Perched on the cliffs of Sicily, Taormina offers every turn postcard-perfect views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, making it a beloved day trip destination. The towns's jewel is the impressive Greco-Roman theater – an absolute must-see.
Enjoy the simple pleasures. Stroll along Corso Umberto, filled with artisanal shops and charming cafés. Stop at the for a coffee or a glass of fine local wine, and watch the lively bustle around you. Then, continue to Piazza Duomo with its delightful . For the active, an afternoon climb up the steep stairs to the or rewards with fantastic panoramic views of Taormina, Mount Etna, and the surroundings. Taormina is more than a destination; whether you're exploring the , savoring the local cuisine, or simply basking in the sun on the idyllic , Taormina is uniquely beautiful.
Top Highlights of Taormina
Inside, take note of the detailed Last Supper depiction in front of the altar and the Polyptych of Antonello de Saliba from 1504, featuring religious figures and scenes. The structure itself is simple, with a Latin cross, with three naves and three apses. The central nave is supported by six columns of pink Taormina marble with leaf-patterned capitals and fish scales. It is thought that these may come from the Greek-Roman theater of Taormina.
Travel Information
Best time to visit
Taormina, graced with a Mediterranean climate, is delightful year-round, yet from June to September you will experience it from its best side. These months bring about the pinnacle of sunny days and hot temperatures, perfect for beach enthusiasts and sun-seekers.
For those wishing to sidestep the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, and October.
How to get to Taormina
By Train
Trains run directly from Catania Centrale to Taormina Giardini station. The journey takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the train, and costs between €4 and €8. From there, you can reach the center of Taormina quickly with a 10- to 15-minute bus ride or a half-hour walk. For more information, visit the Trenitalia website.
By Car
The drive from Catania via the A18/E45 takes around 45 minutes and requires a small toll fee of €2. However, be sure to allow extra time, as the roads to Taormina can be congested, especially in summer, due to narrow streets and buses from cruise ship tours.
By Bus
Buses from Catania to Taormina offer a frequent and convenient option, with services running hourly. The fastest buses take around 1 hour, and tickets can cost between €4 and €9. Buses drop passengers off on Via Luigi Pirandello in Taormina, conveniently close to the town center.
Parking
Parking outside the historic center is advisable, as there are ZTL zones and limited parking. Due to its popularity, parking in Taormina is also expensive, with rates around €11 for 6 hours and €17 per 24 hours.
There are 4 public parking lots. Lumbi, Porta Catania, and Porta Pasquale are in the city. Mazzaro parking is next to Isola Bella, beneath the city. There’s additional parking next to the train station. The Porta Catania, modern multi-storey car park, is particularly recommended for its closeness to the historic centre.
History
Taormina was founded on Monte Tauro by the Siculi around 392 BCE under Dionysius I of Syracuse's direction. After the destruction of nearby Naxos, Andromachus collected the Naxian exiles and founded a new settlement, the Tauromenium, on Mount Taurus. This new settlement gained prominence under Andromachus's benign leadership, becoming a crucial figure in Sicilian history. It notably served as a strategic base for Timoleon in 345 BC, as he embarked on his campaign to liberate Sicily from Carthaginian dominance and local despotism. Remarkably, when Timoleon expelled other tyrants, Andromachus was allowed to retain his power till his death.
The ancient theatre of Taormina, a remarkable construction from the 3rd century BC, serves as a testament to the city's early significance. Originally built by the Greeks, it was later modified under Roman dominion, combining elements of both Greek and Roman architecture. The Roman Odeon, uncovered in 1892, and the Naumachia, a large ancient reservoir, are testament to the rich Roman legacy in Taormina.
Surviving the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Taormina was a crucial Byzantine stronghold until it fell to the Fatimids in 962, after which it was known as "Al-Mu'izziyya". The Normans, under Roger I of Sicily, eventually recaptured Taormina in 1078, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. The town's strategic importance was recognized by various rulers over the centuries, including the Angevins and the Aragonese. The election of King Martin II of Sicily in Taormina in 1410 underscored its continued political relevance. This era left behind the majestic cathedral and the palaces of Corvaja, Santostefano, and Ciampoli.
**The 19th century's rediscovery of Taormina by the European elite marked the town's modern era. Its transformation into a celebrated tourist destination was marked by the arrival of artists, writers, and affluent tourists, drawn by the town's historic ruins and picturesque landscapes. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Taormina had established itself as a cultural haven, drawing creatives and thinkers from across Europe.