Things to Do in Taormina: 18 Unforgettable Experiences, Chosen by Locals

Taormina has been dazzling travellers for more than two thousand years, and it has never run out of ways to do it. Within a few kilometres you can sit in an ancient theatre with Etna smoking on the horizon, swim around a tiny island in water as clear as glass, sip almond wine in a medieval village above the clouds and hike across the lava fields of Europe’s most active volcano — all before dinner.

Here are the best things to do in Taormina, chosen by people who live here: the classics you should not miss, the beaches and boat trips, the day trips worth taking and the small pleasures that make a stay unforgettable. For where to base yourself, see where to stay in Taormina.

In town: the classics

01The Teatro Antico

The ancient Greek-Roman theatre is the soul of Taormina — and one of the most spectacularly located theatres of the ancient world. From the upper seats, the stage frames the coast and the snow-dusted cone of Etna. Come early to beat the crowds, or return on a summer evening for a concert or performance beneath the stars.

02Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile

Taormina’s elegant main street runs from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, lined with palazzi, churches, boutiques and cafés. Halfway along, the terrace of Piazza IX Aprile opens onto one of the finest views in Sicily. Join the evening passeggiata, when the whole town comes out to stroll.

03The Duomo and Palazzo Corvaja

Taormina’s fortress-like medieval cathedral and its baroque fountain anchor Piazza Duomo, while nearby Palazzo Corvaja is one of the town’s most beautiful historic buildings, mixing Arab, Norman and Gothic influences.

04The gardens of the Villa Comunale

Created in the late 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan, these gardens are a shady oasis of exotic plants, eccentric follies and sea views — perfect for a quiet hour away from the Corso.

The sea: beaches and boats

05Isola Bella

The pearl of the Ionian: a tiny island and nature reserve linked to the shore by a strip of pebbles, surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear water. Read our complete guide to Isola Bella.

06Mazzarò and the cable car

Ride the cable car from the centre down to the Bay of Mazzarò in a few minutes, then spend the day on one of Taormina’s loveliest beaches, with beach clubs, deep blue water and cliffs on either side.

07A boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra

Boats leave from Mazzarò for trips along the coast, slipping into the sea caves — including the Grotta Azzurra — and stopping for swims around Isola Bella. Choose a small group, a sunset cruise or a private boat for the day.

08Snorkelling along the rocks

The protected waters around Isola Bella and Capo Sant’Andrea are some of the clearest on the coast, full of fish and rock formations just a few metres from shore.

Day trips from Taormina

09Mount Etna

Europe’s highest active volcano dominates every view from Taormina. Guided tours take you to the craters of past eruptions, through lava fields and into lava caves, with tastings of local wine and honey on the way down. Sunset tours are especially spectacular.

10The Alcantara Gorge

A canyon of basalt columns carved by an icy river, less than an hour from Taormina. Walk the paths above, or wade into the gorge itself on a hot day.

11Etna wine tasting

The volcanic slopes of Etna produce some of Italy’s most exciting wines. Visit a winery for a tasting among the vineyards, with lunch overlooking the sea.

12Savoca, Forza d’Agrò and The Godfather

The hill villages north of Taormina were used as locations in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. In Savoca, you can still have a granita at Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone met Apollonia’s father.

13Giardini Naxos and its archaeological park

Just south of Taormina, the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily, with a museum, ancient walls and a long sandy beach for the afternoon.

14Syracuse and Ortigia

A longer day trip south to one of the great cities of the ancient world, with its Greek theatre, baroque cathedral and the island of Ortigia.

Small pleasures

15Castelmola and almond wine

Walk or take the bus up to the medieval village of Castelmola for breathtaking views over Taormina and the coast — and a glass of local almond wine in one of its cafés.

16Granita and brioche

The Sicilian breakfast: a cold granita — almond, pistachio, coffee or mulberry — with a warm brioche for dipping. In summer, it is the only sensible way to start the day.

17A Sicilian cooking class

Learn to make cannoli, arancini or fresh pasta with a local cook, then sit down to eat what you made with a glass of Etna wine.

18A photoshoot in Taormina

Taormina’s lanes, terraces and beaches are among the most photogenic places in Italy. A professional shoot is a beautiful way to remember a honeymoon, proposal or family holiday — VanSky Studio photographs couples and families all over Taormina and Isola Bella.

Do the theatre at nine, the beach at noon and Castelmola at sunset. That is Taormina in one perfect day.

Frequently asked questions

What is Taormina best known for?

Taormina is best known for its ancient Greek-Roman theatre with views of Mount Etna, its elegant historic centre, and the beaches of Isola Bella and Mazzarò below the town.

How many days do you need in Taormina?

Three to four days allows time for the town, the beaches and a boat trip, plus day trips to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorge.

Is Taormina worth visiting?

Yes. Few places combine ancient history, dramatic views, beautiful beaches and easy access to Mount Etna as Taormina does. Visit in May, June or September for the best balance of weather and crowds.

Can you visit Mount Etna from Taormina?

Yes. Mount Etna is easily reached on a guided day or half-day tour from Taormina, including sunset tours and visits to lava caves and wineries.

Disclosure: Cohen House is a partner of this guide. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Opening hours and tour schedules change; please check before you go. Photography by VanSky Studio, Taormina.