Holiday in Taormina

About Taormina

Taormina, perched high on a rocky terrace on the east coast of Sicily, is the epitome of Mediterranean beauty. The combination of ancient ruins, the active volcano Etna as a backdrop, and the sparkling Ionian Sea at its feet makes this place one of the most photogenic spots in Italy — and that says a lot for Sicily. The Teatro Antico di Taormina is one of the most spectacularly located ancient theaters in the world. The Greek-Roman structure from the 3rd century BC accommodates 5,400 spectators, and from the upper tiers, the view sweeps over the Bay of Naxos and the snow-capped summit of Etna — a backdrop that no stage designer in the world could have crafted better. In summer, the Taormina Film Fest and high-profile concerts take place here. Corso Umberto, the promenade of Taormina, stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania through the historic center. Elegant boutiques, antique shops, pastry shops, and cafes with terraces line the pedestrian zone. Piazza IX Aprile, with its checkerboard pavement, offers one of the most legendary sunset spots in Italy — an Aperol Spritz with a view of Etna at sunset. Below the town lies Isola Bella, a tiny nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand and one of the most beautiful bathing spots in Sicily. The bay, with its crystal-clear water and rocky caves, is accessible by cable car from Taormina. Taormina has an illustrious history as a destination for the rich and famous. From Goethe to Oscar Wilde to the film stars of the jet set era — and most recently as a filming location for the HBO series 'The White Lotus' — the place has attracted creative minds and connoisseurs for centuries. Excursions to Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, can be made from Taormina in an hour. Climbing to the craters offers an unforgettable experience among lava fields and steaming fumaroles.