Taormina, the jewel on the Ionian Sea

It is located on Mount Tauro, from which it takes its name, a series of switchbacks will lead you to discover a breathtaking panorama that runs along the coast with the magnificent Isola Bella and the Mazzarò beach.

Going up about 200 meters, between immense bushes of colorful Boungaville and blue jasmine and, in season, the brooms, you can stop at the various panoramic points.

Once at the top you can leave your car in one of the three paid parking lots in the center: Lumbi parking, Porta Catania parking and Porta Pasquale parking.

Taormina, whose center is open exclusively to pedestrians, is crossed by Corso Umberto, the main artery that connects the two access gates to the center: Porta Catania and Porta Messina.
The center is full of typical craft shops and local products, souvenirs, but there are also big names for luxury shopping lovers.

At the beginning of Corso Umberto, not far from Porta Messina, you will see the Church of Santa Caterina and a medieval palace Palazzo Corvaja with a courtyard. Strolling around Taormina on foot is one of the best ways to discover its hidden gems and its charm.

What to see

Greek Theater of Taormina

Among all the splendid Greek theater that dominates the gulf of Giardini Naxos with the imposing Etna in the background. The original structure was built by the Greeks, the building was later rebuilt in Roman times. Despite being more than 2,000 years old, performances and concerts are still held in the theater.

Here is the calendar ([https://www.ticketone.it/teatro-antico-di-taormina.html?affiliate=ITT&doc=venuePage&fun=venue&action=overview&venueGroupId=15305](https://www.ticketone.it/teatro -Ancient-of-taormina.html? affiliate = ITT & doc = venuePage & fun venue = & action = overview & venueGroupId = 15305))

The cost to visit the theater is € 10

Church of San Giuseppe and IX Aprile Square

From Piazza IX Aprile you can enjoy the most incredible views with its panoramic terrace overlooking the bay below and Mount Etna.

Villa Comunale

It is a public garden, a wonderful corner of peace in the city. In the park you can find many species of rare plants and spend time relaxing, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Beaches

There are two main beaches to visit near Taormina, Mazzarò and Isola Bella, both pebble beaches. It is possible to reach them on foot or opt for the cable car, certainly faster and more convenient. The cost of a single trip is € 3.

Isola Bella

From this beach, when the tide is low, Isola Bella turns into a peninsula. It can be accessed by walking at low tide. On the island it is possible to go on boat trips and swim in the blue cave.

Where to eat

Bam Bar

stop to enjoy a fresh granita in a very characteristic setting. it is one of the most fsmosi places in taormina but it is really worth a stop!

Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro

One of the best places where you can eat in Taormina is .] (Http://www.villazuccaro.axeleroweb.it/)

Daiquiri

for cocktail

How to reach Taormina

To reach Taormina, first of all you will have to take a plane to Catania.

From Catania airport:

• By car: one hour on the A18 and E45 motorways
• By bus: there is a bus every hour from Monday to Saturday and every 2 hours on Sunday; the journey takes about 1 hour and a half.
• By train: the train is not recommended because the train station is 2 km from Taormina and you will still have to take a bus to reach the city.

What to visit around Taormina

Taormina's location makes it ideal for exploring some of Sicily's most important attractions.

• Do not miss a visit to the small town of Castelmola, 5 kilometers from Taormina.
  Here a drink of almond wine in the famous Turrisi bar and a visit to the ruins of the medieval castle will be mandatory and unforgettable.
• Etna Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world is a must for those on holiday in Taormina.
• Giardini Naxos,from Taormina stretch out to Giardini Naxos where there was the first Greek colony of Sicily in 734a.C. The name of Naxos was attributed to the new colony as the island of the same name in the Aegean Sea.
• Gorges of the Alcantara