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The chic Mediterranean town of Taormina on Sicily’s northeast coast is located high in the mountains—which means rewarding hikes and beautiful views. However, for visitors arriving at the Taormina Cruise Port (Taormina Terminal Crociere) who want to stay closer to town, Taormina’s medieval center is full of unique shops, historical monuments, and sidewalk cafés.
Because of the dense traffic and chaotic drivers, it’s best to explore the pretty center of Taormina as part of a walking tour or a private Segway tour with a local guide. Key sights include the Piazza del Duomo, with its pretty baroque fountain; the former monastery of San Domenico; and the Villa Comunale, Taormina’s beautiful park. Adventurous travelers can also embark on shore excursions to nearby Mt. Etna with round-trip transportation included.
Taormina Cruise Port is a tender port, meaning you'll be transported ashore via tenders (small boats).
Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss climbing Mount Etna, one of Europe’s biggest active volcanoes.
To explore the coastline near Taormina, head to Isola Bella near Lido Mazzaro beach.
For some of the best views over the coastline and sea, head up to the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina.
Taormina is located along Sicily’s eastern coast halfway between Messina and Catania, and well connected to both by train.
Most ships offer shuttles to Taormina from Giardini Naxos, where boats dock. The trip takes about 20 minutes and requires guests to switch to a minivan to navigate the narrower streets. Taxis are also available for hire and tend to be a faster—if more expensive—option.
Cruise ships anchor in Giardini Bay in Giardini Naxos, about 20 minutes from Taormina, and passengers travel to the dock on tenders. Italian is the official language here, but it’s easy enough to find English speakers at major tourist attractions. Taormina’s official currency is the euro, and there are a number of ATMs and exchange bureaus near the port.