The 7 essential things to do in Taormina

You're leaving for Sicily? Here are the unmissable things to do to visit Taormina and the Ionian coast!

Italian Commune attached to the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily, Taormine – Taormina in Italian – is considered to be one of the most beautiful jewels of Sicily, only one hour drive about north of Catania . The city is built on a high rocky promontory 200 metres on the slopes of Mount Tauros, and thus offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and Etna. If 11,076 people live there permanently, the city is stormed by tourists who come to admire the historical and cultural heritage left by the civilizations of the past. As well as in the summer, traffic jams are legion and sites of interest become difficult to access.

Founded in 403 BC by the Greeks, the city passes under Roman domination, Byzantine, Norman before becoming Italian. In Taormine, tourists come mainly to visit the ancient Greek Theatre, but the city gathers many other monuments and places to not miss. What about Taormine? Here is our selection of things to see to visit Taormine.

1. The Ancient Greek Theatre

The Greek theatre is one of the most frequent Gallo-Roman vestiges of Sicily due to its good state of preservation. Built in the 3rd century before our era by the Greek tyrant Géron II, its location on the upper part of the city allows a superb view of the Etna and the sea.

If you like the history of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, it is a must-see site to visit Sicily. The theatre is 109 metres in diameter and can accommodate up to 5,400 people. The foundations are Greek but the brick architecture shows that most of the building dates from the Roman period.

2. The old town of Taormine

Located on the eastern side of the Etna, the old town of Taormine is located on a natural terrace where you can see monuments of great beauty: Piazza IX Aprile, the Corso Umberto, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral , the Villa Comunale, the chiesa Madonna della Rocca.

The Corso Umberto is a high tourist resort in Taormine: it is the main street, where you can find bars and restaurants, comfort hotels where to stay, luxury boutiques in number (cloths, jewelry and souvenirs, luxury products) for a high-end shopping. This street in Taormine is worth the nickname " Saint-Tropez Sicilian". Take a look at the Piazza IX Aprile, with its panoramic terrace on the bay. Musicians and acrobats may occur in open air during your passage.

3. Villa Comunale

What to do in Taormina if we have seen the Gallo-Roman ruins? The public garden of the city, Villa Comunale is a good idea of breaking your boredom, and will keep you a little longer in Taormine. Before returning to the road, enjoy this garden, allowing you to get away from the crowd of tourists and the noise of the descent engines to get to the old town.

The land was formerly owned by Miss Florence Trevelyan, a wealthy English owner, who was assumed to be the mistress of the future British king Edward VII (1841-1910). Folding in this lush greenery, you wouldn't believe in an ultra-frequented tourist site!

4. Isola Bella

By descending to the sea level, there is a must seen everywhere from above and on the postcards of the recollection kiosks: Isola Bella. Are you wondering what to do in Taormine? Isola Bella is often presented as a hidden gem of Taormine.

It is not so hidden as it is because the islet walks in half an hour (the car is not recommended, the number of places available there being infinitiesimal). It is a tiny isthmus connected to the pebble and sandy beach, where you can swim in crystalline waters. On the programme: snorkeling, diving, jet ski rental and Farniente !

5. A boat ride

To enjoy the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat in Taormine will allow you to explore the beauty of the coastline. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Taormine!

6. The Gorges de l’Alcantara

Another must-see site for a day to visit Taormine: the Gorges de l’Alcantara. Situated 50 minutes’ drive west of Taormine (in the interior of the land), this site has a 25-metre depth, at the bottom of separate walls only 2 to 4 metres.

The narrow canyon is of volcanic origin – the Etna is not far away – and results from the lava streams cooled in the waters of the rivers. These are very cold, even in the summer. Note that there exists since Taormine excursion to the Etna and to visit the Alcantara Gorges in the same day.

7. L’Etna

Of course, many departures for Etna are possible from Taormine. It is one of the immanquables for anyone who wonders what to do in Sicily.

Travel agencies and tour operators are responsible for transporting you in 4×4 to the crater, with a guide and equipment to safely hike. By car for a free visit, you have to count an hour's drive. Learn more about the Ascension of Etna from Taormine.

How do I get to Taormina?

To get to Taormina by plane, you will have to land in Catania, which is the nearest city. Do not hesitate to consult our partner Ulysses to discover the different flight options.

Then to get to Taormine, the easiest thing is to go by public transport because the city center is partly pedestrian and it is very difficult to park there. Another solution is to rent a car and park in a large parking lot in the city or park in the direction of Castelmola in the upper part of the city (free solution).

If you want to visit Sicily during a week or more, you should come with your own car (via a ferry) or rent one on site. You can compare car rental prices in Sicily on the site Rentalcars .

The train, although fairly slow, is also an option, the arrival station is Giardini-Naxos.

Where to stay in Taormina?

Taormina splits into two parts: the high city and the low city. We can access it by car, bus and funicular. The hotels in the lower city are a little cheaper. Moreover, the prices are fairly high compared to the rest of Sicily but out of season it remains very correct if you want to stay in Taormina. You can find a cheap hotel in Taormina by searching for this Compare hotels .