Discovering the Ionian coast on the east side
From the Bikepoint of Zafferana Etnea we descend towards the sea, to pass through Giarre, Riposto Giardini Naxos. The latter is located in a wonderful position characterized by stretches of sandy beaches with a unique view of the splendid Taormina (north direction) and the port of Recanati (south direction). Taormina is a city of about 10,780 inhabitants located in Sicily, in the province of Messina. It occupies a wonderful position, overlooking the sea and facing Mount Etna. The mild climate, the beauty of the landscape and the calm that reigns all around have made Taormina famous all over the world. The territory of Taormina extends along the coast that goes from Capo Sant’Andrea to Capo Taormina, where there are the beautiful beaches, the Lido of Taormina, Mazzarò and Isola Bella. A travel destination since the 18th century, it is only towards the last thirty years of the 19th century that it experiences a notable tourist development. Inhabited since archaic times by the Sicilians and the inhabitants of “Zancle”, in 403 BC. it was the scene of further immigration from nearby Naxos, destroyed by Dionysius, the famous tyrant of Syracuse; occupied by the Greeks, it became a federated city of the Romans and in 34 BC. Octavian founded a colony there. In the following centuries it was governed by the Normans and the Byzantines, and then entered the domains of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The historic village of Taormina has medieval origins and is famous not only for its monuments, but also for the structure of its streets and its ancient gates. The main avenue is Corso Umberto I which cuts through the town from Porta Messina and… The pedestrian center of Taormina is built around Corso Umberto I, the main artery of the city, from which it is possible to reach all the major points of interest. Today Taormina is an internationally renowned health, tourist and seaside resort and its economy is mainly based on seaside and cultural tourism. Return to Zafferana Etnea. There are many refreshment points, and practicability is always guaranteed.
