Ashley Lauren
A First Glimpse at Taormina’s Magic
Standing at the edge of the ancient Greek theater, with Mount Etna looming in the distance, after weeks of researching the best things to do in Taormina, I finally feel it. The salt-infused wind cuts through the sweat clinging to my skin, and it’s even more breathtaking than I imagined. I’m frozen, speechless.
The view is unreal. I absorbed it all.
I thought back to four years ago, when COVID-19 upended our “forever home,” launched us into military life, and somehow brought us here, to this moment in Taormina, Sicily.
Not just visiting. Living!
You’re probably where I was a few weeks ago, searching for things to do in Taormina, Sicily, wondering if it’s worth all the hype.
Let me tell you this—Taormina is where luxury meets drama, and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. We all deserve a little luxury now and then, and this cliffside beauty is extra, in all the best ways. However, it’s best to book your accommodations as early as possible, as the best places often fill up 3-6 months in advance.
Taormina, Italy Interactive Map
If you’re new to the blog, you may not know that I provide interactive maps for all the cities I cover. I want to make it as easy as possible for you to create your own Taromina itinerary by picking and choosing what works best for you and your travel companions from my list of all the best things to do in Taromina. Feel free to duplicate this map and delete any sections you don’t want to use or create your own map from it.
Best Things to Do in Taormina for First-Time Visitors
The list of things to do in Taormina begins with our favorite experiences that should be done if you’re short on time or if you have never been to Taormina, Italy, before.
Walk Along the Historic Corso Umberto
- Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate | inside is a miniature scene of the Taormina cliffside.
- Porta Catania | starting gate for pedestrian zone, with a lovely atmosphere.
- Piazza Duomo | home of the Duomo di Taormina and a beautiful fountain.
- Clock Tower [Porta di Mezzo] | marks the shift from one historic district to another.
- Piazza IX Aprile | the main square of Taormina with panoramic views.
- Sant’Agostino Church | church turned into a public library.
- Church of San Giuseppe | baroque gem, made unforgettable by its sweeping double staircase.
- Vicolo Stretto | the smallest street in Taormina.
- Naumachia di Taormina | the mystery wall that isn’t what it sounds like.
- Local Art & Shops | great for handmade ceramics, art, and fashion.
- Palazzo Corvaja | home of the tourist office; a great starting point.
- Porta Messina | the grand exit to Corso Umberto.
- Church of San Pancrazio | Baroque beauty built on ancient ruins; locals’ favorite for quiet reflection.
This one is hard to miss because it’s Taormina’s main pedestrian street, which stretches about half a mile. Corso Umberto is lined with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and the beautiful Piazza IX Aprile. Many shops close mid-afternoon; evenings are more lively.
If you drove here, the best place to park for walking along Corso Umberto is at Parcheggio Porta Catania. Just remember, to exit this parking garage, you will need to go to the top not the bottom. Bring your parking ticket with you and pay it on your way back out at a kiosk near the elevator.
There’s an almost invisible magic to Corso Umberto and much of Taormina, really, that sneaks up on you. At first, you can’t quite put your finger on why it feels so good to be here.
But then it hits you: it’s the lively pedestrian vibe; the absence of cars. The way the streets belong entirely to the people. You walk everywhere, unbothered by traffic, moving at the pace of curiosity.
And for a brief, beautiful moment, you get a taste of what it feels like to be a local in an old town made for walking, wandering, and genuinely being in a place, not just passing through it. That’s the real magic of Taromina!
Check out the Miniature Replica inside Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate
- 📍 Location: Piazza S. Antonio Abate, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- ⏳ Hours: Daily 9:30 am- 8:30 pm
- 🎟 Entry: Free
If you’re wondering what to see in Taormina beyond the usual tourist trail, don’t miss stepping inside Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate. Tucked near the old city gate, Porta Catania, this tiny 14th-century church seamlessly blends Gothic arches, Baroque touches, and rare Byzantine window screens into a single humble façade.
Inside, it’s just one room, but it holds a lot of heart. A wooden statue of St. Anthony the Abbot blesses from a marble-framed niche, and since 1953, the church has quietly hosted one of the most charming permanent nativity scenes in Sicily. Made from cork and imagination, it features miniature replicas of Taormina’s landmarks—like the Greek Theatre and Piazza IX Aprile—set among rolling hills and tiny valleys.
Porta Catania | The Historic Gateway That Starts It All
If you’re strolling Corso Umberto, don’t miss Porta Catania, it’s more than just the southern entrance to Taormina’s main street. Built in 1440, this stone archway once guarded the city with thick walls and medieval grit. Today, it’s your scenic starting point for a walk through Taormina’s heart, lined with cafes, boutiques, and ancient charm.
Look up as you pass through: a carved coat of arms from the Aragonese era still marks its face, a quiet nod to centuries of Sicilian history. With a blend of Gothic, Norman, and Spanish influences all around, Porta Catania is the perfect photo opportunity and a symbolic step into Taormina’s layered past.
Witness the Beauty of the Fortress, Fountain & Faith at Piazza del Duomo
- 📍 Location: Piazza Duomo, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- ⏳ Hours: Daily 8:30 am- 8:00 pm
- 🎟 Entry: Free
If you’re strolling Corso Umberto and wondering what to see in Taormina beyond the shops and gelato, make your way to Piazza del Duomo. This square is home to the Duomo di Taormina, a church built in the style of a fortress, complete with battlements and a bell tower. Step inside to find pink marble columns, Renaissance art, and centuries of layered history, including a jaw-dropping 1504 polyptych by Antonello de Saliba.
Outside, the Baroque fountain steals the spotlight. A crowned centaur — part myth, part mascot — stands at the center, framed by mountain views and passing café chatter. It’s one of those places that feels quietly epic, even when the crowds roll through.
What to See in Taormina | The Clock Tower That Splits Centuries
If you’re wondering what to see in Taormina besides granita and arancini, pause beneath the Clock Tower, also known as Porta di Mezzo. This striking arch once marked the official divide between medieval Taormina and its older Greek-Roman core, a literal and visual gateway through time.
Originally built in the 1100s on 4th-century BC foundations (yes, that old), the tower was destroyed during a French invasion in 1676. Locals rebuilt it just three years later, proudly adding the mechanical clock that still ticks above Corso Umberto. Its bells ring out on feast days and elections, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear them while sipping a spritz in Piazza IX Aprile, with Mount Etna smoldering in the background.
Watch the Sunrise from Piazza IX Aprile
📍 Location: Piazza 9 Aprile, 6, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Photo Tip: The best time to go is early morning (before 8 am) or during the golden hour to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos. Spring and fall are usually less crowded than peak summer times.
Right in the middle of Corso Umberto, this square opens up like a theatrical stage, featuring cafés, churches, and shops. It’s central, lively, and easy to find; follow the crowds.
This piazza is famous because of its breathtaking panoramic views. Stand by the romantic balcony, and your eyes won’t be able to decide what to look at. On one side, there’s the majestic Mount Etna, and on the other is the Ionian Sea, glittering all the way to the Bay of Naxos. This is what to see in Taormina if you don’t have time for anything else.
Add in the ambiance of live music, portrait artists, and perfect golden-hour lighting, and you’ve got one of the best things to do in Taormina- maybe even in all of Sicily!
Yes, it’s that good. Bring your camera, or regret it forever.
Expect higher prices in the piazza, but the views and people-watching might make it worth it. I tried to find ways to stay here as long as possible.
What to See in Taromina, In Piazza IX Aprile:
- Church of San Giuseppe | 17th-century Baroque Church with a stunning double staircase.
- Sant’Agostino Church | Gothic-style 1448 Church turned into a public library.
- Terrace View from Piazza IX Aprile | This is why you came here.
See if you can squeeze into Vicolo Stretto
📍 Location: Vicolo Stretto, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
🎟 Entry: Free
📸 Best for: Curiosity lovers
Wondering what to see in Taormina beyond the usual postcards? Step off the main drag and slip into Vicolo Stretto, one of the narrowest streets in all of Italy— a tight squeeze at less than 20 inches wide. Locals claim it’s medieval air-conditioning: shady, breezy, and surprisingly cool on even the hottest Sicilian days.
But let’s be real, you’re mostly here for that photo. It’s the kind of alley you inch into sideways while someone cheers you on and someone else documents your brave attempt. Tucked just off Corso Umberto, near Piazza IX Aprile, this quirky slice of Taormina is easy to miss if you blink at the wrong time.
Naumachia di Taormina: The Mystery Wall That Isn’t What It Sounds Like
🏛 Built: 1st or 2nd century AD
💡 Fun Fact: It’s the largest Roman wall of its kind in Sicily
🎟 Entry: Free
📸 Best For: Architecture lovers, history buffs, and quiet wanderers seeking Taormina’s hidden gems
Tucked away on Via Naumachia, just a short stroll from the main corso, lies one of Taormina’s most puzzling and underrated ancient ruins—La Naumachia. Despite its name, this structure has nothing to do with naval battles (naumachia in Greek refers to staged sea fights), but the mystery of its purpose only adds to the allure.
What you’ll actually see is a long, red-brick Roman wall—about 400 feet in length—pierced with arched niches and supported by a massive substructure. Historians now believe it was likely part of a Roman-era nymphaeum, or monumental fountain, possibly attached to a grand villa or thermal baths. The niches probably held statues of gods, goddesses, or water deities, giving the space a spiritual and decorative flair.
Today, Naumachia di Taormina is a serene and off-the-beaten-path stop where you can pause, take a breather, and imagine what life might have been like during the Roman Empire, right here in the hills of Sicily.
Visit Palazzo Corvaja
📍 Location: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
⏳ Built: 10th–15th centuries
🎟 Entry: Free courtyard access | Small museum fee
📸 Best for: History lovers, architecture buffs
Step back into time with a visit to Palazzo Corvaja, one of the city’s most important medieval landmarks. Sitting at the start of Corso Umberto, next to the Church of Saint Catherine, this fortified palace fuses Arab, Norman, and Gothic design into one striking structure. Even if you don’t go inside, walking past it offers a visual timeline of Sicilian history carved in stone.
A Quick History Lesson:
- 10th century: Built by the Arabs as a fortified watchtower
- 13th century: Expanded by the Normans to include the spiral staircase
- 1400s: Gothic wing added for the Sicilian Parliament (hosted Queen Bianca of Navarra in 1411)
- 1538–1945: Private residence of the Corvaja family
- Post-WWII: Restored and reopened to the public
Inside the courtyard, three sculpted limestone panels depict biblical scenes: the creation of Eve, the original sin, and the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. It’s worth climbing the outer staircase to see the relief work up close. Look up at the Gothic double-arched windows that give the palace its distinct medieval character.
The spiral staircase, added during the 13th-century Norman expansion, leads to the upper floors. Inside, the Museo di Arte e Tradizioni Popolari showcases Sicilian puppets, painted carts, and local folk art.
📸 For the best photos, visit in the early morning or late afternoon when soft light hits the façade.
Porta Messina | The Town’s Grand Welcome to Taormina Entrance
📍 Location: Corso Umberto, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
At the top of Corso Umberto, where the buzz of cafes and boutiques begins, stands Porta Messina—a symbolic entryway into Taormina’s storybook center. Originally built as part of the city’s fortress walls and later renamed Porta Ferdinanda in 1808 for King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, this arch has seen centuries of change.
Today, it simply welcomes you into the magic. If you’re wondering what to see in Taormina, this is where the adventure either ends or kicks off from. If you prefer to begin here, I recommend parking at Parcheggio Lumbi, which offers a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes to and from Porta Messina.
It’s also a hub for all types of excursions from Taormina, like day trips and boat tours. There are multiple bus stops nearby, and plenty of cafes are open, even for the early birds, in this area.
Chiesa di San Pancrazio | Pagan Temple Turned Baroque Beauty
If you’re wondering what to see in Taormina beyond the obvious, Chiesa di San Pancrazio is a hidden gem with some serious layers. This Baroque church wasn’t just built on history; it was built with it. Its stone walls were once part of a Greek temple dedicated to Jupiter Serapis, and you can still spot chunks of the original ruins embedded in its facade.
Inside, intricate altars, frescoes of martyrs, and a vibrant marble floor tell stories that date back nearly two millennia.
Bonus: the church honors Saint Pancras, Taormina’s patron saint, with a rare four-year celebration featuring his grand “vara” (float) paraded through the streets. Quiet, soulful, and undeniably sacred—it’s the kind of place that catches you off guard in the best way.
Visit the Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina
- 📍 Location: Via Teatro Greco, 1, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- ⏳ Built: 3rd Century BC
- 🎟 Entry: €10–15
- 📸 Best For: Stop by the café at the top, offering a seaside view, and enjoy a granita or espresso while watching the sunset
Even 2,000 years ago, someone had the genius to build a theater that frames Mount Etna, the sea, and the Sicilian sky like living scenery. Teatro Antico di Taormina isn’t just a ruin—it’s a stage that still knows how to steal the show.
I skipped it on my first trip. It was August, the heat was relentless, and I figured the Greek theatre would still be standing next time. It was.
When I finally made it up there, we took our time. Tickets first, bathroom second (veteran move), then straight into what felt like a backstage tour through history. Sculptures and relics lie just offstage, like forgotten props from a thousand performances ago.
Then you climb. The higher you go, the more amazing the view gets. This is one of the best-preserved Greek theatres in Sicily, and it’s a front-row seat to volcanoes, coastlines, and cloudscapes. We grabbed espresso and granita from the café tucked into the upper level and let the breeze do the rest.
We sat. We watched pigeons. We stayed longer than we meant to.
If you’re stationed here or just visiting, this is one of those things to do in Taormina that delivers. Come just before golden hour. It’s magic.
Pro Tip: This is the top answer for things to do in Taormina, Sicily, so if you do only one thing, make it this. Better yet, stay at this hotel; it’s as close as you can get to the Greek Theater.
Visit The Secret Garden of Villa Comunale
- 📍 Location: Via Bagnoli Croci, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- 🎟 Entry: Free
Once the private garden of Lady Florence Trevelyan, Villa Comunale is now one of Taormina’s most captivating public spaces. It’s lush, quiet, and full of character. A short stroll from the main Corso Umberto, this botanical haven offers an unexpected break from the crowds and some of the best panoramic views in town.
Trevelyan, an exiled English aristocrat, landscaped the garden herself in the late 1800s after marrying Taormina’s mayor! Today, her legacy lives on in the unusual brick follies, tiered paths, and Mediterranean-meets-exotic plantings scattered throughout the 26,000-square-meter space. Expect a mix of cactus beds, palm trees, shaded benches, and towers once used for birdwatching.
From the upper terraces, you’ll get sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and, on a clear day, Mount Etna. Photographers and air painters often stop here to capture the soft light and ever-changing skies over the coastline.
The garden is especially atmospheric at golden hour, when the late afternoon sun filters through stone arches and rustles the leaves overhead. And since it’s centrally located and free to enter, Villa Comunale is easy to add to any Taormina itinerary—even if you only have an hour.
Would you like to wake up near the gardens? Find stays near the center of Taormina here — book early if you’re visiting between May and September, as boutique hotels and unique Airbnbs fill up fast.
Relax at Only the Taormina Beaches that Actually Live Up to the Hype
When people dream of Taormina, they often picture hilltop views, Greek ruins, and romantic strolls along Corso Umberto—but Taormina beaches deserve just as much attention. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the glittering Ionian Sea, these coastal escapes are the perfect addition to any Taormina itinerary.
In this guide, we’ll explore the must-see beaches—from the iconic Isola Bella, to the cable car-accessible Mazzarò, and the lively vibes of Spisone. Ready to swap cobblestones for sand? Get your snorkel gear and let’s dive in.
Isola Bella | The Most Iconic Taormina Beaches Escape
- 📍 Location: Via Nazionale, 109, 98039 Taormina ME
- 🅿️ Parking: Isola Bella Car Park or Mazzarò Car Park
- 🎟 Activities: Kayak tours, Boat trips, Scuba diving, Isola Bella Museum Tour
Of all the things to do in Taormina, visiting Isola Bella tops the list—for good reason. This rocky islet sits just off the coast and is connected to the mainland by a thin stretch of sand that appears only during low tide.
Once owned by the English noblewoman Florence Trevelyan, the island is now a protected nature reserve and museum renowned for its rare tropical plants, tranquil pebble beach, and turquoise waters. Mrs. Trevelyan’s home on the island has been converted into a museum, open most days until sunset, which showcases the island’s rich and layered history. I would love to live there!
While it’s one of the most photographed and filmed Taormina attractions (hello, White Lotus season 2), Isola Bella isn’t just for the view. You can swim out to it, take a cable car from Taormina’s center, or walk down from the panoramic Belvedere. The beach here, like many Taormina beaches, is stony, so wearing water shoes is helpful. To experience the area, consider a snorkeling tour or a boat ride through the nearby sea caves.
Hotels with a View of Isola Bella | La Plage Resort, Hotel Isola Bella, Mendolia Beach Hotel, and Residence Terra Rossa
Mazzarò Beach | A Picturesque Taormina Itinerary Favorite
- 📍 Location: 98039 Mazzarò ME
- 🅿️ Parking: Mazzaro Car Park
- 🎟 Activities: Boat trips, Paddle Boarding, Jet Skiing, Scuba Diving, Snorkling
Just below the cliffside heart of town, Mazzarò Beach is one of the easiest Taormina attractions to reach, thanks to a scenic 2-minute ride on the cable car. This pebbled bay, tucked between rocky cliffs, is both picturesque and practical, making it one of the most popular Taormina beaches.
The water here is remarkably clear, with an abundance of fish and rocks to observe underwater. That makes it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or taking a boat tour to explore nearby caves, such as the Grotta Azzurra. The shoreline itself is dotted with lidos offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and seaside lunch spots. You’ll find a small patch of free beach at the northern end.
Two luxury hotels line the hills above and offer exclusive lidos, while public lidos and casual beach restaurants sit right on the water with million-dollar views. Expect to pay around €35–40 for rentals at Lido La Pigna and Lido Il Delfino, which include two chairs and an umbrella. Or, bring a large towel, snorkel set and sunscreen and soak up that vitamin D. Reach out to me at ashley@vacationscript.com and I will create you a handwritten beach bag with whatever phrase suits you. Favorites include “Ciao Bella” and “Beach, Please”.
Getting here from Taormina is easy: take the Funivia Taormina cable car from Via Pirandello, just a short walk from the historic center. Once you’re off, follow the stairs at the entrance to the Mezzaro Car Park or the underpass to the shore. If you’re arriving by car, the cable car parking lot (Mezzaro Car Park) is your best option—but it fills quickly in high season, so always arrive early; 9 am is a good time to get there.
Spisone Beach | Enjoy Taormina Beaches with a Relaxed Vibe
- 📍 Location: Via Nazionale, 167, 98039 Taormina ME
- 🅿️ Parking: Mazzaro Car Park
Just a short drive or bus ride down from the historic town center, Spisone Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds than nearby hotspots like Isola Bella.
Spisone’s landscape is striking and serene. The water here is clean and calm, making it ideal for anyone who isn’t trying to surf. It’s especially photogenic around the Rock of Zio Gennaro at the far end of the bay.
Unlike other Taormina beaches dominated by private lidos, Spisone strikes a balance: several public access points mean you don’t have to pay to spread out your towel, though a few beach clubs are available if you want a sunbed, umbrella, and a fresh seafood lunch.
This stretch is considered one of the larger and more relaxed Taormina attractions, making it easy to spend the whole day here. Wander the coastline, grab a bite from a lido café, or stay for the sunset—Spisone stays beautiful long after the beach towels disappear.
Climb to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca for Iconic Panoramic Views
Ok, let’s be real— all the views in Taormina are picturesque, so I opted out of climbing the 300+ steps to reach the top of this cliffside sanctuary. Another reason I love my drone: it saves me from the sweaty, uphill grind in situations like this. That said, if you’re planning your Taormina itinerary and wondering about things to see in Taormina that are off the typical tourist radar, Madonna della Rocca absolutely earns its place.
Perched dramatically above the town—right below the ruins of the Saracen Castle—this tiny 17th-century church is literally carved into the mountainside. Its ceiling is made of natural rock, and its views are breathtaking. From the courtyard, you’ll get a panoramic sweep of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, the rooftops of Taormina, and the neighboring hilltop town of Castelmola.
Legend has it that a shepherd boy once took cover in a cave during a storm and had a vision of the Madonna here. Locals found an icon in the stone and, believing it a miracle, built the church in her honor. You’ll still find those ancient markings on the rock wall behind the altar—simple etchings that feel more mystical than anything polished and gold.
The vibe is peaceful, humble, and slightly haunting. The old monastery next door is long abandoned, and the cliffside garden where hermits once grew vegetables now sits wild and windswept. There’s also a massive concrete cross out front, lit at night, keeping quiet watch over the city. And while the hike might be a challenge, the silence at the top? It hits different.
The Best Taormina Day Trips Actually Worth Leaving Town For
- Mount Etna – Lava, Legends, and Wine Tastings
- Alcantara Gorges – A Cooling Natural Escape
- Valley of the Temples
- Aeolian Islands Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise
- Savoca & Forza d’Agrò — AKA The Godfather’s Summer Home
Take the Interbus to Castelmola – The Balcony of Taormina
🕰 Ideal Visit Time: 2–3 hours or a lazy afternoon
If, in one sweep, you can see the Ionian coast, Mount Etna, Giardini-Naxos, Capo Sant’Alessio, the Strait of Messina, and the Calabrian coastline—you’re either on Google Earth or standing in Castelmola, the clifftop gem that towers over 1,600 feet above Taormina.
Built around the skeletal ruins of a Norman fortress (whose soft, circular shape inspired the “mola” in the name), Castelmola is one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages”—and after just one visit, it’s easy to understand why. The village is a real-life balcony overlooking Sicily’s most jaw-dropping scenes, from smoking volcanoes to sparkling bays, all framed by stone archways, crooked alleys, and peaceful church squares.
If your Taormina itinerary includes a half-day escape into Sicilian charm, this is your move. Wander through Piazza Sant’Antonino, paved with mosaics of lava rock and white stone, where time slows down and almond wine flows freely. Pop into Antico Caffè San Giorgio, founded by monks in the 1700s and now a historic tavern with a guestbook signed by royalty, artists, and curious travelers. For something wildly different, head to Bar Turrisi, a cheeky and phallic-themed café considered one of the world’s most eccentric bars—seriously, it’s unforgettable.
But Castelmola isn’t all kitsch and coffee. The town has soul. You’ll find it in the tiny Church of San Biagio, the Mother Church of Saint Nicholas, and the lingering scent of almonds and citrus in the air. Local dishes lean rustic and rich—macaroni made by hand, fig-stuffed pastries, and sugared almonds that taste like tradition.
Whether you hike up from Taormina or catch the Interbus, the reward is the same: panoramic views that make your soul feel small in the best way. Come for the landscape, stay for the legends, and don’t forget a bottle of almond wine on your way out.
Unique Taormina Activities for Food Lovers
- Sip Aperitivo with a View at a Rooftop Bar
- Join a Sicilian Pizza Making Class in Taormina
- Arancini Making Class in Taormina with Drinks
- Cannoli Cooking Class with Certificate
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