Places to visit near Taormina? The town is among the most picturesque Sicilian destinations and it is one of a kind. But we are sure that you would appreciate even other small yet beautiful spots nearby!
Places to visit near Taormina
The history and fashion of this area mix the monumental background to the natural landscape facing the rocky coastline, where there are the most popular beaches of Taormina. Isola Bella is one of the best places to visit near Taormina: it is a rocky islet, nominated nature reserve and known as a botanical garden and naturalistic museum. So, when it comes to things to do in Taormina Sicily, you cannot miss a boat tour around the blue water of Isola Bella or a birdwatching experience, given the presence of many species of birds. The view is dominated by Etna Volcano, in a distance, with its smoky peak and, in winter months, with snow at the top.
Things to do in Taormina Sicily are linked to the monumental and artistic heritage, made of the important testimony of the Ancient Greek Amphitheatre, dating back to the III century b.C. and medieval buildings like the Cathedral and the city walls, located all along Corso Umberto. The Greek theatre of Taormina is one of the most attractive places to visit near Taormina: it is a great opportunity to attend the several cultural events organized in this amazing frame during summer time, like opera, ballets, concerts and shows, in a space where time goes back centuries.
Taormina is also the perfect location to satisfy your shopping desires visiting the most exclusive boutiques, specialized in Sicilian handcraft, jewelry, accessories and prestigious souvenirs made in ceramics.
The closest of the places to visit near Taormina is Castelmola Sicily, located at the top of Mount Tauro, more than 550 meters above sea level, just 4 kilometers uphill from Taormina. This medieval town, included in the list of the most beautiful Italian villages since 2008, is named Castelmola Sicily because of the presence of a fortress or castle built at the top of the old town. We can still admire remains of this defensive point, especially the walls. The panoramic balcony of Castelmola Sicily lets you admire the amazing view on Mount Etna Volcano.
During our 3 days Eastern Sicily tour one of a must to see places to visit near Taormina is located in the eastern part of the island: Savoca Sicily is a renowned top destination as “Savoca Godfather” because its fame comes from the popular American movie, filmed in this extraordinary location. Savoca Sicily is a medieval town in the uncontamined background of the Valley of Agrò, in a scenic position where visitors can experience the rural background of Sicily, the calmness and tranquility of the pedestrian paths.
The village is characterized by curious buildings, that appeared in several scenes of Chapter I in Savoca Godfather movie, first of all Bar Vitelli and the Cathedral of Savoca Sicily dedicated to Saint Lucy. Other scenes from The Godfather Saga took place in the village of Forza d’Agrò; if you are a fan of the Godfather Saga you cannot even miss a Godfather tour.
Another interesting location among the places to visit near Taormina during a weekend in Sicily is Messina. The gateway of Sicily, renowned for centuries due to the strategical position of its port, is the homeland of Antonello da Messina, famous Sicilian painter active in the second half of the XV century: it is possible to admire masterpieces by Antonello and painters from his school visiting the Regional Museum of Messina.
The most popular attraction of the city is the Messina Cathedral clock, built in 1933 including a complex mechanism invented by the Ungerer brothers from Strasbourg. Messina Cathedral clock puts in movement every day at noon, with golden bronze configurations recalling episodes of the city history.
Don’t miss the bell tower show during which the statues move with the soundtrack of Schubert’s Ave Maria. Another top destination is the Cathedral of Messina, with marble decorations and statues, restored after the catastrophes of the XX century like the earthquake of 1908 and the bombings of the Second World War.
Inside it is possible to visit the Museum of the treasure of the Cathedral with a collection of sacred art objects, especially gold and silver instruments used for celebrations by the silversmith masters from Messina since the XVII century (if you want to know more about the northernmost city of Sicil, read our post about Messina Sicily and its treasures).
You can explore Taormina and the best places to visit near Taormina, during an all-inclusive weekend experience, accompanied by our local tour guide, and enjoy the enchanting localities in the province of Messina.
