Ferdinando, his parents and girlfriend went above and beyond making us feel at home and like family. We came In to the bus station in the night and Ferdinando picked us up. He and his girlfriend greeted us with hearts as warm and beautiful as the Sicilian sun!!! I will never ever forget them and when they make their way across the Atlantic our kindness and hospitality will be waiting to greet them. As for the apartment. We hit the jackpot. The apartment is incredibly and meticulously decorated so beautifully designed by Ferdinando's mom, that it does no justice in the pictures. Their is a towel warming rack to dry your towels which was AWSOME. From the beautiful wooden doors outside impaled with beautiful gold dog knockers and the burgundy and cream swirled marble steps in the hall. The beauty and Sicilian decor are an introduction to a Pleasant and inviting stay to rest your head after enjoying Taormina the apartment has everything we needed. A dwelling so nice that we made sure to respect and take care of it as our own. To anyone who stays, please do the same because his parents put a lot of effort into its beauty. As for security, the beautiful Shutters on the windows and Balcony over looking a small and quaint well lit alley way are backed by huge amazing double glass french doors. A family member lives up top and greeted us. She also said that if we needed anything, she was there to help. Neighbors greeted us daily as we stood on the balcony daily as well. The location is sooooooo perfect you are literally around the corner from the Heart of Corso Umberto. Seriously!!!!!! Away from the noise but actually there. Everyone knows everyone. Ferdinando and his parents are well known liked and very well respected by the neighborhood. Taormina is like a dream out of a story book. By the way when you come out of the street, make a right and come to steps on the right with lit candles all the way up. That is the short cut to the Greek Amphitheater. We walked all the way around which only took 15 minutes. And realized. " Hey that's the stairway by our apartment". Concerts a performed there so try to go. Ferdinando gave us so many great place to go. A few places really stood out. La Botta restaurant. We ate there 2 times and would of a third night if we were still the. Black and White wine tasting and food paring bar. Unreal and amazing. Tell the owner the girls from Jersey Diane and Joan sent you. Roberto's pastry shop was incredible. Sicilian food is like not other place in Italy and the wine is divine. We thank the Sicilian's for their kindness which was consistent and genuine in every city and corner that we turned. We will be back!!!!!!