Practical Info
Accommodation
Homstel Hostel Taormina
Type: Hostel
Location: Slightly outside Taormina with hillside views
Vibe: Small, basic, a bit chaotic
Price: Budget
Notes:
Mixed experience overall. The hostel has a great view, but facilities are quite basic and not well maintained. The “bar” is informal (basically a table), and guests cannot bring their own drinks due to that setup. Security felt weak at times (doors often left open, no keys provided), and bathrooms are outdated. Staff was friendly, but overall it’s not a place I would personally recommend for a return stay.
Transportation
Getting to Taormina:
- Arrive at Taormina-Giardini Railway Station (Giardini Naxos–Taormina station)
- From there, take a local AST bus or Interbus shuttle up to Taormina town center
Bus details:
- Ride duration: ~10–15 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Very steep and winding mountain road with sharp curves
- Can be uncomfortable if you have motion sickness or fear of heights
Getting around:
- Taormina town itself is fully walkable
- Small and compact historic center
Activities & Sights
Beaches & coastal areas
Isola Bella
A UNESCO-protected small island connected to the mainland by a thin sand strip. One of the most famous beaches in Sicily.
Giardini Naxos (La Nike Beach area)
A relaxed coastal bay area near Taormina with a lively beach vibe. Good for swimming, chilling, and boat tours.
Boat experience:
We joined a GetYourGuide boat tour (Giardini Naxos – Taormina coastline – Isola Bella – Grotta Azzurra / Blue Grotto). The trip included a surprise upgrade due to low bookings, plus free drinks and food onboard.
Main sights
Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre of Taormina)
Ancient Greek-Roman theatre with one of the most iconic views in Sicily overlooking Mount Etna and the coastline.
Parco Archeologico Naxos
Archaeological site of the ancient Greek colony of Naxos with ruins and sea views.
Villa Comunale di Taormina (Public Gardens)
Small but beautiful public park with shaded paths and scenic viewpoints.
Corso Umberto I
Main pedestrian street of Taormina filled with shops, cafés, restaurants, and constant activity.
Piazza Duomo & Fontana di Piazza Duomo
Central square with a cathedral and fountain. Atmospheric, but slightly more expensive due to its central location. It also has a variety of nice restaurants and cafés.
Belvedere di Via Pirandello
Panoramic viewpoint overlooking Isola Bella and the coastline.
Hidden gems
Castelmola
A hilltop village above Taormina with one of the best sunset views in Sicily. Highly recommended in the evening for dinner, drinks, and sunset before taking the last bus back down.
Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
Small church carved into the rock above Taormina with panoramic views over the town and coastline.
Food & Drinks
Ristorante Don Diego
Traditional Sicilian restaurant with local dishes in a casual setting.
Pierdecat Sicilian Bistro (di Saglimbene Piero)
Small local bistro offering Sicilian cuisine with a more authentic feel compared to tourist restaurants.
Social & Connections
- Taormina has a calmer, less backpacker-heavy social scene
- More couples and older travelers than young solo travelers
- Best social interaction happens in:
- Giardini Naxos beach area
- Boat tours
- Castelmola sunset spots
Tip:
- Activities are key for social vibe, not wandering the town alone
Tips & Tricks
- Stay 1–2 nights max (small destination)
- More expensive than cities like Palermo due to tourism and hill location
- Fully walkable once in town
- Best experience: sunset in Castelmola
- Boat tours are 100% worth it (Isola Bella + coastline + Blue Grotto)
- Limited nightlife and backpacker scene
- Beautiful but not activity-heavy
Conclusion
Taormina is a visually stunning but compact destination. It’s perfect for a short stay focused on scenery, beaches, and sunsets rather than long exploration. It is more expensive and less social than places like Palermo, but the views from Isola Bella, Teatro Antico, and Castelmola make it one of the most beautiful stops in Sicily.
!!!!!! I’ve put all these spots into a FREE Google Map, check it out HERE!
