Taormina Travel Guide, Italy

If you are looking at things to do in Taormina, start with the setting. The town sits on a natural terrace of Monte Tauro, about 200 metres above sea level, on the east coast of Sicily between Messina and Catania. It overlooks the Ionian Sea, and the main town straggles along a hillside roughly 2 kilometres up a hairpin road from the coast.

Taormina’s history goes back to the Greeks, who knew it as Tauromenion, and it has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, when well-off visitors from northern Europe began arriving. Today it is one of Sicily’s most popular resorts. It gets hot and busy in July and August, though crowds thin in the evenings. Early summer and autumn are ideal for a visit.

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

The Greek theatre, later altered by the Romans, is the town’s main sight, with a stage that frames views of Mount Etna and the sea. Allow about an hour. Visit early or late in the day to avoid heat and crowds, and check current hours, as events can limit access.

Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto is the main pedestrian street, running through the old town between two historic gates. It is lined with shops, cafes and small piazzas. Allow one to two hours for a slow walk. Prices are higher here than in side streets, so wander off the main strip for cheaper cafes.

Isola Bella and the beaches

The beaches below Taormina, including Isola Bella, are reached by an aerial cable car built in 1992 or by road. Allow half a day. Beaches are often pebbly, so bring water shoes, and arrive early in summer to find space.

Piazza IX Aprile

Piazza IX Aprile is a terrace square with sweeping views over the coast and a favourite spot for an evening drink. Plan 30 to 60 minutes. It is busiest at sunset, so go slightly earlier for a seat and better light.

Palazzo Corvaja and the cathedral

Palazzo Corvaja, a medieval palace, and the nearby cathedral square show the town’s later history. Allow around an hour for both. The tourist information office is nearby, and it is a handy place to check current opening times and local events.

Villa Comunale gardens

The public gardens offer shaded paths and sea views and make a quiet break from the busy main street. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Entry and opening details can change, so check locally, and bring water on hot days.

Taormina has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are widely considered the best seasons, with comfortable temperatures for walking and sea bathing from early summer. July and August can be very hot and crowded, though evenings are cooler. Winter is quiet, with many seasonal businesses closed and some rain, but the theatre and sights remain accessible. Book accommodation early for Easter and for the summer festival period.

The nearest major airport is Catania, about 50 kilometres south, with flights across Europe. Buses run from the airport and from Catania to Taormina, and the trip usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Check current timetables. Trains serve Taormina-Giardini station on the coast, but it is a few kilometres below the town, so you will need a bus or taxi to reach the centre.

Taormina is compact and mostly pedestrian, so you can walk between the main sights. A local bus links the town with the coast, and the cable car connects the old town with the beach at Mazzaro. Driving into the centre is difficult, with limited parking, so use car parks on the edge of town.

Staying in the old town, near Corso Umberto, puts you close to the theatre, restaurants and evening atmosphere, which suits most first-time visitors. Rooms are pricier and some have stairs, so ask about access if that matters. Hotels on the hillside outside the centre offer views and quieter nights, usually with a short walk or shuttle.

Staying down on the coast, near Mazzaro or Giardini Naxos, is cheaper and gives easier beach access and train links, but you will need the cable car or a bus to reach the old town. Book well ahead for July, August and Easter.

One full day is enough to see the theatre and walk the town, and two days allows time for the beach and an evening on the terraces. Add a day if you want to visit Mount Etna.

1. Day 1: Visit the Greek Theatre early, then walk Corso Umberto and the gardens. Finish with an evening at Piazza IX Aprile.
2. Day 2: Take the cable car to Isola Bella for a morning on the coast, then relax in the afternoon.
3. Day 3: Take a day trip to Mount Etna or Catania.

Mount Etna

Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and a major excursion from Taormina. Tours run from the town, and a full day is typical. Access to the upper craters depends on volcanic activity and weather, so check current conditions and bring warm layers.

Catania

Catania is a larger city to the south, known for its baroque centre and fish market. It takes about an hour by bus or train from Taormina. Allow a full day, and check market hours before going.

Messina

Messina lies to the north, at the narrow strait between Sicily and the mainland. It takes roughly an hour by road or train. It is mainly useful as a transport hub, though it has a cathedral and a waterfront worth a short stop.

Siracusa

Siracusa, further south, has a well-known archaeological park and the historic island of Ortigia. It is around two hours from Taormina, so an overnight stay works better than a rushed day trip. Check train and bus times.