Diffusa

Taormina, Italy

Nearest Airport: Catania Fontanarossa 55 min
Taormina: within walking distance (15 min on foot)
Nearest major city: Siracusa 1 h 25 min
Nearest beach: 7 min to the cable car to reach Mazzarò Beach; 15 min
Driving time estimated by Google Maps

The island of Sicily offers a number of wonderful places to visit on day-trips or excursions, including Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa and the utterly unforgettable volcanic peak of Mt. Etna. As the highest active volcano in Europe and Sicily's tallest mountain. Mt. Etna is a true natural wonder: don't miss the chance to explore it by booking a guided excursion with our concierge.
Taormina, one of the most famous towns in Sicily, is located high atop Mount Tauro. The magnificent Mediterranean blue bay and the nearby smoldering Mt. Etna merge into a spectacular view that can be seen from almost any point in the city. A renowned archaeological destination backed by incredible history, Taormina is home to one of the most famous Greek Theaters in the world. This remarkable theater hosts "Taormina Arte," the town's annual summer international arts festival of film, music, dance and theatre. Taormina is a haven for tourists, offering a great number of restaurants, bars, clubs, entertainment and sport venues. Take a stroll along the Corso and be sure to stop at one of the local cafés for a taste of granite (the original version of Italian ice!) and a piece of frutta martorana (marzipan sweets).
The distinctive beauty of Syracuse, rich with history and artistic presence, was featured in Giuseppe Tornatore's movie "Malena", starring Monica Bellucci. Since 1914, from early May to the end of June, the city has staged ancient comedies and tragedies in its Greek theatre. A stroll through the streets of Ortigia leads to the fascinating baroque cathedral that incorporates an ancient temple to Athena. Make sure you check the Fountain of Arethusa, site of the Greek legend.
Noto is the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque. Generally listed as one of the 'must-see' tourist attractions on the East coast of Sicily. The town was declared humanity heritage by UNESCO in 2002. Here you can enjoy the most beautiful non equipped beaches of the island, Eloro, Cittadella or Calamosche inside the natural reserve of Vendicari, which is also home to thousands of migrating flamingos and sea turtle nests. If you prefer the comfort of equipped beaches, check the ones in Noto Marina or San Lorenzo. If you are in this area on the third week of May, take note of the famous and suggestive "Infiorata", a picturesque festival to welcome the spring, where local artists work overnight to prepare colorful real flower carpets all over the streets. Other sites worth visiting in the surroundings of Noto (by car) include Noto Antica - the older town - Modica, Palazzo Acreide, Ragusa - a similarly-appealing Baroque town - the necropolis at Pantalica and Ispica Caves.