What to See in Taormina - Our Suggestions

Taormina, perched dramatically on the cliffs of eastern Sicily, is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful destinations. However, with so much on offer, many guests wonder what to see in Taormina? What are the most unmissable sights? 

Wandering the cobblestoned Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques, cafés, and churches, will make you feel like you’re in an Italian film. Below, crystalline waters and volcanic beaches beckon. Isola Bella is a tiny nature reserve just offshore and is unmissable. The Greek Theatre, dating back to the third century BC, offers an incredible view of Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea that will stop you in your tracks. The food, rooted in rich Sicilian tradition, is extraordinary: fresh swordfish, almond granita, arancini bursting with flavour.

If you want to visit Taormina, one of Villatravellers’ villas near Taormina is a great idea. These offer all the privacy and space you could need, as well as a location that enables you to visit this beautiful town. Read on and discover: 

• Why is Taormina so special?
• Which streets are best for a slow stroll?
• How to enjoy the ancient Greek Theatre?
• Where to find Taormina’s best beaches?
• Which excursions add something unique?
• Which areas are most convenient to stay?

Few places in the Mediterranean can match Taormina. Clinging to a clifftop above the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna smouldering on the horizon and the coastline sweeping away in both directions, its setting alone is simply magical. Added to this, the town’s natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural atmosphere has made Taormina one of Europe's most beloved destinations for centuries.

Grand Tour travellers of the 18th and 19th centuries considered Taormina an essential stop, and it cast its spell on almost everyone who arrived. Writers, painters, and poets fell helplessly under its influence. Goethe rhapsodised about Sicily's beauty, D.H. Lawrence lived here and wrote passionately about the landscape, and Guy de Maupassant declared it one of the most beautiful places on earth.

At the heart of the town sits its extraordinary Greek Theatre, built in the third century BC and later enlarged by the Romans. Watching a performance there today, with Etna framed perfectly in the background, is one of those rare experiences that feels timeless.

The sea views from almost every corner of Taormina, from its terraced gardens, its café tables, its winding streets, give the town an almost dreamlike quality that no photograph fully captures. 

Taormina is one of the must-visit places in east Sicily. As soon as you arrive you can feel the unique atmosphere, and the town offers so much to guests that they want to return time and time again.

Taormina’s compact hilltop layout makes it a paradise for walkers, with every street offering something beautiful around the next corner.

Corso Umberto I is the undisputed heart of the town. It is a lively pedestrian street running the full length of Taormina from Porta Messina to Porta Catania. Lined with boutiques, cafés, and gelaterias, it passes through the elegant Piazza IX Aprile, where you can pause at an outdoor table and take in one of the finest views in Sicily. The corso is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, with locals and visitors alike enjoying a passeggiata under the setting sun’s light.

For a quieter route, stroll along Via Bagnoli Croce. This street branches off toward the public gardens, the Villa Comunale, and has breathtaking sea views through the trees. You will feel a million miles away from the busier streets here, and it is ideal for a quiet moment away from the crowds 

Via Teatro Greco climbs gently uphill toward the ancient Greek Theatre and rewards walkers with increasingly spectacular panoramas the higher you go. The side alleys along the way reveal flower-draped balconies and honey-coloured stone architecture that feels untouched by time.

For something more secluded, the narrow Via Naumachia runs alongside the impressive Roman nymphaeum wall. Visit this lesser-visited gem and get a real sense of Taormina's layered history.

The ancient Greek theatre at Taormina is one of Sicily's most breathtaking sites, and a little planning goes a long way toward making the most of your visit.

Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the busiest tour groups. The late afternoon light is particularly magical, casting a golden glow over the stone tiers and the sea beyond.

The view from the theatre of Mount Etna framed between the columns, with the Ionian Sea shimmering below is simply incredible. Pause, look up from your camera, and just absorb it. Few ancient sites offer scenery like this.

Walk the full circumference of the cavea (the seating area) to appreciate the scale, and peer into the vaulted corridors beneath. The engineering is as impressive as the panorama.

Don’t forget that the theatre still hosts concerts and events during the Taormina Arte festival in summer. Watching a live show in a 2,000-year-old venue under the stars is an unforgettable experience.

Sicily’s beaches are second to none. There are so many beautiful beaches in Sicily that it can be hard to choose. However, Taormina has many amazing beaches close to the town. 

Perhaps the jewel of the coastline is Isola Bella. This is a tiny island connected to the shore by a narrow pebble strip, surrounded by crystal-clear water in every shade of turquoise. It's a protected nature reserve, so the sea here is exceptionally clean. Arrive early as it gets busy quickly during the summer months.

Directly below Taormina, easily reached by the cable car from town, Mazzarò is a small, sheltered bay with calm water, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Several lidos offer sunbeds and facilities that add an extra touch of comfort.

For something quieter, Spisone is just a short walk north of Mazzarò, with a mix of free and private beach areas and a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere.

A few kilometres south, the long sweeping arc of Giardini-Naxos offers the most expansive beach in the area that’s perfect for a proper seaside stroll. It also has a lively promenade lined with restaurants and bars, making it an ideal spot to round off a beach day with a long, leisurely Sicilian dinner.

Taormina's position on Sicily's eastern coast makes it a superb base for exploring the surrounding region, with several unmissable destinations within easy reach.

The most dramatic excursion is undoubtedly Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, visible from almost everywhere in Taormina. You can take cable cars and guided hikes up the upper craters for extraordinary views across Sicily and the sea. It's an otherworldly landscape of hardened lava fields and smoking vents.

Heading down to the coast, Giardini Naxos sits just below Taormina and is easily reached in a short car journey. Its long sandy beach and relaxed seafront restaurants make it a perfect escape for a lazy seaside day full of good food and relaxed charm. 

Castelmola, perched even higher above Taormina, is a short drive or a steep but rewarding hike uphill. This tiny medieval village offers staggering panoramic views and is famous for its almond wine.

To the south, Catania – Sicily’s vibrant second city – is under an hour away by train. Its Baroque architecture, lively fish market, and buzzing street food scene offer a lively contrast to Taormina's elegance.

Finally, the Alcantara Gorge, with its dramatic basalt rock formations and cool river, makes for a refreshing and visually stunning half-day trip just inland. Just imagine stepping into the cool mountain river surrounded by high basalt walls on a hot day!

If you want to visit Taormina, our villas in east Sicily offer comfort, style and so much more. There are so many villas in Sicily to choose from in this area, varying from large countryside villas, seafront bolt holes, and villas with amazing sea views. Any villa in this part of Sicily provides an amazing base for a holiday where guests can relax, explore the area, and enjoy the wonderful food and wine. 

For anyone who wants to stay close to Taormina in complete luxury, Elysium is a wonderful choice. This luxury villa with a pool and sea views is exceptional. Set high above Taormina, Elysium has all the luxurious touches you could dream of, including an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, and gym. Not forgetting the amazing sea views! Up to eight guests can really treat themselves with a holiday in this villa. 

Another villa option close to Taormina is Grecale. This villa also has wonderful sea views over Taormina, as well as a lovely pool set in a garden with towering palm trees. The villa’s traditional style is a wonderful setting for a family holiday in east Sicily, where comfort and location go hand in hand. 

What is Taormina's most famous landmark? 

The Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco) is undoubtedly the town's crown jewel. Built in the third century BC, it offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea as its backdrop.

Is Isola Bella worth visiting? 

The tiny island nature reserve connected to the shore by a narrow strip of pebble beach is one of Sicily's most iconic spots. The surrounding turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

Can you take day trips from Taormina? 

Taormina makes an excellent base for exploring the region. Mount Etna, Castelmola, Catania, and the Alcantara Gorges are all within easy reach.

What is the best time of year to visit Taormina? 

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather with fewer crowds. July and August are beautiful but very busy and hot.

Is Taormina suitable for families?

Taormina is a great destination for all ages, with beaches, open-air spaces, and plenty of good food to keep everyone happy. Just be aware that the town involves a lot of steps and hilly streets.

How do you get to Taormina? 

The nearest major airport is Catania, roughly 50km away, with regular bus and taxi connections. There is also a train station at the base of the hill, with a cable car linking it to the town above.

Do you need a car to get around Taormina? 

The town centre itself is largely pedestrianised, so a car isn't necessary once you arrive. However, renting one is useful if you plan to explore the wider Sicilian coastline and countryside.