Taormina

Nestled on a hillside of Mount Tauro, Taormina overlooks two grand, wide bays below and, on the southern side, the summit of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, often snow-capped.

Taormina really seems to have been born as a tourist resort since ancient times, when ancient peoples such as the Siculians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards chose it as a place of residence because of its favorable location, mild climate and magical atmosphere.

Today visitors can still find beautiful reminders of Taormina's golden times: the splendid Greek Theater, the Roman "Naumachie", the 10th-century Palazzo Corvaja, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the 16th-century Palace of the Dukes of St. Stephen, the public gardens, the "Badia Vecchia", the Belvedere, and many other enchanting sites.

Five kilometers from Taormina is Castelmola, a medieval town less frequented by tourists, where you can stroll quietly to the ruins of the Castle that date from the 16th century and visit the Church of San Giorgio. We recommend trying the almond wine at the Turisi bar, a family tradition.