Taormina from the monastery.

Or Santuario Madonna della Rocca to be precise!
We had a light breakfast of fruit and coffee and set off up to the Monastery and Saracens Castle. There were quite a few steps!! It was a very nice climb though, with plenty of places to stop for pictures (and to let the Old Man get his breath back ;-) )so I took quite a few! The monastery was very plain outside but when you step in the door, it's amazing. It is built out from the rock face so the ceiling is part rock, part ornately painted. We then carried on up to the Castle but unfortunately it was locked. Very disappointing.
The journey back down was a lot easier and we encountered a few lizards. One of which was almost iridescent green.
There were no downpours today so we only had two small beers, a glass of wine and a Prosecco during the day!
I'm writing this on our balcony and will go and shower and change ready for dinner when I finish. I feel I've earned a Tiramisu.... ;-)