Taormina, Italy

Things to do

2 days in Taormina

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Greek Theatre early for the view of smoking Mount Etna and the sea.
  2. AfternoonTake the cable car down to Isola Bella and swim in the clear water of its nature reserve.
  3. EveningWalk the Corso Umberto at dusk and stop at the Piazza IX Aprile terrace.

Day 2

Visit Mount Etna's craters, or the hilltop village of Castelmola for almond wine.

What to eat

Almond granita with a brioche, and arancini.

Local tips

Make the most of Taormina

Beat the crowds

Come in spring or autumn, and visit the Greek theatre at opening time before the cruise groups.

Best photo spot

The Greek theatre with Etna and the sea behind, and Isola Bella from the road above.

Getting there

Buses and trains connect with Catania airport. A cable car links the town with the beaches below.

Don't miss nearby

Castelmola, a tiny village above Taormina with even bigger views.

Good to know

The main street gets crowded midday; the side streets and gardens are much calmer.

Plan your visit

Getting to Taormina

Getting there

  • Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)40 km away
  • Catania Airport (CTA)45 km away
  • Syracuse90 km away
  • Palermo170 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypePopular town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryItaly

Questions

Taormina: good to know

Is Taormina worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and the coast. A clifftop Sicilian town with a Greek theatre facing Mount Etna.

How many days do you need in Taormina?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Taormina?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Come in spring or autumn, and visit the Greek theatre at opening time before the cruise groups.

How do you get to Taormina?

The nearest airport is Reggio Calabria Airport (REG), about 40 km away. Buses and trains connect with Catania airport. A cable car links the town with the beaches below.

What is there to see near Taormina?

Nearby hidden places include Mount Etna (28 km), Syracuse (Ortigia) (88 km) and Noto (108 km).

More hidden places in Italy (65)