Things to do in  Taormina

Yes, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns, with a hilltop perch overlooking the coastline and a well-preserved second-century Greek theater. Visit the old town, stopping to admire the cathedral and browse the shops along cobblestoned Corso Umberto I. Then take the cable car to Isola Bella beach below.

Yes, as one of the top tourist destinations in all of Sicily, Taormina bursts with visitors from spring through fall. Most are day-trippers, so plan to overnight in town to enjoy the quiet, atmospheric evenings after most tourists have left.

Two of Sicily’s most popular destinations, Palermo and Taormina are very different, so it’s hard to say which is better. Palermo is the largest city on the island, known for its architecture and street markets. Taormina is a small hill town where tourists outnumber locals, famous for its ancient theater and sweeping views.

With its panoramic clifftop setting, easy access to beaches, well-preserved ancient ruins, and a lively historic center packed with shops and restaurants, Taormina is one of the most attractive towns in Sicily. It’s also less than an hour by car from Catania, which is home to a major airport and train station.

Taormina is quite small, so you can see the top sights in a few hours. Spending a full day allows you to visit Isola Bella or Castelmola in the afternoon. Or, make Taormina your base for three days to fit in jaunts to Mt. Etna and other sights on Sicily’s eastern coast.

The most famous sight in Taormina by far is its well-preserved Greek-Roman theater, dating back to the second century. But the city also has a captivating historic center with unparalleled sea views, a pristine coastline just below the historic center, and easy access to the volcanic craters of Mt. Etna.