Corso Umberto I runs the entire length of Taormina’s pretty historic center and is lined with bustling shops, restaurants, and hotels. No visit to the old town is complete without a turn down this lively and picturesque street, generally included in Taormina walking and Segway tours. In addition to Corso Umberto I, sightseeing itineraries stop in the city’s 13th-century Duomo and adjacent square, the famous Greek Theater overlooking the coastline, and historic palaces including Palazzo Corvaja, Palazzo Ciampoli, and Palazzo Municipale. Taormina is a popular day trip or shore excursion from Syracuse, Messina, or Catania, and many also include visits to Mount Etna and the nearby town of Castelmola.
*The road is paved and relatively flat, so easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller. Though traffic is limited, there are no sidewalks, so be cautious of passing cars and scooters. *Taormina’s main road is a great place for souvenir shopping, and there are also a number of pastry and food shops where you can sample the local cuisine. *Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen when strolling through Taormina in the heat of summer. *Piazza IX Aprile along the street offers some of the best views from the historic center, so bring your camera.
Corso Umberto I runs through the center of Taormina’s old town. To reach the historic center from the train station from the valley below, you must catch a bus up to the town center.
The best time of day to meander the length of Corso Umberto I is during business hours, when most locals are out to shop, or join the after-dinner crowds taking an evening passeggiata (stroll).