17 Things to do in Taormina, Sicily: Ultimate Guide
Have you watched White Lotus Season 2 yet? If not, grab some popcorn and binge it—you’ll be booking a ticket to Taormina in no time! This charming Sicilian coastal town caught our attention initially because of its stunning portrayal in the series. But after spending over three nights exploring its quaint streets and breathtaking views, we can confidently say Taormina is even more spectacular in real life. Although you might not be able to splurge on the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel (costing > 3000$ per night. Yikes!) depicted in the show, we have come up with these 17 unmissable things to do in Taormina that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Quick Summary: Best Things to do in Taormina
If you are short on time and want some quick suggestions for what to do in Taormina, these are our favourite 5 out of the 17 on the list!
✅ Favourite Activities:
👩🍳 Sicilian Cooking Class with Chef Massimo
🛥️ White Lotus Taormina Boat Tour
🎭 Visit Teatro Antico di Taormina
🇮🇹 Eat Arancinis and make cannolis!
🌋 Day Trip to Mount Etna
🏨 Where to Stay in Taormina:
Budget: Hotel Vello D’oro
Mid-Range: Medousa Bistro & Suites
Luxury: San Domenico Palace
📲 Recommended E-Sim: Airalo
🚌 Book your Bus/Trains in Italy: Omio
🚑 Travel insurance we used: Safety Wing
Is Taormina Worth Visiting?
Taormina is easily one of the most beautiful towns you’ll encounter while traveling through Sicily. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it gets crowded, but there’s an undeniable magic to Taormina that’s hard to put into words.
After exploring other stunning Sicilian towns like Catania, Syracuse, Ortigia, and Ragusa, we’d confidently say Taormina takes the crown.
Maybe it’s the way the town perches high on cliffs with breathtaking views of turquoise waters. Maybe it’s the charming streets adorned with Majolica tiles, showcasing traditional Sicilian motifs of oranges, lemons, and mandarins. Or perhaps it’s the effortlessly stylish locals, strutting the cobblestone streets as if they just stepped off a Vogue runway. Whatever it is, Taormina feels truly special.
Sure, opinions online vary—some dismiss it as an overrated tourist trap, while others rave about its charm. We’re firmly in the latter camp and can wholeheartedly say it’s 100% worth a visit!
17 Best Things to do in Taormina
After spending 3 nights exploring Taormina, we’ve narrowed down our top must-do experiences. You will get to eat some of Sicily’s best seafood, whip up your own nonna-approved traditional Italian dishes, sail the coast, and much more!
1) Cooking Class with Chef Massimo
If you’ve read our blog before, you know we’re absolutely obsessed with food—and Italy does not disappoint!
What better way to dive into the food, culture, and history of a place than through a cooking class? We made this a priority on our first full day in Taormina, and it turned out to be a total highlight of our trip!
With Chef Massimo’s cooking class, you step into his traditional kitchen, which comes with jaw-dropping views overlooking Isola Bella. During the session, you’ll master the art of making pasta from scratch, uncover secret nonna-approved tips for crafting the perfect tomato sauce, prep a fresh fish like a pro, and whip up a variety of other mouthwatering dishes.
And when the cooking’s done, you’ll relax on his stunning outdoor terrace, indulging in the fruits of your labour with endless glasses of wine.
What truly sets this experience apart, though, is Chef Massimo himself. He doesn’t just teach you recipes—he shares insider secrets that make you feel like a real chef. How to pick the freshest fish at the market. Whether to salt your pasta water. How to keep eggplant perfectly crunchy when cooked.
Most cooking classes teach you how to follow a recipe. This one teaches you how to cook like a chef.
2) Stroll Along corso Umberto in the Morning
Corso Umberto is the vibrant heart of Taormina, a charming pedestrian-only street that stretches through the town’s historic Center. This is the street you will be walking through everyday as you explore Taormina since it is really the only main artery that brings you from one end of the town to the other end.
With its array of boutique shops, charming cafes, inviting restaurants, and artisan stores, it’s the perfect place to wander and lose yourself for an entire afternoon.
However, with that said, Corso Umberto is also the busiest part of Taormina. To truly appreciate its beauty, we recommend an early morning stroll (before 8 AM) when the streets are quiet. This is the perfect time to admire the intricate Majolica tiles, traditional ceramics, and picturesque side streets without the crowds.
Then, return in the evening, and it’s like stepping onto the pages of Vogue. The entire street transforms into a fashion runway, with locals and visitors dressed to impress in their finest suits and glamorous dresses.
Italians are known for their impeccable style, and Corso Umberto is where you’ll see it on full display. It’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss!
3) Snack on Arancinis and Cannolis
Sicily is famous for so many things: ancient ruins, breathtaking beaches, and the majestic Mount Etna. But let’s be honest—the real stars of the show are the arancini and cannoli!
Yes, we’re talking about food again. From the moment you arrive in Sicily, especially in Taormina, you absolutely must try these iconic treats.
Arancini are deep-fried, golden rice balls stuffed with a delicious filling—usually a cheesy ragù—but the variations are endless. Depending on the region, you might find arancini filled with mushrooms, eggplant, or even more unique local twists. Every shop has its own take, with different amounts of filling and flavor, so it’s practically your duty to sample as many as possible.
And as for cannoli—do they even need an introduction? These sweet, crunchy shells filled with creamy ricotta are legendary for a reason.
This duo makes for the perfect on-the-go snack as you wander the charming streets of Taormina.
Just be warned: one is never enough!
4) Boat Tour of Taormina
We first discovered the enchanting town of Taormina after watching Season 2 of White Lotus. As we watched, I couldn’t help but think, “Where is this breathtaking place?” Once we found out, it immediately made its way onto our must-visit list!
One of the best ways to experience Taormina is from the water. From there, you can take in the stunning mountain coastline, picturesque villages, and a full view of Mount Etna, all while cruising through the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
If you’re a White Lotus fan like we are, don’t miss the White Lotus Boat Tour. It takes you to some of Taormina’s top sights, including several of the iconic filming locations from the show.
Not interested in White Lotus but interested in stunning sunsets? Then check out this sunset cruise around Taormina with Dolphin watching!
5) Explore the Teatro Antico di Taormina
Teatro Antico di Taormina (the Ancient Theatre of Taormina) is one of Sicily’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient ruins. Plus, it is located right inside the town of Taormina!
This stunning amphitheatre offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline as well as Mount Etna. It was originally used for theatrical performances and gladiator games, but today serves as one of Taormina’s top tourist attractions and hosts concerts and opera performances.
For a list of upcoming performances, check out the Taormina Event Calendar page.
If you just want to visit the amphitheatre, make sure to pick up these skip-the-line tickets with audio guide or you can buy it from the official website.
Ticket cost: 14€
Opening hours: depends on the season but normally from 9:00am to 7:45pm
6) Watch the street performances at night
One of the best ways to spend an evening in Taormina is by wandering through its charming streets and soaking in the incredible street performances. Each night we were there, we were treated to amazing singers and talented musicians filling the plazas with their music.
The softly lit streets, combined with the live melodies, create an enchanting and romantic atmosphere that’s simply unforgettable. For the best spot to watch street performances, head over to Piazza IX Aprile. Plus, it’s completely free!
7) Watch the sunset on a rooftop terrace
Taormina offers countless viewpoints to take in its stunning coastal scenery, but one of the best—and most budget-friendly—ways to enjoy it is from your hotel’s rooftop terrace. We stayed at Hotel Vello D’Oro, conveniently located just off Corso Umberto, and it boasts one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in town.
This hotel is not only affordable by Taormina standards (we paid around 100€ per night) but also offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and the crown jewel: its panoramic rooftop terrace.
On the western deck, you can admire the majestic Mount Etna, while the eastern deck offers views of the Teatro Antico di Taormina and the charming town plaza.
Every evening, we spent over two hours up there, sipping on Aperol Spritzes and soaking in the magical atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end each day in Taormina!
If you are interested in staying at Hotel Vello D’oro, make sure to book from either Agoda or Expedia. For some reason, the Booking.com price is like 2x as high.
8) Best viewpoint of Taormina – Piazza IX Aprile
If walking up there seems like too much work, you’ll be happy to know that one of the other best viewpoints in Taormina is located right downtown at Piazza IX Aprile!
It was literally 2 minutes walk from our Hotel Vello D’Oro and is one of the most popular piazzas in Taormina. This is also where you’ll see many of the street performances at night!
9) People watching in Piazza Duomo
On the western side of town, you’ll come across Piazza Duomo, which quickly became one of our favorite spots in Taormina.
After spending three days exploring, we found that the western part of town was generally less crowded, had a more local vibe, and offered more affordable yet equally delicious dining options!
In Piazza Duomo, you’ll find a charming church, a central fountain, and the perfect spot to relax (maybe with an arancini or cannoli in hand) and watch as people go by. It is also a perfectly free activity!
Oh and below, we’ll share some of our favorite restaurants in this area!
10) Eat at our Favourite restaurants in Taormina!
Ok so back to the food scene!
After a day exploring Isola Bella, strutting your best looks along Corso Umberto, or climbing up the hill to see the stunning viewpoints, the best way to finish your day is with a delicious meal!
As previously mentioned, our favourite restaurants were well-hidden in the Western part of Taormina. Not only were the prices way more friendly to your wallet, but it also just felt more local. Turns out, our 3 favourite restaurants were all clustered on the same block!
For the best squid ink pasta and octopus salad, go to Ristorante Malvasia.
For the best seafood lobster pasta, check out Trattoria Tiramisu.
And if you want the best arancini, Aperol spritz combo, with one of the friendliest hosts, check out Mizzica Specialità Siciliane Aperitivo Taormina. By the way, they also have these super sandwiches called Pane Cunzatu that are covered in burrata cheese, pistachios, ham, cheese, and spices!
11) Hike down to Isola Bella with a picnic
After downing too many arancinis and cannolis, and doing a cooking class, we decided to get in some exercise by hiking down to Isola Bella. From Taormina, it looks like a really long way down but since you are hiking downhill, it only takes around 15 minutes.
Isola Bella is the most famous beach in Taormina so whether go very early, or expect it to be crowded. We ended up going right after our cooking class, so mid-afternoon, and were barely able to find a spot to sit on the beach.
There are a couple of beach clubs or ocean-front restaurants but we saw a ton of negative and mixed reviews (regarding the food, service, and how it costs > 20€/person to just use their beach chair) so opted to do our own mini picnic.
We recommend before heading downhill to stop by Storica Bottega Manago’. The two gentlemen who own the store are super friendly and they sell these awesome sandwiches and charcuterie platters perfect for a picnic. We also ended up picking up some local artisanal cocktail drinks which were delicious! If you’re on a budget, this is the perfect lunch spot!
To get back up to Taormina from Isola Bella
You have the option of hiking up or taking the cable car. The Cable car goes every 15 minutes, and is operational usually between 8am and 1:30am.
The cost of going up one way is 6€ and a roundtrip ticket costs 10€. For the latest information, check out the TravelTaormina Page.
This post is part of our series about Italy. If you want to learn more about Italy, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:
12) Visit CastelMola
Castelmola is a quaint little town located right at the top of the mountain above Taormina. It makes for a perfect day trip and can be reached either on a tour or independently.
If you are based in Messina and want to see both Taormina and Castelmola, we highly recommend this semi-private Taormina Tour.
However, if you prefer to visit Castelmola independently, you can take the InterBus from the Taormina Bus Terminal to Castelmola, which takes around 15 minutes and costs only 3$ each way.
We used Omio to book all our bus and train tickets traveling through Sicily and it worked flawlessly. What we loved about Omio is how they show a map of each route option, which is important since there are usually several different stops that you can catch a bus at.
13) Chiesa Madona della Rocca for an amazing viewpoint
Chiesa Madonna della Rocca is a charming and historic church perched on a hilltop in Taormina, offering panoramic views of the town and the coast. It is free to visit and located a short 20-minute (but steep) climb up from downtown Taormina.
Walking directions: From Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, head towards Porta Catania and then follow signs or ask locals for directions to the church. It’s a short but steep walk, taking about 10-15 minutes from the town center.
14) Indulge in Cannolis or try a Cannoli making class
Last but not least, if simply eating cannoli isn’t enough for you, why not try making your own?
Cannoli has always been one of my favorite desserts, but since we had already splurged on the full cooking class with Massimo, we couldn’t fit the cannoli-making class into our budget this time.
In this class, you’ll learn how to knead and fry the dough to create the perfect crispy shell, as well as how to prepare the traditional ricotta cream and sweet custard filling. It’s the ideal experience to bring a little taste of Sicily back home and impress your friends with your fancy (and delicious) homemade cannoli.
Best Day Trips near Taormina
15) Summit or Hike Mount Etna
You can admire its majestic presence from a rooftop terrace while savoring an Aperol Spritz, but for the thrill-seekers out there, nothing beats hiking to the summit and getting up close to this natural wonder.
When browsing for tours, you’ll notice a wide range of prices. This variation depends on whether the tour sticks to the lower slopes or includes a full summit experience.
Reaching the top involves a bit of an adventure: first, you’ll take a chairlift, followed by a specialized 4×4 vehicle, which adds an extra cost of around 50–60€ per person. Some people also opt to just hike up but be warned—it’s a seriously long trek!
Summit Mount Etna Tour
If you want to summit Mount Etna, check out this Guided Etna Summit Hike which includes the cost of all transport and cable car.
Lower Etna Volcanic Landscape Tour
If instead you prefer to hike in the surrounding volcanic landscapes of Etna without summiting, then check out this Etna inner craters hike.
Mount Etna 4×4 vehicle Tour
Finally, if you prefer the least amount of physical effort to explore Mount Etna, check out this Etna 4×4 tour.
16) Visit Etna’s Wineries
From our travels through Peru and Guatemala, we’ve discovered that the areas surrounding volcanoes are some of the most fertile lands for agriculture. It’s no surprise, then, that Mount Etna is surrounded by countless wineries. The region produces its own distinctive wines, making a vineyard tour one of the best day trips from Taormina or Catania.
On this Full-Day Etna Wineries tour, you’ll visit two unique wineries, wander through the charming medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia, and savor a traditional lunch with breathtaking views of the stunning volcanic landscapes.
Alternatively, this is another great Wine tour where you explore 2 different wineries and enjoy lunch in a traditional lava-stone house.
17) Godfather and Mafias Tour
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”
If you are a fan of the Godfather or just curious to learn more about the famous mafias of Southern Italy, check out this Godfather Vs. Mafia tour! Not only will you learn the intricate history of the mafia in Sicily, including personal stories, but you will also visit some of the filming locations of the Godfather movie!
How many days do you need in Taormina
If you have the time, we highly recommend spending three nights in Taormina. That’s exactly what we did, and it felt like the perfect amount—though we wouldn’t have minded an extra day to squeeze in another day trip.
While many visitors opt for a quick day trip from Catania or Messina, the real magic of Taormina reveals itself after the crowds have left. It’s in those quieter moments, as the sun sets over the coastline, that the town’s charm truly shines.
Keep in mind that Taormina is a popular stop for cruise ship day trips, so arriving midday with the tour groups will likely lead to an underwhelming experience.
With three nights in Taormina, you’ll have time to:
With 3 days in Taormina:
If you have 3 days in Taormina, you’ll have time to:
- Spend a day strolling through the town’s picturesque streets and eating as much arancini and cannolis.
- Dedicate a day to do the cooking class.
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Isola Bella or take a boat cruise around Taormina.
And that’s not even counting the potential day trips to Mount Etna or the Godfather Tour. Taormina deserves more than just a rushed visit—it’s a place to savor!
How to get to Taormina
The closest airport to Taormina is located at Sicily’s International hub, Catania Airport.
From there, you can either rent a car or take the bus to reach Taormina. We normally like doing road trips so contemplated renting a car but after reading horror stories about the crazy driving there and very limited parking in Taormina, we opted for public transportation.
Public Transportation to Taormina
Getting to Taormina by public transportation is straightforward, thanks to Sicily’s efficient bus and train network. However, we recommend opting for the bus. Why?
The bus conveniently drops you off close to Taormina’s town center, whereas the train stops at Taormina-Giardini Station, located at the base of the mountain. From there, it’s a steep 40-minute uphill walk to reach the heart of Taormina.
Save yourself the climb and take the bus!
Catania Airport to Taormina:
You can take the bus straight from Catania Airport to reach downtown Taormina. This is what we did since we arrived at Catania Airport from Rome, and headed straight to Taormina.
The bus takes 1h20 minutes and costs 9$ one way. To find the bus stop at the Airport, once your come out of the airport, turn right and walk just a few minutes. You will likely see a big lineup of people there waiting for the bus.
The main bus companies that can bring you to Taormina are Etna Bus and Interbus. We have used both and they are both excellent, but just make sure to board the proper bus!
Catania Centrale to Taormina:
If you are already in central Catania, you can take the ETNA bus or interbus to reach Taormina. It costs 9$ one way and takes around 1h20 minutes. Make sure to get off at the final stop since the bus will make several stops along the way up to Taormina.
Messina to Taormina:
From Messina, you can take the bus directly to Taormina using Etna Bus or Interbus. The ride takes between 35-45 minutes and costs 6$ one way.
Where to Stay in Taormina
When deciding where to stay in Taormina, there are two main areas to consider:
- Upper Taormina, where the town center is located
- Lower Taormina, closer to the beach and Isola Bella
After exploring both, I highly recommend staying in Upper Taormina.
Most of Taormina’s highlights, including the vibrant Corso Umberto and other central attractions, are located in Upper Taormina. If you choose to stay in Lower Taormina, you’ll need to rely on the cable car to reach the main activities in town.
During our three-night stay, we spent the majority of our time in Upper Taormina, with only a few hours in lower Taormina dedicated to enjoying Isola Bella. Staying in Upper Taormina made it much more convenient to experience the best the town has to offer.
Best Hotels in Taormina
Like we mentioned before, we recommend that you stay in Upper Taormina.
Budget Accommodation in Taormina
We stayed at Hotel Vello Doro and it provided the perfect accommodation for us: affordable, good breakfast, comfortable room, and a stunning rooftop terrace. In Taormina Standards, it would be considered a budget accommodation.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Taormina
While we were mindful of our budget during our Around the World Trip, we feel that Taormina is one place where spending a bit more on accommodation is absolutely worth it. A great stay can take your experience in this enchanting town to the next level.
For a Mid-range accommodation in Taormina, we highly recommend checking out Médousa Bistro & Suites. They are a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Taormina and features a stunning bar and outdoor garden, panoramic rooftop terrace, it is one of the few Taormina hotels that have private parking.
Luxury Accommodation in Taormina
For the ultimate luxury experience and a chance to live out the glamour of White Lotus, treat yourself to a stay at San Domenico Palace Taormina by Four Seasons.
Using WISE card in Italy
When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.
This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.
Summary: Unforgettable things to do in Taormina
Our time in Taormina left us with undeniably fond memories. From sipping Aperol Spritzes on a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Mount Etna to uncovering the secrets of Sicilian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class and wandering through one of Sicily’s most enchanting towns, every moment was special.
While White Lotus captures Taormina’s beauty on screen, it’s even more stunning in person! We hope this guide to the best things to do in Taormina has inspired you to explore this small yet unforgettable gem for yourself. Next up, head over to Catania and Syracuse!
- Explore Sicily’s Taormina
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