Rising at 200 meters above sea level on a sort of natural terrace on Mount Tauro, alongside the coastline between Messina and Catania, Taormina is one of the most famous destinations of Sicily and Italy. Its splendid panoramic position offers an enchanting view over a fascinating landscape: verdant mountains and parks, the turquoise water of the Naxos Bay (just below the town), the majestic Mount Etna in the background and the Ionian coast, as far as the eye can see. Taormina is an ancient town, but after it became the favorite tourist destination for many European nobles and artists in the 19th century, in the 1900s, it became famous all over the world as the most glamourous town in Sicily, a great place to spend the holidays for the Golden Age movie stars. Thanks to its aura of style and elegance, this is one of the locations we chose for our luxury villas in Sicily.

The Greeks founded the hamlet of Taormina, which has always been a florid and wealthy center. Its fame arose during the Nineteenth Century when great philosophers and artists such as J. W. Goethe traveled to Germany, France, all the way from England to admire the wonders of this charming destination. Taormina is a genuine pearl: immersed in a lush environment, elegant houses side its little alleys, wrought-iron balconies overwhelmed with colorful flowers, and plenty of peaceful observation points provide breathtaking overlooks.

The streets of the town are rich in pretty boutiques and refined cafés, as well as prestigious and invaluable historical monuments and landmarks: the most famous is the ancient theatre, still remarkably well-preserved and located within an outstanding panoramic setting. The view from the theatre is unforgettable, with the Ionian Sea and shore and Mount Etna in the background, and it still houses plays, shows and the annual Taormina Film Festival, the most glamorous event of the year. Other remarkable monuments include Palazzo Corvaja, built back in the 10^th Century, and the city dome. The atmosphere is truly exclusive: pretty elegant streets, stylish boutiques, the scent of orange blossoms and the jaw-dropping panorama make this lovely destination one of the most exclusive of Italy. The hamlet can be accessed by car as well as by aerial tramway.

Just a few minutes far from Taormina lies the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, as the locals use to call Isolabella, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow path, often covered by tidal waves. The little bay where the island is set is all part of a nature reserve protected by the WWF, and a day at the beach here is an absolute delight. The natural beauty of Isolabella, with its sandy beach and the surrounding nature reserve, is truly awe-inspiring. A sandy beach can be found in Giardini Naxos as well, a popular seaside resort at the foot of Taormina.

Another lovely hamlet is located near Taormina – a perfect destination for an excursion from the town: Castelmola, perched on top of a mountain overhanging the Ionian Sea. Its elegant main square, Piazza Sant’Antonio, paved with lava-stone mosaic tiles and surrounded by pretty sidewalks with stone benches, is a beautiful observation point over Taormina and the Isolabella and Giardini Naxos Bay. Such a panorama will be best enjoyed while savoring the delicious specialty of this tiny hamlet: almond wine, best tasted at the picturesque San Giorgio café, founded in the 18^th Century. Wake up in one of our Taormina villas, taste a brioche with “granita” for breakfast in the city center of Taormina, swim at Isolabella, and then end the day sipping a glass of almond wine at San Giorgio’s in Castelmola a delicious taste of Sicily indeed!