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For those who’re dreaming of a beautiful Sicilian seaside getaway, I wager you’re considering of the city of Taormina, Italy. Taormina is a spectacular city dwelling to lovely piazzas, an Historical Greek theater, and rocky cliffs that plunge into the intense blue sea.
Taormina can be the place season two of the hit HBO collection The White Lotus was filmed. For those who’re in search of lush environment, lovely seashores, and among the greatest 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 probably the most touristy place in all of Sicily, and it will get extremely busy consequently. Resorts get costly in the summertime, and cruise ships usher in a number of day-trippers.
And that may be loads to soak up. For that motive, Taormina will not be my private favourite vacation spot in Sicily – however I do suppose it’s an important place to go to in the event you’re exploring the japanese aspect of the island.
However in the event 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 nearly anybody else.
Whether or not you come to Taormina for a day journey, or keep a couple of days and go to Mount Etna, you’ll completely get pleasure from your time right here. I’m excited to point out you the most effective issues to do in Taormina, Sicily.
This put up was revealed in April 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Finest Issues to Do in Taormina, Italy
Discover the Outdated City and Corso Umberto
Simply strolling round lovely Taormina is a pleasant technique to spend your day. The piazzas are the guts of town, and maybe probably the most lovely one is Piazza IX Aprile, with its signature black and white tiles. As in different Italian cities, you received’t need to miss Piazza Duomo, both.
Corso Umberto is the full of life major road of Taormina. It stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, two historic gates of town. The current-day road follows the traditional Greco-Roman thoroughfare of Taormina.
This pedestrian-only road is lined with retailers, cafes, and eating places. For those who’re seeking to do some procuring in Taormina, that is the place to do it — simply know that costs might be excessive on this ever-popular vacation spot. The road is commonly stuffed with stay musicians within the night, making it excellent for a stroll.
Go to the Historical Greek Theater
One of many high issues to do in Taormina is go to the Historical 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 motive why I like visiting this island. There’s a good bigger historic theater in Siracusa, however the ruins in Taormina supply probably the most outstanding views, overlooking Mount Etna and the Mediterranean.
Tickets are 14 EUR ($15 USD) per particular person, however this is likely one of the hottest sights in Taormina for a motive and it’s definitely worth the value of entry. I like to recommend going early within the morning to keep away from the worst of the warmth and beat the crowds. Keep away from visiting within the noon solar in the event you can.
There’s additionally a small, free museum on the grounds you could go to.
Take within the views from the Belvedere di Through Pirandello
In a metropolis of spectacular views, Belvedere di Through Pirandello provides probably the greatest viewpoints in Taormina. This panoramic viewing platform provides you a dramatic view of Isola Bella and sweeping views of the Mediterranean shoreline. You’ll need this to your telephone’s lock display screen!
Accessing the point of view is free, however know that you simply’ll need to climb about 300 stairs to get there. Make sure you put on comfy strolling footwear, and once more, I like to recommend avoiding this climb throughout the warmth of noon. Go later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown, and the sunshine can be excellent on the view.
For those who’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 considered one of my private favourite issues to do in Taormina! The city makes an awesome base for climbing this lively stratovolcano, which typically looks like THE image of Sicily, and whose dramatic peak might be seen all through the east of the island.
Though Mount Etna is an lively volcano with common small eruptions, don’t fear — it’s secure to go to. Sicilians have been welcoming vacationers right here for many years, and so they know methods to preserve you secure. For those who’ve all the time dreamed of strolling on a volcano, that is considered one of your greatest alternatives in Europe.
Your greatest wager for visiting Mount Etna is taking an organized tour with a information, which is what I did. This half-day tour consists of pickup and dropoff in Taormina, trekking by lava fields, and a go to to lava caves, adopted by lunch and wine. Don’t overlook that there are fabulous wines grown proper on Mount Etna!
Discover Isola Bella and the Seashores
Isola Bella is the star of many a photograph of Taormina — a fascinating little island related to Taormina by a slender strip of sand. You’ll typically discover this small stretch of seaside packed throughout the summer time months, together with the close by seashores.
As soon as privately owned after which deserted, Isola Bella is now a conservation space. You may stroll to the seaside from the historic heart of city (a steep 30-minute downhill stroll involving many stairs), or take the scenic Mazzarò cable automotive, which places you only a 10-minute stroll away.
Visiting the island is free, though a part of it’s owned by a neighborhood museum and closed to vacationers.
And in the event you’re in search of the seaside from The White Lotus, I hate to interrupt it to you, however the seaside scenes had been truly shot in Cefalù, far-off in northern Sicily. The seashores in Taormina are good, however slender — not very conducive to filming!
Go to the Palazzo Corvaja
Palazzo Corvaja is an interesting historic palace in Taormina. Whereas the city has some ruins relationship again to Historical 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 novel combination of architectural types, together with Gothic, Moorish, and Norman. Type of like Sicily’s structure in a nutshell.
These days, Palazzo Corvaja homes the Taormina tourism workplace and a small free museum. It’s value popping inside to admire the structure and see what’s on exhibition.
Take the Mazzarò cable automotive
For a scenic view over Taormina and the Mediterranean Sea, take the Mazzarò cable automotive from the historic heart 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 automotive drops you off, it’s only a 10-minute stroll to Isola Bella and different good seashores.
Tickets for the cable automotive are 6 EUR ($7 USD) a method, or 10 EUR ($11 USD) round-trip. The cable automotive runs each quarter-hour from 8 AM till 1:30 AM throughout the summer time, and from 8 AM till 8 PM the remainder of the 12 months.
Wander by the Taormina Public Backyard
The Taormina Public Backyard is a hidden gem tucked away within the historic heart 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 just some minutes away from town heart, simply earlier than you attain Grand Resort Timeo.
Not solely is the backyard itself very fairly, however you may as well get pleasure from 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 provides a lovely view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from above.
Though Google Maps will inform you that it takes about 20 minutes to get to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca from Porta Messina within the historic heart of city, that’s overly optimistic — you must plan for it to take a little bit extra time. It’s a steep climb, together with many steps.
Nonetheless, the views from the highest make this hike worthwhile. As soon as once more, that is one other exercise that I’d advocate avoiding throughout the noon solar and doing later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown.
Alternatively, you possibly can take the IN10 bus from the historic heart, which drops you off a couple of minutes from the church (though the drive takes you up some winding hairpin turns too!).
Go to the Castello Saraceno
When you’re at Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, don’t miss Castello Saraceno too. The ruins of this historic fortress are situated only a brief stroll up some stairs from the church. As you possibly can think about, the fortress additionally provides unbelievable views.
Initially, the fortress was probably the location 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 fortress was completely reconstructed in 902 AD.
You may go to what stays of the fortress, tickets are 10 EUR ($11 USD). Since there isn’t a lot to see inside the ruins, and for the reason that view is just about the identical as what you’ll see climbing up, I don’t suppose it’s vital to purchase a ticket until you’re actually within the website.
Take a ship journey alongside the coast
Top-of-the-line 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 the event you’re a White Lotus fan, even higher!
On this boat tour impressed by The White Lotus filming places, you’ll go to locations together with Giardini Naxos, Sicily’s Blue Grotto, and several 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 numerous factors alongside the best way. This tour additionally consists of Sicilian snacks (native cheese, meats, and bread) and wine.
For those who’d want a sundown boat journey, that is the proper tour. You may 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 food plan. Granita is just 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. Individuals line as much as eat at this little cafe, and belief me, you’ll fall in love with their easy, delicate granita.
My private favourite granita taste is caffe (espresso) with a dollop of panna (cream) on high. I additionally advocate attempting mandorla (almond) at the least as soon as while you’re in Sicily. Different well-liked Sicilian flavors are fragola (strawberry), limone (lemon), pistacchio (pistachio, which you must pronounce pees-TAK-kee-o, the Italian manner) and mandarino (mandarin orange).
Go to the Historical Odeon
Simply up the road from the well-known Historical Greek Theater, the Historical Odeon is one other wreck in Taormina that’s value testing. This smaller theater was constructed by the Romans round 21 AD.
It’s not as spectacular because the Historical Greek Theater, however seeing as admission is free to this archaeological website, it’s value visiting to have a look round.
Take a cooking class
Sicilian delicacies is a little bit completely different than what you may image while you consider typical Italian delicacies. And it’s typically fairly completely different from Sicilian American delicacies as nicely. Even the specialties of Japanese Sicily and Western Sicily can fluctuate fairly a bit!
A few of its hottest specialties right here within the east embrace arancini, breaded and deep-fried risotto balls, and caponata, a scrumptious eggplant-based antipasto. Relating to pasta, pasta alla Norma is a well-known dish with tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, basil, and ricotta.
A good way to expertise Sicilian delicacies is thru a cooking class. This cooking class with a neighborhood chef will mean you can learn 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 a neighborhood pizzeria and study the secrets and techniques of creating Sicilian pizza (which may be very completely different from thin-crusted Neapolitan pizza). You’ll additionally learn to put together cannoli, the quintessential Sicilian dessert.
Learn Extra: What to Eat in Sicily
Go to the opera
Within 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 situated a number of hours away within the metropolis of Palermo. Nonetheless, you possibly can get pleasure from an opera efficiency in Taormina on the small native opera home, Teatro Nazarena.
Night opera performances are held 5 nights every week, and you’ll e-book a ticket right here. Tickets additionally embrace a complimentary drink you possibly can get pleasure from on the venue’s panoramic outside terrace overlooking Taormina.
Go on a wine tour
What’s a visit to Italy with no wine tasting? As with Italian delicacies, Italian wine varies significantly by area. Inside Sicily, there are fairly a couple of distinctive wine areas, with probably the most well-known being primarily based round Mount Etna.
You may 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 study in regards to the wines of the Mount Etna area, tasting native reds, whites, and rosés at family-run Sicilian wineries.
The tour additionally consists of pickup and dropoff at your resort in Taormina, a educated native information, and snacks or meals at every of the three wineries.
Go to the Alcantara Gorge
The otherworldly landscapes of the Alcantara Gorge make for an awesome day journey from Taormina. It will also be mixed with a go to to Mount Etna.
The gorge consists of basalt columns fashioned by quickly cooling lava, giving it a particular look. You may swim within the cool, clear waters of the river that runs by the gorge, or strive actions like rafting.
It’s attainable to go to the gorge by yourself by driving (it’s a few 35-minute drive) or taking the IN10 bus from Taormina (which takes about 50 minutes). You may also 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 straightforward trek on Mount Etna, go to some lava caves, and end off the day with free time on the Alcantara Gorge to swim or loosen up.
Go on a Godfather tour
A number of 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 study in regards to the true historical past of the Sicilian mafia, which is named Cosa Nostra or “Our Factor.”
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 received married.
You’ll be accompanied by a educated native information who will even share the historical past and tales of the mafia in Sicily. Remember the fact that the mafia isn’t simply leisure right here — whereas it’s a lot much less of an issue right now 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 considered one of my private favourite locations in Italy. I like to recommend spending at the least one week within the Aeolian Islands in the event you can, however in the event you’re brief on time, it’s attainable to go to on a day journey to Taormina.
This full-day tour will mean you can go to two of the islands, Lipari and Vulcano. Lipari is probably the most developed of the islands, with a stunning little metropolis; Vulcano is a stunner, with a smoking volcano crater and among the most spectacular views within the islands.
Remember the fact 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 also you received’t see my favourite islands, Salina and Stromboli.
However in the event you’re dying to see among the Aeolian islands and don’t have the time proper now for an extended journey, this tour is likely to be a great choice for you.
Go to different Sicilian cities
Some folks go to Taormina on a day journey from a bigger metropolis, however you may as well do that in reverse! For those who’re basing in Taormina for a couple of days, you possibly can take a day journey to a bigger metropolis like Catania or Siracusa.
Catania is the simplest metropolis to go to on a day journey, being about 50 minutes from Taormina by automotive, practice, or bus. This full of life, multicultural metropolis isn’t as picturesque as Taormina, nevertheless it does have a couple of lovely Baroque buildings. The morning fish market is particularly value visiting.
Siracusa is a bit farther from Taormina (about 90 minutes by automotive) nevertheless it’s one of many prettiest locations in Sicily. Ortigia, an island dwelling to Siracusa’s historic outdated city, is a a carefully lovely spot, and you may as well go to the spectacular ruins of Neapolis Archaeological Park. The city’s patron saint has a dagger by her throat. Badass!
For those who don’t have your personal automotive, you possibly can go to Siracusa on a personal day journey from Taormina.
Whereas town of Messina is near Taormina, I don’t suppose it’s value visiting — this gritty metropolis doesn’t have a lot worth for vacationers.
How A lot Time to Spend in Taormina, Italy
How a lot time must you spend in Taormina? Some folks go to Taormina on a day journey from one other metropolis in Sicily, like Catania. If a day journey is all you might have, that’s completely advantageous! At some point can absorb a number of lovely sights, if not completely every little thing.
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. That is greatest completed by tour.
Taormina additionally makes a great base for a number of days. For those who’re basing in Taormina, I feel it’s good to have three days right here, considered one of which to be spent on a day journey to Mount Etna. You may spend one other day in Taormina, and the ultimate day stress-free on the seaside or doing one other day journey.
Easy methods to Get to Taormina, Italy
One of the simplest ways 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 possibly can take the practice or the bus to Taormina, which takes slightly below an hour. Taormina’s practice station is down under the city, by the shoreline, so that you’ll in all probability need to take a taxi into city to keep away from dragging your baggage uphill.
You may also lease a automotive in Catania and drive to Taormina. I feel that Sicily is greatest explored on a street journey, however I like to recommend determining the place you’re going to park earlier than you go to Taormina. You positively don’t need to drive from place to position in Taormina; this city is designed for pedestrians.
For those who’re staying in a single day, you’ll need to be sure you e-book accommodations that present parking, or analysis close by parking heaps the place you possibly can preserve the automotive.
The place to Keep in Taormina, Italy
The place must you keep in Taormina? There are accommodations in Taormina for each funds, 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. Though it’s a small city and really walkable, Taormina may be very hilly. Some accommodations could also be situated up steep, slender, uneven streets. Though these accommodations supply nice views, you may contemplate staying within the historic heart of city in the event you don’t desire a steep uphill or downhill stroll on daily basis.
Right here’s a take a look at the most effective accommodations in Taormina, Italy:
- High-Rated Luxurious Resort in Taormina: San Domenico Palace is the place The White Lotus was filmed! You received’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.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in Taormina: Taormina Backyard Resort is a superb choice in the event you’re in search of a extra inexpensive mid-range resort in Taormina. A significant perk of staying at this good resort is that you simply’re simply steps away from the seaside.
- High-Rated Funds Resort in Taormina: For a budget-friendly choice, try Resort Pensione Cundari. It’s a bit outdoors city, nevertheless it provides low costs and easy, clear lodging.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Taormina right here.
Finest Time to Go to Taormina, Italy
When must you go to Taormina? Taormina will get extremely busy throughout the summer time months of June by September. In reality, since Sicily is hotter than mainland Italy, it will get quite a lot of shoulder season vacationers in Might and October as nicely.
You may get pleasure from swimming within the sea from Might by October — although be mindful Italians have a tendency to not go to the seaside until it’s summer time in line with the calendar!
I like to recommend visiting Taormina in April, Might, or October if attainable. You’ll get pretty climate, avoiding the intense summer time warmth, and just about every little thing will nonetheless be open. Many companies in Taormina, together with accommodations, retailers, and eating places, shut from November by March, since this city runs on summer time tourism.
For those who’re in search of a winter go to someplace in Sicily, I like to recommend a metropolis that’s extra local-oriented and lively year-round, like Palermo, Catania, or Siracusa.
Is Taormina, Italy Value It?
I cherished my time in Taormina, and I feel visiting here’s a should in the event you’re going to be exploring Japanese Sicily. Taormina is a superb vacation spot for sundown followers, photographers or individuals who admire magnificence anyplace on the earth.
I hope you might have an exquisite time in Taormina!
Extra on Sicily:
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