Taormina
THE JEWEL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Taormina, to be experienced and discovered by sea and land
Taormina is one of Sicily's main tourist destinations, making the island renowned worldwide.
It is located in the province of Messina but is only 50 km from Hotel Nettuno in Catania and can be reached in an hour by car and in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by train to Giardini Naxos station.
Artists, intellectuals and wealthy businessmen have chosen it and continue to choose it as their permanent or seasonal residence. Every day, all year round, it captivates millions of visitors, transporting them to an earthly paradise full of coves, reflected in the blue waters, and monumental attractions that combine beauty and perfection.
There is a Taormina to suit all tastes: for lovers of sophistication, for explorers of the sea and for fans of culture.
During summer evenings, a lively stroll through Taormina's main street is a must: Corso Umberto I, the city's beating heart, attracts crowds of tourists thanks to its flurry of colours and sounds. Adorned with numerous elegant buildings, typical bars offering excellent aperitifs, shops and boutiques in perfect Sicilian style, Corso Umberto I is certainly the epicentre of Taormina's nightlife, easily reached by cable car.
It is located in the province of Messina but is only 50 km from Hotel Nettuno in Catania and can be reached in an hour by car and in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by train to Giardini Naxos station.
Artists, intellectuals and wealthy businessmen have chosen it and continue to choose it as their permanent or seasonal residence. Every day, all year round, it captivates millions of visitors, transporting them to an earthly paradise full of coves, reflected in the blue waters, and monumental attractions that combine beauty and perfection.
There is a Taormina to suit all tastes: for lovers of sophistication, for explorers of the sea and for fans of culture.
During summer evenings, a lively stroll through Taormina's main street is a must: Corso Umberto I, the city's beating heart, attracts crowds of tourists thanks to its flurry of colours and sounds. Adorned with numerous elegant buildings, typical bars offering excellent aperitifs, shops and boutiques in perfect Sicilian style, Corso Umberto I is certainly the epicentre of Taormina's nightlife, easily reached by cable car.
Isola Bella: the beach in Taormina that appears and disappears according to the tides
The jewel in Taormina's crown is the picturesque and charming Isola Bella, a nature reserve declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage Site in 1984, rising out of a cobalt blue sea.
The spectacular natural scenery can be reached by following a narrow pebble causeway that connects the island to the mainland. This natural causeway appears and disappears according to the rhythm of the tides.
Isola Bella is a natural but mainly cultural attraction as there is a Natural History Museum on the promontory, which allows visitors to understand the harmonious blend of history, art and nature. Isola Bella has become, together with the Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre), the symbol of Taormina throughout the world. The pebble beach, nestled at the foot of the town, stretches out in front of the islet of the same name, coloured by rich vegetation.
The spectacular natural scenery can be reached by following a narrow pebble causeway that connects the island to the mainland. This natural causeway appears and disappears according to the rhythm of the tides.
Isola Bella is a natural but mainly cultural attraction as there is a Natural History Museum on the promontory, which allows visitors to understand the harmonious blend of history, art and nature. Isola Bella has become, together with the Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre), the symbol of Taormina throughout the world. The pebble beach, nestled at the foot of the town, stretches out in front of the islet of the same name, coloured by rich vegetation.
Art, entertainment and culture come to life at the Teatro Antico in Taormina
The Teatro Antico (Ancient Theatre) is undoubtedly the greatest expression of theatrical architecture in the city of Taormina and is the second-largest Sicilian theatre after that of Syracuse (a town some 70 km from Catania's Hotel Nettuno).
Built in the 3rd century BC by Hieron II, it was expanded and renovated during the Roman period. Despite its Greek origins, the theatre is actually predominantly Roman in style: a semi-circular auditorium, columns, statues, ingenious roofing and a raised stage where the actors perform.
A stage in more way than one, it allows visitors to enjoy enchanting views, with Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna, in the background. The Teatro Antico has hosted many spectacular musical and artistic events, and is a stage on which all the biggest international and Italian names dream of performing. Some of the most brilliant performances there include that of Placebo, a British rock band, that of Skin from the band Skunk Anansie with her sweet, scratchy voice, and the sold-out performance of Il Volo, a group of Italian tenors. In addition, the theatre hosts an exciting cultural calendar called “TaorminaArte”, becoming the venue for prestigious reviews, plays and ballets. The theatre therefore represents the perfect synergy between art, music and entertainment, attracting millions of tourists season after season.
Built in the 3rd century BC by Hieron II, it was expanded and renovated during the Roman period. Despite its Greek origins, the theatre is actually predominantly Roman in style: a semi-circular auditorium, columns, statues, ingenious roofing and a raised stage where the actors perform.
A stage in more way than one, it allows visitors to enjoy enchanting views, with Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna, in the background. The Teatro Antico has hosted many spectacular musical and artistic events, and is a stage on which all the biggest international and Italian names dream of performing. Some of the most brilliant performances there include that of Placebo, a British rock band, that of Skin from the band Skunk Anansie with her sweet, scratchy voice, and the sold-out performance of Il Volo, a group of Italian tenors. In addition, the theatre hosts an exciting cultural calendar called “TaorminaArte”, becoming the venue for prestigious reviews, plays and ballets. The theatre therefore represents the perfect synergy between art, music and entertainment, attracting millions of tourists season after season.
