Car hire Taormina

Introduction

Taormina is a town built against a hill and one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Italian island of Sicily. Most tourists don't stay in the town itself, but in the tourist resorts of Giardini Naxos south of Taormina or Letojanni north of town.

Population

The town has approximately 11,000 inhabitants.

Location

Taormina is located on Sicily's eastern coast, about halfway the larger cities of Messina and Catania. Part of that coastal area is a nature reserve, Riserva Naturale Isola Bella, including the coastal strip to the left of the main beach and the peninsula to the right of that beach.

Economy

Tourism is the main source of income for Taormina. In July and August it's busy in this seaside resort, not only with foreign but especially also with Italian tourists.

Airports

The nearest airport is Catania Airport. Catania International Airport (officially: Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa) is situated 65 kilometers southwest of the city and is easily reachable by rental car via freeway A18.

Public Transport

Taormina has no regular public transport, but there are shuttle buses connecting the train station in the city's center with the seaside resorts Giardini Naxos, Letojanni and Castelmola. There's also a funicular between the center and the beach near Mazarro; it's only operational in warm months. There are train and bus connections with Messina and Catania.

Traffic and Parking

Taormina's main street is a pedestrian street and in the surrounding streets only local traffic is allowed. If you say that you are heading for your hotel, you will need to show proof. There are two large parking lots on the verge of town: 'Parcheggio Lumbi' and 'Parcheggio Porta Catania'. The latter is closest to the center. Shuttle buses run between the parking lots and the city center.

Hotels

Taormina is a very popular seaside resort and in summer almost all hotels are fully booked. If you want to stay in Taormina in the summer, you have to book your accommodation in advance. In and around the city (along the beaches) you'll mainly find midrange and luxurious hotels and resorts. There are practically no budget accommodations.

External Sources

For more information about Taormina, we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Taormina
• Official website Taormina
• Tourist Information Taormina