Taormina is one of the most captivating destinations in Sicily, elegantly perched on a panoramic terrace of Monte Tauro, overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and the splendid bay of Giardini-Naxos, the ancient Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily founded in 8^th century BC,  with the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, rising in the distance. At its feet lie secluded beaches and the enchanting Isola Bella, a tiny, picturesque island linked to the mainland by a slender strip of sand and protected as a nature reserve for its unique flora and fauna.

Renowned as an international tourist destination, Taormina enchants visitors with its breathtaking natural scenery, crystal-clear waters, and rich historical heritage.

Among its most iconic treasures, the Ancient Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina) stands as a masterpiece of Greco-Roman architecture, dating back to the 3^rd century BC. Carved into the hillside, this amphitheatre opens to one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the world: the deep blue Ionian Sea stretching below and Mount Etna rising majestically in the distance, a vision of nature and history intertwined in perfect harmony. In his “Italienische Reise“ (Journey to Italy), Goethe described this extraordinary site, by stating that «If one places oneself at the highest point occupied by the ancient spectators, one must recognize that probably never before had a theatre audience witnessed anything like it ». Even today, the stage of the Teatro Antico hosts concerts and cultural events, continuing a tradition of art and spectacle that spans millennia.

From the Ancient Theatre, a short walk brings you to the Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale), a green oasis originally designed in the 19^th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan. These enchanting gardens are a masterpiece of landscape art, adorned with exotic plants and vibrant flowers, peaceful paths shaded by greenery, and terraces that open to breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

Strolling along Corso Umberto, the elegant main street of Taormina’s historic centre that stretches between Porta Messina and Porta Catania, you’ll encounter some of the town’s most remarkable landmarks. Beginning at Porta Catania and moving toward Porta Messina, highlights include the 13^th-century Palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano, followed by Cathedral Square, home to the medieval Cathedral dedicated to San Nicolò di Bari. Further along, you’ll find Piazza IX Aprile, a scenic terrace that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the bay of Giardini-Naxos. This lively square is framed by the 15^th-century Church of Sant’Agostino, now home to the civic library, the charming baroque Church of San Giuseppe (17^th century), and the iconic Porta dell’Orologio. Behind the Church of San Giuseppe, the square is overlooked by the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca and the Castle of Taormina (also known as the “Saracen Castle”), built on the site that once housed the acropolis of the ancient Greek colony of Tauromenion. Continuing your walk, you’ll reach the imposing Palace Corvaja (13^th century) and the nearby Church of Santa Caterina, completing a journey through centuries of history and beauty.

Corso Umberto is lined with chic boutiques, artisan shops, cozy cafés, and gelaterias, perfect for shopping, leisurely strolls, and soaking up the town’s vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll also find numerous restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea, where you can savour exquisite Sicilian cuisine and indulge in local gastronomic specialities while enjoying unforgettable views.