Our Favorite Destinations That Keep Us Grounded— Taormina, Italy

More Than A Destination

For my mother, Taormina is not just a destination, it is a dream come true. Nestled along the glistening coast of Sicily, Taormina is a town that captures hearts with its timeless beauty, enriching history, and brings an irresistibly welcoming spirit. Owning her dream home for now over 10 years, it has become much more than a favorite getaway for my mother. It is a sanctuary that recharges the soul and now a space that can be joyously shared among loved ones, friends, and cherished guests.

Babilonia:Where Our Story Begins

It all started when my mother was walking along the street of Corso Umberto and spotted a flyer advertising a house for sale in Taormina. With only Google Translate to guide her, she took a leap of faith and entrusted her dream to a local real estate agency run by Enza and her husband, Tino. Though words exchanged between them were few and they do not speak the same language, a deeper understanding blossomed. A beautiful connection beyond speech, their kindness and unwavering support turned what seemed impossible into reality.

But the story of her connection to Taormina began even earlier. Almost 30 years ago, my mother first came to this seaside town to attend Babilonia, a local school of Italian. The experience left a lasting impression, so much that she couldn’t get Taormina out of her head. Hence why owning a home here became a personal milestone and ultimately a dream come true.

Last October, I had the opportunity to attend the very same school. After just a few days at Babilonia, I completely understood why my mother fell in love with this place. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, where you not only learn Italian, but also make friends from around the world and gain hands-on experiences like cooking lessons. (I still owe my family the traditional pasta we learned to make, sorry!)

A Prime Location

Our home is perfectly situated just steps away from the famed Giardini and the elegant Four Seasons San Domenica hotel — the iconic filming location for The White Lotus. Nearby is Bam Bar, famous for its granita and a hotspot for celebrities — a perfect place to savor one of Sicily’s sweetest traditions.

Beyond food, we cherish small treasures like Fabriano, our favorite stationery store right nearby — a perfect spot to find beautiful paper goods and keepsakes.

Other local favorites just around the corner include Osteria da Rita (dal 1991), known for its delicious cuisine and growing popularity, and Da Cristina, where we always stop for their famous arancini.

The Joys of Taormina

One of our favorite ways to experience Taormina is the cable car ride down to Isola Bella. This small island is a stunning spot to relax under the glistening sun, then refresh in the cool waters of the sea or the pool back at the house after sunbathing. The water’s revival is especially welcome during the warm Sicilian summers. Watching brave souls jump off the nearby cliffs reminds us to embrace courage and live life to the fullest.

Buona Forchetta: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Food in Taormina is nothing short of a celebration. We never miss getting arancino/i at Da Cristina — golden and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and warm inside, filled with melty cheese, rich ragù sauce, and tender rice. For cannolo/i, La Pignolata Guinness is a must-visit, while gelato lovers will indulge in rich flavors at Gelateria Ciuri Ciuri. In truth, many spots throughout Taormina serve delicious treats, with Osteria da Rita (dal 1991) recently gaining long queues thanks to its fantastic offerings.

Memories That Shape Us

The memories my mother and I have created here have profoundly shaped who we are. Taormina is more than a destination to us; it’s a place of growth, inspiration, and family connection. While the town has grown in popularity and is no longer the hidden gem it once was, it still holds deep history — from the beautiful church in the piazza to the ancient Greek theater where film festivals, concerts, and movies come alive.

I remember vividly attending the Simple Minds concert with my mother when I was about 15 years old and still in high school. Unsure of my future and what was to come, I felt the comfort of my mother beside me, and the concert sparked so much joy. I remember thinking, I need to come back here again — and I am still grateful to have experienced that moment with her.

Thank You for Sharing Our Journey

The privilege of traveling and experiencing Taormina is a gift I owe entirely to my mother and the people we have met along the way. Thank you for joining us in this story — and please feel free to reach out for more suggestions, stories, or simply chat when you plan your visit to Taormina.

Next destination in this series: Japan — exploring the serenity of Kyoto and the stylish but calm vibes of Minamiaoyama.