Southern Italy's Sought-After Coastal Resort Town Is Known As The 'Pearl Of The Mediterranean'

As one of the most important tourist centers of Sicily, Taormina (also known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean,") truly lives up to its nickname, with its pastoral beauty and stunning beaches. Since Ancient Roman times, Taormina has been frequented by holiday-goers and is now internationally accepted as one of the most beautiful and luxurious places to visit in Italy. The city, which looks over the Bay of Naxos, has attracted all types of cultural figures to its shores, including Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde, Alexander Dumas, and Gustav Klimt, all of whom flocked to the coastal city in search of la dolce vita (or "sweet life" in Italian). With such an array of iconic visitors, Taormina has made its mark on the European cultural pantheon. 

With a beach known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," the crystalline waters of Isola Bella cement Taormina's coast as one of the most spectacular in Europe. Fine examples of beautiful Baroque architecture, such as the Quattro Fontane di Taormina fountains, can be seen throughout the city, but Taormina otherwise retains its medieval charm. In June, the city hosts an international film festival, with A-list stars and cinephiles landing in the town to partake in the festivities. Built on top of Mount Tauro, this elevated city has spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, charming streets, historic monuments, and marine beauty, giving Taormina all the hallmarks of an idyllic Mediterranean break.

Taormina has been a resort town for centuries. Its picturesque old streets and Grecian monuments have drawn visitors since Ancient Rome. With remnants of its conquest by the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, and the Spanish, Taormina is a fascinating blend of all these empires. Today this city, which is close to Europe's tallest, snow-covered, and frequently active volcano Mount Etna, has become a postcard-worthy destination for Italians and international visitors alike. 

With global temperatures on the rise, a Sicilian summer is guaranteed to be hot. However, one essential travel hack is to visit at the end of fall, winter, or the beginning of spring, when you might experience a more forgiving climate and smaller crowds. During the off-season, you'll have an easier time stopping for a glass of Tifeo Rosato from Gambino Winery, a nearby vineyard on the side of Mount Etna. Locals love Casamatta, a wine bar that also offers tapas-style snacks, while Bam Bar is a great spot for soaking up the neighborhood charm. The Taormina Public Gardens are also the perfect place to take a bottle of wine and observe the views of the ships anchored in the bay below.

You may recognize Taormina's recent on-screen appearance in the second season of "The White Lotus." You can experience your own magical getaway at Mazzarò Beach, which is accessible from the top of Taormina Hill via a cable car. About a quarter-mile away from Mazzarò is Isola Bella, also known as "The Pearl of the Ionian Sea." Isola Bella is one of the most luxurious beaches in Europe, a crystal-cleared beauty with soft sands and chic bars. The water is clean, transparent, and calm, making it perfectly safe for swimming. The beach is fully equipped for tourists, offering sunbeds and showers. If you can, bring your own snorkel so you can try to catch a glimpse of some unique wildlife or underwater plants in the exceptionally clear waters of the Isola Bella Marine Park. Lido la Pigna Beach is also picture perfect, with turquoise waters and small cliffs to jump off. The beach offers amenities such as umbrellas and showers and is also lined with cute bars.

Dining in Taormina is also sensational, with a variety of fine dining options coupled with traditional, local eateries offering some of the best food in Italy (even according to Rick Steves). For an upscale dining sensation, try Ristorante Le Naumachie, specializing in traditional Roman and Tuscan cuisine. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as Le Naumachie is a Taormina hot spot due to its mouthwatering menu of fresh pastas, delicious seafood, and fine wines, along with its romantic placement next to Taormina's ancient walls. You can also try Osteria da Rita, a family-run Sicilian restaurant in the center of Taormina, which is perfect if you're looking for something a little more low-key but traditional. With food like this, not to mention the beaches, you'll soon discover that it's true that Sicilians do it better.