The region of Sicily is located in Italy’s largest and southernmost region, between the 36th and the 38th North Parallel (in line with California). Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean

Sicily enjoys a temperate climate with long, hot summers and brief, mild winters.

Most of the region’s 5 million inhabitants live in or around its more important cities: Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Palermo, the region’s capital, is also the Island’s largest city with a population of 700,000.

Sicily’s strategic position and favorable climate have made the region a land of conquest over the centuries. The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and others have ruled over the island, and their influence is still prominent today. These millennial cultures the island has hosted over the centuries, including a strong Jewish influence, have enriched the island with enduring historical, architectural, cultural and artistic legacies.

Sicily’s customs, architecture, language and cuisine are a result of the fusion of many cultures and traditions. These unique cultural attributes, known to create a magical feeling among first time visitors, draws them back to visit again and again. It is not a surprise that tourism is one of the region’s most prominent industries, with its long beaches, nature reserves, Europe’s largest volcano, Greek temples and baroque art and monuments and many more attractions draw millions of visitors from every where.

Sicily is also very prosperous economically, with food and agriculture representing two of the region’s most important economic sectors. The region is a major producer of high-quality wine, oil and citrus fruits.

City: Taormina (Messina) - Pop. 10800 - Alt: 204 m  - Location: Sicily 
Taormina is a small lovely and romantic town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, [Italy], in the Province of Messina, about midway between Messina and Catania, approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe's largest active volcano Mount Etna.

The site of the old town is about 300 m above the sea, while a very steep and almost isolated rock, crowned by a Saracen castle, rises about 150 m higher. Taormina is one of the most popular Italian tourist destinations thanks to its beauty, its panoramic location, it beaches and crystalline sea waters. The town had a very long history that this webpage would not be enough to write all what happened.  Taormina knew Roman, Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Arab civilizations. 

Sights and Attractions:

The "Greek theater",  is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, and from which visitors can enjoy breathtaking views.  Piazza Vittorio Emanuele • Palazzo Corvaja (a mix of Gothic, Norman and  Arab style) • Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria behind are the remains of a small Roman Theater • Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano with elegant two-light windows and ornaments • The Clock Tower • The Duomo • Piazza 9 Aprile is the central piazza and heart of Taormina and offers stunning views of Volcano Etna • The "Villa Comunale" and its magnificent garden rich in tropical plants and breathtaking views over the blue sea • At the foot of the hill  is the Isola Bella, a nature reserve •  Capo Sant' Andrea grottos •  The scenic Alcantara Gorge is located about a twenty minute drive south-west of Taormina