Last Updated on September 25, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Taormina: the name sounds exotic, dramatic, and slightly snobby.
There is a reason for that. Perched on a hill above the Ionian Sea, Taormina has long been one of Sicily’s most famous destinations. Goethe visited in 1787 and was particularly impressed by the setting of its ancient theatre, describing the landscape in his Italian Journey.
Many famous travelers followed (like Guy de Maupassant, Paul Klee, Friedrich Nietzsche, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Marlene Dietrich, and Oscar Wilde), and Taormina eventually became associated with artists, celebrities, and the international jet set. Its fate was probably inevitable: today, thousands of visitors walk through its narrow streets every day during the tourist season.
And that is both Taormina’s charm and its problem.
The town is undeniably beautiful. Its old buildings, cliffs, sea views, and the silhouette of Mount Etna create one of Sicily’s most dramatic settings. At the same time, the crowds can make it difficult to appreciate.
In this Taormina guide, I’ll share the best things to do, explain how to get there from Catania (including how to get from Taormina train station to the town), and suggest where to stay. And, since I didn’t fall unconditionally in love with the place, I’ll also tell you what I really thought of it.
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How to get to Taormina from Catania
For most travelers, Catania is the easiest starting point for Taormina. You can take direct connections from Catania Airport, and from the city itself, you can travel by train or bus.
I used both, and that’s what I’ll share in the following lines.
I also recommend spending some time in Catania instead of treating it as a transport hub for sightseeing. It might not have Taormina’s polished looks, but it has considerably more character, or at least that’s what I thought after strolling around the city and using it as a base for my Sicilian trip.
From Catania to Taormina by train
The train from Catania to Taormina usually takes less than an hour, depending on the service. It’s an easy and affordable journey, and parts of the route offer beautiful views of Mount Etna and the coastline.
The trouble starts when you arrive, and here’s the detail you need to know:
Taormina-Giardini train station is not in Taormina’s historic center.
The station sits by the sea, while the town sits high above it. The distance is approximately 2.5-3 kilometers, but don’t let the number fool you: the road climbs steeply. Having seen it, I wouldn’t consider walking to town, especially with luggage or in warm weather. Trenitalia itself lists the station as roughly 2.5 km on foot from the historic center. So don’t consider walking the steep way.
You have two options from Taormina’s train station to the town: the taxi and the local bus.
Option 1: Taxi from Taormina train station to town
The taxi will cost at least 20-25 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 from Taormina train station to town
This is the option that caused me the most trouble during my visit.
Back then, there was theoretically a timetable. Theoretically is the important word here. I arrived at Taormina’s station at 13:20, and buses were supposedly scheduled at 13:30 (which never appeared), 14:00 (same), and 14:30 (same). Almost 30 people were waiting, and the bus arrived packed at 14:45. Luckily, I was one of the first to board because no one was allowed to enter after me.
The driver’s advice to those who couldn’t get on was simple: “Wait for the next one.”
Fortunately, things are easier now.
Trenitalia currently offers Taormina Link, which combines the train with the bus connection from Taormina-Giardini station to the town center. When booking, choose Taormina Centro as your destination, and the €2 bus fare is added to your train ticket. The bus leaves from the square directly outside the railway station.
The bus stops shortly before the entrance to Taormina; from there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to 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 a large parking lot adjacent to the train station. Therefore, you must go either by metro or on foot to Catania’s central station.
This is a much 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, as you would with the train. Also, the ticket costs almost the same (5-8 euros), and the last part of the journey is relatively pleasant: the road runs along the sea.
Obviously, buses fill up quickly, so book your tickets in advance.
Things to do in Taormina
One of the best things to do in Taormina is the simplest: walk.
The historic center is compact, and even if you cross the same street two or three times, you’ll probably notice something you missed before. Corso Umberto is the town’s main axis, but don’t hesitate to get lost in the smaller streets around it.
That said, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss:
- The Ancient Theatre of Taormina. Originally Greek and later substantially modified by the Romans, the theatre sits in an extraordinary spot overlooking the sea and surrounding landscape. The scenery can compete with the ancient theatre of Syracuse, although the two places feel very different. Standard tickets currently cost €14.
- Piazza IX Aprile. One of Taormina’s most recognizable spots and an excellent viewpoint over the coastline. It’s rarely empty, but the location explains why.
- The Duomo di San Nicola. Taormina’s cathedral looks almost like a fortress. The square in front of it was one place in town where I enjoyed stopping for a while instead of simply following the crowds.
- Palazzo Corvaja and the Odeon. Both are easy to see while walking around the center and add another layer to Taormina beyond its resort image.
- The Church of San Pancrazio. Dedicated to Taormina’s patron saint and built partly over the remains of an ancient sanctuary.
Beyond sightseeing, one of the most enjoyable things you can do is follow Corso Umberto from Porta Messina toward Porta Catania and occasionally turn down a side street. Taormina isn’t a place that requires an endless checklist, and part of its charms is following your instinct and discovering its beauty off the main street.
A cable car also connects Taormina with Mazzarò and the coast. It runs every 15 minutes and is useful if you want to visit the sea without dealing with the steep descent on foot. The current tourist fare is €8 one way or €15 return, while a day pass costs €20.
From Mazzarò, you can continue to Isola Bella, probably the most famous stretch of coastline below Taormina, and nowadays a Nature Reserve.
Where to stay in Taormina
Taormina has a long tradition of hospitality, and the town has many excellent hotels. It’s no exaggeration to say that Taormina’s hotels are among the best in Italy, but you should expect prices to match this reputation. Since this is one of Italy’s most famous towns, be prepared to budget accordingly.
However, if you can afford to spend even a night there, go for it. Then, after the day-trippers return to their bases late in the afternoon, you’ll have this stunning town for yourself.
Below is 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.
A few hotels to consider 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 accommodation options in Taormina, use the interactive map below.
Do you need a car in Taormina?
You don’t need a car to explore Taormina itself. The historic center is compact and walkable, while buses and the cable car connect it with the station and the coast.
Renting a car makes more sense if Taormina is just one stop on a longer Sicily road trip or if you want to explore places that are inconvenient to reach by public transport.
If you’re only visiting Taormina for a day or two, I’d skip renting a car.
You can find the best prices for renting a car in Italy here.
What I thought 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 pictures of Taormina made me want to visit. After all, Taormina hosts a world-famous film festival, and for me, this was an excellent reason to visit.
Once I adjusted to the crowds, I enjoyed the town much more. Taormina is indeed beautiful; the cliffs are dramatic, the sea views are excellent, and every now and then Mount Etna appears in the distance to remind you exactly where you are. I still think that the combination of landscape and architecture will have an immediate impact on you.
Was I disappointed? No. Was I fascinated? Not really.
Taormina was one of the places I wanted to see in Sicily, and I’m glad I did. But while I admired its landscape and architecture, something was missing for me. Perhaps it was the crowds. Perhaps the town is simply too polished. Or perhaps Taormina is one of those places that’s easier to admire than to love.
Honestly, and if this makes sense to you, I feel the same about Santorini in Greece: the beauty is there, but the vibe is missing.
How to truly enjoy your time in Taormina
If I visited again, I would change one thing: I would stay overnight.
Most day-trippers leave late in the afternoon. That gives you the chance to walk around Taormina when the streets are quieter, and the town feels less like a theme park. The same applies early in the morning, before the crowds reach Taormina.
So, if your budget allows it, spend at least one night. Walk through the center after dinner, wake up early the next day, and use the busiest hours for the coast or an excursion.
I suspect that’s when Taormina has a better chance of showing what lies beneath the crowds and probably gives you a chance to appreciate its beauty, history, and the myth surrounding it.
Day trips and tours from Taormina
In this section, you’ll find 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, many boat tours are available.
Taormina walking tours
Plenty of guided Taormina walking tours are available, but here’s the one I’d consider.
- Best for solo travelers. If you’re a solo traveler to Taormina, there’s an excellent tour to book. You can choose the duration to match your interests and budget. You’ll learn everything about the famous city, and your guide will ensure an easy-going experience while avoiding crowds. See more about the private walking tour.
- Best for couples: Romantic sunset walk and an aperitif. If you decide to stay the night in Taormina, you can join an excellent small-group tour. After touring the most beautiful spots in town, you’ll end up on a magnificent roof terrace for an aperitif. See more about the sunset & aperitif tour.
- Best 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. This private 3-hour tour 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 takes you along the coastline, and you’ll stop at the iconic Isola Bella for swimming. Onboard drinks and snacks are included.
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. You’ll also hear real stories about the Mafia. Finally, you’ll stop at a charming restaurant with breathtaking views to enjoy traditional Sicilian pasta and Etna wine.
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, and I described my Mount Etna visit in a separate article here.
Taormina Guide: Final Thoughts
Looking back at my trip to Sicily, Taormina remains a place I still find difficult to define.
There is no question that it’s beautiful. The setting is spectacular, the ancient theatre alone justifies the visit, and there are moments when the combination of the sea, the cliffs, and Mount Etna is hard to beat. At the same time, I never connected with Taormina in the way I did with Catania or Syracuse. The crowds certainly played a role, but I also felt something was missing from the town’s atmosphere.
Still, I’m glad I went. Not every place has to become a favorite to deserve a visit, and Taormina is certainly worth experiencing for yourself.
If I returned, though, I wouldn’t visit it in exactly the same way. I’d stay overnight, walk through the center after the day-trippers had left, and see it again early the next morning before the streets filled up.
Perhaps that quieter Taormina is the one I didn’t quite get to know, but I’d love to. What I think I missed most was not following my own pace; oddly enough, I had to obey the crowds’ rhythm. And that’s why I’d like to stay overnight in Taormina the next time I’m there.
More about Sicily: A travelogue from Catania, Visiting Etna, I dreamed of Syracuse, Extra photos from Taormina & What to do in Catania
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