Taormina is a favorite ancient Italian city, now resembling a strip mall with a Greek Theater. All of the buildings are old and scenic. This is a tender port, and we come ashore about 5km away from Taormina and probably 1000 feet lower. The taxi ride to the city gate can be exciting -- one year we had a self-described Michael Schumacher as our driver. This year was more staid. But still a lot of switchbacks on narrow roads.
This is the western or Catania Gate.
Since we're on the side of a hill, side streets either go up or down from the main street.
Cathedral of Taormina
ABC (Another Bloody Church)
My personal transportation through Taormina.
Religious icons on window ledge
ABC
We were first tender off the ship and got to Taormina before the crowds.
Mt. Etna, with steam coming from the caldera
The view of Mt. Etna from the Greek Theater. Admission to the theater is now 14e, and there's no play going on.
The eastern or Messina Gate
Flowers frame the entrance
View of the bay. Nautica is the furthest big ship.
Five masted sailing vessel (although the funnel describes the most common form of travel -- diesel engine).
Another view of bay with resort located below us.
The cathedral square later in the day -- it got crowded and HOT. We were glad to return to the air conditioned taxi to go back to the ship.
From the tender dock, a view of where we were.
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