Sightseeing

SICILY ON SCIMONE’S DOORSTEP

Sicily, with its treasures of historical, cultural and natural importance, boasts six sites listed in the World Heritage List. Tours to some of the best sites can be arranged direct from the villa. Our drivers are competent in history and local culture and speak English along with other languages. They will be happy to give you advice on restaurants and information about the area. Pick up from Villa Scimone at a time convenient to you.

the godfather tour

While Sicily has provided a backdrop for many films, the most famous is undoubtably Francis Ford Coppola's classic drama, The Godfather. Many of the key scenes were filmed in and around Taormina -as were extensive parts of The Godfather II and III - and it is possible to visit these sites on a guided Godfather tour. The trip also takes in unspoilt and typical Sicilian villages Savoca and Forza D' Agro, which were used as locations in the Godfather trilogy.

Contact Micaela for full details and prices

BEACHLIFE

One of the most memorable and magical activities on offer during a stay in Taormina is a boat tour of the beautiful Ionian coastline. Exploring in either a sailing yacht, Turkish caicco or motorboat you can visit Capo Taormina – made famous by the film The Big Blue, the atmospheric sea cave, Grotta Azzura with its dappled blue light and the charming Bay of Mazzarò, where locals and the luxury hotel guests enjoy the beachlife.

Forsaking boating you can also indulge in the simple pleasures of a sunbed, bar service and a good restaurant on one of two local beaches. Choose between Mazzarò or the fairytale formation of the aptly named Isola Bella. The beaches are in easy reach of the villa via a cable-car ride or you can walk down the steps from the Belvedere Terrace (See map on Directory page). Once at the bottom, it is a simple stroll to your own Italian beachlife experience. Isola Bella itself is now a museum, and can be visited Tuesday - Sunday from 09:00 until one hour before sunset.

Seaside excursions include

Short boat tour
Aeolian Islands voyage
Scuba Diving and snorkelling
Motorboat and sailing tours of the coastline