One Day in Taormina, Sicily: The Perfect Itinerary
We have to be honest: we believe Taormina is so beautiful that you should spend at least 3 days there. However, we all have time constraints and a huge world to discover. Therefore, you may only have one day in Taormina. No worries, we are here to help.
You will have to rush a little bit, but if you follow our itinerary, you will see all of the city’s highlights. Taormina is not that big, and most attractions are close to each other. You can walk to all. To go to the beach, take the cable car or a bus.
Taormina can get really hot during the summer. Thus, wear a hat and some sunscreen and remember to keep hydrated. If you visit during the winter, all you need is an umbrella, proper shoes, and a jacket. It’s never that cold in Sicily. You will fall in love with Taormina!
Morning
Porta Catania
We begin our Taormina itinerary at the city’s main gate: Porta Catania. In old times, huge walls protected Taormina. You will see remains of these ancient walls at several points in the city. However, only two access gates can be seen today: Porta Messina and Porta Catania.
Porta Catania is to the west of Taormina. The gate leads to Corso Umberto I, the city’s main drag. Before entering, take your time and admire the views. You can see the hills to the west and the old town and sea to the east. Look for the coat of arms on top of the gate.
The Aragonese Empire conquered the city in the 15th Century. They built the gate in 1440. It’s also called Porta del Tocco because assemblies were held in the tiny nearby plaza. Walk one minute to the south to see the Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano from the 13th Century.
Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main drag. It crosses the city from Porta Catania to Porta Messina in the north. The street is named after Umberto I of Savoy, King of Italy from 1878 to 1900. You will see buildings from different historic periods, including Arab, Gothic, Baroque, and Normand.
Today, all types of restaurants, shops, and hotels line the street. As you can imagine, it can get very crowded on the street. That’s why we recommend visiting it early in the morning before the crowds arrive. It’s only 2500 feet (800 m) from one gate to another.
You can refill your bottle of water at the historic fountain in front of the cathedral. The 15th Century Ciampoli Palace is a block north of the cathedral. You’ve got two churches to discover. The Baroque Saint Giuseppe church has epic views. The Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is from the 1600s.
Duomo di Taormina
Duomo means Cathedral in Italian. The city’s Cathedral is a couple of blocks from Porta Catania. There’s no way you’ll miss it. The temple looks more like a fort. It’s made of massive stone blocks and towers above the city. Look for the huge rosette on the façade.
The first Duomo was built in the 13th Century. As you can imagine, several reconstructions and extensions followed through the centuries. The main door is from 1636, while the windows on both sides are from the 15th Century.
If you think the temple looks impressive from the outside, wait till you get inside. Six pink marble columns from the Greek Theatre support the wooden ceiling. You can see Arab decorations on the wooden beams. The paintings and art in the altar and side chapels are from the 14th to the 16th Centuries.
Piazza IX Aprile
The Piazza IX Aprile is the epicenter of Taormina. Most postcards and pictures of the city depict the plaza. The square is so beautiful that it makes Taormina worth visiting. That’s why it can be packed in high season. The views from the plaza will take your breath away.
You get to see the sea and Mount Etna. You will instantly recognize the plaza from its white and black floor. The church to the left is from the 15th Century. Today, it’s a historic library. The clock tower that presides over the plaza is the Middle Gate.
The original gate was built in the 12th Century. The clock is from the 1800s. Don’t forget to look for the incredible mosaic on the wall. Walk to the end of the Belvedere, lookout in Italian, and admire the views. If it’s too packed, go inside the Metropole Hotel for a glass of wine and views.
Villa Comunale
We believe that the Villa Comunale is one of the nicest parks in Europe. In the 19th Century, aristocrats from all over the continent escaped repressed societies to Taormina. Lady Florence Trevelyan had an affair with the Prince of Wales and had to flee to Taormina in 1884.
A couple of years later, she married the soon-to-be Mayor of Taormina. They began buying land in the center and building an incredible park. Though she followed a traditional Victorian Garden, she incorporated typical Mediterranean flora, including cypress trees and pines. Today, you can walk on trails through the gardens admiring the plants.
Due to its location on the slope of the hill, the views from the garden are amongst the best in the city. Sculptures, gazebos, fountains, benches, bridges, and ponds dot the gardens. Some have a distinct oriental touch. Look out for the beehives. These are bird-watching stations.
Teatro Antico di Taormina
Having only one day is no excuse to rush through the Teatro Antico. It’s arguably the city’s top attraction. To us, it is one of the grandest Archaeological remains in Europe. Besides, the views from there over the sea, the city, and the volcano will leave you speechless.
The ancient Greeks built the theatre in the 3rd Century B.C. When the Romans kicked out the Greeks, they rebuilt the theatre incorporating their style. They removed the stage and the orchestra place to turn it into an arena in the 3rd Century A.C. The result is magical.
You have to walk up to the highest point to fully admire the theatre and the views. It can get very hot. Thus, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t want to queue to purchase your ticket, get it here. You skip the line and get an expert guide.
Palazzo Corvaja & Teatro Odeon
The Palazzo Corvaja and the Odeon Theatre are at the end of Corso Umberto I. The palace is a medieval masterpiece that combines ancient structures with a lovely garden and unforgettable views. Today, it homes the Sicilian Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. It’s got an interesting collection of puppets!
The Romans built the Odeon Theatre in the year 21 B.C. Though much smaller than the Greek one, it’s pretty cool and worth your time. Besides, there are no lines, and you don’t have to pay. Go to the top of the theatre to admire the views over the city and the bay.
Once you are done with the historic core, venture to lesser-known but equally impressive sights. You can walk from the theatre to the Saraceni Trail high on the hill. From there, you can walk half an hour to Castel Mola. It’s a tiny town with an ancient castle.
Afternoon
Isola Bella
Taormina has some of the nicest beaches in Sicily. The area you can see from the city beneath the hill is called Isola Bella. You can walk there in half an hour. You can also take the cable car from behind the Greek Theatre. It takes you to Mazzaro.
From there, walk to Isola Bella beach and the Azzure Grotta, Blue Cave. If the tide is low, you can even walk to Isola Bella Island. Walk to the south to check the Love Cave. The beaches are small and pebbled but perfect for a dip.
You have to go to Mazzaro. It’s wider and has an organized and a free section. However, if you are a beach bunny, go to the beaches further north or to the south. Once you pass Mazzaro, you’ll reach a long stretch of beaches. The nicest beaches south are in Giardini Naxos.
Evening
Have Dinner at a Restaurant with the View
We love Sicilian food, and the one in Taormina is amongst the best on the island. For pizza with the locals, go to Villa Zuccaro in the center. The simple restaurant is inside a 17th Century Villa with a cute garden. Pasta we always have at Trattoria Tiramisu next door.
If you want to try traditional Sicilian Arancini, head to Vecchia Taormina. The views from there are as great as the food! If you are into fancy restaurants, have dinner at Vineria Modi. The food is in a league of its own, and the wine list is endless.
For cocktails, we usually go to Morgana Lounge Bar. Local DJs play music at this hip bar. To have cocktails and a bite while watching a killer sunset, go to Cherry Bar Sicilian Bistrot. Don Diego Gelateria & Caffetteria in the center has the best authentic ice cream in the city.
Where to Stay in Taormina
The best places to stay in Taormina are in the center. Our favorite hotel in the city is the Hotel Metropole. We are talking about a grand 18th Century mansion on IX Aprile Square. Thus, its incredible views. Everything is classy at the Metropole. The rooms are super comfy and elegantly appointed.
Another fantastic choice in the center is the Ashbee Hotel. The 19th Century villa is close to the Greek Theatre. It’s got a splendid garden with tall trees and flowers. The service is in a class of its own. The hotel has a pool, spa, and gym. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers killer views.
La Plage Resort is one of the best beach hotels in Taormina and Sicily. The property is beneath the city, on Isola Bella natural reserve. It’s got a private beach with a gazebo and a bar. Every room has a balcony and sea or garden views.
How to Get to Taormina
Catania’s airport is the closest airport to Taormina and Mount Etna. Both cities are only 35 miles (50 km) from each other. Here you will find a detailed description of how to go from Catania to Taormina driving, by bus or train. No worries, it’s super easy.
There are over 50 trains that connect both cities. Depending on the one you take, the journey lasts between 40 minutes to an hour. Trains leave from Catania Centrale and arrive at Taormina Giardini Station. From there, you can walk up the hill or take a 1.5 euro bus.
Countless buses leave from different points in Catania. A very popular station in the center is Michelangelo Buonarroti Square. Depending on the one you take, the journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Buses arrive at Taormina’s bus station on Via Luigi Pirandello. From there, it’s a short walk to the center.
How Many Days in Taormina
We hope our itinerary has made you question how many days you need to spend in Taormina. The city is one of the nicest in Italy and Europe, so rushing through it is a pity. We believe you should spend at least 3 days in the city.
You could follow our itinerary but at your own pace. Note that Taormina can get super crowded, especially during the summer. However, most tourists come for the day and leave early in the afternoon. At night, you will have space and enjoy its fun vibe. Besides, dining in Taormina is a must.
Another option is to base yourself in Taormina and explore the area. Catania is just an hour away. Spending some time on the beach is a fantastic idea too. Taormina is close to the mighty Mount Etna. You can see it from the city. We strongly recommend taking this private tour of the mountain.
