First off, the posting for this property does not do the property justice. Sure, the photos look nice but Rosario's apartment is gorgeous, overlooking a bay just south of Taormina. It's a panoramic view that includes the whole bay and town of Giardini Naxos spread out before you. There is a large private deck, with table and chairs looking in the opposite direction the cliffs and mountains rise virtually straight up hundreds of feet to the luxury hotels of Taormina. There is a quiet hotel across the street, but except for when you're on the deck, you have total privacy. Every evening we watched the moon rise above the horizon and shimmer across the sea–we lucked out and had a full moon while we were there. There's a ped-tunnel that goes under the coast road and the railroad tracks that leads to a rocky, but swimmable beach and a little beach bar/restaurant that rents chairs and umbrellas. Yes, I said railroad tracks, there's a number of trains that come through daily and stop at the Taormina/Naxos station but they're moving slow and didn't make much noise at all – they're barely noticeable.
The apartment looks new, was very clean and well-designed. It's on the top floor of the building so you have some stairs to climb, but if you're going to Taormina you're going to be climbing hills anyway. There's plenty of restaurants within walking distance, but the road into town doesn't always have sidewalks so you have to be aware, especially at night. If you have a car, all the better.
To sum up for the month spent in Italy and Sicily, Rosario's apartment was hands-down the best, because as they say– Location is everything! But here it all came together to make the highlight of our holiday. Just remember that you need to close the shades at night because the sun will wake you.
Thanks Rosario!