Taormina

The main attraction is undoubtedly the theater. Today the venue for all kinds of events, the Greek Theater originally hosted productions of works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. Originally quite small, it was expanded by the Romans to accommodate their particular theatrical extravaganzas. The view from the theater is spectacular, with Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos below.

Taormina contains its charm in its main street, Corso Umberto I. At the beginning of this charming street is perhaps the greatest symbol of Taormina's long history: Palazzo Corvaja. Its architecture is a fantastic mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic. At the other end of Corso Umberto I is Piazza del Duomo, with the 13th-century Cathedral and the Baroque fountain. Like many Sicilian churches of this period, the Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, has a fortress-like appearance thanks to its sturdy structure and crenellations that delimit the roof.

Taormina has its own cable car that ferries tourists to and from the seaside resorts along the coast. Large beaches, rocky coves, islets (such as the famous Isola Bella), and sea stacks abound, making this enchanting coast one of the favorite destinations for Sicilians and visitors.