How to Spend a Day in Taormina, Sicily
How to spend a day in Taormina? If you are looking for a scenic day trip outside of Catania, Taormina is one of the most picturesque villages in Sicily. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is home to a Greek amphitheater, has a handful of Michelin star restaurants and is renowned for its colourful ceramics which line the streets. You may have heard about it from the visits of famous authors or by it’s renowned scenery. Either way, if you are looking for everything quintessentially Sicilian packed into one day, this is the town for you!
Taormina in Sicily is no secret anymore, and it can get quite busy during the summer months. Therefore it is best to visit outside of July and August or start your day early and go to the most popular places in the morning. Afterwards you can relax on a terrace and enjoy the view or scour the shops for some beautiful souvenirs. Here are the main things that Taormina has to offer and how to spend your day in order to see them all.
Teatro Antico di Taormina
You might wonder what a Greek amphitheater is doing in Italy, but back in 3rd century the Magna Grecia (Greater Greece) was the name given to Southern coastal regions of Italy that were populated by Greek settlers. This amphitheater is one of the oldest in Sicily and it sits above the hills with a magnificent view of the sea. You can hear a whisper from across the space and marvel at the acoustics. The trip to this special site is reason enough to visit Taormina.
Shop for Ceramics
Sicily is known for it’s unique ceramic arts in the Madeira style. The style originated in Mallorca, where the name comes from, but was perfected in Sicily. The ceramics are recognized by a glossy finish and white background with colourful Mediterranean imagery. Typical items include heads of kings and queens, large lidded vases and plates, however now you can find many household items in this typical style. In Taormina, you can buy them directly from the craftsmen as a local souvenir. They will even ship them home with insurance for you.
Lunch with a View
After meandering through the small streets and hills of Taormina, its time for a scenic spot for lunch. Sicilian food is world renowned and Taormina is no different with a handful of Michelin starred restaurants. However only a few restaurants offer a spectacular view alongside the delicious cuisine. Check out the Restaurante del Duomo for a classic Italian lunch that overlooks the main square. Al Saraceno lays just above the town and has the most impressive terrace and panoramic scenery. While the magnificent La Giara has always been a favourite among famous visitors but you will probably need a reservation.
Take a Hike
Since Taormina sits upon a hilltop, there are lots of walkways that will bring you to various view points. Take the path up or down from Taormina you will not be disappointed. There are some steps leading up towards the town of Castelmola that will give you an amazing view over the peninsula of Taormina. Otherwise walking down to the beach (a little easier) and jumping in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean is a beautiful way to finish the day.
Italy is full of amazing day trips, road trips and food of course, read more about this beautiful country below.
Or take the boat to Malta for a new Mediterranean adventure!
- A Brief History of Malta (in a rhyme!)
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- What To Do In Valletta, Malta
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- Why Live in Malta?
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