Taormina

The literal translation "beautiful island" wasn't given at random. This Mediterranean isle serves as a natural habitat for diverse species of birds and sea life. With its crystal waters, it acts as a bathing spot where you can also enjoy the ocean breeze.

A bustling landmark of Taormina, Piazza IX Aprile is the vibrant heart of the town. Guarded by two majestic churches, it offers an sweeping view of the Ionic Sea. With its traditional cafes and restaurants, it is a place where you can sip some local almond wine while listening to musicians fiddling with their strings.

Constructed at the end of the XVII century, San Giuseppe church dominates Piazza IX Aprile with its Baroque facade. The interiors are decorated with floral motifs and angels, as well as with some frescoes picturing traditional Catholic images.

The gardens of this villa represent a shaded solution after the days spent at the beach. Designed by the British and eccentric Lady Florence Trevelyan, they fairly resemble British gardens, although they house a diverse and rare Sicilian flora as well as exotic plants. The architectural items are also considerable: there are bizarre constructions like the Beehive and other more classical statues.

A hidden gem located at Mazzarò Beach, this scuba-diving spot is also ideal for a boat trip: the crystal blue of the sea is reflected on the inside of the grotto, creating a show of dazzling lights and colours. You will find numerous scuba-diving schools throughout Taormina and Isola Bella, for beginners or advanced divers.

Also called "Fortress Cathedral", this is a Medieval church built in the 13th century over the ruins of San Nicola´s church. The austere facade granted it the title of biggest medieval monument in Taormina: with its Gothic-Norman style, it shouldn't be missed.

The Fountain located in Duomo Square is further enhanced by the medieval figure of Taormina´s Cathedral, standing right in front of it and dominating the square. Constructed in a Gothic style, this monument is guarded by the statue of the Minotaur, the half-man half-horse mythological emblem of the city.

Known for its clear water, this public beach is bigger than Mazzarò Lido and certainly more relaxing: in fact it's one of the locals' most frequented spots, as it doesn't often bustle with tourists. The tiny rock islands emerging from the blue surface complete the picture of this natural landscape.

Hosting internationally acclaimed cinema celebrities since 1955, Taormina Film Festival is the main event in town. Every year in June, the ancient Greek amphitheatre comes once again back to life to celebrate the best in the cinema industry.

If you're a fan of Francis Ford Coppola's movie "The Godfather", you may know that there are spots in and around Taormina that have been used as filming locations for the piece. These are the train station Taormina-Giardini, the Santissima Annunziata church in Forza d'Agró, and the Vitelli Bar in Savoca. There are guided tours that can be booked, with further information available at Taormina's Tourist Information Centre.