Taormina as a base for day trips
Taormina's location on Sicily's east coast makes it a genuinely good base for exploring further afield — Mount Etna, historic villages, and other coastal towns are all within reach of a single day's excursion.
Mount Etna
Europe's largest active volcano, visible from Taormina itself, with half-day, full-day and sunset tour options. See our dedicated Etna guide for the full breakdown.
Savoca and Forza d'Agrò (the Godfather trail)
The hilltop villages where Coppola filmed key Sicilian scenes, including the legendary Bar Vitelli. See our Godfather tour guide for planning details.
Giardini Naxos
A short trip down the coast for longer, sandier beaches and the Naxos Archaeological Park — home to the first ancient Greek settlement in Sicily. See our comparison guide for more.
Castelmola
A dramatic hilltop village with panoramic views over the whole coastline, easily reached by Interbus, taxi, or a steep walk — worth a half-day at minimum.
Syracuse (Siracusa)
Further afield, Syracuse offers its own significant ancient Greek ruins and the beautiful island old town of Ortigia — a longer day trip, but a rewarding one for anyone interested in Sicily's classical history.