Taormina at the foothills of the Etna Volcano, Sicily

Taormina, great destination in Sicily in Italy

Taormina on the East coast of Sicily is among the most sought after destinations in Sicily for Italians and tourists. Once there, you will understand why.

Taormina lies at the foothills of the Etna Volcano

It is a little town perched high on Monte Tauro and has the Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, as a background.

Like all the places in Sicily, Taormina has plenty of history to boast with.

Taormina was a holiday destination even for the ancient Greeks

Taormina has been a tourist destination for all the rulers of Sicily going back to the ancient Greeks. This due to its very protected position and mild climate.

More recently

In 1787, J.W. Goethe discovered the beauties of Taormina.

In 1880, the Prussian photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden settled down here. He made the town famous with his pictures of nude shepherd boys with the Etna as a background.

Otto Geleng

But it was the fine paintings of Otto Geleng of the ruins, mountains and sea that introduced this part of Italy to the rest of the world.

More famous visitors coming to Taormina in Sicily

Famous people such as Luigi Pirandello, Gustav Klimt, Oscar Wilde, Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms began spending their holidays in Taormina.

Hollywood actors

Hollywoods actors discovered Taormina. Ingmar Berman, Francis Ford Coppola, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Federico Fellini, Cary Grant.

Also,Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck, Marcello Mastroianni, Elisabeth Taylor, Woody Allen. They all passed some holiday time here.

Ancient theatre in Taormina

An amphitheater was built with bricks which would suggest that it dates to Roman times. However, the layout is more in accordance with the Greek style. Hence, it seems that the Roman theatre was built on the foundations of a Greek theatre.

Breath taking location

Anyway, whether Greek or Roman, the theatre is located in a breathtaking position with the beautiful coastline as a backdrop. You absolutely have to do the short up hill walk and check it out.

Amazing performances in the ancient theatre of Taormina

During the warm months of the year, top notch theatre performances are organized here every year.

But coming to present times

Main shopping street

I really enjoyed just strolling down Corso Umberto and do some window shopping and admire the extravagant pottery.

And, I actually got myself a “black ice-cream” served in one of the many coffee shops.

Cathedral of Saint Nicolo in Taormina, Sicily

Get to the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolo and the curious fountain just in front of it. From the square, you have spectacular views onto the sea and Naxos, the most popular beach around here.