Taormina: the Historic Centre, the Beaches and What to Eat
Suspended between sky and sea, Taormina is one of the most enchanting destinations in Sicily and the Mediterranean.
It is a delightful natural terrace overlooking the clear waters of eastern Sicily and offers an exclusive viewpoint of Mount Etna.
Taormina captures the essence of timeless luxury and offers an exclusive retreat if you desire a holiday characterised by elegance and Sicily’s historical and gastronomic culture.
You could spend a week here because it’s comfortable and enjoyable, and there’s always something to do.
What to see in Taormina and surrounding areas
We are sure that Taormina will impress you with its refined composition.
It is a small Mediterranean jewel where narrow alleys and small squares coexist with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
You can easily walk around, perhaps while refreshing yourself with a Sicilian granita. It is one of the most famous locations in Italy, so we recommend staying in one of the villas for rent in Taormina Sicily for more privacy and tranquillity.
Indeed, it’s small, but there’s so much to do besides going to the beach. There are many must-see sites in the centre and its surroundings.
The first is undoubtedly the Ancient Theatre, dating back to the time of the Greek colonists.
During Roman times, the space was used for dramatic performances and gladiator fights. Abandoned during the Middle Ages, it became one of the most visited places by European intellectuals during the Grand Tour era.
Now, it transforms and hosts concerts, theatrical events, and film festivals during the summer. The night-time view from up there is a breathtaking spectacle.
In Taormina’s main square is the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari. It is a small religious building whose origins date back to the 13th century. Over time, it has been remodelled many times, incorporating elements of various architectural styles.
We also recommend visiting the public gardens of Taormina, which we know as Trevelyan Park. They are picturesque and very panoramic, a real green lung for the town.
The park owes its creation to Lady Florence Trevelyan. The English gentlewoman left her homeland and married the mayor of Taormina. The couple purchased the hectares of land on which the gardens now extend. The gardens now host palm groves, succulents, and a wide variety of flowering plants. However, the distinguishing feature is the presence of ornamental constructions, the so-called Victorian follies.
There are some places near Taormina to visit:
- Mount Etnais the highest active volcano in Europe, dominating the Ionian coast of Sicily. You can take a guided excursion to discover the Silvestri craters, the caves, and all its areas of interest;
- The Alcantara Gorges is a magical place that attracts many in the summer because it promises an escape from the city’s heat. The Alcantara River has carved the gorges with a unique prismatic shape because the rocks are of volcanic origin and cooled very quickly. You can visit the river park and benefit from the river’s cold waters!
- Catania is one of the most intriguing cities in Sicily. Dominated by Mount Etna, it is famous for its lively markets, baroque buildings, and charming cloisters. Walk along Via Etnea, the main street of Catania, and try a pistachio arancino in Piazza del Duomo, where you can also see “U Liotru,” the elephant symbol of the city.
The beaches of Taormina
Where can you go to the beach in Taormina? The first place we recommend is the splendid Isola Bella. It is so named because the small beach is connected by a thin strip of pebbles to a green islet.
It is a very charming place, close to the centre of the town and a nature reserve. But it attracts many people, so we recommend going there early to avoid crowds.
The other beaches closest to the centre of Taormina are Mazzarò Beach and the Bay of Sirens.
Mazzarò beach is beyond the Isola Bella reserve. It has mostly equipped beaches and restaurants for a comfortable day at the sea. But if you like swimming and snorkelling, you will find paradise here!
And the Bay of Sirens is not to be outdone, indeed. Its crystal-clear sea is very inviting and worth a nice swim. Islets and cliffs with lush nature enclose the bay. If you wish, you can also settle down at the beach clubs, but if you want to experience the beauty of this place, then the best choice is a boat trip.
Finally, there are the Gardens of Naxos, which have a very long beach. It offers absolute beauty and much convenience. You could not wish for better!
What to eat in Taormina
Remember that Sicilian cuisine is an excellent Italian dish. During your holidays in Taormina, you can try some of the island’s typical preparations. They mix the culinary influences of the different cultures that have made Sicilian history, from Greek to Arab. For this reason, they are unique dishes: the arancino, pasta alla Norma, caponata of vegetables, swordfish Messina style… a world of delicacies!
How to reach Taormina
Reaching Taormina is simple. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, about an hour’s drive from the city. You can rent cars from here or take one of the many direct buses connecting the airport directly with the town.
But having your own means of transport is the best option for getting around and visiting the most characteristic places in this area of Sicily, of which Taormina is a true gem.
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