A weekend in Taormina: 9 things to do to discover the city
Recently rediscovered by the HBO series The White Lotus, which sees its second season taking place in this Sicilian jewel, Taormina is one of the most exclusive destinations on the east coast of Sicily. Destination of the nineteenth-century Grand Tour, today it’s a city of international fame, famous for its natural beauty, its millennial history and the breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea. The fascinating locations of the American series – starting from the majestic luxury hotel San Domenico Palace – have offered the world a new look at the Sicilian town and have made it one of the places to rediscover the Italian Dolce Vita, between long Vespa rides and happy hours in front of the sunset over the sea.
Small but precious, Taormina has a lot to offer, even for those who, unlike the protagonists of The White Lotus, can only stay there for a weekend. Here are the 9 things you must do during a weekend in Taormina!
1. Visit the Greek Theatre
Throughout Sicily, the Taormina Theatre is second in size only to that of Syracuse, but it’s undoubtedly the most famous. Of Greek origin, it seems that it was built around the 3rd century BC, and then was enlarged and restored in Roman times, when it housed the fighting between gladiators. Behind its scene, framed by ancient Roman columns, there’s a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea, the gulf of Schisò and Mount Etna. Its large capacity (it can accommodate over 10,000 people) makes it a special location not only for theatrical performances, but for events – here is held the annual and famous Taormina Film Fest –, awards, concerts and shows of any kind.
2. Spend an afternoon in Isola Bella
The name leaves no doubt: Isola Bella is the most fascinating island of Taormina and one of its symbols. It was donated by Ferdinand I of Bourbon to the city around 1800, and then bought by Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman who transformed it into an oasis of beauty thanks to her passion for nature. She is in fact responsible for the peculiar vegetation of the place, which sees the happy coexistence of tropical plants with those more typical of the Sicilian flora. Following the succession of several owners and a long period of neglect, the island was recovered in the 90s and declared a nature reserve. Today this corner of paradise can be visited by paying an entrance ticket and can be reached by a convenient cable car that connects the city, at the top of the promontory, to the sea.
3. Enjoy happy hour in Piazza IX Aprile
Piazza IX Aprile is one of the main squares of Taormina. It’s considered the salon of the city, an elegant corner emphasized in its beauty by the characteristic checkerboard pavement and the suggestive viewpoint on Etna, the bay of the Giardini Naxos and the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. The square is dotted with bars with terraces selling Sicilian specialties such as granite, arancini, brioches with tuppo and cannoli, but also artists who portray the landscape and passers-by. Enjoying happy hour in front of one of the most beautiful views of Sicily is practically a must.
4. Enjoy the view from Taormina Castle
The Castle of Taormina (also called Castello di Monte Tauro) is perched on top of the homonymous mountain at almost 400 meters above sea level, in a place where once stood the ancient lower acropolis. Accessible via a walking path along a scenic staircase overlooking the sea, the Castle is an Arab-Norman fortress whose exterior walls are still well preserved. Although it’s no longer accessible inside, it's worth an excursion for the panorama that extends from up there and that also includes a privileged view of Etna.
5. Go to the beach!
Although Taormina is elevated, the mountain is lapped at its feet by the sea. Among its most beautiful beaches we find, apart from the aforementioned Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Spisone and the Giardini Naxos, all appreciable for their very different characteristics. Spisone is a wild place, ideal for lovers of adventure, Mazzarò hides an elegant and refined soul and is a privileged destination for lovers of diving, the Giardini Naxos and their golden expanses are instead a quiet place, equipped with many amenities for families, perfect for those who don’t like pebble beaches. You’re spoilt for choice.
6. Taste the local specialties
Taormina’s cuisine is strongly linked to its origins and to the people who, over the centuries, have dominated its territory: Greek, Norman, Arab and, of course, Italian cuisine coexist and blend their key ingredients in unforgettable specialties. To be the master is the fish, undisputed king of the table, and in particular the swordfish rolls and caponata. Also the pasta is very appreciated, especially alla norma (with tomato, salted ricotta and fried eggplant) and with sardines, and bread in all its forms, but especially that of cuzzole - pieces of fried and sweetened bread dough - and 'nzuddi, almond biscuits with orange flakes. There’s never a shortage of arancino, which in the province of Catania ends with the “o” and has a characteristic pointed shape, and the classic breakfast of granita and brioche.
7. Visit the beauties of the center: the Duomo, Palazzo Corvaja and Corso Umberto I
Taormina is a small but wonderful city, full of attractions to discover, from the Cathedral of San Nicola, also called Chiesa-Fortezza for its architectural features, to Corso Umberto I, the main artery of the city dotted with shops, shops and restaurants. Also worth a visit, however, is Palazzo Corvaja, witness of the secular and cosmopolitan history of Taormina, the Church Madonna della Rocca on top of the mountain and the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano.
8. Explore the public gardens of the Villa Comunale
The Villa Comunale of Taormina hides an English garden of breathtaking beauty, called Trevelyan Park after the noblewoman who had it built, the same behind the redevelopment project of Isola Bella. It’s public, so you can get lost freely in this Eden of Mediterranean and exotic vegetation, dotted with pavilions with oriental charm called “The beehives” where Lady Florence spent her days sipping tea and admiring the flora and fauna of the place.
9. Discover the village of Castelmola
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Castelmola is located above Taormina overlooking the sea. The viewpoint that opens on the main square offers a view of the Ionian Sea and Etna that goes up to the coast of Calabria, and the rest of the architecture of the village is a path along a picturesque palette of colors that you can’t miss during a visit to Taormina. A taste of almond wine is also a must at the extravagant Bar Turrisi, included by Focus among the 7 most unique bars in the world.
Do you also want to visit Taormina and its beauties? Let's discover it together!
