Six things You Must Do in Beautiful Taormina, Sicily, “The Pearl of Sicily”
Have you been watching “White Lotus”? The series takes place in breathtaking Taormina, Sicily. Taormina is often called, “the pearl of Sicily.” One visit there and you will understand why. The town is perched on the top of Monte Tauro with awe inspiring views of Bay of Taormina and the Ionian Sea. And on a clear day, you can gaze across the Mediterranean and be treated to a view of Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna.
My husband and I were just in Taormina last month. No, we didn’t stay at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace where “White Lotus” is filmed. It would have been nice since it is a stunningly beautiful spot to stay with impeccable service (from what I’ve heard). Before the San Domenico Palace became a luxury resort in 1896, it was a convent built in the 14th century. Over the years, many super rich and famous people flocked to stay here including Oscar Wilde, King Edward VIII, Ingrid Bergman, Maria Callas, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and many, many more. There are lots of places to stay in Taormina or close by that range from being pretty basic to ultra-luxurious.
We’ve been to Taormina twice in the last few years. Both times we didn’t stay there but opted to spend an entire day in this beautiful location. That said, though, after watching Season 2, Episode 3, I can’t believe how many places we recognized.
You might not be able to fit it all in, especially if you stop to enjoy food and wine. Here are some must-do sights and experiences to consider.
1. Greek Theater. This is the #1 must-see site. It is believed that construction of the theater started sometime in the third century. Second only to the one in Siracusa, it is the second largest theater in Sicily. Originally, it was used for stage productions, later for spectacles such as gladiator fights, and now as a film, theater and music venue. There is some argument about who actually built it, the Greeks or the Romans. The view is gorgeous and looks out over the Ionian Sea.
2. The Godfather Tour. Ok, this isn’t exactly in Taormino but it's very close-by. You might think it is a bit cheesy but I can tell you it was one of the most magical days we’ve ever spent in Italy. If you are a fan of the Godfather movies, this tour is not to be missed. The ride up to this tiny medieval Savoca will take your breath away or possibly give you a heart attack. The road turns and turns and on a clear day offers one spectacular view after another. Michael Corleone first catches a glimpse of the beautiful Apollonia walking in the Sicilian countryside and almost immediately decides that she will be his wife. It was such a kick for us to sit in the same location as Michael Corleone in front of the Bar Vitelli, where he tries to impress Appollonia’s father, the bar’s owner, into accepting him as his son-in-law.
A short stroll away from Bar Vitelli, you can imagine yourself as a guest at Michael and Appolonia’s wedding took place at the 13th century Chiesa di San Nicolò.
In another small medieval town, Forza d'Agro, you will recognize the beautiful SS Annunziata Square, the birthplace of Don Vito Corleone and the Church SS Annunziata, where Don Vito Corleone was born and the Church SS. Annunziata.
If you are really into The Godfather trilogy or just want to do something out of the ordinary, you can book a room at Vitelli Charming Suites which is right next to the bar. There are only five rooms available.
The Godfather tour will take you to other locations where the films were filmed. Many of these locations are the same that are used in “White Lotus.”
Try to pick a clear day for this tour, since the vistas and these small village towns are paradise.
3. Corso Umberto in Taormina. You can definitely get a sense of what a bustling medieval town felt like. Nowadays the mostly stone street is lined with restaurants, granita/gelato shops and boutique stores stocked with Sicilian products such as hand-made Sicilian ceramics as well as some high-end designer establishments. Be sure to wander off Corso Umberto onto some of the smaller charming ancient streets and walkways. You will find many cafes and small restaurants to enjoy located in these nooks.
One of our favorite places to stop on the main street was “Nave.” A small one-of-a-kind store filled with delicious pistachio products. As a child, every Thursday my dad would bring home red pistachios. My hands would be red by the time I finished cracking them. I have loved pistachios ever since. No longer dyed red, I still love the pistachio flavor in all forms. This was definitely the shop for me. We were lucky enough to sample many of them including jams, spreads, cannoli, fabulous pistachio ice-cream, not to mention the delicious pistachio liqueur which we couldn’t resist buying.
4. Piazza IX Aprile.
Don’t miss a great picture-taking opportunity at the Piazza IX Aprile. The Piazza offers an expansive view over the bay and out to Mount Etna. It was drizzling on and off the day we were in Taormino but we were still able to take some pretty nice photos from the terrace of the Piazza. Alongside the terrace on the square is the Chiesa de San Giuseppe with its lovely baroque facade.
5. The Public Gardens-Villa Comunale. Located close to the main street, if you want to step away from the throngs of tourists in Taormina, you can find a respite here. Magnolia trees, hibiscus bushes and other lush Mediterranean vegetation fill this lovely park. The word is this park was formerly the home to Salvatore Cacciola and Lady Florence Trevelyan, an avid ornithologist. It is rumored that the Lady had an affair with Edward VII but later married the mayor of Taormina, Salvatore Cacciola. Florence Trevelyan, an ornithologist created parts of this garden so she could study birds better. There are many lovely shady areas, lush garden areas, and dramatic views of the Ionian Sea. A nice place to get away from the crowd for an hour or two.
6. Isola Bella. I would have loved to have gone here. On the last trip the weather was too cool and rainy. The trip before there wasn’t enough time. You probably have seen this very small island in many photos of Taormina. It is a small stretch of beach with crystal azure waters. If you are in good enough shape you hike down to the beach from Taormina. Hmm, what about going back up? It might be a bit more difficult or maybe you can get someone to drive to pick you up. (I’ve heard parking can be difficult.)
