One of Sicily’s artistic high points, Taormina Arte is an unmissable festival embracing classical music, dance, drama, rock bands, visual arts and many other forms of creative expression. Staged every year from June to August, it attracts world-renowned performers to the 2,300-year-old Greek Theatre adjacent to Grand Hotel Timeo. This wonderfully-preserved amphitheatre, with Mount Etna as its backdrop, is a memorable environment in which to enjoy performances that have recently included appearances by the Ballets Russes, Simple Minds and Anastacia and a new staging of Verdi’s Aida.

Held in June, the Taormina Film Festival is, for many, the zenith of this summer-long showcase of the arts. Now a major event in its own right, it showcases Hollywood blockbusters and international and European films, attracting the great and the glamorous — directors, producers, actors, actresses and film buffs — from all over the world.
Just 21 new releases are chosen for screening each year and are split into three categories: Beyond the Mediterranean, dedicated to Hollywood and World Cinema, Mediterranea, for films produced by countries in the Mediterranean region; and the Sicilian Short Film Competition. Festival-goers can also attend movie master-classes, conducted by some of the most influential names in filmmaking.

For further information, please visit www.taormina-arte.com; www.taorminafilmfest.it