Casa Mikittos is a typical Sicilian house located in the heart of Taormina.
The building dates back a century, and its name is a diminutive of my grandfather Domenico, who was an excellent gardener. The house is located on Via Degli Strategi, just a short walk from the Municipal Park and the Greek Theater, with a view of Monte Tauro Castle. In the past, Via Degli Strategi was home to farmers on one side and fishermen on the other.
The street’s name reminds us that we are standing on the foundations of the ancient Greco-Roman settlement (the “strategi” were those who, in Greek times, were responsible for political decisions within the community). Originally, the first floor housed the donkey—the sole means of transportation for my grandparents, who were farmers and lived on the first floor. Casa Mikittos has been completely renovated and now consists of four floors; it is equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. On the first floor, there is a spacious suite with a sofa and an en suite bathroom; on the first floor, there is a room with a double bed, a single bed, and a small guest bathroom. On the second floor, there is a bedroom with a double bed and a large bathroom complete with a bathtub. On the third floor is the fully equipped kitchen; from here, you can access the partially covered terrace, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view of the Saracen castle. At Casa Mikittos, a colorful and “personal” atmosphere awaits you. Like my grandfather, I love nature; I’m passionate about crafts; I adore wood; and I enjoy building one-of-a-kind pieces—in fact, I built most of the furnishings at Casa Mikittos myself.
In just a 5-minute walk, you can visit the Greek Theater, undoubtedly the most iconic and important monument in Taormina. It is the second-largest theater in Sicily—after the one in Syracuse—but it is also the most famous and admired in the world.
Just a short walk away is Palazzo Corvaja, a historic building that overlooks, on one side, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II—known as “della Badia”— Corso Umberto—a street that has long been a witness to the vibrant seasons of Taormina’s “dolce vita”—and the public gardens, from which you can enjoy the city’s most romantic view. Corso Umberto is home to the chicest boutiques, as well as charming shops where you can find traditional Sicilian products.
You’ll find the best gelaterias, bars, and shops where you can buy local gourmet products, as well as numerous pubs where you can extend the magic late into the night.
Just a short walk away is the funicular, which takes you to the beaches of Mazzaró—a coastal hamlet in the municipality of Taormina, famous for its beach—in just five minutes. Boat tours depart from Mazzarò Bay to visit the enchanting Isola Bella Nature Reserve, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, the Bay of the Sirens, and Capo Taormina.
In addition, not far from the funicular is the bus terminal that connects Taormina to Catania Airport and all of Sicily’s major cities, serving as the starting point for the most beautiful excursions to Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands, Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, and more.