It may be Taormina’s beaches that draw people to this seaside resort these days, but like most things in Sicily, there’s more to Taormina than you would first expect. In the summer months the nearby beaches are packed with sunbathers, just as they have been for more than a century, while one of Sicily’s best ancient ruins overlooks the town and the sea far below.
Taormina’s hillside position means visitors enjoy spectacular views, and it’s also why the ancient Greeks and Romans chose the location for a fortified town. Relax in the sun, but don’t miss the town’s fantastic Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman theater built over an ancient Greek theater. Stroll Taormina’s medieval quarter, hike to the nearby hilltop town of Castelmola, and savor the local almond wine. Explore the Taormina of today, which should give you an idea of why this town has been so popular for so many years.