Taormina|Taormina Sell Off Vacations|Taormina Holidays|Taormina Italy
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Taormina
Quick Facts Language: Italian Currency: Euro Area Codes: 0942
Taormina is on Sicily's eastern coast, overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. The beautiful town is built right into a cliff, and every year thousands of tourists descend upon the otherwise sleepy village to revel in the perfect weather and easygoing pace.
The town's relaxed image belies a turbulent past, when Sicily passed through more hands than a hot potato. In succession, the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Bourbons have all controlled Sicily since it was first settled by the Phoenicians over two thousand years ago.
Looming ominously beyond Taormina's fun-loving landscape is Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Active may be an understatement, as the volcano erupted over sixty times in just six months in early 2000. Some of Mt. Etna's eruptions have sent pillars of ash two miles into the sky, temporarily blocking the sun like a solar eclipse. A day trip to Mt. Etna's base is always fascinating. It isn't often that you get so close to nature's sheer power. But remember to check with the local tourist office before heading too close.
The city of Taormina itself doesn't spend too much time agonizing over Mt. Etna. It's too busy enjoying its gorgeous beaches, its myriad dining options, and its vibrant nightlife to notice. You will find it easy to let your cares drift away into the Ionian Sea, as you fall into Taormina's seductive trance.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Autorita Portuale di Messina, in Messina, on Sicily's northwest coast. A ninety minute bus trip transports you from Messina to Taormina.
Buses travel between Taormina and Messina, as do trains, although the train station is a little outside of town. Interbus (0942/625-301) travels within the city limits, as well as to points of interest outside of Taormina.
Local Interests
It is of particular importance that you stop in the tourist office (Palazzo Corvaja, Corso Umberto I, 0942/23-243) while in Taormina. Besides the usual assortment of maps, brochures, and suggested itineraries, the tourist office has the latest information regarding Mt. Etna. Because it is still an active volcano, there are days when you should not be visiting this natural wonder. Uninformed tourists have met their deaths on Mt. Etna.
That being said, if it is safe for a visit, you absolutely won't want to miss it. Mt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. The volcano erupted sixty-one times from January-June 2000, with pillars of ash being sent two miles into the air and blackening the afternoon sky. A great way to get a feel for the volcano is by taking a train tour around its base. CTS (Corso Umberto I 101, 0942/626-088) organizes tours.
For a safer tourist attraction, check out the Teatro Greco (Via Teatro Greco, 0942/23-220). It was built almost two thousand years ago. With Mt. Etna looming ominously in the background, the ancient Greek theater was remodeled by the Romans and survived an Arab attack. Today, you can visit the theater anytime, or actually enjoy a performance there if you happen to visit during the Taormina Arte summer festival (0942/21-142).
Taormina has plenty of opportunities for relaxation and contemplation. Do both at the Giardino Pubblico (Via Bagnoli Croce). The public garden has a great view of the city, and the perfectly manicured lawns are a great place to get some thinking done.
Activities
Beaches
Visitors flock to Taormina to soak up some sun on some of Sicily's sweetest shores. Lido Mazzaro is swamped during the busy summer season. Just south of town, pick up a cable car from Via Pirandello. Don't fret if you miss one, as they run four times an hour. The beach itself is teeming with activity, with hotels, restaurants, bars, and water sports equipment available.
Side Trip to the Alcantara Gorges
About ten miles outside of Taormina is another Sicilian natural wonder. The Gole dell'Alcantara (0942/985-010) is a collection of waterfalls and rapids. Locals on hand rent out boots so you don't have to get your shoes wet. It's a beautiful site to see and a great place to cool off on a steamy Sicilian summer day.
Shopping
Corso Umberto I is the main thoroughfare in Taormina, and ground zero for souvenir hunters. Of course, you can always explore the side streets to find the little boutique that isn't overrun with tourists, but if you're in a hurry, you won't have to stray far from the Corso.
Carlo Panarello (Corso Umberto I 122, 0942/23-910) is a great little antique store. For antique jewelry, try Gioielleria Giuseppe Stroscio (Corso Umberto I 169, 0942/24-865). If you're looking for something a little more current, enjoy the fine ceramic offerings at G. di Blasi (Corso Umberto I 103, 0942/24-671). Mazzulo (Corso Umberto I 35, 0942/23-152) is the place to go for elegant evening wear.
Dining & Nightlife
Some of the nicer hotels in Taormina have outstanding restaurants. In particular, the two offerings at the Villa Sant'Andrea (Via Nazionale 137, 0942/23-125) are spectacular. Authentic Sicilian cuisine is a taste bud treat, and La Giara (Vico la Floresta 1, 0942/23-360) does not disappoint. Neither does Ristorante da Lorenzo (Via Roma, 0942/23-480). Both restaurants come up with creative menu items combining fresh pasta and seafood. La Bougainville (Via Bagnoli Croce 88, 0942/625-218) offers a spectacular view to go along with a great menu. Ristorante Luraleo (Via Bagnoli Croce 32, 0942/24-279) is less expensive than the restaurants mentioned above, but almost equal in taste. Request an outside table at all restaurants if at all possible. People watching is more than a pastime in Sicily; it's a passion!
Taormina's nightlife leaves nothing to be desired. Particularly when the student crowd comes in during the summer, the area around Corso Umberto I is rocking all night long. Club Septimo (Via San Pancrazio 50, 0942/625-522), Bella Blu (Via Luigi Pirandello 28, 0942/24-239) and Tout Va (Via Pirandello 70, 0942/23-824) all offer loud music and laser lights. For a quieter evening, you may want to try La Giara (Vico La Floresta 1, 0942/23-360).
