Forget Rome, Explore This Sicilian Gem in Italy That's All Sorts of Beautiful & Romantic!

I flew from Euro-Airport in Basel, a shared Airport between France, Switzerland and Germany that has flights to most destinations in Europe. Ours was an Easyjet flight till Catania which is the closest airport to Taormina. From there, we picked up our rental car from Avis, and drove for about an hour to our hotel. Obviously we made a quick beach stop in Naxos on the way!

I stayed at the Junior Suite at Hotel Panoramic, Taormina, right at Isola Bella Bay and 2 steps away from the beach. My room had the most incredible view of Isola Bella reserve in the Mediterranean Sea and we couldn't have asked for more. The suite came with a large bedroom, a common area with a convertible sofa, ample storage and two bathrooms with baths. But the best part of our suite was the enormous terrace with sun-loungers overlooking the sea!

Isola Bella is a beautiful natural reserve with a rich history of ownership. So, you need to indulge in the 2 hour boat excursions that start at the beach and cost around INR 2000. They're informative and take you through beautiful spots like Grotto Azzura, Grotta dell'Amore and Capo Taormina from pristine blue waters!

To get from the Mazzaro area to Taormina city center, you need to take the Cable car that comes with incredible views. You can buy the tickets from the vending machines and they cost 6 Euros for a return trip. On reaching the city center, you're free to explore the city as there's no dearth of insta-worthy spots and spectacular views no matter where you look. You must visit Piazza IX Aprile, San Giuseppe Church and Taormina Cathedral.

Bordered to the north by Porta Messina and to the south by Porta Catania, the Corso is a vibrant shopping street lined with local stores, chic brands and lovely restaurants. Splurge all you want here!

The fact that you can watch Mount Etna from Taormina is one of my favourite things about this Sicilian gem. I really enjoyed watching the sky change hues over Mt. Etna from the terrasse of the now closed Ristorante Mirage. It's a spectacular view and it comes with no extra cost!

I won't be exaggerating when I tell you that I had one of the best cocktails ever before heading to dinner at a low-key wine bar while strolling the lanes of Taormina. Franco Wine bar makes some incredible looking cocktails that taste equally good. I had the strawberry spritz and I simply couldn't get enough of it!

I'm sure you're craving some authentic Italian food by now, so head to the unassuming yet Michelin guide restaurant Vicolo Stretto. Start with their scrumptious tomato soup followed by your chosen main course. Don't forget to pair it up with a nice glass of wine from Etna and finish off with the in-house tiramisu!

What's more refreshing than a quick dip in crystal clear waters with magnificent views : Nothing! So while you're around, don't miss the opportunity to go for a swim and sun bathe at the beach.

Taormina has tons to offer and the gorgeous communal gardens are definitely my fav! They really need to charge a fee to enter but it's free and offers some of the most beautiful photo spots and views to die for!

Finally head to the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina, built in the third century BC. This must visit site will leave you awestruck as you come vis-à-vis with history! The magnifique views of mount Etna and the sea will just be the cherry on top.

Don't forget to grab some pizza and aperol spritz at Relè Taormina before you head back and stroll down the gorgeous Via Teatro Greco with an orange Granita!