Taormina: The Pearl of the Ionian Sea

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-scoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è il/la...?
  [doh-veh eel/lah]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mi puoi mostrare (sulla mappa)?
  [mee pwah-ee moh-strah-reh (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Taormina, originally known as Tauromenion, was founded in 734 BC by the Sicels. The town was later settled by Greeks from Naxos, making it a prominent Hellenistic city. The influence of Greek culture is still evident in the ruins and architectural remains scattered throughout the town.

In 212 BC, during the Second Punic War, Taormina came under Roman control. The Romans recognized the strategic importance of the town, and it thrived as a Roman colony. The ancient theatre, a grand architectural feat, was expanded during this period and remains one of the most significant landmarks in Taormina today.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Taormina became part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 10th century, the town was conquered by the Arabs, who introduced new agricultural practices and architectural styles. The Arab influence can still be seen in the layout and design of the town's historic center.

In 1078, the Normans, led by Roger I of Sicily, captured Taormina. This period marked a time of prosperity and growth for the town. The Normans built several churches and fortifications, blending Arab and Norman architectural elements, which can still be admired in various structures throughout Taormina.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Taormina experienced cultural and economic growth. The town became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Palaces and churches from this era, such as the Palazzo Corvaja and the Church of San Domenico, showcase the rich artistic heritage of Taormina.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Taormina became a popular destination for European aristocrats and artists. Figures such as Oscar Wilde, Friedrich Nietzsche, and D.H. Lawrence visited the town, drawn by its scenic beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Today, Taormina continues to attract tourists from around the world, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Taormina is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), approximately 65 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Taormina. There are also train services from major Italian cities to Taormina-Giardini Train Station, which is a short bus or taxi ride from the town center. If you are driving, Taormina is accessible via the A18 motorway.

Within Taormina, most attractions are within walking distance. Local buses are available for trips to nearby locations, such as the beach area of Isola Bella. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive. For a unique experience, consider taking the cable car from Taormina to Mazzarò. Renting a scooter can be a fun and convenient way to explore the area at your own pace.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Taormina, and you can withdraw Euros using your international cards.

Taormina is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist-heavy area, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like the Corso Umberto and during festivals. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Taormina has a local police station and medical facilities. The nearest hospital is in the nearby town of Giardini Naxos, just a short drive away. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns, and many pharmacists speak English.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, as Italians generally take pride in their appearance. Avoid overly casual attire, especially in the evenings. Religion: Do respect religious customs when visiting churches; dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses or trains. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'buongiorno' (good morning) or 'buonasera' (good evening). A firm handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely experience in Italy.

To experience Taormina like a local, visit the weekly market at Piazza Carmine for fresh produce and local goods. Take a leisurely passeggiata (evening stroll) along Corso Umberto, where locals gather. Don’t miss the chance to attend a performance at the ancient Greek Theatre, especially during the Taormina Film Fest. For a quieter experience, explore the lesser-known but equally charming village of Castelmola, located just above Taormina.