Is Taormina Worth Visiting? Without a Doubt!
Italy has so many amazing places that it’s reasonable to ask yourself: is Taormina worth visiting? Our answer is a definitive yes! We have been to Italy countless times and believe Sicily is the nicest region in the country. Taormina is probably the nicest city on the island.
That’s why we visit Sicily at least once every year. We make sure to stop in Taormina every time. There is nothing in the world quite like this historic city. Taormina excels in both our passions: architecture and nature. The city has superb architecture from different periods and lush green nature.
To our amazement, most tourists visit Taormina just for the day. They come from Catania or Palermo and make a stop, walk about, and then continue their journey through the island. What a terrible mistake to make! You have to see Taormina at night when there are no crowds.
What is Taormina Like
Taormina looks straight out of a fairy tale! To us, it’s the epitome of Italian architecture and scenery. The city is perched high on a hill. That’s why it enjoys breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea. In fact, you can see the mighty Mount Etna from the city.
The city is a maze of curvy and narrow streets. The historical core is on top of the sea. Marble mansions and palaces line Taormina’s streets. There are a couple of cute little plazas and several viewing platforms. There are two bays beneath the city. The island you can see from above is Isola Bella.
Through the centuries, the city has attracted people from all over the world. Everybody wanted to conquer it! Later on, it became the center of aristocrats, artists, and the rich. Today, people from all over the world visit the city to explore the scenery. No matter what your expectations are, Taormina won’t disappoint you.
Why You Should Visit Taormina
It’s a Beautiful City Full of History
Taormina’s history goes back to Ancient Greece. They were the ones that established the first city here some 700 years B. C. However, the incredible Greek Theatre of Taormina is from the 3rd Century BC. The Romans kicked out the Greeks in the 2nd Century BC. That’s why the city has so many archaeological remains.
When the Romans fell, the Byzantine Empire took over briefly. The Arabs conquered Southern Italy in the 1st Century BC. and Taormina became Al Muzziyya. In the 1st Century AC., they built the massive Saracen Castle on top of a former acropolis and other fortresses.
Like the rest of Sicily, different powers controlled the city through the centuries. In recent history, Taormina flourished after the unification of Italy. The area became a haven for liberal progressive free thinkers, including gays and feminists. Some of the grandest palaces in Taormina are from the late 18th Century.
Outstanding Views Everywhere
Due to its location on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is all about epic views. That’s why different powers wanted the city. From Taormina, you can see who’s approaching. Get your camera ready for incredible shots! Taormina’s most famous lookout is IX Aprile Square in the center.
Though it does get crowded, the views from there will take your breath away. From there, walk along the Villa Comunale di Taormina. It’s a splendid garden on the edge of the hill. Thus, it offers memorable views at every corner. Walk to the Via Pirandello viewing platform to see Isola Bella.
In Taormina, the further up you go, the better the views. Climb all the way to the Madonna della Rocca Church. The church built on a rock is as impressive as the views. You can walk along a path admiring the views. To the east is the Salita dei Saraceni, another place with gorgeous views.
There’s a Greek Amphitheater
If you spend just one day in Taormina, you must go directly to the Greek Amphitheater. The postcards you’ve seen from the city and Sicily are of this archaeological wonder. We are talking about the ruins of an ancient Greek theatre perched on the hill. Thus, the unforgettable views.
As you can imagine, it can get crowded at the theatre. Who cares! The place is so amazing it won’t disappoint you. The Greeks built the theatre, but the Romans improved it and used it for a long time. Considering its age, it’s in pretty good shape.
Don’t rush and go up to the theatre. You will see Mount Etna from the top of the hill. If you visit during the summer, we recommend going early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the heat. Do not forget to check the Amphitheater Museum. Though small, the carvings inside are awesome.
Beaches are Stunning
Taormina is famous in Sicily for its fantastic beaches. People from Catania come to Taormina to go to the beach. Even if you visit Sicily in winter, we advise going to the beach. Maybe you won’t bathe, but the scenery is so beautiful that you will have a blast.
The closest beaches are the ones beneath the hill. You can walk from the center down to the Grotta dell Amore, the Love Cave. It’s to the south of Isola Bella. Walk along the pebbled beach to the island and Isola Bella Beach. The Azurra Cave is on the tip of the bay.
Stop at the Mazzaro Lookout and continue to Mazzaro Beach to the north. It’s a small sandy beach. Once you pass the rocks to the north, you’ll reach a long stretch of sandy beaches. Sirina Beach is south of the train station. Walk a bit south to the incredible Naxos Beach.
The City Offers Amazing Hikes
We love walking around Taormina. The city is full of lovely walking paths. Walking around the center is a must. Each little street is worth your time. You can walk to the beach and the train station. Even in peak season, you can avoid the crowds walking out of the center.
The easiest walk is from Taormina to Castelmola. The cute little town is up on the hill north of Taormina. It takes some 45 minutes to walk from the Greek Theatre to Castelmola. There’s a dedicated trail called Cuculunazzo. You can keep on walking up the hill for another hour to reach Punte Mole.
The views from Punte Mole are some of the best in Sicily. From there, you can walk for hours through nature. Walk back to Taormina through the Saraceni Path. It’s a stone path with steps that go through the castle directly to the city. Evidently, walking along the coast is mandatory.
There’s a Wonderful Park
Some of us consider the Taormina Public Gardens (Villa Comunale di Taormina) one of the nicest parks in Europe. As mentioned, Taormina attracted aristocrats from all over Europe fleeing more repressive and old fashioned societies. Rumor has it that Lady Florence Trevelyan had a fling with the Prince of Wales and had to escape England in 1884.
She married the soon-to-be Mayor of Taormina and began a shopping spree of plots around the city. Like most Brits, she was obsessed with reproducing what she had at home. Thus the Victorian gardens we can see today. As a matter of fact, she was the queen’s cousin.
The gardens also boast typical Mediterranean flora, such as pines and cypress trees. Look out for the architectural heritage inside the park. There are several buildings with an oriental flair. Search for the so-called beehives. These iconic bird-watching stations are all around the park. There are plenty of benches to sit and rest.
Food is Delicious
Sicilian food is considered amongst the best in Italy. We agree! In Taormina, you will eat and drink like a king. Most of the restaurants in the city are excellent. Pizza we always have at Villa Zuccaro in the center. It’s a 17th Century Villa with a lovely garden.
For pasta, head to Trattoria Tiramisu. Locals love this traditional restaurant. Vecchia Taormina is next door. Go for a traditional Sicilian arancini and enjoy the views over the sea. For a fancy dinner, we recommend Vineria Modi, arguably the best restaurant in the city. They have top-quality local wines.
For cocktails, we usually go to Morgana Lounge Bar. They have a wide selection of cocktails. It’s a hip bar with local DJs. To listen to opera and classic Italian music go to Italian Opera Taormina. It’s a local association of musicians with excellent live music and drinks.
Taormina has Great Hotels
The best places to stay in Taormina are in the center. Our favorite hotel is the Metropole. It’s a magnificent 18th Century Villa next to IX Aprile Square. It’s super central and yet so private and quiet. It’s got an infinity pool with views, a spa, and a gym.
Considering its class and location, the Eurostars Monte Tauro is great value for money. The 4-star hotel is next to the Taormina Public Gardens. Nature surrounds the contemporary building. The pool is huge and has jets and awesome views. Book a room with a balcony and sea views.
The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of the best luxury hotels in Taormina and Italy. It’s worth every penny. The 18th Century Villa is stunning. They have rooms, suites, and luxurious bungalows. The service is in a class of its own. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for a glass of wine.
Moving Around is Easy
The best way of moving around Taormina is by walking. Don’t rush and be sure to check every little street. Taormina is not that big. Most tourists arrive by train. You can walk up the city in 20 minutes or take a bus to the center. A taxi shouldn’t charge more than 10 euros.
You can take buses around the city. Bus N10 crosses the entire city, from the road to Castelmola to the Pirandelo Viewing Platform. This bus takes you to Castelmola. The central bus station is on the road behind the Greek Theatre. Buses to Catania, Palermo, and the rest of Sicily operate from here.
You can also take a bus to the beaches to the north and the south. It takes less than 15 minutes. Taking the Taormina-Mazzaro cable car is a must. The station in the city is next to Pasquale Gate. It takes you directly to the beach in no time for only 6 euros return.
Fantastic Day Trips
Taormina is a great place to set base and explore the rest of Sicily. Catania is the closest city to Taormina. Though we strongly recommend spending at least one night in Catania, you can go spend a day there and come back. Frequent buses and trains link both cities in approximately one hour.
Syracuse is 75 miles (120 km) south of Catania. Again, we believe you must spend at least one full day in Syracuse. However, buses and trains take approximately 2.5 hours to go to Syracuse. Mount Etna is some 30 miles (50 km) from Taormina. It’s a 1.5-hour ride to the volcano.
If you are short of time or don’t want to go on your own, we strongly recommend this tour to Mount Etna. It takes you all the way to the top. Finally, to Syracuse and nearby towns, you can take this tour.
Downsides of Visiting Taormina
We have to be honest, Taormina is not a budget destination. What can we say? The city is so beautiful that everybody wants to visit. Hotels can pretty much charge what they want in high season. Restaurants and attractions charge more or less the same all year round.
As you can imagine, it can get very crowded in July and August. That said, you will love Taormina even with the crowds. Besides, if you walk a bit out of the city center along the park and green areas, you can always avoid the crowds. Go in winter, and you’ll have tons of space.
Visiting in elbow and low seasons is a great idea. We’ve been to Sicily in winter and had a blast. The weather is superb, there are no crowds, and prices are lower. The heat in summer can be too much. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Rest when needed and drink plenty of fluids.
