Overlooking the Ionian Sea and protected by the shadow of Mount Etna, Taormina is a place where views, history and dolce vita intertwine. Its modern fame actually came about relatively recently: in the 19th century, thanks to the new Messina-Catania Bourbon coastal road, Grand Tour travelers discovered this balcony of beauty and began to tell stories about it throughout Europe. Today, Taormina is a timeless classic of eastern Sicily: from the Greek Theater to Isola Bella, from the Alcantara Gorges to the roof bars overlooking the sea, every nook and cranny offers a memory.
Here is the definitive guide to things to see in Taormina, with practical tips, schedules, prices and extra hints to make your trip memorable.
1) Isola Bella - among the things to see in Taormina.
Because it is worth
Called the “pearl of the Mediterranean,” it is a nature reserve connected to the coast by a pebble isthmus. Transparent seabeds and vegetation make it perfect for snorkeling and photography. Its modern history is linked to Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English aristocrat who helped enhance several gardens and bought the islet.
Getting there and tips
Take the cable car down from downtown or from the steps on Via Pirandello. Bring rock shoes; arrive by 9:30 a.m. in summer. If you want a “feet in the water” lunch, make reservations in the Mazzarò area (see Beaches section below).
2) Greek Theater of Taormina
History + panorama
Taormina’s Greek Theater is a must-see on any list of things to see in Taormina.
It offers one of the most spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna.
Built in the Hellenistic period (3rd century B.C.) and later enlarged by the Romans, the Greek Theater is the most scenic living room in the Mediterranean: horseshoe-shaped cavea, Ionian Sea and Mount Etna in the background. It still hosts shows, concerts and the Taormina Film Fest.
Jan-Feb 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tue until 5:30 pm
Apr 9:00-18:30
May-Aug 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 1-15 9:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. – Sept. 16-30 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Oct 1-15 9am-5:30pm – Oct 16-31 9am-5pm:
Nov-Dec 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tip: At dusk the light is perfect and the rush smoother.
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Full price: € 13.50
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Reduced EU 18-25: €8.50
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Free: under the age of 18; tenured teachers in Italy
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Audioguide: € 5
3) Taormina Municipal Villa (Trevelyan Gardens).
Panoramic relaxation
Taormina’s Villa Comunale is among the most charming and relaxing places to visit in the city.
An English garden magnificently laid out by Lady Trevelyan, who was a cousin of Queen Victoria: flower-lined paths winding among rare and fragrant essences, and panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of Etna and the beautiful Ionian Coast.
This is the ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of downtown, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature and the beauty of flowers blooming throughout the seasons.
Approximate hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
4) Corso Umberto I and Piazza IX Aprile: the beating heart of Taormina.
The heart of the city
The ancient Greco-Roman axis today presents itself as an elegant and lively pedestrian street bordered by Porta Messina (located to the north) and Porta Catania (positioned to the south). Along this evocative route, charming boutiques, delightful pastry shops and imposing historic buildings follow one another in a unique experience, until you reach Piazza IX Aprile, which is a real spectacular belvedere that offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the magnificent volcano Etna.
Historical-artistic stages along the course
Church of St. Joseph (Baroque),
Former Convent of St. Augustine,
Clock Tower and Middle Gate,
Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano (Sicilian Gothic masterpiece with Arab-Norman grafts),
Palazzo Corvaja (see next item).
The ritual of the evening stroll is cultivated here: perfect for an almond/pistachio gelato or an “espresso” cannoli.
5) Taormina Cathedral & Piazza Duomo
Architecture and symbols
St. Nicholas Cathedral (13th cent.) has an almost “fortified” crenellated profile. Opposite, the Baroque fountain (1635) with the famous crowned centaur-the town emblem-frames the most authentic square.
- Tip: Early morning, when the light kisses the facade.
6) Palazzo Corvaja: history and art in the center of Taormina
From agora to nobility
Rises in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, an area that was a Greek agora and then a Roman forum. Medieval core (11th cent.), cubic tower and loggias: in 1411 it housed the Sicilian Parliament. Today it houses the tourist board and a museum of folk arts and traditions. Stop to read its Gothic and Arab-Norman details before continuing to the theater.
7) Our Lady of the Rock & Mount Taurus
Sanctuary in the stone and "total" view
A small rock church with views encompassing Taormina, the coast and Mount Etna. You get there by ~300 steps or by car along the ring road.
If you love to walk, continue up Mount Tauro to Saracen Castle (12th cent.), heir to the ancient acropolis: the climb repays with the most complete view.
8) Alcantara Gorge
The basalt canyon (45 min from Taormina)
In ancient times a lava flow north of Etna cooled into prismatic columns. The Alcantara River cut into these walls to create a silvery-black canyon (Alcantara gorges) where the water flows freezing even in summer: an impressive natural set.
More information on the official website.
- Ticket: € 1.50
- Open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (approximate, subject to season/weather)
Recommended experiences: Etna and Alcantara Gorges tour with lunch inlcuded
9) Mount Etna - hike from the sea to the volcano
Why it is unmissable
At 3,357 m,Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe: craters, flows, “moonscapes,” and ancient forests. Etna North/South tours depart daily from Taormina, often combined with the Alcantara Gorges.
- Essential kit: hiking shoes, windbreaker even in summer (it's cool at altitude).
Recommended Tour: Etna tour from Taormina
Let yourself be transported on a fantastic Etna tour.
10) VIP helicopter tour from Taormina
The "wow" experience
Overflight of Isola Bella, Ionian Coast, Etna craters, Aeolian Islands and – on a clear day – up to the Alcantara Gorges.
Average duration: 25-35′ – Reservation required – Best light: morning or sunset. Perfect for anniversaries and special gifts.
More information here.
Cultural Surroundings: Giardini Naxos & Francavilla
Giardini Naxos – First Greek colony in Sicily (734 BC, Chalcidans of Euboea). Archaeological area stretches between the Schisò peninsula and land to the north: furnaces, archaic and classical materials.
Francavilla di Sicilia – Center of the valley; 15th-18th century churches, historic fountains, view from castle ruins. Almond wines and authentic trattorias.
Beaches near Taormina (bonus)
Isola Bella (Mazzarò) – chic, pebbles, isthmus to the reserve.
Mazzarò – gravel under Taormina; boat rentals and seaside restaurants (e.g., Il Barcaiolo).
Siren Bay – tiny cove among rocks, snorkeling paradise.
Spisone – gravel/sand, free stretches and shores; north of Mazzaro.
Mazzeo-the sandiest option, about 3 km north.
For dinner by the sea: Mendolia Beach Club, Il Barcaiolo, Bell’Assai (reduced hours in winter: always book).
FAQ
1-2 days for downtown; add 1 day for Etna or Alcantara Gorges.
Arrive by 9 a.m. or around sunset; buy tickets online when possible.
spring and early fall (ideal weather, fewer lines).
pedestrian center; main parking lots Porta Catania / Porta Messina; cable car down to the sea.
within historic for charm and strolling; Mazzarò, Giardini Naxos, Letojanni for friendlier budgets.
The inland stretch depends on water level and weather. Generally May-September is the best time to walk in the creek.
Yes: grip shoes and jacket even in summer. At altitude it can be cold and windy.
Go to Mazzeo or sections of Spisone; Isola Bella and Mazzaro are mostly pebbles/gravel.
Conclusion
From the terraces of Piazza IX Aprile to the cobblestones of Isola Bella, from the craters ofMount Etna to the black prisms of the Alcantara Gorges, Taormina is a vision of beauty that doesn’t go away. With this guide to things to see in Taormina-enriched with history, walking routes, beaches, wineries and up-to-date tips-you have the perfect itinerary in hand to experience the best of eastern Sicily.
