- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
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Why Visit Taormina
Taormina boasts layers of history from its Greek origins to Roman rule. The iconic Teatro Antico offers breathtaking views, while Palazzo Corvaja showcases Norman-Gothic transitions. Don't miss the Odeon, a smaller Roman theatre near the Greek one. This helps understand what is Taormina famous for.
Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers unparalleled views of Mount Etna. Explore the Giardini della Villa Comunale with its unique follies, or descend to Isola Bella via cable car. Later, enjoy a traditional passeggiata along Corso Umberto, one of the best reasons to visit Taormina.
The local cuisine is a delight. Try Pasta alla Norma, made with fresh ricotta salata, or seafood caught daily from the Ionian Sea. Don't miss the authentic granita, best enjoyed with a warm brioche for breakfast, a true local tradition, why visit Taormina indeed.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightClothing
- #Camera
- #PowerAdapterTypeF
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Italian
- English understood in tourist areas
- #GreekTheater
- #CorsoUmberto
- #IsolaBella
- #PalazzoCorvaia
- #TaorminaPublicGardens
- #MountEtna
- Sunset at Teatro Antico
- Try arancini
- Swimming at Isola Bella
- Explore ancient ruins
- Enjoy local wine tasting
Recommended Hotels in Taormina by Experience
Things to do in Taormina
Discover
Discover things to do in Taormina, from the Ancient Theatre and stunning views at Belvedere Square to the botanical wonders of The Garden of Villa Comunale. Discover these Taormina attractions for a rich cultural experience.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Taormina, like summer concerts, local craft workshops, and hiking trails to Mount Etna. Join Taormina cultural activities for unique insights into Sicilian life and vibrant traditions.
Ancient Theatre
Roman amphitheater with stunning coastal views.
Belvedere Square
Observation deck offering breathtaking scenery.
Villa Comunale
Botanical garden with diverse plant species.
Mount Etna Hikes
Guided trails on Europe's most active volcano.
Taormina Film Fest
Annual festival showcasing global cinematic art.
Corso Umberto
Main street lined with shops, cafes, and history.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Interbus connects CTA to Taormina Bus Terminal (€8.20, 1h 30m). A train to Taormina-Giardini station (then local bus/taxi), or a taxi, offers faster Taormina airport to city center access.
Getting Around
Taormina is compact and walkable. Public transport in Taormina includes local buses connecting the bus terminal to the town center. The Taormina shuttle bus runs regularly. A cable car links the historic center to beaches for €6 one-way.
Local Essentials
For Taormina travel tips for first-timers, buy cable car tickets in advance during peak season. Driving in Taormina is complex; restricted zones and limited parking mean car rental is only for exploring outside town. Carry small cash for vendors.
Where to Stay in Taormina
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Taormina's traditional food highlights include arancini, caponata, and cannoli. The café culture thrives, with locals enjoying leisurely late dinners and indulging in gelato. Explore authentic food Taormina for a true taste experience.
Enjoy
For the best dining options, try Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro for creative pizzas in a vibrant atmosphere. Experience local drinks at Bar Turrisi, known for its lively nightlife. Top cafes in Taormina include Bam Bar, ideal for a quick gelato.
Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria Taormina
Pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, salads & Sicilian dishes.
Gambero Rosso Taormina dal 1949
Seafood specialties in a historic setting.
Trattoria Da Nino
Casual dining with a local menu, family-friendly atmosphere.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Discover Taormina's soul through its religious festivals like the Feast of Saint Pancras in July, a must-see event honouring the city's patron saint with processions and local traditions. Exploring Taormina means witnessing its deep historical roots.
Enjoy
Experience Taormina's modern pulse with the Taormina Arte festival, featuring classical concerts and opera in August. The best things to experience in Taormina are contemporary theatre and art installations.
Feast of Saint Pancras
Religious celebration for patron saint, July. Processions and music.
Taormina Arte
Summer festival: classical concerts, opera, theatre. July-August.
Festival Bellini
Opera festival celebrating Vincenzo Bellini, typically in September.
Festa della Madonna della Rocca
Pilgrimage and celebration atop Monte Tabor, early September.
Taormina Film Fest
Annual international film festival showcasing new cinema, usually June.
One of the most beautiful places I've ever been
Taormina is just stunning. The views from the Greek Theatre over the sea and Mount Etna are like nothing else. Corso Umberto is great for a stroll and the food everywhere is so fresh. Arancini, granita, cannoli - all incredible. Highly recommend.
Perfect place to relax and soak it all in
We spent most of our time at Isola Bella and it was just gorgeous. The water is incredibly clear and the little island itself is really unique. Food along the beach is fresh and good value. The whole area has such a relaxed pace - exactly what we needed.
Taormina blew us away
We came mainly for the beach and history and got both in spades. The Teatro Greco is genuinely impressive and the setting with Etna in the background makes it extra special. Local granita al limone on a hot afternoon is a must. Brilliant trip overall.
Great summer destination
Really loved it here. Corso Umberto has loads of great little shops and restaurants. Tried the pasta alla Norma and it was absolutely delicious - simple but so good. The old town itself is compact and easy to walk around. Definitely a top spot in Sicily.
Beautiful Sicilian town worth every penny
Taormina is pricier than other parts of Sicily but it delivers. The Greek Theatre views are unreal and the Naumachie ruins tucked along the side streets are a cool surprise. Local food is excellent - fresh fish, good wine, amazing pastries. Go.
Absolutely loved every second
First time in Sicily and Taormina was a great choice. The town is beautiful, the people are friendly and the food is amazing. Tried arancini from a small spot near the main square and it was hands down one of the best things I've eaten. Really special place.