One Day in Taormina, Sicily: Itinerary + Things to Do (2024)
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The beautiful Sicilian town of Taormina, with its ancient Greek theater, charming medieval streets, and stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, is a popular travel destination. I stayed in Taormina during my 10-day Sicily road trip. Not only is Taormina a great base for exploring Eastern Sicily, but it’s also a worthwhile destination that deserves at least a day to be seen.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to spend a day in Taormina. This one-day Taormina itinerary has the perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that has attracted tourists to the city for centuries.
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⏳Short on time? My recommendations for your 1 day Taormina Itinerary include:
🏨 Hotel: Valentina
🗺️ Tours: GetYourGuide and Viator
📍 Recommended Excursions:
–Syracuse and Noto Small Group Tour
–Full Day Etna, Wine, & Altara Canyons Tour
🚗 Getting Around: Find the best rates on rental cars in Sicily through Discover Cars
🏥 Travel Insurance: Insubuy
📞 Staying Connected: DrimSim
1 Day in Taormina: Itinerary at a Glance
- Morning: Sunrise and Sicilian Breakfast.
- Mid-Morning: Greek Theater and Stroll Through Corso Umberto.
- Afternoon: A Visit to Isola Bella.
- Evening: Sunset at Piazza IX Aprile.
- Dinner: A Taste of Sicilian Gastronomy.
- Night: Outdoor Music or Theater.
Taormina in One Day Itinerary
Morning: Sunrise and Sicilian Breakfast
Start your day watching the sun rise over the Ionian Sea.
My favorite spot to watch the sunrise is the Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary in Castello di Taormina, which is built into the rock wall. Though the sanctuary is just 800 meters and 15-20 minutes off Corso Umberto, you’ll need to walk up 500 stairs to reach it. I think it is worth the effort.
If you don’t want to do this short hike, you can take the bus or a taxi from Via Luigi Pirandello.
After watching the sunrise, head over to the Bam Bar for a traditional Sicilian breakfast. This is the best place in Taormina to get coffee and a granita with brioche. I visited Bam Bar twice while in Taormina, and highly recommend it. Though it was always full, I was able to get a table within 5 minutes.
If possible, wait for a table outdoors, both for the view of the neighboring buildings and the people watching. It’s part of the experience.
Mid-Morning: Greek Theater and Stroll Through Corso Umberto
Your next stop is the Teatro Antico di Taormina, the city’s ancient Greek theater. This historic amphitheater was constructed by the Greeks during the third century BCE and was later renovated and expanded by the Romans.
It’s not only one of the best things to see in Taormina, but also one of the best places in all of Sicily!
From here you’ll have incredible views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The theater gets crowded and hot (it’s fully exposed with no shade) by mid-late morning, so try to visit as close to opening as possible.
There aren’t many interpretive signs to read inside the theater, so if you want to learn more about the history of the site I recommend booking a guided tour with your admission. This is what we did and it was great for learning the history and significance of this ancient site.
After touring the theater, make your way for a stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s bustling main street.
Corso Umberto runs from Porta Messina across the city to Porta Catania and is lined with boutique shops, quaint cafés, and historical buildings. The Piazza IX Aprile is especially arresting, as is the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a Catholic church located in the square.
Pass under the 12th-century clock tower (Torre dell’Otologio) to arrive at the Piazza del Duomo. Be sure to visit the Cathedral, a large medieval building dating back to the 13th century. While in the square, be sure to admire the baroque fountain with its two-legged centaur with the bust of an angel.
Afternoon: A Visit to Isola Bella
No visit to Taormina is complete without heading to the enchanting Isola Bella. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Funivia, or cable car.
If you’re short on time, the cable car is a faster and less physically demanding option.
The funivia costs €6 roundtrip and will take you down to sea level in Mazarro. It runs every 15 minutes and gives you stunning views of the Straight of Messina, the narrow waterway separating Sicily from mainland Italy.
Alternatively, you can walk the whole way down, which took me 30 minutes. This does mean walking down some steep flights of stairs, but I enjoyed this as an alternative to the Funivia ride.
Other options for getting to Isola Bella are to take the bus from Taormina via Luigi Pirandello to Taormina Capo which costs €1.50 and takes about 10 minutes. You’ll then have to walk about 0.6 miles (1 km) to get to Isola Bella.
The most expensive option is to take a taxi. This will get you door-to-door but will cost at least €17-20.
Along the waterfront are many eateries you can choose from for lunch. I enjoyed the fresh seafood and friendly staff at Pizzichella Ristorante Lido. The restaurant is on the quieter side of the beach overlooking the bay. After eating, I rented a chair at the Lido and used this as a base to explore the area.
After your lunch, walk over to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve connected to the mainland by a slender strip of beach. You can spend the afternoon lounging on the beach’s pebbled shores, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or snorkeling to explore the marine life. If you want to visit the island, you can pay a small €6 fee to enter the nature preserve.
If you decide to snorkel or swim, here are a few things to be aware of:
- There are jellyfish in the area. I was stung while snorkeling and found out afterward that this is a relatively common occurrence.
- Bring water shoes. The pebbles on the beach are sharp in some areas. You will find people selling water shoes for €5 on the final set of stairs down to Isola Bella in case you forgot them.
Evening: Sunset at Piazza IX Aprile
As the day draws to a close, take the Funivia back up to Piazza IX Aprile, the town’s beloved terrace.
Locals and tourists alike gather to watch the sunset, casting a golden glow over the medieval towers, the coastline, and Mount Etna. The piazza’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of live music. You’ll see couples cuddling against the railings, kids chasing each other around the square, and Italians beginning their evening passeggiata.
Dinner: A Taste of Sicilian Gastronomy
End your day by indulging in a traditional Sicilian dinner at one of Taormina’s fine restaurants.
You’ll find fresh seafood dishes like grilled swordfish and hearty pasta with rich tomato and eggplant sauces. Complement this with a glass of Etna wine, a testament to the fertile volcanic soils of the region.
Some delicious restaurants I recommend in Taormina include:
- Villa Ducale Restaurant: High-end fine dining in a romantic setting.
- Osteria Pizzeria Le Tre Vie: Old-school osteria serving hearty pizzas with a spectacular view.
- Granduca Taormina Restaurant: Hearty, traditional Sicilian fare with sweeping sea views.
Night: Stroll the Corso Umberto or Enjoy Live Music
Southern Italy is a late-night culture. Even if you’re traveling to Sicily with kids, you may find your days stretching later and later into the nights. Take advantage of the active night scene to stroll Corso Umberto, listen to live street performers, or catch a show.
Consider heading back to the Greek Theater, for a concert or play. Shows range from classical to pop music to opera. Experience live performances the way the Greeks and Romans did in this spectacular ancient setting.
Have More Time? Other Things to do in Taormina, Sicily
Many people visit Taormina as part of a larger Eastern Sicily itinerary. You can easily spend 2-3 days in Taormina, exploring more of the town, and the surrounding areas, and visiting Mt. Etna.
If you have more than one day in Taormina, here are some additional things to do in the area:
Villa Comunale di Taormina
The Villa Comunale di Taormina was originally the private garden of Lady Florence Trevelyan. Originally from Scotland, she planted the grounds with different species of Mediterranean flowers and plants.
Now a public garden, Villa Comunale offers stunning Etna views and a quiet escape from the summer crowds in town.
Castelmola
Just a short drive up the hill from Taormina is the hilltop town of Castelmola. This is one of the prettiest towns in Sicily.
Explore the historic old town; the walls of the village; the historic Caffè S. Giorgio, originally opened by monks in the 18th century; and Monte Veneretta, for spectacular views over the sea.
Take a cooking class
A cooking class is a fun way to learn local local Sicilian recipes and cooking techniques. If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with Sicilian food and want to replicate it when you return home. A cooking class is the perfect way to bring Sicilian food home to your kitchen!
Go shopping on Corso Umberto
Though you will find some name brands here, be on the lookout for local art, ceramics, and clothing as you pass through this main street. Most stores will ship these back home for you if they are too large to fit in your suitcase.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting from outside the EU, make sure to get documentation for your VAT refund for large purchases!
Visit Mount Etna
No trip to this region would be complete without venturing further to Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Etna is the perfect day trip from Taormina, and there are multiple ways to visit the volcano. If you’re renting a car in Sicily, you can easily drive yourself and spend a full day exploring the area. Once there, adventure seekers can rent bikes and take a Mt. Etna bike tour.
Many full and half-day Etna tours leave from Taormina.
Visit Alcantara Geological Park
The Alcantara Geological Park is a testament to the island’s volcanic heritage. With its unique basalt columns and refreshing river gorges, the park offers a cool respite from the summer heat and an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
How to Get to Taormina
The nearest airport to Taormina is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, located about an hour’s drive away. From Catania, you have several options for reaching Taormina.
- Rent a car – by far the easiest and most convenient option.
- Bus ride – Regular buses connect Taormina to Catania, Messina, and other Sicilian towns.
- Train to Taormina – The train runs to Giardini Station, though you’ll need to take a taxi or bus up to Taormina town.
How to Get Around Taormina
Taormina’s streets are narrow and winding, and you won’t want to drive around them except to get in and out of town. Thankfully, Taormina is a very walkable town.
The Corso Umberto is quite flat, though you will find steep hills leading up to Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary and Castelmola, and down to Isola Bella.
Buses run frequently to all of these locations, and most bus fares around town are just €1-2.
If you have a car in Taormina, there are several large paid municipal parking lots you can park in.
Where to Stay in Taormina
I recommend staying in Taormina’s old town, which sits on the hillside. If you want to research local Taormina hotels as well as self-contained stays, this map can help you compare your options. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in Taormina:
Best Time to Visit Taormina
The best time to visit Taormina is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).
These seasons have pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You also won’t get the hordes of cruise ship tourists who descend upon the town regularly during the summer months.
Early autumn has the added advantage of the sea still being warm enough for swimming and water activities.
While the summer months of July and August promise sunny days and vibrant nightlife, they also bring larger crowds and uncomfortably hot weather.
Sicily is also a great winter destination as nowhere on the island, except for Mount Etna, gets very cold. While you won’t be able to swim during winter, it can still be a fine time to visit Taormina.
Best Day Trips From Taormina
Taormina makes a great base for exploring eastern Sicily. Here are some easy day trips from Taormina:
Syracuse
Syracuse is famous for its rich history and the old city of Oritigia. Just a 1 hour and 45-minute drive south of Taormina, a day in Syracuse makes a great day trip from Taormina. While there you can explore the Ancient Greek and Roman Theatre, one of the oldest in the world, and wander the twisting streets of Ortigia.
Noto
Just two shouts drive from Taormina, the town of Noto is a Baroque masterpiece. The planned city, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, follows one beautiful architectural style. The best way to spend a day in Noto is by strolling along the city’s elegant streets, admiring landmarks such as the Noto Cathedral and Palazzo Ducezio.
Catania
Sicily’s second city, Catania, is a vibrant, gritty city at the foot of Mount Etna. Its bustling markets and ancient Roman ruins make it well worth the one-hour drive from Taormina to spend a day in Catania. You can visit the Catania Cathedral or the World War II Museum. Make sure you don’t miss the fish market!
Messina
A coastal gem overlooking the Strait of Messina, this picturesque town is just a 45-minute drive from Taormina. There you can visit the Messina Cathedral and the iconic Bell Tower and learn about the city’s rich maritime history. Stroll along the promenade, enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
FAQ: 1 Day in Taormina
One day in Taormina can be enough to see the highlights, but it may feel rushed if you want to explore thoroughly. I recommend basing yourself in Taormina and taking day trips to nearby sights.
Taormina is a walkable city with many of its attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. With narrow, winding streets, it is much easier to walk than drive in Taormina.
One day is enough in Taormina, but ideally spending 2 or 3 days in Taormina allows you to enjoy its main attractions, relax, and explore nearby areas.
Yes! Taormina, Sicily, is worth visiting! It’s a beautiful place with stunning views, an ancient Greek theater, charming streets, and a rich history.
You do not need a car to get around Taormina itself, as it is walkable and there are also local transport options, but a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding areas.
While Taormina is popular with tourists and can get crowded, I wouldn’t consider it a “tourist trap.” It has an impressive Greek theater and maintains a local charm, despite its hordes of tourists.
Yes, Taormina is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is one hour north of Catania and 45 minutes south of Messina.
Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Taormina, Sicily
Taormina, with its undeniable charm and beauty, has a lot to fill a one-day visit. You can explore ancient ruins, dine on fresh Sicilian food, and stroll the shop-lined streets of Corso Umberto with jaw-dropping views around every turn. Taormina is a special place, and I hope you enjoy exploring this beautiful town. If you plan to visit Taormina as part of a longer trip to Sicily, be sure to check out my 10-day Sicily road trip itinerary!
About the Author:
Sonia Monahan is a lifelong travel enthusiast. Her mission at Carey On Travels is to inspire and guide travel enthusiasts through Inspirational stories, off-the-beaten-path travel itineraries, practical tips and guides, local insights, and sustainable traveling.