Today I am writing a new article about Sicily. I have made two trips to Sicily since the beginning of the year where I had the chance to climb Vulcano, an island in the Aeolian Islands, north of Sicily. I was also able to discover cities like Catania, Syracuse or even visit Taormina about which I speak to you immediately.
Summary:> Getting to Taormina
> When to go to Taormina?
> Or sleep in Taormina?
> Visit the essentials of Taormina
> What to do around Taormina?
> My opinion on my visit to Taormina Direct link :
This link allows you to directly book a hotel in Taormina Book a hotel in Taormina
Taormina is a city that I particularly appreciate. Indeed it is the third time that I went to this city in 2 years. The city is welcoming and beautiful, thanks to its small pedestrian streets, its incredible view of Mount Etna, the view of the turquoise blue sea and also thanks to its micro-climate that surrounds it and gives it sunshine throughout the year. Taormina is located 200 m above sea level. This city is nicknamed the “Sicilian Saint-Tropez”. The city is also famous for its film festival. Taormina is divided into two parts. At the top, about 200m above sea level, is the old town where there are many ancient monuments, at the bottom, the town is smaller, more recent and enjoys a magnificent beach where Isola Bella is located, which we will talk about later. late. Visit Taormina will be an unmissable stop on a road trip in Sicily.
Tips for visiting Taormina: Getting to Taormina
Taormina is located between the two main cities on the east coast of Sicily, Messina and Catania. Therefore it is also located on the voice of the railway as well as on the highway which connects these two cities. These two choices are then available to you. Prefer the car to reach this city. Its station is located about 2 km walk from the city center and 4,5 km from isola bella. Access by car is relatively easy. You will have several options, you park in the huge staircase parking lot that you will find before reaching the city. This will take you directly to the entrance to the center of town. You can also park at the bottom of the city in a large parking lot from where a cable car joins the bottom of the city to the upper part. Only problem, this cable car does not seem to work in low season. After 3 visits to Taormina (between January and March) I never saw it working. It is also possible to go directly to the top of the city. A few car parks are available, but it is sometimes very difficult to find a space, even in the off season, so I do not recommend it.
When to visit Taormina?
In terms of weather, Sicily and especially Taormina, enjoys a very favorable climate. Winter is mild. As said above, I went to this city three times, between January and March, I was able, all three times, to walk around in a t-shirt for most of the day. Winter or spring is a period that I highly recommend. Even if the air and water temperature will not be high enough to enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters that border Sicily, this period has many advantages. First of all, as I told you, the weather is very mild in winter, unlike in summer, when it can be very hot. Another very significant advantage, Taormina is a very touristic city, visiting it in winter allows you to avoid the crowds in the streets. I have read several opinions and testimonials from people who have visited this city in the summer, all of them regret this crowd of tourists they had to face.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mars. | Apr. | Mai | June | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
Or sleep in Taormina?
As I told you previously, the city of Taormina is divided into two parts. The upper town and the lower town. Both are accessible by road, especially by bus, or by a funicular. Hotels located in the lower town will, as a rule, be a little cheaper.
Book a hotel in Taormina
Sleeping in Taormina at a lower cost:
Our first hotel will be the Taormina Garden Hotel, located in the lower part of town, this hotel offers very affordable rates with a magnificent terrace. The hotel is located a few hundred meters from Taormina beach and not far from the funicular.
The second hotel in our selection is Hotel Victoria. Located in the upper part of town just 300 meters from the theatre. The hotel has an ideal location and is very good value for money.
The Hotel Elios is a 3-star hotel, also located a few hundred meters from the theatre, in the center of Taormina. The particularity of this hotel is undoubtedly its panoramic view of the bay and Etna. The ideal hotel to stay at low cost and visit Taormina.
For more comfortable budgets:
For slightly more comfortable budgets, you will be spoiled for choice. First of all, your choice can be directed towards the hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina. The establishment is in the middle of the Mediterranean park not far from the funicular which will allow you to reach the beach of Taormina. The hotel has a swimming pool as well as a remarkable view.
The Hotel Méditerranée is a 4-star hotel offering very good value for money. The hotel is perched on the heights of the city and also offers a breathtaking view of the bay as well as of Etna. All the rooms have a large terrace and the hotel also has a swimming pool.
Book a hotel in Taormina
Exceptional hotels:
Let me introduce you to an exceptional hotel in Taormina. The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. A most luxurious 5 star hotel. The hotel is located just opposite the Greek Theater of Taormina surrounded by a large wooded park. The hotel has a swimming pool, spa, gym, massage service and a terrace offering one of the best views of the city.
Visit Taormina: The essentials
The city of Taormina is a city rich in places to see and has a unique history. Even if the city can be visited very well alone, I recommend that you opt for a guided tour of the city which will offer you the advantage of having many explanations on places that are sometimes difficult to access alone. These visits are offered in French and include entry to the Taormina theater which I am telling you about just below.
Book your guided tour of TaorminaTaormina Theatre: the must-see in Taormina
Let's start with the essential of Taormina, its theatre. This magnificent theater dates from the 5rd century BC It has, over the years, been modified many times, notably by the Romans in the 000rd century. This theater has been partially renovated but remains very well preserved. It can accommodate nearly 109 people and is still occasionally used today for concerts or plays. Even if its dimensions are smaller than the Syracuse theater which I will tell you about shortly, they are still quite impressive, XNUMX m in diameter.
Besides the beauty of this theatre, the view from the top of it is really impressive. Indeed you have a breathtaking view of Etna and the sea.
Entrance to the theater costs 10 euros. During our visit we had not paid the entrance because it was free on Sundays (to see if this is also valid during the tourist season).
You will also have the opportunity to visit a small museum.
The visit will take you about 30 minutes, but it is nice to enjoy the view of Etna.
Visit Taormina, its churches, squares and streets
In addition to visiting the theater of Taormina, it is pleasant to walk around the city, get lost in its narrow streets. You will move in the main street of Taormina, Corso Umberto, this street is dotted with shops on both sides, clothing shops, souvenirs, but also pastries where you can taste cannoli, Sicilian specialties.
As you walk along this street, you will surely be tempted to take one of the small perpendicular streets in order to get away from the crowds of the main street. As you move away from it, you risk coming across small squares or cafes which will offer you an unobstructed view of Mount Etna and the sea. You may come across Babilonia, the Italian language school, which has a wonderful garden.
Taormina has a few churches that are worth seeing.
Isola Bella to Taormina
Visiting Taormina is also visiting Isola bella. Isola Bella or the beautiful island, is a very small island located a few meters from the beach of Taormina. This island even becomes a peninsula when the tide is favorable.
The history of this island is quite atypical since the island was first offered in 1806 to the mayor of Taormina. After changing owners several times, it was sold in 1954 for the equivalent of 20 euros to two wealthy brothers whose business went bankrupt a few years later. The island was therefore put up for auction and did not find a buyer until 000 when the island was sold to the Assessor of Cultural Property. The island having become a nature reserve, it was managed by various organizations such as the WWF, then, more recently by CUTGANA, the environmental guardianship center of the University of Catania.
It is possible to visit this island (if you are not afraid to get your feet wet).
It will cost you a few euros depending on the type of visit you choose, with or without a museum. As said above, the island is now a nature reserve with several species of rare plants. During our visit, part of the island was under construction and we therefore did not have access to it.
On the island there is a villa, one part has been transformed into a museum, the other part seems a bit abandoned. Having visited the island in February, we did not meet any tourists there, the island exudes serenity and calm.
What to do around Taormina?
If most of your stay takes place in Taormina, then you will be able to make several visits to places of interest located around the city.
Direction Etna:
The number 1 must-do around Taormina is, without a doubt, a hike on the famous Etna volcano. Located not far from the city, it is possible to easily reach the volcano, either by car if you have a vehicle or by renting a car in Taormina or by booking a day trip from Taormina. Several excursions are possible, the most common being the morning one. Departing from Taormina around 8:30 am you take the direction of Etna for a morning hike.
It is also possible for you to leave for the day to discover the volcano but also the famous gorges of Alcantara. These visits are available in French.
Surrounding towns:
In addition to visiting Taormina, you can discover two of the main cities of Sicily located not far from there. For this you have the choice between going about fifty kilometers north of Taormina, to Messina. A very pleasant city from where you can see the Italian boot or head 50 kilometers south to discover Catania, a city rich in history that I highly recommend.
Syracuse:
Syracuse is a city that particularly marked me and that I greatly appreciated. Its historical park is absolutely beautiful and the Greco-Roman remains are surprising. Syracuse is located about 120 kilometers from Taormina, the city is easily accessible by train.
A short tour of the Aeolian Islands:
Although a bit further afield, the Aeolian Islands are relatively easy to reach from Taormina. A short hour by car will be enough to take you to Milazzo, where the boats depart for the islands. It will, for example, be possible to visit an island like Vulcano during the day and return in the evening. It is also possible for you to plan an exit towards Stromboli, it will nevertheless be necessary to plan to stay on the island.
My opinion on my visit to Taormina
Taormina is a city that I highly recommend. Obligatory passage during a road trip in Sicily. Go to this city, stay there for a day or two, that is enough to visit Taormina, try to also spend the evening there, it is a magnificent city, full of life. Its theater is sublime and the view of Etna is magical. Besides visiting the city, you can also spend some time on its beach, not far from Isola Bella located at the bottom of the city.
Taormina has a fascinating history, evidenced by its many remains of theatre, churches and old buildings. Include Taormina in the program of your visit to Sicily, you will not be disappointed with the stop.
