The excellent location and unique natural beauty earned this city the nickname Pearl of the Ionian Sea, making it the most famous and important resort not only in Sicily.Taormina welcomes you at any time of the year with its Mediterranean climate, historical center rich in attractions and impressive Hellenistic theater, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the turquoise sea and a view that stretches all the way to the coast of Calabria, the city of Syracuse and the summit of the volcano Etna.
Landmarks
Isola Bella is the symbol of Taormina together with the Greek Theatre, a picturesque and evocative little island that became the Regional Natural Museum of Isolabella in 2011.Another symbol of Taormina is the Greek Theater. It has a rock-cut cave that blends perfectly with its surroundings, and offers a unique vantage point: to the south Mount Etna, the Gulf of Naxos and the city of Taormina, while to the north you can admire the coast of Calabria from the Strait of Messina.Another must-see in Taormina is Piazza IX Aprile, a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay below.Filled with outdoor cafes, the square is the perfect place to sip a granita, admire the beauty of Taormina and catch a glimpse of Mount Etna in the distance.From the terrace, walk to Piazza Duomo to admire the 13th-century Cathedral Basilica of San Niccolò di Bari on one side and the Baroque fountain named after the 4 Fountains on the other.
What to eat in Taormina
Sicily is world-renowned for its delicious food, and the city of Taormina is no exception. There are many culinary temptations here, and they can be found everywhere.Swordfish rolls are a must. They have an Arabic influence and are made with pine nuts, sultanas, lemon and a pinch of mint.Sicilian caponata gets its name from the original preparation of capone fish, but over the years it has evolved into a delicious vegetarian dish with eggplant, olives, onions and tomatoes.
Pasta alla norma is a feast of roasted eggplant paired with tomato sauce and a generous helping of salty ricotta.If you like starters, try the sardine pasta, a delicious dish that combines the strong flavor of sardines with the sweetness of sultanas and pine nuts.Now for dessert, and in Taormina you can't leave the table without dessert: try nzuddi, a crunchy almond cookie enriched with orange shavings, or cuzzole, fried and sugared pieces of bread dough.
