Did you know that the Italy we know today has only existed for less than 200 years? Before 1861, Italy was made up of many small city-states, each with its own unique landscape, architecture, dialect, food, and traditions. This is why, even today, every region in Italy feels so different and unique! In this article, we will discover Taormina, Sicily.

My name is Mina and I’m from Korea. After living in Milan for many years, I thought I knew all about Italy, including granita. I used to tell my friends it’s just a slushie. But after visiting Taormina in Sicily, I realized how wrong I was! Even though I had classmates from Sicily, I never understood how rich Sicilian culture really is.
And no, granita in Sicily isn’t just a slushie—it’s made with fresh, local ingredients like fruits and sometimes nuts, such as hazelnuts and pistachios. The flavors are stronger because the fruits and vegetables grow in Sicily’s volcanic soil, which is full of minerals from Mount Etna, like potassium and magnesium.
With Go! Go! Italia, you can live and study in Sicily and discover Taormina, while enjoying its incredible food and culture. In this article we will discover Taormina and the best things to do in Sicily!
Ancient theater of Taormina
One of the most stunning spots in Taormina is the ancient Greek theater, built in the 3rd century BC. It offers incredible views of both the sea and Mount Etna. Even better, you can still watch concerts and operas here. I was lucky enough to catch a Mario Biondi concert—he’s a Sicilian artist whose music reflects the soul of this island and he explained his Sicilian influence in music in between the numbers during his concert. The whole experience was magical, and absolutely a must try!
Breath-taking Mount Etna
Speaking of Etna, this active volcano shapes life around it. There’s something both intimidating and awe-inspiring about being so close to nature’s raw power. You can take excursions up the mountain and really feel the energy of this place. It’s a reminder of how incredible and unpredictable our planet can be.
Swimming at Isola Bella
If you’re into the sea, Taormina won’t disappoint. You can walk through the shallow water to Isola Bella, a little island with a nature museum. The water is so clear, and the weather is perfect for swimming. Plus, there are plenty of public beaches where you can enjoy the sun without having to pay.

Boat tours & Grotte
For something a bit more adventurous, hop on a boat tour along the coast. These trips take you to hidden spots, like the Grotte (caves), where the light bouncing off the water inside the caves creates an unforgettable scene. It’s a beautiful way to experience Sicily from the water.
Must-try Sicilian food
Sicily is full of surprises, and for me, one was the sheer amount of cactus plants everywhere! Fruits like prickly pear, pomegranate, oranges, figs, peaches, and lemons are bursting with flavor here. You don’t need any fancy recipes—just the fruits themselves are delicious. As for dishes, you can’t miss Pasta alla Norma, Caponata, and the fresh seafood. Try Gambero rosso crudo (raw red shrimp) with a drizzle of local olive oil—it’s a must to truly discover Taormina.
Cultural events
Taormina draws people from across Italy and beyond, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s been home to artists like Vincenzo Bellini and hosts all kinds of festivals, like the Taormina Jazz Festival. The mix of beauty and culture makes it a hot spot for creative events all year round.
Engage with Sicilian locals!
The people here are some of the warmest you’ll meet. Life in Sicily moves at a slower pace, which gives you the perfect chance to practice your Italian. Unlike in big cities like Rome or Milan, locals here will be genuinely impressed with your effort of speaking Italian and happy to help you out. It’s a great place to really connect with people and the language.
Discover Taormina truthfully: Live and study in Taormina
Our partner school in Taormina is located just a short walk from the ancient theater and other key attractions of the town. Set within a historic villa surrounded by beautiful gardens, the school offers a peaceful and scenic environment that makes it perfect for students to fully immerse themselves in both the Italian language and the rich culture of Sicily.
In addition to group programs, the school also offers cultural courses like Italian literature and art, history, cinema, ceramic decoration, business, scuba diving and of course cooking classes as the school also has its own restaurant. There’s so much you can do at this school!
Personally, I believe Taormina is one of the best places to unwind while learning deeply about Italian culture and language. I genuinely wish that all of you can experience the amazing culture and warmth of its people in Sicily.
Do you want to study and live in Taormina? Contact us!