As beautiful as only certain places in Italy can be. Taormina is a natural scenic theater, where the line between spectacle and real life is not an illusion but the result of a winning combination of factors that have made it, over time, an unmissable destination in the Bel Paese. Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century B.C. as Tauromenion, following the destruction of Naxos, the city has retained an epic aura over the centuries—layered with histories of rule and myths—still embodied today by the splendid Ancient Theater. Perched on the Ionian coast, with Mount Etna overlooking it from above and the light glinting off the waters below, its mild climate and welcoming atmosphere have made it, since the 19th century, an essential stop for artists, aristocrats, and writers embarking on the so-called Grand Tour to discover Italy. It is precisely in Taormina that the high society of yesterday and today has found its favorite retreat, letting itself be pampered by this radiant beauty, where the most authentic traditions of Sicilian culture meet the glamour of the jet set. Whether you want to treat yourself to a getaway in the protected reserve of Isola Bella or stroll through the streets of Corso Umberto, where every view becomes poetry, in Taormina nature meets elegance and intimacy meets high society.
This delicate balancing act also involves a dialogue with contemporary fashion. Dolce&Gabbana—a symbol of Mediterranean tradition and sensuality, and linked to Sicily since its inception—has been, and remains today, the perfect counterpart to Taormina. It was right here that DG debuted its first Haute Couture collection in 2012, and it is here that the brand has chosen to return for the 2026 collection, further strengthening a bond that could be described as visceral. Adding to this is the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel housed in a former convent and overlooking a breathtaking panorama, which has collaborated with Dolce&Gabbana to transform itself into an immersive experience: majolica tiles, prints, and decorative details interact with the historic architecture, amplifying a Mediterranean aesthetic suspended between nostalgia and spectacle.
[📷 Getty Images; IPA; Courtesy of Dolce&Gabbana]
