Making the most of a single day
If you're only in Taormina for one day — maybe on a cruise stop or a day trip from elsewhere in Sicily — here's how to see the highlights without rushing through them. This condenses our fuller 3-day itinerary into a single, realistic day.
Morning: the Ancient Theatre
Start here before the crowds and heat build up. The Teatro Antico takes about an hour to explore properly, and the Mount Etna backdrop is at its best in soft morning light. Entry is around €14.
Late morning: Corso Umberto
Walk the length of Corso Umberto, Taormina's main pedestrian street, stopping at Piazza IX Aprile for the sea view. Grab granita and brioche along the way — it's the essential Taormina breakfast.
Midday: lunch
Keep it simple with pizza by the slice or a quick trattoria lunch — see our restaurant guide for picks that won't eat into your afternoon.
Afternoon: Isola Bella
Take the Funivia cable car down to Isola Bella for a swim and some time on the beach. Even an hour or two here is worth the short trip down.
Early evening: back up for aperitivo
Head back up to town for an aperitivo with a view before your day wraps up — many bars along Corso Umberto and its side streets have terraces overlooking the coast.