Sicily
Taormina
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Cliff-top resort town with the islands most famous Greek theatre and a White Lotus tourism premium attached.
Perched 200m above the Ionian on a clifftop, Taormina has been Sicilys glamour resort since Wilhelm II of Germany made it fashionable in the 1890s. The Greek-Roman theatre frames Mount Etna in one of the worlds great archaeological views, and the recent White Lotus filming has pushed prices another 30% upward. Isola Bella sits below for swimming.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Teatro Greco frames Etna in arguably the worlds most photographed ancient view
- ↑Isola Bella nature reserve and beach 100m vertical drop below — cable car connects
- ↑Highest concentration of upscale restaurants and bars on the east coast
What you sacrifice
- ↓White Lotus surge — prices now match the Amalfi Coast for less actual coastline
- ↓Cruise-ship day-trippers fill the main Corso Umberto between 11am and 4pm
- ↓Almost entirely closed November through March
Best for
Avoid if
Other Sicily neighbourhoods
Island-old-town and ancient Greek capital — Greek theatre, baroque cathedral built into a Greek temple, Ionian sea on three sides.
The chaotic Arab-Norman capital — Vucciria market, Cappella Palatina mosaics, street food and grandeur in equal measure.
Black-lava baroque under Mount Etna — fish market theatre, university energy, the islands most direct city.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
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