THE BEAUTY OF TAORMINA, SICILY
Taormina, located on a rocky terrace high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily's east coast, could not be in a more picturesque location. Flower-draped buildings or the island's best Greek theatre frame views of the Mediterranean and Mt. Etna, which often has a plume of steam wafting above its smoking cone. Here’s what to do and where to Stay.
What to do in Taormina
Swim at Isola Bella
Photo by Jacob Buchave
Swimming coves and beaches can be found all along the coast below Taormina, accessible by pathways. There is also a cable car that runs between Taormina and Mazzaro, a seaside resort immediately below town. More beaches may be found just north of Mazzaro at Spisone, Mazzeo, and Letojanni. The beaches are also accessible by bus.
Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre)
Photo by Federico Di Dio
The Greek Theatre, erected in the third century BC by Hiero II of Syracuse, is Taormina's most famous landmark. It was extensively restored under Roman domination in the second century BC, with all the characteristics of a Roman theatre.
The completely semi-circular caveat rises to an upper diameter of 109 metres in stepped seating, the stage is elevated above the orchestra level, and the magnificently adorned stage loft is so high that its sides adjoin the top rows of seats to form an enclosed chamber.
Taormina's most famous view of the surrounding landscape as far as Mount Etna, immortalised in paintings and photography as one of Italy's most iconic, is framed by a serendipitous gap in the loft's wall.
Castelmola
Photo by Andras Kovacs
The lovely village of Castelmola perches atop a rocky cliff high above Taormina, at an altitude of 529 metres. Taormina, the Ionian Sea, and Mt. Etna can all be seen from its tall terraces.
Castelmola is not just attractive to tourists because of its views; it is also included among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, as a stroll through its small, colourful alleys demonstrates. The walls are covered in bright ceramics, and the ruins of a castle may be found at the summit. Castelmola is a five-kilometer walk from the town centre and may be reached via bus.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a Taormina luxury hotel that understands how to win hearts with its meticulous attention to detail, from the simple elegance of its furniture to the limitless beauty of its landscapes. Each accommodation is one-of-a-kind and distinctive, capable of providing a priceless slice of heaven. The 29 rooms, which include five suites, four luxury apartments, and two large villas, are all unique, and they're confident you'll discover your favourite among them.
Room at Hotel Villa Carlotta
The acclaimed interior designer Studio Area Firenze carefully picked the colours and materials used - light-colored subtleties, a mix of period and "contemporary classic" pieces displaying the best Italian design - to offer each of the rooms and suites a warm feeling of style and comfort. Almost all of the rooms have balconies or panoramic patios with sea views, as well as all of the necessary amenities. Families can stay together in adjoining rooms, suites, or one of the apartments or villas.
Villa Carlotta Restaurant
Villa Carlotta Restaurant is a tranquil space that has been designed to give its guests a place to experience the treasures of Sicily while surrounded by beauty, offering a slice of an idyllic Sicilian citrus garden hidden in a splendid panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and the volcano Etna.
With a colour combination of green, orange, and cream, it represents a pleasant Mediterranean ambiance appropriate for any occasion, from a fast lunch before shopping to a romantic candlelit dinner after a day at the beach or by the pool.
Rooftop view
Try their roof top restaurant and savour the best of Sicily's tastes and flavours in an elegant but relaxed setting. They insist on using fresh, local ingredients in their cuisine, which comprises traditional Sicilian dishes with a twist. They guarantee you won't be disappointed, whether it's with their wonderful Sicilian buffet breakfast, a casual light lunch, or a romantic a la carte candlelight supper with your partner or friends.
Hotel Villa Carlotta Swimming Pool
Staying at a coastal hotel with a pool is a great way to have a pleasant and peaceful experience in Taormina.
Relax by the year-round swimming pool in Villa Carlotta's lovely garden, surrounded by palm trees, jasmine, and flowing bougainvillaea. You'll find new ways to unwind among the ruins that call back to ancient Roman memory and magnificent green spaces, with luxurious sunbeds at your disposal for days of total relaxation.
Stay 'home' and relax by their pool set in lush gardens with extraordinary views of both Mount Etna and the Ionian sea across the straits of Messina to Calabria, or take a short walk to the famous Corso Umberto, a six-minute ride to the beach.
They want you to feel as if you're staying in a private home owned by local hosts who are dedicated to providing you with the finest of Sicily and Italy.