Official Language:
Italian
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 300,000 people call Taormina/Messina
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Taormina (Messina)Sicily: Mediterranean climate with temperatures in the 70°F/21°C May through June and in the 80°F/27°C July through August. The fall temperatures of September and October are in the 70°F/21°C, similar to the Spring months. Taormina has perfect climate, never too hot, and never too cool.
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For cruise passengers Messina may be your first sight of Sicily. Messina happens to be Sicily's most important city and port on the north east coast. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Messina was occupied by Roman forces in 264 BC. This event led to First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
All buildings have been constructed short (no high rises) so that they won't topple if an earthquake hits. Since Messina lacks the strong connection to the past it does not tend to draw as many visitors as other Italian cities. Today, the tourism office here is one of the best in all of Italy and the town itself is very tourist friendly.
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Attractions |
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Ships stop here for one of two reasons, either to visit Taormina,a very nice resort town or to climb Mt. Etna. Messina is a great place for shopping. If you are looking for the perfect place to kick back and eat, drink and people watch at a sidewalk cafe, then this is the place for you. There something to do here for everyone. There are just enough historic attractions without being overwhelming. Take a tour to the lovely city Taormina which overlooks Mount Etna. Visit the Palazzo Corvaia which dates back to the l5th Century and don't miss the Greek Theatre which offers outstanding views of the Sicilian countryside. Due to the high location on a mountain top, Taormina is tougher to get to. Some people find it easier to get a taxi which will go directly and charge roughly 30 euros per person if they have at least 6 people. You are welcome to use the ship's shuttle, just keep in mind that you will most likely have to change vehicles at least once before getting to the top. The shuttle does cost less than a taxi and is sometimes free of charge.
Visit the Norman-Romanesque cathedral, originally constructed by the Norman King Roger II in 1197. There is an adjoining bell tower which is one of the city's main features, highlighting one of the largest and most complex mechanical clocks in the world. The great Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina was born here. You can take a look at his two large Caravaggios at the Museo Regionale. The museum also features an interesting collection sculptures and pictures from various churches salvaged after the 1908 earthquake.
The main artery is pedestrian-only Corso Umberto and it is lined with lots of little boutique type stores, ranging from designer shoes, antiques to housewares (ceramics, linens, etc.). Shops tend to close from 1p.m until 4 p.m. for lunch. Therefore, if shopping is important to you try then head to Taormina in the morning. The tourist shops, located on Teatro Greco, are open all day. There also are numerous pizzerias, cafes and bars (even an Irish-theme pub), some street-side, some off the main drag via narrow alleyways; the latter, by the way, have the best views overlooking the sea and Mt. Etna. The best sidewalk cafes are found around the Cathedral on Piazza Duomo.
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More Information |
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Web: www.taormina-ol.it
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