Italy
Day 4 – Cefalù – Taormina – Gole dell’Alcantara – Acireale
This was one of the longer driving days, but also one of the most varied. We started in Taormina, where we visited the famous ancient theatre. The views over the coastline and Mount Etna are spectacular, especially on clear days, so arriving early helps to avoid crowds and the strongest heat. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance (€16)! Taormina itself is very picturesque, with well-kept streets and viewpoints, but it can be quite expensive. Bringing your own lunch or snacks is a good idea if you’re traveling on a budget, as restaurant prices are noticeably higher than in other parts of Sicily. In the afternoon, we continued to the Gole dell’Alcantara, where walking through the narrow basalt gorge was a refreshing break from the heat. I’m not sure what the price is now, but we paid about €2 per person to go down to the gorge. The cool river water and dramatic rock formations made it a unique and memorable experience. Water shoes and swimwear are definitely recommended, as the rocky riverbed and icy water are very much part of the adventure. We ended the day in Acireale, where we stayed in a hotel with a beautiful view over the surroundings.
