Taormina, what to see and how to best experience it
Taormina's charm, with Mazzarò and La Matrangela as a starting point
Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular destinations because it manages to combine sea, scenery, history and culture in just a few kilometers. On one side are the Greek Theater, the ancient village and the terraces on the Ionian Sea. On the other we find Mazzarò, Isola Bella and the coast. Staying at La Matrangela means having both of these worlds at your fingertips: the sea just a few steps away and the center of Taormina reachable by cable car.
Mazzaro Bay
Direct access to the beach and the most exclusive beach clubs.
Cable car to Taormina Centro
150 meters from the Villa. The fastest and most convenient way to reach the historic center.
Isola Bella and the coast
From Mazzarò beach it is possible to set out to explore the Ionian coast: Isola Bella, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta della Conchiglia.
Beach Club
La Dolce Vita (Mazzarò): Elegance and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a sea-view lunch.
Lido La Pigna: A refined classic, ideal for those seeking total comfort and excellent seafood cuisine.
Mendolia Beach Club: Prime location right in front of Isola Bella.
Dining & Gourmet
Otto Geleng (Grand Hotel Timeo): For a starry dinner with a view that takes your breath away.
Vineria Modì: Research and tradition in an intimate and contemporary atmosphere in the heart of the village.
Tischi Toschi: Authentic Sicilian cuisine of the highest quality in a quaint alley.
Shopping
Fashion / Beauty: big names in Italian and international fashion.
Handicrafts: the iconic Moorheads and traditional Caltagirone ceramics.
Typical products: Mount Etna dop or Monti Iblei oil, Bronte pistachio, Etna wines.
What to see in Taormina
Among the things to see in Taormina are first and foremost the Greek Theater, Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, the Villa Comunale, and Castelmola. They are different and complementary places: the theater tells the more iconic side of the city, Corso Umberto the more lively one, Piazza IX Aprile the more scenic one, while the Villa Comunale and Castelmola offer a quieter Taormina of greenery, views and light.
The best way to discover them is not to be in a hurry. From Mazzaro, the cable car takes you downtown every 15 minutes, without having to arrange each visit in advance.
Mazzarò and Isola Bella, the sea side of Taormina
Mazzarò is the bay at the foot of Taormina; it has a beach equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach clubs, seafront restaurants, and calm, transparent water that is also suitable for children. Isola Bella is just minutes away: it is a protected nature reserve with rich seabed and some of the clearest water on the Ionian coast, ideal for snorkeling.
Staying at La Matrangela means having all this at your fingertips. The beach is just a few meters away, downtown Taormina can be reached by cable car, and major coastal destinations are less than an hour’s drive away.
Greek theater and historic center
The Greek Theater is one of the strongest images of Taormina and remains an essential stop. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C., it looks simultaneously at the sea and Mount Etna-no other ancient theater in the world has such a backdrop. All around, the historic center unfolds among churches, stores, bakeries and squares from which the view changes with every step. It is a place to walk through, without a rigid schedule, because much of its charm lies in the way it reveals itself as you walk.
Castelmola, the detour worth the stay
For those staying in Taormina more than a day, Castelmola is a stop that deserves its space. It sits higher than the historic center and dominates the view from a perspective that Taormina itself cannot offer: the coast, the hinterland, the Strait of Messina and, on a clear day, the coast of Calabria. It is the right place for a half-day getaway from the busiest part of town.
Where to stay in Taormina
When choosing where to stay in Taormina, the difference is between the historic center, Taormina Mare, and the outer areas. The center is convenient for those who want everything on foot. Mazzarò, on the other hand, adds the sea and changes the quality of the stay, especially for those who want to experience Isola Bella, the bay, and the coast as an integral part of the day.
The Matrangela offers a definite advantage: two charming residences in Mazzarò, in a location that has the sea close by and Taormina always within reach.
Why staying in Mazzarò changes the experience
From Mazzarò, the vacation opens up to the sea and the light of the coast, with the cable car just steps away to reach the historic center at any time. It is a more complete solution for those who really want to experience Taormina, not just visit it. La Matrangela is located exactly at this point, where the beauty of the place meets a more private dimension of the stay.
How many days does it take to visit Taormina
Two days are enough to see the main stops. But three or four days allow you to alternate between the old town and the sea, go up to Castelmola, take at least one excursion out of town. Mount Etna is 45 minutes away, the Alcantara Gorges 30, Savoca and Forza d’Agrò 25. None of these destinations requires a full day, but each is worth the trip.
When to go to Taormina
Taormina allows itself to be experienced well at several times of the year. Summer is definitely the busiest season: the Teatro Antico hosts Taormina Arte, the international festival that brings concerts, theater and dance performances to Sicily’s most scenic stage. Events are also held at the Villa Comunale, Trevelyan Park, a short walk from Corso Umberto. The historic center is bustling late into the night, Mazzarò’s beach clubs are in the height of the season, and the events agenda never stops. Spring and fall are among the best seasons for those who want the best without the pressure of June, July, and August: the sea is still warm, the restaurants have tables, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Book your stay in La Matrangela
If you are planning a stay in Taormina, you can check the availability of our residences directly online or contact Valeria for a personal comparison on rates, dates and details.