Taormina For Your Next Vacation Spot

History

Taormina is located in Sicily, Italy. In ancient times it was colonized by the Greeks as the town of Taurmenion (Ταυρομένιον), dating back to 400 BC and later to Roman control in 212 BC.

Taormina, located in the province of Messina, along with the stunning Aeolian Islands and the ancient city of Milazzo can be reached by car from Messina to the north and the city of Catania from the south. Taormina has been a famous tourist destination for more than 200 years. The beaches remarkably warm and with high salt content, are incredibly beautiful and easily accessible via a Funicular railway.

Isola Bella, south of Taormina, is a breathtaking nature reserve. Capo Sant’ Andrea grottos are available via guided tours. Taormina is built on a hilly coast with Mount Etna on the horizon only a forty-five minute drive from the city.

The remain of the Teatro Greco, the “Greek Theatre”, are not Greek at all, as this theatre was rebuilt by the Romans on the site of the original theatre. During the 2^nd century it was expanded to 109 meters in diameter, this theatre is the 2^nd largest in Sicily and frequently used for operatic, theatric and concert performances, the view from here is stunning.

In the 19^th century Taormina gained notoriety as the city where Wilhelm von Gloeden worked photographing predominantly male nudes.

During the 20^th century the town became a colony of expatriated artist, intellectuals and writers. D. H. Lawrence stayed at the Fontana Vecchia and wrote some of his poems, stories, essays, novels (Lady Chaterlly's Lover) and a travel book, Sea and Sardinia from 1920 to 1922. The Taormina Film Festival has been held here for more that fifty years, with international stars viewing films on a screen erected in the Greek Theatre.

If you're visiting, July and August are the busiest months. If you prefer a more relaxed stay, any other month will be more pleasant. Giardini-Naxos, 3 Km away, offer resorts for the packaged tour. Mount Etna is only a 45 minute drive.

Taormina is the place to relax and hang out. Stroll and explore the narrow streets and discover views that will remain with you forever. Taormina's Friends Club has an extensive site devoted to this city, you'll find lots of information that will help you if you decide to visit.

I leave you with this quote from their website. "Finally if you really want to feel at ease like a true Sicilian , just buy your favorite paper , sit down at some of the several elegant open air cafès , forget what time it is , order your favorite drink or maybe a cappucino , enjoy the piano playing , breath deeply the sweet atmosphere all around you and just relax … that's probably the best treat of Taormina !!!"

Photo Gallery (Wikimidia Commons)