Taormina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Messina showing street scenes as well as a large group of people
Greek Theatre showing heritage architecture and building ruins
Taormina featuring landscape views, a coastal town and general coastal views
Taormina
Taormina which includes art
Lounge on beaches, attend concerts in a Roman amphitheater and enjoy views of Europe’s biggest volcano in this popular getaway on Sicily’s eastern coast.

The hillside town of Taormina has a striking setting on the side of Monte Tore, with spectacular views over Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano. Medieval buildings, pastel-colored homes, bars and cafés line narrow winding streets about 655 feet (200 meters) above sea level. Enjoy the ancient town’s history and architecture, sunbathe on the beach and watch a concert in a 2,000-year-old amphitheater.

Taormina has been a favored haunt of the rich and famous ever since it was part of the Grand Tour of Europe, undertaken by English society elites during the 17th and 18th centuries. Follow in the footsteps of celebrities who have vacationed here including Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen.

In the center of Taormina, visit the Teatro Greco, built by the Greeks in the third century B.C. After Romans claimed the town, the amphitheater was adapted to host gladiatorial combats. Today, the open-air venue with views of Mount Etna is a performance space hosting plays and concerts by international stars.

Make your way to the pedestrianized Corso Umberto I, the town’s main shopping strip. Tour the Palazzo Corvaja at the beginning of the street. The medieval palace houses the tourist office and the Museum of Sicilian Arts and Traditions. At the other end of the street is Piazza Duomo. Photograph its baroque-style fountain, built in 1635. Go inside the cathedral to study its religious artworks.

Reach the town’s beaches by taking the cable car down to the ocean. From the beach, walk to the Isola Bella. The tiny islet has a small beach and nature reserve and is connected to the mainland by a narrow path.

Fly into Catania or Messina and take a bus, train, taxi or rental car to Taormina. You do not need a car if you are staying in the town, as it is easily walkable.

Taormina is a popular vacation spot for its history, ancient Greek concert venue, views and beaches.

Where to stay in Taormina

Greek Theatre featuring a ruin and heritage architecture

Taormina City Centre

5/5(16 area reviews)

The colourful gardens and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Taormina City Centre. A stop by Corso Umberto or Piazza IX April might round out your trip.

Taormina City Centre
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Mazzaro

5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Mazzaro. A stop by Lido Mazzaro or Isola Bella might round out your trip.

Mazzaro
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Spisone

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Spisone, you might make a stop by sights like Spisone Beach and Ionian Sea.

Spisone
UNA HOTELS Capotaormina
UNA HOTELS Capotaormina
4 out of 5
Via Nazionale, 105, Taormina, ME
The price is AU$1,025 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$1,025
per night
29 June - 30 June
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"We loved staying at Una. It is an absolutely beautiful place and we had a wonderful room with a spectacular view. The hotel could use some update but other than that, it was fabulous. The shuttle wasnt as convenient as we would have liked and other transportation options are limited and taxi is ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

UNA HOTELS Capotaormina
Splendid Hotel Taormina
Splendid Hotel Taormina
4 out of 5
Via Dietro Cappuccini, 10, Taormina, ME
The price is AU$333 per night from 16 June to 17 June
AU$333
per night
16 June - 17 June
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"Great hotel, located near the center."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Splendid Hotel Taormina
Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
5 out of 5
Via Nazionale 147, Taormina, ME
The price is AU$3,734 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$3,734
per night
1 July - 2 July
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (263 reviews)
"Excellent stay but small children put on tables in the middle of mainly couples with screaming kids who were not asked to keep the noise down ruined breakfast every day"

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Terra Rossa
Residence Terra Rossa
Via Bongiovanni 12, Taormina, ME
Stay at this residence in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Isola Bella and Greek Theatre are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (44 reviews)
"We loved Terra Rossa! The grounds were beautiful, the pool was lovely, and the apartments were stylish. Only things I can offer to mention is that there is a steep 10 min. hike down to the beach or up to the town center— but it’s good exercise! Also, we tried to keep the kitchen clean but still got ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

Residence Terra Rossa
Villa Oasis Residence
Villa Oasis Residence
4 out of 5
Viale Alcide De Gasperi, snc, Taormina, ME
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Letojanni Beach and Taormina ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (16 reviews)
Good kitchenette on the water
"Great quiet spot on beach. A bit of walk to town but easier than trying to find parking and it’s a nice walk along ocean. We had a great room with huge windows looking towards ocean. The communication was not good. Had troubles finding the place and no responses to my inquiries The kitchen worked ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Villa Oasis Residence
Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Via Luigi Pirandello, 72, Taormina, ME
Stay at this property in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Greek Theatre and Isola Bella are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Exemplary suite, in a contemporary, luxury and architecturally stunning property. We highly recommend staying in this luxurious suite, with a pool well situated for the outstanding view over Isola Bella. Special thanks to receptionist Alessandra who stayed late to help us check in after our late ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Taormina

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

nice place to visit for food and relaxation

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Taormina itself is quite touristy,some of the other towns are nicer such as Forza d'Agro.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Taormina is an outstanding place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

stunning views great cocktails with views from a Hotel Metropole highly recommend. Great historic centre great dining options stunning streets and alleys lots to discover

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everyone should definitely take a boat cruise with Vincenzo. He has a blue and white boat and takes you out for 45 minutes extremely enjoyable. It cost 25 Euros each.

5/5 - Excellent

Izzy

A must see if visiting Sicily

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