Taormina is a true gem of Sicily, Italy. Wondering what to do in Taormina? After visiting different places across Sicily you will soon notice that Taormina is somehow different from the rest of the island. It looks a little bit English, a little German, a bit Greek, in some points Spanish, and of course, it tastes Italian. Why? People of Taormina joke that the town is so extraordinary and a fairytale looks alike because it was not built by its inhabitants but by people who came here from all over the world and fell in love with it. So, here is the list of 17 must-see sights to visit in Taormina and fall in love with it too.
1. The Greek-Roman Theatre
Taormina is surely known for the Greek-Roman Theatre. You can see it on most of the postcards and tourist photos. From here you can enjoy the stunning view of Vulcano Etna and the Ionian Sea coastline. The Theatre of Taormina, after that of Syracuse, is the largest performance building not only in Sicily but in the Italian peninsula and in Africa. Today the theatre is mostly used as a concert place, where numerous famous artists played their concerts: Deep Purple, Sting, Elton John, James Blunt, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Noel Gallagher and the list goes on. The ticket prices are 14 euro for adults and 7 euro for EU citizens under 25 y.o., children under 18 y.o. go free. The theatre is open from 9.00 till 16.00 (19.00) – depending on the time of the year.
2. 9th Aprile Square (Piazza IX Aprile)
The main square of Taormina. People call it “salotto”, which translates as a “living room”, a place where you accept and entertain the guests. Here you can enjoy the magnificent view of volcano Etna and Ionian sea. This square divides the Greek-Roman city from the medieval city. The square has been a central gathering place for locals with their kids playing and visitors alike. If you need a public restroom, you can find one right in this square, on the right to the Ex-Church of St. Augustine.
3. Public Garden (Villa Comunale)
This fairytale looking like a park was created in the late 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan, the English noblewoman. Tourists adore it for its breathtaking panoramic views of volcano Etna and the Ionian seashore, and the possibility to relax for an hour or two under the trees on a hot summer day. If you are traveling with children, that’s your must-see spot, as there is an equipped kids’ playground, lots of space to run around, check the flowers, fountains and little buildings. There is also a public toilet and a drinking fountain. The entrance is free from 9.00 till 24.00 in the summer and till 20.00 in the winter.
4. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a little island just below the Taormina. You can go there by foot, but without shoes of course! Lady Florence Treveylan (who created a Public Garden) has been responsible for making this little island so beautiful. She planted important tropical trees mixing them with the Mediterranean vegetation present on the island. Lady Trevelyan also has built a small house surrounded by green vegetation, where she spent the hottest hours of the day.
5. Ride to the sea on a cable car
The most interesting and fastest way to reach the seaside from the hills of Taormina is by a cable car. The cable car connects the center of the town with the Mazzarò (a little village just below the Taormina). The ride is extremely beautiful, it lasts 15 minutes. The ticket price is 6 euro for one-way, and 10 euro for both ways. It’s open from 8 am till 1.30 am.
6. Vicolo Stretto, or "Narrow Alley"
Would you like a super memorable and funny foto? This is absolutely the right spot! The very narrow street where you can touch side buildings with both of your hands. It’s one of the narrowest streets in Taormina, and possibly in all of Italy.
7. Messina Gate, or Porta Messina
Porta Messina is one of the two main city entrances and leads you to Corso Umberto I Street, where most cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars are located. Corso Umberto I street is pedestrian, therefore you can fully enjoy your stroll! Messina Gate belongs to the mediaeval period, and if you look towards the sea you can notice Calabria, the mainland part of Italy.
8. Agorà and Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja)
In the ancient Taormina (called Taormenion) Agorà was located somewhere between Vittorio Emanuele II Square and Piazza Santa Caterina. What’s Agorà? This is what ancient Greeks called the most important spot in the town, the main square. It’s hard to believe how huge it was in Taormina – its overall extent was about 17000 mq and it was built on three different levels. It looked totally different from what you can see now. From 21 BC this square housed the Roman Forum. Nowadays, in its place stands the beautiful Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja), which is an excellent example of a blend of Gothic and Norman architectural styles and it is one of the most elegant aristocratic palaces in Sicily.
9. Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria
This stunning baroque-style church was built on the site of the Roman theatre and a Greek temple. Amazingly you can still see the original ancient walls of that Greek temple inside the church, so don’t miss the opportunity and come in! Outside the church there are two lines of ancient stone benches – this is one of the most beautiful spots to sit down, eat your gelato, get some sun, and stare at the relaxed tourists strolling back and forth! Many locals stop here for a short break too. Usually, there are also street musicians who play typical Sicilian music – a good mood is truly guaranteed!
10. The Odeon - the small Roman theatre
Taormina is known for the stunning Greek–Roman ancient theatre. However Odeon is a true gem! It dates back to the 1st or 2nd century, when Taormina was a Roman colony, and seats on the place of the ancient Greek Temple. The Odeon was accidentally discovered in 1892 during the construction of a private house. There is probably no better space for self-reflection than the Odeon. Imagine if modern meeting rooms were like it! The entrance is free of charge, and it’s open from 9:00 until one hour before sunset.
11. "Terme"
Tourists often overlook Terme, the remains of the Roman Imperial Bath. Terme played an important role in the ancient Taormina, as inhabitants came here not only to get cleaned and relax but also to exchange the latest news and chit-chat. The overall size of the spa is about 38×27 meters, and it had very rich decorations in precious white and colored marble from all over the Mediterranean and mosaic carpets with marine scenes.
12. Naumachie
Naumachie is a truly particular place to see. This ancient Roman structure dates back to the 2nd century BC and in the past, it was a huge water reservoir, decorated with enormous niches with the status of the ancient heroes.
13. Ciampoli Palace
Ciampoli Palace is a noble residence of the 15th century built in Catalan Gothic style. Ciampoli was the surname of the family who possessed the palace until it was purchased by the Sicilian region. Hard to believe but not so many years ago it hosted a night club.
14. Duomo Square (Piazza Duomo)
Duomo Square is one of the most beautiful medieval squares of Taormina. This gathering place was the favorite location of such famous people as Oscar Wild, Guy de Maupassant, Alexander Dumas, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. The square takes its name from Duomo (Cathedral), the town’s main church dedicated to San Nicolò of Bari.
15. "4 Fountains"
This gorgeous fountain is located just in the Piazza Duomo. In the center of it stands a two-leg centaur, Taormina’s symbol. This is a truly particular centaur, as it’s a female one! By the way, Taormina’s centaur is also an official emblem for the school uniform, surely on the streets you will see children wearing a polo T-shirts with the logo of Taormina. If you feel thirsty you can drink directly from the fountain or refill your bottle.
16. Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano
Nowadays, that’s the place where you say the most important “Yes” of your life. People of Taormina get married here in case of civil marriage. If you are planning to get married you can do it here too by paying an affordable fee to the local municipality. The Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano was constructed in the late 14th century, it was the noble residence of the Spanish De Spuches family. Around the palace there is a beautiful park with a little ancient dwell. The palace is open from 10.00 till 14.00, and in the afternoon from 15.00 till 19.00.
17. Catania Gate (Porta Catania)
Catania Gate, in Italian “Porta Catania”, is the South entrance of the town. It dates back to the medieval period and was constructed in 1440 under the reign of King Alfonso V of Aragon. From here you can enter or exit the town.
So, now you definitely know what to do and what to see in Taormina, Sicily (Italy) during your next vacation! And to stroll hustle free don’t forget to install Taormina Stroll App and buy a Taormina Classic Tour: https://onelink.to/dsv2ep