flemmy

Hi
Will be staying in Taormina and wanted to know what towns you would recommend visiting that would be representative of a "typical Sicilian town". Looking to get a glimpse of daily life - a village, a farm, etc.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

jnjfraz

I don't know if it is typical but you should not miss Siracusa which has amazing ruins.

We also liked Noto

ekscrunchy

Book a meal at an agriturismo near Taormina. When you make the booking, ask if you can tour the farm.

Here is but one of many possibilities; I've not been so have no comment:

http://translate.google.com/translat...zoantico.it%2F

flemmy

jnjfraz - Thanks for posting. I definitely have Siracusa on my list. I will look into Noto.

ekscrunchy - Thanks for posting. Good idea on the agriturismo - I will start looking at options on that front.

Any other ideas anyone?

aprillilacs

Castiglione di Sicilia, a mountain town to the west of Catania, a little south of Taormina, offered us a chance for a beautiful drive inland and an exploration of an off-the-beaten-track destination. (Though, based on our experience, all of Sicily--except Taormina--is “off the beaten track.”) It turned out to be just that—nothing special about the little town except the awesome views from a ruined hilltop castle, a pleasant sense of the local community going about their business, and a fine enoteca at which we enjoyed an outstanding lunch. We had intended to eat at a restaurant recommended in our guidebook (Rough Guide), but that wasn’t open so we ferreted out the wine bar, La Dispensa del Etna, which served a full lunch (including 3 plates of glorious antipasti) and excellent wines of the area. This was high-level local dining.

On the coast, between Taormina and Catania, we stayed in the town of Aci Castello. Very local, and very enjoyable.