erincohen Ciao! Taormina is located on the eastern coast of Sicily, and known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, featuring breathtaking views, crystal waters, and a rich culture worth exploring. In this guide, we will show you the best things to do in Taormina, Sicily that will make your trip a memorable one when you escape to this beautiful island.
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Things To Do In Taormina, Sicily
Here we put together the ultimate free Sicily travel guide to explore Taormina like you’ve never imagined!
Let’s begin with the top things to do in Taormina, Sicily.
Get Lost In The City
The first thing on your Taormina, Sicily itinerary is to get lost in the city. No matter if you just arrived or want to see the big attractions, getting lost in the winding streets filled with quaint shops, cafes, and historical buildings will allow you to see the true Sicily.
This is the perfect moment to capture unique pictures with your phone or camera that will live in your memory (and device) forever!
Don’t be afraid if you will get lost while walking, as you can use free apps like Google Maps to find your way back to your accommodation or other location. Feel free to ask the locals for directions as well, as they’re very nice and willing to help you.
See The Greek Theatre
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina, also known as Teatro Greco, is one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. This Greek-Roman amphitheater dates back to the 3rd century BC, which was later expanded by the Romans.
Today, it is still used for performances and concerts, offering a glimpse into ancient history as well as breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. If you’re looking for the best Taormina attractions to spend an afternoon, this one is it.
You can view updated opening hours and admission costs here. They also have audio guides available in English, Spanish, Italian, and French.
Visiting Italy soon? Be sure to use these Italy captions for all the photos you will post on Instagram during your visit.
Hangout At Piazza IX Aprile
Piazza IX Aprile is known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views of the coastline thanks to its location at the heart of Taormina. This square is surrounded by small charming cafes, more historic buildings, and street performers, which makes it the perfect spot to relax after a long day of touring.
Everyone who stops by is amazed by the incredible black-and-white tiled floor the square has, as well as the unique clock tower, so make sure to get your camera ready.
This is a beautiful spot for photos and people-watching.
Take The Godfather Tour Taormina
If you’re like us at all, you love visiting famous movie spots, and this place is no exception. Buckle up for one of the most exciting things to do in Taormina Sicily: The Godfather tour!
This tour offers a unique experience to explore the locations used in the movie and will take you through the surrounding areas of Taormina, and the nearby villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, where key scenes were filmed.
Some iconic sites you’ll get to see in Taormina with this tour are the Bar Vitelly and the Church of San Nicolò. It is the perfect activity to blend cinematic history and local culture and learn about the island’s rich mafia heritage.
Eat Granita
Granita is a traditional Sicilian dessert made from flavored crushed ice, and a must-try the minute you arrive in the city. It is often served with a soft, sweet brioche bun and comes in different flavors like lemon, almond, and coffee (the most popular).
The granita you can eat in Taormina is known for its smooth texture and intense flavor, making it the perfect and refreshing summer snack that will give you plenty of energy to continue your endless tour of the city.
Walk Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is the bustling main street of Taormina, which stretches from Porta Messina (northern end) to Porta Catania (southern end). This avenue is the heart of the town and features plenty of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops you will find interesting to browse.
In this free Sicily travel guide, we want to give you a wide range of activity options, so you can create the best itinerary for your trip. Walking Corso Umberto is something we highly recommend you add to your list to explore the city, as you’ll find major landmarks such as the Palazzo Corvaja, at the same time.
Hike To Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island and nature reserve located just outside off the coast of Taormina, and known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”. It is accessible via a short hike from the town center down to Mazzarò Bay, which makes it the perfect activity for those who love exercising while traveling.
The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a very popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Hiking and accessing Isola Bella is free, so if you’re on a budget and want to spend a wonderful time at the beach, make sure to add this spot to your Taormina, Sicily itinerary.
Visit The Taormina Public Gardens
The Taormina Public Gardens, also known as Villa Comunale, were created in the 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan as a unique escape from the bustling town center.
These gardens are filled with exotic plants, flowers, and whimsical follies that reflect Florence’s love of nature. Designed in an English style, here you can find winding paths, shaded benches, and stunning views of the coastline and Mount Etna. The gardens are also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Since it is a public garden, you don’t need to purchase a ticket to enter, and it is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is recommended that you dedicate at least 2 hours to fully tour the gardens at a nice pace!
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Shop For Their Ceramics
The city is known for its stunning handcrafted ceramics, and if you’re looking for things to do in Taormina, Sicily regarding souvenirs, I highly recommend you go ceramics shopping.
There are plenty of artisan shops and markets where you can find a wide variety of ceramics from traditional Majolica tiles (ceramic technique) and plates to modern interpretations of classic Sicilian designs.
You’ll easily recognize Taormina ceramics thanks to their bright, bold patterns inspired by the island’s rich history and beauty. These pieces often include images of lemons, oranges, and similar.
Take In The Views Of Chiesa Madonna Della Rocca
Located at the top of Taormina, the Church of Madonna della Rocca offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. The church itself is carved into a rock and features incredible architecture worth photographing.
For those looking to blend exercise and touring, you’ll love to read that you have to hike to get to the church. This hike presents a bit of a challenge, thanks to the steep climb, but it’ll reward you with stunning views of Taormina, the coastline, and Mount Etna.
I recommend you visit the church at sunset to enjoy the most beautiful image of the city in hues of pink and orange. You don’t have to purchase a ticket to enter the church, so it’s another free thing to do in Taormina, Sicily!
How To Get To Taormina
Taormina is easily accessible by various means of transportation, such as by bus, train, or car. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, located about 67 kilometers (40 miles) from Taormina.
Buses run regularly from the airport to Taormina and are the most affordable and convenient way to get to the city according to most people. You can also take a train from Catania to Taormina-Giardini station, which also runs regularly and offers a unique journey along the coast.
Finally, if you decide to visit Taormina by car to tour at your own pace, the A18 motorway connects the city with Catania and Messina, making it very easy to get to your destination. Since Taormina’s streets are very narrow, parking can get a bit challenging due to the limited parking spaces, so I highly recommend you stick to public transport to avoid these inconveniences!
Where To Stay In Taormina
For a luxurious and highly comfortable stay in Taormina, one of my favorite places to stay is UNAHOTELS Capotaormina. This 5-star accommodation offers stunning views of the city, elegant rooms, and excellent amenities.
Thanks to its location close to the city center, the hotel provides easy access to the main attractions in Taormina, including the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto.
If you stay here, you must eat at the on-site restaurant to enjoy a fine dining experience filled with traditional Sicilian dishes!
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Taormina, Sicily Itinerary Final Words
Taormina is a wonderful city with stunning views, a rich history, and a lovely culture. In this free Sicily travel guide, you can find a wide range of activities varying from classic tourism to fun things to do that will allow you to explore every bit of this stunning city.
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