Taormina

Your travel guide for Taormina

The hill town of Taormina is located on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily. Its proximity to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, makes the town an attractive starting point for hikes and nature experiences. The city is also famous for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater where performances are still held today.

Taormina - experience the magic of Sicily

One of Taormina's landmarks is the ancient theater, the Greco-Roman Teatro Greco. Built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC and later extended by the Romans, it offers an impressive view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Today, this historic site is the venue for numerous cultural events, including concerts, theater performances and the annual Taormina Film Festival.

In addition to the rich cultural offerings, Taormina enchants visitors with its picturesque old town with narrow, winding streets and charming boutiques. Corso Umberto I is the main street that runs through the heart of the city and is characterized by a lively atmosphere. Here you can sample local specialties, buy traditional handicrafts and admire the architecture, which is characterized by Norman and Arabic influences.

The city is also known for its lush gardens, such as the Giardini della Villa Comunale, which belonged to the English noblewoman Florence Trevelyan in the 19th century. They are an oasis of peace with exotic plant species and an impressive view that invites both locals and tourists to linger.

Taormina has a privileged position on a hill overlooking the sea and offers spectacular panoramic views. In addition, the nearby beaches such as Isola Bella, a nature reserve and known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea", are popular destinations for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts.

Taormina benefits greatly economically from tourism. The town has a well-developed tourist infrastructure with a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious hotels to cozy bed & breakfasts, to meet the needs of its international visitors.

The Ancient Theater is one of the most impressive attractions in Taormina

Places of interest in Taormina

What is there to see in Taormina? The most important attractions at a glance:

Teatro Greco - The ancient theater of Taormina is one of the city's most impressive historical monuments and offers a spectacular view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used today for cultural events and is a testimony to Greco-Roman history.
Corso Umberto I - This main street is the beating heart of Taormina, lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The perfect place to experience the flair of the city and immerse yourself in local life.
Isola Bella- A tiny beach open to the public, often referred to as the "pearl of the Ionian Sea", connected to the mainland by a narrow spit of land. The small island is a nature reserve and a paradise for snorkelers and sun worshippers.
Giardini della Villa Comunale - These public gardens were originally the estate of the English aristocrat Florence Trevelyan and today offer visitors a tranquil retreat with exotic plants and magnificent views. The gardens are an example of the attention to detail and horticultural art of the 19th century.
Cattedrale di Taormina - Built in the 13th century, the cathedral is dedicated to St. Nicholas and combines elements of Norman and Arab architecture. Inside, it houses valuable works of art and is an important part of Taormina's religious and cultural life.
Piazza IX Aprile - This popular vantage point offers one of the most beautiful views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna and is surrounded by historic buildings and the characteristic black and white cobblestones. The square is a popular meeting place and often the scene of street music and arts and crafts.
Castello di Taormina - The ruins of the medieval castle on Monte Tauro offer a historical experience and a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The access to the Castello is a popular hiking trail, which impresses with its historical significance and natural beauty.
Naumachie - The impressive remains of a Roman city wall from the 1st century AD were once used for water features and are now an impressive example of Roman engineering. Despite their age, the buildings are surprisingly well preserved and convey an impression of the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Palazzo Corvaja - This historic building, once the seat of the Sicilian parliament, is an architectural masterpiece that combines Norman, Arabic and Gothic style elements. Today, the palazzo houses the city museum and various cultural institutions.
Villa Comunale - The former private gardens of the Trevelyan family are now a public park, offering visitors an insight into the exotic plant world and a peaceful retreat. The Villa Comunale is also known for its artistic pavilions and sculptures scattered throughout the gardens.