Unidentified city in Sicily recently recognized as one of the most exquisite and clandestine locations for high-end travelers
Nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury. This small town, perched on a rocky promontory more than 200 meters above the sea, boasts a rich past dating back to the 8th century BC, when Greeks from Euboea founded the colony of Naxos.
Taormina's crown jewel is the Greek-Roman theatre, carved into the rock in the 3rd century BC and then enlarged by the Romans. This architectural marvel can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators and still hosts a music and cinema festival every summer. Other noteworthy attractions include the Duomo di Taormina, a cathedral built in the 13th century and remodelled over the centuries, and the Odeon, a small and charming theatre hidden among the houses in the city centre.
The town's history is a testament to the passage of Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Aragonese people throughout the centuries. Today, Taormina still retains an artistic and cultural aura, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.
Visiting Taormina is a breeze. Consider booking a flight to Catania, Italy, and then making the hour-long drive to this picturesque town. The views from Taormina are spectacular, with the Mediterranean on one side and the volcano Etna on the other. The Castello di Monte Tauro, a castle perched at nearly 400 meters above sea level, offers an unobstructed view of the coast and surrounding mountains for photography enthusiasts.
Taormina, despite its luxury appeal and exceptional monuments, remains relatively unknown compared to other popular Italian spots. This makes it an ideal luxury destination for those seeking a more intimate and exclusive experience.
For those seeking similar hidden gems and underrated luxury destinations in Europe, here are some excellent options:
1. Umbria, Italy: Known as Italy's "green heart" and "The New Tuscany," Umbria offers rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and charming historic towns like Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco.
2. Biarritz, France: A sophisticated seaside town on the Atlantic coast, Biarritz offers thalassotherapy centres, spas, a rich cultural scene, and elegant beachfronts.
3. Paphos, Cyprus: Beyond nightlife, Paphos offers UNESCO archaeological sites, pristine beaches, vineyards, and golf, with ongoing VIP airport terminal upgrades signalling growing luxury appeal.
4. Brittany, France: Known for dramatic coastal cliffs, islands ideal for private sailing charters, and Michelin-starred seafood restaurants.
5. Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy: An exclusive seaside resort with stylish beachfront villas and elegant boutiques, favoured by European jet-setters.
6. Hidden Beach Destinations in Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania: For luxury travelers seeking tranquil beach escapes, these less-visited coastlines offer crystal-clear waters, authentic local culture, and more affordable luxury without crowds.
These destinations share qualities with Taormina — elegant surroundings, rich local culture, excellent cuisine, and luxury accommodations — while remaining relatively undiscovered and less touristy, allowing for more intimate and exclusive experiences.
If you enjoyed the blend of coastal beauty and cultural heritage in Taormina, Umbria and Forte dei Marmi are especially recommended for Italy-focused travelers, while Biarritz and Brittany offer alluring coastal luxury in France. For a change of pace with excellent beaches, the hidden coastal spots in the Balkans present excellent luxury escapes that remain off the beaten path.
In-flights to Catania, Italy, can provide a gateway to the hidden gem town of Taormina, a destination known for its blend of lifestyle, history, and travel experiences. This Mediterranean town, with its spectacular views, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage, shares similarities with other underrated European destinations like Umbria in Italy, Biarritz in France, Paphos in Cyprus, Brittany in France, Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany, as well as hidden beach destinations in Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania. These destinations cater to travelers seeking an authentic and intimate luxury experience, along with elegant surroundings, rich local culture, exceptional cuisine, and coastal beauty.
