Near Taormina:
As soon as you arrive in Taormina, you will feel the magical, mythical atmosphere spread all around which has enchanted visitors from all over the world for years and years. Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, Taormina dominates two grand, sweeping bays below and on the southern side, the top of Mount Etna, the European highest active volcano, often capped with snow, offering to the visitors a breathtaking, dramatic and memorable view over almost one hundred miles of Mediterranean sea. Taormina really seems to be born as a touristic resort since past times, when ancient people like the Sicels, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards chose it as their residential site thank to its favourable position, mild climate and magic atmosphere. Nowadays visitors can still find fine examples of Taormina's golden times: the splendid Greek Thetre, the Roman 'Naumachiae', the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 14th century Palazzo Corvaja.
Skiing on a volcano!:
Few people are aware that Etna is a popular location for skiers in winter. The closest ski-facilities are in Piano Provenzana (Linguaglossa), but can also be found at Rifugio Sapienza (Nicolosi). Piano Provenzana distances only 7 km from the house. On some glorious days in winter, it’s even possible to ski the frozen slopes in the morning enjoying a wonderful panoramic view of the Mediterranean, and then, the same afternoon, go and sunbathe on the beaches below!
Testimonials:
Testimonial date 05/08/2007 from Mr. Radek B.
'Perfect.'
Testimonial date 02/04/2007 from Mr. JEAN F.
'Très bonne adresse - propriétaires tres acceuillant- nous y retournerons dès que nous pourrons'
HOW TO GET THERE: By car from the Catania airport to Castiglione di Sicilia:
1) Go inside the motorway in direction of Messina (In Italy motorway sign are green);
2) Exit in Giardini Naxos;
3) Go to FRANCAVILLA DI SICILIA (when you go out from the Giardini Naxos tollbooth, look for the traffic signs to Francavilla di Sicilia. If you want you can take information at the tollbooth employed);
4) When you arrive in Francavilla di Sicilia, look for the traffic sign to Castiglione di Sicilia.
Francavilla di Sicilia is 2/3 Km far from Castiglione di Sicilia.
If you have any problems, you can ask information to people you are going to meet on the way
Ski:
Above 1,500 on the Etna in winter it snows, therefore it is possible to ski there. The peculiarity of skiing on the Etna is that it is possible to ski down the slope of a mountain, while at the same time enjoying the marvellous view of the Mediterranean Sea. There are two main ski resorts, one on the southern slopes of the Etna, the Rifugio Sapienza, and another on the northern side, called Piano Provenzana. Both ski resorts have been destroyed in the past, following Etna eruptions, but they have always been rebuilt.
Other Activities:
Mount Etna, Gole Alacantara, Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Bronte, Messina, Siracusa, Randazzo
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
