A Greek theatre with Etna and the sea as a backdrop
Perched on a terrace of Monte Tauro, high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina has been one of the most famous destinations in Italy since the eighteenth century, when the travellers of the Grand Tour, Goethe among them, fell in love with it. Its main street, Corso Umberto, runs between two medieval gates, lined with palaces, shops and the terrace of Piazza IX Aprile overlooking the coast.
The jewel is the Teatro Antico, built by the Greeks in the third century BC and remodelled by the Romans, the second largest ancient theatre in Sicily after Syracuse. From its seats the view through the ruined stage embraces the coast and, above all, Etna, often smoking, one of the most famous views in the world. In summer it hosts concerts, films and the Taormina Film Festival.
Tip: visit the theatre at opening time or late in the afternoon; the public gardens of Villa Comunale, created by an English noblewoman, are an oasis of peace with sea views.
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