Krista & Chris
Things To Do
Teatro Antico di Taormina
One of Taormina’s most spectacular sights is its 2nd-century Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco), which, despite its name, is actually an ancient Roman amphitheater built in the Greek style. Sitting high above the coast, the theater has beautiful views over Taormina, the Sicilian coastline, and Mount Etna.
Isola Bella
The Italian name of Isola Bella contains both a truth and a misnomer: though worthy of being called beautiful, this tiny rocky outcrop along Sicily’s coast near Taormina is not actually an island. Located off the Lido Mazzaro beach on the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that is often covered with water at high tide. The picturesque point was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily and later purchased by the Scottish Lady Florence Trevelyan—her villa still sits on the highest point—until being taken over by the region of Sicily and made a nature reserve in 1990.
Mount Etna
Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mt. Etna (Monte Etna) is among Europe’s tallest (and the world’s most active) volcanoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. You can hike, ride, or take a cable car up Mount Etna, with full- and half-day tours from the nearby cities of Catania, Taormina, and Messina. The Funivia dell’Etna runs a cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza up the mountain to about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). From there, you can join a guided hike of the volcanic area known as the Valle del Bove, or a less strenuous 4x4 jeep ride. Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorge, carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mount Etna sunset tours are especially spectacular, and wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that combines a visit to Mount Etna with wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.
Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
Piazza IX Aprile is located right in the center of Corso Umberto. The square is known for the breathtaking view of the azure Ionian Sea and of the Mount Etna. Lined with pricey cafés and brimming with visitors and caricature artists, it's the best place to sit back with a cappuccino and enjoy the relaxed resorty ambience of Taormina.