Uncover the Hidden Gem of Taormina: Borgo Medievale's Magic!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into something truly MAGICAL: the Borgo Medievale in Taormina! (and yes, this will be a bit of a ramble, because let's be honest, perfect reviews are BORING!)
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Taormina: Borgo Medievale's Magic! - A Review (with a few tangents…and some SERIOUS love)
Alright, so picture this: you're dreaming of Italy. Sun-drenched hills, the smell of lemons, pasta so good it makes you weep. Well, Borgo Medievale? It's not just part of that dream, it IS the dream. And let me tell you, the reality is even better than Instagram lets on. (And trust me, I've stalked the Insta grids. My research is thorough.)
First Impressions & Getting There (The Less Sexy Stuff, but Still Important)
Let's get the grunt work out of the way. Accessibility: They say "facilities for disabled guests" but I didn't personally need them, so I can't give a full review. I'd recommend a direct call to the hotel to confirm details, it's always better to be sure. There is an elevator, which is fantastic. Getting Around: They offer airport transfer which, for me, is a HUGE win. The thought of navigating Italian roads after a long flight makes me want to hide under the covers. They have a car park [on-site] (thank the heavens! I didn't want to find out about on-street parking in Taormina) and even a car park [free of charge]. I'm happy that their parking is car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] because, the less I pay, the better! They also have a taxi service if you need it.
The Internet & Techy Bits (Because We’re All Glued to Our Screens, Let's Be Honest)
Okay, Internet access is crucial. We're digital nomads, Instagram addicts, and desperate-to-upload-photos-of-that-amazing-pizza-eaters. Fear not! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND Wi-Fi in public areas! You've got it! They also offer Internet [LAN], which is a nice touch for those of you who are still into that dinosaur tech. All good. I can live.
Cleanliness & Safety (Yes, We Gotta Talk About the 'Rona, Sadly)
Look, I get it. We’re all a little obsessed with germs these days. Borgo Medievale seems on top of things. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They also have hand sanitizer everywhere (yay!), and staff trained in safety protocol. Safety is paramount.
The Rooms (The Real Magic Begins)
Right, the rooms. Seriously, they're gorgeous. I didn't need a wheelchair accessible room, but I want to say that I had a great room! It was so great I didn't feel like ever leaving it. My room was a non-smoking room (thank god, because I hate cigarette odors!). They have air conditioning (essential in Sicilian summers!), air conditioning in public area and wake-up service (because sometimes you do need to drag yourself out of bed). The bathrobes were plush and fluffy (and I, for one, judge a hotel by its robes), and there was a coffee/tea maker because, Italy. Also, they have a refrigerator. (I had some tiramisu on hand!) Also, a mini bar but I went with the tiramisu ;) The bed was extra long (huge plus for tall people like yours truly), and the slippers were pure heaven. The window that opens was essential for letting those glorious Taormina breezes (and the occasional, slightly rowdy, evening chatter) in. I am not kidding you, it felt like sleeping in a fairy-tale. The desk, the mirror, the toiletries, the daily housekeeping, the complimentary tea. It was all perfect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Food is Life)
Oh. My. God. The food. The food is the reason I'm pretty sure I'm going to be bankrupt, and happy about it. Okay, so restaurants: they have them. Multiple. And they're GOOD. There’s an A la carte in restaurant, a breakfast [buffet] (heaven on a plate, and I ate ALL of it!), a coffee shop, a poolside bar (essential), a snack bar (for those "I need a little something to tide me over… until dinner" moments), and I think I saw something like desserts in restaurant that were just divine. Borgo Medievale also offers room service [24-hour], because let's face it, sometimes you just want breakfast in bed. I also had an Asian breakfast and some Asian cuisine in restaurant. They have so many options! I could write a whole separate review just on the food. The bottle of water was really nice. The breakfast in room option is fantastic! The alternative meal arrangement is another great bonus.
Here's where the stream of consciousness kicks in…
The breakfast buffet. Seriously, even the smell of the fresh-baked bread was like a hug. Okay, so confession: I may or may not have possibly eaten three plates of those tiny, perfect pastries. Don't judge me. I’m also an opinionated individual, and don't like the lack of salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant, and the vegetarian restaurant is something that they should work with, but I'M FINE! Breakfast was perfect. Oh, and the coffee? Pure, unadulterated, Italian magic.
The bar. The happy hour. Cue angels singing. Okay, so I met this guy at the bar, who was drinking a Negroni. (You know, the Italian life.) He looked like he was having the BEST time. He was, and I spent a few hours just chatting with him. If this is heaven, I can stay.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Because You’re Supposed to Be on Vacation, Right?)
Okay, so let’s say you want to do something other than eat and drink (which, admittedly, I struggled with). Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check! A pool with view? Oh, hell yes. It's a total "pinch me, I'm dreaming" situation. They also have a spa/sauna, a steamroom, and a gym/fitness area. I indulged in the pool every day, with a few visits to the Spa. I got a Massage and the Body wrap and felt like a new woman. I also had a Foot bath and felt as though I was in heaven, and after, I went to the Sauna! I was so relaxed I didn't need the Steamroom!
The "Hidden Gem" Part (Because It's Not Really a Secret, But It Feels Like One)
Look, the whole Borgo Medievale is just…magical. It's not just the stunning views of the sea from the pool (which are worth the price of admission alone), or the beautifully designed rooms (that make you feel like royalty). It’s the vibe. It's THAT special feeling, the attention to detail. It's the fact that you can feel the history in the air, the romance, the joie de vivre. Everything feels so special. Also, they have a shrine, because, Italy.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty Gritty)
They had everything! Cash withdrawal, a concierge (who was AMAZING at making recommendations), daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, and elevator. I felt like royalty. Because I was in Italy! They even had a gift/souvenir shop, because you know you need to buy your mom a keychain so you can come back ;)
For the Kids (If You’re Traveling with Little People)
While I didn't travel with kids, they have some facilities: babysitting service, family/child friendly, and kids facilities. They also offer Kids meal.
What Could Be Better? (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, I’m being really picky here, but I would have LOVED a slightly wider range of vegetarian/vegan options at the smaller restaurants. It would also be cool if they offered a wine tasting session inside the hotel. Minor quibbles. Honestly, I really can't fault it.
The Verdict: BOOK IT!
If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Taormina, Borgo Medievale is it. It's romantic, charming, luxurious, and, most importantly, it's authentic. It's a place where you can disconnect from the world, and reconnect with yourself (and your stomach, let
Jasper, AL's Hidden Gem: Econo Lodge's Unbeatable Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously chaotic world of Borgo Medievale Taormina, Italy. Forget your pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries. This is how it actually went down, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival and the First Crush (on Cannoli, Mostly)
- Morning (Chaos Begins): Landed in Catania, which, let's be honest, felt less like a sophisticated airport and more like a slightly-too-zealous Italian wedding reception. Found the rental car. Which, bless its tiny heart, was basically a tin can on wheels. I immediately named it "Gina." Gina and I already have a love-hate relationship, mostly love.
- Mid-Day (Journey to Paradise… Almost): The drive to Taormina was a white-knuckle affair. Sicilian drivers have a different concept of “personal space” – and Gina and I became very close to the cliff edge a lot. Finally, finally, made it to Taormina. Holy. Mother. Of. Views. Picture postcard stuff, genuinely breathtaking. I promptly forgot about the near-death experience.
- Afternoon (First Impressions and Immediate Gratification): Checked into my little Airbnb. Charming? Yes. Did the bathroom door almost fall off? Also yes. But who cares! I'm in… Italy! First order of business: find food. Found a little trattoria overlooking the sea. Ordered a plate of pasta with… I don't even remember, I was too busy drooling over the view. Dessert? Cannoli. Oh. My. God. This is where the love affair began. I’m pretty sure I ate three. Don’t judge.
- Evening (Taormina After Dark – OMG the Stairs): Strolled through the Corso Umberto, the main street. So. Many. People. So. Many. Shops. So. Many. Stairs. Okay, the stairs. Let’s talk about the stairs. They're everywhere. My calves were screaming. But the atmosphere… it was electric! Found a little bar tucked away, ordered a Negroni (when in Rome, or Taormina… or basically anywhere in Italy), and watched the world go by. Utter bliss. Until I had to walk back to my room. Stairs. Again. I blame the Negroni.
Day 2: Doubling Down on the Ancient – And Getting Lost (Again)
- Morning (Gladiators and Glory -- Sort of): Visited the Teatro Antico di Taormina. Yes, it's impressive. Yes, the views are mind-blowing (I'll never get tired of saying that). But here's a confession: I’m not a huge history buff, and I got a bit… distracted. Okay, I spent half the time taking selfies with Mount Etna in the background. Don't judge me.
- Mid-Day (Seriously, the View!): Decided to hike up to Castelmola, a little village above Taormina. Thought it would be easy. Famous last words. Gina wasn't in the mood, so walked it (stupid me, but not much choice here). The hike itself was brutal, but the view… again… knocked my socks off. And the almond wine in Castelmola? Liquid gold. Seriously, buy some.
- Afternoon (The Lost Tourist): Back in Taormina. I decided to "explore." Which is code for "got hopelessly lost in a maze of cobblestone streets." I wandered down alleys, asked for directions from some very confused (but lovely) locals, and eventually stumbled upon a hidden church. It was a good lost, a beautiful lost.
- Evening (Cannoli, Round 2!): After all that hiking and getting lost, I deserved another cannoli. Maybe two. Had dinner at a restaurant with a balcony overlooking the sea. The food was divine, the wine was flowing, and I swear I could hear the waves singing. Went back to the restaurant for the tiramisu, because I felt I deserved it, and the waiter chuckled.
Day 3: A Day Trip From Hell and the Sweetest Goodbye.
- Morning (Etna Awaits): Fueled by a questionable espresso, I decided to brave the "Etna Experience". This meant a guided tour of Mount Etna, which looked like a great idea… until I was actually on it. The bus ride was the first sign of trouble. The driver took corners like he was auditioning for the Grand Prix.
- Mid-Day (Volcanic Frenzy): The volcano itself? Unbelievable. Black, barren, and utterly imposing. So, the whole experience itself was terrifying. Dust got in my eyes, and it was freezing. Got altitude sickness and was puking. I looked like I was the victim of a very expensive, very bad, all-over spray tan.
- Afternoon (Back to Earth… and Pizza): Back in Taormina, I needed cheering up. A giant, cheesy pizza at a little pizzeria. The grease was a welcome relief.
- Evening (Goodbye, Taormina – For Now): Packing my bags, trying to capture the sheer magic of this place. Taormina, you've been a riot. A beautiful, chaotic, cannoli-filled riot. The goodbyes are never easy.
Quirks and Observations:
- The Cats: Taormina has a lot of cats. They’re everywhere. Lounging in doorways, judging tourists, generally living their best lives. I considered adopting one.
- The Gelato: Mandatory. Multiple times a day. Mandatory.
- The Sun: Be prepared for sunburn. Seriously. Slather on the sunscreen. Or you'll end up looking like a lobster.
- The Locals: Honestly, the best part about Taormina. Super friendly, even when I butchered their language.
- Gina: Bless her. She got me through.
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: The pure, unadulterated joy of eating a perfect cannoli. The sheer beauty of the views.
- Frustration: The endless stairs. The questionable GPS. My inability to speak Italian beyond "Grazie."
- Love: For the food, the people, the place. I left a piece of my heart there.
- Fear: The near-death experience on Mount Etna. The sheer terror of navigating Sicilian traffic in a tiny car.
Final Thoughts:
Taormina is a rollercoaster. It's beautiful, it's chaotic, it's exhausting. It challenged me, it humbled me, and it stole my heart. It’s not perfect, it’s not always easy, but it's real. And that, my friends, is what makes it so damn unforgettable.
Escape to Paradise: Your Aguascalientes Marriott Awaits!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Taormina: Borgo Medievale's Magic! (and Why You Absolutely *Need* to Go) - FAQ Frenzy!
Okay, Okay, Taormina...I've Heard of It. But Borgo Medievale? What IS That Even? Sounds...Medieval...
Alright, future Taormina-philes! Let's get this straight. You know the whole, "Taormina is breathtaking"? Yeah, that's true. But *Borgo Medievale*? That's Taormina's secret handshake. Think of it as the charming, slightly scruffy older sibling that everyone secretly prefers. It's the *medieval village* part – the heart of the city's history. Imagine cobbled streets so narrow you feel like you're squeezing through a particularly handsome (and well-preserved) time capsule. It's where the air just *smells* like old stone and good times. It's not just a few buildings; it's a vibe, a feeling... it's where I almost face-planted attempting a selfie with the Etna volcano in the background (more on that later).
Is it Touristy? Because, You Know, I Hate Being Herded Around Like a Sheep.
Okay, fine. We all hate feeling like we're part of a human conveyor belt. And yes, *part* of Taormina is definitely tourist central. But here's the magic... Borgo Medievale, while not *completely* devoid of tourists, offers a beautiful escape. Sure, you'll bump into a few, but its streets are narrow enough that it disperses the crowds. I remember one day, I was practically alone, wandering around, feeling utterly lost in the best possible way. I stumbled upon a tiny, tiny bakery -- literally the size of a walk-in closet -- and the aroma of fresh bread and something I couldn't quite place (fig? almond?) was just intoxicating. I bought a loaf, and the old woman behind the counter, she didn't speak a word of English, but her smile, and the taste of that bread, was the biggest "Welcome to Sicily" I've ever received. That feeling? You CANNOT get that at a chain souvenir shop.
What's There to *Do* in Borgo Medievale, besides... well, *look*?
Oh, my aching legs (and my aching wallet, let's be honest) - there's *so much*! Walking! Lots and lots of walking. Prepare for your calves to burn, but the stunning views are so worth it. And then, restaurants. Forget the tourist traps on the main road and dive into the side streets. Find a trattoria that looks like it hasn't changed since the 12th century. Eat pasta. Drink wine. Repeat. (Seriously. Repeat.) Explore the churches, the piazzas, the little artisan shops selling ceramics with colours that will absolutely *wreck* your credit card. Visit Teatro Greco (the ancient theatre) - stunning. Stroll along the Corso Umberto. Find a cafe, sip an espresso, and people-watch. It's truly the best sport. And trust me, the people-watching here? *Chef's kiss*.
Okay, but… the Food though? Is it Actually Good or Just "Tourist Good?"
Oh, the food. Let's just say, Sicily is *not* a place to go on a diet (or deny yourself gelato at *every* opportunity). The food in Borgo Medievale? In a word: *Chef's Kiss*. Mostly. You'll find some tourist traps, for sure, but do a little research or, even better, just wander around until your stomach growls loud enough. Then find a place that's genuinely packed with locals. Trust me, I know. After a day exploring, I found a little place tucked away. No English menus, just a chalkboard scrawled with daily specials. I pointed at something that looked vaguely like "pasta with things." It turned out to be the best, most simple, most *perfect* pasta I've ever had. The *sauce*...Oh, god. The flavors! It was like sunshine and happiness, all in one bowl. I nearly wept. I may have licked the plate. Don't judge me. (And, side note: Cannoli. Don't leave without trying one.)
Is it Expensive? My Bank Account is Already Weeping.
Okay, let's be real. Taormina isn't exactly a budget destination. Expect some sticker shock, especially for accommodation. However, within Borgo Medievale itself, you can find ways to save. Look for smaller, family-run restaurants; they’re often cheaper than the glitzy places. Eat a lot of pizza. Embrace the street food. Pack your own water bottle (save those Euros!). Gelato is a must, but… pace yourself. Learn some basic Italian phrases. It's cheaper to buy food in local markets and shops for snacks. I remember once – I was eating a gelato and thinking of getting a second, but I quickly realised I didn't have enough money (after having already eaten a big lunch.)
Tell Me About Those Views Everyone Keeps Raving About...
The views are *legendary*. Seriously. I'm talking, "I took so many photos, I filled up my phone's memory *and* nearly dropped it off a cliff trying to capture the perfect shot" kind of legendary. First, you've got the majestic Etna looming in the background – a constant, smoky reminder of nature's power. Then, the sparkling turquoise sea below, stretching out to infinity. The combination is just… Wow. One night, I was sitting on a little balcony overlooking the sea, drinking wine, and feeling overwhelmingly grateful for, well, everything. It's the kind of view that makes you feel tiny and insignificant, but also utterly connected to the world. And the light! Oh, the golden, dreamy light! *Sigh*… Okay, I need to go back just thinking about it. You absolutely *have* to see it for yourself. Just be careful on those balconies. Seriously. (And the selfie thing? Still working on mastering that.)
Any Hidden Gems or, Like, Secret Spots I Should Know About?
Okay, you want the *real* secrets? Alright, here's the deal. Firstly, get lost. Seriously. Wander down the tiny side streets and alleys. That's where the magic happens. Secondly, keep an eye out for the little artisan workshops. You can find incredible handmade crafts, pottery, and jewelry. One of my favourite finds was a tiny little shop that made olive oil soaps; the old woman running the shops was so lovely. Buy something from them, even if it’s just a postcard; it all adds to the experience. And finally, befriend a local! They'll know all the best places to eat, drink, and... well, maybe the best places to avoid the giant crowds. I met this old guy in a tiny cafe. He hardly spoke any English, but he somehow managed to recommend the best little trattoria with fresh sea food. And the wine? Perfect.
Is it Worth the Hype? Should I Really Go?
