Italy · City Guide

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily's most beautiful and celebrated resort town, a dramatic hilltop settlement of medieval streets and flower-filled terraces set between the sea and Mount Etna with one of the most spectacular views in the Mediterranean. From the ancient Greek Theatre and the medieval Corso Umberto to the beach at Isola Bella and the extraordinary volcanic backdrop of Etna, Taormina offers an Italian experience of breathtaking natural and cultural beauty.

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Elect's take

"Taormina is one of those places that has captivated visitors since antiquity and continues to fully justify its reputation. The view from the Greek Theatre across the bay to Mount Etna is one of the most extraordinary vistas I have ever encountered."

The Greek Theatre of Taormina, set on a terrace with the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna as a backdrop, provides one of the most spectacular settings of any ancient monument in the world. Still used for concerts and performances in summer, the theatre experience here is without parallel. The Corso Umberto, the main street of the hilltop town, is a beautiful medieval street of boutiques, cafés and restaurants with extraordinary sea views. The cable car descends to the beach at Isola Bella, a beautiful natural reserve of extraordinary clear water. The spring wildflowers across the hillsides in April and May are extraordinary.

Best time to visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

How to get there

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Airports
Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)
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Rail
Taormina-Giardini (Giardini Naxos, then cable car)
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Cruise ports
Port of Messina, Port of Catania
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Catania Airport is approximately 50 minutes from Taormina by road. A scenic coastal train runs from Catania to Giardini Naxos station below the town.

What to expect

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Greek Theatre

One of the most spectacular ancient theatres in the world with Etna as a backdrop.

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Bay of Naxos Views

The most celebrated view in Sicily, combining sea and volcano in extraordinary panorama.

🎭

Corso Umberto

The beautiful medieval main street of boutiques, cafés and restaurants with sea views.

🏖️

Isola Bella

A beautiful natural reserve and beach below the town with extraordinary clear water.

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Mount Etna Backdrop

Europe's most active volcano providing a constantly changing dramatic presence.

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Spring Wildflowers

Extraordinary wildflower displays across the hillsides in April and May.


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