With the arrival of the beautiful season, it becomes much more enjoyable to visit nice places and spend days different from the usual. Moreover, if you manage to have a few days off, it would be nice to opt for a vacation in Taormina, and today, in this article, we will discover what to see in downtown Taormina.
About an hour’s drive north from Catania, there is a small town that is considered one of the greatest treasures of Sicily. Located on top of a cliff over 200 meters high, the town of Taormina offers an incredible view of the sea and the beautiful volcano Mount Etna.
In this guide, we will talk about the main things to see in Taormina so you know what to visit in this beautiful city without missing anything. First of all, the first thing to know before visiting Taormina is that the city center is open only to pedestrians.
Certainly, this is a great thing, but if you intend to visit the city by car, remember that you will be forced to leave the car in one of the available parking lots on the outskirts, although in high season this could also be a problem.
Getting straight to the heart of the article, Corso Umberto is the main street that runs through the center of Taormina, and on both sides, you can find a whole series of luxury boutiques, along with jewelers, clothing stores, and even small souvenir shops, which immediately explains why Taormina is nicknamed “the Sicilian Saint Tropez”.
Along the way, you will surely come across Piazza IX Aprile, which is one of the best viewpoints in the city of Taormina, with its incredible panoramic terrace overlooking the bay below and Mount Etna. This place is considered the best and most suitable for taking beautiful photos, especially at sunset, and you can also enjoy a beautiful atmosphere thanks to the musicians, acrobats, and painters.
What can you visit in the center of Taormina? Let’s see it together
When on vacation in Taormina, one thing is certain: you will never forget to visit one of the typical Sicilian churches, namely the Cathedral of Taormina. This, located at the end of Corso Umberto (or at the beginning, depending on which direction you come from), is easily recognizable because of its beautiful medieval facade and its door in wonderful Baroque style. In any case, its interior is also worth a look because it offers interesting details.
But where can you eat in this beautiful city, also admiring a beautiful panorama? One of the best places is Osteria Rosso Divino located in a secluded alley compared to the busier main shopping street. In this place, you can taste delicious seafood appetizers that combine Sicilian tradition with Asian cuisine along with a nice plate of gnocchi with Sicilian pagro ragout enriched with toasted almonds.
An excellent alternative to this place, in case it’s all occupied, is the restaurant-pizzeria Gambero Rosso. The atmosphere you breathe upon entering the premises is that of a place that has made history in Taormina’s dining scene, thanks to the somewhat vintage furnishings and an elegant style dominated by the triumphant painting of a red shrimp, which is the symbol of the restaurant. This restaurant is often stormed by tourists as it has a truly endless and varied menu.
