Taormina
Taormina
 is
one of Sicily's leading tourist destinations. The town cascades
down its hill to the beach and its location is uniquely attractive.
Taormina is well known
for a stunning, well-preserved Greek theater, as well as the quality of its beaches.
Founded in the 4th century B.C., Taormina has several interesting
but modest attractions (mainly small palazzos and churches), which
are fun to explore.
Somewhat
unusually for Sicily,
it is the town and its setting (rather than its history) that act as tourist
magnets. Taormina is well known for its crafts, shopping,
restaurants and as a fine place to relax after a tour of the rest of
Sicily. Taormina is one of those magical places that attracts people
from around the world. In the past it was a haven for luminaries of
the literary world (Goethe, Oscar Wilde, D. H. Lawrence, etc.,) and more
recently the town has become equally attractive to stars of stage and screen.
The best way to explore the Taormina is on foot, as the streets are
narrow and crowded. Also, you will have to park your car at a
lot outside of town, unless you have booked a hotel with a garage. The main tourist street for
shopping, eating, strolling and drinks is Corso
Umberto.
Finally, if you are interested in exploring
Mount Etna, the largest volcano in
Europe and one of the world's most active, Taormina is a good base
for a daytrip. We suggest that you book with one of the local
providers who specialize in tours of Mount Etna.
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The Greek Theater (Teatro Greco), carved into a hillside at the lower elevations
of Taormina, dates from the 3rd century B.C., although it was later altered by
the Romans. On a clear day Mount Etna can be seen in background. The
theater, which overlooks the coast and the Golfo di Naxos, is still in use for
various productions.
Along Taormina's main street, Corso Umberto I, you will find the
Piazza 9 Aprile near the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio).
The Piazza provides an ocean view and access to two local churches.
Colorful umbrellas offer some relief for the hot summer sun, while
travelers enjoy the spectacular view, the town's pleasant ambiance
and good, but leisurely meals.
.
Part of the attractiveness of a visit to Taormina is the chance to sample its
fine beaches. Isola Bella (pictured below) is surrounded by a gorgeous bay of
the same name and the area is one of Taormina's
popular beach areas. To the north is Mazarrò Bay and beach, another
local favorite. A funicular connects Old Town Taormina with the beaches at
Mazzarò
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Taormina is known as an art center and you will find reminders of that
role almost everywhere you look.
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