Sicily's most popular seaside retreat since the 18th century.
The well-heeled of Europe have been flocking to Taormina ever since the German writer Goethe extolled its virtues back in the late 1700s. The historic center is perched on a clifftop above a rocky coastline and gives many vantage points over the Ionian Sea. To the south lies Mount Etna, the still-active volcano. Taormina's many beaches are reached by cable car, a must-do for any visitor.
In the historic center you'll find most of Taormina's restaurants, from simple pizzerias and trattorias to higher end (and priced!) restaurants. A passeggiata (evening stroll) along the main street, Corso Umberto, is still a part of locals' daily routines. The city's signature sight is the ancient Greek theater, which is more than just an archeological site. Plays, operas and ballets are still performed from June to September.
Where to stay in Taormina
With accommodation options ranging from an elegant little 3-star boutique hotel to grand 5-star hotels that have long attracted the jet-set crowd, whatever kind of accommodation you need, we've got it covered. Get in touch with us for a free travel consultation. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to choose from.
Historic building
One of the first hotels in Taormina, this place takes you back to the early 20th century.
Boutique hotel
A small, elegant boutique hotel located in the center of Taormina.
4-star hotel
A comfortable hotel where you'll feel right at home!
Things to do in Taormina
We've got a broad range of city tours, day trips and excursions to keep you busy in and around Taormina. Hit the ground running with a walking tour, or use the place as a base for exploring Mount Etna, or even just spend an afternoon snorkeling off the coast, or cooking with a local chef. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider adding later.
Arancini Group Cooking Class
Taormina at Sunset Small Group Walking Tour
Etna Countryside Food and Wine Group Tour
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Taormina
Spend some time in Taormina on a tour that takes in other cities in Italy and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Taormina and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Taormina
What are Taormina's prices like?
In the center, a quick lunch with a drink costs around 15-20 euros. Museums and landmarks generally cost 5-20 euros. For a full dinner, budget at least 25-30 euros.
How can I get around Taormina?
Taormina is a small town, so the best way to get around is on foot. The town's bus services are operated by different companies, so tickets are not interchangeable. Interbus' tickets can be purchased at the bus station or from drivers, but ASM's tickets can only be purchased on the bus, so be sure to have small change. A ride from the town center to the train station is 0.50 EUR with ASM, and 1.50 EUR with Interbus.
You can visit the Alcantara Gorge cheaply by riding with Interbus to Francavilla, and getting off at Gola Alcantara, an hour's ride. The winter timetable gives you 2-4 hours there before a return bus back. You can also take a cheap, scenic train along the coast to Messina for 8 EUR (round-trip).
Is Taormina safe?
Yes, Taormina is quite safe, but keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in tourist hotspots.
What Taormina have options for those with dietary intolerances?
As a small town, Taormina doesn't have many specialized restaurants, but Sicily's cuisine is very diverse, and offers plenty of meat/dairy/gluten-free options.
How long should I stay in Taormina?
We recommend spending three nights in Taormina, so you can spend a full day exploring the town, and still have time for a day trip, such as to Mt. Etna.