Taormina is exactly 200 metres above sea level. Its structure and geographic position form a terrace suspended between the sea and sky, enriched by a beautiful panoramic view in which the nearby “Etna” volcano stands out imposingly. Tourism is active throughout the year, favoured not only by the cultural enchantment and nature of the city, but also by an excellent accommodation and recreational facilities as well as the legendary Sicilian warmth and hospitality.
For centuries, the city has always been a popular tourist destination, hosting great personalities such as William II of Germany, Goethe, Maupassant, D.H. Lawrence, A. France, Oscar Wilde, Brahms, designers of the caliber of Dior, distinguished and famous noblewomen such as Florence Trevelyan, painters such as Geleng, as well as English and French aristocrats. The beauty of Taormina has also won over many film producers and directors who have chosen it as the ideal set for their films, starting with Michelangelo Antonioni who used this city as the setting for “L’Avventura”.
Whoever visits the city is affected by the same fascination that it has had on the famous people already mentioned and can choose from among the many alternatives that it has to offer. Corso Umberto, the showpiece of Taormina, is full of life until the early hours. Not to be missed is the afternoon walk up to the ‘cavea’ (seating) in the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre, to enjoy the spectacle of sunset from up there (as did the French André Gide, in black cloak and ‘cappelluccio pendulo’ - pendulous top hat).
Then the fascination of the sea is irresistible and the splendid sun makes it popular, also in winter, the beaches of Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Spisone. The bay of Isola Bella is still that of Goethe and Kaiser and even though motorboats race about far from the seashore, tourists still prefer the old boats of the fishermen, smelling of algae and fish. They go on boat trips to the Blue Grotto, to the rocks off the Cape, to the lido of Naxos…
