THE INSIDE GUIDE:
TAORMINA
Taormina, located on the east coast of Sicily, is known for its stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty.
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Taormina; the Capri of Sicily. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, relaxing on pristine beaches or immersing yourself in the town's lively atmosphere, Taormina is an unforgettable destination steeped in beauty, culture, and plenty of Sicilian charm and one that stands the test of time. Here are some of our favourite hotels in Taormina:
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel
San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
You can read our full review of Grand Hotel Timeo here
Find our full review of Villa Sant’Andrea here
Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina
Villa Sant’Andrea
San Domenico Palace
“Taormina offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty”
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Teatro Antico di Taormina: The Ancient Theatre of Taormina sits in the heart of the town. With its well-preserved ruins and stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna, it sets the tone of the rich history and cultural heritage of Sicily offering visitors a journey through time. These days it’s used as a venue for concerts and events and of course, tours. Even if history’s not your thing, go here for the views alone.
Isola Bella: If you’ve seen The White Lotus (if you haven’t, where have you been?), you might recognise the iconic Isola Bella. The clue is in the name with this one, literally translating to ‘beautiful island’. It’s not a beach for sunbathing in our opinion (unless you’re happy with lying on rocks) but definitely a must-visit.
Bam Bar: Bam Bar is a beloved local institution renowned for its delectable granita and refreshing drinks, making it a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike. Grab a classic Sicilian breakfast of granita and brioche. Read more about our favourite spots to eat in Taormina here.
Piazza IX Aprile: The main square in the heart of the town with panoramic views of the yachts sitting on the sea and checkerboard tiles overlooking the baroque church of San Giuseppe, it could be a film set. With restaurants, bars and cafes enveloping the square, this is the perfect place for a stroll and apéritif and to take in the beauty of Taormina from dawn till dusk.
A little tip from us, go in the morning before the town wakes up and you’ll have the whole square to yourself.
Lido la Pigna: A casual beach club situated between Isola Bella and Villa Sant’Andrea with a restaurant serving the most delicious pizza. Hire a sunlounger for the day, order the Negroni (trust us) and relax under the blue and yellow striped parasols.
Mount Etna tour: If you’re feeling brave, take a guided tour of Europe’s most active volcano which is open all year round with experiences from sunset tours to wine tours and adventures including hiking expeditions to the summit, off-road jeep tours along rugged lava paths or cable car rides to panoramic viewpoints, Mount Etna tours provide an unforgettable experience.
Boat trip: With any island, the best way to see it is by boat. Book a boat trip for the day and sail along the coast, exploring the beautiful bays and hidden caves. Whether you're planning on snorkelling in the crystal clear turquoise waters, sunbathing on the deck or just savouring the tranquillity of the sea and soaking up the scenery, boat tours in Taormina always end up being the best day leaving you with lasting memories of Sicily's enchanting shores. The Naxos Taormina boat tour hosted by Gianluca comes highly recommended.
Mazzaro Bay: Catch the cable car from Via Nazionale down to Mazzaro Bay and spend the day exploring the beaches, swimming in the sea and eating at the beachfront restaurants.
Taormina Public Gardens (Villa Comunale di Taormina): If you’re looking for a moment of peace and tranquillity then make sure to visit the Taormina Public Gardens showcasing a diverse collection of exotic plants, vibrant flowers and towering palms with breathtaking panoramic viewpoints overlooking the azure waters of the Ionian Sea and the iconic silhouette of Mount Etna in the distance. The gardens also feature sculptures, fountains and quiet benches where you can relax and soak in the peaceful ambience - a literal oasis of greenery and beauty.
“Taormina is the Capri of Sicily”
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If you couldn’t tell by now, Taormina exudes glamour and radiates an undeniable allure. Drawing visitors with its effortlessly elegant charm and once the top destination for the Hollywood elite (think Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ford Coppola, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, the list goes on). The glamour of Taormina lies in its ability to seamlessly blend ancient history with contemporary sophistication, creating an enchanting atmosphere that attracts high-profile visitors.
The town’s narrow streets are lined with designer boutiques and concept stores such as Feliciotto showcasing luxury Italian brands like Bottega Veneta and The Attico. We were fortunate enough to be in Taormina for the grand opening of the Dior Boutique which opened in 2022 and is nothing short of perfection (we wouldn’t expect anything less in Taormina). The store features a rooftop terrace with the iconic Dior toile noticeable throughout. Another new addition to the town is the arrival of the Louis Vuitton Resort Boutique Store and their first Italian cafe run by Grand Hotel Timeo (The Belmond). With views of the Mediterranean Sea and gorgeous interiors inspired by the LV By The Pool resort collection, shop in style knowing you can also stop for Sicilian treats and refreshments on the first floor.
Taormina's picturesque scenery and timeless allure provide the perfect backdrop to showcase your outfits, elevating every ensemble with an extra touch of charm and sophistication.
Shop our Taormina wardrobe below
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Backstreet dining: It’s easy to get lost in Taormina’s backstreets and in our opinion, this is where you’ll stumble upon hidden gems with people queuing for tables and the sound of diners singing ‘Volare’ over a bottle of red wine echoes the streets. We recommend Ristorante La Botte and Trattoria Da Nino. Having visited Taormina three times, you can find our favourite go-to dinner spots here that deliver incredible food and authentic Italian charm every time.
Morgana Bar: From dinner to disco - Morgana is a cool lounge bar with chic aesthetics (it’s like stepping into an Assouline book), an outdoor area where you can sip cocktails under the moon, live music and a spinner wheel for a menu. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a young, fresh, fun feel that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Sicilian indulgence.
Italian opera: If you’re looking for an experience or something outside the box, catch a show at the Italian Opera and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of music and history.
Bar Timeo: The bar located in Grand Hotel Timeo has the best views of Mount Etna. Relax on the terrace sipping an Etna Spritz whilst watching the sun set over Taormina Bay. Live music from a saxophonist adds to the extravagance but the fireworks seal the deal.
Piazza IX Aprile: At night the square comes alive with bars and restaurants. Go for a post-dinner drink before climbing the steps of the church and look out to the sun setting over the sea whilst the sweet sound of a saxophone playing jazz music lingers in the night air - it’s just magical.
