Page 257 - The Rough Guide of Sicily
P. 257

With its dramatic backdrop of mountains, Sicily’s northeastern corner includes
           the island’s most visually exotic coastline, crammed with brilliant displays of
           vegetation. With beaches of fine quartz shingle, the coast is also dominated by an
           almost unbroken ribbon of development, for this is one of Sicily’s most popular

           resort areas, with both Italian and foreign tourists lured by the stunning views
           down to a cobalt sea. Once the decadent retreat of D.H. Lawrence and Oscar
           Wilde, Taormina is now the most illustrious resort on the entire island, and its
           famous ancient theatre, grand hotels and engaging small-town charm captivate

           most visitors. The local beaches are all a short ride below town, including the
           extensive sands that line the curving bay at Giardini-Naxos.

           It’s Messina, just across the busy Straits from mainland Italy, that’s the major city in
           this region, though an unfortunate history has left only scant attractions. Inland, you can
           leave the crowds behind in the venerable old hill-villages of Savoca and Forza

           d’Agrò, where many scenes from the Godfather films were shot, as well as taking in
           the area’s most gruesome attraction – the mummified bodies on display in Savoca’s
           Cappuccini monastery. Further south, beyond Taormina, the Alcantara valley with its
           spectacular gorge is the best target hereabouts for those seeking outdoor adventure –

           while beguiling, unspoilt Castiglione di Sicilia is the hill-town most likely to pull at
           the heartstrings of those yearning to begin a new life in rural Sicily.
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