November 1, 2025

We sailed south from Naples toward two notable cities in Sicily, Taormina and Catania. We disembarked in Taormina.

The views from Taormina are among the most breathtaking in all of Italy. The Bay of Naxos, Mount Etna in the distance, and sometimes even Calabria on a clear day. From Taormina you see the most beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.

It is not only the views from Taormina that make it noteworthy. Much of the mystique is because of these two guys.

Taormina and some close-by villages served as locations for the fictional town of Corleone in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974).

Among the notable scenes filmed in Taormina:

• Taormina was used for the scenes set in Corleone, where Michael Corleone hides after the New York murders.
• Bar Vitelli in Savoca is where Michael asks Apollonia’s father for her hand in marriage.
• The Church of San Nicolò (Chiesa di San Nicolò), also in Savoca, is where Michael and Apollonia’s wedding takes place.

Even today as you stroll through Corso Umberto you are drawn into Taormina’s mystique and can see why it has since become symbolic of Sicilian cinematic beauty.

Because of its reputation, Taormina has also become the site for celebrity photo shoots. I do not know who this young lady is, but because of the crowds following her I knew she was famous. I was told that she is an Italian soap opera actress. If you know who she is, let me know.

After finally finding Chongae who went exploring down one of the many Sicilian stone alleys I thought it was best to stop for one of Taormina’s famous canolli before leaving Italy for our arrival in Argostoli, Greece.

I tried to avoid the cannoli, but someone made me an offer I couldn’t refuse!

Thanks for traveling with us.