Long weekend in Sicily

When my girlfriends asked for a three-night escape with sunshine, sea, shopping, and culture all within a four-hour flight I knew just the place. One friend was learning Italian and obsessed with cooking, another couldn’t wait to shop, and the third (like me) just wanted nature and the ocean.

I’d always wanted to go to Sicily, Italy’s biggest island and home to Europe’s highest volcano, Mount Etna. It ticked all the boxes, so I chose Taormina.

Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Mount Etna, Taormina is elegant and compact, packed with charming shops, restaurants, and history.

Where We Stayed: We checked into the gorgeous Hotel Belvedere, where the sea views, lush gardens, and elegant pool had us swooning. The staff were incredible, and we loved the short stroll into town through the botanical gardens. Bonus: our room had a perfect view of Mt Etna puffing in the distance.

Where We Ate: Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria Vicolo Stretto I Gardini Di Babilonia

Our Mount Etna Adventure: One of the highlights of the trip was a guided walking tour of Mount Etna with Paolo, a local vulcanologist and true Etna enthusiast. He took us across ancient lava fields, into a real lava tube, and past steaming vents all while passionately explaining how Etna "breathes." His unforgettable advice? "If the smoke is grey, run away!" (Don’t worry , we only saw white smoke.)

Cooking Class with a View: As a nod to our foodie friend’s Italian skills, we booked a hands-on cooking class at a family-run restaurant perched by the sea. our first stop was the local market where we picked up our goods before heading to the restaurant. We learned to make Caponata, Pasta alla Norma, swordfish rolls, and even hand-rolled traditional pasta. We left with full tummies and hearts.

A Night at the Opera: One evening, we went to a live opera performance — a mix of iconic arias, sung beautifully in an intimate local venue. Even if you’re not an opera buff, the passion and talent were undeniable. A magical, unexpected evening.

History with a View: The Greek Theatre: The iconic Teatro Greco, built in the 3rd century BC, is a must-visit. Perched on the hillside with views of the sea and Mount Etna, it reminded us that Sicily has been captivating visitors for thousands of years.

Shopping & Strolling: Taormina is a dream for boutique lovers, from handmade ceramics and linen clothing to artisan sandals and local food products. In between gelato stops and Aperol Spritz breaks, we indulged in a bit of retail therapy (it would’ve been rude not to).

Final Thoughts: Taormina makes a perfect short break — especially outside the peak cruise and summer season. We visited in spring and found it just right: sunny, not too crowded, and still full of life. It’s also a great stop on a self-drive Sicily itinerary if you want to see more of the island.

Whether you're planning a girls' trip, a romantic break, or a solo escape with a little soul, Taormina delivers on every level. Want to Plan Your Own Sicilian Escape? I’d love to help design the perfect itinerary ,from boutique stays and local guides to cooking classes and hidden gems. Get in touch and let’s make it happen!