Andre

Hi all,<BR><BR>Currently planning stages a trip to Sicily in late May and have a few questions regarding Taormina.<BR><BR>A) Does anyone have feedback on the Monte Tauro or Atlantis Bay hotels? Both are apparently newly renovated, so I need fresh info.<BR><BR>B) What are the advantages/drawbacks to staying up in Taormina town vs. on the seaside near the funicular? Bear in mind that Taormina will be our last stop on a 2 week trip around Sicily (possibly including the Aeolian Islands), so we're mostly looking for R/R, but still want easy access to restaurants etc.<BR><BR>C) What would be a cab/limo transfer cost from Messina docks to Taormina and from Taormina to Catania airport? Name of reputable car services?<BR><BR>Many thanks in advance for your advice!<BR><BR>Andre

GAC

Messina to Taormina or Taormina to Catania Airport will cost 60 to 70 Euros by taxi. The cost by public bus is about 5 Euros, and service is frequent (although if your flight from CTA leaves before 9 a.m., you'll have to cab it).

cruelbee

If you want easy access to the ped. streets and the square with restaurants, etc., stay up top in the town, this way you can come and go at all hours.<BR>I loved Taormina, it is wonderful to relax there and watch Mt. Etna.

Andre

Thanks for the info, GAC - I've read many of your very helpful posts on Sicily.<BR><BR>The main reason I asked about car service is that the bus service (Interbus) isn't all that frequent. <BR><BR>Also, do you know if the buses stop right at the docks in Messina or do you need to cab it to town first? The schedule lists the following stops in Messina:<BR>- Piazza della Repubblica<BR>- Via La Farina<BR>- Piazza Nevi<BR>- Tremestieri<BR>- Piazza Municipio<BR><BR>It would that the train (Messina Marittima) would also be an option if were staying down at the seaside, although it involves a change at Messina main station. <BR><BR>What do you think?<BR><BR>Andre

Andre

Yikes, I need some sleep! Sorry for the mangled question regarding the train from Messina.<BR><BR>Thanks for your input, cruelbee!<BR><BR>Anybody else?<BR><BR>Andre

GAC

I'm not sure, but I believe that the Interbus service from Messina to Taormina originates at the bus station very close to Messina Centrale Train Station, which itself is adjacent to Messina Marittima. From the hydrofoil dock, it's about one kilometer. So, it all depends where you are disembarking!

Patrick

I guess a few people go to Taormina for the beach -- actually a very small area of rocky shore where one can swim. There is almost nothing down there. Stay in the upper town and go down to the &quot;beach&quot; once. Or if you really want the beach, stay at Giardini Naxos, a sort of bustling Atlantic City without the casinos, which still allows you to easily access Taormina by bus.

Peggyann

We stayed for a full week in Taormina in September at the Villa Schuler right off and down a few steps from the main Corso Umberto. It was fantastic and very reasonable. Our only problem there was that we had a lovely room on the top level and the walk up was hard on us. BUT the new elevator will be functioning in March so that problem will be taken care of. They can arrange transport to Catania airport, which by the way is not very efficiently organized. Get there very early for a morning flight out. Staying up in town is better than on the beach. Villa Schuler can for a small fee, arrange beach trips. Very easy on the cable car too, and fun. Good restaurants especially Giardino a short walk away from Villa S. We loved Taormina. Email me if you want more info. They are in Karen Brown too.

Andre

The upper town it is!<BR><BR>Thanks for the input - hasn't anyone stased at the Monte Tauro Hotel???<BR><BR>Andre