Taormina Travel Guide

Everything you need to know to plan your trip to Taormina, including top sights, things to do, where to eat and stay, and transportation options.


Introduction to Taormina

Taormina is a charming hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, surrounded by stunning mountains and the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its gorgeous beaches, ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Taormina

If you’re planning a trip to Taormina, make sure you include the following top sights on your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ancient Theater of Taormina: A well-preserved Greek theater dating back to the 3rd century BC, with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna.
  • Palazzo Corvaja: An impressive 14th-century palace that now houses the Taormina Art Gallery and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
  • Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari: A beautiful Baroque-style church with ornate interiors and a bell tower offering breathtaking views of the town and the sea.
  • Antiquarium: An archeological museum with ancient artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history of Taormina and its surroundings.

Natural Attractions of Taormina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Isola Bella: A picturesque tiny island just off the coast of Taormina, also known as “the Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, offering crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Mount Etna: A majestic active volcano that can be explored on guided tours from Taormina, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its summit or vantage points on the slopes.
  • Giardini Naxos: A neighboring resort town with a long beach, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of water sports options.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taormina

If you love outdoor activities, Taormina has several scenic hiking and biking routes to explore, including:

  • Sentiero degli Dei: A challenging but rewarding hiking trail that runs from Taormina to Naxos, offering panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
  • Monti Peloritani Nature Reserve: A vast protected area with several hiking and biking trails amid pristine wilderness and natural beauty.
  • Alcantara Gorges: A unique natural wonder formed by the river Alcantara, with winding trails and stunning rock formations towering over the water.

Best Things to Do in Taormina: Activities and Tours

Apart from the aforementioned attractions and outdoor adventures, Taormina offers of plenty of other exciting things to see and do, such as:

  • Taormina Food and Wine Tour: Explore the local culinary scene and savor some of the delectable Sicilian delicacies and wines.
  • Taormina Walking Tour: See the city’s highlights on foot and learn about its rich history and culture from knowledgeable local guides.
  • Taormina Boat Tour: Take a boat ride along the coast and discover some of the most beautiful beaches, caves, and hidden coves around Taormina.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taormina

If you’re planning to spend a week in Taormina, the following itinerary can help you make the most of your time:

Day Activities
Day 1 Take a walking tour of Taormina, visit Palazzo Corvaja, Ancient Theater of Taormina, and Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari
Day 2 Visit Isola Bella and go for a swim or snorkeling, explore Taormina’s streets and markets
Day 3 Guided tour of Mount Etna, hike to the summit, visit local wineries, and try some of the region’s finest wines
Day 4 Explore Giardini Naxos, have lunch at a seaside tavern, and enjoy the beach
Day 5 Visit Antiquarium and learn about the history of Taormina and its surroundings, go on a boat tour along the coast
Day 6 Hike the Sentiero degli Dei trail, enjoy the stunning views, have a picnic at one of the many scenic lookout points
Day 7 Relax at one of the many spas in Taormina, try some of the local health and wellness treatments, and enjoy the nightlife scene

Food and Drink Scene of Taormina

Sicilian cuisine is world-renowned for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and vibrant colors. If you’re a foodie, Taormina won’t disappoint you. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in Taormina:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arancini: Deep-fried rice balls stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, a Sicilian classic.
  • Pasta alla Norma: A pasta dish made with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese, named after the famous opera by Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania.
  • Cannoli: Tube-shaped pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips or pistachios, an iconic Sicilian dessert.

Local Beverages

  • Limoncello: A refreshing lemon-flavored liqueur made from local lemons growing on the slopes of Mount Etna.
  • Etna Wine: A range of high-quality wines produced from grapes grown on the fertile volcanic soil surrounding Mount Etna, including red, white, and rosé varieties.

Where to Stay in Taormina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Taormina has a wide range of accommodation options to suit any taste and budget, from luxurious five-star hotels to cozy guesthouses and affordable hostels. Some of the best places to stay in Taormina are:

  • Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo: A luxurious five-star hotel in the heart of Taormina with stunning views of the sea and mountains.
  • Hotel Villa Carlotta: A gorgeous boutique hotel with a large garden, swimming pool, and panoramic views of the coastline.
  • Casa Cuseni: A charming guesthouse with a rich history and an artistic atmosphere, built in the early 20th century for the English painter Robert Hawthorn Kitson.

What to Buy in Taormina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Taormina, don’t miss out on the opportunity to buy some of the unique local products and souvenirs, such as:

  • Handmade ceramics and pottery: Local artisans create beautiful and colorful ceramics inspired by the Sicilian flora and fauna.
  • Almond sweets: Almonds are a staple ingredient in many Sicilian desserts, and you can find a variety of almond-based sweets, such as marzipan, torrone, and frutta martorana.
  • Aeolian Islands products: The Aeolian Islands, just off the coast of Taormina, produce some of the finest capers, olives, and wines in Italy, which are perfect to take back home as a culinary souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Taormina

Taormina has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Norman history and traditions. Some of the local customs and festivals worth experiencing include:

  • Holy Week: A week-long celebration leading up to Easter, featuring processions, musical performances, and religious rituals.
  • Taormina Film Festival: An annual international film festival showcasing the latest and most outstanding films from around the world.
  • Feast of San Giuseppe: A local festival held in March, featuring a parade of floats, traditional dances, and food stalls, in honor of the patron saint of carpenters and workers.

Best Time to Visit Taormina

The best time to visit Taormina is in the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and the crowds are thinner than in July and August, which can be sweltering and crowded. The winter months of November to March are also a good option for those looking for a quiet and budget-friendly getaway.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taormina

Do:

  • Try the local food and wine.
  • Learn some basic Italian phrases before visiting.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Leave your valuables unattended in public places.
  • Disrespect the local culture and religion.
  • Overstay your visa or ignore immigration laws.

Safety and Health

Safety in Taormina

Taormina is a relatively safe town, with relatively low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it’s always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Keep your valuables and passport in a secure place.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas.
  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Taormina

The healthcare system in Taormina is generally good, with several hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance before embarking on a trip, and to be aware of the necessary vaccinations and precautions.

Getting to Taormina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Taormina is easily accessible by several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Taormina

  • Catania-Fontanarossa Airport: The closest international airport to Taormina, located about 50 km away, with several daily flights connecting to major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Taormina

  • Taormina-Giardini Naxos: The main bus station in Taormina, with frequent connections to nearby towns and cities, such as Catania, Messina, and Palermo.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest train station to Taormina is in Giardini Naxos, with several daily trains connecting to Catania, Messina, and other Sicilian destinations.
  • Car: If you prefer driving, Taormina is easily accessible by car, with several highways and scenic roads connecting it to the rest of Sicily.

How to Get Around in Taormina

Taormina is a small town, easily explorable on foot. However, if you need to travel further or explore the surrounding areas, you can use several transportation options, including:

  • Buses: The local buses connect Taormina to nearby towns and attractions, such as the Isola Bella and Mount Etna.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Taormina, although they can be expensive.
  • Car rental: You can rent a car from several agencies in Taormina, which can be a convenient and flexible way of exploring the region.

Where to Go Next from Taormina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to venture beyond Taormina and explore other parts of Sicily, you can consider visiting:

  • Syracuse: A charming ancient Greek city on the south coast of Sicily, with stunning Baroque architecture and fascinating archeological sites.
  • Agrigento: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ancient temples and ruins.
  • Aeolian Islands: A group of seven volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily, known for their natural beauty, azure waters, and unique geological formations.

Conclusion

Taormina is a gem of a town in Sicily, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, indulge in delectable food and wine or immerse yourself in local traditions and festivals, Taormina has something to offer every traveler. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you are ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations.

Ruins of the Greek theatre with the town and Mount Etna in the background Ruins of the Greek theatre with the town and Mount Etna in the background Piazza IX Aprile Piazza IX Aprile Taomina's Duomo Taomina's Duomo ''Isola Bella'' from up the hill ''Isola Bella'' from up the hill