"[...] never, probably, a theater audience has seen something similar in front of" - said Goethe after his visit to Taormina Ancient Theatre. Nestled in the cliff, this architectural jewel is perfectly inserted in the surrounding environment, as if it was itself a product of Nature. Built by order of Hieron II’s wife Philistides in the third century B.C., with its size, view and location it is a place with an unconquering beauty!

Envisage visiting it on a peaceful summer night. The wind sounds blend with the scent of the sea, the imposing figure of the Etna on the background, and the colors of the sunset mix in a carousel of oranges, pinks and reds painting in new nuances its thousand-year old stones, making for a breath-taking view. Here where art, culture and nature converge you’ll surely live a one of a kind experience!

Isolabella Naturalistic Regional Museum is a Mediterranean dream open to all, born from the unconditional love of an English noblewoman for Sicily: Florence Trevelyan. Exiled to Italy by Queen Victoria of England because of her scandalous relationship with the future Edward the Seventh, she reached the Italian peninsula and here put down roots.

She fell in love with the place and married a surgeon from Taormina, buying at a later time the once called Rock of Saint Stephen, giving it new life. Today this is a sanctuary for biodiversity and peace, where local species integrate with an exotic flora giving birth to a magical place where to admire an unique ecosystem and discover an unusual side of Sicily. If you like the idea of spending an alternative day immersed in nature, Isolabella is the destination for you!

Αἴτνη (Aítnē), Aetna, Mons Gibel, the Mountain… One thousand and one names have been used to describe the Giant of Sicily: the Etna. Called O’ Mungibeddu in Sicilian dialect, this international symbol is only 45 minutes away from Taormina. Be it summer or winter, autumn or spring, it’s a mandatory stage for many tourists. With a height of more than 3000 meters, it’s one of the highest active volcanoes of the world, as well as the one with the most interesting legends.

During your excursion you could hear some strange noises… could it be Hephaestus, who chose to build his forge here? Or maybe the cyclopes intent on making Zeus’ lighting bolt? Or maybe the wind you feel is the god Aeolus, annoyed by your disturbing the peace of his home, or even the spirit of Elizabeth I of England, here incarcerated after a deal with the Devil? To you the arduous task of choosing the more likable story. For the time being we invite you to let yourself be conquered by its natural beauties in an excursion worthy of being remembered!

Morning, afternoon, evening… Corso Umberto I it’s perfect every hour of the day! Named after Umberto I, King of Italy from 1878 to 1900, it’s the main street of Taormina. Eight hundred meters long and full of shops, typical taverns and monuments, it travels along the historical center of the city, circumscribed at its ends by Porta Catania and Porta Messina.

While strolling you will see the Odeon Theatre, where the living nativity scene is located, the baroque Church of Saint Catherine, the Naumachie, walls of red bricks datable to the roman period, and the famous Torre di Mezzo (Middle Tower), so called because it divides the medieval village from the roman-greek one. Indeed a true open air museum, and perfect location to take a stroll.

Gallehault indeed was - again- Lady Trevelyan and her love for Nature. But surely we won’t comply! It’s thanks to her that Duca di Cesaro Park was born: the green lung of the city of Taormina - the park is also known as “The Villa” to the locals - reachable by walk from Corso Umberto I. Located among Taormina Bay and the Etna, is an oasis of peace and calm where one can take shelter from the scorching sun and escape the crowds of tourists.

Walking in the Park you could chance upon the most curious constructions. Lady Trevelyan realized her garden aiming to live it to its full extent. There are some small alcoves for reading, little temples for meeting friends, and crates, pagodas, statues and a curious funerary dolmen in memory of her five dogs. Really a fantastic location!