Taormina is a true spectacle set against the backdrop of the majestic Ionian Sea. It is a town with over 2,500 years of history, founded by the Greeks. Since then, it has never ceased to welcome visitors, and it is a welcoming enough place to explore even for a short time. However, it offers a range of attractions that allow you to enjoy it at any time of year, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, on your own or with friends.
Its charms are on display all year round
Let’s start with spring, which is when this place really comes into its own. The water temperature is already perfect for a leisurely swim, and the open-air performances at the Teatro Antico are in full swing. May and June, in particular, are considered the best months for enjoying the beach, although this popularity has its pros and cons, as you’ll need to be prepared to jostle for a good spot on the sand at Isola Bella or Mazzarò. Evenings can still be cool, so you should pack some warm clothes, even if the afternoons are warm.
July and August bring the picture-postcard Mediterranean weather everyone imagines, along with the heat, which, if not a good friend, must be taken into account. Temperatures often rise to over 30 degrees, and many local businesses shorten their opening hours or close altogether to avoid the heat. If summer is your only option, plan your activities at the right time to make them special and, at the same time, avoid the biggest crowds at all the attractions.
September and October are, according to most people, the months when Taormina is at its best. The reason is that it’s usually still quite warm until early October, so you can undertake activities such as the climb up to the castle without too much difficulty. The completely clear skies offer a view of Mount Etna, leaving you with an unforgettable image etched in your memory. What’s more, you’ll be able to show off on social media with picture-perfect shots you’ve taken yourself.
But there’s more: as there are fewer visitors, it’s easier to book tables at trendy bars and restaurants without too much hassle. Autumn is one of the best times to enjoy this magical setting.
Let’s be clear, the Sicilian coast doesn’t usually experience very harsh winters. Taormina enjoys a mild climate from December to March, transforming into a genuine Sicilian town rather than a tourist hotspot. Many restaurants close for the season, but those that remain open cater more to locals than to visitors. Take a jacket for the evenings and don’t expect beach weather, but you can expect lower hotel prices and the chance to enjoy the true essence of this place in a very authentic way.
What to do once you’re there
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is the main attraction. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later extended by the Romans, the theatre could seat 10,000 spectators and still offers views of Mount Etna and the sea behind its stage, making it possibly the best-situated ruin in Europe. Admission costs around €14, and arriving just as it opens helps you avoid both the heat and the crowds of tourists.
Isola Bella, the small nature reserve island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach, is free to enter and can be reached via a steep 30-minute walk from the old town or by the Mazzarò cable car, which is quicker and much easier on the knees. To round off your visit, take a stroll along Corso Umberto I, the town’s main pedestrianised street, lined with shops and ice-cream parlours, and head up to Taormina Castle to enjoy spectacular views that require nothing more than a bit of effort.
Taormina’s culinary scene ranges from luxury restaurants to simple trattorias, often on the same street. Principe Cerami, with one Michelin star, is ideal for those seeking a formal tasting menu, whilst places like Osteria da Rita specialise in traditional Sicilian cuisine: arancini, pasta alla Norma, fresh seafood – all served without pretension. Restaurants with terraces overlooking the Ionian Sea are so common that the view is hardly considered a local attraction, although it’s advisable to book in advance, especially at those near the Greek theatre during the high season.
For a base from which you can reach all these places on foot, the NH Collection Taormina is situated right in the heart of the town, just a short walk from Corso Umberto I and about a five-minute walk from the ancient theatre. The hotel is housed in a characterful early 20th-century building, refurbished to offer 63 rooms in a modern, understated style, most with a balcony overlooking the town or the sea. It also features a rooftop terrace and swimming pool – a much-appreciated amenity in a place where the view is the main attraction.
NH Collection is part of Minor Hotels, the international hotel group that also manages Anantara and Tivoli, amongst other brands. The hotel in Taormina is in keeping with the group’s philosophy of restoring iconic buildings in destinations where the surroundings take centre stage.
Taormina allows you to make the most of a place that has so much to offer, whatever time of year you visit. Choosing the right season will allow you to enjoy not only the coastline and its monuments, but also a culinary experience that perfectly matches what you’re looking for. Now is the time to plan your stay and pack your suitcase full of excitement.
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