Whether you’re visiting for a week or planning a day trip, you’ll find all the best things to do in Taormina in this guide alongside our accommodation picks, tips on where to eat and how to get there.
Updated 2021
We always knew we’d have a day in Taormina.
Since antiquity, this pretty little town has attracted newcomers to the island. Its draw due in large part to the privileged position on the slopes of Tauro, providing stellar views across the Ionian Sea and a brooding, sometimes smouldering, Mount Etna in the backdrop.
The Greeks and Romans who holidayed in Taormina savoured that very same view, and it continued to be the destination for the European elite during the age of the Wilde, Joyce, Byron and the Grand Tour rite of passage. Its popularity continued through to the golden era of Hollywood, with Garbo, Ford Coppolla, Peck, Grant, Elizabeth Taylor (and many other film stars) all embracing a dolce vita vacation in and around the town.
Today, in the midst of the peak Sicilian summer season, Taormina’s popularity endures - sometimes to its detriment, when at certain junctures and times of day the balance of charming and too busy tip out of its favour.
Indeed, the glamour of the gilded-age and tinseltown fades away somewhat when a leisure wear-clad cruise ship tour descends en masse into the narrow streets.
The views one can savour from this town will however always remain amongst the best on the island, and perhaps Taormina’s persistent allure is most likely to be revealed to those able to spend more than a day here or visit out of season.
So, although Taormina was not the place we loved the most in Sicily, a day or longer here will continue to feature on most itineraries. Aside from the town's long-held position as one of the most popular places in Sicily for tourists, the area in and around Taormina - easily accessible from Catania Airport - also doubles up as a popular resort and beach destination for Italians and non-Italians, and a convenient base from which to visit Mount Etna and do a few day trips.
In this post, we've shared our personal tips on how to make the most of your day trip to Taormina (or your stay of a few nights), with all the essential advice on how to get there, when to avoid the crowds, plus our pick of the very best things to do in Taormina.
How to Get to Taormina
Usually we would save this dull bit until the end of our posts, but it's pretty essential information for planning your visit to Taormina, or stay in nearby Giardini Naxos or Letojanni. Parking in Taormina is also a nightmare, so you need to know where to go in advance, rather than get lost amongst the traffic and one-way system.
How To Get from Catania to Taormina
If you're looking stay in or around Taormina for your Sicily holiday, then it's very likely that you're going to fly into Catania airport. From there, pick up your rental car and drive for an hour (55 kms) along the A18 / E45 highway - that is by far the quickest and most convenient route.
There is a direct bus service from Catania airport to Taormina, operated by Etna Transporti. You can buy tickets at the airport, but unfortunately we don't have access to a recent timetable. You can also book a private taxi transfer service from Catania Airport to Taormina - find more information here.
If you're choosing to spend a few days in the city of Catania first, then the best bet is to simply take the regular 40-minute regular Catania - Taormina train when you want to move on. Travel time is less than an hour - find schedules and buy tickets here
How To Get To Taormina By Car
From elsewhere in Sicily, such as beautiful Cefalu on the northern coast or the Val di Noto further south, it's a simple drive along the coast towards Taormina. However, the fun really starts to happen on the steep, narrow, winding ascent into the town with a variety of incredibly tight corners. The road is totally manageable, but it's the fact that it gets very clogged up with buses from cruise ship tours and other day-trippers which makes it more of a challenge; it was much busier than we expected.
You should also be aware in advance that parking in Taormina is a big issue, and more expensive than elsewhere in Sicily. For any visit, you should park up outside the town’s historic centre and do all your explorations on foot.
Our advice is to make a beeline for Porto Catania, a modern multi-storey car park (find it here on Google Maps). It's a little more expensive than usual but completely removes the stress and hassle of driving around for ages and not finding a street parking space outside a ZTL zone. It's the Taormina car park we used, and it's just a five minute walk into the pedestrianised historic centre. Prices for parking there in July and August are €2 for the first hour, €8 for two hours, €9 for three hours, €11 for six hours and €12 for 9 hours (and it continues up to €17 / 24 hours and €33 / 48 hours). Rates are slightly cheaper outwith these two months.
Read Later | 15 Essential Things To Know Before Driving in Sicily
How To Get to Taormina By Train or Bus
Due to its popularity, Taormina is very well served by public transport from other popular destinations in Sicily; the only complication is the location of the train station. Technically located in Giardini Naxos, the Taormina-Giardini Naxos train station is quite a bit away from the tourist centre of the town and also at the bottom of the hill, so you need to take the 15 minute shuttle bus from the train station to Taormina. You can buy tickets at the station for €3 per person.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi for €15 or walk up a steep path for about 45 minutes (not always possible or sensible)! Travelling to Taormina by public transport also makes staying within the historic centre much easier as you don’t have to worry about the parking situation or extra costs.
Regular bus services from other cities will also drop you off at the Taormina bus terminal on Piazza Luigi Pirandello (Google Maps). You'll still have a bit of a walk uphill from there to your accommodation in the centre, but it shouldn't pose too many issues.
We use the Omio website when travelling in Europe to find routes and book tickets for public tranport wherever we're travelling - find out more here.
The Best Things To Do in Taormina
A Stroll Along Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto cuts Taormina in two and stretches for almost a kilometre from the two old arched gateways to the town: Porto Messina and Porto Catania. During the course of your explorations, you're probably going to walk up, down, across, and over it at least a half dozen times.
It's a popular shopping street, with a relatively healthy mix of souvenir shops, quirky artisans, and fashion boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafes, so you can browse, dawdle, and spend to your heart's content.
Whilst walking arch to arch, Corso Umberto will also take you to two of the prettiest spots in Taormina:
Piazza IX Aprile | With its chessboard style tiles, exquisite views, art installations, and permanent bustle, this pretty piazza is one of the most photographed parts of the town. It’s a good spot to sit and get an espresso or Birra Moretti when the sun is too hot and do some people-watching. It's also home to the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a beautiful early 18th century baroque church with speckles of pale pink and yellow on the facade.
Duomo di Taormina | A small, medieval church with none of the opulence associated with later-period Italian religious buildings. There's a pretty fountain outside in the Piazza Duomo, and this is a good spot to sit and have a rest / drink too.
Please do note that churches and cathedrals in Italy are places of active worship, so you should dress and conduct yourself appropriately if entering - and respect the privacy of anyone worshipping or ceremonies. As you can see below, Emily wasn’t in an appropriate outfit, so we only visited the outside.
Gaze Down Upon Isola Bella
Now, if you're rushing to Taormina because you've seen a picture of Isola Bella on Instagram, then we're just going to have to level with you.
It certainly lives up to its name - beautiful island - but its photogenic appeal probably outweighs the direct experience of it.
The rocky outcrop was bought by Florence Trevelyan, a quite remarkable woman who left England in the 1800s, settled in Taormina, fell in love, and became synonymous with the town (take a look at her Wikipedia page - she lived quite a life!). She bought and named the island in 1890, built a house and promoted it as a place for conservation; today it is a designated protected nature site and supervised by the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Isola Bella and its accompanying pebble beach is not actually in the town of Toarmina (there is actually no ‘Taormina Beach’), but down the hill in Mazzarò. When the tide is out, a natural pebble path can be walked to the island from the beach, but it's also possible to swim to it when the path is obscured. To access the beach and the island, you have three options:
Walking. There is a stairway which will take you down to Via Bagnoli Croci and onward down to Mazzarò. Fortunately, the entrance is sandwiched between two places which offer up the best views over Isola Bella from Taormina too! Make your way to L'Oblò Cafè on Via Guardiola Vecchia (Google Maps), and you'll find Belvedere di Via Pirandello viewpoint next door (Google Maps). We had a drink in the garden of the cafe, and can happily recommend it as a hidden away little spot to have a great view and escape the heat!
Cable Car. From Taormina, you can take the Mazzarò cable car staight down to the beach of Isola Bella. The cable car only takes five minutes, and departs every 15 minutes (7.45 am - 8 pm daily, or from 8.45 am on Mondays). A one-way ticket is €3 per person. You can find the cable car station on Via Luigi Pirandello 22 (Google Maps).
Driving. If you want to spend the day at the beach and Isola Bella, then your best bet is to bypass Taormina and drive straight to Mazzarò. Do note that there are various private beach clubs and lidos here, and parking will be very tight on weekends or peak summer months. The water at Isola Bella is beautiful, but there are better beaches elsewhere and it does become crowded.
Adventures Out On the Water
If you’d prefer to enjoy the beauty that is Isola Bella from out on the water, there are a few activities and tours we’d recommend taking a look at:
A coastline boat tour. This very highly rated tour takes your out from Taormina to discover the beautiful coastline, as well as to excellent swimming and snorkelling spots. Find out more here.
Kayak tours. There are a variety of different kayak tours operating from the beach to suit all levels.
Walk Up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
The views from Taormina are amongst the most beloved in Sicily - but this lesser visited dusty trail (it almost felt like a secret) - affords the best views over Taormina itself. It's also a nice way to have a slightly different experience in town from many others.
The walk up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, a humble yet intimate church carved into the rock of Monte Tauro, takes around 20-30 minutes.
The entrance to the path, also called the Salita Castello Trail, is a five minute walk from central Taormina, and you can find the trail startpoint here on Google Maps. When we visited, it was also clearly marked by two signs: one in yellow with 'Casteltaormina' on it, and one in brown underneath with 'via crucis'. From the church, you can also continue further up on the trail to the Salita Castello, but you don't have to worry if you only go to the church - the views are quite similar!
Don't attempt this walk without bringing plenty water - there aren't any shops or stalls along the way or at the church and there's very little shade. We do not recommend walking it during the peak heat hours of 12-3 pm.
Visit the Greek Theatre
Undeniably the most famous and a popular attraction in Taormina, the ancient theatre of Taormina is perhaps the finest testament on the island to the art, knowledge, and skill of the Greeks (although the Valley of the Temples would beg to differ).
Built on the edge of a hill in the 3rd century BC, the semi-circular theatre is partly in ruins, partly well-preserved, but feels totally immersed in the natural environment - a specific aspect of the ancient Greek architectural approach. However, much of what remains today is actually due to renovation work performed by the Romans, who also used the theatre for gladiatorial bouts, and other preservation work in the 19th century.
If the history doesn't interest you too much, then the stellar view from the theatre's seats certainly will.
The Greek theatre continues to be used as concert and event venue (Sting and Pink Floyd performed there in the last few years, plus many opera singers), and it would be a really special thing to do in Taormina if a show coincided with your own visit. The only downside is that it would also mean the venue is dramatically changed during the day in preparation for the event, so it would lose some of its natural impact.
The Details | You can find the Teatro Antico di Taormina on 1, Via del Teatro Greco (Google Maps). It's easily walkable from everywhere in the centro storico. Entry costs €10 per person, with under-18s half-price and other concessions given free entry. Audio tour kits are available for €5, and there is also a small museum to visit. You can buy tickets in advance here.
Alternatively, a visit to the Greek Theatre is included as part of this Taormina walking tour.
Did You Know? | In June (sometimes July), the town holds one of the most important film festivals in Italy, the Taormina Film Fest. Find out more here - and expect accommodation prices to go up during the week its held!
Eat Granita At Bam Bar
As we tell everyone in our 23 Things To Know Before You Travel in Sicily post (published soon!), granita is something that you day should be formed around on the island. The sweet, icy treat is 110% more refreshing than ice-cream on a hot Sicilian afternoon, and bloody delicious.
In Taormina, there's one place you need to make a beeline for when the granita craving hits you: the famous Bam Bar.
With sunshine yellow tilework, this cute little cafe on Via di Giovanni (Google Maps) serves various flavours of traditional granita and gelato - as well as espressos and drinks. Do note however that it's a popular spot with visitors, so you can sometimes have to wait or try your luck later in the day if you want to sit on the outside tables.
They're open every day in summer, but close on Mondays out of season. If you can make it here after your descent from Monte Tauro, this place will offer up the most thirst-quenching solution post-walk!
Tip | A little further down the road, we can also HIGHLY recommend the arrancini balls at Da Cristina. Low-key, affordable and casual, the place has lots of seriously good Sicilian snacks and dishes for eat-in or takeaway.
Get Lost in The Backstreets
Long-time readers will know that we say this about almost every single town and city we visit - and that's because it's the absolute best way to discover your own version of it! So, after the Greek theatre, the mountain viewpoint walk, and the gardens (more on those below), make sure to take the time to wander and look upon this beautiful place with new eyes.
Following the narrow, steep staircases up alleyways lined with pottery or colourful artwork, finding a hidden away spot for lunch, and chancing upon picturesque little piazzas brought us closer to the brushstrokes of Sicily and Italy we like the most whilst in Taormina. So, make the most of your time by branching off of Corso Umberto without a destination or plan in mind, and you’ll make your own serendipitous memories too.
Trying to avoid the crowds in Taormina? Unfortunately, if you visit during July and August (like we did) then it's always going to be a bit of a challenge; this was by far and away the most touristy place we visited in the whole of our month in Sicily. If a cruise ship has docked that morning, it's going to have an impact on your enjoyment of the town. However, Taormina will always be most pleasant in the early morning and evening, once cruises and other day-tripper traffic had emptied out. We should also mention that a few of our followers on Instagram mentioned that they visited Taormina just before the summer season started and felt it gave them a much better opportunity to experience the town's beauty and history.
Seek Solitude in the Magical Gardens.
The Taormina Public Gardens, with exotic plants, shade, benches and curious constructions, offers up an oasis of calm if the crowds and the mid-afternoon heat of a Sicilian summer become a little too much.
This is also a garden with a story to tell - and it all goes back to Lady Florence Trevelyan again! In addition to Isola Bella, she established the gardens as a place to relax, garden, and birdwatch with fantastic views of the sea. After her death in 1907, the park was eventually put under the ownership of the city, who have done a great job of maintaining its purpose and essence.
Entrance is free, and the gardens are open from 9 am to midnight in summer, and 9 am to 8 pm in winter.
Take a Day Trip from Taormina
Although it’s incredibly popular as a day trip destination in its own right, the area in and around Taormina is also a really popular base town on the eastern coast for holidays and Sicily road trips. Its proximity to the coastline and various beaches, plus Mount Etna, mean that there are several excellent day trips you can do from Taormina if you’re here for a few nights or more:
Visit Mount Etna from Taormina
The phenomenon which gives Taormina such a famous view, Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Understandably, it’s also one of the most popular traveller attractions in the whole of Sicily. It can be visited year-round with a specialist tour or you can visit certain areas independently - we can personally recommend this summit tour after our own experience!
The drive from Taormina to the Etna Park and visitor centre is just over an hour, and you can all the necessary information to plan your visit independently or with a tour in this Mount Etna guide.
Visit the Wineries
Whilst we’re on the subject of Etna, it’s worth mentioning that due to the wholly unique landscape and volcanic soil, this particular area of Sicily is home to some incredible wine producers - something that the world has become increasingly aware of over the last few years.
You can of course choose to indulge you palette in one of Taormina’s many bars and restaurants however for a deeper dive into the regions best vintages, we’d recommend joining a tour. The following have excellent reviews:
This full day tour combines the best of the region with a 2 hour hike in Etna, a three course lunch with wine tasting and a visit to the Alcantara Canyons. Find out more here.
On this private guided tour you’ll visit three Etna wineries and taste 12 different wines. Find out more here.
This highly rated 5-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour involves winery visits, and a traditional lunch at a beautiful farmhouse. Find out more here.
The Godfather Tour Taormina
The associations between Sicily and the mafia are something which every visitor knows about because of Hollywood, but few actually understand or appreciate the severity of organised crime’s impact on local life historically (and currently) or when it comes to its reputation. However, if you’re a big fan of the Godfather movies, there are two tours from Taormina which will bring you directly to many locations included in the movies, plus some insight on real story of the mafia in Sicily. Find out more about the Godfather vs Mafia Tour (includes lunch) or the Taormina Godfather Tour.
A Coastline Boat Tour | This very highly rated tour takes your out from Taormina to discover the beautiful coastline, as well as to excellent swimming and snorkelling spots. Find out more here.
Accommodation & Taormina Hotels
As we’ve mentioned, Taormina’s popularity belies the fact that its hilltop location and historic layout make it one of the most more difficult places to access in eastern Sicily with a car. However, given its beauty and range of accommodation options, plus its proximity to various day trips and beaches, it will always be a popular option for a stay of a few nights or longer.
Staying in the town is also a surefire way to experience it in a slower, more meaningful way before and after the day trip crowd has arrived or dispersed!
We’ve shared our personal pick of the best places to stay in Taormina, for every travel style and budget, to help you decide. Please note that there is an additional tourist tax for stays in Taormina, which is about €2 - 6 per night depending on the level of accommodation (many places will however include this when you book online).
Hotels in Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere | Classic and elegant, the Belvedere offers a variety of high-end suites with sea views and private terraces, as well as a sumptuous garden and pool area for all guests. Close to the Public Gardens, it’s ideally located to explore Taormina and head out on day trips or down to the beaches when you’re not relaxing. Check prices and availability here.
For honeymooners or couples looking to spend a few days opulent days living out an Italian summer dream, then you should take a look at the Grand Hotel Timeo. An exclusive luxury hotel situated just below the Greek Theatre, it’s the place to be and be seen in Taormina. Check availability and prices here.
B&B Casa Andrea | As it’s a B&B, Casa Andrea offers up tremendous value in the historic centre. Just three minutes walk from the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, rooms are simple but comfortable. There’s a terrace too, and breakfast is included. Guests also can’t talk highly enough about Andrea’s hospitality - and this is shown in its superb rating. You genuinely won’t find better value for the location in Taormina! Check prices and availability here.
Teatro Greco 39 | This is the best mid-range hotel in Taormina, with prices just over £100 per night and situated a few steps from the Greek Theatre. The hotel has fresh and tastefully decorate rooms, each with private balconies offering up views of Etna and the sea. A good breakfast is also included - check prices and availability here.
Hotel Villa Paradiso | This will suit you down to the ground if you’re an older couple who want the service and amenities of a larger traditional hotel in Taormina, but don’t want to break the bank for a standard double room. Unlike many other larger hotels in Taormina, this is situated right in the centre so you won’t struggle with hill walks up or down to access. It’s also got large pool and various common areas for guests - check availability here.
Hotel Taodomus | A charming small boutique hotel with an unrivalled location on Corso Umberto and a personalised service. The freshly prepared breakfast served on the light-filled roof terrace is particularly loved by previous guests - check prices and availability here.
Note that there are many resorts - from luxury to mid-range - situated down the hill or on the outskirts of Taormina, as well as in Giardini Naxos. If that’s what you’re looking for instead, then you can take a look at them here.
Airbnbs in Taormina
Cozy Mediterranean Apartment | In the historic centre of Taormina, this clean, bright and comfortable apartment is just steps away from the Cathedral and Corso Umberto. Equipped with everything you'll need and thoughtful host touches, it's ideal for couples looking for a base for 3 nights or more in Taormina - check prices and availability here.
If your budget can stretch a little further, then this place is also a wonderful choice right on Corso Umberto, but with the addition of TWO terraces overlooking the sea AND a balcony overlooking the street!
Greek Theatre Apartment | The most Airbnb stylish aesthetic to be found in Taormina, this apartment has two double bedrooms but would be ideal for a couple looking to have a romantic stay with all the comforts and amenities you need for the downtime moments between exploring Taormina. Both bedrooms also open up to two fantastic private terraces with sea views! As the name suggests, the Greek Theatre is just steps away. Check prices and availability here.
Palazzo Francesco | A luxury option for large groups or families in the centre of Taormina, the house is spread out across four floors and sleeps upto 6 guests. Its modern with colourful, quintessentially Sicilian touches of design throughout. The roof terrace has amazing views of Etna, and there's also pool access - check prices and availability here.
An alternative downtown option for large groups or families, with a much more traditional, rustic, and affordable set-up, is Casa Ivi.
La Casetta di Ricky | This place is cute, good value, and with a quite amazing view from its wonderful little private terrace - perfect for morning coffees in the sunshine. Highly-rated and very well set-up for couples, its location is a convenient five minute walk from the bus station and five minutes walk into town - check prices and availability here.
The Lemon House | In the heart of Taormina's historic centre, the Lemon House has a very Sicilian colour palette and a very decent price for travellers. It sleeps up to 4, but the price point and set-up makes it a really good shout for couples looking to spend a few nights in and around town without breaking the bank - check prices and availability here.
Hostels in Taormina
If you’re backpacking or on a really strict budget, then the dorms in Gianni House Backpackers Hostel are your best option!
