Travel

Flight

Where to Fly: Catania

We appreciate that all of you will have to travel a distance to get to our wedding – fortunately, Taormina isn't far from an airport with good connections to the rest of Europe. Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) is about a 50-minute drive south of Taormina. Note that Taormina's roads are both narrow and steep. If you don't want to rent a car, there is a 1h 15m bus directly from the airport to the town (Via Luigi Pirandello) as well as taxis/shuttles. (While there is a train from Catania center to Taormina-Giardini station, the door-to-door travel time is quite a bit more.) For booking airport transfers or any other type of transfer in Sicily – even if simply to get the number of an English-speaking driver – don't hesitate to message our planners on WhatsApp - their names and e-mails are: Emily +39 331 776 6261 and Adriana +39 345 766 4498 Traveling from the US to Sicily Whether departing from the West Coast, Midwest, East Coast or elsewhere, there are multiple airlines that can get you to Sicily with only one stopover. The main carriers with connections to CTA are Turkish Airlines (Istanbul stopover), Aer Lingus (Dublin), British Airways (London) and Alitalia (Rome). (Note that low-cost carrier EasyJet flies direct from London Gatwick to CTA, but you would have to book EasyJet tickets separately from your US-London journey.) Planning a longer trip? If you are planning a holiday incorporating mainland Italy, the ferry is also an option. The shortest crossing is from the 'toe of the boot', Calabira, to Messina, which is about an hour north by car from Taormina. There is also a longer crossing from Naples, for example. More information is available here.

Travel Note

Getting Around in Taormina

Taormina is a very walking friendly town! However, if you find yourself wanting to hit the beach or head out to the countryside, we recommend the following: -Taormina Cable Car: A cable car connects the historic center of Taormina with its beach area of Mazzarò. -Taxis Service: Taxis can be requested from any hotel -Hotel Shuttle Service: Your respective hotel may provide shuttle services that can be used to traverse Taormina

Hotel

Mazzaro Sea Palace

We have arranged room blocks for all our guests at this hotel, a 5 minute walk from the venue and wedding activities! However, there are many other great properties in Taormina that are all within a 5-15 minute drive, please feel free to explore and choose your own adventure. Estimate cost: ~$1000 per night

Discount Code - WEDDINGAR

Hotel

Atlantis Bay

We have arranged room blocks for all our guests at this hotel, a 5 minute walk from the venue and wedding activities! However, there are many other great properties in Taormina that are all within a 5-15 minute drive, please feel free to explore and choose your own adventure. Estimated cost: ~$700 per night

Discount Code - WEDDINGAR

Travel Note

Things to See in Taormina

The Ancient Greek Theatre Taormina's ancient Greco-Roman Theatre is Sicily's jewel, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. This historic site, nestled on a hill, merges Greek architectural design with Roman construction, suggesting a complex history of cultural layering. Originally Greek, it was later reconstructed by the Romans, evidenced by the prevalent use of brick. Remarkably well-preserved, the theatre still hosts concerts and theatrical events, continuing its ancient legacy of entertainment and culture. Public Gardens - Villa Comunale Adjacent to Taormina's bustling streets, the Public Gardens (Villa Comunale) offer a tranquil retreat. Often missed by tourists, these English-style gardens boast a scenic walkway with vistas of the sea and Mount Etna, surrounded by lush vegetation, flower beds, and historical artillery from WWII. It's a perfect spot for leisurely walks or simply enjoying nature's beauty. The gardens also serve as a venue for small concerts, adding to Taormina's vibrant cultural scene. Isola Bella Isola Bella, a charming islet nestled in a bay beneath Taormina, is connected to the mainland by a narrow path that occasionally disappears with the tide. Once a private estate, it has been transformed into a nature reserve, hosting diverse bird and lizard species. The islet's small beach area is a favorite among sunbathers and snorkelers, despite its pebbly texture. Visitors can reach Isola Bella by cable car or a panoramic path from Taormina, making it an accessible adventure for those looking to explore the natural wonders and serene beauty of Sicily.

Travel Note

More to See in Taormina

Square of the 9th of April (Piazza IX Aprile) It would seem that Piazza IX Aprile is the epicentre of Taormina. This beautiful square with its black-and-white stones seem to draw everyone in Taormina at sunset for a great photo opportunity. From here you have an unobstructed view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Standing guard to the square are two churches, St. Augustine’s and the Church of St. Joseph. At the western end of the square is the Porta Di Mezzo, which takes visitors under the Clock Tower and into the oldest part of Taormina. The Piazza IX Aprile makes for a great meeting place, and with its many benches is a perfect spot to sit and people watch. At night the square comes alive as musicians and artists fill it with music and color, and it is also a place to enjoy a nice apéritif at one of the surrounding bars. Corso Umberto The Corso Umberto is the main pedestrian street through Taormina and is hard to miss. For the shoppers out there, this is the place to be. The Corso Umberto is lined with numerous high-end shops as well as gelaterias, produce vendors, café’s, souvenir and jewelery shops. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to can find it somewhere along Corso Umberto. At night the street comes alive with music and entertainment, with the atmosphere of a party. It all makes for a fun and lively place to be. Nonetheless, I don't recommend the restaurants on the Corso – you will have better quality and experience away from it.

Travel Note

Activities in Taormina

Cooking class Join Chef Massimo in Taormina as he leads you through a guided market tour among Sicily’s colorful foods. Visit the fruit and vegetable vendor to find out what’s in season, and the fishmonger to choose the best fresh catch of the day in Taormina’s historic fish market. Pick up the ingredients for your hands-on cooking class while learning about the local in-season products as well as Massimo’s family recipes and traditions. Next, head into the kitchen for your hands-on cooking class featuring Sicilian specialties such as ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers; a rainbow of fresh sautéed vegetables such as peppers, eggplant and zucchini caponata; stuffed artichokes with Chef Massimo’s secret stuffing recipe; fresh egg pasta and either a fish, meat or vegetarian main dish such as involtini (rolled stuffed beef); and local fish cooked Taormina-style, or polpette (meatballs). Each hands-on cooking class includes the preparation of a full Sicilian menu, including a typical Sicilian dessert. Lunch follows, featuring the foods prepared in class and is accompanied by local Sicilian wines, with dessert included. Taormina gastronomic walking tour Meet Sicilian traders and chefs, specialized in typical Sicilian food and wine. Hear recipe secrets from the people behind Sicilian’s oldest food traditions. The tour takes you into Taormina´s historic city centre, an ideal place to get a real taste of Taormina. Sample its delicious food, soak in its vibrant culture and meet the people who keep so many wonderful food and wine traditions alive. It's an interesting dinner alternative, just to do something different. Opera Opera evenings are held in the Cine Theatre "San Giorgio" (behind the church of San Giuseppe in Piazza IX Aprile), where you will be offered a drink and can take in an extraordinary panoramic view of Taormina. Go on an extraordinary journey with the most famous arias and duets.

Travel Note

More Activities in Taormina

Castelmola visit Located on the top of a hill above Taormina is the quaint village of Castelmola. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy, its precarious setting high above Taormina provides for an amazing view of Taormina, the beaches of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. The Duomo of Castelmola, also known as the church of San Niccolo’ di Bari, is worth a visit and has a balcony that affords some great views. The remains of the castle itself are not much, but it is worth the few extra steps to climb to the ruins of the castle if for no other reason than the view. The village is a great spot for a lunch break and some shopping. You also have the famous Turrisi bar, which is suited to those with a good sense of humor (when you get there you will understand why!). Don't forget to try their homemade almond wine. You can get to Castelmola with a short taxi ride, or you can take the bus. For the adventurous souls out there you can walk/hike up. Plan on at least an hour each way or possibly more depending on your physical condition. Godfather tour Savoca would be your first Godfather stop. Visit the pretty Church of Santa Maria "degli Angeli" and the Convent of the "Frati Minori Cappuccini", where you can explore the underground crypt. Godfather aficionados will instantly recognize Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone told Apollonia’s father of his intention to marry his daughter. Enjoy a half-hour to explore Savoca at your leisure, perhaps even to have a snack or drink at the Bar Vitelli, before going to Forzà d'Agrò. Many scenes featuring village life are filmed in Forzà d'Agrò, with its cobblestone streets and traditional houses. You may also recognize the church that is featured in both The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II. You can also explore the town on your own. The tour that can be done by coach with a guide or privately with taxi or mini-van depending on how many you are and how much time you would like to spend there.