A terrace overlooking the sea
A ‘corner of paradise on earth‘. This is how Goethe described Taormina in his ‘Italian Journey’. The city, located on the eastern side of Sicily, is reminiscent of a terrace overlooking the sea. Surrounded by fragrant lemon gardens, over the years it has been a favourite destination for artists and prominent personalities such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, the Krupps, the German Emperor Wilhelm II, the painter Ottone Geleng and the photographer Wilhelm Von Gloeden, who found peace and inspiration here.
Protected by the imposing Mount Etna, the heart of the small and elegant village with its medieval appearance but Hellenistic soul, beats in Piazza del Duomo, where you can have a typical Sicilian breakfast with brioche and granita or enjoy an aperitif in one of the historic bars of the centre. Overlooking the Ionian Sea is the Greek Theatre, the emblem of this town that hosts several festivals and cultural events, especially during summer months. Another jewel is the Villa Comunale, which rises above the sea and is famous for its beautiful gardens. But Taormina is also sea! Isola Bella, a protected reserve since 1998, awaits you with its golden beach and clear waters. The beach of Mazzarò and Giardini Naxos can also be reached in a few minutes!
In 2006, Isola Bella and Taormina were included in the UNESCO Tentative List for recognition as a World Heritage Site.
Festivals in Sicily
Sicily is a land of age-old traditions and spectacular celebrations when it comes to festivities as heartfelt as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Check all our tips on what to see and do to spend your Christmas holidays in Sicily and make your trip unforgettable!