Taormina — Sicily's Balcony

Taormina (Tauromenion) is Sicily's most famous town and one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. Situated on a rocky terrace 200 meters above the Ionian Sea, with the snow-capped Etna in the background, Taormina has been a magnet for poets, painters, aristocrats, and film stars since the 18th century. Goethe was here, D.H. Lawrence wrote here, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton stayed at the Grand Hotel Timeo — and Instagram has finally made Taormina the epitome of Mediterranean beauty.

The heart of the town is the Teatro Greco (Teatro Antico) — a Greco-Roman theater from the 3rd century BC, one of the most impressive ancient theaters in the world. Not because of its size (4,500 seats), but because of its setting: The stage opens onto an arch through which you can simultaneously see Etna, the Bay of Naxos, and the deep blue Ionian Sea — perhaps the most famous view of all antiquity. In summer, concerts, theater performances, and the Taormina Film Fest take place here — a performance at the Teatro Greco at sunset is one of Sicily's unforgettable experiences.

The Corso Umberto I is Taormina's elegant promenade: 800 meters from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, lined with baroque churches, antique shops, cafes, restaurants, and the small Piazza IX Aprile — a terrace with panoramic views of the coast and Etna, one of the most photogenic spots in Europe. Below the old town lies the Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) — a tiny, wooded island in a turquoise bay, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. By cable car (€3) from the center to the beach — the bay is perfect for snorkeling.

Taormina has a downside: In high season (July/August), it is extremely crowded and expensive. Prices in restaurants and hotels are among the highest in Sicily. To enjoy Taormina in peace, visit in May, June, or October — then the atmosphere is relaxed, the view of Etna is often clearest, and prices are reasonable.