However, the absolute best way to reach Taormina from either of Sicilys two major cities with an airport (aka most likely the place youll be coming from unless youre visiting Taormina via cruise ship) is with a rental car. Meet the best slushiefor lack of a better descriptoryoull ever meet in your life: a granita. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Continental! Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. The church was built around 1400 AD and was constructed over the site of an older church. ). Located on the top of a hill above Taormina is the quaint village of Castelmola. Because of this, it is the most popular of the five hubs for accessing Mount Etna. Hotel Natalina We had a great time at this little hotel! We will usually stay in a B&B right on the Corso Umberto, a place called Le Sibille. Want to add a little thrill to your list of things to do in Taormina? An example of this is the stunning Greek Theatre of Taormina, one of the most celebrated relics in Sicily. Whether you want to book a morning hike, a scenic tour, or a full-day trip that also includes a visit to the beautiful Alcantara Canyons, youre bound to find a visit to Mount Etna that appears to your travel style. The two most important things to consider when deciding where to stay in Taormina are whether its within walking distance of the center of the city (you can check the walking time to Piazza IX Aprile from the hotel youre considering for a good estimate), and, if you have a car with you, whether they have parking available. As is the case with any city in Europe, Taormina Italy boasts a long history of invasions and settlements procured by many different groups. We visited: Tornatore & Fischetti wineries. Its just you and the driver who escorts you around Taormina stopping at major sight-seeing landmarks and ancient archeological ruins. The village is a great spot for a mid-day lunch break and some shopping. Packing lists inspired by paradise - shop now. It is an amazing relic of the past and is an absolute must-see during your trip to Taormina Sicily.
Taking pictures and looking at Mount Etna is wonderful, but making a visit to Europes largest Volcano is an amazing adventure. WHERE TO FIND THE BEST APEROL SPRITZ, PASTA, AND WHAT TO DO INBETWEEN. Question: Our cruise offers a "Taormina on your own," which will give us 2 hours to see the city. No parking optionsso keep that in mind if you choose to book a stay here! Between touring ancient ruins, you can also book a tour of the nearby Capo Sant"Andrea grottos or visit the Isola Bella (beautiful island) nature preserve just to the South. Golden hour is next level magical here. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. Corso Umberto is the major pedestrian street of Taorminaas major as anything in Taormina gets, anyway. One of the things that helps make Taormina such a beautiful and picturesque place is the fact that you can get a great view of Mount Etna from pretty much anywhere in Taormina. But as the true romantic my husband is, I had a feeling that my initial guess was right and that wed be waking back up in Italy soon. On a perfectly clear day, youll have an epic view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea visible behind the Greek Theatre of Taormina. Home to both Taorminas lovely Duomo and an impressive Baroque fountain, the Piazza del Duomo is a quick and interesting place to visit in Taormina. My opinion of Taormina is that it is certainly worth more than a day to fully enjoy all that the area has to offer. I found the gardens to be a beautiful shady respite from the crowded Corso Umberto. Taormina Sicily is a destination most worthy of a visit when considering any trip to southern Italy.
If you are beachside, there are plenty of restaurants along the coastline to choose from. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Honestly, staring out at the Ionian Sea from all angles was among our favorite things to do in Taormina. Overall, it was a seamless trip and well worth the ~16+ hours of travel. Be sure to stroll all the way from Porta Messina to Piazza IX Aprile (or visa versa). Most likely the theatre was of Greek origin and then rebuilt on its present site by the Romans. For the immediate area you dont need a car. In our opinion, the views from here are just as stunning as from the popular Piazza IX Aprile and there are far, far fewer crowds at Villa Comunale! This small but beautiful piazza is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a spell. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. Answer: If you are arriving in Taormina, we have stayed at a small bed & breakfast called B&B Le Sibelle. Another consideration to keep in mind when planning a visit to Mount Etna is the cost. Enjoy your stay. Take the cable car down to the shore from Taormina then head to the right up the short hill. Tip: Taormina is built on a rugged cliffside so getting down to the beach can be a bit of a task. Though you can easily reach the island yourself from Taormina via the cable car, It will also allow you to be a bit flexible with your. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world, creating a volcanic terroir. I would avoid places close to the large piazzas as people tend to congregate there at night, hence it can be noisy. The garden also contains a few old artillery pieces from WWII, a play area for children and a few cottages and towers. The water is advertised as being very cold but we found it refreshing. The area surrounding Mount Etna isnt known just for its views or the history of the volcano! Its actually a nature reserve so there is good snorkeling and clear water. You can bring your own snorkel and flippers, or Im sure there are rentals available in the area. We are a couple with two kids below 10. From here you have an unobstructed view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It also has the dubious distinction of sitting practically in the shadow of Mt. For the more adventurous, you can do some river trekking with a guide and the appropriate equipment can be rented here if you like. The cable car tends to run every 15 minutes during the summer, and much less in the winter. When visiting Taormina, Mount Etna looks so close youd think you could reach out and touch it. Known for its superb location in the heart of Taormina, its views, and its wonderful included breakfast, luxury travelers cant go wrong with a stay here. When your cruise ship docks at Taormina, take a day-long shore excursion and explore the alluring Cyclops Riviera. Hotel Continental Want to admire the sea views that Taormina is famous for from the comfort of your hotel, while also staying in the lap of luxury? Check the updated schedule and ticket prices here. Oh the drama of it all - maybe thats why I love Italy so much. Its historical course often begins with its founding in 395 B.C. More public eateries can be found in the town"s plazas if perhaps you want to keep it more simple and enjoy a gelato while you people watch. It will also allow you to be a bit flexible with your trip to Mount Etna and essentially give you three possible days to visit the crater. Top. Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? Stuffed to the brim with restaurants and shops full of wares that spill out into the street, Corso Umberto is incredibly fun to walk through.
Known as the Pearl of the Ionian, Isola Bella is protected by the World Wildlife Federation, and is a designated Nature Preserve. The BamBar's Granita is consistently ranked among the best in all of Sicily. As amazing as it is during the day, it is as mesmerizing at night when it becomes an illuminated wonder. Keep in mind that there is very little parking in Taormina. Answer: With just 2 hours, I would visit the Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina. The summer months are always the busiest, however it has never slowed us down. They know exactly where to go and what to see and will explain everything along the way. The following Byzantine domination would continue in this prosperity, and after the fall of Constantinople, Syracuse fell in importance to Taormina, the new capital city of Eastern Sicily. This is the only one of the five refuge areas that is accessible by public transportation.
I cried the entire time. Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? Sicily is know for Granitas, refreshing Italian-style fruit flavored ice. The food and wine produced in the rich volcanic soil is also an absolute treat for the tastebuds, and exploring the local cuisine is one of the best activities in Taormina. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. When you start to melt from the hot Sicilian sun, siesta under an umbrella at the private beach of Villa SantAndrea with a Spritz in hand and Yolo Journal magazine for company. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Tip: Hire a local captain for your boat. For casual lunches or dinners, its easy to pop into one of the local eateries around the Piazza. I'm planning my vacation to Italy for 10 days.
A visit to the Alcantara Gorge is a great break from the crowds of Taormina.
You can also walk there crossing Via Pirandello and taking a series of paths and lanes down from town to the entrance. If youre staying overnight in Taorminaand you definitely should!be sure to visit Corso Umberto in the evening, long after the daytrippers have left. Book your boat cruise around Isola Bella today! Sicily is the perfect island for a road trip, and Taormina makes an excellent stop. Apparently, this place is somewhat of a local legend in Taormina. Shem and I are pretty easy going travelers and take things as they come - no matter the tides of the tourists or hiccups along the way. If you find yourself planning a visit to Taormina, I hope you found this guide helpful.
), which we found varied dramatically among different rental car companies in Sicily! This is one of the best ways to see the island. At the western end of the piazza is the Porta Di Mezzo, which takes visitors under the Clock Tower and into the oldest part of Taormina. Some things will probably be closed for the season, but youll find plenty to doand youll be able to avoid the summer crowds, which is a big perk! As we made our way towards town, the relaxing, easy drive through the dry, volcanic lands all of a sudden turned into a luscious green cliffside steep with switchbacks winding their way through the wabi sabi terracotta walls of shops, hotels and little eateries. A three-day stay in Taormina would allow you to spend one day enjoying the town, one day relaxing on the beach, and one day taking a day trip to Mount Etna. We did rent a car to visit Mount Etna, but we were also leaving Taormina and heading south to Modica. My drink of choice? As we worked our way up Taorminas dramatic cliffside, I was mesmerized. Served all over Sicily, these semi-frozen desserts are made only with water, sugar, and flavorings like fruit or coffee and yet, theyre so creamy and delicious that youll swear there has to be dairy in them. I have not personally stayed in either of these hotels so it's difficult to recommend one over the other but based solely on location I would prefer to be closer to the center of Taormina. For the adventurous souls out there you can walk/hike up to Castelmola. I did however make him give me a few clues so I could pack appropriately, which led me to a couple of guesses, 1) Italy - where we got married the year prior and 2) the south of France - we have a vintage print hanging in our living room of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the 60s which serves as daily inspiration to go and is definitely at the top of our trip wish list. It may seem a bit gimmicky at first, but honestly it was so relaxing and really informative. beaches italy italian genoa beach tuscany popular destination360 europe The island itself was actually private property up until 1990 when the owners went bankrupt and auctioned the island, which was bought by the Region of Sicily. Let me help you out in one word - Taormina. Many visitors either bypass the public gardens or are simply not aware that they are here. We departed from LA, had a 2 hour layover in Amsterdam, then jumped on a 3 hour flight to Catania. Etna you can certainly experience the mountain and have time to visit a winery. Perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, and with a perfect view of Mount Etna looming in the distance, it makes for an absolutely beautiful setting.
The Corso Umberto is the main pedestrian street through Taormina and is hard to miss. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. While you could spend all day hiking around on Mt. Getting to Castelmola can be done with a short taxi ride or you can take the bus. You can reach Taormina fairly easily via train from Catania, or with some effort, from. Since then it has been designated as a nature reserve and is home to numerous species of birds and lizards.
Beautiful, busy, and home to some of the best views in all of Sicily, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in Taormina, Italy! A small terrace area is also found here and is used for small outdoor concerts or gatherings. The island also has a very small beach area that seems to be very popular with sunbathers. (+ Tips! Hire an Ape Calessino to tour the island. If you want to visit Mount Etna you can take a tour or a bus. Changing hands many times over its varied history, Taormina Italy evokes strong sentiment of its historical importance and is a welcome tourist spot. It all makes for a fun and lively place to be. However, are things open there in Mid November? While many folks may feel that Taormina can be done quickly in one day, I think a couple of days is more appropriate to cover not only Taormina but some of the surrounding sites as well. Even on a slightly cloudy day like when we visited (at least over Mount Etna), though, the views are still pretty phenomenal. If not, try getting there on the earlier side around 7ish (although Il Barcaiolo is known to book up days in advance). Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. Do you see them in the photo above? Ultimate South of France Itinerary: Provence + French Riviera, 15 Cool Cities Perfect for Weekend Getaways in the USA, How to Take a Traghetto (Cheapest Gondola in Venice! So called skyscrapers of the sea will be banned from Venices historic centre from 2015 af Destination 360 is your friendly travel guide. Whether youre visiting Taormina for a day as part of a cruise or youre settling in for a longer trip, youre bound to love it. As with most European vacations, if you want to beat the crowds, go during the shoulder season - April or October. italy cruise venice rome cruises around Salvatore) Tours & Tickets, Tellaro Roman Villa (Villa Romana del Tellaro) Tours & Tickets, Chiaramonte-Steri Palace (Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri) Tours & Tickets, Face masks required for travelers in public areas, Face masks required for guides in public areas, Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff, Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized, Social distancing enforced throughout experience, Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons, Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms. Originally a Siculian settlement, it was left in ruins when previous residents left to flee the domination of Dionysious the Elder, who would later go on to conquer Taormina in 392 B.C. It comes in numerous flavors and can be served with or without cream. 
Your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you on the pier where your ship is docked, holding a sign with the lead traveler name, on it. Located on the northeastern coast of Sicily, Taormina has long been a fixture in the history of the area and shares importance with other historical Sicilian cities like Syracuse, Messina and Catania. The Duomo of Castelmola, also known as the church of San Niccolo di Bari, is worth a visit and has a balcony which affords some great views. We did use the bus to get to the Alcantara Gorge. I knew we were going on a trip, I just didnt know where. Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? 
), 15 Incredible Books About Iceland (To Read Before Visiting! Book a day trip to the crater of an active volcano! If you have any time left, I would stroll the Corso Umberto. The city was given the name of Tauromenion in 358 B.C. The major sites of Taormina can easily be covered with one full day in the city, but that doesnt necessarily mean you need to hurry on! The Romans would eventually enlarge the stage and add a partial roof, which was since destroyed. Located on the north side of Mount Etna, the Gorge was formed thousands of years ago when a lava flow from the volcano was cooled quickly by the flow of the Alcantara River. Q:What is the social distancing policy during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Piazza IX Aprile makes for a great meeting place and with its many benches is a perfect spot to sit and people watch or simply stare off into the stunning view. The Ultimate Sicily Road Trip: An Epic 10 Days in Sicily Itinerary, 17 Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily's Surprising Capital City, 17 of the Best Coastal + Beach Towns in Italy, 7 Phenomenal Italy Road Trip Ideas (+ Driving Tips! The town itself is perched on a hill about 250 meters above the sea and this provides for some incredibly scenic views from almost anywhere in Taormina. Staying anywhere in Taormina should be convenient for doing day trips or seeing the local area, all depends on what your interests are? Rent a private Sicilian boat for the day {ask your hotel to help setup} and explore the islands many blue grottos, jump off rocks, and swim in the sparkling sea. We adored this small city and definitely plan to revisit any time were in eastern Sicily. A town with a landscape so mesmerizing you wont ever want to leave. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Traveling has always been one of my passions. Sure, youll no doubt share the view with quite a few others at that pointbut the views are magical. No matter its origin, the theatre is a must-see on any visit to Taormina. Inexpensive and home to great views, head this way if you want to check out the beaches of. The vibe is definitely more relaxed, and youll have far more space on the street! This tiny island is located in a small bay on the coast just below Taormina. Take in the fishing hamlets of Acireale and Catania, and discover the regions postcard-worthy landmarks as a private driver chauffeurs you around the coast. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! It is the most well-known cultural event in Taormina, and offers an array of concerts, theatre shows, and film viewings on a large screen erected in the old Greek Theatre. On any given night you could likely find us indulging in the art of aperitivo at our favorite spot, Timeos Literary Terrace. All Of Me was our first dance song, so to see John Legend perform it in person on our anniversary night gave us all the nostalgic feels. Tour the Greek Theater or better yet, check their schedule for musical and opera performances. If you want to go still higher there are four-wheel drive buses that will take you as high as is permissible given the status of the mountain. Destination 360. Or, you can take the cable car farther up the mountain to some of the more recent eruption sites. The Alcantara Gorge is also reachable from Taormina by bus, very interesting place. We experienced places we would have never seen or learned about had we not done the tour. For our 1-year anniversary, my husband Shem planned a surprise destination trip to celebrate. It is close to Mount Etna, Europe"s largest active volcano and rich in influence through its history, which makes it an unforgettable area to tour. We want to make the best of that short time. Book your food and wine tour of the Etna region today!
Standing guard to the piazza are two churches, St. Augustines and the Church of St. Joseph. With winding medieval streets and corridors, tourists exploring on foot can be guaranteed to enjoy not only the sights, but also the many fine Taormina restaurants, cafes and ice-cream bars that abound just around every bend. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. You probably wont have time for much else, but if you can manage to squeeze in these two things, you will have done well. ), Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? We will not have a car and only have a couple of days. It is perhaps the most popular of tourist destinations in Sicily, noted both for its natural beauty and its art treasures. An absolute must-do is to drive up to the village of Castelmola, the highest point of Taormina, which offers sprawling coastline panoramic views. We had some of our best meals this way. Because of its remarkable preservation, the theatre is still used today for concerts and theatre performances. The area, and the town itself, would continue its tumultuous changing of the guard and varied influence, until 1861 when Italy became united. It was clear to us that he is not only proud of his famous clientele but also of his world-famous Granita. Angry at the city and its residents for their support of Pompey, Octavian would go on to expel most of Taormina"s inhabitants. Thanks to the mineral rich soil, the wines are full-bodied and supple. Book a resy if you can. While you can have them served with milk or cream, the standard version is not. The site is simply spectacular. Both private rooms and dorms are available, and a shared kitchen is located in the hostel. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The policies on face masks and attendee health are: The policies on staff health & safety are: Ursino Castle (Castello di Ursino) Tours & Tickets, Ballar Market (Mercato Ballar) Tours & Tickets, Capo Market (Mercato di Capo) Tours & Tickets, Taormina Cruise Port (Taormina Terminal Crociere) Tours & Tickets, Neapolis Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis) Tours & Tickets, Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja) Tours & Tickets, Messina Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Messina) Tours & Tickets, Taormina Cathedral (Duomo) and Piazza del Duomo Tours & Tickets, Mazzar Beach (Lido Mazzar) Tours & Tickets, Church of San Domenico (Chiesa di San Domenico) Tours & Tickets, Palatine Chapel (Capella Palatina) Tours & Tickets, Opera Dei Pupi (Rod Marionette Theatre) Tours & Tickets, San Benedetto Church (Chiesa San Benedetto) Tours & Tickets, Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara) Tours & Tickets, Branciforte Palace (Palazzo Branciforte) Tours & Tickets, Nicolaci di Villadorata Palace (Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata) Tours & Tickets, Basilica of San Salvatore (Basilica del SS. If youre planning on a couple of days in Taormina, this guide will help you to cover all of the must-see sites plus a few additional points of interest for the more adventurous souls. The Alcantara Gorge is something that I highly recommend. Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Taormina! Answer: Personally I would stay closer to the Corso Umberto. At night the street comes alive with music and entertainment and can resemble a party atmosphere. Answer: Sure, there are a few wineries located on Mt. Etna. The views are as breathtaking as the cocktails taste. To get to Isola Bella from Taormina you will have to take the cable car down to the coast. You can reach Taormina fairly easily via train from Catania, or with some effort, from Palermo. An Aperol Spritz, of course. As lovely as Corso Umberto is, the daytrippers and cruise ship visitors who come through during the day can also make it very, very congested.
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