Taormina, The Hill-Top Town You’ll Fall In Love With
Throughout history, from the Greeks to modern day Italy, Sicily has been strategically important to military operations, economic trade, and control of the Mediterranean Sea. From ancient times to modern life it has also been a vacation destination for many, and no other town stands out more to me than Taormina.
Let me tell you about a charming town, not far from the strait that separates Sicily from the Italian Peninsula, situated on top of a hill facing the Ionian Sea from a tall, natural terrace. With its Medieval architecture, ancient Greek soul, and the colors of Mediterranean foliage, Taormina is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. The Greeks and Romans who holidayed in Taormina enjoyed the same view, and it continues to be a destination to this day.
About Taormina
Taormina’s history goes back to before Ancient Greeks established their first colony in Sicily in 734 BCE. Later conquered by the Roman Empire, it was considered a very important city that helped defend the island against invaders. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, Taormina continued to rank as one of the more important towns in Sicily. The town also followed the history of Sicily, whereas it was ruled by successive foreign monarchs. After the unification of Italy, Taormina began to attract well-off tourists from northern Europe, and it became known as one of the balconies or the Mediterranean.
Things To Do In Taormina
I must say, I have visited Taormina in the fall and summer, and the vibe is complete different with the amount of visitors. It is cooler in fall, but the beaches are empty and there really is not much going on near the coast. In the summer, the crowds are plentiful, the beaches are filled with swimmers and sun-hungry tourists, and you will see plenty of beautiful and luxurious yachts in the bays. There are many things to see in Taormina, and these are just some of my recommendations, but feel free to explore more during your stay. As I find more points of interest, I will update this post.
Walk Along Corso Umberto
There is quite a lot to do in this hilltop town and you will quickly see the crowds moving along the cobblestone main street, that was part of the ancient road that connected Messina to Catania. This street is dedicated to Umberto I of Savoy, king of Italy from 1878 to 1900. Enclosed by Porta Messina, on the North, and Porta Catania, on the south, a walk along this street will take you to buildings with architecture from different eras, from the Arabic to the Normans, from the Gothic to the Baroque.
The presence of historical palaces and churches along Corso Umberto and its surroundings has transformed this ancient road into today’s historic center, energized by shops, cafes, and restaurants that welcome visitors from all over the world every day.
Stop by Piazza IX Aprile and you will encounter the baroque Church of San Giuseppe. The square is an elegant place, characterized by open-air bars, artists, and live musicians. Make your way towards the edge and enjoy the balcony view of Etna, the Naxos bay, and the ancient ruins of the theatre.
Get Lost In a Magical Garden
After exploring Corso Umberto head towards Villa Communale di Taormina and get some shade. This magnificent park is well worth exploring and if you are into photography it is a great place for a photoshoot. It also has a beautiful view of the sea, which is worth admiring. Apart from the magic of this park, this place has an interesting history that is worth describing.
Built in the mid-nineteenth century at the behest of Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman raised in the court of Queen Victoria. In 1879, Lady Florence began her long journeys through Europe and North Africa. Upon her return to England, she was exiled on charges of having an affair with Queens Victoria’s eldest son, the future King Edward VII, who was already married to Alexandra of Denmark. She eventually settled in Taormina, where she married Mayor Salvatore Cacciola and purchased 87 plots of land and some old houses. She then razed them to the ground, creating the current garden.
Talk about some royal drama that in the end gave us a public garden to enjoy.
Gaze upon Isola Bella
Near the garden there is an interesting point that I would love to share with you. Click here for directions. Belvedere di Via Pirandello has a spectacular view of Taormina overlooking Isola Bella. From here you can gaze at the many sailers and sun lovers enjoying the beach below.
This island was a gift from Ferdinand I of Bourbon, King of Sicily, to the town of Taormina, which was subsequently acquired by the exiled Lady Florence. Just like the garden, Lady Florence showed her passion for plants by planting precious tropical plants, interwoven with the vegetation of the island, that continue to flourish to this day.
On Isola Bella, an island house was built surrounded by greenery on the island where Lady Trevelyan spent the hottest hours of the day. When she and her husband died, the island was inherited by his nephew and lawyer Cesare Acrosso, who sold it to the Lo Turco family. In 1992, it was acquired by the Region of Sicily and later turned into a Natural Reserve and Museum.
Take the Stairs to Taormina
Next to the panoramic view you find stairs that will take you all the way down to the beaches below. Bring plenty of cold water, a beach towel, and snorkel gear if you plan on enjoying the water. Mostly in the open, you will get different views of the coastline.
When you arrive, find yourself a place where you can relax and take a swim to cool off. I highly recommend snorkeling around Isola Bella. The views are amazing and the water is very clear. At the time of writing this, Isola Bellas is my favorite place for snorkeling in Sicily. Across the bay from the island, you will find a Dive Nike Taormina, a dive shop.
Explore the Greek Theatre
Alright, without a doubt the most important feature for sight-seers in Taormina is the Greek Theatre. It has a very fortunate natural setting, with a magnificent view toward the Calabrian coast, the Ionian coast of Sicily and the spectacular volcano, Etna.
You will be absolutely amazed by its immense beauty and you will feel the same sensation that Johann Wolfgang Goethe experienced when visiting the symbol of the city. Dated back to the 301 A.D, it continues to stand among cypresses and prickly pears. Its cavea (the seating space) is carved into the rock that the Romans turned into an arena. The Hellenistic monument offers a spectacular view of the turquoise sea that runs all the way to the Calabrian coast in the northeast, to Syracuse in the south, and to the smoking peak of Etna in the west. Nature lovers, history buffs and art enthusiasts alike will surely fall in love with this place. I promise, it will not let you down.
Wander the Backstreets
As in many Sicilian towns, be sure to deviate from the main roads and take the various alleys you may encounter. There are several castles and churches that may interest you. Enter some of the small shops to buy souvenirs or local handmade products.
I encourage you to try a breakfast sweets, such as a cornetto, which taste delicious with a freshly brewed cappuccino. And as a beer lover, I always recommended grabbing a refreshing cold beer. One of the popular ones in the area is Birra Messina, founded in 1923. They offer the classic and their special Cristalli Di Sale, recipe which is made from sea salt.
Gole Alcantara
For the most adventurous, I recommend heading out to this natural wonder. Not far from Taormina, you can find this majestic gorge which has been carved by the icy waters from Mount Etna through thousands of years. This place is worth the visit while in Taormina.
Witness the raw power of nature! The river’s icy cold water relentlessly shaped what we can see today, Gole dell’Alcantara. Its water has cut through the rock, leaving behind an incredible natural work of art. The prism-like basalt columns and towering rocky walls seem almost otherworldly, shaped by millennia of erosion. Click here for more info.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Sicily is an experience in itself. If you ever find yourself in the eastern part of this beautiful island, your journey will not be complete without seeing this magnificence balcony. It offers panoramic views that will take your breath away and will leave an impression for years to come. Explore this amazing town on a hill and you will most likely fall in love with it just like I did.
Have you ever found yourself in a town you didn’t want to leave? Leave comments and questions below, and I will respond to them as soon as I can.
Ame
Those historic alleys, what a privilege to walk there.
Jessie Torres
The history of this town is amazing. If you ever make it to Sicily, this town should be added to your itinerary.