Sicily, East, Taormina

Taormina is a popular (and busy) hilltop resort town in the north-east of Sicily. Containing remnants of its Greek and Roman past, a medieval quarter, castle ruins, modern shops, open air restaurants and fabulous views, it is no wonder that it is one of Italy's most favoured tourist destinations. Perched on the side of Monte Tauro, the town offers fantastic views of the coast and Mt. Etna volcano as well as good hiking paths. Below the town and accessible by cable car or hotel lifts are excellent beaches where you can swim in the clear sea water.

Why Taormina

• Scenic position
• The Greek theatre dating from 3BC

What to See in Taormina:

• Greek Theater: Taormina's Greek theater was built in the third century BC, renovated by the Romans, and is now used for summer performances. The theater, built into the hillside, has excellent acoustics and spectacular views of the sea and Mt. Etna.
• Messina Catania gates. Taormina was protected by a circuit of walls with a triple fortification system, which from the north on the side looking towards Messina continued in a north-east direction and ended in the west on the side looking towards Catania. These gates were the two entrances.
• Medieval Quarter: A clocktower gate serves as the starting point for Taormina's picturesque medieval section with its narrow streets and old shops now selling modern clothing, crafts and souvenirs.
• Corso Umberto: The lively main street through town, Corso Umberto, is lined with shops and bars. Along the street are people-filled squares good for enjoying an outdoor drink and people-watching. One of the best squares is Piazza IX Aprile with great sea views.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele: Taormina's tourist office is in the unique Palazzo Corvaja, a mix of Arab, Norman, and Catalan-Gothic architecture. The palazzo also houses the Museum of Sicilian Arts and Traditions (closed Mondays). In the square are Santa Caterina Church and remains of a small Roman theater.
• Piazza del Duomo: A Baroque fountain (1635) with a centaur, the symbol of Taormina, is at the center of Piazza del Duomo. The Church of San Nicola, also called the fortress cathedral, was built in 1400 over an older church. It has pink marble columns and interesting carvings. Its main portal was rebuilt in 1636 and has a Reniassance-style rosette.
• Regional Archaeological Museum: Inside Palazzo Badia Vecchia on a Roman bath site, the museum has finds from Greek and Roman sites.
• Medieval Castle and Madonna della Rocca: The ruins of a medieval castle are in a picturesque position at the top of Monte Tauro where you'll find outstanding views. There's also a sanctuary from 1640, Madonna della Rocca.
• Public Gardens: Another good view spot is the public gardens, Via Bagnoli Croce, with flowers and exotic plants.

Near Taormina:

• Beaches: Below Taormina are beaches, coves, and a peaceful sea perfect for swimming. There are paths between the town and the coast. There's also a cable car to Mazzaro, the beach resort just below Taormina.
• Giardini-Naxos: Excavations of the first Greek colony on Sicily can be visited at Giardini-Naxos. There's part of a Greek temple and a museum as well as the lovely sandy beach there.
• Isola Bella: The beautiful nature reserve of Isola Bella is just south of Taormina. A small finger of land connects the island to the beach below Taormina and is a favourite spot to swim (see more photos).
• Mount Etna: There are many day tours available to Mount Etna. The scenic Circumetnea Railroad circles Mount Etna and stops at several villages. Mount Etna offers good hiking and skiing opportunities.

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