself. There’s also Messina (53km), a city that’s known for its ornate cathedral and elegant fountains.