I first stumbled on Taormina completely by accident. It was long before HBO’s White Lotus shone a spotlight on the town, and I hadn’t even glanced at a travel blog.
I was simply looking for somewhere to anchor my boat before crossing the Strait of Messina. A quick dinghy ride to shore and a bus up the hill dropped me into winding cobbled streets, pastel buildings and sea‑salt air. I only had one evening there, but I knew I’d be back.
A few years later I returned, this time by motorcycle from Catania. I spent days uncovering hidden beaches, tasting local specialties and soaking up the history. This guide is based on those visits and everything I learned along the way.
Why visit Taormina?
Taormina sits on a rocky promontory above the Ionian Sea. The views of Mount Etna and the coastline are hard to beat. The town began as a Greek colony more than 2,300 years ago. You can still walk among its ruins in UNESCO‑listed Greek theatre.
The theatre hosts concerts and performances today. Corso Umberto runs through the centre. It is lined with cafés, shops and historic buildings. Piazza IX Aprile looks out to the sea and Etna.
The public gardens offer a quiet break among palms and bougainvillea, while a quick cable car ride takes you down to pebble beaches with crystal water. Taormina blends ancient history, dramatic scenery and seaside charm in one small town. It is easy to reach from Catania in under an hour. That makes it a natural stop on any Sicily trip.
The best time to visit Taormina
Between April and October is the best time to visit Taormina. You’ll get the best temperatures, and the most of what the town has to offer. If large crowds aren’t your thing then aim for the shoulder seasons April-May and September-October.
My last visit was in early December. Prices were low, the skies were clear, and yet it was still warm enough to sit on the beach.
Here’s a quick run down to help you decide:
Spring (April–June) brings mild days of 16 °C to 24 °C, minimal rain and up to 13 hours of sun. Crowds are smaller and prices stay reasonable even as they start to climb in late May.
Summer (July–August) is beach season at its peak—highs near 28 °C, almost no rain and long sunny days, but expect crowded streets and the highest rates of the year.
Autumn (September–October) still delivers warm weather (20 °C–23 °C) with thinning crowds, more rain and better hotel deals.
Winter (November–March) is cooler (8 °C–13 °C), wetter and very quiet, making it the cheapest time to visit.
Top things to do in Taormina (excluding beaches)
Explore the Ancient Greek Theatre
Step into a 3rd‑century BC amphitheatre. Guided tours explain its history. From the stage you see Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Allow 60 to 90 minutes. Entry is about €10. It opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm (extended in summer).
Take the funivia ride to Mazzarò
Board the cable car just off Corso Umberto. Cars depart every 10 minutes from 8 am to 8 pm. The three‑minute ride drops you 220 metres down to the bay. A one‑way ticket costs €5, return is €9. Even if you are not heading to the beach, the view of the cliffs and sea is worth the trip.
Stroll Corso Umberto
Walk the 1 km main street at your own pace. Window‑shop local ceramics and leather goods. Stop for an espresso or gelato in one of the cafés. Allow 1 to 2 hours to soak up the atmosphere and explore side streets.
Sit in Piazza IX Aprile
Relax on the checkered square beneath the 13th‑century clock tower. Street musicians often play here in summer. Look out to sea and Mount Etna. No cost. Best visited at sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
Visit the Belvedere di Via Pirandello
A short walk or drive from town centre brings you to this roadside overlook. From here you get a clear view of Isola Bella below. Allow 10 minutes for photos. Parking is limited, so arrive early or on foot.
Wander Villa Comunale
Explore Lady Trevelyan’s 19th‑century public gardens. Palms and bougainvillea line shaded paths. Brick pavilions offer sea views. Open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Free entry. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour.
Visit the Cathedral (Duomo)
Enter the 13th‑century cathedral on Corso Umberto. Admire the Arab‑Norman façade and marble floors. A small museum displays religious art. Masses are held daily. No entry fee, though donations are welcome. Allow roughly 15-30 minutes.
Climb to Madonna della Rocca
Follow the footpath up Mount Tauro for panoramic views over the town. The hike takes about 30 minutes one way. No cost. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Take a short trip to Castelmola
This was actually the very first thing I did on arriving in Taormina, and I’m glad I took the time. The views from the top of the Castle are nothing short of breathtaking. You can even see across the Messina Straight, over to mainland Italy. What’s more, it’s absolutely free.
Catch the local bus or drive five minutes uphill. The village clings to the cliff face above Taormina. Sip almond wine at a hilltop café. Browse artisan shops. Round‑trip bus fare is around €3 and runs every 30 minutes. Plan for two to three hours.
Each of these activities adds depth to your Taormina visit. Together they reveal the town’s history, views and character beyond its beaches (below)
Best beaches in Taormina
Taormina’s beaches sit at the foot of the cliffs. You reach them by funivia. Each has its own character and facilities. Here are the top spots.
Mazzarò Bay lidos
Mazzarò Bay is lined with private lidos. Each offers sunbeds, umbrellas and a restaurant.
In Italy almost every organised stretch of sand or pebbles is run as a private “stabilimento balneare” or lido. These are usually family‑owned businesses passed down through generations, so the sunloungers (lettini) and umbrellas (ombrelloni) you see are not free.
Lido La Pigna sits on a rocky terrace above the water. A sunbed and umbrella cost about €20 per person per day. The restaurant serves seafood with sea views. It opens at 9 am and closes at sunset.
Lido Tao Beach has a sandy stretch and bar service. Entry is around €25 per person. Towels and lockers are available. The club runs from 9 am to 7 pm.
Lido Delfino combines a sun terrace with boat trips to the Blue Grotto and Isola Bella. Bed and umbrella start at €18. Boat tours cost extra. It opens at 8 am and closes at 6 pm.
Lido La Caravella is family run and praised for its full facilities. Day passes are about €22. Showers, changing rooms and a café are on site. Hours run from 9 am to 7 pm.
Isola Bella Beach
Isola Bella is a nature reserve linked to the shore by a narrow spit. You can walk there at low tide or take a small boat. The beach is free. It has pebbles, so bring water shoes. This is the one of the main attractions in Taormina and of course the iconic shot you’ll see across social media.
A local museum (€6 entry) explains the island’s flora and fauna. Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
Public beach at Spisone
Spisone lies a short drive east of Mazzarò. It has a long pebbly shore and shallow water. Sunbeds and umbrellas cost about €15 per person. A handful of seaside kiosks sell drinks and snacks. The beach opens at 8 am and closes at 7 pm.
All these beaches fill up in July and August. To avoid crowds, go early or visit in spring and autumn. Bring cash for lido tickets and local bars. A day at the beach will add a bright coast‑side contrast to your Taormina itinerary.
How to get to Taormina
Getting around in Sicily isn’t always the easiest, but actually getting to Taormina is pretty straightforward. There are bus and trains routes from Catania.
Direct trains run from Catania Centrale to Taormina, with the 35 minute journey costing less than €7. The station on the Taormina end is at the bottom of the hill. The walk up isn’t for the faint of heart. If your hotel is in the historic town, then it’s best to take a bus (€2), or taxi (€20) up to the top.
A full time table can be found on the Tren Italia website, and you can book your tickets online too.
Buses are available directly from Catania Airport. Timetables are posted online, but can change without notice. It’s always best to visit the kiosk and double check. The bus journey takes around an 1h 25mins and costs €7.
The good news is that buses go all the way up the hill, so you won’t have to walk too far to get to your hotel.
The Etna Transport website, lists bus schedules and ticket prices for both Enta Bus and Interbus brands.
Travelling from elsewhere? Here’s a handy table to help you plan your trip.
| From | Distance to Taormina | By Car | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catania | 55 km (34 miles) | 50-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes by train |
| Palermo | 270 km (168 miles) | 3-3.5 hours | 5.5–6 hours by train |
| Messina | 50 km (31 miles) | 45-50 minutes | 50 minutes by train |
| Mount Etna (South) | 60 km (37 miles) | 1.5-2 hours via Nicolosi | No direct route (best by tour or car) |
| Mount Etna (North) | 65 km (40 miles) | 1.5-2 hours via Linguaglossa | No direct route |
How long in Taormina
Taormina can fit into almost any Sicily trip. How long you spend here depends on what you want to get out of it. You could see the main highlights in an evening or settle in by the sea for several days.
After visiting twice, my recommendations are as follows:
4-6 hours
Just a few hours is enough to enjoy the main part of town. My first visit saw me arrive in the early evening. I roamed Corso Umberto, before heading up to Castello di Mola to enjoy the sunset, have a great dinner, and then head back down to Taormina for drinks and dessert.
1 – 2 days
A full day in Taormina gives you enough time to visit the Greek Theatre, wander around Villa Comunale (public gardens), climb the steps up Mount Tauro and enjoy panoramic of the city and the sea.
In the evening you’ll be able to wander Corso Umberto, see Piazza IX Aprile, visit the cathedral, and enjoy a great Italian dinner.
The extra day, if staying for two days, allows you to do these at a more relaxed pace, and also take the Funvia down to Isola Bella and enjoy some beach time, or even a short boat ride to visit Grotta Azzurra.
2 -3 days
Spending two to three days in Taormina gives you enough time to explore all of the main attractions, as well a speeding some time on the beach. The more relaxed pace allows you to soak up the atmosphere and create long lasting memories.
Where to stay in Taormina
Taormina has a reputation for being expensive. In fact travel bloggers guide calls it a place for one-percenters. While it can be more expensive than other parts of Sicily, a trip to Taormina doesn’t have to break the budget. You’ll pay for the location, and season.
Prices in the height of summer can easily be triple of those in the off-season, in fact my 3 night December stay was less than €70 a night between two of us. That same Aparthotel in the summer is over €220 a night.
Historic centre (Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile)
If you only have a day or two, then you’re going to want to be in the historic centre to maximise your time and soak up its charm. You’ll pay a premium, but you’ll save time and energy.
Hotel Isabella – Rooms from €300 – €500 in summer, dropping to less than €100 a night in the off-season. Simple décor, a rooftop terrace and a 2‑minute walk to Corso Umberto.
Casa Carmine – Two‑bedroom apartments in a historic 1700s building with free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and balcony. Prices run about €240 in the summer, and €150 in winter.
It’s steps from the Duomo and the funivia station, making it easy to reach all the main sights. this is where I stayed during my visit.
By the beach (Mazzarò Bay, Isola Bella)
If staying by the beach is more your style, with the occasional trip into town via cable car, bus or taxi, then you’ll often enjoy cheaper prices and more spacious accommodation.
Hotel Villino Gallodoro is a top pick here. It’s just a few short steps to Isola Bella Beach, and less than 100 metres to the cable car, it’s excellently located to allow you take in the best of what Taormina has to offer.
Hotel Baia Azzurra Taormina – A simple beachfront hotel 150 m from the shore. Rooms €100 off‑season and €170–€200 in high season. It has a sun terrace and onsite restaurant.
Upper town luxury (Castelmola Slope, Belvedere)
These hillside properties offer peace and panoramic vistas. You’ll pay for it, but you’ll be rewarded with top class service, amenities, and attention to detail.
Hotel Villa Ducale – Super expensive, crazy beautiful. This is the place to go if you want sweeping panoramas and luxury. Terraced gardens, private balconies and a roof terrace. Doubles from €550 in summer; €400 in winter. Shuttle to the centre included.
Hotel Villa Angela – Classic Sicilian décor, cliff‑top pool and unbeatable views of Etna and the sea. €500 plus in peak season; and not much cheaper off‑season.
Practical Tips for Visiting Taormina
Taormina is full of charm, but it can be tricky on first visit.
Don’t drive in town
If you hire a car, don’t drive in town. Taormina’s centre is closed to most traffic. Narrow streets and limited parking make driving more hassle than it’s worth. Instead, park in one of the paid lots, Porta Catania, Lumbi or Porta Pasquale, and take a hotel shuttle or walk in.
Book ahead to save time and money
The Ancient Greek Theatre and popular restaurants fill up fast in summer. Look for early‑bird or online‑only ticket discounts for attractions like the theatre or Isola Bella boat tours.
Reserve tables or tours at least two weeks before travel to lock in better rates and avoid queues
Use the cable car and buses
The funivia runs every 10–15 minutes from 8 am to around 8 pm for €5 one‑way, €9 return. Even if you’re not heading to the beach, the ride offers unbeatable views for a small price.
For a budget alternative to taxis, InterBus shuttles link Taormina to Mazzarò and Isola Bella for about €2 each way
Carry some cash and refillable water
Many lidos, cafés and small shops accept only cash. ATMs can run dry in peak months, so bring enough euros for daily expenses. Tap water is safe in most restaurants; carry a refillable bottle to stay hydrated and cut costs
Watch the midday shut‑down
Like much of Sicily, Taormina slows down from about 1 pm to 4 pm. Many shops and family‑run eateries close for riposo. Plan your shopping and sightseeing either before lunch or after mid‑afternoon.
Mind your step and the crowd
The town is built on a steep hill with cobbled alleys and stone stairs. Wear sturdy shoes. In July and August the lanes can become bottlenecks. Move off Corso Umberto at peak times or explore side streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taormina safe?
Absolutely, Taormina is safe to walk around during the day and night, and even display your valuables. It’s probably the safest town in all of Sicily. In fact, during my stay I accidentally left the key in my €15,000 motorcycle for two nights. Despite being parked near one of the main view points in Taormina. The bike was still there when I came to collect it.
Is Taormina expensive?
Yes, compared to many parts of Sicily and Southern Italy Taormina is expensive. This is especially true in the peak summer months, where it can be difficult to find hotels for less than €120 a night.
In general though, Taormina isn’t particularly expensive compared to other popular tourist destinations such as Split, or Kotor. Food and drink is well priced, and local transport (taxis excluded), is economical.
Is Taormina worth visiting?
Absolutely! Taormina offers a stunning mix of history, architecture, food, beaches, and magnificent views. If you’re taking a trip to Sicily, you shouldn’t miss it.
Is Taormina too touristy?
Yes, and no. In the summer months Taormina is a tourist hotspot and the main sights such as Corso Umberto can be packed with local and foreign tourists. Yet, visit off-season and you’ll have all the space you need for a clam relaxing trip.
How far from Etna is Taormina?
Taormina is roughly an 90 – 120 minutes from Etna, but you’ll need to hire a car to get there directly, or use a local tour guide.
Does Taormina have a beach?
Yes, Mazzarò Beach and the spectacular Isola Bella are the two most popular beaches in Taormina and are frequently visited by tourists. The latter especially, is a great place to capture that social media snapshot.
