See & Do
in Taormina

The most important ancient monument in Sicily and one of the greatest theatres of the ancient world. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, expanded by the Romans — 10,000 seats, 209 metres in circumference. The view from inside is the best in Taormina: Mount Etna perfectly framed behind the stage, the Ionian Sea glittering below, and the town perched on the cliffs above. No photograph prepares you for how good this actually looks. In summer the theatre hosts concerts, opera and Taormina Arte performances — check the events calendar if you want to experience a show here.

Taormina's most iconic image — a tiny island connected to the shore by a sandy spit that appears and disappears with the tides. A UNESCO-recognised nature reserve with twin crescents of pebble beach and water so clear you can see the seabed 6 metres down. The island itself holds a historic villa-museum (€6). Walk across the spit at low tide — it's one of those genuinely unforgettable moments that makes you understand why people call Sicily magical.

Not a museum, not a monument — just a public square. But possibly the finest viewpoint in all of Sicily. The piazza faces west across the Ionian coast with an unobstructed view of the coastline, the sea, and Mount Etna. The clock tower of the Church of San Giuseppe rises above you. At sunset the light turns the limestone façades gold and Etna glows on the horizon. This is the centre of Taormina's social life — the passeggiata happens here every evening. Just stand here. That's enough.

The pedestrian backbone of Taormina — 800 metres of elegance from one medieval gate to the other. Every major sight, church, café, viewpoint and boutique in Taormina is either on this street or within a minute of it. Walk the full length at least once. The evening passeggiata (6pm–9pm) is a Sicilian institution — locals and visitors alike strolling, stopping at bars, watching the world go by. The lit façades at night are extraordinary.

A complete small Roman theatre hidden just off the main Corso — most visitors walk straight past it. Built in the 1st century AD for small performances and recitals. Partially excavated, partially covered by a church built on top of it. The Timoleone Café (see Nightlife) sits right beside it — have a drink next to a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre. One of the great free sights in Taormina.

Created in the 1800s by Florence Trevelyan, a Scottish noblewoman who was exiled from the English court (the rumour was an affair with the Prince of Wales). She built the most extraordinary garden in Sicily — exotic plants from around the world, Victorian follies designed as elaborate birdhouses, and views over the Ionian coast. The follies alone are worth the visit — ornate brick towers that look like something from a fairytale. Come in the morning when the light is soft and the garden is quiet.

A 13th-century fortress-church that looks more like a castle than a place of worship — the thick crenellated walls were designed for defence as much as prayer. Inside: pink marble columns, a beautiful gilded altarpiece and the feeling of stepping 800 years back. The Baroque fountain outside — with its half-woman, half-horse centaur (the symbol of Taormina) — is the most photographed monument on the Corso. The square is the true heart of Taormina.

The castle ruins on the rocky crag directly above Taormina — built by the Romans, rebuilt by the Arabs, modified by the Normans. The view from the top is higher and more dramatic than anything in Taormina itself: the whole town below, Etna to the north, the coastline sweeping south to Giardini Naxos. A steep but rewarding 30-minute hike up. Take the path from Via Circonvallazione in the early morning before the heat builds.

The best Taormina isn't on Corso Umberto — it's on the tiny perpendicular streets and stairways that run off it. Vicolo Stretto (the narrowest alley) barely fits one person. The Salita steps are lined with ceramics and bougainvillea. Via Naumachia hides a 2,000-year-old Roman wall. Via Calapitrulli has the best boutiques. No map needed — just turn down anything that isn't the main street. Getting slightly lost in Taormina is the best way to experience it.

The best way to see the Taormina coastline — from sea level you get a completely different perspective of the cliffs, grottoes and coves that are invisible from above. Standard 2-hour routes cover Mermaid Bay, Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), Capo Taormina and often Baia di Spisone. Most boats include a swimming stop in a sheltered cove, Prosecco and fresh fruit. Departs from the Isola Bella pier throughout the day.

Our number-one experience in Taormina. Tour the hills, villages and hidden viewpoints in a genuine vintage Fiat 500 with the roof down — winding through countryside that tour buses simply can't reach. It's the most quintessentially Italian, most joyful, and by far the most photogenic thing you can do here. An absolute highlight for couples, families and anyone who loves classic cars. If you do one organised experience in Taormina, make it this one.

A dedicated Etna specialist offering the widest variety of volcano tours from Taormina — from a relaxed half-day nature walk to reaching the summit craters at nearly 3,000 metres. Options range from gentle to adventurous, all with knowledgeable local guides. One epic tour even starts with a helicopter ride over the summit, followed by caves, forests and a wine tasting in an Etna cellar. Excellent range, fair prices, genuine passion for the volcano.

The go-to operator for adrenaline. Fly 100 metres above the bay of Taormina on a parasail, tear through the Alcantara Valley on a quad, go river rafting and river trekking through the gorges, or snorkel the marine park at Isola Bella. Also does Etna treks and quirky experiences like an alpaca walk on the volcano's slopes. If you want your Taormina trip to have a real thrill in it, this is the operator.

The Taormina coastline is best seen from the water. Boat tours take you around the bays, sea caves and the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) that are invisible from land, with swimming and snorkelling stops in sheltered coves. Options range from shared group boats to private hire and sunset cruises with Prosecco. A relaxing half-day that shows you a completely different side of Taormina.

Explore the protected marine park around Isola Bella beneath the surface — caves, rock formations and abundant Mediterranean sea life. Blue Diving Taormina offers guided dives, PADI courses and beginner try-dives for those who've never dived before, plus snorkelling trips. Professional, safety-focused and a completely different way to experience Taormina's famous bay.

A well-established diving centre based in Giardini Naxos offering the full range from beginner courses to certified fun dives across the best dive sites near Taormina, including the Isola Bella reserve and the reefs off Capo Schisò. Friendly multilingual instructors and quality equipment. A great choice whether you're getting certified or diving as a pro.

An exciting quad adventure through the dirt paths of the Alcantara Valley — mud, stones, streams and lava tracks — or across the volcanic slopes of Etna. Run by Sicily Adventure, no experience necessary, full briefing and gear provided. One of the most fun, adrenaline-filled half-days available near Taormina. Great for couples and small groups.

A local outfit that curates the best Sicily experiences into four themes — Aria (air), Acqua (water), Terra (earth) and Fuoco (fire). Everything from Etna summit treks and sunset volcano tours to parasailing over Taormina bay, Alcantara Gorge adventures, Aeolian Islands day trips, wine tastings and cooking classes. They test every excursion themselves and only offer what they'd do again, so you get quality at a fair price. Run by the same Taormina team behind Hostel Taormina, so they genuinely know the ground.

The most magical way to see Etna. Head up the volcano in the late afternoon and watch the sun set over the lava fields and craters — the black rock glows orange and the view stretches to the sea. GoodGiorno also runs Buongiorno Etna (a relaxed morning tour to 2,000m from €59), a full-day tour (from €69), and the challenging Etna Top summit trek (from €149) for serious hikers.

A full day exploring the seven UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands — Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and, the highlight, Stromboli, one of the world's most active volcanoes, which puts on a glowing show at night. Swim in turquoise coves, wander whitewashed island villages, and watch the sea from the deck. One of the best day trips in all of Sicily.