Taormina is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had the chance to visit. From the moment I arrived, I couldn’t take my eyes off the breathtaking views surrounding me. What fascinated me the most was the imposing image of Mount Etna, visible from almost every corner of the island. Absolutely mesmerizing!
How to Get to Taormina
Being the most popular destination in Sicily, Taormina is very well connected to the rest of the island. You can get there by train or by bus (Etna Transport or Interbus). There are direct connections from many cities, especially from Catania and Syracuse.
We traveled to Taormina from Catania and tried both the bus (on the way there) and the train (on the way back). We found the train much better, mainly because of the travel time. The bus ride can take more than two hours due to multiple stops, while the train gets you there in under 50 minutes. Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station kiosks, while bus tickets are sold at main bus stations or directly from the driver in smaller towns.
From Catania Airport to Taormina
From Catania Airport, you can reach Taormina either by train or by bus:
- Train – Most trains are direct, some require a change at Catania Centrale (the main station). The ticket price ranges between €5–11.
- Bus – All buses are direct, but they stop many times along the way, which makes the trip longer. The ticket price is around €7.
From Palermo Airport to Taormina
Palermo is much further from Taormina, which makes the journey longer and less convenient.
- Train – There are no direct trains. You need to change twice: first at Palermo Centrale, then at Messina. The journey takes 5–6 hours and costs between €22–68.
- Bus – There are no direct buses either. You’ll first need to travel to Catania, and from there continue to Taormina.
Parking in Taormina
Renting a car is useful only if you plan to explore the entire island. If you’re visiting only Taormina, you won’t need one. The historic center is pedestrian-only, and parking is a real challenge. Fortunately, there are large, well-organized parking garages at the edge of town, such as Lumbi and Porta Catania. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or walk to the center. Prices are usually €2–3 per hour, or €15–20 for a full day.
Parking in Sicily is color-coded:
- Blue – paid parking (pay at the meter or via app)
- White – free (hard to find in tourist areas)
- Yellow – reserved (for residents, taxis, police)
Keep an eye on these markings! In the past, we once got fined abroad for not knowing the color code. Roads in Sicily are also narrow, and spots fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Getting Around Taormina
The best way to discover Taormina is definitely on foot. The historic center is beautiful and compact, so you don’t need transport for that.
For longer distances, you can use:
- Interbus local buses – connect Taormina with nearby beaches and towns. Prices depend on distance.
- Cable car Taormina–Mazzarò – connects the town with the beach. A round-trip ticket costs around €10.
Weather in Taormina
The best time to visit Taormina is spring or autumn. Summers can be extremely hot and crowded. If your main goal is the beach, June or September are the best months, but August is best avoided because of the crowds. Winters are mild, and Taormina during Christmas is magical, with the entire town decorated for the season.
Where to stay in Taormina
Taormina offers everything from luxury hotels with spectacular sea views to traditional villas and cozy apartments. If possible, I recommend choosing accommodation with a sea view – waking up to that scenery is simply unforgettable.
Prices are higher compared to other Sicilian towns, especially during peak season. Booking early is key if you want to find good deals. For example, I booked a hotel in March for August at around €150/night (breakfast included), but by July, the same room was €240/night.
What to Eat in Taormina
Italian cuisine is irresistible, and Sicily takes it to another level. In Taormina, you must try:
- Arancini – deep-fried rice balls stuffed with different fillings like ragù, pistachio, or bacon.
- Pasta alla Norma – pasta with roasted eggplants, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce – simply delicious!
- Granita – a fine Sicilian sorbet, often served with a warm brioche. The best granita in Taormina can be found at Bam Bar (expect long lines, but it’s worth it).
Another great local specialty is the focaccia from “La Focaccia Taormina” – incredibly tasty.
As for restaurants, we usually chose places rated above 4.5 stars on Google, and they didn’t disappoint. The most famous restaurant in town is Osteria Da Rita Dal 1991, but expect very long queues (sometimes up to 3 hours!).
What to See in Taormina – Must-Visit Attractions
Taormina may not have a long list of tourist attractions, but that’s part of its charm. You don’t need to rush from one site to another; instead, you can enjoy every colorful street and stunning view of the Mediterranean at your own pace.
The highlights include:
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico)
- Piazza Vittorio
- Chiesa Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
- Porta Messina
- Corso Umberto
- Porta Catania
- Piazza IX Aprile
- Naumachia di Taormina
- Villa Comunale di Taormina
- Piazza Duomo
- Castelmola Village
Top Beaches in Taormina
The most popular beach in Taormina is Isola Bella, a natural reserve also known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” Other beautiful beaches can be found in nearby towns, easily reachable by bus.
- Isola Bella
- Mazzarò
- Giardini Naxos
- Letojanni
- Spisone
If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, Taormina is a destination you simply can’t miss. From breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, to authentic Sicilian food, charming streets, and idyllic beaches – Taormina has it all.
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Happy travels! 🥰
