Northeastern Sicily: Where for 3 nights to get a taste of Sicily?
 

I posted a similar question a few days ago but figured that I would be more descriptive. I will be in Italy June-July for 2 weeks. The 1st 8 nights we will be in Puglia and the last 7 was to be Calabria with family. I now have my significant other joining me in Calabria, and he has never been to Southern Italy. I would like us to go to Sicily for 3 nights.

Having said that, I was there in 2003 for 10 nights- Palermo, Sciacca, Siracusa & Taormina. Also, in 2005 I did Taormina for a day trip.

If I would like my sig other to get a "taste" of Sicily, literally and figuratively (good food is a must, I remember Sicily as having the best food!) where should I go?

I was thinking Taormina, where we could do day trips to Etna and Acireale (which I haven't done). Or to Lipari. But, I feel like on Lipari he would miss getting a feel for Sicily.

I remember Taormina's restaurants as being the least great of all those I had gone to in Sicily, but still good. Is Taormina all tourists or are there areas where mostly locals are and we could go there to eat???

Thanks!

Letojanni the lovely little beach resort near Taormina is a nice base. It's right on the train and bus line. So you could do a day trip as far as Siracusa or Lipari. There is also a nice hilltown to visit just north of there Forza d'agro. VERY Sicilian, very old, beautiful views, great old castle and very few tourist. You probably saw some of it in one of the Godfather movies.

topping

AP, I've been to Taormina three times and never had a bad meal there ! IMO, Maffei is the best for a top flight meal, the Duomo is quite good, the Grotta Azzurra is good for fish sitting out on the street, Mamma Rosa is OK for a lunchtime pizza and beer. I've had one good and one not-so-good experience at the Vicolo Stresso.

I guess everwhere does cater for tourists - doesn't everything in Taormina ? - but I just go with the flow & enjoy the views !

Sorry, Vicolo Stretto.