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Magic Hour on Corso Umberto: A Serene Pre-Dawn Stroll in Taormina, Sicily

I've walked these streets at this hour before, but past visits meant stumbling home after lively nights with new Sicilian friends.

This time feels entirely different.
I'm savoring the profound silence, wondering why more travelers don't venture out before dawn. Corso Umberto typically teems with tourists enjoying gelato or seeking their next carb-laden meal. I've been fortunate to experience Taormina outside peak summer crowds on both visits, though many visitors aren't so lucky.

A local explained that Taormina has about 10,000 residents, but during summer months, the tiny town swells to nearly 90,000 tourists.

Our pre-dawn walk was prompted by jet lag, yet I'm always grateful when it wakes me early enough for this beautiful light and peaceful streets.


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