Taormina

Taormina is art, cinema and theater. There are indeed many reasons for a holiday in Taormina, Sicily's most precious pearl.

Charming town of many cultural influences, the city renews its appointments every summer with prestigious events to which, for years, teamed its name.

From Taormina Filmfest (June) to Taormina Arte (in July) and other events framed by the backdrop of the Greek Theater, with which the city keeps alive his international fame.

But Taormina, enclosed by the volcano Etna and the bay of Schisò, about 200 meters above sea level, manages to enchant visitors mainly for its traditional aspects.

The city as a whole has the appearance of a living room surrounded by nature and art, a perfect combination of old times charming atmosphere, preservation of history and culture, an elegant and lively way of life to be enjoyed in the many restaurants and coffee shop of the old town.

Going out for a meal in many of Taormina's restaurants is a real pleasure, due to the tasteful Sicilian food and the ambience from which you are surrounded.

Fish is the true protagonist at the dinner table,  especially swordfish and smaller fish like tuna, mackerel, sardines and anchovies that are always extra fresh, and that are prepared in various ways, according to the traditional Sicilian cooking recipes and served in all the restaurants in Taormina.

We recommend you try one of the little restaurants in Giardini Naxos, on the beaches near the port, where you can enjoy a splendid view, and taste the fish-based dishes.


Taormina beaches and Isola Bella
   
A real dream beach. The picturesque bay of Taormina with the enchanting nature of Isola Bella and the clear blue water of the sea.

Considered the "pearl dell'Ionio" for its unspoilt natural beauty, protected by the WWF, and recently declared a Nature Reserve, Isola Bella is a magical place not to be missed during a holiday in Taormina.

The luxuriant vegetation on Isola Bella is a fantastic mixture of Mediterranean scrub and rare exotic plants, which houses several sea birds: Herring Gulls, Kingfishers, Peregrine Falcons, Cormorants, and Grey Herons.

The best period to visit this area is from the beginning of spring to the first days of autumn.

Spisone    
Very nice little stretch of beach in the bay of Taormina. Fine sand and crystalline waters. Here there are some of the most popular beach lidos of Taormina

Mazzeo
This beach is wider than that of Letojanni and the sand is slightly finer. Here you will find long sandy beaches and well equipped lidos.

Recanati
Wide beach with sand, ideal for families with children.

Letojanni
The beach of Letojanni is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast of Sicily. Coarse sand with small pebbles.

Giardini Naxos
The beach of Giardini Naxos is the longest beach in the area of Taormina. Beach is characterized by stretches of sandy beach alternating with rocky parts

Mazzaro Bay
The beach of Mazzaro bay is located directly on the north side of Isola Bella. The beach in the bay of Mazzaro is not one of the largest beaches in the area but undoubtedly the most beautiful. The sand is coarse with pebbles.

Alcantara River Park

If you're planning a holiday in Taormina, do not forget to schedule a visit to the Alcantara River Park.

This Nature reserve encloses an area rich in flora and fauna in an environment of extraordinary beauty and fascinating landscapes.

The park offers numerous oportunities for beautiful walks, horse riding and wine tasting along the wine route which includes the towns of Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo

Castelmola Walk

This half-day walk has some steep sections, so it's a good way to work off all the fine Sicilian meals. On a clear day the views down over Taormina, across the coast and towards Etna are breathtaking.


Taormina  Highlights

• Taormina Arte – June/July/August. A Festival dedicated to music, from symphonies to rock, dance and theater to perform in the beautiful setting of the Ancient Greek Theater.
• Taormina Film Festival – June. The oldest film festival in Italy with world-famous guests, film directors, script-writers and composers from all over the world.
• Taormina - Castelmola walk. Half-day walk with sweeping views down over Taormina, across the coast and towards Mount Etna.
• Recommended restaurants
  Casa Grugno One Michelin star
  The restaurant is quite near to the hotel San Domenico, and it is really a treat and lovely way to enjoy the Taormina delights!
  Ristorante Al Duomo
  Known for its romantic terrace dining (with a view of the square and cathedral), this restaurant prepares its dishes using the freshest local produce and regional ingredients.
  Maffei's is very small, with only 10 tables, but it serves the best fish in Taormina