Perched on the side of a hill, Taormina is located on the Italian island of Sicily. The tiny resort town is a popular holiday destination, inviting people in with its ancient structures, unbeatable views and lively atmosphere.
With glimpses of its Greek and Roman past still prominent in its cityscape, Taormina has a lot in store for history buffs. Built in the third century BCE, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina still hosts festivals and concerts in the summer, against a stunning backdrop of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. For a look at the city’s other significant landmarks, you can take a stroll along the Corso Umberto I, past historic churches, a 12th-century clock tower and the Duomo di Taormina. The charming main street is also lined with boutiques, cafes and flower-laden houses. As you wander the cobblestone lanes, pause at the chequered Piazza IX Aprile for sweeping vistas of the bright blue sea.
The tiny island of Isola Bella is located just off the coast below Taormina. Known as the ‘The Pearl of the Ionian Sea’, the islet is connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land. You can reach the island by taking a cable car to the Mazzarò Station, after which you can soak up the sun on its pebble beaches and swim in the warm waters of the bay.