Family-Friendly Adventures in Taormina, Sicily!

Taormina Piazza Duomo

Why Visit?

Welcome to Taormina, a jewel on the eastern coast of Sicily! Your family-friendly adventure begins at the heart of this charming town, the Piazza Duomo.

Morning - Discover Piazza Duomo

Start your day at the Piazza Duomo, easily accessible by foot from any central part of Taormina or by taking a local bus that drops you near the main entrance of the town. Here, you’ll find the stunning Cathedral of Taormina, also known as San Nicolò, built in the 13th century. The cathedral’s fascinating blend of Gothic and Norman architecture, coupled with its impressive Baroque fountain featuring a mythical centaur, the symbol of Taormina, provides a perfect backdrop for family photos.

Lunch Break - Taste Local Delicacies

Just off the Piazza, numerous quaint eateries and gelaterias offer delightful Sicilian treats. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch or grab some gelato and arancini for a quick, delicious treat.

Afternoon - Stroll to the Ancient Theatre

A leisurely 10-minute walk from the Piazza Duomo will take you to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. This Greco-Roman theatre, still in use today, offers spectacular vistas of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It’s an ideal spot for kids to explore and learn about ancient history. The theatre’s acoustics and the tales of gladiatorial games will capture their imagination.

Evening - Shopping and Exploring Corso Umberto

Wrap up your day with a stroll through the bustling Corso Umberto, the main street lined with shops, boutiques, and historic buildings. It’s a great place for picking up souvenirs. The street is pedestrian-friendly, making it safe for kids to wander.

Relaxing Dinner

Conclude your day with a seaside dinner at one of Taormina’s charming restaurants, where you can relish the sunset views over a family meal.

This day-long itinerary in Taormina combines historical exploration with relaxing family time, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages. Enjoy your Sicilian adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Corvaja Palace (Palazzo Corvaja)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Palazzo Corvaja and Taormina

Morning: Visit to Palazzo Corvaja

Start your day at the historic Palazzo Corvaja, located in the heart of Taormina, a picturesque town on the east coast of Sicily. This medieval palace is easily accessible by foot from the main street, Corso Umberto. You can walk from the town center, which is a pleasant route with lots of shops and cafes that are perfect for grabbing a breakfast snack.

Interesting Fact: Palazzo Corvaja dates back to the 10th century and was named after the prominent Corvaja family who lived there from the 15th century. The architecture reflects Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences, which tell the story of Sicily’s diverse historical influences.

Upon arrival, explore the Palazzo which houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Popular Traditions. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local crafts, including puppetry and ceramic work, making it entertaining for both kids and adults.

Lunch Break: Piazza IX Aprile

After exploring the palace, head to Piazza IX Aprile for lunch. It"s a short 5-minute walk from Palazzo Corvaja. This picturesque square offers various dining options with views of Mount Etna and the coastline, ideal for a scenic and relaxing lunch.

Afternoon: Greek Theatre

A 10-minute walk from Piazza IX Aprile will lead you to the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina. This archaeological marvel not only offers a history lesson but also stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Etna. Kids will love exploring the old ruins and imagining the spectacles that took place here.

Interesting Fact: The theatre was originally built by the Greeks in the third century BC and was later renovated by the Romans. It is still used today for performances, blending ancient history with modern culture.

Evening: Stroll and Gelato

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll back down Corso Umberto and treat the family to some authentic Italian gelato. Enjoy the vibrant street scenes as you reflect on a day steeped in history and culture.

This itinerary offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family in the charming town of Taormina.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Taormina Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Taormina Greek Theatre

Morning Arrival

Start your day with a scenic drive or bus ride to Taormina. The theatre is easily accessible by public transport from major cities like Catania and Messina. Once in Taormina, you can either walk (if you enjoy a short hike with some incline) or take a taxi directly to the entrance of the Greek Theatre.

Exploring Teatro Greco

Enter the ancient Greek Theatre, dating back to the third century BC. The entrance fee is around €10 for adults, with reduced prices for children and families. As you step inside, you"ll be greeted by remarkable ruins and a stunning panoramic vista of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Interactive Family Fun

Engage the kids with a scavenger hunt! Prepare a list of items for them to spot, like specific carvings, the stage, and the view of Mount Etna. Discuss how this theatre was not only a cultural hub for performances but also for important civic gatherings.

Lunch Break

Head to a local restaurant or café. Many places around Taormina offer delightful Sicilian dishes like arancini (rice balls) or granita, a must-try local icy treat, perfect to cool down.

Afternoon Stroll and Shop

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Taormina. Visit the small boutiques and artisan shops for unique souvenirs. Don’t miss the delightful piazzas scattered around, perfect for picturesque family photos.

Dusk at the Theatre

If possible, end your day with an evening show at the theatre. Experiencing a live performance, whether a classical play or a modern concert, amidst the ancient backdrop, is truly unforgettable.

This day will be a blend of culture, history, and fun, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family at the Taormina Greek Theatre!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Piazza IX Aprile

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family day at Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina, a picturesque town perched on the east coast of Sicily. Begin your adventure by taking the cable car from Mazzarò up to the town, offering stunning views that will captivate the entire family. Once at the top, a short walk leads you to the heart of Taormina, with Piazza IX Aprile as your focal point.

Arrive at Piazza IX Aprile in the late morning to enjoy the charming ambiance. This town square is famed for its panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Capture some family photos against this spectacular backdrop, then admire the 17th-century Church of Saint Joseph and the intricate Baroque fountain that dominate the square. Engage the kids with tales of the church’s history and the significance of the square, named to commemorate the arrival of an important historical figure or event.

Next, explore the artistic Torre dell"Orologio. This clock tower, which gates the entrance to the main street, Corso Umberto, is a great spot to teach children about medieval architecture. Walk through the tower and find yourselves on Corso Umberto, where you can browse local shops for souvenirs and grab gelato from a street-side vendor.

For lunch, choose one of the family-friendly restaurants overlooking the square, offering Sicilian specialties that will please all palates. Post-lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the nearby ancient Greek Theatre, just a 10-minute walk away. Here, engage the kids with stories of ancient gladiators and actors, and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.

End your day back in the square, soaking up the last rays of sun and perhaps enjoying another Italian treat, as street performers bring the piazza to life with their music and art, creating a memorable end to a perfect family day in Taormina.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Taormina Cathedral (Duomo) and Piazza del Duomo

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful day in Taormina, Sicily, where history and culture meet against a backdrop of stunning Mediterranean vistas. Your family"s adventure centers around the cherished Taormina Cathedral and the vibrant Piazza del Duomo.

Morning Arrival

Begin your day by arriving in Taormina early to beat the crowds. If you"re not staying in town, you can easily access Taormina by car or bus from nearby cities like Catania or Messina. Park at Lumbi or Porta Catania parking lots, both connected to the town center by a frequent shuttle service.

Visit to Taormina Cathedral (Duomo di Taormina)

First, head to the heart of Taormina to explore the majestic Taormina Cathedral, built around the year 1400. As you approach, the cathedral"s fortress-like exterior captures the imagination, reflecting its dual role as a religious and defensive structure. The cathedral’s simple Gothic architecture, combined with its robust stone walls, houses an intriguing mix of history and art. Inside, you"ll find a richly adorned interior with a noteworthy silver altar-piece and impressive frescoes.

Explore Piazza del Duomo

Exiting the cathedral, spill out into the bustling Piazza del Duomo. This lively square, with its iconic Baroque fountain featuring the symbol of Taormina - the centaur, is perfect for family photos. Take a moment to enjoy a gelato from a nearby café and soak up the ambient chatter of locals and tourists alike.

Interactive Family Fun

Engage the kids with a fun scavenger hunt around the piazza, looking for symbols on buildings that tell stories of Taormina’s past. Each symbol or architectural style represents a different era — from Byzantine to Norman — providing a live-action history lesson.

Lunch and Leisure

Conclude your visit with lunch at one of the piazza’s family-friendly restaurants. Enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta alla norma or fresh seafood, offering a taste of local cuisine in a picturesque setting.

This family-friendly itinerary not only showcases the historical gems of Taormina but also allows for educational and leisurely experiences, creating lasting memories for all ages.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.