Who hasn’t dreamed of sailing around Sicily? A few months ago, at the end of my Sicilian road trip with Victoria De Maio as #2SicilianGals, I had the opportunity to enjoy the scenic coast of Taormina from the Ionian Sea on a beautiful 42-foot sailboat.
Margie and Victoria (#2SicilianGals)
Thanks to the generosity of Simona Ferro from Tripping Sicily, this day of sailing around Taormina was a highlight of my trip in Sicily.
Simona Ferro, Owner of Tripping Sicily
Simona’s company provides personal custom luxurious cruises on yachts and sailboats, Jeep expeditions to Etna, wine tastings and cooking classes, and much more. It was after reading about this excursion on the blog, White Almond Sicily, by Sarah Kearney, that prompted me to dream about experiencing Taormina from the vantage point of the Ionian Sea.
Victoria and I were ready for some R&R after driving through Sicily on a fun whirlwind 10-day road trip. Having only interacted with Sarah and Simona online, this day we would finally meet in person in Sicilia!
The very accommodating and friendly Sarah offered to arrange a car and very attractive driver to “collect” us (as Sarah says – she’s British) at our hotel in Taormina and whisk us off to the nearby port of Giardini-Naxos.
At the port in Giardini-Naxos ~
Margie, Don Nunzio, Vincenzo, Victoria, Simona, and Sarah
We thought this was great, as we had navigated enough narrow streets by this time, and our car was safely tucked away in the hotel parking garage. Thank you, Sarah.
When Sarah arrived, her smile immediately created a sense of friendship, as if we had already known each other. Did I mention that the driver from Franco Group was a drop-dead gorgeous guy named Vincenzo? He looked as if he walked straight out of GQ magazine!
Once on the sailboat, I also met Adriana Bosurgi from Kimi Sicilian Gourmet. Little did I know that she would treat us to her very own specialty “Sicilian comfort food in a jar.”
Along with some delicious prosecco, we enjoyed a variety of these delights like pate di caponata, pistacchio, and sundried tomatao served on bread, bruschetta! Absolutely delicious!
Although I have had few sailing experiences, I love being on the open water and feeling the wind against my face. This fabulous sailboat was a 42-foot Sun Odyssey, Carolina, owned by Maria Letizia and Giovanni Musmeci, and they were both there as well. What nice people!
Maria Letizia pouring prosecco…This is the luxury lifestyle!
We had such a wonderful time listening to stories and learning about the history of Taormina from Simona and Adriana, who have both lived here for most of their lives.
Simona, Adriana, Margie, and Giuseppe
Adriana serving her specialty gourmet food for us
Although it was cloudy, it was a great day on the sea.
Margie, Victoria, and Sarah
And if this wasn’t enough, the next day, Simona picked us up and drove us to Villa Britannia, a boutique, historic, restored B&B, where we met the owners, Louisa Vittorio and her partner Marco. Here we had more food of course and toured the lovely property where Louisa hosts cooking classes and wine tastings.
Adriana, Louisa, and Simona
Adriana, Louisa, Margie, and Simona
The property is beautiful, and the location and view are amazing.
I’ll never forget these wonderful friends I made those two days in Sicily. They made me feel at home, and that’s what Sicilians are all about. Grazie mille for a wonderful time that I will always remember! I hope to return soon!
I’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
If you enjoyed this, you may like My Love Affair with Sicily, available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and AmazonUK
Two Black Dogs
What a wonderful way to spend the day 🙂
Gene Hull
Margie. Looks wonderful. Love the pics. Thanks, Gene
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margieinitaly
Gene, Thanks so much..You are so supportive and I really appreciate those words from you!!
Anne Pflug
Your stories about Sicily remind me of my time spent there. I spent a week in Taormina â photos attached and then a week in Palermo. Our hotel was high up with gorgeous views of the sea ; we had to take a funicular ( slanted train to get to the bottom). Mt. Etna was beautiful and we enjoyed day there. As for Sail boating, I do that in Camden, Maine. I, also, love the sound of the wind through the sails and the peace of sailing.
Anne
margieinitaly
Wonderful, Anne…Thank you for emailing me your photos. They are lovely.I wish there was a way to include them here in the comments.
stellalucentellc
Looks like it was such fun! I guess you are still having a “Love Affair with Sicily!” I recommend to all my friends they read your book before their trip to Sicily the way I did.
margieinitaly
Oh yes, Kathy…It was such fun…and my love affair will be forever. Thank you for all that you do, recommending my book!
JAVINNO T. PURICELLI
Marg its Really Nice to see Both You & Victoria Enjoying Sicily this way while Looking Gorgeous doing so…
Besides You Both Always Seem to Know What to Do To Make Me Smile…and indeed you have Today with these Magnificent shots of Taormina as you two Sail around the area…
infatti una vista mozzafiato di una casa, porta la pace al mio cuore e io sono molto grato….
Ciao
margieinitaly
Grazie, Javinno..Glad you enjoyed this story and photos!
victoriabenchley
Fabulous photos and story! I feel as though I were with you, almost! I love your blog! Thanks for sharing all your terrific experiences.
margieinitaly
Thank you so much Victoria! You made my day!