Are you wondering if Taormina is worth visiting? As a native of Sicily, I can tell you that it absolutely is! Nestled along Sicily’s idyllic coast, this small but striking town has been enthralling me for as long as I can remember.
Taormina encapsulates the very essence of the island, from the rich history behind the ancient Greek ruins overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea to the sun-kissed sands of beaches like Isola Bella.
With its storied past, natural beauty, and colorful culture, it’s little wonder Taormina has been a sought-after tourist hotspot since the 18th century. Thanks to its postcard-perfect hillside setting and plethora of luxury accommodations, it’s often dubbed the Sicilian counterpart to the Amalfi Coast.
Let’s dive deeper into Taormina and show you if it’s really worth visiting!
Taormina sits in northeastern Sicily; it’s perched atop a hilly pocket of the beloved Italian island alongside the Ionian Sea.
The fabled Mount Etna is just an hour-long drive away, giving the town an enviable location between the mountainous terrains and coastal sands that make Sicily so unmistakably beautiful.
How to Get to Taormina
Considering Taormina’s size, it’s surprisingly well-connected to many parts of Sicily.
I’ve used several transport options to reach the town’s meandering streets and charming neighborhoods. Below are my tried-and-tested recommendations to help you get here.
By Flight
Catania Airport is the most convenient starting point for visitors arriving by air, and it’s just under an hour south of Taormina. From here, you’ll have the option of taking a bus or train, which are affordable and run frequently at various times every day of the week.
Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi, though I find these can be quite costly, especially if you’re traveling alone.
By Train
If you’re arriving from another part of Sicily, such as Messina or Catania, the train might be a practical option. You can also reach Taormina by train from Palermo, the island’s capital, though this is typically a long journey that includes changeovers.
Trenitalia, the country’s main train operator, runs numerous daily services to Taormina from neighboring cities, so be sure to check their website.
By Bus
Interbus serves much of Sicily’s east coast, linking Taormina with Catania, Messina, and Syracuse. Similar to the train routes, if you’re traveling from further afield, you’ll usually need to switch buses before landing in Taormina.
I’ve found them to be slightly more time-consuming than trains, but they’re generally pretty comfortable and often the most inexpensive option for getting from A to B.
By Car
Many visitors to the island and locals alike choose to explore Sicily by car. Although the roads can be daunting in parts of the island, driving to Taormina is among the most exciting and scenic ways to journey to the town, and, more often than not, it’s also the quickest.
How Many Nights in Taormina Do I Need?
While Taormina day trips are popular among those on a time crunch, I suggest setting aside around three days to soak up the culture, history, and scenery of the Jewel of Sicily.
This will give you ample time to unravel the myriad of impressive sights, architectural wonders, and enchanting cobblestone streets while affording you some downtime to unwind at beaches like Mazzarò.
With some flexibility, you’ll also have the option to pack in visits to the towering Mount Etna or some of the illustrious nearby wineries, such as Emilio Sciacca Etna Wine, to your Taormina itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taormina?
The best time for a vacation in Taormina will largely depend on your personal preferences. June through August are the hottest and most popular times of the year. These months align with school holidays in Europe.
Naturally, this means you’ll likely have to contend with larger crowds and increased prices.
April, May, September, and October comprise Taormina’s shoulder season. I highly recommend planning your visit during these months if your schedule allows it.
Not only will the town feel a little more relaxed, but you’ll have the chance to avail of more affordable accommodations while avoiding the sizzling summer temperatures. Even as a Sicilian, the 30-something-degree heat can make exploring Taormina rather arduous!
Where to Stay in Taormina
Due to its size, there are just a handful of areas to base yourself on when visiting Taormina.
The two main spots are the Historic Centre and the seafront. Which will be the most suited to you will depend on what type of traveler you are, but I’ve broken down both areas into more detail to make your decision-making process a little more straightforward.
The Historic Centre
Known locally as the Centro Storico, this is the cultural hub of Taormina and is a hit with those looking to do some sightseeing while they’re in town.
This area centers around the bustling Corso Umberto, Taormina’s primary promenade, which is awash with fine local eateries, boutique stores, and trendy cafes. No matter when you come here, there’s always a good vibe and something happening; it’s basically in the middle of all the action.
Corso Umberto links the medieval corner of Taormina with the town’s Greek and Roman-influenced quarters and is within walking distance of many top sights.
However, if you plan to get around by car, I’d advise you to base yourself elsewhere. From experience, finding parking in this largely pedestrianized part of town can be quite a challenge, especially in the high season.
The Seafront
Those who see yourselves more as beach bums than culture connoisseurs might find the beachside areas of Mazzarò and Isola Bella more to your liking.
Located below the elevated Historic Centre, these spots offer a more laidback experience and are lined with pebblestone beaches.
Glamorous hotels, dazzling views over the waters, and seaside restaurants have made these areas a hit with those who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the town center.
If you’re eager to spend most of your time in Taormina by the beach but are keen to check some of the town’s fascinating landmarks off your to-do list, you’ll find the cable car and local bus connect the two.
A steep uphill walk will also take you to the center from Mazzarò or Isola Bella, but I’d suggest avoiding this option in the peak of the summer heat.
Must See Attractions in Taormina
There are many places to see and incredible things to do in Taormina. I’ve picked out my all-time favorite spots you can’t miss!
Teatro Antico di Taormina
The Teatro Antico di Taormina has been around since the 3rd century and hosted many gladiator battles in its heyday. Even after a slew of visits, these Greek-Roman ruins leave me in awe every time and are bound to do the same to you, too.
Duomo di Taormina
The quaint Duomo di Taormina is the town’s centerpiece and showcases the medieval history with which Taormina is so intertwined. Although rather modest compared to many other churches in Italy, I have a soft spot for the stone facade and ornate arches lining the interior; I just can’t help but be enchanted by it.
Villa Comunale di Taormina
If you’re anything like me, you’ll never tire of the expansive views over the cobalt-blue waters of the Ionian Sea from the Villa Comunale. This park is packed with manicured gardens and crumbling ruins and is abundant in plant and animal life. It’s also my first port of call whenever I need respite from the crowds.
Isola Bella
A tiny island connected to mainland Sicily by a narrow sliver of sand, Isola Bella is Taormina’s top spot for outdoorsy types like myself. Its rocky terrain doubles as a nature reserve and is among the top things to see here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taormina
Is Taormina expensive?
As one of Sicily’s most acclaimed and desirable destinations, Taormina tends to be on the pricier side. For this reason, visiting during the quieter months of the year is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.
Does Taormina Have a Beach?
As Taormina lies on a hilly corner of eastern Sicily, the town sits above sea level, but a slew of beaches are positioned at the foot of the cliff face. The beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella are within easy reach of the town centre and are accessible on foot, by public transport, or by car.
How Far Is Taormina From Palermo?
Around 250 km separate Taormina from Palermo. The journey between the two typically takes around three hours by car or four with public transport.
So, Is Taormina Worth Visiting?
If you’re still wondering whether travel in Taormina is worth your time, the answer, in my humble opinion, is a resounding yes!
As a Sicilian who’s spent much of my life unraveling the towns and cities that adorn this island, I can confidently say Taormina is very much deserving of the praise it gets.
Between the elegant center, historical landmarks, and epic sea views, one trip here is never enough!