With the arrival of the beautiful season, it becomes much more enjoyable to visit lovely places and spend days differently than usual. Moreover, if you manage to have some 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 the center of Taormina.
About an hour’s drive north from Catania, there is a small town considered one of the greatest treasures of Sicily. Perched on a cliff over 200 meters high, the town of Taormina offers an incredible view of the sea and the beautiful Mount Etna volcano.
In this guide, we will talk about the main things to see in Taormina so that 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 only open to pedestrians. While this is a great thing, if you plan to visit the city by car, remember that you will have to leave your 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 series of luxury boutiques, jewelry stores, clothing shops, and even small souvenir shops, which immediately explains why Taormina is nicknamed “the Sicilian Saint Tropez”.
During the walk, you will definitely come across Piazza IX Aprile, which is one of the best panoramic points 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 vacationing in Taormina, one thing is certain: you must 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. However, its interior is also worth a look because it offers interesting details.
But where can you eat in this beautiful city, while also enjoying a beautiful panorama? One of the best places is the Osteria Rosso Divino located in a secluded alley compared to the busiest main shopping street. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood appetizers that combine Sicilian tradition with Asian cuisine, along with a nice plate of gnocchi with Sicilian pagro ragų enriched with toasted almonds.
An excellent alternative to this place, in case it’s fully booked, is the restaurant-pizzeria Gambero Rosso. The atmosphere when entering the premises is that of a place that has made the history of Taormina’s dining scene, thanks to its somewhat vintage furnishings and an elegant style dominated triumphantly by the painting of a red shrimp, which is the restaurant’s symbol. This restaurant is often besieged by tourists as it has a truly extensive and varied menu.
