Taormina, Sicily Travel Guide – Get to Know Taormina

Taormina, Sicily Travel Guide – Get to Know Taormina

Taormina Overview:

Taormina has been one of Sicily’s top travel destinations since it became part of the European Grand Tour in the 19th century and Sicily’s first resort.

Taormina has remnants of its Greek and Roman habitation, a fine medieval quarter and castle ruins, and modern shops and restaurants. Perched on the side of Monte Tauro, the town offers fantastic views of the coast and Mt. Etna volcano. Below the town are excellent beaches where you can swim in the clear sea water. Although Taormina can be visited all year, spring and fall are the best times. July and August are hot and crowded.

Taormina Location:

Taormina is 200 meters above sea level on Monte Tauro on Sicily’s east coast. It’s 48km south of Messina, Sicily’s closest city to the mainland. Mt. Etna volcano is about a 45 minute drive southwest of Taormina and farther south is Catania, one of Sicily’s largest cities.

Taormina Transportation:

Taormina is on the train line between Messina and Catania and can be reached by train directly from Rome. The station, Taormina-Giardini, is 2km below the center served by shuttle buses.

Regular buses run from Palermo, Catania, the airport, and Messina arriving in the center of town. The closest airport, Fontanarossa in Catania, is an hour drive and has flights to some Italian and European cities (Italy Airports Map). A car ferry runs from the mainland to Messina, then take the A18 along the coast about 30 minutes. Driving in the center is limited. There are two large parking lots on the outskirts.

Taormina Restaurants:

Taormina has many excellent restaurants in all price categories. It’s a great place for seafood and outdoor dining, often with views. Near the duomo, Casa Grugno serves cuisine that’s a mix of modern and traditional in a medieval Gothic-Catalan residence. Ristorante da Lorenzo, Via Roma 12, serves seafood on a terrace overlooking the sea. Traditional Sicilian food is served at Ristorante la Griglia, Corso Umberto 54, on an outside terrace during nice weather. An inexpensive choice is Porta Messina, next to the city walls at Largo Giove Serapide 4.

Taormina Hotels:

Taormina hotels on Venere (book direct) have user ratings and reviews, hotel photos, descriptions, and map for 2 to 5 star hotels. Top rated hotels are the 4-star Villa Carlotta (book direct) in a garden setting overlooking the sea and Hotel Villa Angela in a park setting with views of Mt. Etna and the bay. A less expensive option right in the historic center is the 2-star Hotel Victoria. My friends recommend Atahotel Capotaormina below Taormina with a private beach. There’s also a small youth hostel, Ulisse, with sea views at Via S Francesco di Paola 9.

Taormina Shopping:

Taormina’s center, especially Corso Umberto, is a good place for shopping. There are many shops selling high quality items, mostly from Sicily, although you’ll find designer fashions and jewelry from mainland Italy, too. There are shops for fashion, jewelry, crafts, mosaics ceramics, puppets, porcelain dolls, and other souvenirs.

Taormina Festivals and Events:

Taormina Arte festival runs from June through August. Plays, concerts, and a film festival are held outdoors in the Greek Theater during summer. Madonna della Rocca is celebrated the second weekend of September with a religious procession and feast. Taormina has one of the best Carnavale celebrations in Sicily. In May there’s a traditional costume and Sicilian cart fair.

Taormina Attractions:

Taormina’s attractions include the Greek theater, medieval quarter, shopping and beaches. See Taormina Top Sights and Attractions for details about what to see and to in and near Taormina.

Information by http://goitaly.about.com

Travel Bali Indonesia

Travel Bali Indonesia

Of all the tropical islands of Indonesia, Bali is the best known tourism destination, and surely for a reason. Inexpensive Bali has great beaches as well as excellent surfing and diving conditions. The lovely island offers also lovely landscape with palm trees, tropical forests and volcanic mountains. The many hot springs and spas, and the intriguing exotic culture and ancient Hindu traditions of the island make Bali a truly magical place!

The Island of Gods located between the larger island of Java in the West and Lombok in the East, Bali is the only island inIndonesia that still retains the ancient form of Hindu religion, having plenty of temples and festivals to visit. Bali receives 80 % of all the foreign visitors coming to Indonesia. Most tourism destinations on Bali are located in the southern side of the island.

Sights and activities in Bali: beaches, spas, diving, trekking, golf and shopping

Bali is a diverse destination with something for everyone, from stunning beaches and nightlife in Bali to cultural attractions and from golf courses to jungles and shopping in Bali. Surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, Bali has plenty of beaches, of which the most famous and popular ones are in Kuta, Legian and Sanur. There are also plenty of beach resorts in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Seminyak and Kerobogan. Beaches in southern Bali have usually white sand, whereas the ones in the North and West have black sand. Kuta and Legian are the most popular locations for surfing in Bali, as well as centers of nightlife in Bali. The island is surrounded by coral reefs that offer great opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in Bali.

The capital city of Denpasar is not a major tourism destination, but it is interesting for those wanting to experience more local lifestyle. There are several good golf courses in Bali to enjoy. Bali has an estimated 20.000 beautiful Hindu temples, many of which are easily accessed. The most famous temples are Uluwatu, Besakih and Tanah Lot. There are also plenty of colorful religious festivals around the island. The biggest festival in Bali is the 10-day Galungan Festival in the end of March or the beginning of April. There are also many theme parks in Bali, located around the island that are great entertainment especially for children, and spas in Bali are perfect for relaxation.

The rugged interior of Bali offers not only great hillside scenery, volcanoes, hot springs and lush rainforests, but also plenty of activities from trekking in Bali to white water rafting and horseback riding. The large Bali Barat National Park offers also opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Bali travel information and practical tips

Bali has a tropical climate where the temperature is warm around the year. There is a distinct rainy season from October to March and a dry season from April to September, although rains can occur at any time of the year.

The coastal areas in Bali are hotter than the high mountain areas in the interior, but there is a sea breeze that tempers the heat. The mountainsides also receive more rain than coastal areas. The main tourist season in Bali is in July and August, as well as during Christmas and New Year.

Traveling to Bali is usually done by air via the capital city Denpasar. It has an international airport that receives flights to Bali from all over the world. You can also travel to Bali by a ferry from the many other islands in Indonesia.

Public transport on Bali is handled by buses and local minivans called bemos. There are also special tourist shuttles running between the major tourist destinations, and you can easily rent a car in Bali, as well as a motorcycle or bicycle, or charter a minivan with a driver. However, remember that the traffic in Bali is often chaotic.

Accommodation & services. There are plenty of hotels in Bali to choose from, including cheap hostels. Restaurants in Bali and other tourist services are also widely available in the main tourist centers. Due to the importance of tourism on the island, English is a common third language in Bali, and all people in service professions speak at least a bit of it.

Safety. Bali’s popularity as a tourism destination has unfortunately lured also terrorists into the island. There have been terrorist attacks against tourists on Bali in 2002 and 2005. Therefore, security is now tight in nightclubs and restaurants frequented by foreigners. You should also be careful for petty crime such as scams and pickpocketing, but in general, Bali is still a quite safe travel destination.

Rimini Travel Information

Rimini Travel Information

Get to Know Lake Como, Italy’s Most Popular Lake

Lake Como Introduction:

Lake Como, Lago di Como in Italian, is Italy’s most popular lake and also its deepest. Lake Como is shaped like an inverted Y giving it a long perimeter. The lake is surrounded by beautiful villas and resort villages as well as hiking paths and it’s popular for boat trips and water activities.
Lake Como, a popular destination since Roman times, is a top romantic travel destination and a great spot for photography.

Lake Como Location:

Lake Como is in the northern Italian Lakes District. Lake Como lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland. It’s southern tip is about 40km north of Milan. It is surrounded by mountains and hills.

Transportation to and from Lake Como:

Lake Como lies on the Milan to Switzerland train line. The train stops in the town of Como, the main town on the lake, where there is a tourist office in Piazza Cavour. The Ferrovia Nord Milano, a small train line that leaves Como from via Manzoni, runs only between Como and Milan. Milan’s Malpensa Airport is 40 miles away. To get to Como from the airport, take the Malpensa Express Train to Saronna and transfer to train LeNord to Como.

Lake Como Transportation – Getting Around the Lake:

Ferries link the major villages and towns of Lake Como, providing both a good form of public transportation and a good way to do some sightseeing from the lake. There is also a bus system to villages around the lake. There are several funiculars to take you into the hills. You can rent cars in Como (Auto Europe rentals in Como) if you want to explore other nearby areas on your own.

Lake Como – When to Go:

Lake Como is a popular weekend destination for people from Milan so the weekdays may be less crowded. July and August are the most crowded months. Spring and Fall are the best times to visit as it is less crowded and the weather is usually pleasant. During the winter, some services may be closed, but you can ski in the mountains nearby.

Como and Lake Como Average Temperatures and Precipitation

Lake Como Festivals:

The Sagra di San Giovanni is celebrated the last weekend of June in the town of Como with folk arts and fireworks and in Ossuccio with a festival, boat procession, and boat race. The Palio del Baradello, a historical re-enactment, is the first week of September. Also in September is a traditional rowing race, Palio Remiero del Lario. There are music festivals around the lake in spring and fall, gastronomic festivals in fall, and drama from January – April.

Lake Como – Where to Stay:

Lake Como has a variety of lodging options, from campgrounds to elegant villas. Here are the Top User Rated Lake Como Hotels on Venere, 1-5 stars, around the lake. The elegant 5-star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni read reviews and book direct in Bellagio is a top luxury hotel on the lake and one of the oldest.

Lake Como Map and Pictures:

Our Lake Como map shows the major towns around the lake. For a look at the town of Como and the lake from there, see our Como Pictures or take a look at Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, with our Bellagio Pictures.

Lake Como Shopping:

The town of Como has many silk factories so if you want to buy silk Como is a good place to go. Prices are low on designer fashion fabrics. Como also has a Silk Museum dating from 1900 where you can see the entire silk-making process.

Lake Como Attractions:

• Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, is in a beautiful setting where the three branches of Lake Como come together. It’s easy to get to by ferry or bus from other cities on the lake. Read more in our Bellagio Travel Guide.

• The walled town of Como has a good historic center and lively squares with nice cafes. There are several walking paths near town. Como makes a good base if you’re traveling by train. From Como you can take the funicular to the village of Brunate, 720m above Como, for hiking trails and beautiful views of the lake and the Alps.

• Villa d’Este, in the village of Cernobbio on the west coast, is the most famous of Lake Como’s villas. The villa is now a luxury hotel on a wooded peninsula. Each of its 161 rooms is unique.

• Menaggio, against the mountains, is a lively resort with a lakeside promenade. Menaggio is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for walking or hiking, swimming, windsurfing, and rock climbing.

• Villa Carlotta, south of Menaggio, has beautiful gardens. You can tour the inside with its original 18th century furniture and art works.

• Villa del Balbianello, in the village of Lenno, is also worth a visit and has some unusual treasures. The villa was used as a set for one of the Star Wars movies.

• The fishing village of Varenna has picturesque narrow alleyways and streets below a castle and a lakeside walking path.

• Outdoor Activities – Biking, mountain biking, hiking, boating, paragliding and windsurfing. In the winter, you can ski in the nearby mountains.

• Cruises – there are some interesting cruises around the lake on commercial boats, mainly on weekends in the summer season.

• Camping – there are a number of campsites around the lake.

Information by http://goitaly.about.com