Taormina

Background

Taormina sits on the slopes of Monte Tauro on Sicily's east coast, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, between Messina and Catania. The Greek Theatre faces the sea with Mount Etna behind it; Piazza IX Aprile is the town's main square, and Isola Bella, just to the south, is a nature reserve. Taormina's ancient Greek name was Tauromenion, and the history of the area goes back further than the Greek colonisation of Sicily in 734 BC. The surviving theatre is built mostly of brick and was probably rebuilt in Roman times on earlier Greek foundations. Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, and in May 2017 it hosted the 43rd G7 summit.

Local customs

• See a summer performance in the Greek Theatre, or by day lean on the railing to look out over Mount Etna and the coastline
• browse the craft shops along Corso Umberto
• take the cable car down to the sea for a swim around Isola Bella.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• The old town has many slopes and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Summer brings crowds and strong sun, so visit the theatre at off-peak times. Cable car and theatre tickets are subject to official information.
• From Messina or Catania, take a train to Taormina-Giardini station and then a bus up the hill. The town is explored mainly on foot, and the cable car built in 1992 links it with the beach. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit, the summer performance season is the liveliest, and July and August are the most crowded and hottest months
• winter is mild and quiet, good for unhurried strolls through the old town.