Perched dramatically on Sicily’s eastern coastline, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most beautiful and popular destinations. Famous for its ancient Greek theatre, stunning beaches, elegant piazzas and spectacular views of Mount Etna, Taormina smoothly combines history, luxury and laidback Mediterranean charm.

Whilst some Sicilian cities feel gritty and chaotic, Taormina is polished, romantic and incredibly picturesque. Unlike many other spots on the island, English is widely spoken here, making it an especially convenient choice for first‑time visitors.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or including Taormina in a wider Sicily itinerary, this travel guide covers the best things to do in Taormina, where to stay, how to get there, my restaurant recommendations, beaches, day trips and practical travel tips.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if a purchase is made, at no extra cost to you.

Best Things to Do in Taormina

Taormina is best explored on foot; the historic centre is compact but packed with beautiful piazzas, hidden alleyways, boutique shops and fantastic restaurants. My husband and I spent two nights in Taormina and we found that was the perfect amount of time to experience the town without rushing.

Explore the Teatro Antico di Taormina

No Taormina itinerary is complete without visiting Teatro Antico di Taormina, the town’s ancient Greek theatre.

Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later expanded by the Romans, it remains one of Sicily’s most impressive archaeological sites. The theatre is incredibly well-preserved and offers spectacular views over Mount Etna, the Ionian coastline and the surrounding countryside.

During summer, the theatre still hosts concerts and cultural events. While we were there, a sound crew was loudly setting up for an evening performance, so it wasn’t as peaceful or atmospheric as we’d hoped! However, we’re still glad we visited as it is a really impressive archaeological site.

• Ticket Prices: Standard admission is around €10–13. Concessions available for EU citizens aged 18–25, with ID.
• Free Entrance: Visitors under 18, disabled visitors and their companions, and licensed tour guides. Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
• Opening Times: April–October: 9am-7pm / November–March: 9am-4pm/5pm.

Try Sicilian Granita at Bam Bar

One of the first places you should visit in Taormina is Bam Bar, the town’s most famous graniteria. Granita is one of Sicily’s most iconic desserts – a semi-frozen mixture of sugar, water and flavourings, somewhere between sorbet and a slushie/slush puppy.

Typical flavours include almond, strawberry, lemon, coffee, pistachio and peach. We ordered almond, strawberry and peach granita and followed local tradition by having them with whipped cream and a warm brioche bun. It might sound unusual at first, but it’s absolutely delicious and surprisingly filling!

Bam Bar is really popular, especially during summer mornings, so expect a short wait for a table.

Visit Giardini della Villa Comunale

If you want somewhere calm to escape the crowds, I suggest spending time in Giardini della Villa Comunale, Taormina’s beautiful public park.

The gardens are peaceful, shaded and filled with exotic plants, sculptures and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the coastline and Mount Etna. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat during summer afternoons.

Indulge in Sicilian Cuisine and Wine

I’m a huge fan of Sicilian cuisine, and Taormina is a fantastic place to sample some of the island’s classics, including:

• Arancini
• Cannoli
• Caponata
• Pasta alla Norma
• Fresh swordfish
• Pistachio pastries and desserts
• Granita with brioche

For a deeper dive, I’ve put together a detailed guide to Sicily’s most mouthwatering dishes – you can read it here: Sicilian Food Guide: 25 Dishes You Must Try in Sicily.

One of our favourite meals in Taormina was at Ristorante RossoPeperoncino, where we especially liked their handmade ravioli, stuffed sardines, and grilled swordfish. Although this was one of our pricier meals in Sicily, the quality of the food and friendly service made it worthwhile.

We also stopped by Al Grappolo D’uva for glasses of crisp white wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna. Volcanic soil gives Etna wines a distinctive flavour and they’re well worth trying during your trip.

For dessert, we visited Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto and indulged in fresh cannoli and Sicilian biscuits. For a savoury treat, I recommend the arancini from Strit Fud. Arancini are incredibly more-ish fried rice balls, stuffed with different ingredients like ragù, cheese, ham or pistachio cream. Strit Fud also serves pizza and focaccia-style bread with various fillings and stays open until midnight. Perfect for a late-night snack!

If you love Italian food, consider taking a cooking class in Taormina. These highly rated cooking classes include visits to local markets, giving you the chance to pick fresh ingredients and later transform them into authentic Sicilian dishes. It’s a great way to learn more about Sicilian culture and cuisine beyond simply eating at restaurants.

Take a Day Trip to the Alcantara Gorges

One of the best day trips from Taormina is visiting the Alcantara Gorges, a stunning natural canyon formed by ancient lava flows from Mount Etna. The gorge was created when Etna erupted and the subsequent lava flow reached the Alcantara river and was cooled by the water. The lava crystallized and formed some really eye-catching, unusual shapes.

Getting to the Gorges is straightforward – we took an Interbus coach from Taormina, which took about an hour each way. The journey is quicker if you’re travelling by car or taxi.

Note: There are two entrances to the Alcantara Gorges:

• Botanical & Geological Park (Private Access). Entrance: 8am-5pm. €8 per person. For this, you get access to lifts, parking, and changing rooms.
• Motta Camastra Municipal Staircase (Public Access). Entrance: 9am-7pm. Entrance – €1.50-2 per person.

We used the public entrance as we didn’t see the perks from the private access. Both staircases lead to the same place, after all!

Once inside, there is a rocky beach, alongside the river, which was popular with tourists and locals alike. The areas we reached had very cold water rising from ankle to waist height, but swimming wasn’t possible because of the large rocks and the number of people. Still, dipping in the water was wonderfully refreshing against the warmth of the Sicilian sun.

We took some sandwiches to snack on, but in hindsight a picnic might have been a better idea. I recommend bringing food with you, suntan lotion, plenty of water, and water shoes if you have them.

Other Day Trips from Taormina

If you’re spending longer in Taormina, there are several excellent nearby destinations worth exploring.

• Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano is one of Sicily’s most unforgettable experiences. You can join guided hikes, jeep tours, wine tours and crater visits during from Taormina. You can read my full Mount Etna travel guide here.
• Catania – A lively Sicilian city famous for its street food, Baroque architecture, bustling fish market and Mount Etna views. Take a look at my Catania travel guide to help you plan your time there.
• Castelmola – This small hilltop village above Taormina offers incredible panoramic views, quieter streets and a more traditional atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Taormina

The most pleasant times to visit Taormina are in May and June, or September and October. During these months, the temperatures are warm but far more comfortable than the peak summer heat, making sightseeing and exploring much more enjoyable.

Summer, in July and August, is a different story. It’s very hot, busy, and expensive, though it’s excellent if your main focus is the beaches. Expect crowds and higher hotel prices, but also that quintessential Mediterranean summer vibe.

Winter is much quieter, with cooler temperatures and some seasonal businesses closing. It’s not the liveliest time to visit, but if you’re after peace and lower costs, it can still be a good option.

Where to Stay in Taormina

Taormina has accommodation for every budget, from affordable guesthouses to glamorous luxury hotels reminiscent of The White Lotus (season two of the TV series was filmed here!).

My husband and I stayed in this gorgeous Airbnb in Taormina, with incredible views from the terrace. The apartment is quiet and secluded, outside of the town centre. It’s on one of the steepest hills I have ever walked up, so it might be better reached by car.

The Airbnb we stayed in is currently unavailable, but I’ve found this apartment in the same building (ideal for groups and families). If you’re not travelling in a large group, here are some other well-rated alternatives:

• Hotel Villa Nettuno ($) – A charming, family‑run hotel with a beautiful garden and basic but comfortable rooms, close to the cable car.
• Taormina Garden Hotel ($$) – Just steps from the sandy beach, this hotel offers a peaceful garden setting with sun loungers and a relaxed atmosphere – great value for travellers who want comfort near the coast.
• Hotel Condor ($$) – A family‑run hotel just a short walk from Taormina’s centre, offering simple, comfortable rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace with sea views.

How to Get to Taormina

By Bus

I recommend getting an Interbus bus to Taormina. Most people travel there from Catania, it costs €5-6 and only takes 1hr 10 minutes. Buses usually depart every 15–30 minutes during the day.

There are infrequent direct buses from Siracusa, but most go via Catania. There is no direct bus from Palermo – you first need to get a bus to Catania then change onto a bus to Taormina.

By Train

You can also take the train from Catania to Taormina. The journey costs around €6 and takes 1hr 20 one-way. However the train terminates at Taormina-Giardini, so you will need to get a 15-minute shuttle bus to the town centre or jump in a taxi. You can book tickets at Trenitalia.

By Car

For ultimate flexibility, you can rent a car to travel to Taormina. Compare prices and find the best deals with Discover Cars. Pre-booking is advised to secure the best deals, especially during the busy summer months. It’s a good idea to rent a smaller vehicle as Taormina (and other parts of Sicily) has a lot of narrow streets and tight roads.

Staying Connected in Taormina: SIM Cards & Internet Tips

If you want reliable internet while travelling around Sicily, using an eSIM is one of the easiest options. We’ve used Airalo several times while travelling and found it quick and stress-free to set up. They’ve got options that work in over 200 countries, with flexible data plans for 7, 15, or 30 days – perfect whether you’re staying in Sicily a week or a while!

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I hope this post has given you a sense of why Taormina draws visitors from all over the world. It’s not my personal favourite spot on the island – there’s plenty of fierce competition – but it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re into history or are craving a luxurious Mediterranean escape.

If you’re planning a wider trip around the island, don’t miss my 10-day Sicily itinerary and Sicily travel guide for first-time visitors so you have everything you need for your trip.

And if you have any favourite Taormina recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments below – I’d love to hear them!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow