Taormina, thePearl of the Ionian, is one of the most famous and sought-after Sicilian locations in the world. Its international fame has no boundaries, so much so that this village nestled in the Province ofMessinamanages to attract thousands and thousands of tourists every day from every corner of the globe. Do you want its history to have its roots in a Sicilian past intertwined with different peoples and influences, do you want its lanes to still evoke ancient and never dormant times, do you want that from its "terraces" it is possible to admire enchanting panoramas over the entireIonian strip of the island, you want it to be the undisputed land of good food and good wine... in short, Taormina is a dream that deserves, at least once in your life, to be experienced as such.
HOW TO GET
Taormina is located inSicily, on the Ionian coast of the eastern part of the island, exactly halfway between Messina and Catania. To reach the Municipality of Taormina there are different possibilities: inmachine it is necessary to take the A18 motorway and take the Taormina exit (from Messina it is about 35 minutes, from Catania about 30 minutes); intrainthere are connections from both Messina and Catania, the stop is "Taormina"; inplane it is possible to land at the international airport of Fontanarossa, in Catania, and then travel from there by other means. It is also possible to reach the Pearl of the Ionian with ibuswhich depart from both Messina and Catania (center and airport).
WHERE TO PARK IN TAORMINA
Depending on how you decided to get to Taormina, know that the villageit is not accessible by car. The car, in fact, must be left outside the historic center. There are some possibilities, the simplest of which is to use paid public parking. There are four of them, the first three are located in the center:Lumbi parking(from here it is possible to reach the village with the free shuttle services, about 5 minutes, or on foot via a staircase),Porta Catania car park(located 200 meters from Corso Umberto),Porta Pasquale car park(it is located 200 meters from the Porta Messina arch and therefore from Corso Umberto),Mazzarò car park(it is located along the coast, in the Isola Bella area). If you have decided to use this last option, know that the connection to Taormina center is via thecable car (the price, per person, is 6 euros return). I'm leaving youthis linkfor details on opening hours and prices of all paid public car parks.
WHAT TO SEE IN TAORMINA
To visit the center of Taormina it only takes a few hours (here is the list of10 things absolutely not to be missed). It's all about theCorso Umberto I, the long avenue that extends from Porta Messina to Porta Catania. It is here, in fact, that the most beautiful shops with the best designer labels, clubs and luxurious hotels are found. Don't be surprised if you always find hundreds and hundreds of tourists. It is said that Taormina is only empty at night, and perhaps this is not so true either! CrossingPorta Messinayou will immediately find yourself on the leftPiazza Vittorio Emanuele II(called “della Badia”), where the Carabinieri Headquarters is located. From here you can decide whether to continue to the left and follow the short stretch of road to reach theAncient Theatre, the true pride of the city, or cross the square and enter Corso Umberto I.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN TAORMINA: Find all the offers
At the corner, on the right, standsCorvaja Palace, home to the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (the tourist information office is located here). Continuing along the Corso you will immerse yourself among shops of all types, while magical alleys with enchanting views branch out at regular intervals on the sides. By taking the one in via Naumachie you can arrive, after a few meters, atSo called Naumachie, a long facade of red bricks from the Roman era. From there you can decide whether to continue down and reach theGardens of the Villa Comunale, at whose entrance lovers will welcome you, or return to the Corso and continue towardsPorta Catania.
The distances are very short, so the advice is to enjoy Taormina in every corner, not leaving out any glimpses! Continuing along Corso Umberto I you will then reach thePiazza IX Aprile, the "terrace" from which it is possible to observe a magical panorama over the entire Ionian strip. Here they overlook theChurch of San Giuseppe, with the Church of Taormina, the Church of Sant'Agostino and the Castle with the famousClock tower.
It is one of the busiest squares in the centre, where you will find street artists, music and joy at any time of the day. Crossing the portal of the Clock Tower and continuing along Corso Umberto I you will then reachCathedral Squarewhere the Cathedral of Taormina overlooks theCathedral of San Nicolò da Bari, the majestic central fountain (4 Fountains) and the Archpriest of Taormina. The walk ends at Porta Catania, with the Post Office and the Town Hall next to it.
SURROUNDING
Beyond the historic center which revolves around Corso Umberto I, there are many other places to visit (absolutely) in Taormina and its surroundings. A little further north of Porta Catania it risesCuseni House(about 5 minutes on foot), the Art Museum of the city of Taormina which houses the private collections of Robert Hawthorn Kitson. Going up instead from Piazza IX Aprile, after a zigzag path (about 700 metres) you will reach theSanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca, on the top of which there are the ruins ofCastel Taormina(also called Saracen Castle). On the Porta Messina side, however, not far away you will find the archaeological area of the Domus diVilla San Pancrazio, where the constant work of archaeologists continues to bring to light wonders of the past.
At the foot of the historic center of Taormina, along the coast, lies the splendid area ofMazzarowhere the most sought-after and famous beaches are located. This is where you can admire Beautiful island, the splendid islet donated in 1806 by Ferdinand I of Bourbon to the then Mayor of Taormina Pancrazio Ciprioti. It stands out among the Mazzarò Bay, famous for itsBlue Cave accessible only by sea, eCape Taormina. Other famous places that are located in the area, but can only be reached by public transport, are:Castelmola, Villagonia, Letojanni e Giardini-Naxos.
