We will be on a cruise stopping for a full day in Naxos (for Taormina). We were not planning to do any of the cruise ship excursions. How would you recommend we spend the day once we get off the ship? I've heard wonderful things about Taormina. Thank you!

In the morning go see the theatre. A must, as it's the most beautiful Roman theatre in Sicily (easily outclasses Syracuse's and Segesta's).

Me too Petlover.....I'll be on a cruise there next week....

The theater sounds great, how bout' anything else?

See the theater in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded. The main street, Corso Umberto has many beautiful shops and restaurants. There is a pastry store that has the best cannoli I have ever eaten. There are many art stores, but there is an artist up some stairs on the side away from the water that had beautiful things,including handpainted tiles, which of course were too heavy to travel with. There are places to stop for a drink overlooking the harbor and many restaurants with a view. There is also a beautiful park to wander around. Taromina is a beautiful, flower filled town that we really enjoyed. You will not have any trouble filling your day.

The best granita I had in Sicily was on Corso Umberto, at a place called Gelatomania. The strawberry was amazing.