Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
palaces along the Corso, including Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP with
its Norman-Gothic windows, Palazzo Corvaja OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (Largo Santa) (the tourist
office) and Palazzo Ciampoli (now the Hotel El Jebel).
PARK
Villa Comunale
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(Parco Duchi di Cesarò; Via Bagnoli Croce; 9am-midnight summer, 9am-sunset winter) To escape the
crowds, wander down to these stunningly sited public gardens. Created by Englishwoman
Florence Trevelyan, they're a lush paradise of tropical plants and delicate flowers. There's
also a children's play area.
Monte Tauro
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VIEW POINT
The short 20-minute climb to the top of Monte Tauro (378m) is not exactly Himalayan but
it is steep and the final steps are quite hard work. Your reward is a massive panoramic
view over Taormina's rooftops, the Teatro Greco and, beyond, to the coast.
From Via Circonvallazione, a signposted path leads up past the Santuario Madonna della
Rocca OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP , and beyond towards the windswept ruins of a Saracen cas-
tello (castle). You can't actually get to the castle - a locked gate blocks the path - but it's
the views rather than the sights that are the real appeal.
Castelmola
For eye-popping views of the coastline, head 5km up Via Leonardo da Vinci to this hilltop
village crowned by a ruined castle. The walk will take around an hour and is along a well-
paved route. Alternatively, Interbus runs an hourly service (one way/return €1.70/2.80) up
the hill.
HILLTOP VILLAGE
SWIMMING
Beaches
The nearest beach to Taormina is at Mazzarò , accessible by funivia OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
(cable car; 1 way/return €3/3.50; 9am-8.15pm Oct-Mar, 9am-1am Apr-Sep) from Via Luigi Pirandello.
It's a popular pebbly beach well serviced with umbrellas and deck chairs for hire (from
about €8 per day). To the south of the beach, and an easy walk past the Sant'Andrea hotel,
is Isola Bella , a tiny island set in a stunning cove.
Isola Bella was once home to Florence Trevelyan and it is her house that sits in silent
solitude on top of the rocky islet.
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