Sicily’s crown jewel Taormina was inhabited by an Italic tribe during the Iron Age even before the
Greeks arrived on the island in 734 BC. With its marvelous location overlooking the Ionian Coast, it
has been beloved through millennia and became a well-known tourist destination in the 19th
century when German artists and writers such as Wilhelm von Gloeden and Johann Wolfgang
Goethe spoke of its praises. In the 20th century, Taormina attracted literary figures such as D.H.
Lawrence and Truman Capote, both of whom lived in the same villa, albeit decades apart.
Taormina’s main attraction is its ancient 3rd century Greek theater, the second largest in Sicily and
one of its best preserved; it continues to be used for operatic and theatrical performances and
concerts in the summer months, making for a truly remarkable viewing and listening experience.

Getting Around

Taormina Cable Car: Take the 3-minute cable car trip that connects the historic center of Taormina
with its beach area of Mazzarò. The cable car operates from 9:00 am – 1:00 am and runs every 15 min.

Taxis: Very easy to find in town and safe to take.

Isola Bella

A tiny island and nature reserve that becomes a meeting point for local Italian sun soaking,
swimming, and gathering. Definitely worth taking a swim around as it is one

of the most beautiful little nature reserves in the world.

Walk Corso Umberto

This is Taormina’s main shopping street where you can buy anything from local ceramics, lace and
Limoncello to designer clothes, a delicious gelato or a refreshing granita.

Teatro Greco

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily. The Greeks built the theater into the
hillside in the 3rd century B.C., and the Romans expanded it in the 3rd century A.D.

Concerts are held in the theater during the summer, and the views are jaw-dropping.

Places to See

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is the most famous beach in Taormina. Sheltered by the bay and mountains, Isola Bella is
at the end of a headland and offers a pebble beach with both private beach clubs and stretches
available to the general public. Isola Bella can be accessed via the Taormina - Mazzaró cable car.

Mazzeo

The Mazzeo beach is located between Mazzaró and Letojanni. The Mazzeo is much larger than the
Letojanni beaches and offers finer sand. A very popular beach, it has a relaxed and laid-back vibe,
perfect for those looking to lie on a towel and sunbathe.

Places to Swim

We recommend making your restaurant bookings with your hotel concierge.

Restaurants

Places to Eat

Arco dei Cappuccini

Indulge in the veal cutlet with Etna mushrooms,

pasta con le sarde, or a simple slice of

grilled pesce spada (swordfish). Reservations are

usually essential for more than two people.

Osteria Rosso Divino

Amazing seafood pasta, grilled meats &

a daily fish special, served at al fresco tables

in a cozy courtyard

Tischi Toschi

Full of personality it adheres to the

Slow Food philosophy more than

anyone else in Taormina.

Best caponata in town

Al Saraceno

Pizza, meat & fish dishes pair

with wine in a warm, rustic area

with a fireplace& a scenic terrace.

Giardini di Babilonia

Delicious seafood in a charming setting

Trattorias

Malvasia

The service is quick and friendly, yet relaxed, even if the restaurant is full. At the end of your meal you will be offered a glass of Malvasia - a rare practice in Sicily.

Trattoria di Nino

Long-standing destination for pasta, fish & meaty mains, with a terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. Great for lunch

Tiramisu

Amazing Mussels, lobster, seafood pasta & fish, plus a renowned tiramisu, at a bright, stylish trattoria.

Try the spaghetti con frutti di mare.

Icecreams & Granitas

Bam Bar

The best granita in Taormina,

to be tasted with its own 'Brioscia'

Pasticceria D’Amore

Cakes, Biscuits, Almond pastries,

Ice Creams, Granite etc etc…

Mini ice creams are not to be missed

Nightlife

La Giara

Retro cellar bar/club

Taormina´s main shopping destination is certainly Corso Umberto I, popular for the the multitude of
stores it has to offer: you can find traditional souvenir shops and restaurants, but also many upscale
boutiques specialising in either shoes, bags or leather accessories.

Some local shops not to be missed:

Ceramiche dell'Artigianato Siciliano Farano

Ceramiche dell'Artigianato Siciliano Farano sells everything from

saucers and spoon rests to pinecones (the Sicilian symbol of hospitality).

Saro

Saro specialises in local handicrafts such as straw baskets, lace and puppets,

all produced by Sicilian artisans.

Le Bottega del Buongustaio

La Bottega del Buongustaio is stocked with delicious local preserves, small-batch Etna honeys

and traditional marzipan fruits.