taormina riviera italy

2021/05/21

Many visitors either bypass the public gardens or are simply not aware that they are here. The owner, who may very well also be your server, will be glad to show you the long list of celebrities who have graced his little bar. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. I cried the entire time. 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. If you do plan to explore the best things to do in Taormina as part of a Sicily road trip, though, we recommend shopping through Discover Carsin order to search through multiple companies at once. A welcomed real life dream. I watched as the yachts got smaller and smaller as we made our way up and up until we pulled into the driveway at Grand Hotel Timeo. It is also possibly the most beautiful place that you will visit in Sicily. If not, try getting there on the earlier side around 7ish (although Il Barcaiolo is known to book up days in advance). For the shoppers out there this is the place to be. Tour the Greek Theater or better yet, check their schedule for musical and opera performances. Overall, it was a seamless trip and well worth the ~16+ hours of travel. 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. Taormina Italy offers so much to see and do. Book a resy if you can. We had some of our best meals this way. The Corso Umberto is lined with numerous high-end shops as well as gelato shops, produce vendors, cafs, souvenirs and jewelry shops. The views are as breathtaking as the cocktails taste. Head out from central Taormina on a food and wine tour of the Etna region, and youre bound to return to town at night stuffed to the gills with local food, wine, and knowledge of the area. WHERE TO FIND THE BEST APEROL SPRITZ, PASTA, AND WHAT TO DO INBETWEEN. Etna and a winery in the area in the same day? 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. We will usually stay in a B&B right on the Corso Umberto, a place called Le Sibille. If you like to travel, like us on Facebook or spread the good word. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. But, the best location when traveling to Taormina is right in town. As its about a 40-minute bus ride from Taormina you should probably dedicate at least half a day for a visit. The staff helped us park our rental car for free nearby, which we greatly appreciated! If youre staying overnight in Taorminaand you definitely should!be sure to visit Corso Umberto in the evening, long after the daytrippers have left. You may even be lucky enough to catch a wedding ceremony coming out of the Church. We departed from LA, had a 2 hour layover in Amsterdam, then jumped on a 3 hour flight to Catania. Do you see them in the photo above? Do you have any suggestions? The village is a great spot for a mid-day lunch break and some shopping. Question: Is there snorkeling in Taormina ? ). We are a couple with two kids below 10. Q:What is the social distancing policy during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? It comes in numerous flavors and can be served with or without cream. It also has the dubious distinction of sitting practically in the shadow of Mt. Hostel Taormina Boasting great reviews and a perfect location in Taorminas Old Town, Hostel Taormina is the perfect place for budget travelers looking to keep costs down in what is arguably Sicilys most expensive city. 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. You can do a day trip to Mt Etna from Taormina by bus; the trip is about an hour. Famous for their Granita, which is a semi-frozen dessert that originated in Sicily, the establishment has been visited by numerous high-profile celebrities over the years. Sure, youll no doubt share the view with quite a few others at that pointbut the views are magical. Turn right on the National Strada Statale and youll find the entrance to the Reserve some 500 feet away. Enjoy your stay. Any entrance fees are at your own expense. 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. Amalfi Coast, Italy, Italian Coastline, European summer. 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. Home to what are widely considered to be the best beaches in Taormina, summer visitors should definitely add a visit to Isola Bella to their list of things to do in Taormina! 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. Answer: If you are arriving in Taormina, we have stayed at a small bed & breakfast called B&B Le Sibelle. 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. The refuge areas all have basic overnight accommodations and restaurants if you're looking to spend a night on the mountain. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. 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. Book your boat cruise around Isola Bella today! So called skyscrapers of the sea will be banned from Venices historic centre from 2015 af Destination 360 is your friendly travel guide. 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. Thats when we were planning on going. If you get unlucky with the weather like us and find Mount Etna stubbornly covered in clouds when you arrive in Taormina, youll be happy for the extra time! A visit to the Alcantara Gorge is a great break from the crowds of Taormina. Book your food and wine tour of the Etna region today! I found the gardens to be a beautiful shady respite from the crowded Corso Umberto. If the delicious food, proximity to Sicilys most famous volcano, and charming downtown werent enough reasons to love Taormina, the views of the Ionian Sea alone would make it worth checking out. We did rent a car to visit Mount Etna, but we were also leaving Taormina and heading south to Modica. The water is advertised as being very cold but we found it refreshing. Known as the Pearl of the Ionian, Isola Bella is protected by the World Wildlife Federation, and is a designated Nature Preserve. Inexpensive and home to great views, head this way if you want to check out the beaches of Mazzar or Isola Bella or if you just want to gape at the view on your way down. 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. We typically have the hotel make reservations for us - they speak the language and often get the insiders treatment. Taormina would enjoy prosperity in the time of Julius Caesar, but go on to suffer under the rule of Octavian. ), which we found varied dramatically among different rental car companies in Sicily! manarola hotels italy peschiera borromeo italy As amazing as it is during the day, it is as mesmerizing at night when it becomes an illuminated wonder. The site is simply spectacular. Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? Be sure to take a drink from one of the horse fountains. 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. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy its precarious setting high above the coast provides for an amazing view of Taormina, the beaches of Giardini Naxos, and Mount Etna. You probably wont have time for much else, but if you can manage to squeeze in these two things, you will have done well. 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. Question: What hotels do you recommend when visiting Taormina, Sicily? The island also has a very small beach area that seems to be very popular with sunbathers. The cable car and four-wheel drive buses are very expensive so make sure you are prepared for the cost as well as the elements when making your visit. 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. The area surrounding Mount Etna isnt known just for its views or the history of the volcano! No matter its origin, the theatre is a must-see on any visit to Taormina. For our 1-year anniversary, my husband Shem planned a surprise destination trip to celebrate. No reason why you cant do both. Answer: Not sure what a pram is? 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. The location is a short walk from Taorminas Old Town, the included breakfast quite large by Italian standards, and the customer service excellent. However, are things open there in Mid November? At night the street comes alive with music and entertainment and can resemble a party atmosphere. From the Sapienza area, you have a few options available to you. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Book a vineyard tour and enjoy wine tastings. These stunning gardens boast incredible views of the Ionian Sea and are an unmissable stop when exploring Taormina. Shop rental cars for your trip to Taormina, Sicily today! taking its name from the nearby hill of Taurus. Please be forewarned that the beach here is not sand but pebbles so bring the necessary footwear. Buy your return ticket before heading to the beach to avoid waiting in line when you want to head back up to Taormina. Many of these culinary gems lie on terraces overlooking the sea, or amidst lush and abounding gardens. The Alcantara Gorge is something that I highly recommend. That being said, if youre short on time in Sicily, you can get a great taste of Taormina without sticking around more than one full day and night (not counting visiting Mount Etna). For the nights you are looking for something a bit more elevated, I highly recommend Tischi Toschi & Il Barcaiolo. Its just you and the driver who escorts you around Taormina stopping at major sight-seeing landmarks and ancient archeological ruins. I would avoid places close to the large piazzas as people tend to congregate there at night, hence it can be noisy. Fret not, Grand Hotel Timeo has a daily shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes {Italian 15 minutes that is} from the hotel down to their private beach located at their sister property, Villa SantAndrea. Since then it has been designated as a nature reserve and is home to numerous species of birds and lizards. ), 25 Best Places to Visit in Italy (+ Map to Find Them! 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. Keep in mind that Mount Etna is not only Europes largest volcano but it is also its most active. 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. We wish we had! 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. 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! My opinion of Taormina is that it is certainly worth more than a day to fully enjoy all that the area has to offer. If you find yourself planning a visit to Taormina, I hope you found this guide helpful. For casual lunches or dinners, its easy to pop into one of the local eateries around the Piazza. Because of this, it is the most popular of the five hubs for accessing Mount Etna. This is one of the best ways to see the island. Whether you are out to simply stroll the nighttime streets or are looking to enjoy one of over eighty Taormina restaurants, you can be guaranteed to enjoy your time just as much after the sun goes down. Etna, Europes largest and most active volcano. I had the peach and it was wonderful. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. Its actually a nature reserve so there is good snorkeling and clear water. 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. Located on the top of a hill above Taormina is the quaint village of Castelmola. Answer: With just 2 hours, I would visit the Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina. ), Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? To our surprise, this was a nice way to escape the crowds in town. Tip: Hire a local captain for your boat. To reach this amazing place, take the municipal cableway from Via Pirandello in Taormina to Mazzar beach. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. 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. There is a larger beach area on the mainland side and folks seem to come and go from the island with relative ease. This beautiful piazza is located at the western end of the Corso Umberto in the old section of Taormina and is the site of the Church of San Nicola, otherwise known as the Duomo of Taormina.

The footing is loose, broken lava, so watch your step especially going downhill. 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. From here you have an unobstructed view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Shem booked a room at the Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond property. A small terrace area is also found here and is used for small outdoor concerts or gatherings. It was clear to us that he is not only proud of his famous clientele but also of his world-famous Granita. The vibe is definitely more relaxed, and youll have far more space on the street! A town with a landscape so mesmerizing you wont ever want to leave. Question: Can you please advise where would be the best area to stay to get the most out of our short visit? To get to Isola Bella from Taormina you will have to take the cable car down to the coast. Villa Carlotta, while it looks beautiful, is further down the mountain and quite a distance from the Corso Umberto, especially if walking. If you are beachside, there are plenty of restaurants along the coastline to choose from. 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. Would you stay near the Corso Umberto (Erustars Hotel) or further away (Villa Carlotta)?? If youre looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Taormina head to the public gardens for a little rest and relaxation. The city was given the name of Tauromenion in 358 B.C. It is perhaps the most popular of tourist destinations in Sicily, noted both for its natural beauty and its art treasures. Taormina is often characterized as overly touristy and during the peak season, it can get crowded, especially when the cruise ships are in port. Looking out one side of the window was a blur of bikers, tourists, shops and vespas and out the other, a sharp cliff to the sparkling sea. On any given night you could likely find us indulging in the art of aperitivo at our favorite spot, Timeos Literary Terrace. Answer: Personally I would stay closer to the Corso Umberto. The site has facilities including a restaurant and the bus stop is right at the front gate to the Gorge site. Even on a slightly cloudy day like when we visited (at least over Mount Etna), though, the views are still pretty phenomenal. Packing lists inspired by paradise - shop now. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Because of mobility issues that seems the best we can do. At Tischi Toschi youll dine on the best pastas while Il Barcaiolo serves up the freshest seafood. Between the sights, sounds, and tastes, your senses are guaranteed to be alive and well, no matter where you choose to rest your legs for a bit and take it all in. You can reach Taormina fairly easily via train from Catania, or with some effort, from Palermo. 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! Its historical course often begins with its founding in 395 B.C. Not only will you be able to compare prices easily, but youll also be able to compare rental inclusions (like insurance, kilometers allotted, etc. We adored this small city and definitely plan to revisit any time were in eastern Sicily. Question: Is it possible to visit Mt. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. On a clear day, the views of Mount Etna from Taormina are fantasticbut theres still nothing like standing on an active volcano with your own two feet. Because of its remarkable preservation, the theatre is still used today for concerts and theatre performances. If you happen to be in Taormina during a performance look into attending a show here for an unforgettable experience. 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. Apparently, this place is somewhat of a local legend in Taormina. Take the cable car down to the shore from Taormina then head to the right up the short hill. The Romans would eventually enlarge the stage and add a partial roof, which was since destroyed. 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. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! From the end of July to September the International Taormina Arte Festival is in full swing. Both private rooms and dorms are available, and a shared kitchen is located in the hostel. 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. Corso Umberto is the major pedestrian street of Taorminaas major as anything in Taormina gets, anyway. Theres no shortage on day trips to embark on from Taormina, so its worth taking advantage of while there. Changing hands many times over its varied history, Taormina Italy evokes strong sentiment of its historical importance and is a welcome tourist spot. You definitely dont need a car while in Taormina, but if you would like to venture out and explore everything the island has to offer, choose a few days to schedule a rental car and go. Hi, 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. Also known as the Trevelyan Gardens, this English-style garden has a panoramic walkway that faces the sea and Mount Etna. With many Taormina hotels ranging from budget to luxury, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. You can find them almost everywhere but I suggest stopping in at Bam Bar. This is the only one of the five refuge areas that is accessible by public transportation. 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. Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. The summer months are always the busiest, however it has never slowed us down. Head to BamBar for some of the best granitas in Taormina that are definitely served with some of the prettiest decor. Question: Should we rent a car in Taorima, Sicily to get around? Standing guard to the piazza are two churches, St. Augustines and the Church of St. Joseph. Check the updated schedule and ticket prices here. ), 17 Interesting Facts About Sicily, Italy's Southernmost Region, How to Order Coffee in Italy: Essential Guide for Caffeine Lovers, 7 Days in Italy: 7 Ways to Spend a Week in Italy. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world, creating a volcanic terroir. Be sure to bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Within the center of tiny Taormina itself, though, you can give your rental car a breakcentral Taormina is small and extremely walkable, so youll only need a car for day trips once you arrive in the city. All Rights Reserved The remains of the castle itself are not much, but it is worth the few extra steps to climb to the ruins of the castle if for no other reason than the view. 2022 Taormina Sicily is a destination most worthy of a visit when considering any trip to southern Italy. An absolute must-do is to drive up to the village of Castelmola, the highest point of Taormina, which offers sprawling coastline panoramic views. 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. Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Taormina! Italians call this, dolce far niente - pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness. If you need further info, please contact us in advance. Answer: Sure, there are a few wineries located on Mt. We did use the bus to get to the Alcantara Gorge. Most likely the theatre was of Greek origin and then rebuilt on its present site by the Romans. An Aperol Spritz, of course. Let me help you out in one word - Taormina. While you can have them served with milk or cream, the standard version is not.

Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Taormina Shore Excursion: Acireale, Catania and Cyclops Riviera Trip? I knew we were going on a trip, I just didnt know where. 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! As with most European vacations, if you want to beat the crowds, go during the shoulder season - April or October. At night the square comes alive as musicians and artists fill the piazza with music and color. Italians eat much later, so restaurants start getting busy around 9pm. Due to Taorminas location high on a cliff, in order to reach the local beaches, youll need to board the cable car. That being said, if youre short on time in Sicily, you can get a great taste of Taormina without sticking around more than one full day and night (not counting visiting Mount Etna). Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. This tiny island is located in a small bay on the coast just below Taormina. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. A day spent soaking up the sun and views here make for an absolutely idyllic day in Sicily.

Or, you can take the cable car farther up the mountain to some of the more recent eruption sites. Even at the Sapienza Refuge area the weather can be extremely cold and windy so come prepared. Just a short drive from Taormina you will find yourself in beautiful wine country. You can also walk there crossing Via Pirandello and taking a series of paths and lanes down from town to the entrance. On a perfectly clear day, youll have an epic view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea visible behind the Greek Theatre of Taormina. Be sure to try the freshly caught fish for a refreshing taste of the island. Tip: Taormina is built on a rugged cliffside so getting down to the beach can be a bit of a task. As luck had it, John Legend was playing the night of our 1-year anniversary. 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! Thanks! We visited: Tornatore & Fischetti wineries. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Continental! I love the excitement of seeing new places and the thrill of experiencing different cultures. The ancient theatre is built mostly of brick, which would indicate that it is of Roman origins, but its layout follows what is considered to be a Greek design so it is sometimes referred to as the Greco Roman Theatre. The island is connected to the mainland by a small and narrow path that depending on the tide may be submerged. Meet the best slushiefor lack of a better descriptoryoull ever meet in your life: a granita.