Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Taormina
Sicilia
Coastal town with ancient theatre, vibrant festivals, high living costs, and bureaucratic challenges.
Quality of Life Score
76
Quality of Infrastructure
65
Quality of Economy
71
Summary
Taormina, perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, is renowned for its historical charm and stunning vistas, making it a popular destination for expats and retirees seeking a blend of culture and tranquility. The town is home to significant attractions such as the ancient Greek Theatre and beautiful public gardens, providing a backdrop for various vibrant local festivals. Expats appreciate the friendly atmosphere, rich local cuisine, and a slower, more relaxed lifestyle compared to more modern urban centers.
However, the cost of living can be high, particularly in central areas where housing prices are driven up by tourism. Integration may be challenging due to language barriers, and expats often find the local bureaucracy cumbersome. Despite potential hurdles, the picturesque setting, a strong sense of community, good internet connectivity, and access to healthcare make Taormina an appealing choice for those looking to settle in Sicily.
✅ Pros
– Stunning coastal views and beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Integration opportunities through local events and community activities.
– Access to quality healthcare facilities and services available.
– High air quality enhances overall health and well-being.
– Vibrant tourism scene fosters a lively social atmosphere.
– Charming streets filled with local shops and restaurants.
– Varied transportation options for easy exploration of the region.
– A welcoming community for expats and retirees alike.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities may affect financial stability for retirees.
– Healthcare quality could be better, with a score of 43.
– Unemployment rate is higher than the national average.
– Infrastructure improvements are needed for better daily living.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent despite decent average speeds.
– Highly touristic, leading to crowded streets and noise.
– Limited variety in educational facilities for expat families.
– Cost of living may be high due to tourism.
– Public transportation might not be as reliable as desired.
– Summer heat can be stifling, even for Mediterranean standards.
Taormina Demographics
Population
10500
Real Population (5km band)
44600
Births Per 100 Deaths
50.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Highly Touristic
Income per capita (2023)
20100
Income rank in Italy (2023)
4145 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
39min(s)
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is situated in Sicily, Italy, and serves as a significant air travel hub in the Mediterranean. This airport facilitates connections to numerous European cities such as Rome, Munich, Amsterdam, and London, with key routes including Catania to Rome, one of Italy’s busiest. Notably, it accommodates low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it accessible for budget travellers and providing direct flights to leisure destinations. Recent terminal expansions enhance passenger experience, although the airport experienced a temporary disruption in July 2023 due to a fire in the terminal.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Tito Minniti (Reggio Calabria)
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
66min(s)
Reggio Calabria Airport, also known as Tito Minniti (IATA: REG), is located in the southern part of Calabria, Italy, approximately 7 km from Reggio Calabria city centre. As one of the busiest airports in Calabria, it offers regular flights within Italy to destinations like Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, and international seasonal services to Tirana. Known for serving as an access point for the Strait of Messina region, the airport connects travellers primarily through ITA Airways and Ryanair, catering to both domestic and select European routes.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Lamezia Terme (Lamezia)
Connectivity Score
5
Driving Time
99min(s)
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is located in Calabria, southern Italy, approximately 9 km south of the city of Lamezia Terme. It overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is especially busy during the summer months, accommodating over 2.6 million passengers in 2022. The airport is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir, offering connections to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan, as well as seasonal flights to destinations like Toronto, Vienna, and Cologne. Notably, the airport does not emphasize any particular hub designation but offers significant connectivity for both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking both leisure and business routes.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Taormina-Giardini
Connectivity Score
8
Driving Time
4min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Taormina-Giardini includes the following key features:
– **Rail Lines**: The station is served by the Messina-Catania rail line.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect Taormina-Giardini to several major destinations including Catania, Messina, Palermo, and Syracuse.
– **Train Operators**: The primary operators serving the station are Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains depart at an hourly frequency, with additional services during peak times, though some routes may have fewer trains throughout the day.
– **Train Types**: The station accommodates a mix of regional trains and high-speed trains, including Italo’s services.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Letojanni
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
11min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Letojanni provides a vital link for regional travel in Sicily. The key details are as follows:
– **Rail Lines:** The station is served primarily by the regional rail services operated by Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Key Destinations:** Direct train services connect Letojanni to several important locations, including:
– Catania Centrale (approximately 52 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– Messina Centrale (approximately 43 minutes, 19 trains per day)
– Taormina-Giardini (approximately 4 minutes, 15 trains per day)
– Siracusa (approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes, 10 trains per day)
– Palermo Centrale (approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes, 12 trains per day)
– **Train Operators:** The primary operators at this station are Trenitalia and Italo.
– **Frequency of Departures:** The station exhibits a relatively high frequency of train services, with departures ranging from approximately 10 to 19 trains daily for various key routes.
– **Type of Service:** The services mainly consist of regional trains, with no high-speed train services directly operating from this station.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Alcantara
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
12min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Alcantara includes several key aspects:
– **Rail lines that stop here**: The station is primarily serviced by the Circumetnea railway line and a portion of the FS Sicilian railway network.
– **Key destinations connected by direct trains**: Direct train services connect Alcantara to prominent destinations such as Messina, Catania, and Taormina, providing access to both regional hubs and tourist spots.
– **Train operators**: The main train operator at this station is Trenitalia, which offers both intercity and regional train services.
– **Frequency of departures**: Train departures from Alcantara vary throughout the day. On average, services run every hour, though some routes may have fewer trains per day, particularly during off-peak hours.
– **Type of services**: The station primarily serves regional services, with a limited frequency of higher-speed trains. Most services are regional only, accommodating local travel needs effectively.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
43
Bars
58
Cafes
12
Cinemas
8
Dentists
10
Golf Courses
0
Gyms
2
Health Clinics
0
Hiking Trails
45
Historical Sites
32
Libraries
1
Museums
5
Parks
2
Pharmacies
5
Restaurants
147
Shopping Centres
6
Supermarkets
38
Spas
43
Beach
Name
Stazione Ff.Ss.
Driving Distance
4mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Etna Nord - Piano Provenzana (Linguaglossa)
Driving Distance
46mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
43
Nearest Hospital Name
San Vincenzo
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
3 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
2
Local Public Healthcare Provider
ASP MESSINA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Sicily, healthcare services present a mixed performance profile. Overall, the region scores below the national median in healthcare quality. Local hospital care is particularly limited, while post-operative readmissions after heart failure are managed effectively. Emergency treatment for heart attacks, particularly STEMI, is relatively timely. However, handling of readmissions following heart attacks and rapid response to bone fractures sees room for improvement. Breast cancer treatments via minimally invasive surgery are moderately adopted. Elective surgeries often involve longer hospital stays, indicating potential inefficiencies. Prospective residents should carefully assess these factors when considering relocation.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
46
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
7
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
22
Car Insurance Price Index
105.963
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
Medium
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
1362
Median
2887
Third Quartile
4223
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
70
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
86
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
51
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 30%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Bottom 30%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taormina | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | N/A | 2 | N/A | N/A | 1 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Low (11th-20th percentile)
Sunshine
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Snowfall
Low (11th-20th percentile)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
6.7
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
31.3
Climate Description
Nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunlight-soaked summers. While the town receives moderate rainfall, it's predominantly dry, allowing for year-round outdoor activities and leisure. Occasional snow dustings occur but are a rare sight, often melting quickly under the abundant sunshine that graces this historic town. The warmth peaks in summer without reaching oppressive levels, making Taormina a favored retreat among expatriates and retirees. Its gentle winters are equally appealing, with temperatures that rarely dip harshly, ensuring comfort throughout the year.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taormina | 6,70 | 6,90 | 8,80 | 11,70 | 14,70 | 19,40 | 22,50 | 23,20 | 19,80 | 16,40 | 12,20 | 8,20 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taormina | 13,6 | 13,90 | 16,30 | 19,30 | 22,80 | 28,00 | 31,20 | 31,30 | 27,50 | 23,10 | 18,60 | 15,10 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taormina | 63 | 56 | 59 | 62 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 82 | 67 | 54 | 51 | 65 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Good
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
84
Air Quality Description
Taormina, a jewel on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers residents and visitors generally commendable air quality. The locale ensures air composition that remains richly conducive to health and general wellbeing, classified as Good across most measured particles including PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide. Whilst these metrics imply an ability to breathe freely without concern for particulate pollutants, it is worth noting a slight deviation in the relative presence of ozone, described as Fair. This minor variance suggests consideration for sensitive individuals engaging in outdoor activities during peak ozone levels. Overall, the air in Taormina supports a lifestyle that aligns with serene retirement and peaceful daily living.
Taormina, a jewel on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers residents and visitors generally commendable air quality. The locale ensures air composition that remains richly conducive to health and general wellbeing, classified as Good across most measured particles including PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide. Whilst these metrics imply an ability to breathe freely without concern for particulate pollutants, it is worth noting a slight deviation in the relative presence of ozone, described as Fair. This minor variance suggests consideration for sensitive individuals engaging in outdoor activities during peak ozone levels. Overall, the air in Taormina supports a lifestyle that aligns with serene retirement and peaceful daily living.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Taormina is well-connected, with Catania Fontanarossa Airport as the primary gateway and Reggio Calabria as a secondary option. The town is accessible via the A18 motorway, linking it to Messina and Catania. Train services from nearby stations enhance connectivity, scoring well on infrastructure metrics.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Taormina’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of traditional Sicilian flavors, bolstered by a variety of local and international dining options. Traditional dishes include ‘involtini di pesce spada’ (grilled swordfish rolls), ‘pasta alla norma’ (pasta with eggplant), and ‘sarde a beccafico’ (sardines stuffed with herbs). The region’s seafood is particularly celebrated, with dishes like ‘grigliata mista’ (mixed seafood grill) and ‘risotto alla marinara.’ The town features a diverse array of restaurants, from casual trattorias to upscale eateries. Notably, Taormina boasts several Michelin-starred establishments including St. George by Heinz Beck, Principe Cerami, and La Capinera, which highlight both modern interpretations of local cuisine and international influences. Overall, Taormina offers a gastronomic experience rich in authentic Sicilian taste, complemented by the aesthetics of fine dining.
Shopping Overview
The area features diverse shopping options, with a prominent avenue housing various categories including traditional souvenir shops, upscale boutiques, and clothing stores. Notable formats include local markets for authentic goods, designer outlets for high-end fashion, and shops catering to both everyday and luxury needs. Supermarkets provide essential groceries, while artisan vendors add charm with unique local products. This blend offers a comprehensive shopping experience for both everyday necessities and special purchases, appealing to residents and visitors alike.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
In Taormina, Sicilia, notable hiking trails include the Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary and Taormina – Castelmola via Casteltauro, both offering moderate challenges. The Giro Taormina via Teatro Greco provides an easy route. For a more extensive trek, consider the Periplo della Sicilia’s stage from Taormina to Messina. Outdoor activities extend beyond hiking to excursions such as tours to the craters on Mount Etna. Local parks and natural sites enrich the area’s green offerings, supporting activities for retirees and expats seeking leisurely exploration.
✅ Pros
– Stunning coastal views and beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Mild climate with warm summers and mild winters.
– Integration opportunities through local events and community activities.
– Access to quality healthcare facilities and services available.
– High air quality enhances overall health and well-being.
– Vibrant tourism scene fosters a lively social atmosphere.
– Charming streets filled with local shops and restaurants.
– Varied transportation options for easy exploration of the region.
– A welcoming community for expats and retirees alike.
❌ Cons
– Limited job opportunities may affect financial stability for retirees.
– Healthcare quality could be better, with a score of 43.
– Unemployment rate is higher than the national average.
– Infrastructure improvements are needed for better daily living.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent despite decent average speeds.
– Highly touristic, leading to crowded streets and noise.
– Limited variety in educational facilities for expat families.
– Cost of living may be high due to tourism.
– Public transportation might not be as reliable as desired.
– Summer heat can be stifling, even for Mediterranean standards.
FAQs
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