Taormina – what a special, unique place. This small Italian town is most famous for hosting the film festival and more recently for being the luxury location for White Lotus (season 2). With some of the most spectacular views on offer it’s no surprise that visitors are flocking here to experience the beauty for themselves.
Elegance, a Rich Culture and Post-card Perfect Views
For a small town Taormina gives off a certain air of elegance, with a combination of boutique and luxury shops combined with the impeccable style of the locals as they enjoy a passeggiata down Corso Umberto – Taormina’s main pedestrianized street. Off here are narrow very steep laneways lined with restaurants and bars, with seating on uneven stairs and people packed in exploring this historical town and tasting the delicious local flavours.
However, it’s the hilltop location that really makes this place so alluring. With landscape views that go on for miles, combining the beautiful blue Ionain sea with the dramatic, cliff edges and the volcanic Mount Etna visible in the distance, it really is a sight to behold.
TAORMINA SPRITZY SNAPSHOT:
- Best Spritz – Ape Nera
- Restaurant with a View – Granduca
- Traditional Trattoria – Mamma Rosa
- Quirky Bar – Timoleone Bar
- Best Pasticceria – Roberto’s
- Must do – Teatro Antico di Taormina
- Best Day Trip – Mount Etna
- Must Try – Sicilian limon granita
- Nature & Design Lovers – Isola Bella
Best Taormina Spritz – Ape Nera
Sit on the main street during aperitivo hour and watch the world go by with your spritz in hand, admiring the designer outfits that pass and the general ambience of this beautiful town.
Restaurant with a View – Granduca
Granduca (be sure to book to secure a table outside) this restaurant offers both a pizza menu and an a la carte menu to offer something for everyone. Whilst the food is delicious its the view that will really make it a special evening.
Traditional Taormina Trattoria – Mamma Rosa
Experience a traditional Italian trattoria serving up dishes just like Mamma makes. This restaurant is one of a few places that sits in a hidden square just off the steep laneways with tables and chairs packed in to accommodate everyone. Tasty food at reasonable prices. Recommend booking to avoid disappointment.
(If you have time to queue or get the timing just rigt Trattoria Rita seems to be the stand out spot to go, with long queues every night.)
Quirky Bar – Timoleone Bar
Timoleone Bar hidden down a back street on the steps with fairy lights and a great vibe. This is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy some drinks of an evening.
Best Pasticceria – Roberto’s
Roberto Taormina’s has to be one of my favourite Pasticceria’s in Italy – don’t leave here without a visit. There are so many options to choose from and from our experience, everything is a winner so you shouldn’t leave disappointed. Highlights included the strudel and cannoli’s – they were both to die!
Taormina Must do – Teatro Antico di Taormina
This amphitheatre is hidden away down one of the many side streets but don’t be falled by the outside appearance. Once inside you are treated to a truly magnificent view with the backdrop of the sea and a panaromic vista across Taormina. They were hosting the Film Festival in here when we visited. This is one spot not to be missed.
Best Day Trip – Mount Etna
Mount Etna – Visiting Mount Etna was like something out of a movie. As Europe’s largest volcano and one that is still active, we highly recommend you do a day trip from Taormina or Catania whilst in Sicily. We did a self drive trip, on arrival it’s easy to take the cable cars up to the 2,500 meters summit and then you are transferred to 4 x4 buses that get you closer to the summit at a height of 2,900 meters with a short walk at the end. There are also plenty of different tour options available. Once you are at the top you feel as though you’re walking on the moon. What an experience!
Top tip pack some warm clothes and wear hiking shoes or trainers – it might be 40 degrees at the bottom but it’s still cold at the summit. Be prepared for some breathtaking moments (literally – the air is thinner up the top and it can be hard to get your breath)
Must Try – Sicilian limon granita
The refreshing taste of sicilian limon granita on a hot day is so delicious & the freshly filled cannoli’s will bring a smile to anyone that tries them. They are freshly filled on request with your choice of vanilla ricotta or chocolate. Bambar is the famous spot to try the granita if you are lucky enough to get in.
Isola Bella is like no other place I have been before. Set on an island you can access it by walking across a causeway along from the beach at low tide. Here you’ll discover a nature reserve that is protected by UNESCO. For a few Euro’s entry fee you can explore the reserve, providing a lovely view looking back over at Taormina. You also get to go on an adventure as you explore the remains of a quirky house owned by Lady Trevelyan’s and now turned into a museum. It is a truly unique experience.
