Visit Taormina Italy: Plan Your Next Sicilian Journey

Clinging to the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna rising in the distance, Taormina steals your heart before lunch. This east coast gem delivers ancient history, cinematic views, designer boutiques, and laid-back beach afternoons, all in one perfect destination. Add world-class seafood, sunlit piazzas, and access to some of the best Sicily wine tours & wineries, and you’ve got a trip worth writing home about. If you’re planning a visit to Sicily, this guide will help you make the most of one unforgettable day in Taormina, including local spots, scenic strolls, and wine with a view.

Visit Taormina Italy: Top things to do in town

Visit the Teatro Greco

Start your day at the Teatro Greco, one of Sicily’s most breathtaking archaeological sites. Carved into the hillside in the 3rd century BC, this ancient theatre delivers front-row views of both the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Originally built by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans, it still comes alive with concerts and operas, proving it’s far more than a relic.

Stroll along Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main street, lively, colorful, and full of temptation. Stretching from Porta Messina to Porta Catania, this cobbled street winds past baroque piazzas, artisan boutiques, and old-school gelato shops where locals still linger. Stop for an espresso, try on a linen shirt, grab a fresh cannoli, and let the rhythm of the town pull you along.

Savor views from Piazza IX Aprile

Just off Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile opens up to one of the best views in Taormina. This scenic terrace looks out over the coast, the Ionian Sea, and, on clear days, the smoky silhouette of Mount Etna. With its checkerboard tiles, live music, and the baroque Church of San Giuseppe standing proudly at one end, the piazza feels like a stage.

Take the cable car to Mazzarò Beach

For a quick escape to the coast, hop on the cable car from Taormina’s center down to Mazzarò Beach. The ride is short but scenic, with sweeping views over the cliffs and the Ionian Sea. At the bottom, you’ll land in a calm little cove just steps from Isola Bella, perfect for renting a boat, grabbing a sunbed, or spending the afternoon at a laid-back beach resort with a cocktail in hand.

Climb to Madonna della Rocca

For one of the best views in Taormina, head up to the Madonna della Rocca chapel, either by climbing the hillside stairs or taking the scenic drive. Perched above the town in peaceful silence, this tiny chapel offers a big payoff: sweeping views of Mount Etna, Isola Bella, and the rooftops of Taormina laid out below. It’s quiet, humbling, and absolutely worth the climb.

Step into history at Palazzo Corvaja

Just off Porta Messina, Palazzo Corvaja stands as one of Taormina’s oldest and most storied buildings. Its bold mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic architecture tells the tale of Sicily’s layered history, and its walls once hosted the very first Sicilian parliament. Today, it’s home to a small museum where you can dive into the town’s cultural roots. If you’re into history, this stop delivers.

Visit the Duomo in Piazza del Duomo

No visit to Taormina is complete without a stop at the Duomo, also known as San Nicola Cathedral. Set in Piazza del Duomo, this fortress-like church blends medieval grit with spiritual calm. Right outside, a baroque fountain ripples with mythological creatures and quiet charm. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and soak in the old soul of the town.

Dine with wine as your co-star

Set in the artistic heart of Taormina, this experience offers a creative twist on Sicilian flavors, and wine plays a leading role. Here, you’ll enjoy a thoughtful pairing of seasonal dishes, elevated local wines, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels both elevated and familiar. The intimate setting makes it the perfect stop before or after you sip through Sicily wine tours and wineries.

Visit Taormina Italy: Top things to do around

Discover the coastal beauty of Giardini Naxos

Just 10 minutes from Taormina by train, Giardini Naxos offers a laid-back beach break with a side of history. Once a thriving Greek colony, today it blends ancient roots with modern seaside energy. Spend the afternoon on pebble beaches, cruise the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, or grab a granita and watch the waves roll in from a beachfront café. When the sun sets, things liven up, this town’s nightlife has more buzz than quiet Taormina, making it the perfect contrast after a day exploring Corso Umberto or the Teatro Greco.

Wander the clifftop charm of Castelmola

Just a 15-minute drive up winding roads, Castelmola sits high above Taormina with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Small but full of charm, this hilltop village is a quiet break from the tourist buzz near Isola Bella or Corso Umberto. It’s an ideal half-day trip, wander cobbled alleys, sip local almond wine, and explore the ancient ruins once used as lookout points. If you’re staying in Taormina, carve out time for this climb. It adds history, character, and unbeatable views to your Sicily itinerary.

Meet three cousins making Etna’s future classics

This is a true family passion project: three cousins, fourth-generation winemakers, crafting wines that reflect Mount Etna’s diverse microclimates. With vineyards planted on volcanic sands and pumice, each bottle tells a story, grape by grape, slope by slope. Sustainable, artistic, and full of soul.

Discover the guardians of Etna’s vineyards

Here, visiting feels like stepping into an open-air vineyard museum. The hosts, Mario and Manuela, preserve centuries-old lava-stone terraces and ungrafted vines, crafting wines that express Etna’s land in every sip. It’s hands-off winemaking that lets the terroir do the talking.

Sip generations of Etna tradition

Since 1877, this family has been shaping the volcanic slopes into vineyards, preserving generations of indigenous grape varieties. Sandwiched between ancient lava flows, their wines echo the elegance of Nerello varieties and the resilience of the land, and tradition is bottled with each glass.

Good to Know before visiting Taormina