Day 1 of our road trip through the northeast part of the Med’s largest island begins with a picnic lunch at the well kept Canadian War Cemetery. About 500 World War II Canadian casualties were interred near the mountain top town of Agira. Many headstones are dated July 10th the landing day for the Allies on the south coast of Sicily.
Following the winding SS168 road through the very lush Monti Nebrodi mountains before descending to the sea. A cruise along the Tyrrhenian Coast lands us at Messina. A surprisingly charming city with a long history of earthquakes and bombings (it was the most bombed city in Italy during WW II). The citizens of Messina are very helpful. When Jim and I went out to re-park the car for the night numerous well dressed ladies on all corners offered to help us out and even take us for a ride!
The mainland coast of Italy is only 2 kms across the Straits of Messina at the narrowest point. Travelling south along the coast we reach Taormina with its famous Teatro Greco – a mountain top theatre built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks boasting dramatic views of the sea and Mount Etna. The crowds are remarkably light providing us with ample opportunities for photos without tourists!