What to do and see in Taormina, Sicily: The Best Things to do

May 4, 2022 Deane Carmody

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting medieval streets and a second-century Greek theater add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote. Take a cable car to the beach, or walk uphill behind the Church of St. Joseph for panoramic views.
Restaurants in Taormina

1. Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Via del Teatro Greco, 1, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0942 23220 https://www.parconaxostaormina.com/taormina/teatro-antico-taormina/
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,605 reviews

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.

Reviewed By ryanfL7429GJ

This theater and its location are stunning -- I'm surprised this isn't a more widely known attraction in Italy or even all of Europe. The history here (both Greek and Roman) and the spectacular beauty and setting of this coastal town (with an active volcano steaming in the background) make this a MUST when visiting Sicily.

2. Villa Comunale

Via Bagnoli Croci, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.me.it/la-citt/villa-comunale/
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,641 reviews

Villa Comunale

Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom

A lovely park with plenty of shady areas, stunning views of the coastline and Etna, beautiful planting and quirky Victorian follies, this garden was created by an Englishwoman, Lady Florence Trevelyan and donated to the town in the 1920s. Lots of places to sit and relax. Definitely worth a visit.

3. Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/monumenti/corso-umberto-i.aspx
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,548 reviews

Corso Umberto

Reviewed By loua1601 - Wollongong, Australia

We have 9 days in Taormina and strolled along Corso Umberto on our first day. This street is exactly what you would expect from an Italian town as soon as you walk through Messina Gate. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants with some beautiful buildings, churches, narrow side lanes and a spectacular view of the ocean when you get to the other end. A great way to spend a couple of days trying the different cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!

4. Piazza IX Aprile

Piazza 9 Aprile, 6, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.me.it/la-citt/monumenti/piazza-xv-aprile.aspx
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,815 reviews

Piazza IX Aprile

Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom

Beautiful square bordered with churches and cafes with lovely trees and artists painting local scenes - we bought a beautiful watercolour to bring home with us. Standing by the railings at the front, there are fabulous views over the bay. The square is nice in the daytime but it comes to life at night when everything is lit up and it is full of people. At the edge of the square is a lovely cafe/bar - Caffe Wunderbar - a lovely place to sit for a drink and listen to live music at night. Definitely worth a visit to the square and the church of San Giuseppe.

5. Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Via Madonna Rocca Salita Castello, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/chiese/madonna-della-rocca.aspx
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 321 reviews

Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Reviewed By rkigervaron - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A high effort and high reward climb. Beautiful views with a particularly nice ending in a peaceful and spiritual place. I hope it stays that way

6. Isola Bella

Taormina, Sicily Italy
Excellent
52%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 5,712 reviews

Isola Bella

Taormina is a region that is rich in natural beauty and scenic beaches, especially Isola Bella that means "the beautiful island."

Reviewed By rachelsalmon - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Beautiful beach We hired a motor boat from Mazzarò beach 90 euros for an hour for 5 of us which we drove ourselves around to the blue lagoon and Giardini Naxos and isola Bella Superb experience and will do this again

7. Duomo di Taormina

Piazza Duomo, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
Excellent
32%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 697 reviews

Duomo di Taormina

Reviewed By 853barry - Abbotsford, Canada

Nice and quiet location,just off the busy main street. Has several restaurants,which we visited several times. Great spot to sit out on the patio,with a glass of wine and people watch,especially around the fountain.

8. Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/chiese/s-giuseppe.aspx
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 290 reviews

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Reviewed By shaunmacklin - Kent, United Kingdom

Lovely church, somehow better when it's evening, beautiful location on piazza. Go in and sit quietly.

9. Porta Messina

Corso Umberto 1, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
Excellent
29%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 632 reviews

Porta Messina

Reviewed By ElaineH492 - Bonita Springs, United States

We chose an excursion to Taormina, Sicily, from our Mediterranean cruise ship. To reach the city we took an elevator from the bus parking lot. Once at the top, we walked the charming Main Street, Corso Umberto, through the arched gate, Porta Messina. There were many places to shop, eat and people-watch. The bougainvillea was spectacular. At the end was the ancient Roman-Greco theatre. We entered at the stage level but chose to climb to the top for a wonderful panoramic view. In the distance we could see Mt. Etna which is still active as evidenced by a puff of smoke coming from the volcano. For lunch we had a recommenced local favorite, arancini, and cannoli for dessert. Walking shoes would be best. We spent several hours there and found nothing to dislike. Being in such an historic place was the best.

10. Funivia Taormina

Via Luigi Pirandello 3, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0942 23906 http://www.gotaormina.com/it/taormina/funivia_taormina.html
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 530 reviews

Funivia Taormina

Reviewed By OlegY_12 - Belgrade, Serbia

Beside making the walkings on the feet or rides in the buses from our Giardini Naxos upward to the picturesque Taormina, we also did our airy journeys from the beach area Mazzaro uphill to the historic center of Taormina, by the cable car. It is a fast manner to get down or get up and it is no expensive at all. There are four cabins in total that operate every 15 minutes, in summer season from 07: 00 to 1:00 AM, every day. This cable car is also very well run, efficient and clean. No wonder that area up and down, around the mashine buildings, is always crowded with visitors. When You are down in Mazzaro, do not miss to go to the nearby famous beach of Isola Bella.

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