Our first full day began with breakfast and a few lovely views from our rooms. The hotel is constructed on the side of a mountain/cliff so each room has a little private balcony with a view of the ocean. Check out the photos!

We set off for a walk to the Teatro Antica. This is the 2nd largest amphitheater in Sicily and it has been re-purposed for modern day concerts. Quite wonderful to imagine being there for a concert surrounded by the ancient construction of both the Greeks and the Romans. Happily, there are no longer any gladiator spectacles!

Along our walk we saw the Comune di Taromina, ancient cemetery sites. 

Our walk about took us to the crowded shopping streets with lovely local boutiques as well as every luxury name-brand imaginable. Dior, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara etc. etc. etc. Lovely linens! I bought potholders and then 3 pencils for Harper at the Pinocchio store.

We enjoyed our little visit to the public gardens: Villa Comunale. This lovely space began in the early 18th century when a palazzo was built here. The area was eventually home to an Englishwoman who enlarged the gardens. It now hosts WWI war memorials and tranquil seating areas and a charming contemporary bronze sculpture at the entry “Angels of Our Time”. (early 2000’s).

Afternoon: relax by the pool and then dinner back in town at Al Duomo with our new friend Renee. Great first day! (lots of walking/steps: 17,619!)