Please see our disclaimer policy here. If you just walk down from the Greek Theater, you will eventually find it. 8. Goethe said in 1787 of Taormina, We could not tear ourselves away until after sunset. Full description. Originally from the interior of the island, Gaetano went to university in Catania and has been living in Palermo since 2003. Private half day walking tour (2, 3 or 4h long) for you and your family/friends only can be booked. Bear in mind the entry ticket to Alcantara Gorges is not included and neither is lunch. More information about the calendar of events. While here, why not also try a wine tasting in one of the many local wineries like Pellegrino, Florio, or Donnafugata? Don't miss the grilled sword fish rolls or the mussels soup in tomato sauce - divine!! This medieval 15th century palace is located right at the beginning of Corso Umberto and today houses the Tourist Information office, although dont expect to find much information there. is a 15th century church presiding over Piazza 9 Aprile. Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy. Located smack in the famous salt pans stretching between Trapani and Marsala, it does not get better than this! One of the nicest things to do in Taormina is taking to the seas and joining a sailing trip along the coast. 1. Hes been helping visitors explore his island and discover her secrets for over 20 years. To watch this landscape so remarkable in every aspect, slowly sinking into darkness, was an incredibly beautiful sight. The restaurants dining room is elegant and at the same time quite eclectic. If you visit Sicily in the summer you will see many Sicilians having a different kind of breakfast: a brioche (soft sweet bread) with a lemon granita! and was encouraged by the bohemian and open mindedness of the time when Sicily was an artists haven. For anyone looking for a more substantial meal, you have meat and fish platters which should of course be accompanied by a great Sicilian beer! Do as locals and Italians do and simply go on a stroll along pedestrian. Not to be confused with the island of the same name in Lago Maggiore. Where to stay in Barcelona Best areas What to do in Chuuk, the complete guide Travel to Tibet Everything you need to Travel in Albania: Best things to do & Travel guide and things to do in Somaliland. Some use bricks, other volcanic rock, or even wood. The infinity pool with views over the northern coast of Taormina is impressive. If you want to stay down to the beach, Belmond Villa SantAndrea is the best place to be. You order a drink and snacks come complimentary. Sicilians know how best to do aperitivo. You can visit to take a break from the city, while being just a few minutes from Corso Umberto. The cast of White Lotus may have never left their hotel, but there's plenty to see - and eat - in the charming town of Taormina, one of Sicily's most popular destinations. It offers its customers fresh dishes of the best Sicilian tradition. The Duomo is a 13th century fortress-like structure with the most sober and simple of brick facades split into three sections as was common of the time. It offers its customers fresh dishes of the best Sicilian tradition. You can pick the ones you like and make your own tray. In fact, you can be taken all the way up to close to 3,000m above sea level, just 300m below the top. Even if the office is not helpful to tourists, the fact that it is open gives you the opportunity to walk into the Palace and see its magnificent architecture which made me think of some of Barcelonas Gothic Quarter buildings because its facade was designed following the Catalan Gothic style. Contrary to other cuisines which use ingredients hard to find elsewhere, Sicilian ingredients are widely available so you can repeat them back home. Other ingredients are honey, lemon and orange rind and raisins. In order to perform this action you have to login. ", Tischi Toschi"Classic restaurant with really great pasta. is a 13th century fortress-like structure with the most sober and simple of brick facades split into three sections as was common of the time. While the volcano lies about 45min drive away, it is one of the best things to do when in Taormina. Its simply more leisurely. Da Cristina - Antica rosticceria: Where the locals eat! The cast of White Lotus may have never left the hotel, but there's plenty to see - and eat - in the charming town of Taormina. Contact us!+1 860 341 5552info@goaskalocal.com, Europe: Albania, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, North & Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Asia: Dubai, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey. The streets are steep, and. Most of the sailing tours include Isola Bella, as almost every visitor to Sicily wants to sail around it. Come and join me on my adventures around the world. The best place to enjoy sunset cocktails in Taormina is the terrace at the Belmond Grand Timeo, located right by the Theatre. They also took me there on my last night and I can confirm, it was goooood! The town has a privileged location with direct line of sight to Mount Etna volcano and pristine beaches below. German writer Goethe can be credited with putting it on the map for many in 1787, and in 1860. continued to spread the myth that such a place existed. While the cloisters once worked to the beat of puritanical footsteps, the hotel . Technically, the rock and beach are part of the municipality of Mazzaro, and not Taormina, and were bought by Florence Trevelyan in 1890 to be her home. providing that. Then be careful with the price of wine bottles and beverage! this blog, for a one-hour Sicily Travel Consultation. These are the options for Mount Etna: If you are staying in Taormina but dont have a car, there are several tour options which will take you Mount Etna. That will tell you how much sugar there is in them! Not something that you would find elsewhere in Italy.For example, few visitors initially believe that one of the most typical dishes of western Sicily is cous cous - something far more common of somewhere like Morocco! This is helpful as Taormina can be steep and spread out, so the segway tour covers places that are a bit farther away. This wonderful sport serves fantastic meat and fish dishes and is perfect for those looking for all three of food, ambiance, and a view! You will also see Italians simply round up the bill when tipping; if your meal cost 47 euro, you might leave 50. Its perfectly positioned opposite Isola Bella beach just a short cable car ride from Taormina centre. It also has a beautiful terrace facing directly towards the ancient Greek temples. Group tour from Taormina or Catania can be booked, , it does not include any drinks or food but you will stop for a snack at Bar Vitelli, I recommend the cakes or granita, Group tour from Taormina, Giardini Naxos or surroundings with lunch (pasta and wine) can be booked, . So as soon as I decided to book a last minute trip to Sicily, I had pizza, pasta and prosecco on my mind! Canni e Pisci is dialect for meat and fish, so its no surprise that thats what youll find here. With its exceptional ingredients and ancient tradition, the Sicilian city shows off its thriving territory at the table, combining riches of sea and of the soil. There are a lot of things to do in Taormina itself, but also plenty around it, making it the perfect base for all the activities in Sicilys north and east coast. Arco Rosso is a good-value. The best traditional places in Taormina, recommended by food professionals Best Events View all 4.8 536 Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto Famous for Cannoli 4.3 327 Tischi Toschi Famous for Sarde a beccafico 4.5 2.4k Da Cristina Famous for Arancini, Pizza melanzane, Focaccia 4.5 4.6k Bam Bar Taormina may be famed for its sweeping Mediterranean vistas and chic designer boutiques, but this upmarket seaside resort is also a top spot for authentic Sicilian cuisine. The street crosses the city from end to end, from the Catania Gate to the Messina Gate, and is entirely car free. In the heart of the old city of Palermo, this hidden gem of a restaurant is located right behind the citys gorgeous Norman Cathedral. Pizza, pasta, fresh seafood, arancini Italian food is incredibly popular and found worldwide but it can never quite be replicated the same way as they make it in Italy. You can also click here to see further information related to this. A 10% tip at a restaurant is considered very generous. Taorminas appeal lies not only in its quaint pedestrian streets and charming cafes but also in its splendid location, on the side of a hill, Mount Tauro, and with expansive views over the coast below. stops at three places, one for starters, one for mains and one for desserts, with wine and liquors at all three. So it is basically transportation only (which is why it is so cheap). . The hotel has nice coastal views and a classic take on the decor with touches of European aristocracy, and has been fully refurbished in 2019. Take the funicular from the centre down to Taormina's popular Mazzaro beach on a beautiful little bay. San Domenico Palace is located a bit farther from the main city center, lower on the hillside, although still just a 10min walk. While exploring this town's rich history, you can choose to eat anywhere from Michelin-starred restaurants to local trattorias. The decor is modern and new and the interior design very pleasant. There are private and group options. If hunger strikes while visiting the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, look no further than Re di Girgenti. This one is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family lunch. While the list is long, what I enjoyed the most was to simply sit at a bar or cafe and people watch. *For a fabulous guided tour of central Palermo, connect with local guide Gaetano! No doubt Mount Etna is on any visitor to Sicilys list of things to do and if you are visiting Taormina you are perfectly positioned for an excursion to see the, Drive up Mount Etna to 1,800m above sea level by car (free if you go on your own), Reach 2,500m above sea level by cable car (35 euro), Hike around the 2 craters of Mount Etna at 2,900m above sea level by cable car + bus + guide (65 euros), Hike Mount Etna to the top to 3,300m above sea level on a guided tour (45 + 65 euro). The pool is a great place for a break and there is a rather large rooftop bar and restaurant with nice 270 degree views. We start off with some useful information on dining out in Sicily, including an introduction to Sicilian cuisine, info on meal times, what to expect for service, and how to tip, before getting into Gaetanos 10 best restaurants in Sicily. Osteria da Rita is a small family-run inn, the cuisine is typically Sicilian. Taorminas theatre is unique because of its size, second only to that in Syracuse, and the degree of preservation of some of its elements like the theatre itself (behind the stage) and the back of the seats. However, if you feel like treating yourself then I recommend a visit! Copyright 2023 TravelTaormina - All rights reserved. Taormina really is beautiful - Although Taormina is touristy, there are many excellent restaurants, trattorie, and osterie, especially considering Taorminas transient clientele. So, for this list Ive tried to give some of my favorite spots in a bunch of major cities that encompass the entire island. The hotel offers shuttle service to the sister property in town that runs every 15-20min and serves to get around. Gaetano is a local guide and travel consultant based in Palermo, Sicilys capital city. For dessert, don't miss their "Greek" almond parfait. Evenings are filled with music and aperitivo in the open air Literary Terrace overlooking Mount Etna, just like when Truman Capote used to stay there, and the hotel rooms all have stunning views. And you can ask as many questions as you want to the guide, In the summer months there are performances, operas, concerts and more. The Trattoria Don Ciccio in Taormina is located near the Cathedral in the heart of the city. Its pretty hard to go wrong while eating in Sicily. Evenings are filled with music and aperitivo in the open air Literary Terrace overlooking Mount Etna, just like when Truman Capote used to stay there, and the hotel rooms all have stunning views. and you can observe several styles within the building. Siracusa is a city of unparalleled beauty. I would say here the only downside is the price. Supposedly, the producers of White Lotus visited 70 hotels before they set their hearts on the stunning Four Seasons in Taormina - and apparently, it was love at first sight. We set our sights to an expert with all the local recommendations: our friend Stefania Spampinato, Sicilian actor and director. A few things to look out for include the remains of the Norman Castle which are open to visitors, right on top of the village, as well as the church which has direct views of, And for a bit of a laugh, there is a bar entirely dedicated to penises called. On Isola Bella she planted many exotic species and took care of the birds. You get transport to 1,800m and then you can choose if you want to take the cable car and all to the top or not. Book a 2-hour tour of the coast with a stop to swim and a visit to Isola Bella, . Taormina, Sicilia. One of my favourite dishes is their pasta with pistachio and almond pesto. The fried calamari is also a must! The hotels fine dining St. George restaurant has a Michelin star and offers slightly more affordable lunch menus. German writer Goethe can be credited with putting it on the map for many in 1787, and in 1860 Otto Gelengs watercolor paintings continued to spread the myth that such a place existed. Enjoying a local white wine from Marsala (try Grillo or Insolia) while the sun sets behind the salt pans is pure magic. Italy has great food but Sicily has its own cuisine that has been influenced by its proximity to Africa and by the centuries of rule by many other cultures, from the Spanish to the Arabs. Open: Sunday-Friday 7 am to 10 pm (closed Saturdays) Phone: +39 0541 678 110. They soar! The town has a privileged location with direct line of sight to, While Taormina has always been desired by all the civilizations that stepped foot in Sicily, its. It felt like a real vacation. Sicilys cuisine is a reflection of the countless different populations who have settled here: from Phoenician wine and ancient Greek honey to the sugar of the Arabs and the chocolate of the Spanish. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Copyright The Globetrotter GP. In the same location, the Roman Empire continued to expand the city and build several landmarks. The waitersare jovialand attentive, the atmosphere romantic (shame I was alone!) The Garden is shaded and has lots of trees and flowers of Mediterranean and tropical origin, and a verandah that runs the edge of the park and has stunning views and benches to sit on. And for a bit of a laugh, there is a bar entirely dedicated to penises called Turrisi. Dine at Il Barcaiolo, run by a local family since 1981, with a small terrace overlooking the bay. Remember, Sicily has over 5 million inhabitants and each region has different specialties and diverse cuisines. . What makes the town such an interesting destination is precisely its past and one cannot visit Taormina without at least understanding a bit how it was formed and its importance from Antiquity until today. Sunset group walking tour of Taormina which ends at a rooftop terrace for sunset. Hi! Taormina to the right, the beach of Giardini Naxos below and Mount Etna right ahead. While it is not open and you cant walk into the archeological site, you can see it through the fence around it. Interested in more Sicily recs? Right and left, look for the narrow streets that go up or down hill and which hide pretty stores. I live in Palermo, but Im from the interior of the island and went to university in the east. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and, for those looking for extra privacy, beach cabanas. Here are my favourite 7 traditional restaurants in Taormina to taste local cuisine: 1. Taormina is of course a major tourist destination in Sicily and tourist traps unfortunately do abound. Location: Via Ponte, 44, 47826 Ponte Verucchio, Rimini RN, Italy. During the course of your explorations, you're probably going to walk up, down, across, and over it at least a half dozen times. address in Taormina. But with a little bit of inside info, one can still find fabulous meals at decent prices. However, they are on the small side so book a larger room. The public park that Florence Trevelyan built was Halington Siculo, now renamed Villa Comunale, or public gardens, and is located halfway down from Taorminas center to the beach, spanning lovely views of Giardini Naxos and the coast below. I went in to get a map and advice on some tours and all they could give me was a leaflet from one of the companies and they had no knowledge on when the tours ran. The terrace is right above the main square and has sea views. Already in the 20th century, Taormina attracted writers and artists, the most famous among which were DH Lawrence and Truman Capote, and the. ct intro final View All Trips This is ideal for when youre planning a morning of swimming followed by a great seafood lunch. Perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean, mountains and Mt Etna in the distance, this view cannot be challenged. The open air restaurant faces the sea and the terrace under the shaded trees is the best place for an evening aperitivo or a lazy lunch. The main difference between Sicilian food and that of other regions of Italy is the heavy use of spices and distinctly sweet and sour flavors which always remind us of our Arab heritage. The climb takes 20-30min up. When it comes to restaurants on Via Santa Filomena, and there are more than a few, Il Sale still reigns supreme. Note that Taormina restaurants don't really start bustling until 8 PM because most locals don't eat until around 9 PM. With several different dining rooms, it is perfect for groups. Don't miss the caciocavallo all'argentiera (fried cheese with garlic olive oil and vinegar) and definitely be sure to sample some of the many pasta courses - the tagliatelle with the boar ragout is a particular standout! There are a lot of things to do in Taormina itself, but also plenty around it, making it the perfect base for all the activities in Sicilys north and east coast. . The church was built on the site of an ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to two deities. Taormina lies on the east coast of Sicily, an ancient town whose origins predate even the arrival of the Greeks to southern Italy. , while being just a few minutes from Corso Umberto. and found myself eating and drinking all day long, starting with a big breakfast and continuing with morning snacks, a big lunch with wine, afternoon snacks, aperitivo and then a big dinner with more wine. Should you decide to dine here, do not miss a couple of typical dishes: fish cous cous or busiate with pesto alla trapanese - fresh tomatoes, red garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper andalmonds! Originally erected for Saint Sebastian who is said to have liberated the city from the plague, it was then acquired by Augustinian friars and turned into a convent. Note that most of the tours which include the hike to the top mention the Upper craters: There are hundreds if not thousands of restaurants in Taormina but here are a few suggestions on where to eat. You can walk up to it from Taormina via the stairs. ", Bam Bar"For granita! If you are here in summer you will understand why - its hot! It made me think of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with the square top. The only thing Id make you aware of is that occasionally you get a stray pistachio in the chocolate mix so perhaps avoid if you have a nut allergy! I ended up here every morning after breakfast at. If youll be visiting Agrigento as a day trip from Palermo or nearby, our favorite local driver-guide is always Giorgio! What to do in Taormina: the best places to see, eat and stay in the scenic Sicilian town Find out why Sicily's town of Taormina is well worth a visit 04 Dec 2018, 16:19 GMT The Best Things to Do in Taormina Sicily (Including the Ancient Amphitheater!) I did a ton of research, asked a few locals, and did a lot of tasting to make sure you knew exactly what foods to try in Taormina when you visit. , when wealthy young Europeans on their Grand Tours started to arrive in the peaceful town and reported back home. But even if you don't speak Italian, the waiters will find a way to communicate. buildings because its facade was designed following the Catalan Gothic style. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. has a Michelin star and serves fine dining European food in a polished environment, they also have more affordable lunch menus. If you decide to eat here, dont miss the opportunity to book a visit to Palazzo Biscari, one of the most beautiful palaces of the XVIII century in all of Sicily. If you want our list of top recommendations of restaurants and bars or help planning your trip, feel free to get in touch! Excellent Places Where To Place Bets In Dublin, Exploring the World of International Casino Culture, Wine, Dine, Gamble: Top-3 Casino Destinations for a. The atmosphere inside is cosy, but you should surely opt for the lovely outdoor seating. Have I missed anywhere out?! as salami, mortadella and various h." Where to eat: the 37 best restaurants in Taormina We've collected the most-often-mentioned 37 places from other articles, including favorites like Ristorante Al Duomo, Osteria Rosso Divino, and La Capinera We've collected the most-often-mentioned 37 places from other articles, including favorites like 5 Incredible Italy Itineraries to Inspire Your Next Trip. The decor is made of various artifacts and carvings in phallic shapes and even the menu comes in a purple penish shape. So there we have it, my guide for the best restaurants and places to eat in Taormina. The best places to eat in Taormina Vineria Mod Whenever we are in Taormina we always have to eat at Vineria Modi! You cant go to Sicily and not have a foodgasm. Trattoria Don Ciccio. The house where she lived has been turned into a museum and can also be visited. The atmosphere is magical and the quality of food is high. The Trattoria Don Ciccio in Taormina is located near the Cathedral in the heart of the city. in Corso Umberto, by the Piazza 9 Aprile, is built over a walk-through gate, Porta di Mezzo, and has beautiful golden mosaics inside. You wont have trouble finding many opportunities to do the same. Without advice from locals, it would be difficult to find this place. This small church built on the side of the rock at the top of Mount Tauro commands the best views of Taormina and Giardini Naxos below. St. Pancras Church and Greek Sanctuary of Isis and Serapis. Get the audio guide. I know because I struggled. The ruins are open and can be seen from around the perimeter. Arab and Norman influences are obvious in the square tower, said to be built by the Arabs to mimic the Kasbah. and the most visited destination, especially in the summer months. The cheese shop 731 reviews Closed Now Italian, Mediterranean - 0.3 mi Sicily ". Admire the Piazza Duomo Piazza Duomois undoubtedly one of Taormina's most significant attractions, located right in the heart of the old town of Taormina Sicily. Located in a gated palatial property with gardens, this is a slightly more modern luxury hotel to the other traditional formulas, although still preserves the classic wallpaper and marble style of Taorminas mansions. As such, we'd advise against early dinner reservations. Located on the ground floor of the XVIII century Palazzo Biscari, it has a very cosy atmosphere inside and a lovely courtyard outside. When dining here, youre basically eating under a covered terrace right in front of the beach where you can also rent chairs and parasols. Continue the foodgasm with a 3.5h food tour. You should plan to enjoy the sunset slowly, over a couple of drinks, and starting early, so you are hungry enough for dinner, which I also suggest to enjoy at Timeo Restaurant which is located on the same terrace and has the same fantastic views. Day Trip to Favignana, Sicilys Own Carribbean, Visiting Rome in Winter Insiders Tips You Need To Know. The streets are steep, and most of the tourist attractions are located at the top, so it pays to be close to the center. A positive of this type of relaxed service is that once you sit at a table, its yours for as long as you wish; no one will come to rush you out or bring the check unless you ask for it. Even so, not all Taormina restaurants are truly worthy of your This smaller church located by the Ashbee Hotel is generally closed to the public. The Odeon used to be a smaller covered theatre for performances in Roman times and has been partially preserved after excavations in the 1890s which uncovered parts of it. The guide will stop when you like, you can have a drink/snack at Bar Vitelli and add a good lunch or dinner after the tour. Maldives vs Bora Bora, where will YOU have the best vacation? Have questions? The church can also be reached by car. - See 3,288 traveler reviews, 1,067 candid photos, and great deals for Taormina, Italy, at Tripadvisor. , an institution in town, despite its touristy look and prime location. The bar and restaurant within this5-star luxury boutique hotel is a haven of tranquillity off the busy main street in the old town of Taormina. They also sell all the other traditional Sicilian sweets, from almond cookies and nougat to meringues, candied fruits and other tempting sweets. Giadzy is a registered trademark. This tour starts at the Sapienza Refuge already so you need to get your own transportation to the mountain. While many of the other eateries on this street lean toward rustic, Il Sale offers a fine dining experience. All budget/food options are considered! You will also learn to make pasta from scratch. Segway tour of Taormina for those who want to go fast and furious. Restaurant Armonia 116 reviews Italian, International Menu 0.6 mi Sicily "The best restaurant in Taormina" "Excellent food,great and friendly." 19:30 20:00 20:30 2022 2. Taormina really is beautiful - Although Taormina is touristy, there are many excellent restaurants, trattorie, and osterie, especially considering Taormina's transient clientele. Or enjoy a more casual drink at Wunderbar, an institution in town, despite its touristy look and prime location. Expect classic rooms most of which have verandas, balconies or terraces onto the Mazzaro bay and beach below. The Norman castle looks like a fortification of the time and while it was renovated in the early 2000s it has not been open for years. Tucked away down a side street - Via Calapitrulli - you'll find elegant tables outside on the street as well as art-deco inspired seating inside if you prefer. Think of it as a bit of an adventure! You also get to jump in the water for a refreshing swim. The hotel: San Domenico Palace Hotel. The items on menu are also almost all home-made, and there really are no bad choices. !Alla salute! On the other end of the spectrum from Metroble, this no-frills cafe and takeaway make tasty food. But do not come with high expectations for breakfast in Italy! Travel Photography Tips for Beginners for Stunning Photos, Fairytale Places in Europe you must visit, 29 Travel Hacks to save money, travel smarter, further and safer, Smart Travel Super Bundle Review Learn to travel further for less, Best Backpacks on Wheels For Travel in 2023 Wheeled Backpacks Compared, Long Haul Flight Essentials To Make Flying a Breeze, The Best Cameras for Backpacking in 2023 For ALL budgets. It is quite casual and perfect for a romantic dinner or a meal out with friends. A typical Southern Italian vegetable ratatouille will be finished in Sicily with pine nuts, raisins, vinegar, cinnamon and sugar. The restaurant itself serves no-fuss simple but very tasty pizzas. Some of the most typical dishes are the ones for which we now use the expression "street food": arancini (rice balls filled with ragout sauce, green peas, and cheese, then breaded and deep fried) or cannoli (fried, tube-shaped shells filled with sweet ricotta cream). Answer 1 of 6: My family and I are coming to Taormina in July 2012, we like to get a feel for the real country/place that we are visiting not the tourist led restaurant hotspots, so could anyone point us in the direction where the local people eat? Meet up point is the bus station at Taormina. If you are driving, you might want to save our guide to a road trip across Europe for some more ideas. On the topic of breakfast, we do not eat a heavy meal in the morning. Make sure to stock on almond liquor before living Taormina, you will need it for the marzipan.