Taormina Travel & Vacation Guide

If you're a fan of Francis Ford Coppola's movie "The Godfather", you may know that there are spots in and around Taormina that have been used as filming locations for the piece. These are the train station Taormina-Giardini, the Santissima Annunziata church in Forza d'Agró, and the Vitelli Bar in Savoca. There are guided tours that can be booked, with further information available at Taormina's Tourist Information Centre.

A day trip to the Alcantara Gorges offers a way to cool off and hide from the hot Sicilian sun. Located on the slope of Mount Etna, they formed over 4000 years ago due to the flow of lava that was crystallised thanks to the Alcantara river, creating the natural sculptures that can be seen today.

Constructed at the end of the XVII century, San Giuseppe church dominates Piazza IX Aprile with its Baroque facade. The interiors are decorated with floral motifs and angels, as well as with some frescoes picturing traditional Catholic images.

Corso Umberto I crosses the entire town in what is the most iconic walk in Taormina. It goes from Porta Catania to Porta Messina, the two ancient gateways that guard the city define the border of the medieval town. The road will lead you to historical sites of the city as well as some of its most famous restaurants, cafes and shops.

Overlooking Badia square, this iconic palace was erected throughout the Arabs´ domination in the XI century. The architectural features show a mixture of styles, blending together to create this mansion. By taking a walk up the XIII century staircase, you'll be able to enjoy the art exhibition hosted in the building.

Also called "Fortress Cathedral", this is a Medieval church built in the 13th century over the ruins of San Nicola´s church. The austere facade granted it the title of biggest medieval monument in Taormina: with its Gothic-Norman style, it shouldn't be missed.

Featuring white sandy beaches and crystal water, this 4 km coastline is one of the most well-known bays on the island. Plentiful restaurants, bars and shops as well as the archaeological park, make Giardini Naxos a perfect alternative for a day trip. Located only 6 km from the Taormina city centre, the bus ride takes only 26 minutes.

The literal translation "beautiful island" wasn't given at random. This Mediterranean isle serves as a natural habitat for diverse species of birds and sea life. With its crystal waters, it acts as a bathing spot where you can also enjoy the ocean breeze.

Mostly famous for its rotating lineup of "bruschette", toasted garlic bread with varying toppings such as pistachio pesto, Arco Rosso allows you to relax outside and watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Appetisers made with cheese and ham, paninis and sandwiches can be coupled with wine for your aperitif.

The interior of this bar is made mainly from repurposed materials: the counter and chairs use wood from wine crates while the walls are adorned with pallets, as well as by shelves holding books, bottles and ceramics. They offer appetisers served on chopping boards, as well as bruschette and paninis, to be enjoyed while listening to live music that changes every week.

This bar comes with an interior decorated with tropical motifs and outdoor seating embraced by green foliage and stone walls. Their cocktail offering contains specials such as the espresso martini, to be enjoyed while listening to the music in the background.

Since 1953, when La Giara opened, it has been a staple of Taormina\s nightlife. It\s an upscale seafood restaurant that also acts as a sophisticated club, equipped with white interiors that are able to change colours thanks to the lighting. Themed events are hosted every Saturday, as well as guest DJs.

Morgana Lounge is an upscale bar with a peculiar habit: it changes its interior design every year, using local materials and decor. Their signature cocktail menu contains drinks that can only be tasted here, and they offer catering for events as well.

Q Lounge Bar is located in one of the main squares of the city, able to host any kind of private event. Their patio is embellished by blooming trees, white sofas and wooden tables, on which you'll be able to enjoy their tropical cocktails or a glass of champagne.

One of Taormina´s cultural centres, Re di Bastoni hosts jazz musicians and features paintings of emerging artists. Their beer selection includes limited offers, such as Pan, a brown ale with Nebrodi hazelnuts, that can be coupled with appetisers such as garlic bread with cheese, tomatoes and ham.

Standing out from the multitude of local Sicilian bars, Time Out Pub opens its doors to those who aren't searching for traditional Italian dishes. Here the menu consists of finger food, burgers, wraps and sandwiches, which can be enjoyed while watching the live sport events or be taken to go.

Another Italian brand which is gradually becoming popular worldwide is Coccinelle, which has recently opened a shop in Taormina. It focuses on designer leather bags and other accessories for women, such as wallets, coin purses and card holders.

In their wooden and softly lit store in Taormina. Falconeri sells a vast selection of "made in Italy" items: starting from woollen crew necks and roll necks, going through gloves and mittens made of cashmere, to silk scarves.

Boasting more than 80 years of expertise and world-renowned designs, Furla is a cornerstone of the Italian fashion brands specialised in producing luxury bags and accessories. Here you'll be able to find wallets, backpacks, shoes and other leather goods for both women and men.

Another great Italian name at the shopping alley Corso Umberto I, Geox is a well known brand mostly famous for its breathable and waterproof shoes, suitable for every occasion. They also sell jackets and coats, as well as accessories like belts and bags, for both men and women.

A well-known jewellery shop in Taormina, Kiseki Jewels features an exclusive collections of luxury accessories. Their lineup consists of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings made with gold, natural stones and coral.

Although their focus has always been on designer shirts since 1984, Nara Camicie offers also different options for women´s clothing as well as menswear, such as cardigans and jackets. You can also find accessories such as scarves and hats.

At Parisi you'll be able to find the most well-known brands for both women and men clothing, from Prada to Dolce&Gabbana. Born as a tailor´s shop, it now collaborates with exclusive brands and features an in-store bar from where you can enjoy a view of the sea.

Specialised in footwear and accessories, this boutique sells branded Tosca Blu products, as well as lots of other great names in the shoe industry. Located at Corso Umberto I, it stands out thanks to its colourful variety of shoes for women, bags and wallets.

Although events like the Film Festival and the exhibitions in the Greek Theatre all take place during the summer, this season is definitely when Taormina is the most crowded while also being characterised by a hot climate. The mildest seasons both in terms of tourists and temperature are spring and fall, when the sea is still warm and baths can be taken. There are also a couple of events that may be of interest, such as the religious procession "Madonna della Rocca".

Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

The closest airport to Taormina´s city center is Fontanarossa Airport in Catania, which is located 64km from the city. The cheapest way to get to Taormina is by bus, taking S.A.I.S. service or Etna Trasporti to Taormina. Alternatively, there are numerous options to rent a car: Aptransfers Srl +39 095 5874852 Forzese +39 95 349294 You can also book a taxi: Social Taxi Catania +39 095 330966 www.radiotaxicatania.org Taxi Sat Service +39 095 6188 www.6188.it May you require any further information, an information desk is located at the Arrival area (next to Lost & Found).

The best way to get around in Taormina is by feet: the city, in fact, it´s quite small and can be easily walked. If you fancy a trip a bit further on, Interbus has services to go to other Sicilian cities and to particular landmarks outside the town. The bus terminal is located in Luigi Pirandello Road. The cableway is another option, connecting Taormina city centre with Mazzarò and the beaches.

Italian´s taxis are white with a red TAXI sign on top: it shouldn´t be a problem to hail one. If you wish to book a taxi, here´s some company that run from Taormina to Catania and other Sicilian cities. www.taxirobertomirabile.com +39 346 581 0872 sicilytaxiservice.com +39 320 75 33 070 www.taxitaormina.net +39 333 12 75 225

In Italy the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F (two pins, compatible also with types C and E) and L (three pins, compatible also with type C).

The Italian Pharmacy system is designed to ensure an open pharmacy at night or holidays within each area. You will find a sign on the door that will direct you to the one on duty, along with emergency numbers and opening hours. Giarrizzo Pharmacy 420 Corso Umberto I +39 094 251 267

There are numerous post offices where to get stamps from and where to post letters. Here´s the main ones: Poste Italiane: Funivia Mazzarò Square +39 942 626193 Ufficio Postale Taormina : Sant'Antonio Square +39 942 213011 Mailboxes are red and they have "POSTE" written on.