For me, this place was magic! This is the backdrop of the television show, White Lotus season #2,…read moreand the crystal blue waters did not disappoint. This beach is very European, which is to say it's a rock beach, not a sand beach. You can rent chairs and umbrellas. Dependign on the time of year, the water might have jellyfish, so beware as you wade into the surf. The little island, Isola Bella is magical, make sure you tour it.

A MUST when visiting Taormina. I mean, this is the main reason to go - the beach…read more There are a few ways to get there... 1. Take the stairs allllll the way down. It can take 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level (wear sneakers!) 2. Take the gondola down to the final stop, and understand that you still have to walk some stairs down. It's not ideal for the elderly or those with walking issues. 3. Pull up on your boat! You should have water shoes because this is a rocky beach. No sand. Take your umbrella and chairs. OR, rent some chairs + umbrellas from the various beach clubs along the shore. I think that's the best way to go, because they cleared out their shoreline and it's not at rocky. There are a few vendors on the walk down selling water shoes, hats, and clothes. My girlfriend bought a 10€ hat and it was money worth spent! There are also some pushy salespeople that will try to recruit you to go on a boat excursion, snorkeling, etc. Regardless, do spend at least one day at the beach if you're visiting Taormina. The water is amazing, the views, the photo opps...

you have the option to pay for a self guided walking tour & go down to the water, or just go down…read moreto the water. The walking tour was easy, gave you some good photo opportunities of the area but overall if you opted to not take it, you wouldn't be missing much. The real beauty is down at the water. Be warned, walking through the water barefoot is extremely painful! I regret not having water shoes. Overall, a great experience though. Wasn't too busy when I went near closing time

Hard to believe that I am the first to write a review of this amazing national (protected) park…read more The Gole Alcantara is a place for anyone who can enjoy nature at its best, Anyone who would like to understand the beauty that comes from actual lava, anyone who would likes botanical gardens, anyone who just loves to relax, enjoy the sun and the water in a slightly different way than usual. Entering the Gole you first get a small little museum which explains what you are about to see. Also there is a really nice 3D movie with special effects (for the sake of not being one of those spoilers I will not go into any more details) After the movie is finished you enter the botanical gardens which have several parts. First you see all the trees and plants created due to natures reaction to what the Etna drops down. Then you walk through a bit of history where you can see which pre-historical animal were sighted here a long long time ago. And then you enter a lovely peaceful place with fruits and vegetables. Agriculture at its best, while walking above the stream of the Gole. After a good 1.5 hours walking and relaxing and seeing and enjoying you will finally have reached the end of the park......Or so you think.....Cause now the fun can begin....You either walk the 250 stairs downwards or like sane people take the elevator, down to the stream. This stream is a magical stream which broke through the lava and ensured the people from the Toarmina coastal area were saved. This is nature at its best showing us just how powerful water is. This stream has the most beautiful (super cold) clear water which you can walk through. There is also a possibility for guided walking tours which go deeper into the split of the rocks. the streams current is very fast so make sure that if you wander you stay grounded. if not you will fall over with all your belongings. When you are done exploring you can relax on the beach area and enjoy the sun. To me the Gole is one of the most amazing places in Sicily. And that is saying a lot especially considering that Sicily has so much to offer.