Taormina – A Day in the Glow of Antiquity

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Between sea views, myths and Aperitivo

Welcome to Taormina – a place that looks as if Fellini had dreamed it up himself: pastel-colored houses, little churches, weathered palazzi – and everywhere that view.

Out over the sparkling Ionian Sea, across olive trees, and up to Mount Etna, which rises like a smoldering divine whim over it all.

We don’t have days here, only a few hours – but we make the most of them: get lost in narrow lanes, climb tiny staircases, breathe in the lemony light, enjoy fresh seafood and simply drift along. Pure dolce vita – in short form.

Taormina feels like a film set – and it is. The city starred in season two of The White Lotus, which brought a touch of hype. But long before HBO, Taormina cast its spell: the ancient Greeks, then Goethe, Wagner, Oscar Wilde – and today, us.

The old town is car-free and made for wandering: little boutiques, Sicilian ceramics, cappuccino with a view. And everywhere, that timeless beauty, staging itself again and again.

The main street, Corso Umberto, links Porto Messina and Porto Catania – 800 meters of churches, palazzi, fashion, music, gelato. And then suddenly, it opens up – onto Piazza IX Aprile.

This is the city’s living room. Everyone meets here: playing kids, lovers, tourists with gelato, locals with espresso. The view from up here? Pure postcard. Especially when Etna turns pink and the sea begins to shimmer.

And then: the ancient theatre. Teatro Antico di Taormina.

A Greek-Roman amphitheatre with a backdrop that defies belief – mountains and sea behind, history and culture on stage.

It’s almost surreal how stone, light, and centuries blend into one another.

Later – a little tired from all the climbing – we treat ourselves.

An aperitivo on the terrace of the elegant Ashbee Hotel. A place out of time. Surrounded by a historic park. With a panoramic view that slows your heart a little.

A glass of white wine, a few Sicilian bites – and that view.

The coast, the sea, Taormina bathed in evening light.

A place to pause. And return to.

 

➡️ Onward to: Pompeji. When the Sky caught Fire

⬅️ Back to:
Sicily, Malta and Pompeii. Between Mount Etna and Aperitivo