City

TAORMINA

A Sicilian terrace between ancient theatre, the Ionian Sea, and Mount Etna.

Discover

The experience

An exceptional
escape

Why choose this journey

Taormina is ideal for travelers who wish to combine ancient heritage, spectacular landscapes, beaches, and high-end hospitality during a single stay. The historic center can be explored on foot, while the cable car provides easy access to Mazzarò and Isola Bella, allowing visitors to alternate between cultural visits and days by the sea. Couples will appreciate the panoramic hotels, restaurants with terraces, and evening strolls along Corso Umberto, while families can enjoy the beaches, boat trips, and archaeological sites. The proximity to Mount Etna and several historic villages also allows for excursions without changing accommodation. Taormina is therefore particularly suited for a romantic, cultural, or seaside getaway, provided one chooses less crowded periods to fully enjoy its atmosphere.

Perched on a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina boasts a spectacular setting between cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and the silhouette of Mount Etna. From its panoramic squares and hillside hotels, the view encompasses the Sicilian coast, the bays of Mazzarò and Giardini Naxos, as well as the volcano. This exceptional location has transformed the ancient Tauromenion into one of Sicily’s most prestigious and international destinations.

The city’s emblematic monument is the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, whose first structures date back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE before being extensively remodelled during the Roman period. Still used for shows and events, it offers a remarkable view of the sea and Mount Etna. The historic center is organized around the Corso Umberto, connecting Porta Messina to Porta Catania, passing by Palazzo Corvaja, the Clock Tower, the Duomo, and Piazza IX Aprile, a true open terrace overlooking the coast.

Below the center, the districts of Mazzarò and Isola Bella offer opportunities to enjoy the beaches, transparent waters, and boat excursions along the coast. Isola Bella, a small islet connected to the shore by a narrow passage of pebbles and sand, is one of Taormina’s natural symbols. A cable car connects the historic center to the Mazzarò area and facilitates travel between the monuments located on the heights and the seaside. The Villa Comunale Gardens and the nearby village of Castelmola offer other panoramic walks.

Taormina finally combines culture, beaches, Sicilian gastronomy, and art de vivre. Its restaurants highlight fish, seafood, citrus fruits, pasta, pastries, granitas, and Etna wines, while its cafes, boutiques, and terraces maintain a lively atmosphere late into the evening. The city also serves as an excellent base for exploring Mount Etna, the Alcantara Gorges, Giardini Naxos, Castelmola, or the eastern coast of Sicily. Very popular during the summer, it becomes more peaceful and pleasant in spring and early autumn.

Highlights