Taormina…
Taormina – The Queen of Sicily’s East Coast
Taormina, the incredibly picturesque town that majestically reigns as the queen of the eastern coast of Sicily, is a gem that must be experienced. This town is a dream for all visitors – and of course, for us as well. When we decided to spend 2025 in Italy, Taormina was where we wanted to begin our adventure. Why? Because it’s a town with a lively center, even in winter, when we visited. Taormina has the perfect size – with 10,000 to 12,000 residents, it felt just the right size for us. We wanted to start our journey in a place more intimate than a large city.
Magical Christmas Experiences in Taormina
We arrived in Taormina during the Christmas holidays, and we were completely mesmerized by how beautifully the town was decorated for the season. The shops along Corso Umberto were adorned with wonderful Christmas creations, and large, glowing chandeliers hung over the streets, creating a magical atmosphere. On Piazza 9. Aprile, a Christmas village was set up, with an impressive Christmas tree at the center. What truly touched us were the free events that welcomed everyone, regardless of age. One day, we were captivated by a beautiful candlelight concert at Palazzo Corvaja, an experience we will never forget.
Another day, we enjoyed a Philharmonic Disney concert in the church by Piazza Duomo, and children could watch beautiful Christmas animations projected on the walls outside. On New Year’s Eve, Piazza Duomo transforms into a grand concert stage, with live music, dancers in illuminated costumes, and fireworks. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was a joy to be part of this wonderful celebration. This is one of the things we love about Taormina – the town truly gives of itself, creating lifelong memories.
Our Stay at Piazza Duomo
We rented a lovely apartment on Piazza Duomo, right in the heart of the city along Corso Umberto. It was the perfect base for us. From the apartment, we had a view of the square, local restaurants, the church, and the fountain, and we could watch the local artists paint their pictures day after day. It became a delightful ritual to observe how the town’s residents fed the pigeons, and from our balcony, we grew accustomed to watching the large groups of cruise ship tourists arriving every other day. Sitting on the balcony and watching the daily life unfold on the square was a truly special experience.
Winter in Taormina – A Perfect Stay
Taormina in December and early January is a lively and bustling time. The town is filled with energy, most shops remain open, and the restaurants cater to both tourists and locals. After January 6th, many places close down for their winter holiday, but this year, Taormina has seen record numbers of visitors, and many places have chosen to stay open longer than before. This has been a wonderful surprise for us during our stay!
Living in Taormina for eight weeks during this time has been an incredible experience. For one, there are fewer tourists than in the summer, and we’ve met so many friendly and warm people who live here. The weather has been varied – we’ve had both rainstorms and sunny days, with temperatures between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Exploring and Gastronomic Experiences
During our stay, we’ve wandered through all the side streets, walked down to the beaches at Isola Bella, and explored the beautiful bay on the opposite side, Mazzeo. We’ve taken several hikes up to Castelmola and back down, enjoying breathtaking views of the town and Mount Etna. We’ve dined at everything from cozy local Osterias to Michelin-starred restaurants, and even brought home fresh meat at the traditional butcher’s shop.
Taormina – The Town We Will Never Forget
We’ve visited the church Madonna della Rocca, explored the ancient Greek theatre, and sneaked peeks into the luxurious hotel gardens. We have even enjoyed long walks in the countryside around Taormina, and the neighbouring town. Every day, we’ve witnessed the moods of Mount Etna, which has given us many beautiful photos. We’ve become familiar with the local grocery store, where the staff eventually began to greet and wave at us when we came in to shop. These are the kinds of local experiences we had hoped for!
Valentine’s Day in Taormina – A Celebration of Love
Now it’s February, and Valentine’s Day, San Valentino, is approaching. The town is decorated with large hanging hearts and lights that illuminate the streets, and on Piazza 9 Aprile, large "LOVE" letters are lit up. For three days, love will be celebrated with free concerts at sunrise and sunset, and on the final day, there will be a salsa party with animations on the walls. Taormina truly knows how to do something extra for both its visitors and residents!
Although it’s sad to leave Taormina, we feel we’ve developed a deep connection with the town during the weeks we’ve spent here. But we won’t despair, as we will be returning in the summer to celebrate Else’s 50th birthday with friends and family. There will be a week-long celebrations!
Ciao!