Taormina

Taormina is a hill town on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is located near Mount Etna, an active volcano with paths that reach the top. The city is known for the Ancient Theater of Taormina, an ancient Greek-Roman theater still in operation today.

Near the theater, the cliffs that descend to the sea form inlets with sandy beaches. A narrow strip of sand connects to the tiny Isola Bella, which is a nature reserve. Activities in Taormina take place mainly outdoors: from sunbathing and snorkeling to the summer film festival. In the city center are medieval churches and the Clock Tower, from the 12th century. The central square, Piazza IX Aprile, offers a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The main street, Corso Umberto, is lined with restaurants, jewelers and designer boutiques.

At the western end there is piazza Duomo with the Duomo of Taormina, dating back to the 13th century. The town of Castelmola is situated on a steep hill above Taormina, another privileged vantage point for views of the sea and the volcano.