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In the event you’re dreaming of a beautiful Sicilian seaside getaway, I wager you’re pondering of the city of Taormina, Italy. Taormina is a spectacular city residence 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 sequence The White Lotus was filmed. In the event you’re in search of lush environment, lovely seashores, and a few of 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 essentially the most touristy place in all of Sicily, and it will get extremely busy consequently. Resorts get costly in the summertime, and cruise ships herald a lot of day-trippers.
And that may be loads to soak up. For that cause, Taormina just isn’t 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.
However 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 significantly 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 a number 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 perfect issues to do in Taormina, Sicily.
This submit was printed in April 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Greatest Issues to Do in Taormina, Italy
Discover the Previous City and Corso Umberto
Simply strolling round lovely Taormina is a pleasant approach to spend your day. The piazzas are the guts of the 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 received’t wish to miss Piazza Duomo, both.
Corso Umberto is the full of life most important road of Taormina. It stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, two historical 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. In the event you’re trying to do some purchasing in Taormina, that is the place to do it — simply know that costs could be excessive on this ever-popular vacation spot. The road is commonly crammed with stay musicians within the night, making it good 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 an excellent bigger historical theater in Siracusa, however the ruins in Taormina supply essentially the most outstanding views, overlooking Mount Etna and the Mediterranean.
Tickets are 14 EUR ($15 USD) per individual, however this is without doubt one of 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 in case you can.
There’s additionally a small, free museum on the grounds which you could go to.
Take within the views from the Belvedere di By way of Pirandello
In a metropolis of spectacular views, Belvedere di By way of Pirandello provides top-of-the-line 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 on your telephone’s lock display!
Accessing the perspective is free, however know that you simply’ll need to climb about 300 stairs to get there. You’ll want to put on comfy strolling footwear, and once more, I like to recommend avoiding this climb through the warmth of noon. Go later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown, and the sunshine can be good on the view.
In the event you’re not up for the climb, there are many good viewpoints simply from strolling via the city.
Go on a day journey to Mount Etna
A day journey to Mount Etna is one in every of my private favourite issues to do in Taormina! The city makes an excellent base for climbing this lively stratovolcano, which typically appears like THE image of Sicily, and whose dramatic peak could 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, they usually know preserve you secure. In the event you’ve all the time dreamed of strolling on a volcano, that is one in every 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 contains pickup and dropoff in Taormina, trekking via 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 linked to Taormina by a slender strip of sand. You’ll usually discover this small stretch of seaside packed through 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’ll be able to 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 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 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 courting 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 residence to the Sicilian Parliament all through the fifteenth century.
It’s a novel combination of architectural kinds, together with Gothic, Moorish, and Norman. Sort 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 automotive
For a scenic view over Taormina and the Mediterranean Sea, take the Mazzarò cable automotive from the historic heart of city all the way down to the seaside. 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 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 technique, or 10 EUR ($11 USD) round-trip. The cable automotive runs each quarter-hour from 8 AM till 1:30 AM through the summer time, and from 8 AM till 8 PM the remainder of the 12 months.
Wander via the Taormina Public Backyard
The Taormina Public Backyard is a hidden gem tucked away within the historic heart of city. This fantastically 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 heart, simply earlier than you attain Grand Resort Timeo.
Not solely is the backyard itself very fairly, however you may also 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 immediately into the rocks and provides a lovely 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 heart 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.
Nevertheless, the views from the highest make this hike worthwhile. As soon as once more, that is one other exercise that I’d suggest avoiding through the noon solar and doing later within the afternoon, nearer to sundown.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 historical fort are positioned only a quick stroll up some stairs from the church. As you’ll be able to think about, the fort additionally provides unbelievable views.
Initially, the fort was seemingly the location of an historical 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’ll be able to 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 because the view is just about the identical as what you’ll see climbing up, I don’t assume it’s crucial 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 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 several other spectacular sea caves. You’ll additionally embrace refreshments together with fruit, snacks, and drinks onboard.
An alternative 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.
In the event you’d favor a sundown boat journey, that is the right tour. You’ll be able to 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 weight loss plan. Granita is much like slush — it’s a frozen deal with that’s usually topped with whipped cream, and Sicilians like to eat it for breakfast with brioche!
Taormina is residence to my favourite place to eat granita in Sicily — BamBar. Folks 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) not less than as soon as once you’re in Sicily. Different standard Sicilian flavors are fragola (strawberry), limone (lemon), pistacchio (pistachio, which it is best 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 wreck 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 little bit totally different than what you may image once you consider typical Italian delicacies. And it’s usually fairly totally different from Sicilian American delicacies as effectively. 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. On the subject of 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 an area chef will can help you discover ways to make conventional dishes together with caponata, recent pasta, and pesce spada alla ghiotta, a well-liked native fish dish.
An alternative choice is this pizza and cannoli cooking class. You’ll go to an area pizzeria and study the secrets and techniques of constructing Sicilian pizza (which may be very totally 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 positioned a number of hours away within the metropolis of Palermo. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to 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 may ebook a ticket right here. Tickets additionally embrace a complimentary drink you’ll be able to get pleasure from on the venue’s panoramic out of doors 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 significantly by area. Inside Sicily, there are fairly a number of distinctive wine areas, with probably the most well-known being based mostly round Mount Etna.
You’ll be able to go to three of the perfect 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 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 excellent day journey from Taormina. It can 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’ll be able to swim within the cool, clear waters of the river that runs via the gorge, or attempt actions like rafting.
It’s doable 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 too can 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
A number of scenes of the enduring 1972 film The Godfather had been filmed in Sicily, and you may 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 may also share the historical past and tales of the mafia in Sicily. Needless to say the mafia isn’t simply leisure right here — whereas it’s a lot much less of an issue right this moment 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 every of my private favourite locations in Italy. I like to recommend spending not less than one week within the Aeolian Islands in case you can, however in case you’re quick on time, it’s doable to go to on a day journey to Taormina.
This full-day tour will can help you go to two of the islands, Lipari and Vulcano. Lipari is essentially the most developed of the islands, with a beautiful little metropolis; Vulcano is a stunner, with a smoking volcano crater and a few of the most spectacular views within the islands.
Needless to say 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 case you’re dying to see a few of the Aeolian islands and don’t have the time proper now for an extended journey, this tour is perhaps 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 also do that in reverse! In the event you’re basing in Taormina for a number of days, you’ll be able to 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, prepare, or bus. This full of life, multicultural metropolis isn’t as picturesque as Taormina, nevertheless it does have a number of lovely Baroque buildings. The morning fish market is particularly price 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 residence to Siracusa’s historic outdated city, is a a gently lovely spot, and you may also go to the spectacular ruins of Neapolis Archaeological Park. The city’s patron saint has a dagger via her throat. Badass!
In the event you don’t have your personal automotive, you’ll be able to go to Siracusa on a personal day journey from Taormina.
Whereas the 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 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 could have, that’s completely superb! At some point can soak up a lot of lovely sights, if not completely the whole lot.
It’s doable 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 finished by tour.
Taormina additionally makes a great base for a number of days. In the event you’re basing in Taormina, I believe it’s good to have three days right here, one in every of which to be spent on a day journey to Mount Etna. You’ll be able to spend one other day in Taormina, and the ultimate day stress-free on the seaside or doing one other day journey.
Find out how to Get to Taormina, Italy
The easiest way 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’ll be able to 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 in all probability wish to take a taxi into city to keep away from dragging your baggage uphill.
You too can hire a automotive in Catania and drive to Taormina. I believe that Sicily is greatest 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 put in Taormina; this city is designed for pedestrians.
In the event you’re staying in a single day, you’ll wish to be sure to ebook accommodations that present parking, or analysis close by parking heaps the place you’ll be able to 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 primary and inexpensive lodging.
One factor to remember when reserving a lodge in Taormina is the placement. Though it’s a small city and really walkable, Taormina may be very hilly. Some accommodations could also be positioned up steep, slender, uneven streets. Though these accommodations supply nice views, you may contemplate staying within the historic heart of city in case you don’t desire a steep uphill or downhill stroll daily.
Right here’s a take a look at the perfect 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 wonderful choice in case you’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 seaside.
- High-Rated Finances Resort in Taormina: For a budget-friendly choice, try Resort Pensione Cundari. It’s a bit exterior city, nevertheless it provides low costs and easy, clear lodging.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Taormina right here.
Greatest Time to Go to Taormina, Italy
When must you go to Taormina? Taormina will get extremely busy through the summer time months of June via September. In reality, since Sicily is hotter than mainland Italy, it will get loads of shoulder season vacationers in Could and October as effectively.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming within the sea from Could via October — although take into account Italians have a tendency to not go to the seaside except it’s summer time based on the calendar!
I like to recommend visiting Taormina in April, Could, or October if doable. You’ll get beautiful climate, avoiding the intense summer time warmth, and just about the whole lot will nonetheless be open. Many companies in Taormina, together with accommodations, retailers, and eating places, shut from November via March, since this city runs on summer time tourism.
In the event you’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 Price It?
I cherished my time in Taormina, and I believe visiting here’s a should in case you’re going to be exploring Japanese Sicily. Taormina is a superb vacation spot for sundown followers, photographers or individuals who recognize magnificence wherever on this planet.
I hope you could have an exquisite time in Taormina!
Extra on Sicily:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
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