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If you’re dreaming of a stunning Sicilian seaside getaway, I wager you’re considering of the city of Taormina, Italy. Taormina is a spectacular city dwelling to lovely piazzas, an Ancient Greek theater, and rocky cliffs that plunge into the intense blue sea.
Taormina can also be the place season two of the hit HBO sequence The White Lotus was filmed. If you’re in search of lush environment, lovely seashores, and a number of the finest meals and wine you’ve ever tasted, you’re going to like Taormina.
Even earlier than The White Lotus, Taormina was already a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Now it’s maybe essentially the most touristy place in all of Sicily, and it will get extremely busy in consequence. Hotels get costly in the summertime, and cruise ships usher in a lot of day-trippers.
And that may be lots to absorb. For that cause, Taormina is just not my private favourite vacation spot in Sicily – however I do assume it’s a necessary place to go to in case you’re exploring the jap aspect of the island.
But in case you’re a photographer, a coastal guru, or only a lover of all issues lovely — you’ll fall in love with Taormina. This city is critically eye sweet in Italy, a rustic that is aware of magnificence higher than virtually anybody else.
Whether you come to Taormina for a day journey, or keep a couple of days and go to Mount Etna, you’ll completely take pleasure in your time right here. I’m excited to point out you the most effective issues to do in Taormina, Sicily.
This publish was revealed in April 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Best Things to Do in Taormina, Italy
Explore the Old Town and Corso Umberto
Just strolling round lovely Taormina is a pleasant method to spend your day. The piazzas are the center of town, and maybe essentially the most lovely one is Piazza IX Aprile, with its signature black and white tiles. As in different Italian cities, you gained’t wish to miss Piazza Duomo, both.
Corso Umberto is the energetic predominant avenue of Taormina. It stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, two historic gates of town. The present-day avenue follows the traditional Greco-Roman thoroughfare of Taormina.
This pedestrian-only avenue is lined with outlets, cafes, and eating places. If you’re trying to do some purchasing in Taormina, that is the place to do it — simply know that costs may be excessive on this ever-popular vacation spot. The avenue is commonly full of dwell musicians within the night, making it excellent for a stroll.
Visit the Ancient Greek Theater
One of the highest issues to do in Taormina is go to the Ancient Greek Theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina. This amphitheater within the coronary heart of Taormina was constructed within the third century BCE and will seat as much as 10,000 spectators!
Greek ruins are discovered throughout Sicily, which is one cause why I like visiting this island. There’s a good bigger historic theater in Siracusa, however the ruins in Taormina provide essentially the most exceptional views, overlooking Mount Etna and the Mediterranean.
Tickets are 14 EUR ($15 USD) per individual, however this is likely one of the hottest sights in Taormina for a cause and it’s well worth the worth of entry. I like to recommend going early within the morning to keep away from the worst of the warmth and beat the crowds. Avoid visiting within the noon solar in case you can.
There’s additionally a small, free museum on the grounds you could go to.
Take within the views from the Belvedere di Via Pirandello
In a metropolis of spectacular views, Belvedere di Via Pirandello gives among the best viewpoints in Taormina. This panoramic viewing platform offers you a dramatic view of Isola Bella and sweeping views of the Mediterranean shoreline. You’ll need this to your telephone’s lock display!
Accessing the point of view is free, however know that you just’ll need to climb about 300 stairs to get there. Be positive to put on comfy strolling sneakers, and once more, I like to recommend avoiding this climb in the course of the warmth of noon. Go later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown, and the sunshine shall be excellent on the view.
If you’re not up for the climb, there are many good viewpoints simply from strolling by the city.
Go on a day journey to Mount Etna
A day journey to Mount Etna is one in all my private favourite issues to do in Taormina! The city makes a terrific base for climbing this energetic stratovolcano, which generally looks like THE image of Sicily, and whose dramatic peak may be seen all through the east of the island.
Although Mount Etna is an energetic volcano with common small eruptions, don’t fear — it’s protected to go to. Sicilians have been welcoming vacationers right here for many years, they usually know the right way to maintain you protected. If you’ve at all times dreamed of strolling on a volcano, that is one in all your finest alternatives in Europe.
Your finest wager for visiting Mount Etna is taking an organized tour with a information, which is what I did. This half-day tour contains pickup and dropoff in Taormina, trekking by lava fields, and a go to to lava caves, adopted by lunch and wine. Don’t neglect that there are fabulous wines grown proper on Mount Etna!
Explore Isola Bella and the Beaches
Isola Bella is the star of many a photograph of Taormina — a fascinating little island related to Taormina by a slim strip of sand. You’ll typically discover this small stretch of seaside packed in the course of the summer season months, together with the close by seashores.
Once privately owned after which deserted, Isola Bella is now a conservation space. You can stroll to the seaside from the historic middle of city (a steep 30-minute downhill stroll involving many stairs), or take the scenic Mazzarò cable automobile, which places you only a 10-minute stroll away.
Visiting the island is free, though a part of it’s owned by an area museum and closed to vacationers.
And in case you’re in search of the seaside from The White Lotus, I hate to interrupt it to you, however the seaside scenes had been really shot in Cefalù, far-off in northern Sicily. The seashores in Taormina are good, however slim — not very conducive to filming!
Visit the Palazzo Corvaja
Palazzo Corvaja is an enchanting historic palace in Taormina. While the city has some ruins courting again to Ancient Greek occasions, this palace is a little bit newer. Constructed within the medieval interval on the finish of the 14th century, Palazzo Corvaja was dwelling to the Sicilian Parliament all through the fifteenth century.
It’s a singular combination of architectural types, together with Gothic, Moorish, and Norman. Kind of like Sicily’s structure in a nutshell.
Nowadays, Palazzo Corvaja homes the Taormina tourism workplace and a small free museum. It’s price popping inside to admire the structure and see what’s on exhibition.
Take the Mazzarò cable automobile
For a scenic view over Taormina and the Mediterranean Sea, take the Mazzarò cable automobile from the historic middle of city right down to the seaside. The journey takes about 5 minutes, with 4 little automobiles in a row, and the views can’t be beat.
From the purpose the place the cable automobile drops you off, it’s only a 10-minute stroll to Isola Bella and different good seashores.
Tickets for the cable automobile are 6 EUR ($7 USD) a method, or 10 EUR ($11 USD) round-trip. The cable automobile runs each quarter-hour from 8 AM till 1:30 AM in the course of the summer season, and from 8 AM till 8 PM the remainder of the yr.
Wander by the Taormina Public Garden
The Taormina Public Garden is a hidden gem tucked away within the historic middle of city. This superbly landscaped backyard is the proper respite from the mid-afternoon solar if you wish to go for a quiet stroll or sit on a bench within the shade.
You’ll discover the doorway to this free public backyard only a few minutes away from town middle, simply earlier than you attain Grand Hotel Timeo.
Not solely is the backyard itself very fairly, however you too can take pleasure in superb views overlooking the ocean from terraces all through the backyard.
Climb to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
Up for a hike? Climb to the Chiesa Madonna della Rocca for spectacular views over Taormina. This humble hilltop church is constructed straight into the rocks and gives a stupendous view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from above.
Although Google Maps will inform you that it takes about 20 minutes to get to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca from Porta Messina within the historic middle of city, that’s overly optimistic — it is best to plan for it to take a little bit extra time. It’s a steep climb, together with many steps.
However, the views from the highest make this hike worthwhile. Once once more, that is one other exercise that I’d suggest avoiding in the course of the noon solar and doing later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown.
Alternatively, you may take the IN10 bus from the historic middle, which drops you off a couple of minutes from the church (though the drive takes you up some winding hairpin turns too!).
Visit the Castello Saraceno
While you’re at Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, don’t miss Castello Saraceno too. The ruins of this historic fort are positioned only a quick stroll up some stairs from the church. As you may think about, the fort additionally gives unbelievable views.
Originally, the fort was doubtless the positioning of an historic acropolis throughout Greek occasions, earlier than being taken over by the Romans after which the Byzantines. After Sicily fell to the Moors, the fort was completely reconstructed in 902 AD.
You can go to what stays of the fort, tickets are 10 EUR ($11 USD). Since there isn’t a lot to see throughout the ruins, and for the reason that view is just about the identical as what you’ll see climbing up, I don’t assume it’s essential to purchase a ticket until you’re actually within the web site.
Take a ship journey alongside the coast
One of the most effective issues to do in Taormina is to take a ship journey. Taormina’s dramatic, rocky shoreline is much more spectacular when seen from the water! And in case you’re a White Lotus fan, even higher!
On this boat tour impressed by The White Lotus filming areas, you’ll go to locations together with Giardini Naxos, Sicily’s Blue Grotto, and a number of other spectacular sea caves. You’ll additionally embrace refreshments together with fruit, snacks, and drinks onboard.
Another choice for a ship journey is this half-day crusing tour from Taormina. You’ll really feel the sunshine in your face and the wind in your hair as you sail alongside the coast, stopping to swim and snorkel at varied factors alongside the way in which. This tour additionally contains Sicilian snacks (native cheese, meats, and bread) and wine.
If you’d favor a sundown boat journey, that is the proper tour. You can absorb views of Taormina from the water as you watch a spectacular sundown, having fun with an included aperitivo.
Eat Granita at BamBar
Granita is a staple of the Sicilian eating regimen. Granita is much like slush — it’s a frozen deal with that’s typically topped with whipped cream, and Sicilians like to eat it for breakfast with brioche!
Taormina is dwelling to my favourite place to eat granita in Sicily — BamBar. People line as much as eat at this little cafe, and belief me, you’ll fall in love with their clean, delicate granita.
My private favourite granita taste is caffe (espresso) with a dollop of panna (cream) on prime. I additionally suggest making an attempt mandorla (almond) no less than as soon as once you’re in Sicily. Other in style Sicilian flavors are fragola (strawberry), limone (lemon), pistacchio (pistachio, which it is best to pronounce pees-TAK-kee-o, the Italian method) and mandarino (mandarin orange).
Visit the Ancient Odeon
Just up the road from the well-known Ancient Greek Theater, the Ancient Odeon is one other smash in Taormina that’s price testing. This smaller theater was constructed by the Romans round 21 AD.
It’s not as spectacular because the Ancient Greek Theater, however seeing as admission is free to this archaeological web site, it’s price visiting to have a look round.
Take a cooking class
Sicilian delicacies is a little bit completely different than what you would possibly image once you consider typical Italian delicacies. And it’s typically fairly completely different from Sicilian American delicacies as nicely. Even the specialties of Eastern Sicily and Western Sicily can range fairly a bit!
Some of its hottest specialties right here within the east embrace arancini, breaded and deep-fried risotto balls, and caponata, a scrumptious eggplant-based antipasto. When it involves pasta, pasta alla Norma is a well-known dish with tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, basil, and ricotta.
An effective way to expertise Sicilian delicacies is thru a cooking class. This cooking class with an area chef will help you discover ways to make conventional dishes together with caponata, recent pasta, and pesce spada alla ghiotta, a well-liked native fish dish.
Another choice is this pizza and cannoli cooking class. You’ll go to an area pizzeria and be taught the secrets and techniques of constructing Sicilian pizza (which may be very completely different from thin-crusted Neapolitan pizza). You’ll additionally discover ways to put together cannoli, the quintessential Sicilian dessert.
Read More: What to Eat in Sicily
Go to the opera
In the temper for one thing fancy and cultural in Taormina? Spend an evening on the opera! Sicily’s most iconic opera home, Teatro Massimo, is positioned a number of hours away within the metropolis of Palermo. However, you may take pleasure in an opera efficiency in Taormina on the small native opera home, Teatro Nazarena.
Evening opera performances are held 5 nights every week, and you’ll guide a ticket right here. Tickets additionally embrace a complimentary drink you may take pleasure in on the venue’s panoramic outside terrace overlooking Taormina.
Go on a wine tour
What’s a visit to Italy with out a wine tasting? As with Italian delicacies, Italian wine varies vastly by area. Within Sicily, there are fairly a couple of distinctive wine areas, with one of the vital well-known being primarily based round Mount Etna.
You can go to three of the most effective Mount Etna wineries on a day journey from Taormina with this half-day tour. With its distinctive volcanic landscapes, you’ll be taught in regards to the wines of the Mount Etna area, tasting native reds, whites, and rosés at family-run Sicilian wineries.
The tour additionally contains pickup and dropoff at your resort in Taormina, a educated native information, and snacks or meals at every of the three wineries.
Visit the Alcantara Gorge
The otherworldly landscapes of the Alcantara Gorge make for a terrific day journey from Taormina. It will also be mixed with a go to to Mount Etna.
The gorge consists of basalt columns shaped by quickly cooling lava, giving it a particular look. You can swim within the cool, clear waters of the river that runs by the gorge, or attempt actions like rafting.
It’s attainable to go to the gorge by yourself by driving (it’s a couple of 35-minute drive) or taking the IN10 bus from Taormina (which takes about 50 minutes). You may go to the Alcantara Gorge as a part of an organized tour.
This top-rated tour is a good choice if you wish to mix a go to to the Alcantara Gorge with Mount Etna. You’ll do a simple trek on Mount Etna, go to some lava caves, and end off the day with free time on the Alcantara Gorge to swim or chill out.
Go on a Godfather tour
Several scenes of the long-lasting 1972 film The Godfather had been filmed in Sicily, and you’ll go to a few of them on a tour from Taormina. You’ll additionally be taught in regards to the true historical past of the Sicilian mafia, which is called Cosa Nostra or “Our Thing.”
This half-day tour from Taormina will take you to 2 Sicilian villages, Forza d’Agrò and Savoca. Pivotal scenes from the film had been filmed in these villages, together with the scene at Bar Vitelli the place Michael Corleone met the daddy of his future spouse Apollonia, and the scene at a close-by church the place they acquired married.
You’ll be accompanied by a educated native information who can even share the historical past and tales of the mafia in Sicily. Keep in thoughts that the mafia isn’t simply leisure right here — whereas it’s a lot much less of an issue at present than even 15 years in the past, it’s nonetheless a painful topic for a lot of Sicilians.
Take a day journey to the Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago off the northeast coast of Sicily and one in all my private favourite locations in Italy. I like to recommend spending no less than one week within the Aeolian Islands in case you can, however in case you’re quick on time, it’s attainable to go to on a day journey to Taormina.
This full-day tour will help you go to two of the islands, Lipari and Vulcano. Lipari is essentially the most developed of the islands, with a stunning little metropolis; Vulcano is a stunner, with a smoking volcano crater and a number of the most spectacular views within the islands.
Keep in thoughts that it’s a lengthy day — you’ll be spending a number of hours in transit (first by bus to the port, then by boat to the islands) to have two hours of free time on every island. And you gained’t see my favourite islands, Salina and Stromboli.
But in case you’re dying to see a number of the Aeolian islands and don’t have the time proper now for an extended journey, this tour may be a very good choice for you.
Visit different Sicilian cities
Some individuals go to Taormina on a day journey from a bigger metropolis, however you too can do that in reverse! If you’re basing in Taormina for a couple of days, you may take a day journey to a bigger metropolis like Catania or Siracusa.
Catania is the best metropolis to go to on a day journey, being about 50 minutes from Taormina by automobile, prepare, or bus. This energetic, multicultural metropolis isn’t as picturesque as Taormina, however it does have a couple of lovely Baroque buildings. The morning fish market is particularly price visiting.
Siracusa is a bit farther from Taormina (about 90 minutes by automobile) however it’s one of many prettiest locations in Sicily. Ortigia, an island dwelling to Siracusa’s historic outdated city, is a a gently lovely spot, and you too can go to the spectacular ruins of Neapolis Archaeological Park. The city’s patron saint has a dagger by her throat. Badass!
If you don’t have your personal automobile, you may go to Siracusa on a personal day journey from Taormina.
While town of Messina is near Taormina, I don’t assume it’s price visiting — this gritty metropolis doesn’t have a lot worth for vacationers.
How Much Time to Spend in Taormina, Italy
How a lot time do you have to spend in Taormina? Some individuals go to Taormina on a day journey from one other metropolis in Sicily, like Catania. If a day journey is all you could have, that’s completely nice! One day can absorb a lot of lovely sights, if not completely every part.
It’s attainable to go to Taormina on a day journey and climb Mount Etna within the morning and afternoon, then spend a few hours within the night exploring the city. This is finest carried out by tour.
Taormina additionally makes a very good base for a number of days. If you’re basing in Taormina, I believe it’s good to have three days right here, one in all which to be spent on a day journey to Mount Etna. You can spend one other day in Taormina, and the ultimate day stress-free on the seaside or doing one other day journey.
How to Get to Taormina, Italy
The finest method to get to Taormina is by flying into Catania. There are direct flights to Catania from throughout Europe, and there’s even a seasonal nonstop flight from New York to Catania.
From Catania, you may take the prepare or the bus to Taormina, which takes just below an hour. Taormina’s prepare station is down beneath the city, by the shoreline, so that you’ll most likely wish to take a taxi into city to keep away from dragging your baggage uphill.
You may hire a automobile in Catania and drive to Taormina. I believe that Sicily is finest explored on a highway journey, however I like to recommend determining the place you’re going to park earlier than you go to Taormina. You positively don’t wish to drive from place to position in Taormina; this city is designed for pedestrians.
If you’re staying in a single day, you’ll wish to be sure to guide lodges that present parking, or analysis close by parking tons the place you may maintain the automobile.
Where to Stay in Taormina, Italy
Where do you have to keep in Taormina? There are lodges in Taormina for each finances, from luxurious splurge-worthy properties to fundamental and inexpensive lodging.
One factor to bear in mind when reserving a resort in Taormina is the placement. Although it’s a small city and really walkable, Taormina may be very hilly. Some lodges could also be positioned up steep, slim, uneven streets. Although these lodges provide nice views, you would possibly contemplate staying within the historic middle of city in case you don’t desire a steep uphill or downhill stroll on daily basis.
Here’s a have a look at the most effective lodges in Taormina, Italy:
- Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Taormina: San Domenico Palace is the place The White Lotus was filmed! You gained’t discover a extra lovely and opulent place to remain on the town. Overlooking the Bay of Taormina, that is an unbelievable place to remain in your journey to Taormina.
- Top-Rated Mid-Range Hotel in Taormina: Taormina Garden Hotel is a wonderful choice in case you’re in search of a extra inexpensive mid-range resort in Taormina. A serious perk of staying at this good resort is that you just’re simply steps away from the seaside.
- Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Taormina: For a budget-friendly choice, take a look at Hotel Pensione Cundari. It’s a bit outdoors city, however it gives low costs and easy, clear lodging.
Find offers on locations to remain in Taormina right here.
Best Time to Visit Taormina, Italy
When do you have to go to Taormina? Taormina will get extremely busy in the course of the summer season months of June by September. In reality, since Sicily is hotter than mainland Italy, it will get numerous shoulder season vacationers in May and October as nicely.
You can take pleasure in swimming within the sea from May by October — although be mindful Italians have a tendency to not go to the seaside until it’s summer season based on the calendar!
I like to recommend visiting Taormina in April, May, or October if attainable. You’ll get beautiful climate, avoiding the intense summer season warmth, and just about every part will nonetheless be open. Many companies in Taormina, together with lodges, outlets, and eating places, shut from November by March, since this city runs on summer season tourism.
If you’re in search of a winter go to someplace in Sicily, I like to recommend a metropolis that’s extra local-oriented and energetic year-round, like Palermo, Catania, or Siracusa.
Is Taormina, Italy Worth It?
I cherished my time in Taormina, and I believe visiting here’s a should in case you’re going to be exploring Eastern Sicily. Taormina is a superb vacation spot for sundown followers, photographers or individuals who recognize magnificence anyplace on this planet.
I hope you could have a beautiful time in Taormina!
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