Taormina
Picturesque landscapes, enchanting bathing bays and attractive sights have made Taormina a popular tourist destination in the past few decades. The small town with 11,000 inhabitants on the east coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, attracts hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers from all over the world every year. Due to the mild climate, Taormina is a popular travel destination all year round. At the end of the 18th century, the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe discovered the city for himself.
Landmark “Greco-Roman Theater”
One of the most important sights, known far beyond the Italian borders, is the Greco-Roman theater from the 3rd century, which is also the symbol of the city. From the theater, located on a high rock plateau, one has an impressive overview of the entire bay of Naxos and the Etna volcano, which is about 45 kilometers away. Music stars from all over the world regularly appear on the open-air stage of the well-preserved ancient theater. In July and August, Italy’s second largest film festival, the “Festival Taormina Arte”, takes place here every year. The city center is also extremely worth seeing with its narrow streets and various historical buildings. The idyllic landscape in and around Taormina is characterized, among other things, by orange and lemon trees.
Costa Smeralda
For beach holidaymakers and those looking for relaxation, the Costa Smeralda on the north-east coast of Sardinia has long been more than an insider tip. The crystal clear water and the enchanting sheltered bathing bays between the rugged rock formations attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. The Costa Smeralda is considered to be one of the most beautiful and well-known stretches of coast of Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean. This stretch of coast is a real paradise not only for beach holidaymakers, but also for sailors and surfers. The center of the Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo. With its exclusive marina and several luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels, the port city is extremely popular with the rich and famous from all over the world. One of the main attractions in the city is the Stella Maris Church.
Species-rich natural landscapes and the Panoramica coastal road
In addition to the sandy beaches, the Costa Smeralda, which covers a total of 5,000 hectares, is characterized by its rugged mountain ranges and some large parks and almost untouched landscapes with species-rich vegetation. A drive on the Panoramica coastal road should not be missed here either. After all, you have a great view over the entire coast and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Costa Smeralda became world famous as early as 1977 as the setting for the James Bond classic “The Spy Who Loved Me” starring Roger Moore.
Ravenna
The city of mosaics
Traveling to Italy has always had the character of a study trip. The eventful history and the early development of advanced civilizations in the Mediterranean area have contributed to this. Ravenna – today the fourth largest city in the Emilia-Romagna region – was a cultural and political center of the Roman Empire in late antiquity. Today numerous sights and impressive mosaics still bear witness to this. The historic old town is a feast for the eyes that not only attracts those interested in architecture and art.
Architecture and landmarks
Ravenna is known for its mosaics. These are particularly impressive in the churches of San Vitale, Battistero Neoniano and Sant Apollinare Nuovo as well as in the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The buildings were built in the 5th and 6th centuries and, like four other sights, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city is easy to explore on foot or by bike. The latter means of transport is particularly recommended. On the one hand, Ravenna is located in the poor relief of the Po Valley and, on the other hand, the city offers free rental bikes.
Dante, wine and other sensual experiences
Ravenna, which is characterized by historical sights, is not only a place of impressive late antique and early Christian architecture. The tourist location also convinces with other offers.
On Via Diaz the visitor can go shopping or simply pay a visit to the many shops and boutiques. On the adjacent Piazza del Popolo, you can enjoy a glass of wine in the cafes and bars. A very special ambience awaits the guest at Ca´de Ven on Via Ricci. From there it is not far to the Alighieri Theater and Via Alighieri, at the end of which is the tomb of the great Italian poet.
Relax on the Adriatic
Since the Adriatic coast is only a few kilometers from the city gates, bathing holidaymakers should also enjoy a stay in Ravenna. There are several sandy beaches to choose from. There are also plenty of hotels and campsites here.
