9 Wonderful Things To Do In Taormina, Sicily
(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)
Undoubtedly one of the most popular places in Sicily, Taormina will charm you. This hilltop town has seen multiple reigns of power on its land. Hence, what one sees today is a perfect mix of Arabic, Roman, and Gothic cultures that have influenced the city through centuries. In this post, I will share all the must-see attractions and things to do in Taormina.
This town is a treasure trove of beauty. However, I have to admit that there are a few things that you should know about this place before visiting for a complete experience.
Due to its location on the mountain and its proximity to Mt Etna, the city has been the favorite among many travelers.
So, let me show you all the top things to do in Taormina that you can’t miss.
Contents
Things To Do In Taormina
1. St. Nicholas Cathedral Of Taormina
If you visit Taormina, this is one of the first attractions you should visit!
St. Nicholas Cathedral of Taormina is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was built in the thirteenth century. Since then it has been renovated three times. The causes of renovation were a revolution, the effects of different rulers, and some natural calamities like earthquakes.
Despite the renovations, the beauty of the cathedral has not lessened even a little bit.
The entrance door has been re-established while the giant white walls still tell the tale of time. The main chapel is guarded by the chapel of Holy Sacrament on the left which has been built in Baroque style. The chapel of Our Lady of Grace on the right has been built in Gothic style.
The main part of the church is the Visitation of the Virgin Mary with Saint Joseph and Zechariah. It is beautiful and is the most attractive part of the cathedral. The architecture and mixed design of the church which has been influenced many times is also something to look at.
2. Piazza IX Aprile
This Piazza is the main square of Taormina. It is the most artistic and aesthetically rich place to get into that Italian vibe. The chess-checkered floor and benches all around the square amalgamate the perfect place to sit and gaze at the cultural center of the city.
You can only walk through the piazza as most of the streets around it do not allow any vehicles. Also, if you are visiting Taormina during any festival or an Italian holiday, this is the perfect place to be.
Taking pictures of this picturesque town is one of the most loved things to do in Taormina by visitors. This is also the place that connects the old Taormina with the new one.
So, no matter where you want to go, you will end up going through the piazza.
3. The Greek Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina)
There is no doubt that Taormina and Catania hold special places in the heart of Sicily. These places not only have cultural significance but also have a mass historical value attached to them. One of the main reasons could be the giant Greek theatre built in both cities.
Taormina’s Greek Theatre stands strong for the third century BC. While the theatre from Catania has a separately maintained stage for the Orchestra.
One of the most amazing things to do in Taormina is visiting the Greek Theatre. You would be left aghast by the magnificence and the size of it. The pillars still stand strong for you to witness the place where once the entire state used to come together to get entertained.
The theatre is well worth a tour to notice the structure and architecture. Here you can find the skip-the-line tickets for the Greek Theatre of Taormina in advance.
4. Villa Comunale
Pictures from this place have often been found on various Pinterest boards and vision boards of many travelers. But only a few people realize the true beauty of this place and how heavenly it looks. The credit goes to a Scottish noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan who maintained the garden for its enchanting natural beauty.
It was opened for public visitation in 1922 and has been an estate of peace and grounding energy since then. The park has a lot of greenery and trees.
It has marble balconies built on the edge of the rock formation where you can sit and enjoy the salty breeze while gazing at the turquoise waters to the horizon.
The gardens become all so magical on a sunny day. You will find an idol of the lady herself and various other pieces of art that you would love to capture with your camera. This is the most wholesome experience that you are going to have here.
5. Mt Etna
What could be better than visiting a volcano from the city of Taormina? There are various routes through which you can visit the volcano and enjoy the site of the city from a certain height. The distance between the volcano and the city is 30 km.
Considering the coiled-up path to the mountain, it takes around 54.5 km to reach the highest spot in the city. There are daily guided tours available from the city.
For the picturesque views that one can get from that height, it is always considered a must for every tourist who visits Taormina.
Here are some of the best Mt Etna tours from Taormina that will allow you to make the most of your visit:
- Mount Etna food and wine tasting tour: This tour is inclusive of a visit to a scenic winery, an exploration of the lava terrains of Mount Etna, and an organic lunch that serves a variety of Italian dishes. You will also be served the homemade Limoncello which is a popular Italian lemon liqueur. Hotel transfers and a well-versed guide will add more to your convenience of visiting Mount Etna.
- Mount Etna morning trek: This tour starts at 8:30 AM from the foothills of Mount Etna. It takes you through craters, lava tunnels, and ancient woods to an otherworldly landscape of the mountain The tour is inclusive of trekking equipment, rental wearables, lunch, insurance, and return transfers.
- Mount Etna sunset tour: I took this one! The Mount Etna sunset tour is a favorite amongst travelers. Watching the sunset from the top is a cherished experience. The tour is inclusive of hotel transfers, tastings of local produce and wine from organic farms, lava cave visits, and more.
6. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island near Taormina. It is just 12 minutes from the city. The beauty of this island is alluring. When one glances at the vast sea near Taormina, one wonders about diving into it. If you are one of them, you can always head to the little island to dive deep and have as much fun as you want.
The island is also known as The Pearl of the Ionian Sea. It was a private property but was opened for public recreation with a minimal fee of 4 euros per person. The island has been visited regularly by conservationists because of its flora and fauna.
Apart from diving deep into the blue waters, you would love the hospitality, the environment, and the enchanting sunsets here that you are going to fall in love with.
You can also visit Isola Bella from Taormina on a scenic boat tour. This tour is inclusive of snacks, drinks (juice, tea, soft drinks, and wine), and snorkeling equipment.
7. Madonna Della Rocca
Reaching the Madonna della Rocca is not that difficult if you prefer hiking. The church is built at the top of the mountain. The views from the church are unparalleled. It was built around the 12th century. So, you can imagine the design and architectural capability invested into building that.
Apart from that, on your way, you would find the place where Christ was being crucified and later disappeared leaving the cross intact.
You will find yourself on a roller coaster of emotions until you reach the church which itself is a sort of museum with paintings on the walls and little halls filled with collections from the time of the crucifixion.
8. Castelmola
Castelmola is known as one of the most beautiful Sicilian villages in Italy. Perched on a mountain above Taormina this village stays aloof from the city. It most certainly looks like a place straight from a fiction book instead of a real place.
You would love the colorful buildings and pleasing surroundings. The sight of other mountains, blue water beneath, and pristine air teleports you to heaven.
With an area of 16.4 kilometers and a population of a mere over 1000, you can visit this place in the afternoon. But don’t leave just yet because the sunset would look angelic from this place and you might certainly not want to miss it.
9. Corso Umberto
If you want to shop from real Taormina, it should be from the street shops of Corso Umberto. It has been the main shopping street of the city since the time of the last king who ruled in Italy.
From boutique shops where you can buy clothes for yourself to restaurants, bars, and antique shops that will lure you in to buy carefully crafted pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The Gelato from this street is also very famous.
The street is so long and looks beautiful and lit during the evenings. You can have your food every day here because you will find a lot of variety here. The menu of these places is different but you would find lip-smacking cuisines in every restaurant or eatery.
If you would like to relish the traditional Sicilian food and wine, I recommend you to this incredible walking tour that starts from Corso Umberto.
You will get to try a variety of fresh seafood and appetizers like bruschetta, caponata, cold cuts, and more along with delicious wines and pastries.
Where To Stay In Taormina, Sicily
There are numerous accommodations in Taormina for you to choose from. However, the best place to stay in the city is its historic center. All the major attractions and the vibrance will be close to you. Book well in advance to make sure that you get your vacation home, especially during the peak season (April to October).
Below are our highly recommended finds for accommodations in the historic center of the city.
Budget (< € 50): B&B Odeon is located just 200 meters from Corso Umberto. Modern, clean, and comfortable rooms are available here starting from € 45. This B&B is an excellent choice for backpackers and couples looking for a cheap stay in Taormina.
Mid Range (up to € 100): (I stayed here!) Located at a 3-minute walk from the Greek Theater of Taormina and in the heart of Taormina’s historic center is Casa Turrisi. Rooms are well equipped with modern amenities, impeccably clean, soundproofed, and comfortable. Almost all rooms have a private balcony with lovely city views. Facilities at the hotel also include an airport shuttle, family rooms, and a sun terrace with a seating area. This hotel is a perfect value-for-money option for staying in Taormina.
Luxury (€ 100+): If you are looking for an affordable luxury option, look no further. The Hotel Villa Taormina is a historic hotel set in the heart of the city. The rooms are bright, spacious, and beautifully decorated with antique furnishings. They also serve the best breakfast buffet in their restaurant. The sun terrace of the hotel overlooks the incredible Mount Etna, the historic center, and the sea. More facilities of the hotel include access to the airport shuttle, organized walking tours, bike rentals, heated rooms, a lovely sitting area with sun umbrellas, and a hot tub.
Taormina also has an ultra luxurious hotel, Grand Hotel Timeo for those looking for a fairytale and splurge-worthy experience of hospitality.
Now that you know about the best things to do in Taormina, I am sure you will have a great time in this astounding part of Sicily. You will agree that it is known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea” rightfully.