Let’s go today to discover a romantic and spectacular destination : the small town of Taormina in Italy. Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is a little wonder that is worth a visit and offers a beautiful setting for a romantic weekend. Located on the slopes of Mount Tauro 200 meters above the sea, Taormina is a spectacle in itself with its medieval quarter, ancient amphitheatre, splendid panoramas and Mount Etna as a backdrop.
Just imagine ! Nestled up there you can admire the vastness of the sea, sit in an amphitheatre more than 2000 years of history, stroll in a scenery with multiple architectural influences and through lush vegetation and with a little luck you can there see the rare sight of an eruption of the most active volcano in Europe. Often considered like the local Saint-Tropez, Taormina is a popular destination for tourists and wealthy Italians. You can expect to see people, especially in summer when its 11,000 in residents are overrun with visitors from all over the world.
If someone had only one day to spend in Sicily and would not know where to go, I would answer without hesitation: Taormina. This village is a painting, but a painting in which we find everything that seems to exist on earth to seduce the eyes, mind and imagination.
Guy de Maupassant
Despite the proliferation of tourist shops, the city retains a real charm. The maze of small alleys invites you to get lost in a charming walk in Mediterranean colors accompanied by the smells of orange and lemon tree. Taormina offers grandiose panoramas and cultural riches that quickly make the crowd forget. An ideal destination for a romantic weekend and a place to see absolutely at least once in a lifetime. Beware of the budget, the city is the most expensive destination in Sicily.
In short, Taormina is an indispensable stop for all romantic travelers in search of beauty and romance.
Lovers, at your luggage !
Teatro Greco
No doubt the Greeks had the gift of choosing the most beautiful places to install their monuments. Built in the 3rd century BC, the ancient theatre was then remodelled by the Romans and could accommodate up to 4000 spectators. Imagine yourself during antiquity, sitting on its steps and watching a show in this magical setting. 2000 years later, despite the ruins, the enchantment is still there. With the sea and the silhouette of Etna as a backdrop, the place is simply sublime and few places in Europe offer such a setting to us. Nowadays, concerts and shows are still organized during the summer period. It is the essential place in Taormina. Sit down and enjoy the show !
Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile
The main street, the Corso Umberto, which runs through the whole city from east to west, serves the historic heart of Taormina with its beautiful facades, palazzos and churches. From porta Messina, the Corso spreads its luxury, craft and souvenir shops and is where the flow of tourists is concentrated. But a breakaway in the adjacent alleys allows you to breathe and discover an authentic Taormina. Towards the Porta Catania, you arrive on the magnificent Piazza IX Aprile with its churches and lookout which offers a spectacular panorama of the Ionian Sea. Ideal point of view to take some pictures and perhaps see Calabria in good weather. Note that the visit of the city is relatively sporty because many alleys are sloping.
Villa Comunale Gardens
Also not to be missed for a romantic walk or a picnic, the gardens of Villa Comunale. Bequeathed to the city by a wealthy English aristocrat living in Taormina, this garden will enchant you with its views of the sea, its exotic plants and the architectural eccentricities of its former owner.
Isola Bella and the beach
Located at the foot of Taormina, Isola Bella is a miniature and charming island a few meters from the beach. Ideal for taking a swim despite the pebbles. It is possible to visit the Grotta Azzura by boat. The Isola Bella can be reached directly on foot or by funicular from Mazzaro.
Travel diary
#When to go
Taormina must be visited in the off-season, mainly in early spring or early autumn to enjoy pleasant temperatures and avoid crowds or why not in winter when the climate remains mild. A stay of 2 or 3 days is enough to visit the city. Weather in Taormina
#Get there
Nearest airport in Catania located 50km from Taormina. Access to Taormina by train from Catania or by bus from the airport. It takes just over an hour to get there. Flight search : www.skyscanner.com
#Find accommodation
Whatever the destination, i advise travellers to book accommodation in the centre to take full advantage of the charms of the destination. Taormina offers a multitude of accommodations of all categories but prices are relatively expensive especially in high season.
Hotel Villa Carlota
High-end. Beautiful hotel located below Taormina with swimming pool and restaurant offering panoramic sea views, perfect for a romantic dinner. Very nice services, to book in advance because very in demand. The hotel also offers beautiful apartments. Rooms from 200 euros a night.
www.hotelvillacarlottataormina.com
Also of many rentals on Airbnb and other seasonal rental platforms. Favorite for a small design apartment in a period building located on the Corso Umberto, from 100 euros a night. Varo’Apartmen
For a search for guest rooms :
www.bed-and-breakfast.it
#Information
Sicilian Tourist Board
Italian Tourist Board
#Videos
#To locate
Discover other romantic destinations on Week-end Amoureux !
Credits
Map : © Google Maps and Contributors of OpenStreetMap, CC-BY-SA / Photograph : Bigstock, Pixabay / Icon and logo : divider by Stan Diers and map of italy by Randomhero from the Noun Project, by Smashicons, by Roundicons, by Vectors Market, by Freepik, by Icon Pond, from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
