The essentials
Taormina packs an unusual amount into a small hilltop town — a 2,000-year-old Greek theatre, a private-feeling island beach, and one of Sicily's most walkable historic centres, all within a few hundred metres of each other. Here's what to prioritise, drawn from our full See & Do guide.
1. Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre)
The single most-visited site in town, and for good reason — a 2nd-century BC Greek theatre with Mount Etna framed perfectly behind the stage. Entry is around €14, and it doubles as a concert venue for major international acts in summer. Arrive early to beat both the heat and the tour groups.
📍 View on Maps2. Isola Bella
Taormina's postcard beach — a small island connected to the mainland by a sandbar, sitting inside a protected marine reserve. Reach it via the Funivia cable car from town. See our dedicated Isola Bella guide for the full breakdown.
3. Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile
The main pedestrian street running the length of the old town, lined with boutiques, cafés and the famous Piazza IX Aprile viewpoint over the sea. It's where most of Taormina's daily life happens — plan to walk it slowly, ideally at golden hour.
4. A day trip to Mount Etna
Europe's largest active volcano is visible from almost everywhere in Taormina, and it's an easy half- or full-day excursion. See our Etna tour guide for how to plan it, including the sunset option, which is genuinely spectacular.
5. Castelmola
A dramatic hilltop village above Taormina with panoramic views over the whole coastline. Reachable by Interbus, taxi, or a steep (fairly strenuous) footpath. Stop at Bar Turrisi for the almond wine — it's a local institution.
6. Savoca and the Godfather trail
Coppola filmed key Sicilian scenes for The Godfather in the nearby villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, including the legendary Bar Vitelli. See our Godfather tour guide for details.