Taormina Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Tips (2026)

Taormina was one of those places where getting there was already part of the experience.

I explored Taormina with my cousin during our two-week backpacking trip around Sicily. We spent our days walking through little streets, searching for the cheapest Aperol, chasing viewpoints and taking in the incredible views over the coastline.

Getting there was slightly less glamorous. The bus ride up the mountain was… intense. But once we arrived, I immediately understood why so many people come here.

With its historic streets, sea views, beaches, ancient ruins and beautiful sunsets, Taormina was one of my favourite stops in Sicily.

This Taormina travel guide covers the best things to do in Taormina, the beaches and coastal areas to visit, where to eat, how to get around, the best viewpoints and a few places nearby that are worth adding to your trip.

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

Where to Stay in Taormina

Homstel Hostel Taormina

Type: Hostel
Location: Slightly outside Taormina with hillside views
Vibe: Small, basic and informal
Price: Budget

My experience at Homstel Taormina was mixed.

The location and views are beautiful, but I found the facilities very basic and not particularly well maintained. The setup also felt quite informal, and I personally wouldn’t choose to stay there again.

The important thing is that I would still absolutely recommend Taormina as a destination. My experience with this particular hostel shouldn’t put you off visiting the town itself.

If you’re looking for somewhere else to stay, it’s worth comparing accommodation options in Taormina before booking, especially because prices can vary a lot depending on the season.

If you’re backpacking around Italy and looking for more hostel recommendations, I’ve also shared my Italy Hostel Reviews based on my own experiences.

How to Get to Taormina

One of the first things to know about Taormina is that the town itself sits high above the coast.

If you’re arriving by train, you’ll usually arrive at Taormina-Giardini station, which is down near the coast rather than in the historic centre.

From the station, you can continue towards Taormina by local bus or taxi. The journey up the hill is short, but the road is steep and winding.

And yes, that bus ride can be an experience in itself.

Getting Around Taormina

Once you’re in the historic centre, Taormina is very walkable.

The main streets are pedestrian-friendly and most of the sights are within walking distance of each other. You won’t need a car to explore the town itself.

However, getting to places such as Isola Bella, the train station or Giardini Naxos means going downhill and using transport or walking a much longer route back up.

If you’re travelling around Sicily by public transport like I did, Taormina is definitely manageable, just don’t underestimate the hills.

If you’re travelling around the island by public transport, I’ve also explained how to get around Sicily, including trains, buses and renting a car.

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

Best Things to Do in Taormina

Taormina is relatively small, but there is still plenty to see.

The best part for me was honestly just walking around and taking in the views. You don’t need a packed itinerary here to have a good time.

If you want a more detailed list of what to see and do, check out my guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Taormina.

Beaches & Coastal Areas

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is one of the most famous places to visit in Taormina.

The small island sits just off the coast and is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach. The combination of the clear water, rocky coastline and surrounding cliffs makes it one of the most recognisable views in the area.

It can get very busy, especially in summer, so don’t expect a completely quiet beach experience.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is the coastal town below Taormina and is a nice option if you want more of a relaxed beach atmosphere.

The La Nike Beach area is good for swimming, relaxing by the sea and booking boat trips along the coast.

Boat Tour from Giardini Naxos

One of my favourite experiences around Taormina was a boat tour along the Giardini Naxos and Taormina coastline.

We visited the area around Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto, and our boat trip even came with a surprise upgrade because there weren’t many bookings that day. We also got drinks and food on board.

Here are some great options

Main Sights in Taormina

Teatro Antico di Taormina

The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is probably the most famous attraction in town.

The ancient Greek-Roman theatre is impressive in its own right, but what makes it particularly special is the view. From the theatre, you can see the coastline and Mount Etna in the distance.

It’s one of those places where you’ll probably spend as much time looking at the view as looking at the ruins.

Parco Archeologico di Naxos

The Parco Archeologico di Naxos is located along the coast below Taormina.

It contains the remains of the ancient Greek colony of Naxos and combines archaeological ruins with views towards the sea.

Villa Comunale di Taormina

The Villa Comunale is Taormina’s beautiful public garden.

It’s a peaceful place to escape the busy streets for a while, with shaded paths, plants and viewpoints overlooking the coast.

Corso Umberto I

Corso Umberto I is the main pedestrian street through Taormina’s historic centre.

It’s lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and beautiful buildings, and it’s impossible to visit Taormina without walking along it.

This is also where you’ll find much of the town’s lively atmosphere during the day.

Piazza Duomo

Piazza Duomo is one of Taormina’s main squares and home to the cathedral and the distinctive Fontana di Piazza Duomo.

It’s a beautiful place to stop for a drink or meal, although restaurants directly around the main square can be more expensive because of the location.

Belvedere di Via Pirandello

If you’re looking for a viewpoint in Taormina, add Belvedere di Via Pirandello to your list.

From here you get beautiful views over Isola Bella and the coastline below.

Hidden Gems & Places Near Taormina

Castelmola

Castelmola was one of my favourite places around Taormina.

This small hilltop village sits above Taormina and has incredible views over the town, coastline and Mount Etna.

I especially recommend going around sunset.

Have dinner or a drink while the sun goes down, then make your way back towards Taormina. Just make sure you check the last bus times beforehand if you’re relying on public transport.

Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

The Chiesa Madonna della Rocca is a small church built into the rock above Taormina.

The walk up is steep, but you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Taormina and the surrounding coastline.

If you enjoy viewpoints and don’t mind climbing a few stairs, it’s worth adding to your Taormina itinerary.

Where to Eat & Drink in Taormina

Taormina is more expensive than somewhere like Palermo, especially around the busiest tourist streets.

That doesn’t mean you can’t eat well without spending a fortune, you just need to look a little beyond the most obvious tourist spots.

Ristorante Don Diego

Ristorante Don Diego serves traditional Sicilian dishes in a relaxed setting.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for classic local food rather than something overly fancy.

Pierdecat Sicilian Bistro

Pierdecat Sicilian Bistro (di Saglimbene Piero) is a small restaurant offering Sicilian food with a more local feel.

I liked it as an alternative to some of the more tourist-focused restaurants around the centre.

Aperitivo in Taormina

One of my favourite things to do in Taormina was simply sit somewhere with an Aperol Spritz and enjoy the views.

You don’t always need a full meal or a long list of activities. Sometimes Taormina is best enjoyed slowly, especially around sunset.

Social Scene in Taormina

Taormina has a different atmosphere from Palermo.

If you’re backpacking Sicily and looking for a big hostel scene with lots of solo travellers, Palermo is much more social in my experience.

Taormina felt more relaxed and attracted more couples and holidaymakers.

That doesn’t mean you can’t meet people here. Some of the easiest opportunities are:

Staying in a social hostel
Joining a boat tour
Spending time around Giardini Naxos
Going to Castelmola around sunset
Joining organised activities

If you’re looking for nightlife and a very social backpacker atmosphere, I would spend more time in Palermo. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and a slower pace, Taormina is a very different experience.

If you’re considering Palermo as well, my Palermo Travel Guide covers where to stay, what to do, where to eat and the city’s nightlife.

Taormina Travel Tips

A few things I wish I’d known before visiting:

Wear comfortable shoes. There are stairs, hills and steep streets.
Don’t underestimate the distance between the coast and the town. Taormina sits high above the sea.
Book popular activities in advance during peak season, especially boat tours.
Check your transport times, particularly if you’re going to Castelmola for sunset.
Expect higher prices than in Palermo, especially around the busiest streets.
Give yourself time to wander. You don’t need to fill every hour with activities.
Visit at sunset. The views are one of the biggest reasons I loved Taormina.
Consider staying outside the centre if you’re on a budget. Giardini Naxos can be worth looking at if you want to be closer to the coast and potentially find cheaper accommodation.
Don’t feel like you need to stay for a week. The main sights can be covered fairly quickly, but staying longer makes sense if you want beach days or nearby day trips.

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 Worth Visiting?

For me, absolutely.

Taormina was one of the nicest places I visited during my two weeks backpacking around Sicily. It’s beautiful, the views are incredible and there is something about walking through the historic centre with the sea below you that makes the place feel special.

At the same time, I wouldn’t pretend it’s the perfect destination for everyone.

Taormina is more expensive and less backpacker-focused than Palermo, and you can see the main sights relatively quickly. If you’re travelling Sicily on a tight budget, you might prefer spending more time in other parts of the island.

But if you have the time, I think Taormina is worth adding to your Sicily itinerary, especially if you want beautiful views, beaches, ancient history and a slower couple of days.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around the island, check out my Sicily Travel Guide for my full two-week route, transport tips and other places I visited.

You can also read my Palermo Travel Guide if you’re deciding which Sicilian city to visit first.

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

START BY AREA

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

10 Best Things to Do in Taormina, Sicily
Is Taormina Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

More Italy Travel Guides

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Best Places to Visit in Italy: My Honest Ratings of 11 Destinations
Is Italy Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion (2026)
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Italy Backpacking Budget: How Much Does It Cost?
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How to Travel Around Italy: Trains, Buses, Cars & More
Hostels in Italy Ranked: My Honest Backpacker Ranking

Frequently Asked Questions About Taormina

Is Taormina worth visiting?

Yes. Taormina is particularly worth visiting if you want beautiful coastal views, historic sights, beaches and a slower pace. I personally loved it and found it one of the nicest stops during my Sicily trip.

How many days do you need in Taormina?

One to two days is enough for the main highlights, including the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto, Villa Comunale, Isola Bella and Castelmola. Staying longer can make sense if you want more beach time, boat trips or day trips around eastern Sicily.

What are the best things to do in Taormina?

Some of the highlights include visiting the Ancient Theatre, walking along Corso Umberto, seeing Piazza Duomo, relaxing at Isola Bella, visiting Villa Comunale, taking a boat trip and watching the sunset from Castelmola.

Can you visit Taormina without a car?

Yes. Taormina itself is very walkable, and you can reach the town by train and then continue uphill by bus or taxi. You can also visit nearby places such as Giardini Naxos and Castelmola without renting a car, although you’ll need to pay attention to public transport schedules.

Is Taormina expensive?

Taormina is generally more expensive than places such as Palermo, particularly around the historic centre and the most popular tourist areas. However, you can still find more affordable food and accommodation if you look beyond the main tourist streets.

What is the best beach in Taormina?

Isola Bella is one of the most famous beach areas in Taormina. If you want a larger coastal area with more space and a different atmosphere, Giardini Naxos is another option nearby.

Is Taormina good for backpackers?

Yes, but it has a different atmosphere from Palermo. Taormina is less backpacker-focused and tends to attract more couples and holidaymakers. If meeting lots of other backpackers is important to you, Palermo may feel more social.

How do you get from Taormina train station to the town?

Taormina-Giardini railway station is located below the historic centre. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi uphill to Taormina. The road is steep and winding, so the journey can feel a little intense if you’re not used to it.

What should you not miss in Taormina?

If you only have a short time, I would prioritise the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto, Isola Bella, Villa Comunale and Castelmola at sunset. These give you a good mix of history, scenery and the atmosphere that makes Taormina special.