Corso Umberto Taormina - Shopping & Walking Guide

Q: Where is Cohen House located?

Cohen House sits in Mazzaro Bay, Taormina, just 20 meters from Isola Bella beach and 50 meters from Mazzaro beach. Via Nazionale 202, across from the entrance to Isola Bella, within the protected nature reserve.

Q: How much can I save by booking direct?

Direct bookings through our website save up to 25 percent compared to Booking.com, Airbnb, and other online platforms. You also get flexible cancellation and personalized concierge service.

Q: What makes Taormina a unique destination?

Taormina is one of few places where you can ski on Mount Etna in the morning and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Isola Bella the same afternoon. The cable car connects Mazzaro to the hilltop town in three minutes.

Q: What apartments does Cohen House offer?

We offer three uniquely designed luxury apartments: BOHO with bohemian aesthetics for up to 10 guests, VINTAGE with elegant Mediterranean interiors, and SHABBY-CHIC perfect for romantic getaways. All include fully equipped kitchens, WiFi, air conditioning, and private terraces with sea views.

Q: Is there a concierge service available?

Yes. Our AI concierge Solomon is available around the clock for personalized recommendations on restaurants, tours, Mount Etna excursions, boat trips along the coast, wine tastings at Sicilian vineyards, and airport transfers.

Cohen House Taormina

Corso Umberto Taormina Shopping: Your Guide to Sicily's Most Charming Street

Discover the vibrant heart of Taormina with this essential guide to Corso Umberto Taormina shopping. Located just a short distance from your Isola Bella accommodation at Cohen House, this picturesque pedestrian street offers an unforgettable blend of Sicilian culture, authentic cuisine, and boutique shopping experiences.

The Soul of Taormina: Corso Umberto's Rich History

Stretching from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, Corso Umberto follows the path of the ancient Via Valeria, once connecting Rome to Sicily's eastern coast. For centuries, this historic thoroughfare has served as Taormina's social and commercial center. Today, it preserves its medieval charm with beautifully preserved palazzi, ancient churches. And traditional Sicilian architecture that create a magical atmosphere for visitors.

Walking along Corso Umberto feels like stepping back in time. The street's distinctive black and white lava stone pavement, known as basolato, reflects centuries of footsteps from Greek colonists, Roman conquerors, Arab traders. And Norman rulers who all left their mark on Taormina's cultural heritage.

Essential Shopping Districts

Corso Umberto can be divided into distinct shopping zones, each offering unique experiences:

Luxury Boutique Section (near Piazza IX Aprile): Discover high-end fashion, Italian leather goods, and luxury jewelry from renowned Sicilian and international designers.
Authentic Sicilian Crafts (central section): Find traditional ceramics from Caltagirone, handmade lace from nearby villages, and beautiful coral jewelry from the Aeolian Islands.
Local Food Specialties (near Porta Catania): Sample and purchase authentic Sicilian products including Modica chocolate, Pantelleria capers, Etna wines, and artisanal cheeses.
Souvenirs & Gifts (throughout): Beautifully crafted mementos ranging from miniature Greek Theatre replicas to locally produced olive oil and citrus perfumes.

Best Shopping Experiences on Corso Umberto

For authentic Sicilian ceramics, visit the family-run workshops that have been crafting traditional teste di moro (Moor's heads) and vibrant majolica for generations. These hand-painted pieces make perfect souvenirs and gifts that capture Sicily's colorful artistic heritage.

Fashion enthusiasts will appreciate the boutique collections from local designers who blend traditional Sicilian textiles with contemporary styles. Look for lightweight linen dresses perfect for Taormina's climate, handwoven shawls. And elegant leather sandals crafted using centuries-old techniques.

Food lovers should explore the specialty food shops offering Etna wine tastings, olive oil sampling. And Sicilian pastry demonstrations. Don't miss the chance to taste cannoli filled fresh to order, aromatic granita made with local citrus. And traditional cassata cakes that showcase Sicily's Arab-influenced pastry traditions.

Practical Shopping Tips

Most shops open around 9:30-10:00 AM and close for riposo (afternoon break) between 1:00-4:00 PM, reopening until 8:00-9:00 PM. Peak shopping hours are late afternoon when the street comes alive with both locals and visitors enjoying the passeggiata (evening stroll).

For the most pleasant shopping experience, visit on weekday mornings when crowds are lighter. Many shops offer shipping services for larger purchases, and most accept major credit cards. Don't hesitate to ask about local specialties - shop owners are typically proud to share their knowledge and offer samples.

Book Your Stay Steps from Corso Umberto

Beyond Shopping: Cultural Highlights

Corso Umberto offers more than just shopping opportunities. Architectural gems include the medieval Palazzo Corvaja, the Baroque fountain in Piazza Duomo. And the ancient Greek-Roman Naumachia ruins visible from various points along the street.

Take a break at one of the historic cafes like Bam Bar for traditional granita or Caffè Wunderbar, a favorite of celebrities and writers. For panoramic views, step onto the balcony at Piazza IX Aprile where you can admire both the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna while enjoying live music from street performers.

Combine your shopping experience with visits to nearby attractions like the Greek Theatre or the beautiful public gardens. For dining recommendations, check our guide to the best restaurants in Taormina featuring establishments just steps from Corso Umberto.

Shopping on Corso Umberto

Taormina's main street offers shopping ranging from international luxury brands to unique Sicilian artisan products. Find hand-painted ceramics from Caltagirone, lava stone jewellery, Sicilian olive oil and wines, coral from Trapani, and traditional puppets (pupi siciliani). Designer fashion boutiques sit alongside independent shops selling linen clothing, leather goods, and local crafts. The side streets branching off Corso Umberto hide additional gems — small galleries, antique shops, and family workshops producing traditional Sicilian goods.

Piazzas & Landmarks Along the Corso

Walking Corso Umberto takes you past Taormina's most beautiful piazzas. Piazza IX Aprile is the undisputed highlight, with its panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and Mount Etna — one of the most photographed viewpoints in Sicily. The square hosts the historic Wunderbar cafe, famously frequented by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Further along, Piazza Duomo features the 13th-century Cathedral of San Nicola and the ornate baroque Tauro fountain. The street itself is a living museum of Norman, Arab, Gothic, and Baroque architecture spanning a thousand years of Sicilian history.

Cafes & Aperitivo Culture

Corso Umberto is the place for people-watching over espresso, granita, or an evening aperitivo. Traditional bars serve granita di mandorla (almond granita) with warm brioche — the quintessential Sicilian breakfast. As evening arrives, the passeggiata (evening stroll) transforms the corso into an elegant social ritual. Locals and visitors alike dress up and promenade between cafes, making it one of the most atmospheric evening experiences in Sicily.

Getting to Corso Umberto from Mazzaro

From Cohen House and Isola Bella beach, take the Taormina cable car to the upper station, then walk 5 minutes to reach Corso Umberto. The entire street is pedestrianised, making it perfect for leisurely exploration. Allow 2-3 hours to walk the full length with stops for shopping, coffee, and photos. Visit the Greek Theatre at the eastern end to complete your Taormina cultural experience.

Experience the best of Taormina. Cohen House puts you just a cable car ride from Corso Umberto and the historic centre. Book direct and save 25%.

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"BOHO apartment exceeded all expectations. The space, the views, the attention to detail — absolutely world-class."

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"Hidden gem on the Sicilian coast. Authentic Mediterranean experience."