We were a party of five friends who decided that we wanted a long weekend away from our husbands, children and other day-to-day responsibilities. The apartment is a 10 minute walk from the bus terminal (do not follow Google's instructions which try and take you via the Via Guardiola Vecchia as it is steep clamber with cases and has no footway). Those arriving by bus, take a left out of the terminal and keep going. From the apartment into the main body of the town was a short, pulse increasing, walk of around 4-5 minutes.

We were met at the entrance to the apartments by Isabella, who showed us around the apartment and pointed us in the right direction of where to pick up the basics (milk, bread, croissants, fruit). We opted for this apartment owing to the access to a pool, which we didn't really take advantage of (it was a bit too chilly), but we did relax by it one morning. There were only eight loungers set out - not sure if there were more available at the complex, but something to consider if you don't want to fight for a spot. The apartment looks down to the sea (across the expressways) so early morning views are lovely, albeit it can get a bit noisier as traffic builds up on the roads.

We had a fabulous time: we took a cable car down to Isloa Bella (its likely that you will be pestered by folk asking if you want a massage - be prepared to tell them to go away on more than one occasion). We took a trip to Mount Etna, approximately 90-minutes by bus from Taormina (wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes if you plan on visiting close to the summit - although you can hire walking books and a jacket); there was snow at the top and it was windy with a wind chill of around -5oC (no flip flops or shorts).

For those returning to the airport by bus, please note the return bus times and that you leave plenty of time!! The bus to the airport is not a dedicated airport service and is used by locals who will occupy seats on the hourly service - you may find yourself with no seat and a long wait. This happened to us so we decided to take a local bus down (10mins) to the train station and take the train to Catania Central (35mins express/55mins local) then take the ALIBUS dedicated airport service back to the airport (20mins). At Catania Central Station, take care if you are approached by 'taxi' drivers - some may be unlicensed, or do not have the sufficient number of seats for the number of passengers they 'claim' to be able to carry).