Things to do in  Taormina

Taormina is best known for its 2nd-century Greek Theatre, but this Sicilian city perched high above the eastern coastline of Sicily has a number of impressive historic attractions. One of the most important is the Cathedral (Duomo), set on a pretty square of the same name (Piazza del Duomo) along the main Corso Umberto I thoroughfare.

Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mt. Etna (Monte Etna) is among Europe’s tallest (and the world’s most active) volcanoes. The volcano has shaped Sicilian history and continues to impact life on the island today. UNESCO declared it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Today, visitors can explore the mountain’s smoldering volcanic craters and lava fields.

The Italian name of Isola Bella contains both a truth and a misnomer: though worthy of being called beautiful, this tiny rocky outcrop along Sicily’s coast near Taormina is not actually an island. Located off the Lido Mazzaro beach on the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that is often covered with water at high tide. The picturesque point was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily and later purchased by the Scottish Lady Florence Trevelyan—her villa still sits on the highest point—until being taken over by the region of Sicily and made a nature reserve in 1990.

Get a feel for the Sicilian town of Taormina by strolling down its main street, Corso Umberto I, which is crowded with locals shopping and socializing. Begin at the medieval Porta Messina city gate, stop to take in the view over the water from Piazza IX Aprile, and end in Piazza Duomo, home to the city’s historic cathedral and fountain.

One of Taormina’s most spectacular sights is its 2nd-century Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco), which, despite its name, is actually an ancient Roman amphitheater built in the Greek style. Sitting high above the coast, the theater has beautiful views over Taormina, the Sicilian coastline, and Mount Etna.

With its black-and-white marble checkerboard paving, ornate 17th-century facade of the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, and spectacular view over the Mediterranean Sea, Piazza IX Aprile is Taormina’s loveliest square. Take a break from strolling the main Corso Umberto I thoroughfare to bask in its quintessentially Italian atmosphere.

Sicily’s most significant archeological site, the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is home to some of the most remarkably preserved ancient Greek ruins in Italy. Dotted along a ridge just outside modern-day Agrigento, the imposing ruins of seven Doric temples are the remnants of the ancient city of Akragas. Dating from the 6th century BC, they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A tiny coastal town in Sicily, Castelmola offers panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and Mt. Etna. Neighboring Taormina is 670 feet above sea level while Castelmola is higher up at 1,700 feet above sea level. Adventurous travelers hike uphill from Taormina to Castelmola to see its churches, visit a 13th century castle, and to taste local almond wine.

One of the most striking palaces in Taormina, Palazzo Corvaja is testament to Sicily's long history of successive invasions with its mix of Arab, Norman, and Spanish styles. This palace is an architectural highlight of the old town and houses the Sicilian Museum of Popular Art and Traditions, for a deep dive into the island’s culture and history.

Just outside the town of Piazza Armerina in southern Sicily, the ruins of Villa Romana del Casale are home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Roman mosaics. These incredible designs date from the fourth century and were stunningly preserved by a 12th-century landslide before being unearthed in the 19th century.

Testament to Taormina’s many layers of history, the Church of Santa Caterina di Alessandria has a wedding-cake-like baroque interior from the 17th century built atop an ancient crypt and Greek and Roman ruins, including those of the Roman Odeon. Archaeology and art enthusiasts alike will delight in this small but captivating church.

Taormina is best known for its 2nd-century Greek Theatre, but this Sicilian city perched high above the eastern coastline of Sicily has a number of impressive historic attractions. One of the most important is the Cathedral (Duomo), set on a pretty square of the same name (Piazza del Duomo) along the main Corso Umberto I thoroughfare.

For a respite from the heat and crowds of Taormina, retreat to the lush confines of the 19th-century English-style gardens of the Parco Duca di Cesarò, also known as the Villa Comunale. Unwind surrounded by colorful tropical plants and flowers, explore the tower and gazebo, and take in the view over the sea from the terrace balustrade.

Though Taormina’s most famous attraction is known as the Greek Theatre, this 2nd-century amphitheater is actually Roman—and it isn’t the only ancient site in town. History buffs will be delighted by the Roman Odeon, a smaller version of the Teatro Greco built centuries earlier in a similar Greek style, with space for just 200 people.

Following the path of an ancient Mt. Etna lava flow, Sicily’s Alcantara River carved intricate ravines and underground passages through the volcanic rock. The resulting Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara) are part of the Alcantara River Park, popular with travelers drawn to the beautiful rock formations and the refreshing river water, especially in summer.