Taormina, a natural terrace overlooking the sea
Suspended between the sea and Mount Tauro, Taormina is a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, a dream for any tourist.
A marvelous location and unique natural beauty have earned this city the nickname "Pearl of the Ionian," making it the most famous and important holiday destination in Sicily.
Taormina welcomes you year-round with its Mediterranean climate, its historic center rich in monuments, and its Hellenistic theater offering breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and the gulf dominated by Mount Etna.
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History and curiosities about Taormina
The history of Taormina is shrouded in fascination and mystery. According to ancient sources, it was founded by the Sicels in 396 BC. A few years later, Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse, conquered it. In 358 BC, survivors of the Greek colony of Naxos were welcomed here, and Tauromenion, a Greek city complete with agora, acropolis, and theater, was founded. It remained under Syracusan rule until the Romans declared the whole of Sicily a Roman province.
After the fall of Rome, Taormina became a strategic point for the Eastern Roman Empire. In 902, it was conquered by the Arabs, who reigned there for a long time. In 1078, the Norman Roger I conquered the city after conquering the rest of the island.
During the Norman period, the city enjoyed a long period of prosperity. Taormina was less fortunate under Spanish and French rule, until it was rediscovered in recent times as a splendor-filled tourist destination.
Sicily, Taormina
What to see in Taormina: 6 must-see places
With important monuments and historical sites, choosing what to see in Taormina can be overwhelming. If you don't want to miss a single one of the city's magical spots, here are 6 must-sees to add to your to-do list.
Isola Bella, along with the Greek Theater, is the symbol of Taormina. It's a picturesque islet that became the Isola Bella Regional Natural History Museum in 2011. You can visit it Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to sunset and reach it by cable car or on foot from the city center via a short path that starts from the town's overlook.
The Greek Theater is Taormina's other symbol. It features an auditorium carved into the rock, perfectly blending with the surrounding landscape, and offers a truly unique view of the gulf and the coast dominated by Mount Etna. The visit takes less than an hour, and if you want to take perfect photos, go in the late afternoon and wait for sunset. You can also enjoy it by attending theatrical or musical events organized in this exceptional setting.
Another must-see in Taormina is Piazza IX Aprile, a panoramic lounge overlooking the bay below. Filled with outdoor bars, the square is the perfect place to enjoy a granita, marvel at the beauty of Taormina, and glimpse Mount Etna in the distance.
From the terrace, walk to Piazza Duomo to admire the medieval cathedral of San Nicolò di Bari, dating back to the 13th century, on one side, and the Baroque fountain known as the "4 Fontane" (Four Fountains) on the other.
4 ideas for things to do in Taormina
Corso Umberto is the beating heart of Taormina. The true essence of the city is palpable here, and if you're looking for suggestions on what to do in Taormina, you should begin your visit by wandering through the shops and narrow streets until you reach Palazzo Corvaja, a historic building that houses the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Taormina.
Between granitas and gelato, head to Taormina's municipal villa, built in the mid-19th century as the private residence of the English noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan. Its distinctive feature are the so-called Victorian follies, eccentric buildings commissioned by Lady Florence herself in a style that blends eclectic taste with strong oriental influences.
A few steps from the villa, don't miss the Naumachia of Taormina, a long brick wall punctuated by 18 large apse-shaped niches alternating with 18 smaller cavities.
What to eat in Taormina: 5 specialties
Sicily is world-famous for its good food, and the city of Taormina is no exception. Culinary temptations abound everywhere: try solving the dilemma of what to eat in Taormina with our 5 tips.
The swordfish rolls are a must-try. They reflect Arab influences and are prepared with pine nuts, raisins, lemon, and a hint of mint.
Sicilian caponata owes its name to its original preparation with gurnard, but over the years it has evolved into a delicious vegetarian dish made with eggplant, olives, onion, and tomato.
Pasta alla Norma is a triumph of fried eggplant, topped with tomato sauce and a generous helping of salted ricotta.
We're on to dessert, and in Taormina, you can't leave the table without dessert: try nzuddi, crunchy almond and cinnamon biscuits topped with orange slivers, or cuzzole, served as an appetizer: fried bread dough balls sprinkled with sugar. Among the desserts, we also recommend the granitas, typical of the Messina area.
Unusual places in Taormina
Taormina is a city full of secrets and unusual places to discover away from the tourist hotspots.
The Duca di Cesarò municipal gardens, for example, are the city's green lung. They surround the Taormina municipal villa and are the ideal place to stroll during the hottest hours of the day, taking advantage of the shelter offered by the lush vegetation.
Then comes Castelmola, an ancient village located at the top of the city. Starting from Taormina, you can climb to the Piazza Sant'Antonio viewpoint and from there, strolling through the narrow streets that wind through the village, reach the ancient Roman arch at the top of the limestone steps.
A little further on is the Castle, an ancient defensive fortification that houses the Museum of the Sicilian Middle Ages.