Taormina City Centre enjoys a spectacular setting between Mount Etna and the shimmering Ionian Sea. The hilltop city has been attracting well-heeled holidaymakers since the 18th century when it won the hearts of European aristocracy. Stroll around the medieval centre, admire the beautiful architecture and enjoy a taste of la dolce vita.
Things to do in Taormina City Centre
Taormina City Centre is a maze of winding medieval streets and sun-drenched plazas. It’s hard to miss Corso Umberto I, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with handsome historic buildings and independent boutiques. Visit the tourist office housed in a 10th-century palace and admire the beautiful Baroque fountain in Piazza del Duomo.
Taormina was founded in the 4th century BC and has been ruled by the Greeks, Romans and Normans over the centuries. Teatro Greco recalls the city’s ancient past and is one of the most atmospheric venues in Italy. The horseshoe-shaped theatre continues to host concerts and plays, coupled with spectacular views over the mountains and Ionian Sea.
Trails wind up the mountainside and lead to the summit of Mount Etna. The mountain is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe and is best explored with a guide. It’s worth getting up early for a sunrise tour to watch the horizon light up in reds, yellows and golds.
The walk up to the hilltop village of Castelmola takes around one hour and rewards you with breathtaking views over the coast. Explore the ruined castle and enjoy lunch at an atmospheric café. Cable cars whisk you down the cliffsides to the coast, where you’ll find sandy beaches and jewel-toned coves.
Getting around Taormina City Centre
Taormina City Centre is compact and easy to get around on foot. Parking is limited in the city centre. Cable cars run between Taormina City Centre and the coast every 15 minutes during the summer. The city is a one-hour drive from Catania and three hours from Palermo.