{"id":2931,"date":"2012-09-14T11:51:53","date_gmt":"2012-09-14T09:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=2931"},"modified":"2025-11-26T19:59:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T19:59:16","slug":"taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily","title":{"rendered":"What to See in Taormina : 6 Incredible Sicilian Sights to See"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Taormina, situated on the slopes of Monte Tauro, is a popular vacation spot especially in summer and\u00a0renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Etna. The beautiful natural surroundings together with the nearby coastal towns along the Ionian Sea make this stretch one of the <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/sicily\/aeolian-islands-italy\">top destinations in Sicily<\/a>. <strong>Here is our essential list of what to see in Taormina and the nearby coastal towns.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2932\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2932\" class=\" wp-image-2932 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/View_Taormina-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"View of Mt Etna from Taormina, Sicily\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/View_Taormina-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/View_Taormina-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/View_Taormina-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View of Mt Etna and coastal towns from Taormina<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#What_to_see_in_Taormina\" >What to see in Taormina<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#1_The_Greek_Theater\" >1. The Greek Theater<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#2_Piazza_del_Duomo\" >2. Piazza del Duomo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#3_Piazza_IX_Aprile\" >3. Piazza IX Aprile\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#4_Giardini_Naxos\" >4. Giardini Naxos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#5_Acitrezza\" >5. Acitrezza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#6_Aci_Castello\" >6. Aci Castello<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_What_to_See_in_Taormina\" >FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; What to See in Taormina<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#When_is_the_best_time_of_year_to_visit_Taormina\" >When is the best time of year to visit Taormina?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#How_long_should_I_spend_in_Taormina\" >How long should I spend in Taormina?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#Is_Taormina_easy_to_get_around_without_a_car\" >Is Taormina easy to get around without a car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/taormina-giardini-naxos-sicily\/#What_should_I_budget_for_a_visit_to_Taormina\" >What should I budget for a visit to Taormina?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_see_in_Taormina\"><\/span>What to see in Taormina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_Greek_Theater\"><\/span>1. The Greek Theater<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The main attraction in Taormina is the Greek theater. It is the second largest in Sicily, after the one in Syracuse. The original building dates back to 3<sup>rd<\/sup>\u00a0century B.C and was enlarged by the Romans in the 3<sup>rd\u00a0<\/sup>century A.D who transformed it into an amphitheater. It was divided into three sections, the orchestra, the stage and the cavea (auditorium) which could accommodate 5,400 spectators.<\/p>\n<p>With its exceptional acoustic, this theater still hosts summer concerts annually. The location, with sweeping views of the coastline and the impressive Mount Etna in the background, provides a magical atmosphere and makes for an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2956\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2956\" class=\" wp-image-2956 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_3763-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Greek Theater in Taormina, top on the list of what to see in Taormina. These ruins show an ampitheater with columns and arches, with stunning views of Mount Etna in the background.\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_3763-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_3763-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/IMG_3763-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2956\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stunning views from the Greek theater in Taormina<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Piazza_del_Duomo\"><\/span>2. Piazza del Duomo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Next on the list of what to see in Taormina is the picturesque Piazza del Duermo. In it, you will find the Taormino Duomo &#8211;\u00a0 built in Gothic style &#8211;\u00a0 and the Baroque fountain. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, the Duomo was originally constructed in the 13th century but has undergone extensive restoration work over the centuries. Its interior is a Latin cross with a nave and two aisles which are supported by six monolithic pillars.<\/p>\n<p>Step inside to see the \u201cnon-made\u201d Madonna with a silver mantle. Hidden in a well from Arab invaders, it is so-called to illustrate that it is a miraculous icon not made by humans.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2936\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2936\" class=\" wp-image-2936 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Duomo-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Piazza del Duomo, Taormina, Sicily\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Duomo-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Duomo-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Duomo-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2936\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Duomo and the Baroque fountain in Piazza IX Aprile<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Piazza_IX_Aprile\"><\/span>3. Piazza IX Aprile<span style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Extremely popular and rightly so, this elegant piazza offers a splendid view of the Greek theater, the bay of Giardini Naxos and the formidable Mount Etna. This terrace attracts crowds that congregate to admire the spectacular views and take the opportunity for a photo shoot with this priceless backdrop.<\/p>\n<p>In the piazza, you will also find the Church of St. Joseph and a former church, St. Augustine, which has been turned into the town library. North of the piazza, the clock-tower dates back to 12<sup>th<\/sup> century and is a reconstruction of the original one destroyed during the French invasion in the 17<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n<p>The big question is&#8230; what took place on 9<sup>th<\/sup> April for the piazza to be named after this date? It was on this day in 1860 when news was received that Garibaldi had landed at Marsala to commence the liberation of Sicily from the Bourbons. Thus the piazza was named to commemorate this date.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2937\" style=\"width: 2058px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2937\" class=\"wp-image-2937 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Taormina_IX_Aprile-e1347563482271-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Taormina_IX_Aprile-e1347563482271-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Taormina_IX_Aprile-e1347563482271-768x464.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Taormina_IX_Aprile-e1347563482271-1536x929.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2937\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 2 churches, one of which is now a library, in Piazza IX Aprile &#8211; The 9th of April Plaza &#8211; Taormina, Sicily<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Giardini_Naxos\"><\/span>4. Giardini Naxos<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Nearby, and another of the top things to see in Taormina is Giardini Naxos. You may be thinking that the name Naxos doesn\u2019t sound Italian at all. You\u2019re absolutely right as Giardini Naxos, founded in 735 B.C, was the first Greek colony in Sicily and named Naxos after an island in the Aegean sea.<\/p>\n<p>During the Byzantine period, the cultivation of citrus fruits was introduced by the Arabs and hence the name Giardini (gardens). Today it is a popular beach resort with a 2.5 mile-stretch of sandy beaches which makes it a bustling town in summer.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2939\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2939\" class=\" wp-image-2939 \" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Giardini_Naxos.jpg\" alt=\"Giardini Naxos, Sicily\" width=\"493\" height=\"328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Giardini_Naxos.jpg 849w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Giardini_Naxos-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2939\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beach resort in Giardini Naxos<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Acitrezza\"><\/span><strong>5.<\/strong> Acitrezza<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Islands of the Cyclops or Faragilioni of Acitrezza is a most fascinating sight. It is a group of rocks created by lava eruptions in the Gulf of Acritrezza. However, a more intriguing story according to legend was that these rocks were thrown by the cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses after being blinded by him with a stake through the eye.<\/p>\n<p>Since 1989, the islands with rich fauna, beautiful landscapes and abundant presence of fossils have become a protected marine reserve.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2935\" style=\"width: 494px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2935\" class=\" wp-image-2935 \" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/acitrezza_small.jpg\" alt=\"Acitrezza, Sicily - Islands of the Cyclops\" width=\"484\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/acitrezza_small.jpg 849w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/acitrezza_small-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2935\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Islands of the Cyclops in Acitrezza<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Aci_Castello\"><\/span><strong>6.<\/strong> Aci<strong> Castello<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Last but not list on the list of what to see in Taromina is Aci Castello. It is one of nine towns that bear the name \u201cAci\u201d. The presence of the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century Norman castle situated on a rock gives this place its name Aci Castello.<\/p>\n<p>Fortified since Roman times, the castle had its share of events from witnessing the struggles between the Aragonese in Sicily and the Angevins in Naples to serving as a prison under the Bourbons in 1787.<\/p>\n<p>Today, it is a museum that contains archaeological remains as well as a small botanical garden.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2933\" style=\"width: 490px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2933\" class=\" wp-image-2933\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Acicastello.jpg\" alt=\"Aci Castello, Sicily - Castle\" width=\"480\" height=\"409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Acicastello.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Acicastello-768x654.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2933\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Castle in Aci Castello<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Check out the <a href=\"http:\/\/youtu.be\/FYxotUoUEpQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video of what we came across while exploring Aci Castello<\/a>!\u00a0This lively scene gives you a feel of local life and traditions in Sicily.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_What_to_See_in_Taormina\"><\/span>FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; What to See in Taormina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"87\" data-end=\"148\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_best_time_of_year_to_visit_Taormina\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"146\">When is the<\/strong> best<strong data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"146\"> time of year to visit Taormina?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"149\" data-end=\"476\">Taormina is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant months are <strong data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"234\">April to June<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"260\">September\/October<\/strong>. Temperatures are warm, the views are crystal-clear, and crowds are thinner compared to July and August. Summer is beautiful but extremely busy, while winter brings quieter streets, cooler weather, and fewer events.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"483\" data-end=\"532\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_I_spend_in_Taormina\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"530\">How long<\/strong> should<strong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"530\"> I spend in Taormina?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"864\">Most visitors find that <strong data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"578\">two to three days<\/strong> is perfect for exploring Taormina comfortably. This gives enough time for the Greek Theater, the scenic piazzas, and a coastal getaway to Giardini Naxos or Aci Castello. If you want to add Etna day trips, wine tastings, or beach time, extending your stay to <strong data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"854\">four or five days<\/strong> is ideal.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"929\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Taormina_easy_to_get_around_without_a_car\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"927\">Is<\/strong> Taormina<strong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"927\"> easy to get around without a car?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"1211\">Yes. Taormina\u2019s historic center is <strong data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1000\">compact and pedestrian-friendly<\/strong>, and local buses and cable cars make it easy to reach nearby beaches and towns. Parking can be challenging in peak season, so many travelers prefer to rely on public transport or taxis instead of renting a car.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1276\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_I_budget_for_a_visit_to_Taormina\"><\/span>What<strong data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1274\"> should I budget for a visit to Taormina?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1674\">Taormina is one of Sicily\u2019s more <strong data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1334\">premium destinations<\/strong>, especially in summer. Expect higher-than-average prices for hotels and restaurants in the historic center. To save money, consider booking accommodations in Giardini Naxos or Letojanni and riding public transport into town. Entrance fees (such as the Greek Theater) are reasonably priced, and the views are completely free to enjoy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2017\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2017\" class=\"wp-image-2017 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/roman-amphitheater-sicily.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Taormina - one of the best ancient ruins in Sicily. Ruins of a roman ampitheater, with stone arches and columns and a view of the coast and mountains, under a very stormy sky.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/roman-amphitheater-sicily.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/roman-amphitheater-sicily-768x559.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2017\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Now that&#8217;s stunning: the ancient theater in Taormina!<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"404\"><strong>Thinking about making Sicily part of a longer Italian adventure?<\/strong> Fly from any of Italy\u2019s major cities\u2014Rome, Milan, Florence, or Naples\u2014and enjoy an unforgettable long weekend in Taormina and the sun-soaked Ionian coast. It\u2019s the perfect add-on to your trip: easy connections, incredible food, and scenery that feels straight out of a dream.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"649\"><strong>And if you want to dive even deeper into Italy\u2019s history, culture, and cuisine before or after your Sicilian escape, join one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/\">expert-led tours with Walks of Italy.<\/a><\/strong>You\u2019ll uncover stories and local secrets that most travelers miss.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taormina, situated on the slopes of Monte Tauro, is a popular vacation spot especially in summer and\u00a0renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Etna. The beautiful natural surroundings together with the nearby coastal towns along the Ionian Sea make this stretch one of the top destinations in Sicily. Here is our essential list of what [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":2932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[75],"ppma_author":[157],"class_list":["post-2931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-sicily"],"authors":[{"term_id":157,"user_id":58,"is_guest":0,"slug":"diana","display_name":"Diana","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/070e521a3b7abad007c7a0d668396a9c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"Diana","job_title":"","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2931"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/58"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2931"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24353,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2931\/revisions\/24353"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2931"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=2931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}