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 now, 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.

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!)

The connections I have made at Babilonia have truly stood the test of time, reminding me how meaningful relationships can grow in the most unexpected places.

Underneath The Sicilian Sun

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

Our home is perfectly situated just steps away from the famed Giardini and the elegant Four Seasons San Domenico Palace — the iconic filming location for The White Lotus. Nearby is Bam Bar, beloved for its refreshing granita and often buzzing with celebrity sightings — the perfect spot to savor one of Sicily’s sweetest traditions.

But it’s not just proximity that makes this location special — it’s the feeling of being surrounded by the everyday treasures that give Taormina its soul. Around the corner is Fabriano, our favorite stationery store, where we often find beautiful stationery goods and memorable souvenirs. These little gems, tucked between iconic sights, are part of what makes this place feel like home.

And then there’s the food because Taormina is a town made for the buona forchetta. In Sicily, to be called a buona forchetta , literally meaning “a good fork,” is a warm, lighthearted way of describing someone who finds joy in eating food and in sharing those special moments with others. I first heard the phrase during a home-cooked meal with our dear friends (almost like family) Enza and Tino, the same couple who helped my mother find this very home. Their hospitality and heartfelt cooking taught me that being a buona forchetta is not just about appetite, it is about appreciation, connection, and slowing down to savor what’s in front of you.

That same spirit is alive throughout Taormina. We never miss a stop at Da Cristina for their famous arancini… golden and crisp on the outside, warm and rich on the inside. Osteria da Rita (dal 1991), a favorite that has now grown increasingly popular, offers comforting dishes that has a long queue for a good reason. For something sweet, La Pignolata Guinness serves some of the best cannoli we’ve ever had, and Gelateria Ciuri Ciuri is always worth a visit for its creamy, flavorful gelato.

Here, whether it’s stationery goods or fine food, tradition or discovery, everything that brings joy to the senses is just steps away — a true paradise for the buona forchetta in all of us.

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 ! I hold this memory dearly to me and am so grateful to have experienced that moment with her.

Grazie! Honored to Share Our Journey With You

The privilege of traveling and experiencing Taormina is a gift I owe entirely to not only my mother, but also the people we have met along the way here.

Thank you for reading until the very end of our experiences 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.