Tours to Taormina

General Information about Taormina

If you are planning a trip to Taormina, a city located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, you should be prepared to enjoy a tourist destination that offers a rich history, culture and natural beauty.

The city has a long history dating back to the 4th century BC, and has been inhabited by a number of civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Normans, leaving a significant mark on its archaeological and architectural heritage. 

One of the most outstanding sites is the Ancient Theater, built in the 3rd century BC and still today an important venue for cultural and musical events.

But Taormina is not only history, it is also known for its beaches, in particular the Isola Bella beach, a small and charming bay with white sand and crystal-clear waters that is a true natural gem.

The town is also famous for its food, especially fresh fish and seafood dishes and the famous Sicilian granita, a cold drink made from fresh fruit and sugar.

For those interested in shopping, Taormina has a wide selection of stores and fashion boutiques, as well as local craft stores, where you can find unique and original objects.

In conclusion, traveling to Taormina is an experience that offers a combination of history, culture, nature and gastronomy in a tourist destination that will surely impress you.

What to See in Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful Sicilian city that has places of interest that you can not miss on your visit.

Teatro Antico di Taormina

The Teatro Antico di Taormina is an impressive work of architecture and an icon not only of the city, but also of the whole of Sicily. Its construction dates back to the 3rd century BC, during Greek times, and it was later enlarged and renovated by the Romans.

Situated on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the theater offers breathtaking views of the coast. With a horseshoe shape and a capacity of 5,400 people, the theater is known for its incredible acoustics that have stood the test of time, making it an ideal venue for concerts and live events.

During the Middle Ages, the theater was abandoned and lay in ruins until it was rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. Today, the Teatro Antico di Taormina is a popular tourist destination and an important venue for cultural events and performances.

In addition to being a reminder of Sicily's glorious past, the theater is an impressive display of the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Greeks and Romans who built it. It is a must-see tourist attraction and a living testimony to the history and culture of the region.

Corso Umberto

The main street of Taormina, a city located on the east coast of Sicily, is Corso Umberto. This thoroughfare is the heart of the historic center of the city, where you can find a lot of stores, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. 

Corso Umberto has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as a connecting route between the castle and the main church of the city. 

Over time, it became an important commercial and social center. Today, it is a lively street that offers a unique experience for visitors, who can stroll along it and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city and learn about its rich history. 

In Corso Umberto, you can find historic buildings such as the Palazzo Corvaja, which houses the Civic Museum of Taormina, or the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a beautiful 18th century baroque church. In addition, there is an abundance of clothing stores, jewelry shops, souvenir stores and much more.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is a small island off the coast of Taormina, Sicily, which is famous for its natural beauty. The island, which lies in crystal-clear waters, boasts white sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the sea. It was discovered in the 19th century by German princess Elisabeth of Wittelsbach, who bought it to make it her home, creating a beautiful botanical garden with exotic plants and flowers.

The island, which was privately owned for many years, was acquired by the Italian government in 1990. Today, Isola Bella is a popular tourist destination, attracting travelers from all over the world. It can be reached by boat from the coast of Taormina, and it is possible to enjoy a day at the beach or explore the beautiful botanical gardens it houses.

Palazzo Corvaja

Palazzo Corvaja is an outstanding architectural work located in the heart of Taormina, a coastal town in eastern Sicily, Italy. This historic building is a magnificent example of medieval and Renaissance architecture, with an imposing façade that combines elements of both styles.

The construction of Palazzo Corvaja dates back to the 13th century, when it was built as a fortress to protect the city from enemy attacks. Over time, the palace changed hands several times and was renovated and enlarged several times. In the 18th century, a tower and a Renaissance façade were added, giving it its current appearance.

Today, Palazzo Corvaja is home to the Civic Museum of Taormina, which features an impressive collection of historical artifacts ranging from Greek times to the Baroque period. 

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the museum's many rooms and galleries, which offer a fascinating insight into the history of the city and the region.

In addition, Palazzo Corvaja is an impressive testament to Sicily's rich history and a showcase of the skill and ingenuity of medieval and Renaissance architects and builders.

Giardino Pubblico

The Giardino Pubblico is a beautiful public park located in the center of Taormina, a coastal town in eastern Sicily, Italy. This park features a diversity of plants, flowers and trees, as well as statues and decorative fountains.

In the 19th century, Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noble family, fell in love with Taormina and decided to establish a public garden so that residents and visitors could enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The park was designed by an English landscape architect and features walking paths and areas to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Today, the Giardino Pubblico is a popular tourist destination, especially during the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of the sea and the city, as well as explore the various areas of the park, such as the Neptune fountain and the small amphitheater.

Cultural Aspects about Taormina

Taormina is a city with a long and varied cultural history, which is reflected in its historical monuments, traditional festivals and local customs. One of the cultural highlights of Taormina is its architectural heritage, composed of several historic buildings such as the Teatro Antico, Palazzo Corvaja and the Cathedral of Taormina, which testify to the influence of the civilizations that have inhabited the city for centuries.

In addition to its architectural heritage, Taormina is known for its rich artistic tradition in music and literature. The city has hosted many music and theater festivals, such as the Taormina Arte and the Taormina Film Fest, and has been a place of inspiration for writers and artists such as D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote.

Taormina's culinary culture is another important aspect of its cultural heritage, with typical dishes such as pasta alla Norma, pesce spada alla ghiotta and caponata reflecting the diversity and flavor of Sicilian cuisine.

In addition to its artistic and gastronomic aspects, Taormina is famous for its religious festivities, such as Easter and the Feast of San Giuseppe, during which the city is filled with religious processions, music and traditional food. 

These events are an important part of the local culture and attract many visitors every year.

Take a look at the Greca travel guides and make the most of your vacation.

Traditional Taormina Food

Taormina's traditional cuisine is a mix of delicious Sicilian dishes and Mediterranean culinary influences. One of the most outstanding dishes is pasta alla Norma, named after Bellini's opera, and made with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, basil and ricotta cheese.

Another popular dish is caponata, a salad of vegetables cooked in vinegar that includes eggplant, celery, tomatoes, olives and capers.

Seafood cuisine is an important part of the local gastronomy, and dishes such as pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish in tomato, caper and olive sauce) and tonno alla messinese (tuna in tomato sauce) are very popular in the region.

Meat is also highly valued in Sicilian cuisine, and involtini alla siciliana (meat roll with breadcrumbs, cheese, ham and tomato) is a dish that can be found in many local restaurants.

In addition, Sicilian pizza is another regional specialty, characterized by thick, fluffy dough and a variety of toppings such as anchovies, capers and olives.

Finally, desserts are an important part of Sicilian gastronomy and cannoli, lemon slushies and cassata siciliana (a ricotta cheesecake with candied fruits) are some of the most popular desserts to be found in Taormina.