Taormina Travelers Recommend

The hilltop town of Taormina is both both rich history and an excellent launching off point for exploring the rest of Sicily. On a three day trip, you’ll have time to visit the local Greek Theater, go snorkeling along the coastline, taste Sicilian wines at Mount Etna, and more. Here are a few ways to spend 3 days in Taormina.

Day 1: Get to Know Taormina

On your first day, get the lay of the land on a tour that will let you explore the city at a leisurely pace: Get your bearings with a ride on the hop-on, hop-off bus, or set out on a sightseeing walking tour including local landmarks like the Greek Theater, Corvaia Palace, and Porta Messina. Admire views of Mount Etna, and learn about the history of the Piccolo Teatro Odeon. 

In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture. Take a food and wine tour, and enjoy a variety of Sicilian wines and Italian liquors alongside traditional snacks while soaking up the atmosphere of Taormina’s nightlife. Opera fans can also catch a performance of Italian arias by composers like Verdi or Puccini.

Day 2: Sicily by Boat, Helicopter, and Jeep

Spend a day outdoors, and enjoy the natural beauty around Taormina. Options abound: Set out on a boat tour along the coast for a few hours of swimming, snorkeling, or fishing, or catch a glimpse into the beauty of the Sicilian countryside with a horseback tour through vineyards and olive groves. Adventurous travelers can even board a helicopter for a scenic tour over Mount Etna that includes views of the city (including its historic Greek Theater) from above, and a flight over lava fields and the volcano’s crater. 

You can also visit Mount Etna in the evening. Take a guided walk around the mountain, ride on a cable car, or explore in a Jeep. Watch the sunset over the coast and the countryside from the top of the volcano, then stop for a local dinner on your way back to town. 

Day 3: Wine, History, or Movie-Focused Day Trips

On your last day, set out to explore more of Sicily. A variety of themed tours can help you focus your trip. Travelers interested in spending more time on Mount Etna can plan a trip to the top of the volcano; options include hiking, quad biking, or Jeep tours. Mount Etna is also home to several wineries, so oenophiles can combine a trip to the mountain with a tasting tour. 

Movie fans may want to join a tour focused on “The Godfather” films, which visits filming locations such as the towns of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò. Alternatively, you can explore more historic cities with a visit to Syracuse and Noto or take an archeology-focused tour of the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale. Lastly, if you want to venture outside of Sicily, you can also book day trips to the Aeolian Islands, and spend your last day in the area enjoying the sights of other (much smaller) islands.

Taormina is renowned for its mountaintop Greek Theater and magnificent views of Mount Etna, but the Sicilian hilltop town is also home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Here are some of the best places to top up your tan along Sicily’s East Coast. 

Lido Mazzaro

Reached by cable car from Taormina, Lido Mazzaro (or Mazzaro Beach) is one of the most popular beaches in all of Sicily. Head there to stroll the pebbly beach, take a dip in one of the bathing lidos, or lounge on a sunbed sipping cocktails.

Giardini-Naxos

Just south of Taormina, Giardini Naxos is undeniably picturesque, with a mixture of pebble and sandy beach, and a lush Mediterranean backdrop. As the longest beach in the area, there are ample spots to swim, snorkel, or take part in water sports, while the seafront promenade is lined with chic bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Isola Bella

The ‘beautiful island’ of Isola Bella lives up to its name, with a scenic stretch of beach linking the tiny island to the mainland. Head out to the island, where you can explore the Isola Bella nature reserve, take a boat cruise around the Grotta Azurra and Capo Taormino sea caves, or tuck into a seafood lunch at a traditional Sicilian trattoria.

Aeolian Islands

The UNESCO-listed Aeolian Archipelago is dotted with remote beaches, hidden bays, and natural wonders, and a full-day cruise from Taormina is the best way to take in the highlights. Admire the black sand beaches of Panarea and Stromboli islands; visit the historic towns and mud baths of Vulcano and Lipari islands; or dive in to swim and snorkel in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

From its hilltop location to its Greek Theater, Taormina is striking from all angles. On a visit, stroll through the historic streets, browse the market for ingredients for a cooking class, and learn about Sicilian wines on a wine-focused tour. Here are tips for getting the most out of one day in Taormina.

Morning: Welcome to Taormina

Get your bearings on an introductory tour of the city. For ease, choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Or, take a walking tour with a local guide to see top landmarks including the Greek Theater (once host to gladiatorial games), Corvaia Palace, and Porta Messina. To cover ground quickly, opt for a Segway tour that zips through Borgo Medievale, the oldest district in Taormina, and the city park of Villa Comunale. See views of Mount Etna from Villa Comunale and stop in Piazza del Duomo to learn about its baroque fountain.

Afternoon: Cooking Classes and Boat Journeys

Discover the distinct flavors of Sicily with an afternoon devoted to food or cooking. Bring your appetite to food-themed walking tours or cooking classes and explore the Taormina market to see where locals buy fresh produce. Learn how to make a variety of Italian food including pizza from scratch or Sicilian dishes such as pasta with caponata. Alternatively, get a view of Taormina from the sea on a sailing excursion with views of Mount Etna. Set out on a boat for a scenic ride with time for swimming, sunbathing, and maybe even a seafood lunch.

Night: Opera Concerts and Wine Lessons

Experience the Italian tradition of opera by attending an evening performance. Listen to classic arias and duets from famous Italian operas such as Verdi’s La Traviata and Puccini’s La Boheme. Wine enthusiasts may want to opt for an evening wine- and food-themed walking tour. Taste several varieties of Sicilian wines paired alongside traditional snacks. Sample Italian liquors and learn about Taormina’s culinary history from a guide. Travelers looking to experience the culture behind Sicilian food can take a tour that includes a traditional meal in the home of a local chef.

With two days in Taormina, you can hit the city’s highlights and take in Mount Etna as well. Visit the Greek theater, sail along the scenic coast, learn about local wine, and dip into the Sicilian culinary scene. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Taormina. 

Day 1: Tours and Wine Tastings

**Morning:**Begin your visit with an introductory tour. Choose a Segway tour that covers ground in the hilltop town quickly, a walking tour with a visit to the Greek Theater, or a ride on the hop-on hop-off bus for a city overview. 

**Afternoon:**See Taormina from a different perspective this afternoon. Opt for a boat ride that cruises along the coastline with views of Isola Bella, or splurge on a helicopter journey that offers a glimpse of Mount Etna, including the volcano’s crater. 

**Night:**This evening, taste Sicilian wines and traditional snacks during a food-focused walking tour led by a local guide. Travelers with an interest in music may also want to check out evening tours that combine Italian opera with wine-tasting opportunities.

Day 2: Coastal Explorations and Cooking Classes

**Morning:**Get active this morning and explore the coastline on a snorkeling tour or a fishing tour at Isola Bella. Private tours are also available for visitors seeking a more intimate fishing, snorkeling, or boating experience.

**Afternoon:**Bring your appetite to a local cooking class, and get to know Sicily’s culinary history. Opt for a pizza-making class to learn the art of the Sicilian pizza crust, or choose a tour that begins with a visit to the market to pick up fresh ingredients and concludes with a southern Italian feast. 

**Night:**Continue the culinary theme this evening by joining an Italian chef for dinner in his home. Skip the bustle of a restaurant and enjoy an intimate, multicourse meal with wine on a terrace. Alternatively, set out to see Mount Etna at sunset with an evening tour departing from Taormina. 

The hilltop town of Taormina is best known for its gorgeous beaches, lively beach resorts, and magnificent views of Mt. Etna. Yet the Sicilian resort town is also home to some of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites. Here are a few must-sees to add to your Taormina itinerary. 

Greek Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Greco)

Perched high on the cliff-tops, the Greek Theater, or Ancient Theater of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina), is as notable for its dramatic views along the Ionian Sea coast as it is for its well-preserved ruins. The ancient Greek amphitheater was built in the third century BC and boasts a fascinating history: built by the ancient Greeks, used for gladiator games by the Romans, and used as a venue for opera performances and music concerts today. 

Odeon

Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus Octavian built the Odeon, which is similar in style to the Teatro Greco, although much smaller. Located behind the Palazzo Corvaja along the Corso Umberto, the ancient ruins make a popular photo stop on walking tours of Taormina.

Porta Catania and Porta Messina

The last remnants of Taormina’s ancient fortification walls, the historic city gates of Porta Catania and Porta Messina remain two of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Restored in the 15th century and 19th century, respectively, you can admire the gates on walking or sightseeing tours of Taormina.