Spots in Taormina

Views from the Villa Comunale

Don’t miss a walk through the gardens of the Villa Comunale to take in more spectacular views of the Sicilian coast in the tranquil setting of these public gardens. Although created in the late 19th century, they are curated with beautiful flora, and views of the coast line that surprise you throughout a peaceful walk.

Ancient Greek Theatre

The ancient Greek theatre was most likely constructed in the 3rd century BCE. You have to pay a 10 euro admissions fee, but the site is very well maintained, and quite expansive, as you can wander around beyond the actual theatre.

My family with views of the coast and Isola Bella (to the right) in the Greek Theatre complex

View of the stage in the Greek Theatre of Taormina

You will observe that the theatre is integrated with the surrounding natural beauty, which is in line with architectural principles applied by the ancient Greeks. In the picture at right, you can see three of the “four Corinthian columns that were raised after 1860,” according to the Visit Sicily website. The theatre could accommodate thousands of visitors, and in fact, in the late imperial period (considered before the fall of the western empire in 476 CE) the theatre was used for gladiatorial games. In its contemporary state, the theatre hosts both rock and classical music concerts. Sting performed in 2018, for example. Find out more about future performances here (fingers crossed, as I write in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic).

Isola Bella

A view of the Isola Bella area from above

Isola Bella (in Sicilian dialect ‘ Ìsula Bedda ’) is a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow sandy beach path. This path makes for gorgeous pictures of the area from above. The island was once owned by Florence Trevelyan, who was the same English noblewoman responsible for creating the gardens of the Villa Comunale. She acquired it in the year 1890, and 100 years later it was purchased by the Department of Cultural Heritage becoming an official nature reserve. If you visit in the summer and would like to get some beach time in, Isola Bella is the place for you. The beach is rocky, but the scenery is unparalleled in the area, and you can rent sun beds here as well. You can reach the area by walking down from Taormina or by taking the cable car on Via Luigi Pirandello.

See more in this video:

Palazzo Corvaja

This palace, in the city center of Taormina, is just off of the Corso Umberto I. It is considered medieval as it was originally built in the 11th century. Architecturally, you can observe the influence of the original builders, the Arabs, who ruled Taormina after conquering towns in the eastern area of Sicily starting in the year 827. Read more about the Muslim conquest of Sicily here. The town of Taormina was the last to fall under Muslim control in 902. Thus, in this palace the Moorish Gothic style is evident especially in the tower. The 13th century architecture reflects the interests of the Norman rulers and then in the 15th century, the Spanish further added to the structure when Sicily was under Spanish control. Aesthetically and historically the palace is interesting to explore. There is much more information available when you visit in person, and I encourage you to take some time in Taormina to do so!