Taormina was easily our favorite town in Sicily. We visited at the end of March and had gorgeous weather (it was even warm enough to swim at Isola Bella!). With its colorful houses, views over the turquoise Ionian Sea, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna, it feels straight out of a movie. We completely understand why The White Lotus was filmed here; it really captures that classic Italian luxury feel. These are our favorite things to do in Taormina.
1. Discover Isola Bella
Isola Bella, which translates to ‘beautiful island’, is a stunning peninsula and nature reserve that’s connected to the mainland beach. It was easily our favorite thing to do in Taormina! Even though we visited in March, we got super lucky with the weather and spent the whole day swimming and sunbathing here.
Also visit: The charming old town of Cefalu, Sicily.
To get there, we walked across shallow water from the beach (only doable at low tide) to reach the peninsula. There’s a protected area to explore, home to rare plants and trees, and a museum in the house on the hill. Unfortunately, the museum was closed when we visited, but you can check their website for updates and opening times.
In Taormina, we found this awesome viewpoint, Belvedere di Via Pirandello, where you can see across Isola Bella and the beautiful surrounding bay. From here, we recommend taking the steps down to the beach to walk across to Isola Bella.
Tip: Alternatively, you can use the Taormina – Mazzarò cable car. The cable car costs 6 EUR one way or 10 EUR return. Please check in advance that it’s running (it was out of order for our visit).
Facilities and Activities at Isola Bella
We loved swimming at Isola Bella, as the water is crystal clear. However, the beach is both sandy and stony, so we recommend bringing water shoes for more comfort.
We just brought our own towels, but there’s an option to rent a daybed at one of the beach clubs. These clubs also serve drinks and food to go, so you won’t need to bring a picnic. Massage therapists stroll the beach, but make sure to agree on the price beforehand.
You can visit Isola Bella every day (except Monday) from 9 AM until one hour before sunset.
Good to know: We also loved the nearby beaches of Naxos and Mazzarò Beach (close to the cable car).
We didn’t get a chance to do this, but we saw lots of people on boat tours, exploring the area’s bays, grottos, and caves. Definitely worth booking if you want to see more of the coastline!
We bought a panini in town (StritFUD is the best!) and escaped the heat for a few hours in this relaxing and peaceful place. Definitely one of our favorite spots for a picnic!
Opening Times & Entrance Fee: Open daily from 9 AM until sunset. Free entry.
3. Palazzo Corvaja
The Corvaja Palace was built in the 10th century by the conquering Arabs to defend the town. These days, it’s home to the tourist office and the Sicilian Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, and is well worth a visit if you have some time!
We ordered a gelato at nearby Don Diego Gelateria, and wandered around the building to admire its old stone stairs, quiet courtyards, and fresco-filled halls.
4. Teatro Antico di Taormina
This beautiful Greek-Roman amphitheater, built in 3 BC, is still used today for concerts, plays, and film festivals. We arrived first thing in the morning, before the daytrippers, and were seriously blown away by the impressive backdrop of Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea!
The Theater is one of the top things to do in Taormina, but it’s not very big, so we only needed an hour here. After, we grabbed a coffee in the on-site cafe, which has a lovely terrace.
It’s easy to reach from the main street, Corso Umberto, and just a five-minute walk from Villa Comunale. We explored on our own, but there is also the option to take a guided tour.
Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance here (we recommend choosing the earliest available slot).
Opening Hours & Entrance Fee: Open daily from 9 AM – 7:45 PM in the summer and from 9 AM – 4 PM in the winter. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month!
5. Enjoy the Cultural Ritual of an Aperitivo
Italian happy hour typically happens around sunset—a relaxing way to wind down the day and start the night! Just make sure to book ahead.
We found La Locanda Dei Mori by accident, and we’re so glad we did. It was a low-key terrace set back from the main street, with friendly staff, and the food was absolutely delicious. Especially the aubergine with tomato sauce on top (chef’s kiss!).
See availability for a private sunset walking tour of Taormina (including an aperitivo!)
6. Piazza IX Aprile
Piazza IX Aprile is the main square where everyone gathers, referred to by locals as Taormina’s ‘living room’. The piazza has a beautiful old clock tower, and is the best spot for an aperitivo at sunset (incredible views over Mount Etna and the sea).
Also visit: Valley of the Temples in Sicily.
7. Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
From the city center, we hiked 30 minutes up steep stairs to visit this tiny chapel. It’s built directly into the hillside, with part of its roof and walls actually carved from the rock itself. It’s a bit of a challenging walk up, but well worth it for panoramic views over the coastline and beyond.
Opening Times & Entrance Fee: Open daily from 9:30 AM – 12:30 AM and 4 PM – 7:30 PM during the summer. During winter, it is only open in the morning. The chapel is free to enter.
8. Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is the lively main street in Taormina that connects the old gates of Porto Messina and Porto Catania to the center. Spanning half a mile, the pedestrianized street is home to beautiful old churches, palazzos, clothing boutiques, ceramic studios, and colorful gelaterias. Definitely our favorite shopping spot in town!
The area can get busy, especially during the summer. We escaped the crowds by heading off down the connecting alleyways to find quiet, pretty squares.
9. Duomo di Taormina, Sicily
The Duomo di Taormina is the town’s main cathedral and one of the top things to do in Taormina. It’s nicknamed the ‘fortress cathedral’ because it looks more like a military building than a church.
Tip: We filled up our water bottles at the lovely stone fountain in the square, which is safe to drink from. Learn more about traveling plastic-free!
10. Take a Ferry to the Islands
The Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily are a stunning day trip! The seven volcanic islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to charming villages, unique black sand beaches, volcanoes (you can actually hike up Mount Stromboli), and vineyards. For the ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a scooter to explore.
Ferries depart daily from Milazzo, which is a 1-hour 15-minute drive from Taormina, Italy. Alternatively, join an organized tour with return transportation.
11. Visit Mount Etna
Just one hour’s drive from Taormina is Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe at 3300 meters. Spend a morning hiking to the summit and exploring volcanic craters, lava fields, and ice caves.
Did you know? We had no idea that some of Sicily’s best wines are produced in this area, so if you have time, combine the hike with a winery tour on your way back to Taormina.
Half-Day or Day Tour from Taormina, Italy
It is possible to explore Mount Etna independently, but you can only go as far as 2900 meters. To reach the summit, you have to be accompanied by a guide for safety reasons. Book this popular tour of Mount Etna that includes transport, return cable car tickets, and a 4×4 van to drop you off at the starting point.
Tip: The best time for this trip is in spring or autumn, when there are fewer tourists and it’s not too cold. Make sure to book in advance!
Getting to Mount Etna
It is a one-hour drive from Taormina to the car park at Rifugio Sapienza, where parking is free. From here, you can either walk (takes two hours and is not that scenic) or take the cable car up to the Mountain Hut, which costs 35 EUR (38 USD) for a return ticket.
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
From the Mountain Hut:
- Walk up to Torre Del Filosofo (around 40 minutes), which is where the summit hike begins at 2900 meters
- OR take a 4×4 (30 EUR / 32.55 USD return)
Tip: It can be very cold and windy even in summer, so take layers and wear good walking shoes like hiking boots or sneakers.
12. Visit Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park
The Gole Alcantara is a beautiful blue river that runs through a dramatic volcanic gorge and is only a 30-minute drive from Taormina. Very cold, fresh water flows through the canyon from the mountains, so we imagine this would be the perfect spot to cool down in summer!
- Lovely walking trails along the top of the canyon
- Botanical gardens
- Local wildlife and plants
- Gorgeous views of the Alcantara
- Tours and activities like hiking, biking, and body rafting
It gets extremely busy in August, so avoid visiting then if you want to enjoy these stunning natural surroundings without the crowds.
Opening Hours & Entrance Fee: 9 EUR (10.50 USD). Open daily from 8 AM – 5 PM.
See availability for a tour to the Alcantara Gorges (including a visit to Mount Etna!)
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Taormina
Try the traditional Sicilian summer breakfast of granita and brioche, fresh seafood (best eaten by the beach), and aperitivos at sunset (we loved La Locanda Dei Mori). Here are some of our favorite spots:
- Ristorante Aranciara
- Osteria da Rita (dal 1911)
- Osteria Villa Zuccaro
- Morgana Lounge & Bar
- La Napoletana
- Osteria Le Tre Vie
- Bam Bar
Where to Stay in Taormina, Italy
We stayed at B&B Teatro Greco 39, just a few minutes from the theater and the main street. The town is very hilly, so if you don’t want to climb, staying in the historic center, close to Piazza IX Aprile and Corso Umberto, is better.
The main beach area is called Mazarrò, which is also a good option, although it may be slightly pricier and you’ll need to take the cable car to town. For real luxury (White Lotus vibes!), the Belmond Grand Hotel and Hotel Villa Belverde are some of the most sought-after hotels in the area.
How to Visit Taormina, Italy
The closest international airport to Taormina is in Catania, which is an hour’s drive away. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Italy to Messina, which is an hour away by train or car.
By Car
We rented a car at the airport, which we recommend if you want to explore other places in Sicily.
It took us an hour to drive to Taormina, where we parked our car at the Lumbi parking garage. It also provides a free shuttle bus to the center (it dropped us off at this location). We paid 5 EUR (5.42 USD) for two and a half days.
We recommend to rent a car in Sicily through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Public Transport
If you just want to visit Taormina, public transport is easier, as you won’t need your own transport in Taormina.
From the airport, take the bus to Catania center and jump on the train to Taormina. The entire journey from the airport only takes an hour and a half.
Getting Around
Taormina has very few cars, so it is enjoyable to walk around, and most places are within walking distance. There is a cable car that travels between the town and the beach area at Mazarrò, which is worth a ride just for the lovely views!
Tip: It’s almost impossible to park in the town, which is why we parked further out and took the free shuttle.
How Much Does Taormina Cost?
We definitely found Taormina more expensive than other places in Sicily (and we heard it’s especially pricey in summer). If you are on a budget, travel outside of peak months, book a hostel or B&B, make picnic lunches, and use public transport.
Tip: Many museums and historic landmarks offer a half-price deal for Europeans under 25!
Best Time to Visit
We visited at the end of March, and we got so lucky with the weather! It was warm enough to swim, prices were lower, and there were fewer tourists. Not everything was open during this time, though, so it might be better to choose April/May instead.
Note: Summer is definitely the best time for beaches, but it gets extremely crowded, and prices will rise. Make sure to book ahead!
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What is the walk from train station to Taormina on the path like? We will be there in early May for a day tripand trying to decide between cable car and walk. No luggage. Want to maximize our time too.
Hmm that’s quite a steep walk up for at least 25 min. Probably best to go to the cable car or the bus. 😄