Description: Taormina is a small lovely and romantic town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, [Italy], in the Province of Messina, about midway between Messina and Catania, approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe's largest active volcano Mount Etna. The site of the old town is about 300 m above the sea, while a very steep and almost isolated rock, crowned by a Saracen castle, rises about 150 m higher. Taormina is one of the most popular Italian tourist destinations thanks to its beauty, its panoramic location, it beaches and crystalline sea waters. The town had a very long history that this webpage would not be enough to write all what happened.  Taormina knew Roman, Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Arab civilizations. 

Sights and Attractions: The "Greek theater",  is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, and from which visitors can enjoy breathtaking views  • Piazza Vittorio Emanuele • Palazzo Corvaja (a mix of Gothic, Norman and  Arab style) • Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria behind which are the remains of the Odeon, a small Roman Theater • Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano with elegant two-light windows and nice ornaments• The Clock Tower • The Duomo • Piazza 9 Aprile is the central piazza and heart of Taormina and offers stunning views of Volcano Etna • The "Villa Comunale" and its magnificent garden rich in tropical plants and breathtaking views over the blue sea • At the foot of the hill  is the Isola Bella, a nature reserve •   Capo Sant' Andrea grottos •  The scenic Alcantara Gorge is located about a twenty minute drive south and west of Taormina

Museums: The "Sicilian Museum of art and popular traditions" is hosted in Palazzo Corvaja

Events:  The Feast of San Pancrazio, Taormina's patron saint, is the most important religious event of the year and takes place on July 9th.

Typical products: Try "Cassata" or "Cannoli" made with fresh ricotta, "Gelato" or "Granita" flavored with fresh fruits, coffee or almonds. (our favorite is  Granita with lemon)

Wines: Try memorable table wines such as the Alcamo, Etna Rosso and Corvo, while dessert calls for a celebration with Marsala, Moscato di Noto or Passito di Pantelleria.

Surrounding smaller towns and hamlets: Mazzeo, Trappitello, Villagonia.

Neighboring towns: Calatabiano, Castelmola, Castiglione di Sicilia, Gaggi, Giardini-Naxos, Letojanni.
 
Nearby seaside resorts: To reach the seaside from Taormina is very easy by the cableway just few minutes or by mini-bus or bus from the city center less than half an hour. Taormina can be easily reached by any mean of transportation from all over the world suiting any budget traveller.

Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa (50 km from Taormina)
Nearest train stations: Taormina is one of Italy 's most beautiful Sicilian Liberty style train stations. Many trains stop here. The station is 3 km outside of the city linked by ta shuttle service.
By Car: From Catania, take the highway A18 direction Messina and exit "Taormina". - From Palermo take the highway A20 to Messina, then highway A18 direction Catania and exit Taormina.

Public transportation: Taormina has its own modern bus terminal right in the town center. Frequent buses (Company "Interbus") run from Palermo, Catania (airport included) and Messina. website

Distances: Catania 60 km; Etna 25 km; Messina 40 km; Palermo 250 km; Rome  90 km;  Siracusa 120 km;