Do you want to know what to see in Taormina and its surroundings in just two days? Taormina is a beautiful city and one of the most famous destinations in all of Sicily. Over the centuries, it has stolen the hearts of many nobles, writers, and poets. This is because Taormina is a luxurious destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year seeking the perfect vacation.
Taormina is a small city with a Greek soul, perched on the side of Mount Tauro and overlooking the Ionian Sea. With its medieval village and a well-preserved Greek theater, the city is complemented by paradisiacal beaches and turquoise waters. It is also a small slice of paradise on earth, as Goethe wrote in 1787 in his Italian Journey.
The city is undoubtedly one of the best places to include in a trip to Sicily, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle and leading you to less crowded areas. So, plan your visit well and dedicate at least two days to exploring Taormina and its surroundings. Take your time to experience it without rushing.
Taormina is a wonderful city to visit on foot, allowing you to admire the main street and the narrow side alleys. Panoramic views of the valley and the sea are abundant, and on clear days, you can easily see Mount Etna, which will seem closer than ever.
What to see in two days in Taormina?
Before heading into the heart of Taormina, we recommend stopping to visit the picturesque Church of San Pancrazio, located a few hundred meters before reaching Porta Messina. This church stands on the ruins of a Greek temple dedicated to Jupiter Serapis, as evidenced by some archaeological finds. These include marble fragments with inscriptions found in 1861 and 1867, as well as the discovery of the statue of the Priestess of Isis and a gold ring of the Priest of the Temple of Jupiter Serapis in 1742, which bears an inscription.
Today, only small sections of the temple’s cell walls remain, incorporated into the church. In the courtyard, there is part of a gray granite column with stone blocks from the temple’s foundation. The church’s current baroque appearance dates back to the second half of the 17th century when it was renovated and expanded.
Begin your visit to the heart of the city from Porta Messina, one of the two gates of the ancient city fortifications dating back to the Arab domination. From here starts the main street, Corso Umberto I, a pedestrian street about 800 meters long, ending at Porta Catania. Corso Umberto I is lined with artisan shops, characteristic restaurants, and even luxury boutiques.
