We had a great week at Gabriella’s comfortable and spacious apartment. The view of the sea is spectacular and spending time on the balcony felt very special. The apartment is well equipped and full of interesting detail, some things maybe look a little tired (not a problem for us) and the younger members of our group felt the showers could have been more powerful. They also didn’t cope so well with fans instead of air conditioning, but careful adjustments of shutters and doors kept the place cool in the September heat.
It was lovely to be able to stroll into town in the evenings and have a choice of restaurants and gelaterie - Mure was particularly good. And the pasticcerie in town were fabulous. We also enjoyed trying out the lidos. The one across the road was ideal, hiring out kayaks too.
It would have been amazing to have had a car while we were here, but public transport does work and as long as you have the bus timetable, buy your tickets from the tabaccheria and have the right sort of face mask you’re okay. (The Pullman on the other hand takes money as you get on - it’s just hard to work out which bus you’re going to get when.) Getting in to Catania is fine - 30-45 mins. We made it by bus to Ortigia, but that was a very long day! Getting to Taormina was easier, taking a taxi to Acireale Station then getting a train followed by a bus (from outside Giardini station) to the bus station near the centre. We didn’t make it up Etna; too busy chilling. Next time though! Thank you so much Gabriella! We very much hope to see you again.