10 Best Things to Do in Taormina, Sicily

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Taormina, you’re in for a treat. Taormina is one of those places where the setting is almost as much of an attraction as the actual sights. The town sits high above the Ionian coast, with views towards Mount Etna and the sea, while beaches and coastal towns are just below.

I visited Taormina while backpacking around Sicily with my cousin, and it was actually my favourite stop of the trip. It is absolutely beautiful, although I don’t think you need a huge amount of time here. For me, one full day or two days is enough to see the main highlights, especially if you combine Taormina with Giardini Naxos and Castelmola.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Taormina, based on what I personally enjoyed during my visit.

If you’re looking for a more complete overview of the town, my Taormina Travel Guide covers where to stay, how to get around, beaches, food and other practical tips.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Sicily, my Sicily Travel Guide covers my two-week itinerary, where I stayed, how I got around and the other places I visited.

1. Visit Isola Bella

Isola Bella is probably the most recognisable coastal spot in Taormina.

This small island sits just off the coast and is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach. The combination of clear water, rocky coastline and the cliffs surrounding it makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit around Taormina. It is also one of the area’s most iconic sights.

You can spend some time swimming and relaxing here, or simply walk down to the viewpoint and enjoy the scenery.

Just keep in mind that Isola Bella can get very busy, particularly during summer. So if you’re expecting a completely peaceful beach, you might be disappointed.

Still, I would definitely include it on your Taormina itinerary.

Boat tour along the coast of Giardini Naxos Sicily

2. Spend Time in Giardini Naxos

If Taormina is all about being high above the coast, Giardini Naxos is where you go when you want to be down by the sea.

The town sits below Taormina and has beaches, a seafront promenade, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to spend time by the water.

I really liked combining the two because they give you quite different experiences.

The La Nike Beach area is a good place to swim and relax, and Giardini Naxos is also a convenient starting point for boat trips along the coast.

If you have more than one day in Taormina, I would definitely consider heading down here.

3. Take a Boat Tour from Giardini Naxos

One of my favourite things I did around Taormina was taking a boat tour from Giardini Naxos.

We sailed along the coastline towards Taormina and Isola Bella, including the area around the Blue Grotto. The views from the water were completely different from what you get when you’re walking around town.

And we got lucky: there weren’t many people booked onto our particular trip, so we ended up getting a surprise upgrade. We also had drinks and food on board, which made the whole experience even better.

Boat trips are also one of the activities specifically recommended for experiencing the coastline around Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

If you’re visiting during a busy period, I’d recommend booking ahead rather than just assuming you’ll find a boat on the day.

Here are some great options:

Powered by GetYourGuide

4. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina

The Teatro Antico di Taormina, or Ancient Theatre of Taormina, is probably the most famous attraction in the city.

And yes, it is impressive because of its history. But honestly, the view is probably what you’ll remember most.

The ancient theatre overlooks the coastline and offers views towards Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos. Its location is a huge part of what makes it special.

The theatre dates back to the Greek period and was later adapted during Roman times. Today, it is also used for cultural events and performances.

Give yourself some time here rather than rushing through it. You’ll probably spend almost as much time looking at the view as looking at the ruins.

Planning your Taormina trip?

I created a Taormina Google Map with my favourite things to do, restaurants, viewpoints, beaches and more.

I’m still a small beginner travel blog and spend a lot of time creating these guides while earning very little from them. That’s why I only ask €1 for my maps, it’s a small way to support my blog and help me keep creating free travel guides. ❤️

Taormina Google Map: €1

5. Wander Along Corso Umberto I

You don’t need to pay for an attraction to enjoy Taormina.

One of my favourite things to do was simply walk around the historic centre, especially along Corso Umberto I.

This is the main pedestrian street through Taormina and is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. It runs through the heart of the town and connects several of the main sights.

It’s also one of those places where I would recommend putting your phone away for a bit and just wandering.

Yes, it can get busy. Yes, there are plenty of tourist shops. But the streets are still incredibly pretty, and there are plenty of smaller side streets worth exploring too.

Corso Umberto I street in Taormina Sicily

6. Stop at Piazza Duomo

Piazza Duomo is another place you’ll almost certainly pass while exploring Taormina.

The square is home to the Cathedral of San Nicolò di Bari and the distinctive Baroque fountain in the centre.

It’s a good place to stop for a drink or something to eat while exploring the historic centre.

Just be aware that restaurants directly around the main square can be more expensive because of the location. If you’re travelling on a backpacker budget, I would wander a few streets away before choosing somewhere to eat.

7. Relax at Villa Comunale

Need a break from the crowds?

Head to Villa Comunale di Taormina, also known as the Public Garden.

It’s a beautiful green space with shaded paths, plants and viewpoints over the coastline. The gardens were originally created as a private garden by Lady Florence Trevelyan and later became a public park.

I think this is a particularly nice stop during the middle of the day when Taormina can feel hot and busy.

It’s not something you need hours for, but it’s an easy place to add to your itinerary while walking around town.

8. Watch the Sunset in Castelmola

If you only take one recommendation from this entire article, make it this one.

Castelmola is a small hilltop village above Taormina, with incredible views over Taormina, the Ionian coast and Mount Etna. It sits at more than 500 metres above sea level, which explains the spectacular views.

For me, going to Castelmola for sunset was the most beautiful thing I did during my entire Sicily trip.

We took the bus up from Taormina and watched the sunset from above the town. The whole landscape changes as the sun goes down, and the views are honestly ridiculous.

You can walk around the little village, have a drink or dinner and then head back to Taormina.

If you’re relying on public transport, check the last bus before you go. You don’t want to discover after sunset that you’ve missed your way back down.

If you’re travelling around Sicily without a car, I’ve also explained how to get around Sicily, including trains, buses and renting a car.

Sunset over Castelmola near Taormina Sicily

9. Visit Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Another viewpoint worth adding to your Taormina itinerary is Chiesa Madonna della Rocca.

This small church is built into the rock above Taormina, so getting there involves a steep walk and quite a few stairs.

But the reward is the panoramic view over Taormina and the coastline.

If you’re already planning to visit Castelmola, this is another good option for getting above the town and seeing just how dramatic Taormina’s location really is.

I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes because Taormina is definitely not flat.

Chiesa Madonna della Rocca above Taormina Sicily

10. Enjoy the View from Belvedere di Via Pirandello

Last but definitely not least: Belvedere di Via Pirandello.

If you want a beautiful viewpoint without committing to a long hike, this is an easy one to add to your Taormina itinerary.

From here, you can look down towards Isola Bella and the coastline below.

And honestly, this is one of the reasons I loved Taormina so much. You don’t always need to be doing something. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply stop somewhere with a ridiculous view and take it all in.

How Many Days Do You Need in Taormina?

You can see the main sights in one day, but I would personally recommend one to two days.

One day in Taormina

If you only have one day, I’d focus on:

  • Corso Umberto I
  • Piazza Duomo
  • Ancient Theatre
  • Villa Comunale
  • Isola Bella
  • Castelmola at sunset

That’s a busy day, but it gives you a really good introduction to Taormina.

Two days in Taormina

With two days, you can slow things down and add:

  • Giardini Naxos
  • A boat tour
  • More time at Isola Bella
  • Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
  • More time wandering Taormina’s streets

This is probably how I’d do it if I were visiting again.

If you’re still working out how much time you need for the whole island, I’ve also put together a guide to how many days you need in Sicily, with itinerary ideas from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Is Taormina Expensive?

One thing to know before visiting Taormina is that it isn’t the cheapest place in Sicily.

Because of its popularity and its location, prices can be higher than in some other Sicilian destinations. Restaurants, accommodation and drinks can add up quickly, especially around the most touristy areas.

I was travelling around Sicily as a backpacker, so I definitely noticed the difference compared with somewhere like Palermo.

You can still visit Taormina on a budget, but I wouldn’t make it the place where you expect to spend very little.

If you’re planning a longer Sicily trip, you might want to balance Taormina with cheaper destinations such as Palermo.

Is Taormina Good for Backpackers?

Yes, but with a small caveat.

I enjoyed Taormina as a backpacker, but I found it much less social than Palermo.

Taormina felt more like a destination for couples, families and holidaymakers, while Palermo had much more of that backpacker atmosphere with hostels, nightlife and travellers constantly meeting each other.

So if your main goal is meeting loads of other backpackers, Taormina might not be your favourite stop.

But if you’re travelling with your boyfriend, friends or family and want beautiful scenery, good food, beaches and a gorgeous town to explore, I think it works really well.

If you’re looking for a more social base, my Palermo Travel Guide covers the city’s hostels, nightlife, food and things to do.

Is Taormina Worth Visiting?

For me, absolutely.

Taormina was my favourite stop during my Sicily trip and one of the most beautiful places I visited.

I wouldn’t stay here for a week because I don’t think there are enough major sights to justify that for most travellers. But as a one- or two-day stop on a Sicily itinerary, I think it’s perfect.

The best part for me wasn’t even one of the famous attractions. It was taking the bus up to Castelmola for sunset and looking out over Taormina and the coast.

If you want beautiful views, beaches, historic sights and a more polished holiday atmosphere, Taormina is definitely worth adding to your Sicily trip.

Just be prepared for crowds, higher prices and those slightly terrifying winding roads getting up and down the mountain.

For more information, check out my Taormina Travel Guide and my Sicily Travel Guide for more ideas for your trip around the island.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

OR

START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

Related Posts

You may also like

Sicily in general

Palermo

More Italy Travel Guides

FAQ: Best Things to Do in Taormina

What are the best things to do in Taormina?

Some of the best things to do in Taormina include visiting the Ancient Theatre, relaxing at Isola Bella, walking along Corso Umberto I, exploring Villa Comunale and watching the sunset from Castelmola. A boat tour from Giardini Naxos is also a great way to see the coastline.

How many days do you need in Taormina?

I recommend spending one to two days in Taormina. One day is enough to see the main sights, while two days gives you more time for Isola Bella, Giardini Naxos, a boat tour and Castelmola.

Is Taormina worth visiting?

Yes, I definitely think Taormina is worth visiting. It was my favourite stop during my Sicily trip and one of the most beautiful places I visited. The views, coastline and historic centre make it a great addition to a Sicily itinerary.

What is the most beautiful place in Taormina?

For me, one of the most beautiful experiences was watching the sunset from Castelmola above Taormina. Isola Bella and the views from the Ancient Theatre are also among the highlights.

Is Isola Bella worth visiting?

Yes. Isola Bella is one of the most famous places around Taormina and is particularly beautiful if you enjoy beaches and coastal scenery. It can get very busy in summer, so don’t expect a completely quiet beach.

Can you visit Giardini Naxos from Taormina?

Yes. Giardini Naxos is located below Taormina and is easy to combine with a visit to the town. You can go there for the beaches, restaurants, boat tours and coastal atmosphere.

Is Castelmola worth visiting?

Absolutely. Castelmola was one of my favourite places around Taormina. The hilltop village has incredible views over Taormina, the coast and Mount Etna, and I especially recommend visiting around sunset.

Is Taormina expensive?

Taormina can be more expensive than other places in Sicily, particularly for accommodation, restaurants and drinks in the most touristy areas. Budget travellers can still visit, but it is worth keeping the higher prices in mind.

Is Taormina good for backpackers?

Taormina is possible to visit as a backpacker, but I found it less social than Palermo. The atmosphere felt more geared towards couples, families and holidaymakers, while Palermo had a stronger backpacker and hostel scene.

Can you visit Taormina without a car?

Yes. I travelled around Sicily by public transport and visited Taormina without a car. Trains and buses connect the area with other destinations, although getting up to Taormina involves winding roads and can take longer than expected.

What is the best time to visit Taormina?

Spring and early autumn can be good times to visit Taormina if you want more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is great for swimming and beach days, but it can be very hot and busy.

What should you not miss in Taormina?

If you only have limited time, I would prioritise the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto I, Isola Bella and Castelmola at sunset. If you have a second day, add Giardini Naxos and a boat tour.

Leave a Reply