Taormina Information

How to get to Taormina

Catania airport located around 60 km from Taormina, is the nearest airport. You have few options how to get to Taormina. A train, Catania to Taormina- Giardini, bus, or taxi ride. Mind you the last can be quite expensive, up to 100 euros, but can be a quick and good solution if you travelling in a group of 4 people and spliting the cost. If you are based in Palermo, please take the A19 to Ragusa and from Ragusa follow the signs along A18.

Taormina has 2 parts, the old town that sits on the top of  the steep sea cliff and Taormina Mare that lies at the foot of the cliff.  There are a few options in order for you to get from one side to the other. One option is a 5mins ride in the cable car that operates mainly during summer months and offers you fantastic panoramic views. Alternatively you can jump on a bus at the train station and enjoy the 30 mins zigzag up to the hill. You could also go on foot ,although that might leave you somewhat exhausted, due to the steep incline. The last option, would be a taxi ride, which you can pick up at the station for around 15 Euros.

Things to do and see in Taormina

The way to the town is through two ornate arches, the' Porta Messina' , which are the remains of  the ancient town’s wall. Take a leisurely stroll through the town centre, relax and soak up the atmosphere. We are sure you'll be browsing for hours, because everywhere you look there is something to admire. The charming church of St. Catherine,Palazzo Corvaia which goes back to  10th century and its tower stands guard over the town. The ancient  Odeon theatre and museum reveal some of Taormina’s history within its walls.

Piazza IX Aprile is the heart of Taormina, a square from where you can witness Etna shrouded in  mist and often, after dark, the smoldering lava flows are fascinating and never to be forgotten.

The town’s narrow streets are packed with visitors. If you follow the crowd you will get to the main attraction of Taormina, the  Ancient Greek theatre "Teatro antico di Taormina, or teatro greco". Here concerts,festivals and various performances take place. This  picturesque ancient ruin is the 2nd biggest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse and takes pride in well preserved  remains of  a tribune and  a forestage. Let’s not forget to mention the views from the top of the tribune! And the day of exploring does not stop here.  Piazza Duomo boasts the Duomo Cathedral from 13 century as well as the Baroque Fountain where you can cool yourself down with delicious tasting drinkable water only  if you can bear the queue.

If you still have some energy left and not heading off to Taormina’s beaches, then take a walk to the public gardens, the Giardino Trevelyan. With nearly 3 hectares of green parkland, you can marvel at the rich diversity of its exotic plants, trees, flowers and even enjoy a drink while overlooking the Ionian sea.

Super beaches with powdery sand, lovely bays and hidden coves can be found at the foot of Taormina. On offer, are a range of water based activities such asscuba-diving, snorkelling, and wind surfing. Of course, you could just as simply bake yourself in the sun, while enjoying a refreshing granita or fantastically tasty ice cream. If you are in a groovy mood, then the Panasia Beach organise beach parties in the evenings with cool tunes and sublime cocktails, so do stop by. Mazzaro is the closest beach and offers a variety of excursions around Taormina including visits to the beautiful ‘Grotto Azzurra’. Isola Bella is one of the most naturally beautiful places around Taormina with azure crystal clear waters, absolutely made for snorkeling. We must not forget to mention Letojanni, a lively seaside resort, which was recommended to us by the locals for the best fish restaurants 

If you love watching the sunset, climb the road ‘Salita Castello’ and go up to the small village of Castelmola perched above Taormina. Many visitors like to sample the local speciality, almond wine, while admiring the medieval castle ruins and enjoying famous panoramic views. On the way back down to Taormina do not miss the chapel Madonna della Rocca.

Hotels and restaurants in Taormina

Hotels in Taormina tend to be luxurious and the welcome is as warm as the weather, but they can be on the expensive side, although one has to say, absolutely worth it. So if you are on a tight budget perhaps you might consider staying in Giardini Naxos, just a short shuttle-bus away. 

Taormina is home to an interesting selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and pasticerias. The main street, Corso Umberto I, is dotted with hundreds of shops and cafes popping up everywhere. Even the smallest street has a lovely shop offering a wonderful selection of ceramics, books, paintings, jewelry or traditional puppets. If antiques and collectables are on your list, then this is the right place for you. Another great thing to do in Taormina is simply people watch, sitting in one of those wonderful cafes and sipping cappucino or having an espresso. Life doesn’t get better than this!