The “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, north of Catania
Taormina
Taormina is the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, a chic destination to discover, north of Catania
Located north of Catania, less than an hour’s drive from Palazzo Sangiorgio, Taormina is one of the most prominent tourist attractions along Sicily's eastern coast, earning the title “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.”
The Mediterranean climate, the backdrop of Mount Etna, its coves and natural reserves, make it a true scenic jewel set between turquoise waters and the rocky cliffs of Mount Tauro, rising 200 metres above sea level. Taormina's history is ancient and extends beyond its current fame as a fashionable and chic destination. Its roots date back to the Sicilian-Greek era when the Greeks founded the first Sicilian colony in present-day Giardini Naxos, not far away.
Due to its hilly location, which makes the area a natural fortress, it has been the site of many conflicts over the centuries as different peoples vied for control to exploit the region's wealth. From the Hellenistic to the Roman conquest, from Muslim to Norman, Spanish, and French rule, the traces of Taormina's turbulent past are evident in its alleys, squares, main monuments, and churches that have captivated notable figures in literature, entertainment, and international politics over time.
Distinguished guests of this seaside terrace include Salvatore Quasimodo, Greta Garbo, Liz Taylor, and Goethe, who, by describing it in his “Italian Journey,” made it an essential stop on the Grand Tour, popular among the European aristocracy of the 18th century. For those looking to spend a relaxing day shopping in Taormina, Corso Umberto I and the surrounding medieval streets offer a colourful succession of restaurants with typical dishes, cafes, luxury boutiques, and craft shops where one can get a taste of fashionable Taormina, culminating in a stunning view of the gulf from the panoramic terrace of Piazza IX Aprile.
The Ancient Greek Theatre
A historical-artistic tour of Taormina among palaces, cathedrals, and squares
One of the main sites to start discovering Taormina's history is undoubtedly its Greek theatre, second in size in Sicily only to that of Syracuse and dating back to the 3rd century BC. Here, the poetry of comedies and tragedies has alternated over time with brutal gladiator and animal fights.
Today, its original artistic use has been restored, and during the summer season, it is possible to attend theatrical performances, concerts, award ceremonies, and festivals with the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna as the backdrop, which has been casting the same timeless magic on spectators for millennia.
Isola Bella and other beaches in Taormina
It is impossible to leave Taormina without first immersing yourself in its crystal-clear waters at one of its three main beaches.
The Spiagga di Mazzeo, with its fine sand, is the ideal destination for those seeking quiet spots to relax. The Spiaggia di Mazzarò, reachable by cable car from the city centre and immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, is one of the most well-equipped stretches of coastline, with beach clubs, bars, and small restaurants.
The famous Isola Bella is connected to the heart of Taormina by a cable car and a flight of steps descending to the sea. This natural reserve of about 1 km, rich in exotic and Mediterranean vegetation, is linked to the mainland by a small strip of sand that appears or disappears with the changing tides. Here, its seabed offers wonderful surprises for snorkelling enthusiasts.