Things to do in Taormina
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Isola Bella
To the right of the beach, Lido Mazzarò, past the Sant'Andrea hotel and round the cape is the miniscule Isola Bella set in a stunning cove. You can walk here in a few minutes but it is more fun to rent a small boat from Mazzarò to paddle round Capo Sant'Andrea. Isola Bella was bought by Florence Trevelyan for a mere 5000 lire. It is her house that you can see on the island. Now it is run as a nature reserve by the World Wildlife Fund and the craggy base is a wonderful snorkelling spot.
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Bar Turrisi
[ourpick] Bar Turrisi A few kilometres outside Taormina, in the hilltop community of Castelmola, this whimsical bar is built on four levels overlooking the church square. Its decor is an eclectic tangle of Sicilian influences, with everything from painted carts to a giant stone minchia (you’ll need no translation once you see it). Sip a glass of almond wine, enjoy the view, and don’t forget to check out the bathrooms on the way out!
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Teatro Greco
Teatro Greco is Taormina’s premier attraction. This perfect horseshoe-shaped theatre, suspended between sea and sky, was built in the 3rd century BC and is the second largest in Sicily (after Syracuse), and the most dramatically situated Greek theatre in the world. In summer the theatre is used as the venue for the international arts festival, Taormina Arte. In peak season the site is best explored early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
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Piazza del Duomo Cathedral
On the eastern side of the Piazza del Duomo is the Piazza del Duomo Cathedral, constructed in the 13th century. It has survived much of the Renaissance remodelling undertaken by the Spanish aristocracy in the 15th century. The piazza itself is home to an ornate baroque fountain dating back to 1635, which sports a two-legged centaur with the bust of an angel, the symbol of Taormina.
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Tiramisù
This stylish but unpretentious place hidden away just outside Porta Messina makes fabulous meals, from linguine cozze, menta e zucchine (pasta with mussels, mint and courgettes) to old favourites like scaloppine al limone e panna (veal escalope in lemon cream sauce). When dessert rolls around, don’t miss their trademark tiramisu, a perfect ending to any meal here.
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Monte Tauro
Above the town, and accessible by a tortuously steep staircase, is the peak of Monte Tauro at 378m. It is adorned with the windswept ruins of a Saracen castle and the Santuario Madonna della Rocca. The castle and sanctuary are of little interest but the views are fantastic. By car they are 500m from the town centre along the road to Castelmola.
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CST
Runs coach excursions to destinations including Mt Etna (around €27), Piazza Armerina (includes the Villa Romana di Casale and Caltagirone, around €50), Palermo (includes Monreale, around €45) and Panarea and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands (€75). Prices exclude admission to museums and archaeological sites.
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La Giara
This stylish Art Deco restaurant and piano bar serves grilled fish and delicious pasta with inventive sauces such as lemon and shrimp. It has a well-heeled clientele (Ava Gardner used to dine here) and the sniffy maître d' will turn you away if you're not dressed appropriately. Reservations are required.
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Al Duomo
This highly acclaimed restaurant with a romantic terrace overlooking the cathedral serves a mix-and-match menu of antipasti, first and second courses. Choose your favourite two or three items for a fixed price, or go all out and indulge in the chef’s comprehensive tasting menu.
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Granduca
Eating delicious oven-baked pizza on the spectacular terrace of Granduca is an experience not easily forgotten. It also has a wide-ranging international menu. It's very popular so a reservation is highly recommended if you want to be sure of getting a table.
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La Cisterna del Moro
Affordability and aesthetics don’t usually go hand in hand in Taormina, but this restaurant down an alley off Corso Umberto I is a welcome exception. Enjoy pizza, sandwiches or full meals as you contemplate the view from their pleasant outdoor terrace.
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Castelmola
Panorama fanatics should head 5km up the hill to Castelmola, literally the high point of the area, with a ruined castle and sweeping views of, well, everything. Interbus makes an (almost) hourly run from Taormina (€1.30)
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Maffei's
A small restaurant with a pretty courtyard garden and some of the best fish dishes in Taormina. Here you can enjoy a cornucopia of fish, cooked to your liking, however, it is always a good bet to go for the house special.
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Cathedral
On the eastern side of Piazza IX Aprile is the 13th-century cathedral. It survived much of the Renaissance-style remodelling undertaken throughout Taormina by the Spanish aristocracy in the 15th century.
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Lido Mazzarò Beach
You need to take the funivia (cable car) on Via Luigi Pirandello - This beach is well serviced with bars and restaurants and private operators charge a fee for a space with umbrella and deckchair.
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Q Loungebar
Another stylish bar in this busy piazza. White and brown leather stools and banquettes give it a sleek modern look. Drinks are served with olives, nuts and crisps. Don't bother with the food.
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Casa Grugno
Despite the Austrian chef in the kitchen, the cuisine is modern Sicilian – and sublime. This is Taormina’s most fashionable restaurant and has a walled-in terrace surrounded by plants.
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Carlo Mirella Panarello
Don’t come here expecting a bargain – instead think of purchasing one or two memorable items such as a piece of quality ceramic art from Carlo Mirella Panarello.
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Villa Comunale
Created by an Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan, these hanging gardens are a lush paradise of tropical plants and delicate flowers. There’s also a children’s play area.
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Pasticceria Minotauro
Recommended for quick, low-cost snacks is Pasticceria Minotauro, whose €0.50 mini-cannoli make the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
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Hammameth
Sip your cocktail while sitting on satin cushions in a seductive candlelit atmosphere; there are also outside tables for balmy night-time quaffing.
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O'Seven Irish Pub
Tucked behind the Torre dell'Orologio is this pleasant pub with outdoor seating - perfect for watching the passeggiata (evening stroll).
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Caffè Wunderbar
A poseur paradise on Piazza IX Aprile, serving the most delicious latte di mandorla (almond milk). Perfect for a warm summer's evening.
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Da Cristina
Recommended for quick, low-cost snacks is Da Cristina, which serves tasty focaccia, arancini and pizza slices.
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Marrakesh Café
Marrakesh An Arabian-themed cocktail bar with candlelit, mosaic-topped tables. Its outdoor tables draw a cosmopolitan crowd in summer.
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