It's best to start the visit at the north entrance of Taormina, the Porta Messina. If you are travelling by bus, the bus-stop is nearby this medieval gate. If you are travelling with a car, you can park it at the great parkings which are located at the entrances of the city. The Lumbi parking is a good choice for its position and a shuttle bus passes right in front of the parking. It is also possible to park in Mazzarò and take the cableway up to Taormina. The Porta Messina is one of the medieval gates of Taormina. It was rebuilt in 1808. It is also the start of the main street, Corso Umberto I, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars which offer delicious Sicilian pastries. The first square you'll come across is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. On the right is located Palazzo Corvaja. This monument is built in different styles (Arab, Norman, Spanish). On the front side are visible beautiful mullioned windows. Palazzo Corvaja contains a museum of Sicilian folk art. The St. Catherine's church and the congress palace are also located in the square.
Taormina was founded by Greeks in 358 B.C. and 3 centuries later it was also a Roman city. After the St. Catherine's church it is possible to see the ruins of the Odeon. It is a theatre of roman age. Only part of the ancient monument is visible nowaday because it is surrounded by modern buildings. The entrance to the odeon is free. Turning back in the square, through via Teatro Greco, you'll arrive to the most important monument of Taormina, the ancient Greek Theatre (tickets € 6). It is the second biggest Greek theatre in Sicily, after the one in Syracuse. During the roman age it was modified to hold gladiator fights. In summer it is used for music concerts and other events. The panorama from the Greek theater is breathtaking. Behind the ancient ruins it is possible to see the Etna, crowded of snow and the bay of Giardini Naxos. The same beautiful panorama is also visible from piazza IX Aprile. It is the second square along Corso Umberto I. It is between the most romantic places in Taormina. People from all around the world come to marry  in Taormina. Around the square are many monuments: the St. Josephs church and the St. Augustins church, the clock tower and the middle gate. Along the street there are also lots of very ancient private buildings. In piazza Duomo is located the cathedral of Taormina. It's the St. Nicholas church. In front of it is the town hall. The church was built in the 13th century. The portal is built in manneristic style. The historical centre of Taormina ends with the Porta Catania, another medieval town gate. The famous hotel San Domenico palace is located near the Porta Catania and there is also a big parking.