What Not to Miss in TAORMINA, the Most Beautiful Town in Sicily

Agreed, Taormina is definitely one of the most touristy places in Sicily, and this comes with all the annoyances overtourism tends to cause. This being said, no one can deny that Taormina is the most beautiful town in all of Sicily, hence, in this guide, I’m introducing the best thing not to miss when visiting this gem on the eastern coast of the island.

View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra on the shore below Taormina, a place definitely not to miss when visiting this beautiful town.
View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra below Taormina, the most beautiful town in Sicily.

Taormina – Shaping a Civilization

The picturesque town of Taormina is perched on the eastern coast of Sicily and renowned for its breathtaking views. From Taormina, you get to see the Ionian Sea as well as Mount Etna. Founded in the 4th century BC by the Sicels and later colonized by the Greeks, it became a significant hub during the Hellenistic period. The ancient Greeks built Taormina’s most iconic landmark, the Teatro Greco. This stunning amphitheater is still used for performances today.

View of all the things not to miss in the beautiful town of Taormina
Premium view of Taormina’s breathtaking surroundings from the Teatro Greco.

Just like all of the mesmerizing island of Sicily, various civilizations shaped Taormina throughout its history. The influences of the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish are evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage to this date. During the Middle Ages, it thrived as a Norman stronghold, and its medieval charm remains a draw for visitors.

Much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Taormina gained fame as a retreat for European aristocracy and artists, who were enchanted by its idyllic setting and romantic allure. Writers like D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote, among others, lived and worked here, contributing to its reputation as a haven for creativity.

Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Taormina.
Who would not get inspired by these views?

Today, Taormina is still a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe. Its appeal lies in its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore ancient ruins, stroll through charming medieval streets, and enjoy luxury accommodations and fine dining. However, you can also join excursions to nearby attractions such as Mount Etna, the Alcantara Gorge, and Isola Bella.

Taormina’s mix of its historical legacy with luxurious amenities, its rich heritage, and scenic splendor has cemented the city’s status as Sicily’s crown jewel.

Taormina – Inspiring Muse And Ideal Setting

Taormina has been a muse for writers, filmmakers, and artists for centuries, its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history serving as an evocative backdrop in literature, film, and other fine arts. During the Grand Tour era between the late 17th century and the early 19th century, artists immortalized the town’s beauty in their paintings. To this date, it remains a favorite subject for photographers seeking to capture its dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and picturesque streets.

In Literature

Germany’s most famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Taormina in 1787 during his journey through Italy. His travels were part of a larger trip to explore the landscapes, culture, and art of the country, which would later inspire much of his writing, mainly his famous oeuvre called Italian Journey. Obviously, Goethe was particularly struck by the ancient Greek Theatre, which he described as one of the most beautiful ruins he had ever seen. His experience there inspired him and is often cited in his writings about classical antiquity.

And while Goethe celebrated Taormina in his writing, Taormina celebrates Goethe through various markers, including Goethe Street, Goethe Square, and the popular Goethe hiking path.

Trinacria
This is the Trinacria, the symbol of Sicily. Three angled legs run around the girl’s head, framed by snakes and small wings. The Trinacria can be turned however you want without it ever kneeling. This makes it a symbol of indomitability and resistance.

However, the German über-novelist was not the only fanboy when it came to Taormina’s charm. Taormina also played a significant role in the life and work of English novelist D.H. Lawrence. While living there in the early 1920s, he wrote parts of his famous novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover. His time in Taormina influenced his poetry and prose, with the town’s vibrant landscapes and sensual atmosphere leaving a lasting imprint on his works.

Last but not least, the American author Truman Capote spent time in Taormina and mentioned it in his writings. Capote’s sojourn was part of the town’s reputation as a retreat for expatriate artists and writers during the 20th century.

Stowaway

While it’s proven that the writers mentioned above actually spent time in Taormina, the town celebrates Oscar Wilde with a statue. However, there is no evidence that he set foot in the town ever. The reason for the sculpture standing in Piazza IX Aprile is supposedly that Wilde’s life and works championed themes of freedom, creativity, and most importantly defiance of societal norms. And apparently, these values resonated with the vibe of Taormina at the turn of the 20th centuries. I don’t know because I’m too young to be able to judge that conclusively. I just think that they could have picked countless other artists from the Roaring Twenties in Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. Maybe one of those had actually been to Taormina.

Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina.
Piazza IX Aprile with the sculpture of Oscar Wilde right next to the small church.

Howsoever, Taormina is said to have been a Bohemian Haven and a sanctuary for artists, writers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It was one of the few places in Europe where individuals could live more openly, away from the judgmental constraints of their home countries. Therefore, the statue of Oscar Wilde represents the spirit of artistic and personal freedom that Taormina has long embodied.

In Movies And Series

But Taormina has not only found her way into world literature. The town has also provided an excellent backdrop for films and series.

In 1972, the romantic comedy Avanti! was filmed in Sicily and directed by Billy Wilder. Also, scenes in Luc Besson’s 1988 cult classic The Big Blue were filmed in Taormina. The ethereal tone of the film is complemented by the tranquil and dreamlike locations of the city. Taormina’s dramatic coastal views add atmospheric charm.

Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Taormina.
A scenery like a film set.

Most recently, Taormina lent its dramatic setting and luxurious ambiance to the hit HBO series The White Lotus and enriched the series’ storyline. The series explores themes of privilege, power dynamics, and interpersonal drama among guests and staff at a high-end resort. Taormina, of course, serves as the perfect backdrop.

The series’ fictional White Lotus Resort is located in the opulent San Domenico Palace. Originally a 14th-century monastery, this historic hotel is known for its breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, as well as its lush gardens and timeless architecture.

Entrance to the San Domenico Palace in Taormina.
Entrance to the San Domenico Palace where major parts of the series were shot.

The inclusion of Taormina in The White Lotus has further strengthened the city’s profile as a luxury destination. Fans of the series flocked to Taormina to experience the cinematic charm first-hand. The series has reinforced Taormina’s image as a glamorous and emerging destination by combining its natural beauty with the appeal of storytelling.

By the way, one of the key scenes of the series takes place in the Sicilian baroque city of Noto, and of course, you can also find a post about this architectural gem on my blog: What to see in NOTO, the baroque town of Sicily.

Taormina – Spending a Perfect Day Trip

Taormina is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Sicily and a legend in its own way. And yet I can’t recommend spending your entire stay there. The place is simply too touristy and crowded in the high season. We’re also dealing with probably the most expensive place on the entire island: whether it’s accommodation, food or shopping – prices in Taormina are usually dizzying!

Beautiful Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, a 13th century Sicilian Gothic style structure with beautiful friezes in lava stone and white stone from Syracuse.
Beautiful Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, a 13th-century Sicilian Gothic structure with beautiful friezes in lava stone and white stone from Syracuse.

That’s why I would always choose a base in Catania, for example, where real Sicilian life pulsates. A bus runs from there to Taormina and back at relatively short intervals. Alternatively, the beach town of Letojanni, just six kilometers north of Taormina, offers great holiday accommodation.
This being said, I am still of the clear opinion that a trip to Sicily cannot be complete without at least a day trip to Taormina.

Below I have put together a guide that will help you not miss out on any of the city’s absolute highlights.

Piazza Santa Caterina with the Chiesa di Santa Caterina to the left and the stately Palazzo Corvaja to the right.
Piazza Santa Caterina with the Chiesa di Santa Caterina to the left and the stately Palazzo Corvaja to the right.

Coming from the bus station or the parking lot northeast of town, you’ll enter the historic center of town through the Porta Messina in the east. Since a visit to Taormina definitely wouldn’t be complete without exploring the ancient Greek theater, just turn left into the picturesque Via Teatro Greco – nomen est omen, obviously, as this street lined with beautiful small shops and cozy eateries leads right to the main entrance of the ancient Greek theater.

Teatro Greco

The Teatro Greco is a slice of ancient drama perched on a Sicilian cliffside, where the scenery steals the show just as much as the actors once did. To this day, the spectators are sitting in an open-air amphitheater, a balmy Mediterranean breeze tousling their hair. Before them is not just a stage, but a panoramic view of Mount Etna in the distance, the sparkling Ionian Sea sprawling beneath. Talk about a backdrop that outshines even the most dramatic tragedy! The fusion of culture and nature really sets this ancient theater apart. The Greeks were savvy and probably knew that a view of Etna would make even the grumpiest audience forget about their woes.

Teatro Greco in Taormina.
The well-preserved auditorium of Taormina’s Greek theater.

The theater could once hold up to 5,000 spectators. Since the acoustics are truly phenomenal, actors didn’t even need any kind of amplifiers.

The Greeks carved this theater into the hillside in the 3rd century BC. The Romans, being the ultimate re-modelers of history, swooped in later and gave it a bit of an upgrade. They turned it into a venue for gladiator games, because why let a perfectly good stage go to waste on dialogue when you can have sword fights instead, right?

View of Mount Etna from the Greek theater in Taormina.
The theater is worth visiting, not least for its breathtaking views of the surrounding area and Mount Etna.

Today, it’s still used for performances, ranging from classical plays to modern concerts. Yes, you can sit where toga-clad citizens once sat and enjoy a rock band or an opera.
Who expected ruins to become so alive?

The Teatro Greco opens at 9 a.m. and closing times differ according to the season. Tickets, however, are 14 €uros.

Corso Umberto

After visiting the Teatro Greco, it is now time to immerse yourself in the sophisticated charm of Taormina. The best way to do this is to stroll along Corso Umberto.

Building on Corso Umberto
Looking at this beautiful historic building at number 42 on Corso Umberto, you might actually think it is a museum. In reality, the Museo della Pasta is a high-class restaurant with a beautiful roof terrace.

Corso Umberto is the city’s main artery and leads past most of the sights. This vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and sheer Sicilian life runs through the heart of Taormina, connecting two ancient gateways, Porta Messina and Porta Catania.

As you stroll along Corso Umberto, you’ll be surrounded by stunning medieval architecture interspersed with lively modern boutiques, cafes, and artisanal shops. The atmosphere is a delightful blend of old-world elegance and contemporary vibrancy. Every corner offers something new: from handmade ceramics and exquisite jewelry to high-end fashion and locally crafted goodies.

History buffs will revel in the chance to explore historic landmarks like the Palazzo Corvaja and the breathtaking Piazza IX Aprile, where sweeping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea leave visitors utterly mesmerized. And don’t miss the many hidden side streets that branch off Corso Umberto, offering cozy trattorias, secret gardens, and charming courtyards.

Building alongside Corso Umberto
Shopping on Corso Umberto is never an inexpensive pleasure.

Food lovers will find heaven here, with opportunities to savor Sicilian specialties like arancini, cannoli, and granita, paired with locally produced wines.

Sidestreet of the Corso Umberto.
It’s always worth it to take a peek into one of the side streets.

Walking down Corso Umberto is like stepping into a postcard, but better as it is a sensory journey filled with color, flavor, and the legendary spirit of la dolce vita!

Piazza IX Aprile

The first square you reach when strolling down Corso Umberto is Piazza IX Aprile. It’s the beating heart of Taormina and is fronted by the so-called Belvedere overlooking the sea.

As you step onto a vast, black-and-white tiled square, you’ll almost feel like standing on a balcony to heaven. From its railings, you’ll see sweeping views of the sparkling water below, Mount Etna in the distance, and a coastline so picturesque it deserves its own postcard collection. It’s like nature decided to flex its artistic muscles and gave it it all.

Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina.
Piazza IX Aprile – a square like you would expect in Italy.

Yet, the square is a kaleidoscope of life and history. Even its name Piazza IX Aprile commemorates an important date in Italian unification history. However, most visitors are too enchanted to care about the politics of the past. They’re too busy soaking up the romance of an Italian holiday.

On the square’s northern side, the 17th-century Church of San Giuseppe beckons with its pink façade featuring intricate stucco work and a double staircase with wrought-iron railings. If you come here short before sunset, you’ll spot it practically glowing.

Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina.
As a marker between the medieval part of Taormina and the newer sections, the Torre dell’Orologio represents the transition between eras in the town’s history.

Right next to it, the Torre dell’Orologio stands tall. This iconic clock tower dates back to the 12th century, making it one of Taormina’s oldest landmarks. It was originally part of the city’s defensive system. Ironically, the French destroyed it in a raid in 1676. It was rebuilt in its current form three years later, blending medieval and Baroque architectural styles.
Its clock has been fully functional since the reconstruction in the 17th century, making it a historic yet operational feature of the town.

Piazza Duomo

Toward the end of Corso Umberto, you’ll get to the cozy Piazza Duomo, obviously named in honor of the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Taormina. It is a charming square with a Baroque-style fountain standing on a round base with three steps. Although the fountain is incredibly beautiful, I think it is valued almost as much for these three steps where you can take a little breather.

Fontana di Piazza Duomo
The sky’s the limit: The unique fountain in the Piazza del Duomo.

The Fontana di Piazza Duomo was built in 1635 and is crowned by the so-called Centauressa, the symbol of Taormina. The figure is derived from the Minotaur, a hybrid creature from Greek mythology in which a human body has the head of a bull.

Gentleman minding flowers in Piazza Duomo in Taormina.
A gentleman tends to the plants on his balcony overlooking Piazza del Duomo. A so-called Testa die Moro serves as a flower pot. This Moor’s Head is a traditional symbol of luck found across Sicily. Its origin is a folk tale from the time of the Arab occupation of the island more than a thousand years ago.

In Taormina, the body is female, as in ancient ideas female beings embodied the cities. As a symbol of Taormina, the Centauressa can of course also be found in the city’s coat of arms.

Cattedrale di San Nicolò di Bari

The Duomo di Taormina was originally built in the 13th century on the site of an older church. Over time, it was renovated and remodeled, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, adding elements of Renaissance and Baroque design.

Duomo di Taormina
A cathedral like a medieval fortress.

However, it has a fortress-like appearance, consisting of sturdy stone walls and a simple, austere exterior. The facade is interrupted by a large central rose window, a typical feature of Gothic architecture. The overall design reflects the church’s dual purpose as a place of worship and defensive fortification.

Icon inside the Duomo di Taormina.
Madonna della Ciambetta, a replica of a mosaic from the 13th century.
The original is found at the Museo Regionale di Messina.

Inside, the cathedral has the floor plan of a basilica with three naves separated by columns. The interior houses several notable works of art.

Villa Communale

It is quite impressive that, in addition to the archaeological and architectural masterpieces, the magnificent coastline, and the breathtaking views, Taormina also has several serene parks. There you can relax from the dolce far-niente, hence, Italy’s proverbial sweet idleness. The most beautiful one of these green spaces is Villa Comunale, a place as delightful as if Mother Nature had thrown a garden party and kept it going ever since!

Villa Communale in Taormina
One of Lady Trevelyan’s castle-like gazebos.

Designed in the late 19th century by the eccentric Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan, it is a mix of lush Mediterranean vegetation and fantastical stone towers and rustic pavilions, which she whimsically referred to as Victorian follies.

The paths wind through a heady mix of vibrant flowers beneath towering palm trees. But it’s the view that will blow you away.

Mount Etna
Snow-covered Mount Etna.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat away from Taormina’s busy streets, a perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy photo, or just a quiet spot to daydream, you’ll find it at Villa Comunale.

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in winter and closes only at midnight in summer.

Going Up: Castello di Taormina And Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Still cannot get enough? Then let me whisk you away to the top of Monte Tauro where the Castello di Taormina isn’t just a fortress. It’s a silent witness to centuries of drama and intrigue. Though now mostly a romantic ruin, this castle was once a defensive stronghold that kept watch over invaders daring to march through this paradise uninvited.
Its origins are a bit of a mystery. Built likely by the Arabs or Normans, what remains today are crumbling walls.

Now, if you venture a little further, you’ll stumble upon the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, a church literally carved out of the rock – just like its name promises. This tiny, unassuming chapel dates back to the 12th century. Built as a refuge for monks, it became a sacred site where locals and pilgrims alike sought solace and blessings.

Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
First, you have a great view of the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, eventually, you’ll have a great view from the church.

Stepping inside, you’ll feel a profound serenity as sunlight filters through the narrow windows, illuminating its simplicity.

The trek to the castle isn’t for the faint of heart – or knees, for that matter. The winding path is often steep, but picturesquely lined by lush greenery and the scent of citrus trees. And in the end, the view of the sparkling Ionian Sea below, Mount Etna in the distance, and the terracotta rooftops of Taormina will generously reward you for all your effort. It’s like a postcard come to life!

Going Down: Islets And Lidi

The culture, the language, the food, the sun, and the people – I like almost everything about Italy. The only thing I don’t like is Lidi. A lido, as it is called in the singular, is actually a long, rather narrow beach. Of course, there would be nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately, most people think of Lido as a kind of overpriced beach club with loungers and parasols, bathrooms and changing rooms as well as a beach bar. A lido offers everything you could want for a relaxing day at the beach. But all of this comes with a price tag so big you could hide from the sun behind it.

Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Taormina.
Bays and islands are embellishing the coastline below Taormina.

And yes, there is usually a small section where you can spread your towel if you don’t want to rob a bank, sunbathe for a few hours, and take a refreshing dip in the sea. But this part is usually pretty dirty because no one feels responsible for it. And without exception, it is always completely overcrowded. And all this is the reason that I don’t like beaches in Italy.
Mi dispiacce.

Let’s Dive Into It

Taormina blends natural beauty with a touch of la dolce vita. Particularly the beach on the iconic Isola Bella is a gem tethered to the mainland by a slender strip of sand that appears and vanishes with the tides. Although Isola Bella is the queen of Taormina’s beaches, offering pebbly shores, crystalline waters, and snorkeling spots bursting with marine life, make sure to wear water shoes as those pebbles are charming but can be unforgiving!

Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Taormina.
The amazing coast below Taormina.

Just a stone’s throw from Isola Bella is Mazzarò, a beach for the rich and famous or those who are trying hard. Flanked by cliffs, it’s a place where sunbeds line the shore and stylish beach clubs offer chilled limoncello cocktails. You might even spot a yacht or two, but don’t worry if you came here walking as the scenery alone is luxurious enough.

To get from Taormina to Mazzarò Beach, you have various options. The most alluring one is certainly taking the cable car. For 3 €uros one way, it takes you there in about 5 minutes.
Generally, it operates every 15 minutes from morning until late evening – at least during the summer. If you prefer walking, you’ll have to hike downhill for about half an hour.
As the path is steep in some areas, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes. Also, walking back uphill might be more challenging. But you can always catch one of the local buses that run between Taormina and Mazzarò every ten to 15 minutes. You’ll find the exact times for instance on Google Maps.

A more family-friendly and lively beach is at Giardini Naxos, and Spisone Beach offers a quieter retreat with powdery sands and fewer crowds. Both beaches can be easily reached by public bus.

Practical Information

How to Get There

By Plane

The nearest airport is Vincenzo Bellini Airport in Fontanarossa on the outskirts of Catania. It is the busiest airport in Sicily with a wide choice of domestic and international flights.

Booking.com Search FlightsImage

There are various bus connections to Catania’s city center as well as direct connections to other Sicilian cities such as Syracuse and Taormina.

By Ferry

Travelling to Sicily by ferry is a popular and scenic option, offering connections from mainland Italy and other locations. The most common national routes are from Villa San Giovanni in Calabria to Messina. This is the shortest crossing as it connects the tip of the mainland to northeastern Sicily so the ride takes only around half an hour. Also, ferries run frequently, often every 30 minutes. From Pozzallo in Malta, you’ll get to Catania in two to three hours, depending on the route and the vessel. Also, there are frequent high-speed ferries from Valletta to southeastern Sicily. However, in the main post The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week you will find information about many other connections.

Land Transport

Getting to Sicily by train or overland bus from mainland Italy is straightforward, thanks to well-established transportation networks. Also, it is a very relaxed and scenic option.

Direct trains connect major Italian cities to Sicilian destinations such as Palermo, Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. As you opt for an overnight service, you save time and even money for accommodation. Trains to Sicily board a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina which usually takes around half an hour. Passengers remain on the train as it is loaded onto the ferry.

To give you an idea: From Milan, the overnight train takes 20 hours, from Rome it takes twelve hours, and from Naples, it takes only seven. Tickets can be purchased through Trenitalia and advanced booking is recommended, especially during the high season and for overnight journeys.

Obviously, long-distance buses connect cities on the Italian mainland with major cities in Sicily, too. They take a bit longer but are also cheaper. The most popular operators are Flixbus and Itabus.

In Sicily, trains are also connecting bigger cities, however, travelling by overland bus is far more popular as it is a more reliable and even a bit cheaper option. Also, in contrast to trains, buses serve smaller towns and villages. The biggest players are Interbus and SAIS. You can obtain them online on Interbus’s website as well as from the driver

My Tip

Since the bus system in Sicily is quite good, it is heavily used by both locals and visitors. This can be a problem on the heavily frequented route between Catania and Taormina, especially in high season. Because if all the seats on a bus are occupied, the driver will no longer take any other passengers. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to stand.

So I strongly advise you to buy your tickets online as soon as possible, even days ahead. At the bus station, those who already have a ticket will be allowed onto the bus first. Any possibly remaining seats will then be sold to the others waiting.

How to Get Around

Since the very center of Taormina is really not that large, it can be easily explored by walking.

Renata Green on a Vespa by Dolce & Gabbana.
No, you can’t explore Taormina with this fancy speedster. As a matter of fact, you’re not even allowed to sit on that thang, as a waiter let me know seconds after this photo was taken.

Cycling might be an option during the low season when streets are not as packed. However, keep in mind that the city is very hilly and alleys are narrow.

Vising Organized

Although the regional bus system in Sicily is not bad at all, there are places on the island that are difficult to reach by public transport. However, it is definitely far more relaxing just to join an organized tour that takes you without any further ado straight to all the points of interest. Also, especially during the high season, you can be sure to get access to the sites you want to see. Nevertheless, during summertime, on weekends, and public holidays, booking tours to Taormina should be made as far in advance as possible*:

Where to Stay

If you plan on going to Taormina for longer than just one day, you can choose from a wide selection of accommodations. However, be aware that it’s probably the most expensive area on the entire island when it comes to lodging and repast*:

 

What to Eat

Talking ’bout repast: Sicilian food is a vibrant reflection of the island’s rich history and cultural influences. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been influenced by Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish cultures, and its cuisine tells this story with bold flavors, unique ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques. The Arab influence is particularly strong, seen in the use of raisins, pine nuts, saffron, and couscous in dishes.

Italian antipasti.
Sicilian food is definitely varied.

No, the most iconic dish is not pizza, the inalienable staple are Arancini, deep-fried rice balls filled with ragù, hence a juicy meat sauce, cheese, or vegetables. They are the perfect snack and – according to pure bone Sicilians – eating them with a knife and fork is a sacrilege.
Another highly popular fast food is are so-called Panelle. These fritters are made from chickpea flour and are often served in sandwiches.

Arancino with Ragu.
Meat sauce wrapped in a thick layer of rice with a delicious deep-fried crust.

My favorite Sicilian dish is Caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant stew, seasoned with olives, capers, and tomatoes. Add ricotta cheese and basil, and you have a sauce alla Norma that you can pour over pasta or stuff into Arancini. Another incredible pasta sauce is con le Sarde, hence with sardines, but also with fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. This sauce clearly showcases Arab influences in local cuisine.

Canolli.
The creamy mascarpone filling contrasts heavenly with the crispy cannolo tube.

And yes, there is also pizza. The Sicilian kind is called Sfincione. It is softer and thicker than its Neapolitan counterpart and topped with tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs.

Cash and Cards

Until now, 20 European countries have replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Obviously, Italy is one of them. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.92 EUR as of February 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.

Mind you paying by card as well as contactless is accepted basically everywhere including regional and local public transport.

Language

Zushini, Gnotchi, Raditcho – I’m bleeding from my ears as I hear these mispronunciations so often.
Seriously, it’s not so hard.

So here are some general rules: As in any other Romance language, C is hard when written before A, O, and U, hence, it’s pronounced K.

If followed by E or I, it’s tch as in witch.

Now, if a C followed by E or I should be pronounced K, an H is added: Bruschetta, Zucchini, Gnocchi, Radicchio – Brusketta, Zukini, Gnoki, Radikio.

On the other hand, if C followed by A, O, or U should be pronounced tch, they slip in a – silent! – I: Ciocolata, Ciabatta – Tchocolata, Tchabatta – forget about the I in-between.

As Taormina is quite touristy, people do speak English, however, often with a thick, difficult-to-understand accent. Anyway, learning some basic Italian words and phrases or brushing up on your knowledge is certainly a good idea. There are various useful and fun apps and online tools for your practice such as Duolingo,  babbel, and Lingohut.

As a matter of fact, it might be a great occasion to learn some Italian or brush up on what you already know while in Sicily. There are language schools in many popular tourist places such as Cefalú, Syracuse, and also Taormina. However, just like everything else, also Italian classes are far more expensive here than in nearby places such as Syracuse.

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges have been applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies in all 27 countries of the European Union as well as in Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway and to all contracts.

In case European roaming is unavailable, you can connect to the internet without any issue at basically every museum, eatery, café, and, of course, hotel.

If you insist on being online 24/7, you can get a SIM card, obviously. There are prepaid SIM cards by various companies. For non-European travellers visiting Italy, the best SIM cards are Telecom Italia Mobile, in short TIM. It is Italy’s largest mobile operator with excellent coverage and data speeds. Their best plan should be TIM Tourist SIM which supplies you bis 20 GB and 200 minutes to international numbers. It costs around 20 €uros and is valid for 30 days.

A good alternative is Vodafone Italy with their plan Vodafone Holiday. For 30 days, you get 30 GB and 300 minutes for calls including international numbers for around 30 €uros.

Finally, WindTre is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Their WindTre Tourist Pass offers 20 GB and 100 minutes for international and unlimited calls within Italy. All this applies for 30 days.

This being said, e-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected as you arrange everything on the internet.

Get the Power

The standard voltage in Europe is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Italy, they use three plug types, namely C, F, and L.
Whereby, since nowadays, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter. You only need an adapter for small appliances such as curling irons or hair dryers. But keep in mind that at basically every accommodation you will have a hair dryer at your disposal.

You’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post, World’s Most Complete Travel Information, which is an indispensable globetrotter classic.

Map

On this map, I’m showing you where to find all the amazing sites that make Taormina the most beautiful one of Sicily’s towns. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend.

Taormina was one of many overwhelmingly beautiful places I visited during my trip to Sicily. To read about the others, go to this post and take your pick!

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2 Replies to “What Not to Miss in TAORMINA, the Most Beautiful Town in Sicily”

  1. Sicily is one of my dream destinations. Mazzarò Beach View is beautiful from above. The view of Snow-covered Mount Etna attracted me the most. Have you written a hiking guide to Mount Etna?

    1. Thank you for you lovely comment. No, I didn’t hike up Mount Etna as I have problems with my foot. This way, it’s still on my list for my next visit – something to look forward to 😉

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