The territory extends along the coast from Capo Sant'Andrea to Capo Taormina, where you'll find the beautiful beachesLido di Taormina,MazzaròandIsola Bella.Every view from here is particular: fromMount Tauro, the theatre, theChurch of the Madonna della Roccaand the castle. Scanning the horizon, the gaze runs from the mountains to the sea, swaying from the southern coast towards Catania and north towards Messina, below imposingMount Etna.
Taormina has ancient roots, influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Normans and Byzantines. Taormina's historic medieval quarter is known for its street network and its ancient gates. The main road isCorso Umberto I, the city's main artery leading to all major points of interest. A lovely easy itinerary begins at the symbol of Taormina: theTeatro Antico. Carved into the rock, it's a real gem and is the second largest theatre in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Built in the Greek period, it was renovated by the Romans and boasts splendid white marble and grey granite columns. Still today, prestigious shows take place there. Near the theatre is theAntiquarium, a small archaeological museum housing some precious findings, like the statue of Gaius Claudius Marcellus and a small marble sarcophagus carved in high relief.
Architecturally similar to the Teatro Antico but smaller, theOdeonis located in the north-eastern part of the city behind the hill calledSanta Caterina di Alessandria d'Egitto. Not far from there is the famousPalazzo Corvaia,a real castle bearing the name of the family who owned it.
On the opposite side is the must-seePalazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, a small but unique building built into the city's old defensive walls, characterised by a mix of Gothic, Arab and Norman influences. The Palazzo is nearPorta Catania.Walking down the main street, Corso Umberto I, you'll reachPiazza Duomo, built around a lovely baroque fountain bearing the city's symbol, a centaur. Here stand thePalazzo Municipalewith 17th-century architecture, and theDuomo di Taormina, built on the ruins of a small medieval church dedicated to San Nicola di Bari. As you walk down the avenue, you'll reachPiazza IX Aprile, home to the baroqueChurch of San Giuseppeand the gothic Church of Sant'Agostino. Here you can admire theClock tower, also known as Porta Messina, which dates back to the late Middle Ages. Going back behind Palazzo Corvaia,Piazza Vittorio Emanueleconcludes the walk with itsTeatro Comunaleand thePalazzo dei Congressi.Finally, erected on the rock ofMount Tauronearly 400 metres above sea level, theSaraceno di Taormina Castlelooms over the city of the same name.
At the foot of Taormina, betweenCapo TaorminaandMazzarò, lies one of the area's most beautiful and evocative little islands,Isola Bella. Set between sea and land, this island is connected to the latter by a thin strip of sand which constantly changes shape due to the currents and tides. TheNature Reserveis an evocative place that tourists love to visit, thanks to its lush vegetation of maquis shrubland and exotic flowers. From the panoramic viewpoint you can admire Taormina in all its splendour. Precisely from this natural terrace a small path starts which leads to the Nature Reserve from the city.
Speaking of beaches,GiardiniNaxosis one of the island's most popular beach destinations. Stretching fromCapo SchisòtoCapo Taormina, it's famous for its abundant vegetation and the diversity of its beaches, ranging from the fine golden sand of "Schisò" to the lava stone and the small bays which characterise "Porto Saia". Check outVillagonia's beaches, too, (stone and gravel gulf) andMazzarò,where you can go on a boat excursion to visit the local grottos. For a unique experience of Sicily's history and beauty, organise alast-minute holiday in Taormina. It's easier than you think.
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