Want more great Sicily info? For an intimate fine dining experience, book one of only eight tables for two that open every night at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeos, There are a lot of hotels in Taormina and it is, Picking the right place matters because the city is not very big and parking is really tough. All budget/food options are considered! Pasta, fish, meat freshly cooked and the best Sicilian wines and international. There are statues and memorials too, including a torpedo from WWII, as well as a small pond and a construction that seems to blend into nature. However, they are on the small side so book a larger room. Even if the office is not helpful to tourists, the fact that it is open gives you the opportunity to walk into the Palace and see its magnificent architecture which made me think of some of Barcelonas Gothic Quarter buildings because its facade was designed following the Catalan Gothic style. Some hotels advertise their location in town only to be far away and some appear to be luxurious when they are not. Trattoria Da Nino"Great seafood restaurant! Don't miss the caciocavallo all'argentiera (fried cheese with garlic olive oil and vinegar) and definitely be sure to sample some of the many pasta courses - the tagliatelle with the boar ragout is a particular standout! Continue the foodgasm with a 3.5h food tour. There are sun loungers, umbrellas and, for those looking for extra privacy, beach cabanas. The NH Collection Hotel in Taormina is a very well-located and practical 4-star hotel with nice views. DIY Sicily Travel Planning with Local Experts, Palermo - Typical Sicilian pasta at La Galleria, Marsala - Location and wine at Mamma Caura, Agrigento - Lunch overlooking Valley of the Temples at Re di Girgenti, Siracusa - Some of Sicilys best panini and salumi at Caseificcio Borderi, Catania - Modern twists on Sicilian classics at Canni e Pisci, Catania - Home-style cooking with locals at A Putia do Calabrisi, Catania - Refined dining at Catania mainstay Il Sale, Taormina - Pizza at renowned Villa Zuccaro pizzeria, Taormina - Seafood on the beach in Taormina at Re del Sole. If you are a movie buff and real expert on The Godfather you could go there on your own and might be able to recognise and remember the scenes, the towns are unchanged, but it pays to go on a tour so that the guide tells you all about the movie, the Mafia and the little towns. Its pretty hard to go wrong while eating in Sicily. Sicilians know how best to do aperitivo. Conveniently located right next to the entrance for the Botanical garden, its the location which makes this restaurant so great. Taormina, Italy 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Goethe said in 1787 of Taormina, We could not tear ourselves away until after sunset. Places to eat away from the tourist areas: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187892-i344-k4087924-Places_to_eat_away_from_the_tourist_areas-Taormina_Province_of_Messina_Sicily.html. https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/restaurants/ristorante-granduca-taormina, https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/restaurants/trattoria-don-ciccio-taormina, https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/restaurants/osteria-da-rita-taormina. Today, the pebbly beach is public and you can enjoy it anytime. Castelmola. At A Cala you can either eat inside with the large windows offering a beautiful view of Mount Pellegrino and the docked sail boats or sit outside enjoying the evenings fresh breeze. Granduca Restaurant in Taormina Old Town. Have I missed anywhere out?! The restaurant is away from the tourist area and is mostly frequented by local people. *For even more info on eating in Catania, check out guide to 8 great Catania restaurants. You cant go to Sicily and not have a foodgasm. The service can be slower than what you are used to at home, but this does not mean that its bad. Where do the locals eat in Taormina? - Taormina Forum Thank you so much Vagabond! You will also see Italians simply round up the bill when tipping; if your meal cost 47 euro, you might leave 50. I put on three kilos in 12 days and found myself eating and drinking all day long, starting with a big breakfast and continuing with morning snacks, a big lunch with wine, afternoon snacks, aperitivo and then a big dinner with more wine. Do not expect to be in and out of a restaurant ever in less than an hour. Da Cristina - Antica rosticceria: Where the locals eat! Maldives vs Bora Bora, where will YOU have the best vacation? The terrace is right above the main square and has sea views. Full description. For tourists coming from different countries, and especially North Americans, these traditions or rules may appear strange at times. Don't miss the grilled sword fish rolls or the mussels soup in tomato sauce - divine!! How To Eat Like A Local In Touristy Taormina has a Michelin star and serves fine dining European food in a polished environment, they also have more affordable lunch menus. This former 15th-century monastery is more than a sanctuary of introspection. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can dine under huge pine trees. The Top Restaurants in Taormina, Italy - Culture Trip Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy. As such, we'd advise against early dinner reservations. you will get to sample the famous Sicilian dishes such as arancini (stuffed rice balls that make for the best snack ever), cannoli, volcanic wines, cheeses and salami, etc. It has an air of luxury but at a very reasonable price tag. Dine at Il Barcaiolo, run by a local family since 1981, with a small terrace overlooking the bay. You can ask the guide anything about life in Sicily, the Mafia today or the movie, Visit Castelmola and have a shot in a penis glass, Castelmola is a small picturesque town right above Taormina which has incredible views of the stunning cost below and the hills along this side of Sicily. Here prices are more affordable. Below is a list of the best things to do in Taormina. Taormina, Sicilia. Full description. To watch this landscape so remarkable in every aspect, slowly sinking into darkness, was an incredibly beautiful sight. So it is basically transportation only (which is why it is so cheap). Copyright © 2019 . . The aristocrat was exiled by Queen Victoria when she got too close to her son, and future heir to the throne, Edward VII. I based myself in Taormina for the first 3 days of my road trip around the island and during this time, I indulged in lots of Italian food, desserts and wine. It made me think of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with the square top. Day Trip to Favignana, Sicilys Own Carribbean, Visiting Rome in Winter Insiders Tips You Need To Know. Dont miss the handle for the doors to the small balconies, or the large table in the first floor. The church was changed dramatically in the 18th century and is today a library and archive open to the public. 5 foods to try in Taormina, Sicily & Where to buy them The beach and the rock both have the same name and are probably the most famous and poshest beach in the eastern part of Sicily, mostly thanks to their close proximity to popular Taormina. What to do in Taormina: the best places to see, eat and stay in the About Taormina Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Where to stay in Barcelona Best areas What to do in Chuuk, the complete guide Travel to Tibet Everything you need to Travel in Albania: Best things to do & Travel guide and things to do in Somaliland. The cheese shop 731 reviews Closed Now Italian, Mediterranean - 0.3 mi Sicily ". which includes the ascent to 2,900m and then also lunch and Alcantara Gorges. ", Tischi Toschi"Classic restaurant with really great pasta. Come and join me on my adventures around the world. If you decide to eat here, dont miss the opportunity to book a visit to Palazzo Biscari, one of the most beautiful palaces of the XVIII century in all of Sicily. Never leave without travel insurance. The main difference between Sicilian food and that of other regions of Italy is the heavy use of spices and distinctly sweet and sour flavors which always remind us of our Arab heritage. On the topic of breakfast, we do not eat a heavy meal in the morning. Its generally a good sign if the restaurant or trattorie isnt located on Corso Umberto. in Corso Umberto, by the Piazza 9 Aprile, is built over a walk-through gate, Porta di Mezzo, and has beautiful golden mosaics inside. So as soon as I decided to book a last minute trip to Sicily, I had pizza, pasta and prosecco on my mind! Book the 6-hour tour. You will find articles aplenty about road trips, solo backpacking itineraries and group adventure tours with a little sprinkling of travel health and travel photography thrown in for good measure. The restaurants dining room is elegant and at the same time quite eclectic. In 1990, the island was acquired by the government and turned into a nature reserve. 5 Incredible Italy Itineraries to Inspire Your Next Trip. Technically, the rock and beach are part of the municipality of Mazzaro, and not Taormina, and were bought by Florence Trevelyan in 1890 to be her home. Don't try to eat lunch after 2.30 pm or expect to have dinner before 8 pm. You can pick the ones you like and make your own tray. With tones of white and blue it reminds one of those easy, simple restaurants in the Greek islands. From here, you have a vantage point from where to enjoy Taorminas hillside location and the flatter coast of Giardini Naxos. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Gaetano is a local guide and travel consultant based in Palermo, Sicily's capital city. Whether youre planning a short stay in Palermo, one week in Sicily, or a few weeks exploring in-depth the beauties of places like Catania, Taormina, Ragusa, Siracusa, the Aeolian islands, and stunning Etna, the food of Sicily is always a highlight for travelers. The facade is simple, sand-colored, suffering from wear and tear and the constant beating of the sun and sea breeze and has three portals. Expect classic rooms most of which have verandas, balconies or terraces onto the Mazzaro bay and beach below. Service is great and the staff are really helpful. The three thousand years of human history of Sicily come alive at every bite! Mount Etna can be explored on your own, independently, using the cable car + 44 bus drive to 2,900m or on a tour. While the volcano lies about 45min drive away, it is one of the best things to do when in Taormina. Its simply more leisurely. Look out for the Baroque fountain in front of the Duomo with mythological figures which has become the emblem of the city. I remember once, an Italian friend, told me Italy makes great food, but Sicily makes better food. The Baroque Church of San Giuseppe is one of two churches in Piazza 9 Aprile and sits slightly elevated on the natural slope of the city, up a double staircase which made me think of the churches in Pondicherry. If you want to stay down to the beach, Belmond Villa SantAndrea is the best place to be. They also sell all the other traditional Sicilian sweets, from almond cookies and nougat to meringues, candied fruits and other tempting sweets. Taormina really is beautiful - Although Taormina is touristy, there are many excellent restaurants, trattorie, and osterie, especially considering Taorminas transient clientele. Taormina is the gem of Sicily and, possibly, its most famous place to visit. If you'd like to get a feel for the real country/place that you are visiting, then consider another destination, because Taormina is a tourist resort with a high ratio of tourists to locals.. Rule of thumb - The further the restaurant is located off Corso Umberto in Taormina, the better and more likely to be less touristy, less expensive, and more . Level Contributor 25,062 posts 1,720 reviews We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Alternatively, you may use, Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare. You will also learn to make pasta from scratch. Mama Caura is perfect for an aperitif at sunset and really enjoyable for both lunch and dinner. The town is a short ride from Taormina and the tourist hop on-hop off bus goes there, or you could take the scenic walk up but beware it is pretty steep. I know because I struggled. You may ask your hotel to help you buy tickets to the shows. The restaurant itself serves no-fuss simple but very tasty pizzas. Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. But the pizza more than made up for it! . Evenings are filled with music and aperitivo in the open air Literary Terrace overlooking Mount Etna, just like when Truman Capote used to stay there, and the hotel rooms all have stunning views. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is no doubt the address in Taormina. If hunger strikes while visiting the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, look no further than Re di Girgenti. The best thing about Etna volcano is that it is one of the easiest volcanoes to get to the top of and that contrary to other active volcanoes around the world, you can get really close to the lava and the craters with minimal physical exertion. In the same location, the Roman Empire continued to expand the city and build several landmarks. While many restaurants in the city and all over Italy are rushing to adopt new trends, the timelessness and lack of pretense here are a total breath of fresh air. This page uses Google Maps. Located smack in the famous salt pans stretching between Trapani and Marsala, it does not get better than this! Marzipan is one of the most typical Sicilian sweets and you may even find it at your hotels breakfast (our breakfast in Syracuse had it). At sunset, it all has an orange hue that makes for nice photos, but the theatre will be half in the shade. In line with their history, some of their best dishes are panini (sandwiches) made with the best local cheeses and salami. and found myself eating and drinking all day long, starting with a big breakfast and continuing with morning snacks, a big lunch with wine, afternoon snacks, aperitivo and then a big dinner with more wine. Locals frequent Malvasia, Al Saraceno, and Trattoria Chicchirichi, and L'Incontro and La Taverna Dell'Etna have local chefs. Or enjoy a more casual drink at Wunderbar, an institution in town, despite its touristy look and prime location. Vagabonda Taormina may be famed for its sweeping Mediterranean vistas and chic designer boutiques, but this upmarket seaside resort is also a top spot for authentic Sicilian cuisine. I went in to get a map and advice on some tours and all they could give me was a leaflet from one of the companies and they had no knowledge on when the tours ran. There are a lot of things to do in Taormina itself, but also plenty around it, making it the perfect base for all the activities in Sicilys north and east coast. This is one forwhen you dont mind occasionally splashing the cash! Book the tour. Additionally, although it is called the Greek Theatre, the structure seems to date from Roman times and this is most likely because the current theatre was rebuilt after a Greek one. Location, location, location! All Rights Reserved. While the cloisters once worked to the beat of puritanical footsteps, the hotel . This typical Sicilian dessert has . Group tour from Taormina or Catania can be booked, , it does not include any drinks or food but you will stop for a snack at Bar Vitelli, I recommend the cakes or granita, Group tour from Taormina, Giardini Naxos or surroundings with lunch (pasta and wine) can be booked, . The house where she lived has been turned into a museum and can also be visited. The street crosses the city from end to end, from the Catania Gate to the Messina Gate, and is entirely car free. I ended up here every morning after breakfast at. Vagabonda Report inappropriate content Noraatc Sudbury. Sunset group walking tour of Taormina which ends at a rooftop terrace for sunset. But do not come with high expectations for breakfast in Italy! If you just walk down from the Greek Theater, you will eventually find it. . Where to stay by the sea in Taormina, Italy: Value lodging, apartments and guest houses: Mendolia Beach Hotel, Hotel Jonic Mazzaro, Maison Blanche Fancier 4 & 5 star hotels:Villa Sant'Andrea, Grand Hotel Mazzaro, La Plage Resort Taormina: A Perfect Day On Our Sicily Tour On of my favourite restaurants ever. Similar places might fall into the category of tourist trap, but here you get the perfect combination of excellent food and superb location. With comfy white sofas on a large balcony overlooking the ocean, delicious wines and attentive service, I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing here, listening to jazz and enjoying a spot of luxury in my otherwise mid-budget tour of Sicily. Taormina Travel guide | The best things to see in Taormina Sicily A typical Southern Italian vegetable ratatouille will be finished in Sicily with pine nuts, raisins, vinegar, cinnamon and sugar. Though you will often hear that there is no tipping in Italy, that really is not true. At the end of the class, participants enjoy the lunch they created along with wine. If you're unsure of what to order, one of my favorites is the Calamarata alla Catanese followed by their pistachio lava cake for dessert! CutLuDissi. The seating is only outside, very casual, and just right for an informal lunch with friends and family. The town has a privileged location with direct line of sight to Mount Etna volcano and pristine beaches below. For anyone staying in central Palermo, this is a perfect spot because you are only steps from the hustle and bustle, but on a quiet side street where youll feel like youve slipped into a little oasis in the midst of it all. They also took me there on my last night and I can confirm, it was goooood! and was encouraged by the bohemian and open mindedness of the time when Sicily was an artists haven. Meals in Italy, and Sicily is no exception, are a time to relax and spend time with friends and family. For such a small town that cannot be called a city, the points of interest are many and there are a lot of things to do in Taormina. Answer 1 of 6: My family and I are coming to Taormina in July 2012, we like to get a feel for the real country/place that we are visiting not the tourist led restaurant hotspots, so could anyone point us in the direction where the local people eat? The hotels fine dining St. George restaurant has a Michelin star and offers slightly more affordable lunch menus. Perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean, mountains and Mt Etna in the distance, this view cannot be challenged. A few steps higher up from the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca you can find Taorminas Castle which is also closed off for visitors but has a similar view from slightly higher up. You can visit to take a break from the city, while being just a few minutes from Corso Umberto. Connect with Gaetan, a Sicily Travel Expert and the author of All rights reserved. There are occasional temporary exhibitions in the rooms on the ground floor and several puppets on display inside the tourism office worth a look. Restaurant of locals in Taormina - Taormina Forum - Tripadvisor The Odeon used to be a smaller covered theatre for performances in Roman times and has been partially preserved after excavations in the 1890s which uncovered parts of it. Where do the locals eat in Taormina? - Taormina Forum It houses the Cathedral, which is among Taormina's most valuable historic spots. ct intro final View All Trips Gaetano is a local guide and travel consultant based in Palermo, Sicilys capital city. You order a drink and snacks come complimentary. One of the nicest things to do in Taormina is taking to the seas and joining a sailing trip along the coast. Learn how your comment data is processed. Taorminas appeal lies not only in its quaint pedestrian streets and charming cafes but also in its splendid location, on the side of a hill, Mount Tauro, and with expansive views over the coast below. This one is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family lunch. Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. You get transport to 1,800m and then you can choose if you want to take the cable car and all to the top or not. The expansive Literary Terrace and Bar at this historical and fabulous hotel has the best views in town. On the other end of the spectrum from Metroble, this no-frills cafe and takeaway make tasty food. Siracusa is a city of unparalleled beauty. It has a youthful energy and is a busy and bustling city. Sicilys cuisine is a reflection of the countless different populations who have settled here: from Phoenician wine and ancient Greek honey to the sugar of the Arabs and the chocolate of the Spanish. While you will find marzipans for sale in many bakeries, cake shops and the like, Pasticceria Minotauro makes a huge range of fruits in colorful shapes and with a glossy, shiny stroke. The best traditional places in Taormina, recommended by food professionals Best Events View all 4.8 536 Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto Famous for Cannoli 4.3 327 Tischi Toschi Famous for Sarde a beccafico 4.5 2.4k Da Cristina Famous for Arancini, Pizza melanzane, Focaccia 4.5 4.6k Bam Bar With its exceptional ingredients and ancient tradition, the Sicilian city shows off its thriving territory at the table, combining riches of sea and of the soil. And I say refreshing because the waters around Taormina are always pretty cold. If you want the tour to run in the evening, this one stops at three places, one for starters, one for mains and one for desserts, with wine and liquors at all three. In this guide, Gaetano shares not just where to eat around the island, but also some must-try dishes at each restaurant! Ristorante Mirage Pizzeria - Restaurant near Taormina Botanical Gardens Best for a view Conveniently located right next to the entrance for the Botanical garden, it's the location which makes this restaurant so great. From here, you have a vantage point from where to enjoy Taorminas hillside location and the flatter coast of Giardini Naxos. Locals and tourists alike would find typical local cuisine in Taormina at Rosso Peperoncino, Osteria Nero D'avola, Trattoria da Nino, Osteria Da Rita Di Bille' SAS, La Bougainville, Ristorante L'Arco Dei Cappuccini, Ristorante Le Naumachie, Al Melograno (formerly Ristorante Licchio's), Al Saraceno above Taormina on the road to Castelmola, Il Contrary to what you may expect, the movie was not shot in Corleone, which is the name of the real town where the mafia family comes from but between Savoca and Forza dAgro, two hilltop villages very near Taormina and which make for a nice 2-3hour tour. Castelmola is a small picturesque town right above Taormina which has incredible views of the stunning cost below and the hills along this side of Sicily. A cappucino is a breakfast drink and should never be ordered after 11 am! For anyone looking for a more substantial meal, you have meat and fish platters which should of course be accompanied by a great Sicilian beer! When youre out at a restaurant, bring some patience with you. Truman Capote lived here for two years. The protected slopes of the mountain have created a sort of micro-climate and made Taormina a pleasant destination year-round. Make sure to stock on almond liquor before living Taormina, you will need it for the marzipan. Turrisi has been in operation since 1947 and was encouraged by the bohemian and open mindedness of the time when Sicily was an artists haven. In Taormina, as in most of the area surrounding Messina, the most common dessert in local pastry shops are definitely the " nzuddi ", Made with a base of almonds and cinnamon, worked to obtain a flattened and usually oval shape, although it is also possible to find more squared or perfectly round versions. If you are here longer than 3 days and need more inspiration for where to eat, I suggest you always ask a friendly local. If youve been in Sicily for a while and feel like trying something different, welcome! built on the side of the rock at the top of Mount Tauro commands the best views of Taormina and Giardini Naxos below. The church can also be reached by car. From Castemola there are some great viewpoints overlooking the valley below and Mount Etna. Privacy Policy This smaller church located by the Ashbee Hotel is generally closed to the public. - See 3,288 traveler reviews, 1,067 candid photos, and great deals for Taormina, Italy, at Tripadvisor. Save up to 50% at Taormina restaurants when you book on Tripadvisor See All Offers 2022 1. THE 10 BEST Restaurants & Places to Eat in Taormina 2023 - Tripadvisor Buon Appetito! It offers its customers fresh dishes of the best Sicilian tradition. However, if you want to cover the main sights with the help and insight of a guide, here are the best walking tours of Taormina I would recommend: Do as locals and Italians do and simply go on a stroll along pedestrian Corso Umberto street. An eclectic array of delectable restaurants reside around town, each offering a unique interpretation of Italy's world-renowned gastronomic traditions.