Taormina

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Sicily’s hidden jewel

Greek Roman Theater in Taormina, Italy - Courtesy ENIT

Rising majestically from the sea, Taormina sparkles at the foot of Monte Tauro. This quaint coastal town has been a deluxe destination for those with refined tastes ever since ancient times.

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Must Sees in Taormina

Greek theatre built in the third century at Monte Tauro, offering views of Mount Etna and Calibri.
Golf at the nearby Picciolo golf club
Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano-there are many ways to visit this famous mountain, one of the few times a visitor will need to dress a bit warmer
Regional Archeological Museum-housed in the Badia Vecchia, featuring artifacts and recent findings
Museo di Naxos-with the history of Taormina
The Saracen and Norman Palazzo Corvaja palace
Remains of the Roman Odeon theatre

Map of Taormina

For all if Italy's charm and grace, Taormina presents something distinctly idyllic. As a very popular tourist destination, Taormina is remarkably quiet place that never seems over crowded. You most certainly will notice young unshaven back-packers trekking through the streets, and you will be very aware of the presence of other Anglo-Americans at various sites and restaurants; but, somehow their presence does not detract from Taormina's intimate side. This minuscule town, beautifully perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is home to excellent shops and plenty of sites to see, from ancient ruins to medieval churches. But above all, Taormina is a place to relax and absorb its splendor, either at a café on its cliff-top piazza or sunbathing at the paradisiacal beaches across from the exotic and appropriately named Isola Bella (beautiful island).

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Shopping in Taormina

Taormina has one of the most famous markets in Italy for crafts. In walking Corso Umberto you will find the hand-made ceramics so often admired in the States-especially the famous "white pottery" of Caltagirone. Other hand-made crafts include treasures made of leather, iron, and wood and furniture and home décor inlaid with semi-precious stones. There are also glassware specialists and jewelers-with antique gold offerings. Antique shops also dot the market in Corso Umberto, as well as vendors with clothes and shoes and souvenirs. There are traditional gourmet shops offering specialties cheeses, sweet meats, olive oil, honey, liqueurs, and wines.