Sicily has long been on my destination wish list. Despite having explored Italy many times, I’d always put it off until the next trip as it was farther south than other hero cities like Bologna, Florence or Rome. But, I finally made it to Taormina and it was just as gorgeous as I had always expected it would be. Perfect for first-time visitors, our Taormina destination guide features the best things to do in Taormina, an iconic Sicilian town.
Skye Gilkeson | Updated April 2023
View from IX Aprile Square, Taormina. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Things to do in Taormina Italy
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We spent about 9 days in Taormina and it really did feel like home by the time we left.
Taormina in Sicily is a popular tourist spot for Italians and foreigners alike with so many things to do in Taormina itself and the surrounding villages.
The town sits on the side of a mountain and getting from Catania to Taormina takes about an hour by bus or car.
The best time to visit Taormina depends on two factors; the weather and the crowds.
The summer (June to September) weather in Taormina Italy is typical of the Mediterranean – the summer days can get hot (up above 30C (86F) with warm evenings.
Visiting Taormina in the peak summer season guarantees you’ll meet some crowds. It also means you’ll need to book your Taomina accommodation early and you’ll need to pre-book restaurants when you arrive.
Make sure you book extra clothes and toiletries in your carry-on when visiting Taormina.
Our luggage was lost on arrival and a large part of the arrivals hall at Catania airport was full of other people’s delayed and lost luggage.
Thankfully ours turned up a couple of days later.
How to Get to Taormina from Catania
The bus from Catania to Taormina takes about 1.5 hours and leaves from Catania Airport. It is comfortable and convenient.
If you’ve got time, spend a couple of days in Catania before or after your Taormina vacation. Here are some tips for where to stay in Catania.
A Catania to Taormina taxi ride would be the most comfortable and the fastest way to arrive and costs around 80 euros, each way.
Wondering what to do in Taormina on your first visit? This guide covers things to see in Taormina from where to stay, what to eat and must-see
Shop, stroll and sip on cocktails on Corso Umberto I, Taormina, Sicily. Image © Skye Gilkeson
7 Incredible Things to Do in Taormina Italy
1. Stroll the Iconic Corso Umberto I
The main shopping strip Corso Umberto I is only about 800 metres long, running between two beautiful arches Porta Messina and Porta Catania.
Colourfully restored medieval buildings line the main pedestrian street and within the short stretch, you’ll find everything from designer boutiques to tourist trinket stores, small bars and restaurants.
IX Aprile Square offers a great vantage point with expansive views from the clifftop town over the Gulf of Naxos and off to stunning Mount Etna. You can’t miss the stunning 17th Century Church of St. Joseph on the other side of the square.
You’re likely to catch more than one bride and groom tying the knot during your stay in Taormina.
The peach-washed beauty is one of many churches dotted around the town.
Taking in the historic town centre with its multiple churches, ancient ruins and structures can easily take up a day of your touring time. My advice is to head up to the theatre first.
It’s at the top of the list for most visitors so you’ll face a crush of people if you leave it too late and you’ll also be blasted by the summer sun, which could make wandering the ruins a bit uncomfortable.
2. Enjoy the Vistas From Il Teatro Antico di Taormina
One of the must-see attractions in Taormina, Il Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the 3rd Century BC.
The Antico Teatro Taormina sits on Tauro Hill which means it has breathtaking views from the sea to Mount Etna and surrounding villages.
It’s the second-largest theatre in Sicily and is still used by locals for performances, with the coastline as a stunning backdrop.
There are several other ruins around the town centre such as the Odeon and the Naumachie (remains of a Roman Wall) but the theatre is by far the most stunning.
Related: Two Days in Rome
Teatro antico di Taormina, Sicily. Image © Skye Gilkeson
3. Visit the Iconic Taormina Beaches
While not strictly a Taormina sightseeing activity, spending time at the stunning Taomina beaches is essential during a summer stay.
No doubt you will be drawn to the crystal clear water in Sicily. There are beach clubs (Lidos) aplenty all around Taormina. It’s competitive, so they want your business.
As such, they’ll make it as easy as possible to get there, get comfortable and enjoy the day. Ask your hotel to book you a spot in the morning, they can get busy. The fee you’ll pay includes a shuttle to and from the beach club, chair and umbrella hire.
Expect to pay about 10 euros for the day. It really is full service on the beach too (if you’ve been to Europe’s beaches before you’ll be accustomed to this. Many first-timers love the luxury of being served right at their lounger).
Related: What to do in Mykonos
