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Imagine a beautiful little village on top of a little mountain overlooking the sea. The village has an ancient Roman amphitheater, ancient churches, tiny enchanting streets, and a park that resembles that of paradise. Let’s also add elegant shops and fancy restaurants. Everybody wants to visit Taormina, but parking slots are very few How do you call this village? Well, its name is Taormina, also known as the pearl of the Mediterranean sea. But some people call it: a very expensive destination that in some periods is hard to reach for the traffic and the lack of parking space.
Of course, busy periods are the summer months. So, what shall you do? Avoid Taormina in July and August if you are a budget traveler? No. With a few tips and a little patience, you can enjoy Taormina all year round even when it is packed with visitors.
Of course busy periods are the summer months. So, what shall you do? Avoid Taormina in July and August if you are a budget traveler? No. With few tips and a little patience you can enjoy Taormina all year round even when its packed with visitors.
Forget the car, use public transport
Taormina is a little village perched on a hill on the west coast of Sicily. Reaching it can be expensive and tiring. As I said, the traffic is massive in August, as people visiting the western part of Sicily do not want to miss it.
If you are not going there for a concert in the impressive and amazing Teatro Antico, and therefore have the need to sleep there, my suggestion is to plan a one-day trip from Catania. Catania is one hour far from Taormina, is bigger, and allows you to find a great variety of Hotels and BBs as well as cheap places to eat.
First of all visit Etna Trasporti for times and prices. A one-way ticket is 5.10 euros while a round trip is 8.50 euros. You will find several train stops, but I suggest you go to the first one at the train station to get better seats.
Etna Trasporti also offers a dedicated tour and very interesting prices, in case you prefer to have everything organized.
The bus will leave you in a parking place at the bottom of the hill. Reaching the top will require a 15′ walk.
Another possibility is to reach Taormina by train. The stop is that of Giardini Naxos-Taormina. Then you need a bus. Interbus, the local bus company, covers the service. By the way, the train station, which faces the seaside, is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
First thing first: stop at the tourist office as soon as you arrive in Taormina
Once you reach Taormina, head to the tourist office in Largo Santa Caterina. There you can find free maps and info.
Visit the Roman Amphitheater, Taormina’s most popular venue for concerts…
Even if you are not attending a concert, you cannot miss this immense and astonishing Roman Theatre. You can find tickets there or purchase them online. Tickets cost some 5-10 euros.
… and the Villa Comunale
This municipal park is as enchanting as peaceful. The view from here is breathtaking. And it is free. You can even come here to enjoy a quick lunch and take a rest.
Ops I forgot the incredible food of Taormina
Restaurants can be crowded and expensive. My suggestion for one day is to profit from the amazing Sicilian street food and grab something on the go. Da Cristina you can find arancini, focaccia, and all sorts of delicacies that you can eat outside, in the Villa Comunale, or on the beach at the feet of the mountain. Just remember to keep the garbage with you and trash it in the proper bins after having eaten.
Need more?
Get lost in the many narrow streets of Taormina.
Visit the Churches and the little artisan shops. You will find plenty of ceramic objects from Caltagirone. In particular, search for the incredible Teste di Moro of Besnik Harizaj.
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