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Holiday houses in Taormina
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, perched above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of Italy's most charming and culturally rich destinations.
History of Taormina
Ancient Origins: Originally founded by the Sicels in the 4th century BC, it was later colonized by the Greeks and called Tauromenion.
Greek Theatre: The crown jewel of its ancient past, the Teatro Greco (still in use today), dates back to the 3rd century BC and was later expanded by the Romans.
Medieval Era: Under Byzantine, Arab, and Norman control, the town flourished architecturally and culturally. Arabic influence is evident in the narrow alleys and gardens.
19th Century & Beyond: Became a favorite of European aristocrats, writers, and artists. D.H. Lawrence lived here for a time.
Description & Atmosphere
Aesthetic: Taormina is a picturesque town of narrow, cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, Baroque churches, and sweeping sea views.
Location: Situated between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, offering dramatic landscapes and a mix of mountain and coastal climate.
Vibe: Romantic, artistic, slightly aristocratic, yet relaxed and welcoming.
Typical Food & Local Cuisine
Taormina shares much with Sicilian cuisine but has its own local highlights:
Arancini – Fried rice balls filled with ragù, peas, and cheese.
Pasta alla Norma – Eggplant, tomato, basil, and ricotta salata.
Granita con Brioche – Icy almond or lemon granita served with soft Sicilian brioche.
Cannoli – Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta.
Pesce Spada (Swordfish) – Often grilled or served “alla ghiotta” (with tomatoes, capers, and olives).
Cassata Siciliana – A sweet, colorful ricotta-based cake with candied fruit.
Local wines: Try Etna Rosso, made from the Nerello Mascalese grape grown on Mt. Etna’s volcanic soil.
Activities
Teatro Greco: Visit the Greek-Roman theater for cultural events and panoramic views.
Corso Umberto I: The main street for strolling, shopping, and people-watching.
Cable Car to Mazzarò Beach: Ride down to the coast for beach clubs and crystal-clear water.
Isola Bella: A protected islet and nature reserve—ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Mount Etna Excursions: Day trips for hiking, jeep tours, or even skiing in winter.
Alcantara Gorges: Hike or wade through lava-carved canyons and waterfalls.
Historical Churches: Visit the Duomo di Taormina and the Church of San Pancrazio.
Local Shops & Artisan Goods
Ceramics – Colorful, hand-painted pieces in traditional Sicilian designs.
Coral Jewelry – Crafted from Mediterranean red coral.
Modica Chocolate – Aztec-style cold-processed chocolate bars.
Limoncello & Olive Oil – Locally produced and beautifully bottled.
Sicilian Puppets – Traditional marionettes called pupi.
Art Galleries – Local artists showcase Mediterranean-themed works.
Festivals & Events
Taormina Film Fest (June) – Internationally recognized film festival held at the ancient theatre.
San Pancrazio Festival (July 9) – Honoring the town's patron saint with processions and fireworks.
Taormina Arte (Summer) – A cultural festival with music, dance, opera, and theater.
Carnival (February/March) – Masked parades, costumes, and sweets before Lent.
Christmas Markets (December) – Handicrafts, nativity scenes, and Sicilian seasonal treats.
Nature & Landscape
Mount Etna – One of Europe’s most active volcanoes, offering lunar landscapes and vineyard-covered slopes.
Isola Bella Nature Reserve – Accessible by foot at low tide; a sanctuary for flora and fauna.
Public Gardens (Villa Comunale) – Lush botanical garden with exotic plants, ocean views, and peace.
Beaches – Pebbled coves with turquoise water: Mazzarò, Spisone, and Giardini Naxos nearby.
Zafferana Etnea – Mountain village with honey tastings and views of lava flows.
History of Taormina
Ancient Origins: Originally founded by the Sicels in the 4th century BC, it was later colonized by the Greeks and called Tauromenion.
Greek Theatre: The crown jewel of its ancient past, the Teatro Greco (still in use today), dates back to the 3rd century BC and was later expanded by the Romans.
Medieval Era: Under Byzantine, Arab, and Norman control, the town flourished architecturally and culturally. Arabic influence is evident in the narrow alleys and gardens.
19th Century & Beyond: Became a favorite of European aristocrats, writers, and artists. D.H. Lawrence lived here for a time.
Description & Atmosphere
Aesthetic: Taormina is a picturesque town of narrow, cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, Baroque churches, and sweeping sea views.
Location: Situated between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, offering dramatic landscapes and a mix of mountain and coastal climate.
Vibe: Romantic, artistic, slightly aristocratic, yet relaxed and welcoming.
Typical Food & Local Cuisine
Taormina shares much with Sicilian cuisine but has its own local highlights:
Arancini – Fried rice balls filled with ragù, peas, and cheese.
Pasta alla Norma – Eggplant, tomato, basil, and ricotta salata.
Granita con Brioche – Icy almond or lemon granita served with soft Sicilian brioche.
Cannoli – Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta.
Pesce Spada (Swordfish) – Often grilled or served “alla ghiotta” (with tomatoes, capers, and olives).
Cassata Siciliana – A sweet, colorful ricotta-based cake with candied fruit.
Local wines: Try Etna Rosso, made from the Nerello Mascalese grape grown on Mt. Etna’s volcanic soil.
Activities
Teatro Greco: Visit the Greek-Roman theater for cultural events and panoramic views.
Corso Umberto I: The main street for strolling, shopping, and people-watching.
Cable Car to Mazzarò Beach: Ride down to the coast for beach clubs and crystal-clear water.
Isola Bella: A protected islet and nature reserve—ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Mount Etna Excursions: Day trips for hiking, jeep tours, or even skiing in winter.
Alcantara Gorges: Hike or wade through lava-carved canyons and waterfalls.
Historical Churches: Visit the Duomo di Taormina and the Church of San Pancrazio.
Local Shops & Artisan Goods
Ceramics – Colorful, hand-painted pieces in traditional Sicilian designs.
Coral Jewelry – Crafted from Mediterranean red coral.
Modica Chocolate – Aztec-style cold-processed chocolate bars.
Limoncello & Olive Oil – Locally produced and beautifully bottled.
Sicilian Puppets – Traditional marionettes called pupi.
Art Galleries – Local artists showcase Mediterranean-themed works.
Festivals & Events
Taormina Film Fest (June) – Internationally recognized film festival held at the ancient theatre.
San Pancrazio Festival (July 9) – Honoring the town's patron saint with processions and fireworks.
Taormina Arte (Summer) – A cultural festival with music, dance, opera, and theater.
Carnival (February/March) – Masked parades, costumes, and sweets before Lent.
Christmas Markets (December) – Handicrafts, nativity scenes, and Sicilian seasonal treats.
Nature & Landscape
Mount Etna – One of Europe’s most active volcanoes, offering lunar landscapes and vineyard-covered slopes.
Isola Bella Nature Reserve – Accessible by foot at low tide; a sanctuary for flora and fauna.
Public Gardens (Villa Comunale) – Lush botanical garden with exotic plants, ocean views, and peace.
Beaches – Pebbled coves with turquoise water: Mazzarò, Spisone, and Giardini Naxos nearby.
Zafferana Etnea – Mountain village with honey tastings and views of lava flows.
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