Corso Umberto is the vibrant lifeline of Taormina, meandering river-like through the heart of the historic centre. It’s a buzzing part of one of Sicily’s most exciting towns, made even more approachable thanks to it being dedicated purely for pedestrian use.
Starting at the 18th-century Porto Messina gateway, the Corso Umberto winds onwards through the historic centre, passing numerous tempting side alleys and dozens of local boutiques. The finishing point is right by the Piazza Duomo – one of the town’s most beautiful squares – and in turns leads to plenty more important streets at Taormina’s heart. During the day, this bustling route is much calmer, with sedate locals selling their wares, and plenty of cafes providing the chance to enjoy a coffee in calm surroundings.
In the evening, however, the Corso Umberto thrums with life, and transforms into the town’s place to be, filled with parading locals enjoying their daily passeggiata. Expect to see glitz and glamour, with the occasional celebrity thrown into the mix. Bars come alive, and shops stay open well into the evening, as locals and tourists together stroll the well-worn cobbles of the town’s most fashionable street.
