Pet-Friendly Attractions in Taormina

The 3rd-century BC Greco-Roman theatre, reworked by the Romans, is Sicily's most spectacular open-air archaeological site, with a panoramic cavea opening directly onto Etna (40 km west) and the Ionian Sea. Managed by Parco Archeologico Naxos-Taormina. Hosts the summer Taormina Arte concert season nightly. Open-air archaeological area; leashed dogs are admitted on the outdoor paths (confirm at the ticket office before visiting).

The pedestrianised Corso Umberto runs 800 m through the medieval centro storico from the 15th-century Porta Catania in the south-west to the Porta Messina in the north-east, passing the panoramic Piazza IX Aprile clifftop terrace (with the Sant'Agostino church and the chequered black-and-white piazza floor) at its midpoint and the Naumachie Roman wall just off it. Free pedestrian access; leashed dogs welcome year-round on the entire artery and the piazza.

A 1,000-resident medieval hilltop village 4 km west of Taormina at 550 m altitude on the Monte Tauro summit ridge, with a panoramic 360-degree terrace over Etna, the Ionian Sea, the Calabrian coast across the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands on a clear day. Cobbled lanes, two parish churches, the ruined Castello, and the famous Bar Turrisi (1947) with its erotic ceramic theme. Reached by 1h30 stepped hike from Porta Catania or 10 minutes by car/Interbus bus. Free pedestrian access; leashed dogs welcome on the village lanes year-round.