Discover stunning Taormina on Sicily's east coast
Arguably one of Italy's most captivating resort towns, not least because of its spectacular setting on the mountainside overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is an idyllic spot for relaxed getaways with family and friends. Once you've nabbed your ideal Taormina vacation rental and are ready for a spot of sightseeing, you'll find the town's undisputed star is Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient and suitably crumbly Greek amphitheater. The 19th-century Teatro Massimo, the country's largest opera house, and the town's narrow alleyways with their colorful flower-filled balconies only serve to add to the charm.
Cultural attractions in Taormina
While walking tours are an ideal way to get a snapshot of the town's sumptuous array of cultural delights, if you have more time, it's worth checking out some of the town's hotspots in a little more detail. Attractions for your must-see list include the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, housed within the black lava stone-fronted Corvaja Palace. Just a 15-minute walk from the museum, Porta Messina, the town's landmark portal, is the perfect spot for a selfie, while the nearby Garden of Villa Comunale provides an elegant setting for lazy afternoons spent soaking up the sun.
Walking tours in Taormina
The best way to explore Taormina is on foot, and curious travelers are sure to discover the town's best bits by heading off on a walking tour with a local guide. Tour options vary but many include skip-the-line access to the Greek Theatre as well as the chance to stroll along Vicolo Stretto, the town's narrowest street, and soak up the views of Mount Etna from Piazza IX Aprile. For foodies, dedicated food tours involve a tempting selection of decadent cakes and crisp limoncello alongside sights such as Corso Umberto I and the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja.
Sun-filled getaways in Taormina
Taormina is at its busiest during the summer months of July and August, but the sunny weather means you'll likely be shoulder to shoulder with other travelers and you'll need to book well in advance if you have your heart set on a particular Taormina vacation rental. The months of April, May and September are a little less crowded, although if you're not much of a people person, the quietest time to visit the town is between October and March. Although the town itself is in go-slow mode over winter, it's often still warm enough to enjoy a dip in the sea.
Unique landscapes near Taormina
It's not unheard of for Taormina vacation rentals to offer a view of the majestic Mount Etna in the distance but nothing compares to getting up close to Italy's infamous volcano. Like Taormina, the best way to experience this nearby landscape is with a tour guide who can lead you through the craters, ancient forests and lava caves to the best sunset vantage point. If all that sounds a little strenuous, you might choose to skip the hike and head straight to the beach. One of the most beautiful is Isola Bella, a pebble beach nestled at the foot of the town.
Traveling to and around Taormina
The nearest airport is in Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located 29 mi (46.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Strait of Messina Airport (REG), which is 25.2 mi (40.6 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, you can make your way to Taormina Giardini Station.
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