Taormina is so beautifully located that it would not need great sights to attract visitors. The fact that it does have them makes it an absolute must. Perched on a rocky promontory at the foot of Mount Etna and looking out over the azure Mediterranean, the town has drawn visitors for centuries.
The main attraction is the Greek Theatre, magnificently sited with Etna as its backdrop. The main street, Corso Umberto, is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Taormina is touristy and pricey, but the setting is genuinely spectacular, and a cable car takes you down to the beaches at Mazzaro below.