19 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Taormina, Italy

When you’re dreaming of a stunning Sicilian seaside getaway, I guess you’re pondering of the city of Taormina, Italy. Taormina is a spectacular city dwelling to stunning piazzas, an Historical Greek theater, and rocky cliffs that plunge into the brilliant blue sea.

Taormina can be the place season two of the hit HBO sequence The White Lotus was filmed. When you’re in search of lush environment, stunning 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 preferred vacationer vacation spot. Now it’s maybe essentially the most touristy place in all of Sicily, and it will get extremely busy consequently. Motels 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 cause, Taormina is just not my private favourite vacation spot in Sicily – however I do suppose it’s an important place to go to for those who’re exploring the japanese aspect of the island.

However for those who’re a photographer, a coastal guru, or only a lover of all issues stunning — 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 or not you come to Taormina for a day journey, or keep just a few 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 submit was printed 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Discover the Outdated City and Corso Umberto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 stunning Taormina is a pleasant technique to spend your day. The piazzas are the guts of the town, and maybe essentially the most stunning one is Piazza IX Aprile, with its signature black and white tiles. As in different Italian cities, you received’t wish to miss Piazza Duomo, both.

Corso Umberto is the full of life fundamental road of Taormina. It stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, two historic gates of the 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. When you’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 full of dwell musicians within the night, making it excellent for a stroll.

Go to the Historical Greek Theater

One of many prime 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 cause why I really like visiting this island. There’s a good bigger historic theater in Siracusa, however the ruins in Taormina supply essentially the most exceptional views, overlooking Mount Etna and the Mediterranean.

Tickets are 14 EUR ($15 USD) per particular person, however this is among the hottest points of interest in Taormina for a cause and it’s definitely 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. Keep away from visiting within the noon solar for those who can.

There’s additionally a small, free museum on the grounds which you could go to.

Take within the views from the Belvedere di Through Pirandello

In a metropolis of spectacular views, Belvedere di Through Pirandello gives among the finest 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 in your telephone’s lock display!

Accessing the perspective is free, however know that you simply’ll should climb about 300 stairs to get there. Make sure to 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 will probably be excellent on the view.

When you’re not up for the climb, there are many good viewpoints simply from strolling by means of the city.

Go on a day journey to Mount Etna

A day journey to Mount Etna is one among my private favourite issues to do in Taormina! The city makes an ideal base for climbing this energetic stratovolcano, which generally seems like THE image of Sicily, and whose dramatic peak might be seen all through the east of the island.

Though 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, and so they know the best way to maintain you protected. When you’ve all the time dreamed of strolling on a volcano, that is one among your finest alternatives in Europe.

Your finest guess 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 means of 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!

Discover Isola Bella and the Seashores

Isola Bella is the star of many a photograph of Taormina — a fascinating little island linked to Taormina by a slender strip of sand. You’ll typically discover this small stretch of seashore 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 seashore 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 a neighborhood museum and closed to vacationers.

And for those who’re in search of the seashore from The White Lotus, I hate to interrupt it to you, however the seashore scenes had been really shot in Cefalù, distant 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 enchanting historic palace in Taormina. Whereas the city has some ruins relationship again to Historical Greek instances, this palace is a bit of 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 kinds, together with Gothic, Moorish, and Norman. Form of like Sicily’s structure in a nutshell.

These days, 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 all the way down to the seashore. The journey takes about 5 minutes, with 4 little vehicles 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 technique, or 10 EUR ($11 USD) round-trip. The cable automobile 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 means of the Taormina Public Backyard

The Taormina Public Backyard is a hidden gem tucked away within the historic middle of city. This superbly landscaped backyard is the right 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 the town middle, simply earlier than you attain Grand Resort Timeo.

Not solely is the backyard itself very fairly, however you may as well get pleasure from wonderful 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 instantly into the rocks and gives a phenomenal view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from above.

Though Google Maps will let you know 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 — you need to plan for it to take a bit of 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 suggest avoiding throughout 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!).

Go to the Castello Saraceno

When you’re at Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, don’t miss Castello Saraceno too. The ruins of this historic citadel are situated only a quick stroll up some stairs from the church. As you may think about, the citadel additionally gives unimaginable views.

Initially, the citadel was possible the location of an historic acropolis throughout Greek instances, earlier than being taken over by the Romans after which the Byzantines. After Sicily fell to the Moors, the citadel was completely reconstructed in 902 AD.

You may go to what stays of the citadel, tickets are 10 EUR ($11 USD). Since there isn’t a lot to see throughout the ruins, and because the view is just about the identical as what you’ll see climbing up, I don’t suppose it’s obligatory to purchase a ticket except you’re actually within the web site.

Take a ship journey alongside the coast

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 for those who’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 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 numerous factors alongside the best way. This tour additionally contains Sicilian snacks (native cheese, meats, and bread) and wine.

When you’d favor a sundown boat journey, that is the right tour. You may soak up 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 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. 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 prime. I additionally suggest attempting mandorla (almond) at the least as soon as if you’re in Sicily. Different fashionable Sicilian flavors are fragola (strawberry), limone (lemon), pistacchio (pistachio, which you need to pronounce pees-TAK-kee-o, the Italian approach) 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 destroy in Taormina that’s price trying out. 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 web site, it’s price visiting to have a look round.

Take a cooking class

Sicilian delicacies is a bit of completely different than what you would possibly image if you consider typical Italian delicacies. And it’s typically fairly completely different from Sicilian American delicacies as effectively. Even the specialties of Japanese Sicily and Western Sicily can differ 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. With regards 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 help you discover ways to make conventional dishes together with caponata, contemporary pasta, and pesce spada alla ghiotta, a preferred native fish dish.

Another choice is this pizza and cannoli cooking class. You’ll go to a neighborhood pizzeria and be taught the secrets and techniques of creating Sicilian pizza (which could be very completely different from thin-crusted Neapolitan pizza). You’ll additionally discover ways 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 may get pleasure from an opera efficiency in Taormina on the small native opera home, Teatro Nazarena.

Night opera performances are held 5 nights per week, and you’ll guide a ticket right here. Tickets additionally embrace a complimentary drink you may 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 vastly by area. Inside Sicily, there are fairly just a few distinctive wine areas, with one of the 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 be taught concerning 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 lodge 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 ideal day journey from Taormina. It may 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 may swim within the cool, clear waters of the river that runs by means of the gorge, or strive actions like rafting. 

It’s potential 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 as well 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 loosen up. 

Go on a Godfather tour

A number of scenes of the enduring 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 concerning the true historical past of the Sicilian mafia, which is called 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 obtained married.

You’ll be accompanied by a educated native information who can even share the historical past and tales of the mafia in Sicily. Understand that the mafia isn’t simply leisure right here — whereas it’s a lot much less of an issue immediately 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 among my private favourite locations in Italy. I like to recommend spending at the least one week within the Aeolian Islands for those who can, however for those who’re quick on time, it’s potential 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.

Understand 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 for those who’re dying to see a number of the Aeolian islands and don’t have the time proper now for an extended journey, this tour could be an excellent choice for you.

Go to different Sicilian cities

Some individuals go to Taormina on a day journey from a bigger metropolis, however you may as well do that in reverse! When you’re basing in Taormina for just a few days, you may 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 automobile, prepare, or bus. This full of life, multicultural metropolis isn’t as picturesque as Taormina, but it surely does have just a few stunning Baroque buildings. The morning fish market is very price visiting.

Siracusa is a bit farther from Taormina (about 90 minutes by automobile) but it surely’s one of many prettiest locations in Sicily. Ortigia, an island dwelling to Siracusa’s historic previous city, is a a carefully stunning spot, and you may as well go to ??the spectacular ruins of Neapolis Archaeological Park. The city’s patron saint has a dagger by means of her throat. Badass!

When you don’t have your personal automobile, you may go to Siracusa on a non-public day journey from Taormina.

Whereas the town of Messina is near Taormina, I don’t suppose it’s price 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 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 have got, that’s completely high-quality! Someday can soak up a number of stunning sights, if not completely the whole lot.

It’s potential 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 finest executed by tour.

Taormina additionally makes an excellent base for a number of days. When you’re basing in Taormina, I believe it’s good to have three days right here, one among 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 seashore or doing one other day journey.

How one can Get to Taormina, Italy

One of the best 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 may take the prepare or the bus to Taormina, which takes slightly 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 as well hire a automobile in Catania and drive to Taormina. I believe that Sicily is finest 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 undoubtedly don’t wish to drive from place to position in Taormina; this city is designed for pedestrians.

When you’re staying in a single day, you’ll wish to be sure you guide motels that present parking, or analysis close by parking heaps the place you may maintain the automobile.

The place to Keep in Taormina, Italy

The place do you have to keep in Taormina? There are motels in Taormina for each finances, from luxurious splurge-worthy properties to fundamental and inexpensive lodging. 

One factor to remember when reserving a lodge in Taormina is the situation. Though it’s a small city and really walkable, Taormina could be very hilly. Some motels could also be situated up steep, slender, uneven streets. Though these motels supply nice views, you would possibly contemplate staying within the historic middle of city for those who don’t need a steep uphill or downhill stroll on daily basis.

Right here’s a take a look at the most effective motels 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 stunning and splendid place to remain on the town. Overlooking the Bay of Taormina, that is an unimaginable place to remain in your journey to Taormina.
• High-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in Taormina: Taormina Backyard Resort is a superb choice for those who’re in search of a extra inexpensive mid-range lodge in Taormina. A serious perk of staying at this good lodge is that you simply’re simply steps away from the seashore.
• High-Rated Price range Resort in Taormina: For a budget-friendly choice, take a look at Resort Pensione Cundari. It’s a bit exterior city, but it surely gives low costs and easy, clear lodging. 

Discover offers on locations to remain in Taormina right here.

Finest Time to Go to Taormina, Italy

When do you have to go to Taormina? Taormina will get extremely busy throughout the summer time months of June by means of September. In truth, since Sicily is hotter than mainland Italy, it will get plenty of shoulder season vacationers in Might and October as effectively.

You may get pleasure from swimming within the sea from Might by means of October — although take note Italians have a tendency to not go to the seashore except it’s summer time in response to the calendar!

I like to recommend visiting Taormina in April, Might, or October if potential. You’ll get pretty climate, avoiding the intense summer time warmth, and just about the whole lot will nonetheless be open. Many companies in Taormina, together with motels, retailers, and eating places, shut from November by means of March, since this city runs on summer time tourism.

When 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 Price It?

I cherished my time in Taormina, and I believe visiting here’s a should for those who’re going to be exploring Japanese Sicily. Taormina is an excellent vacation spot for sundown followers, photographers or individuals who recognize magnificence wherever on the earth.

I hope you have got a beautiful time in Taormina!

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Have you ever been to Taormina? Share your suggestions!