• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Travel Notes & Beyond logo

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search

16 Fantastic Things to See and Do in Taormina, Sicily

Home » DESTINATIONS » 16 Fantastic Things to See and Do in Taormina, Sicily

Last Modified: September 16, 2022 //  by Anda //  27 Comments

Taormina is one of the most attractive and sought after towns in Sicily. Perched up on a high promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea, the city enjoys a spectacular location and a dramatic coastline. Unlike Siracusa which is a historic town, Taormina is more of a resort town, with beautiful beaches and quite a few fun things to do around.

Best things to do in Taormina
Things to do in Taormina

Best Things to Do in Taormina

Some may argue that Taormina is very touristy and always crowded. But that’s understandable, considering that Sicily is one of Italy’s most popular winter destinations. So if you are planning to visit Taormina, here are some of the things you can do keep yourself entertained.

1. Visit the Greek Amphitheater

One of the first things you’ll want to do in Taormina is visit the Greek Amphitheater. This is one of the most scenic places in Europe. Even if ancient history is not your thing, it’s hard to resist the spectacular views you get from up there. On a clear day, you can see the entire Ionian coast with Mt. Etna in the background.

Visiting the Greek Theater in Taormina
The Greek Theater in Taormina

Once the stage for gladiator shows, the theatre now hosts various plays, concerts, and operas.

2. Take a Stroll on Corso Umberto

Taormina’s main street – Corso Umberto – twists like a snake through the town’s historical center. Despite being always crowded, the street looks irresistibly charming.

Things to do in Taormina

Corso Umberto stretches from Porta Messina to Porta Catania. The busy street is full to the brim with elegant shops, boutiques and cafés. People walk up and down the corso, window shopping and eating ice cream.

Corso Umberto

Walking by the beautifully ornate buildings with balconies draped with flowers, antique clocks and oil lamp posts, is lovely!

3. Admire Sicilian Folk Ark at Palazzo Corvaia

Palazzo Coravia is a beautiful medieval palace dating back to the 14th century. The oldest part of the palace – the tower – dates back to the 10th century, when Arabs ruled the area. In the early 15th century, when the Spanish ruled Sicily, they added another wing to the existing construction.

The palace earned its current name in the 16th century, when it became the property of the prominent Corvaia family. They owned the building until 1945.

Palazzo Corvaia

Today Palazzo Corvaia houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Folk Traditions, where you see works by Sicilian craftsmen from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

4. Enjoy the Sea View From Piazza IX Aprile

One of the most popular places to hang out in Taormina is Piazza IX Aprile. This is a typical Sicilian square surrounded by many characteristic cafés and bars. What makes it very unique is the beautiful viewing platform that overlooks Mount Etna and the blue Mediterranean Sea.

The Bell Tower in Taormina
The Bell Tower

The black and white pavement is also very picturesque. Three of Taormina’s most popular attractions are in this square: Torre dell’Orologio – Taormina’s oldest clock tower, the Church of St. Augustine, and the 17th century Church of San Giuseppe.

Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina
Piazza IX Aprile

5. Go Window Shopping

There are plenty of stores in Taormina, mainly on Via Luigi Pirandello and Viale San Pancrazio. Just to make it clear, you won’t find any bargains in this city. But that shouldn’t keep you from entering the glittery souvenir shops and overpriced boutiques just to look.

Pottery shop in Taormina

Antiques and pottery are the most common items you will find for sale in Taormina. Both are of excellent quality, but prices are high because of the fame of this place. If Taormina is not the only town that you’ll visit on your trip, you may want to wait with your souvenir shopping. You’ll make better deals in bigger cities like Palermo, or Catania.

6. Stop at Sant Agostino Church

The Church of Sant Agostino stands in one of the loveliest places in Taormina: the famous Piazza IX Aprile. The church was built in 1448 and dedicated to Saint Sebastian. According to the legend, Saint Sebastian miraculously saved the city from the plague. Later on, the church became a monastery of the Hermits of St. Augustine. 

Sant Agostino Church

Sant Agostino Church was originally built in a Gothic style. In the 1700s the church underwent some major changes. This is when the crenelated bell tower and the arched entrance were added. Only the the small rosette window above the main door remained from the original church. Today Sant Agostino functions as a public library.

7. Visit Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Chiesa di San Giuseppe (the Church of Saint Joseph) stands near the famous Torre dell’Orologio in Taormina’s main square. The Baroque style church was built in the second half of the 17th century as the seat of the Confraternity of the Souls in Purgatory.

Visiting the San Giuseppe church in Taormina
Chiesa din San Giuseppe

There is a majestic double staircase leading to the church’s main entrance. Both the staircase and the front porch are fenced with a beautiful stone balustrade.

San Giuseppe Church
San Giuseppe Church

The church is very popular for weddings. It seems that people from all over the world come to Taormina to get married in the San Giuseppe Church.

8. Taste the Marzipan

Marzipan is an almond paste made with ground almonds, sugar, corn syrup, and lemon juice. The decorative deserts made of marzipan are an old tradition in Sicily, because Sicilian almonds are very rich in aroma and flavor. So make sure you try a piece of marzipan while you are in Taormina.

There are many pasticcerias (bakeries) in town selling a wide range of almond sweets, including beautifully made marzipan fruits, or chocolate with marzipan.

Marzipan fruits

There are many varieties, including life size marzipan apples, strawberries and pears. You can also find smaller versions in gift boxes that make good take-home gifts.

9. Relax at Villa Comunale Municipal Park

One of the most refreshing things to do in Taormina is stroll through the shaded alleys of the Gardini Pubblici at Villa Comunale. The park was the creation of Lady Florence Trevelyan, a Scottish noblewoman who left her country after having had an affair with Edward VII, the heir to the throne of England.

Things to do in Taormina
Giardini Pubblici

Villa Comunale sits on a high cliff that offers stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. Its shaded alleys and lush, green vegetation are perfect for a stroll during the hot summer months.

10. Enjoy a Moment of Peace at Catedrale di San Nicola

Just off the main street, in Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find the Cathedral of San Nicola also known as Duomo di Taormina. While this Duomo may not be as grand as the Duomo in Florence or other Duomos in Sicily, it’s still a lovely church.

Founded by the Hohenstaufens in the 13th century and altered several times in the 15th to 17th centuries, it combines medieval and more recent features. 

Cathedral di San Nicola, Taormina
Cathedral di San Nicola

The interior is not particularly ornate, but the sense of calm inside is striking by comparison to the hustle and bustle in the street outside. There is a beautiful altar piece depicting the Last Supper.

Across from the church is a beautiful fountain where people usually stop to enjoy a moment of peace, while visiting this lovely little town. There are also some restaurants around where you can sit for a while too, while watching the world go by.

11. Eat at One of the Local Restaurants

Thanks to Etna’s mineral-rich volcanic soil, Sicily grows some of Italy’s finest produce: citrus, huge figs, pistachios, almonds, sweet eggplant, and porcini mushrooms.

Porcini Mushrooms
The famous Porcini mushrooms

Add if you add to that the generosity of the sea (bass, swordfish, lobster, anchovies, sardines) and the skills of the Sicilian chefs, you’ll realize you can’t go wrong with the restaurants in Taormina.

Having diner at a restaurant in Taormina
Having a Granita at Bam Bar in Taormina

Some of the best places to dine in Taormina include: Maffei’s, a family-run restaurant famous for al-dente pasta with sardines; La Botte’s, famous for its wood-burning oven pizzas; Tratoria Don Ciccio, where you can sit out on the terrace and watch the busy life of Taormina. 

12. Ride the Funivia (Cable Car) Down to the Beach

For just 6 euros round trip, you can take the funivia (cable car) from Taormina down to the beach. The cable car station is on Via Luigi Pirandello, just 3-4 min walk from Porto Messina/Corso Umberto.

Taormina cable car
Funivia (Cable Car)

This scenic ride (too short) takes you to the street/stairs to Mazzaro Beach, which is really beautiful. Mazzaro is a pebble beach which is very rough on the feet. Make sure you wear your beach sandals if you go. It is however a lovely place to spend an afternoon! There is a restaurant right on the beach.

Things to Do Outside Taormina City Center

13. Explore Isola Bella

The area around Taormina enjoys many beautiful and diverse beaches. From sandy to pebbly and from small to big, you’ll have almost every kind of beach in Taormina. Many of the beaches are free, but there are also some private lidos, with sun beds, umbrellas and seafront restaurants. 

Things to do in Taormina: visit Isola Bella
Isola Bella

If you were to visit only one beach while you are in Taormina, it should be the one at Isola Bella. It’s not much of a beach, just a narrow strip of land which links the islet to the mainland. This is however Taormina’s most photogenic beach.

The beach is rocky and way too small for sunbathing, unlike the beaches in Sardinia which are wide and have very fine sand. But despite that, people crowd every inch of it. Towels are so close to each other, that it’s almost impossible to step between them.

The Beach at Isola Bella
The beach at Isola Bella

Isola Bella is home to several species of birds and a few types of lizards. Therefore the island has been designated a protected natural site. There is a €4 fee for visiting the islet, which was once the site of a fancy villa used by many celebrities.

14. Swim and Sunbathe at Giardini Naxos

Just a short distance away from Taormina (8.9 km) you’ll find the beautiful beach resort of Giardini Naxos. Here you can relax on the beach, go for a walk along the beach promenade, shop, or use the opportunity to do different sport activities. There is also a small archeological park that you can visit here.

Beach at Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos

The resort is more low-key than nearby Taormina, but also less expensive. If you want to be close to Taormina but want something cheaper this is a good place to use as a base.

15. Visit the Shrine of Madonna della Rocca Church

Madonna della Rocca earned its name because it was built in a rock. The church of was founded by Abbot Francesco Raineri around 1640.

The origin of the Sanctuary of Maria della Rocca is rooted in a legend. The story says that a young shippers who was feeding his flock on this mountain was caught up in a big storm. Scared by the lightning, he took refuge in a cave nearby.

The Shrine of Madonna della Rocca
Madonna della Rocca

As time passed, the storm got worse and worse, so the poor boy was very discouraged. But he discovered a lady dressed in blue sitting next to him. She reassured him that the sun will come up soon.

After the storm the boy went home and told his parents. Curious villagers came to see the cave and discovered the lady dressed in blue, which was in fact the Madonna. They built a shrine there and named the place Madonna della Rocca.

Things to do in Taormina: visit The Shrine of Madonna della Rocca
The Shrine of Madonna della Rocca

The Shrine of Madonna della Rocca is very modest and rustic, but its location is very beautiful. Behind the church there is a small hermitage that has been abandoned from a lot of years.

16. Explore the Village of Castelmola

Hanging on a mountaintop just 4 km above Taormina is the quaint village of Castelmola. This charming medieval town is largely ignored by most visitors to Taormina, although it’s only 15 minutes away from the city. If you do not have a car, you can reach Castelmola by cab or by bus, which is what most visitors do. 

Ruins of the Norman castle in Castelmola
Ruins of the Norman castle in Castelmola

Castelmola was built to protect and defend Taormina from invaders. Once you get up there and see the unparalleled views of Mount Etna and the entire bay below you understand why this was a great strategic point. But the sweeping views are not the only good surprise in this sleepy Sicilian village.

The remains of a Norman castle will take you to the very top of Mount Tauro above the village. While there is not much remaining of this fortress, one can just imagine how grand it must have been in its time of glory. The 360-degree views from here make the short climb worth the effort.

St. Nicholas of Bari Church in Castelmola
St. Nicholas of Bari Church in Castelmola

While visiting Castelmola, don’t miss the small yet interesting Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, dating back to the 16th century. The current church was rebuilt in 1935.

Best Time to Visit Taormina

Spring is probably the best season to visit Taormina. From April to June the weather is perfect, with lots of sunshine and relatively warm beaches. Starting mid May you’ll encounter more tourists, but March and April are ideal if you want to enjoy Taormina without crowds. Spring temperatures are medium to high and chances of rainfall are higher than in summer.

Sicily (thus, Taormina), enjoys long summers that sometimes start from much earlier than June, making the island an ideal place for summer vacations. Summers are quite hot in Sicily though, so July and August may be quite bad if you don’t enjoy the heat.

Things to do in Taormina
Taormina

Fall is also a good time to travel to Sicily, especially September – October. Summer heat starts going down and the number of tourists decreases considerably.

Winter temperatures may be nice for walking around, but definitely not for the beach. Also, not ideal for photography as you’ll have less sunny days and the sky may be overcast.

Where to Stay in Taormina

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodations in Taormina, ranging from small B&Bs, to long-established luxury hotels. Because it’s one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, prices tend to be generally higher in Taormina than they are elsewhere in Sicily. There are also cheaper options, but they sell out fast. It pays to plan and book well in advance if you want to find the best affordable options.

Where to stay in Taormina really depends on what kind of vacation you’re planning to have, as well as your budget. If you want to spend a lot of time at the beach, it’s not point in booking a hotel in the historic center, which is more expensive. You’ll find plenty of accommodations by the sea in resorts like Giardini Naxos, where prices are actually lower.

Book hotel accommodations for Taormina here

On the other hand, if you only plan to spend only a few days in Taormina and visit the town’s attractions, you’ll be better off with a place in the historic center.

One thing to keep in mind when booking accommodations in the city center is that if you come to Taormina by car you’ll have to park it at the entrance of the city. Taormina historic center is entirely pedestrian.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please pin it to help other travelers to Taormina

Things to do in Taormina

Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, ItalyTag: Sicily

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: «Places to visit in Ljubljana 10 Best Places to Visit in Ljubljana in One Day
Next Post: 2 Days in Florence: the Best Itinerary for Exploring Florence in 48 Hours »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bhushavali N

    April 3, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    To begin with, Taormina looks like a cross between Greece & Malta! As a history buff, I wouldn’t miss the Greek amphitheatre, and those streets of Corso Umberto, remind me so much of Malta. Those marzipan delicacies look so tempting. I really wanna try those! Being a veggie, figs, pistachios, almonds, sweet eggplant, and porcini mushrooms make me so so happy! I hardly try local food anywhere coz of the diet restriction and I’m happy things are better here!

    Reply
    • Anda

      April 4, 2020 at 10:59 am

      It’s difficult to travel with diet restriction, Bushavali, but in Taormina you’d surely find some good stuff to eat.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Prince

    April 2, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    The inside of the San Guiseppe Church is so beautiful! I love how the amphitheater looks, too. What a beautiful place to be overlooking the sea. I hope to get to Sicily someday. Taormina looks incredibly interesting with so much to do – love the wandering streets. Gorgeous!

    Reply
  3. Soumya Gayatri

    April 2, 2020 at 8:39 am

    Taormina is such a charming Sicilian town. Unfortunately, we could not make it here on our last trip to Sicily. But we so wanted to. Would have to explore the amphitheater and walk through Corso Umberto. That looks so quaint and so Sicily. Add to that all that great food and fresh fruits. Taormina is on my list for next time.

    Reply
    • Anda

      April 2, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Hopefully you’ll return to Sicily sometimes and see Taormina.

      Reply
  4. Agnes

    April 2, 2020 at 4:12 am

    Sicily is on my list for a long time. I hope that one day I will see this beautiful island. That’s why I will gladly use your impressive Taormina guide. I would love to see the Greek Amphitheater, stroll around Corso Umberto, see the medieval Church of Sant Agostino, and try the marzipan. It is a great guide! Very useful for trip planning!

    Reply
  5. Linda (LD Holland)

    April 1, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    One of the plans we cancelled this year was a visit to Sicily. And we are very sorry to have missed Taormina. What a great view you got from high on the cliff. I love when we find ancient amphitheaters on our travels. And even better when it comes with a view. I would definitely spend many hours strolling through those farro colourful streets. The Palazzio Corvaia reminds me so much of Romeo and Juliette’s balcony in Verona! It looks like there will be several church visits on our plans when we visit. And we definitely won’t miss going inside! But I will be passing on marzipan. It always looks so pretty. But one taste reminded me I don’t like the taste. As I read your post, I really felt what I was missing this year with travel curtailed. Hopefully we will get this back on the travel plans soon.

    Reply
    • Anda

      April 1, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      I hear you, Linda. We were supposed to go to Sicily again this spring, but our plans went out the window with this pandemic!

      Reply
  6. Elizabeth

    April 1, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    Taormina looks like a lovely place to visit in Italy with a lot to do. I like that the historic center is entirely pedestrian. It always adds so much more charm to a place and makes better photos too! Riding the cable car down to the beach sounds so nice. I bet I would think it is too short too. I would want to soak in some more of the gorgeous views.

    Reply
    • Anda

      April 1, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      It surely is a lovely town to visit in Sicily.

      Reply
  7. Yukti Agrawal

    March 25, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Visiting the Greek Amphitheater would be my choice as I love ancient historical sites and that too with beautiful backdrop of Mt. Etna on clear days. The 14th century medieval Palazzo Coravia looks really beautiful. Taking a Stroll on Corso Umberto would be interesting thing to do here.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 25, 2020 at 2:35 pm

      The Greek Theater definitely was my first choice too, Yukti.

      Reply
  8. daniel

    March 25, 2020 at 9:03 am

    Great post!! Taormina is indeed a lovely town, I have been to Italy and sicily too, but unfortunately haven’t be Taormina yet!! and your post made me add it on my list too. Marzipan fruits looks absolutely delicious and super adorable too, I would definitely love too try it out and also get the gift size too.

    Reply
  9. Cecilia

    March 23, 2020 at 7:13 am

    Taormina is a place I haven’t heard so much about and I am surprised. I love how charming this place is with the romantic gardens, cobblestone streets and beautiful views of the ocean. I am interested to see how the Marzipan tastes. I think I tried it once as a kid and was not a fan. I’m also pretty sure it was a super old piece out of my grandma’s candy dish. Would love to try it fresh from Italy!

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 23, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Sicily has just started to promote its tourism, so I’m sure you’ll hear more about it in the near future. It’s a lovely part of Italy to visit.

      Reply
  10. Ami Bhat

    March 23, 2020 at 5:11 am

    This place has everything….beaches, history, culture, shopping. I sure would love to get here but it’s going to be a while, especially with the current situation. Loving the pretty homes along those cobbled streets. Seems like you can see Mount Etna from everywhere. I hope it behaves itself while we are there.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 23, 2020 at 8:56 am

      I surely does have everything, Emily!

      Reply
  11. Iuliana Marchian

    March 23, 2020 at 1:25 am

    It is so nice to read about places in Italy, especially at this moment when they are in quarantine. I visited Taormina almost 20 years ago, but I have such fond memories of Sicily and its archaeological sites. Let’s hope all this thing will be over soon and we’ll be able to see them again.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 23, 2020 at 8:58 am

      If you visited Taormina I’m sure you remember how gorgeous this place is, Iuliana. I’d love to return there someday.

      Reply
  12. Stephanie

    March 22, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    I’ve been dying to visit Taormina, and this post only fueled my wanderlust. I was hoping to go this summer, it doesn’t look likely. It was nice to feel like I was there by reading this post, so well done. You have me really wanting to marzipan, now!

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 22, 2020 at 11:02 pm

      Hope you’ll get to see Taormina soon, Stephanie.

      Reply
  13. Joe Ankenbauer

    March 22, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    I’m weirdly drawn to ruins. I would be stuck at places like the greek amphitheater and Castelmola for hours, if not days! The interior of Chiesa di San Giuseppe is incredible as well!

    Reply
  14. Clarice

    March 22, 2020 at 4:38 am

    Wow! A stroll on corso umberto sounds lovely. Love the balconies draped with flowers and antiques. It’s like something straight from the story books. 🙂

    Would love to visit Taormina in the future.

    Reply
  15. Lisa

    March 22, 2020 at 2:57 am

    I write this with a heavy heart, as we were supposed to be back in Sicily right now. Given the current situation, we obviously had to cancel. Taormina is a place I know really well as our house is just 20 minutes’ drive from here. The Greek theatre is definitely a must for people to see, as is Isola Bella (if you’re early enough!) In general, it’s a pretty city to walk the streets and soak up the Sicilian vibes.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 22, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      Yep, we were supposed to be there right now too, but the TBEX meeting was cancelled. Hopefully we’ll see each other in Sicily in fall, when the meeting will be rescheduled.

      Reply
  16. Rhonda Albom

    March 21, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    This town is what I envision as the classic Sicilian village. I love the view from the amphitheatre with Mt Etna in the background (would be amazing and frightening to which it erupt from there though). I would definitely sample the marzipan treats. They are the type that hubby described as his “favourite sweets’.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 21, 2020 at 6:36 pm

      I was hoping to revisit it this month, but our plans have been deterred unfortunately. Hope we’ll go back there when all this chaos is over.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Welcome to Travel Notes & Beyond, a collection of travel stories and itinerary ideas designed to encourage independent travel at any age. This blog is as much a tool for inspiring your trip as it is for helping you get the most out of it, once you arrive at your destination.

Opt-in Form

POPULAR POSTS

  • 2 weeks in Europe itinerary 2 Weeks in Europe – 10 Excellent Trip Itineraries
  • How to dress like a European How to Dress Like a European – The Ultimate Packing List for Europe
  • One Day in L.A. – How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day
  • View of Pacific Coast Highway 14 Spectacular Stops on the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
  • How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days – the Perfect Itinerary

Footer

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Awards

  • Gold Award Winner
  • Silver Award Winner

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

Save On Airport Parking

Copyright © 2023 · Travel Notes & Beyond. All rights reserved

1614 shares
  • 748