Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos
Taormina: the name sounds exotic, dramatic, and slightly snobby.
There is a reason for that: Taormina is one of the most famous places in Italy, and definitely the pearl of Sicily. It actually owes a part of its fame to Goethe. When Goethe arrived in Taormina in the 18th century, he felt stunned. The small city on the rock found a place instantly among his favorite ones, and he wrote about it in the Italian Journey. Goethe was fascinated so much with Sicily that he even said: “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” He referred directly to Taormina.
Soon, Taormina started to attract world-famous personalities. Guy de Maupassant, Paul Klee, Friedrich Nietzsche (
Nowadays, the picturesque town of Taormina attracts thousands of people. Hence, walking through the beautiful streets can be a challenge at times. No matter what, the visitor who spends time walking around or sitting on a bench will be rewarded: Taormina’s century-old buildings will begin to narrate their story.
In this travel guide to Taormina, I will share a wealth of information and the best places to stay. Moreover, you’ll see some of my Taormina photos, and I’ll share my honest opinion about this famous Italian town. Lastly, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find a selection of tours in and around Taormina. Let’s start.
*Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
How to reach Taormina
The easiest way to get to Taormina is definitely from Catania. Even if you plan to spend all your Sicilian days in Taormina, you must first fly to Catania anyway. The airport in Catania is not far from Taormina, and buses run directly there. The distance is approximately one hour. Of course, you can take a taxi from the airport in Catania, but be prepared to spend some money.
I recommend spending at least a day in Catania before heading to Taormina. Catania might not be as charming, but it has its moments. From Catania, you have two options for Taormina: the train or the bus. I used both of them, and here is what I found out.
From Catania to Taormina by train
The train from Catania to Taormina takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is because different trains serve the line: some stop a couple of times while others connect Catania to Taormina directly (and vice versa). Italian trains are always a pleasant way to travel, and they are usually affordable. For most of the journey, you will also enjoy spectacular views of Mount Etna. A one-way ticket from Catania to Taormina won’t cost you more than 5-9 euros per person.
The trouble with the train option starts when you arrive at Taormina’s train station. As I mentioned in the introduction, Taormina is situated on top of a hill. However, the train station is by the sea. It’s almost 3 kilometers to the top, but don’t let this fact fool you. The way up is very steep, and you will have difficulty getting there, especially on a warm day. So think twice (or maybe don’t think about it at all) about the option of walking. Having seen the way up, I don’t recommend it.
You have two options from Taormina’s train station to the town: the taxi and the local bus.
Option 1: Taxi
The taxi will cost a minimum of 20 euros. I found it a complete rip-off, and I didn’t even consider it. For a solo traveler, it’s just too much. However, if you are a group of 4-5 people, you can certainly consider it.
Option 2: Bus to Taormina
There is a bus connecting the train station of Taormina and the city of Taormina. However, it is unreliable. Yes, there is a schedule with the itineraries, but this is purely decorative. I arrived at Taormina’s station at 13:20, and there were supposedly buses scheduled at 13:30 (which never appeared), at 14:00 (same), and at 14:30 (same). Almost 30 people were waiting at the time, and the bus arrived packed at 14:45. Luckily, I was one of the first to embark because no one was allowed to enter after me. The bus driver just said, “Wait for the next one.”
The ride to Taormina takes approximately 12-15 minutes, and the roads are full of turns and curves. A one-way bus ticket costs 2 euros, and a return ticket costs 4 euros. You can buy the tickets from the small bar next to the train station. The bus parks shortly before the entrance to Taormina; it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Porta Messina, the gate to the town.
I was dissatisfied with the train option, mainly because the bus from the train station was so unreliable. So, on the way back to Catania, I decided to take the bus.
From Catania to Taormina by bus
The bus station in Catania is, in fact, a large parking lot adjacent to the train station. Therefore, you must go either by metro or on foot to Catania’s central station.
Now, this is a far better option for Taormina. The bus usually takes slightly more than the train—approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes—but it goes directly to Taormina. In other words, you don’t depend on anything else, like the train option. Furthermore, the ticket costs almost the same (5-8 euros), and the last part of the journey is relatively pleasant: the road runs next to the sea.
Obviously, the buses get full quickly, so book your tickets in advance.
Things to do in Taormina
Well, one of the best things to do in Taormina is to wander through the narrow streets. Even if you cross the same road more than two or three times, you will still find something to admire.
While walking in Taormina, you will come across some architectural gems. Of course, the whole city is a must-see, but some places are unmissable. More specifically:
- The ancient Greek theater. The Romans restored this Greek theater. It enjoys a unique location and a breathtaking view. It can only compete with the ancient theater of Syracuse.
- The Duomo di San Nicola. The Gothic-style Cathedral of Taormina bears a resemblance to a fortress. It has stood there since ca. 1400, and some Arabic details are on the ceiling. There is an excellent viewpoint in front of it, too.
- The church of S. Pancrazio. Another church, but this one is dedicated to the patron Saint of the city. Interestingly, it stands on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Jupiter.
- The Palazzo Corvaja. A beautiful Baroque palace with a cube-like shape.
- Odeon. Created during the reign of Emperor Octavian, but was discovered in the late 19th century.
There is also a cable car in Taormina that runs every 15 minutes. It connects the city with its coastal part, called Mazzaró. A one-way ticket costs currently 3 euros, a daily ticket costs 10 euros, and if you are there for several days, you might consider the weekly one (30 euros). The distance it covers is approximately 700 meters. It is a fun thing to do in Taormina, and the view is spectacular.
From Mazzaró, you can also visit the famous Isola Bella, which is now a Nature Reserve.
Where to stay in Taormina
Taormina has a long tradition of hospitality, and there are numerous excellent hotels in town. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Taormina’s hotels are among the best in Italy. On the other hand, since this is one of the most famous Italian towns, be prepared to budget accordingly.
That being said, most Taormina hotels come at a cost. However, if you can afford to spend even a night there, go for it. Then, after the daytrippers return to their bases late in the afternoon, you’ll have this stunning town for yourself.
Below, you will find a list of some of the best hotels in Taormina based on their services. However, the list is not exhaustive. If you’d like to search for more hotels, you can use the interactive map below.
The best hotels in Taormina, Italy
- Maison Blanche. That’s a modern hotel with dramatic views of the cliffs. The location is unique, but it’s not in the city center. Maison Blanche offers endless sea views and quietness. It’s one of the best, yet priciest, accommodation options in Taormina.
- Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms. Every room enjoys stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. It’s not in the heart of the town, but it’s close enough. Equally expensive, it is one of the most luxurious accommodation options in Taormina.
- B&B L’Attico. A slightly cheaper option, just off Taormina’s center, this bed and breakfast offers spacious apartments with a view.
- Hotel Casa Adele. A hotel situated in the old town, offering lovely rooms, although they feel a bit old-fashioned.
- Hotel Villa Ducale. A luxurious boutique hotel. That’s probably the most expensive hotel I have seen in Taormina -and the nicest one, too. Just off of Taormina’s center.
- Casa Lanfranchi. Last but not least, this is one of the most decent options for staying in town. This B&B offers a pleasant environment and competitive prices, and it is conveniently located near the center.
For more accommodations in Taormina, please use the interactive map below.
Rent a car for your trip to Taormina
You can consider renting a car if you want to see more during your journey to Taormina. This would only make sense if you’d like to travel a bit more around the area or visit the nearby beaches. If you plan to visit Taormina and spend only a short time there, you probably won’t need it since everything is within walking distance in Taormina.
You can find the best prices for renting a car in Italy here.
What I think of Taormina
After arriving at the bus stop, I followed the street signs pointing to the center. When I crossed the Porta Messina (there is another one on the other side, called Porta Catania), I began walking the narrow streets. I won’t lie: it took me some effort to deal with the crowds. In general, this is a no-go for me, but seeing pictures of Taormina made me want to visit the place. After all, Taormina hosts a world-famous film festival, and for me, this was an excellent reason to visit.
After dealing with the packed streets, my time there became more enjoyable. The town is lovely and has some beautiful viewpoints, especially the one in front of the Duomo. However, I must point out that the shop owners looked a bit bored. I don’t know if this was because I visited at the beginning of the season (such an attitude usually happens in the end) or if it’s just a matter of “style.”
Taormina is one of those places that has an immediate impact on you. The scenery is dramatic, the view of the nearby beaches is outstanding, and the atmosphere is lovely. However, it’s so crowded that it’s challenging to find a moment of peace. Therefore, one should have patience when going on a day trip to Taormina.
For me, Taormina was one of the must-see places in Sicily. Was I disappointed? No, not at all. But I wasn’t fascinated either. While the landscape and the architecture are both fantastic, something is missing in the vibe of Taormina.
How to truly enjoy your time in Taormina
To make the most of your Taormina trip, I recommend spending at least one night there. Shortly before sunset, the majority of daytrippers will leave the town behind. As a result, the streets will be less crowded, and strolling around Taormina at night will be a different experience. Your evening strolls will be a highlight of your stay. Plus, if you don’t mind waking up early, seeing the first light over Taormina’s cliffs and the nearby Mount Etna is one of the most remarkable things.
That said, if you can afford to spend at least one night in Taormina, you’ll have a different experience. Try to wake up early in the morning and walk the empty streets. Then take a tour along the coastline and return at sunset, when the daytrippers have gone.
The best tours in Taormina and beyond
In this section, you’ll find some selected tours in Taormina and beyond. While joining a Taormina walking tour is a great idea, I’d recommend spending a day out if you have more time in town. The coastline is terrific, and as you can see below, there are numerous boat tours available. Here, you can explore the best tours in Taormina and beyond.
Taormina walking tours. There are plenty of guided Taormina walking tours to choose from, but I’ll share the best ones here.
- For solo travelers. If you’re a solo traveler to Taormina, there’s an excellent tour to book. You can choose its duration according to your interests and budget. You’ll learn everything about the famous city, and your guide guarantees an easy-going experience, avoiding crowds. See more about the private walking tour.
- Romantic sunset walk and an aperitif. If you decide to stay the night in Taormina, you can join an excellent small-group tour. After taking you around the most beautiful spots in town, you’ll end up at a magnificent roof terrace for an aperitif. See more about the sunset & aperitif tour.
- For groups of up to 4 people. That’s the best walking tour in Taormina for groups of up to 4 people (or fewer) traveling together. It’s a private 3-hour tour that visits every famous location in town. See more about the group walking tour.
Chic Panarea and Stromboli Tour (cruise). That’s one of the best things you can enjoy out of town. The 1-day cruise will take you to two of the Aeolian islands. Specifically, you’ll visit the elegant Panarea and the volcanic island of Stromboli. Apart from nature’s beauty, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset in Stromboli. Book the Panarea and Stromboli tour.
Coastline boat tour & swim at Isola Bella. The town’s sea views are terrific, but how about going on a day tour among them? This boat tour will take you all along the coastline, and you’ll stop at the iconic Isola Bella for swimming. Onboard drinks and snacks are included in the price. Book the coastline tour.
The Godfather tour. That’s a classic: you will visit all the filming locations of the famous movie. Specifically, you’ll visit Savoca and Forza d’Agro, the famous villages where The Godfather was filmed. Moreover, you’ll also listen to real stories about the Mafia. Finally, you’ll stop at a charming restaurant with breathtaking views to enjoy traditional Sicilian pasta and Etna wine. See the Godfather tour here.
Half-day Mount Etna trek. On this tour, you will depart from Taormina early in the morning and visit Mount Etna. It’s a must if you’d like to see the famous volcano. See the tour to Etna here.
Sicilian cooking class in Taormina. Many people have a fondness for Italian cuisine; therefore, taking a cooking class in Italy sounds like an excellent idea. There’s a great class while visiting the town, and you can book your cooking class here.
Food and wine walking tour. One of the best things to do in Sicily is to enjoy its delicious cuisine. During the 2,5 hours tour, you’ll learn about the food traditions of Sicily while walking around Taormina. Of course, you’ll meet local chefs and stop at three different venues for food and wine tastings. Book the food and walking tour.
And that’s it with the travel guide to Taormina. Please let me know in the comments below if you plan to visit Taormina and need any additional information.
More about Sicily: A travelogue from Catania, Visiting Etna, I dreamed of Syracuse, Extra photos from Taormina & What to do in Catania
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Please share this Taormina guide with your friends.