Taormina: Postcard Sicily

The beautiful hillside town of Taormina sits on Sicilia’s east coast between Messina and Catania.  It dates back into the BC era and has been a popular tourist destination since the 1800’s.  The stunning views of the sea and Mt. Etna, the Greek amphitheater, and delicious gourmet, attracts tourist from all over the world and most recently the second season of “The White Lotus” filmed there, increasing awareness of the town.

You don’t need to stay in Taormina to explore the city since it’s an easy day trip from other nearby cities.  It is a 50 km drive or about 45 minutes from both Messina and Catania and buses run to and from there throughout the day from both cities.  If you drive and the winding road up the side of a cliff to the main area of town seems daunting to you, there are some parking options with shuttles.  The free shuttle will drop you off just outside the Porta Messina gates on the north side of Corso Umberto.  Additionally, there are parking lots at the bottom of the cliff near the beaches and a cable car awaits to take you up.  For the more adventurous, there is a set of steps you can walk up and down which total somewhere close to 700.

Taormina offers stunning views from most anywhere in the city.

The Greek Amphitheater

Regardless of how you choose to arrive, just to the left of the Porta Messina gates, you will find the Greek Amphitheater.  It was originally built in the 3rd century BC and is the second largest Greek amphitheater in Sicilia beside the one is Siracusa.  At its peak, it could hold up to 10,000 people and the capacity today is 4,500 [1]. Events are still put on here such as symphonic concerts, opera’s and ballets and it’s home to the famous Taormina Film Festival that attracts actors/actresses and filmmakers from around the globe every year.

Taking a seat facing the stage, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the city of Taormina, nearby Naxos, and Mt. Etna.  After you sit for a moment and reflect on what it would have been like to sit here during the amphitheater’s peak, climb the stairs and go beyond the back wall, where on a clear day, you can see the mainland of Italy.  After you’ve experienced the amphitheater as a spectator, venture down the steps to the main stage and feel what it must have been like to perform in front of thousands of spectators during your performance of a Greek tragedy.  Lastly before you leave, there is small exhibit with a video presentation digitally reconstructing what the amphitheater looked like prior to its deterioration along with various pieces of the amphitheater that were imported from nearby regions to help construct the marvelous piece of architecture.

Looking onto the stage out onto the sea.

Corso Umberto

After soaking up the historical significance of the amphitheater, take a stroll back down to Corso Umberto for some aperitivo’s and a little bit of shopping.  Despite being on the side of a cliff, it’s a mostly flat walk between Porta Messina and Porta Catania.  From one end to the other is about 800 meters where you will find a mix of local shops mixed in with high-end luxury brands, so you are sure to find something that piques your interest regardless of budget.  Mid way down the street, you’ll come across the main piazza, Piazza IX Aprile, where you can have bite to eat, drink a café, or visit the church of San Giuseppe.  Don’t get too distracted with all the shops that you forget to look down some of the side streets that lined with ceramic pots and flower arches, possibly leading you to your next delicious Italian meal.

Villa Comunale di Taormina

If shopping isn’t necessarily your cup of tea, check out the garden park a little way down the hill.  It offers a tranquil setting where you stroll amongst various plants and trees, look out onto the sea, or just sit down and unwind.  Dispersed throughout the garden are various sculptures or architectural structures that somehow seamlessly blend in with its surroundings.