Known as Greek Theatre, but it has a rich history. It was begun by the Greeks in 3rd century BC. In the 1st century AD the Romans adapted the theatre to suit their gladiatorial shows. Now it’s the most important site of Taormina, must see! The view is breathtaking: behind the stage and columns you can see the blue sea and the smoking Mount Etna. Don’t miss it!

We visited here on a beautiful spring day. It is colossal and amazing monument to the past. Sitting in the amphitheatre and seeing the view of Taormina and then rumbling Etna in the distance really takes your breath away. Admission price is definitely reasonable.

This place was great. Even if you arent a history sort of person the sheer size of this place and the presence of etna in the background just makes it impressive. There is a short video playing (max 2mins) which enables you to see what it was once like in its full glory. The best bit about it, is you can walk through and around it, step over old fallen columns and interact with it. Its one of the few monuments you can walk around and really tell what you are looking at. I dont know how long it will be before an overzealous safety officer will cordon the site and force visitors to walk in designated areas so get there before he does. If you are looking at visiting an ancient theatre dont even bother with Syracuse its such a disappointment compared to this place. Entry was fairly priced and kids under 18 were free.

We enjoyed a stroll around the theatre in sunshine. We queued before nine o’clock to avoid the later crowds. It was worth it, it was a calm experience . We visited the cafe which gives a great view across to mainland Italy. The library museum is interesting. We found two toilets within the complex. There is are splendid views of Etna from many vantage points. At the end we visited the communal Gardens set by Florence Trevelyan. Ten euros entrance fee for adults . Free for under 18’s.

Make sure you don’t take the entrance close to Taormina city center…way too many people. Take the other one, closer to the Belvedere (up the stairs from the beach). However…very disappointed by the service we got at the ticket office: the lady was talking to another person, she didn’t even say « hello » nor looked at us…when we said « due persone » and handed her a €50 note…she simply threw it back at us and snapped « card or cash…€10!! » then took for ever to give us our tickets, no thank you, no enjoy the visit…how rude ! Is this how you welcome tourists? Probably not the kind of image you want to give…too bad. From that entrance, you need to walk uphill to the theater. They’ve remodeled it and added plastic chairs for performances. Why not? But it loses its antique charm…

I was happy that I got there in the morning, before it got too crowded. It is a beautiful place. Beautiful views of Mount Etna from the theatre and from Taormina itself. Wonderful shops and restaurants to wander around in Taormina before or after your visit to the theatre.

The theater is well situated on the hill with great views of the surrounding coastline. The theater struture is still mainly intact and holds recitals. Nice to visit eraly morning when it opens, when it is cool and less crowded. Highly recommend. You only need 30-60mins to see most of the area and views.

Taormina is a beautiful city full of ancient ruins. It was built in 3 BC. The ancient theatre is a short walk from the plaza but we took the long road up for exercise and views of the foliage. The air is clean, the restaurants are excellent and we plan to return for another vacation In Taormina.

Well worth going for the views alone. We were also lucky enough to get tickets for the David Garrett concert on 18th June. We sat in the cheap seats in the upper tiers and although furthest from the stage these offered the best views of mount Etna and the coastline. Listening to the concert as dusk descended in such a fabulous setting was truly magical. It was also sobering to reflect on how such a magnificent space has been used in the past to entertain audiences.

Beauty beyond imagination. Part of MSC World Europa cruise we chiose the package that took us to Taormina. I want so badly to go back again. The main piazza gave you the impression that you were in the middle of the Godfather movie. From up above you can see the beautiful beach. While looking at the balconies it will strike that each vase has the face of a male and female. The tour guide said ir was the wife who beheading the husband upon learning he was married but internet has a different version. Walking through the historic buildings you reach the ancient theater build by Greeks of Naxos island. Must see place. The time was too short cannot wait to go back a d stay longer.