Taormina is a beautiful town surrounded by sea cliffs and Mount Etna. It's famous for its Greco-Roman theater and is a must see for anyone visiting Sicily!
The town is a popular destination for tourists, especially cruise ships, so it can get very busy. However, there are still plenty of things to do and see in this lovely town.
1. The Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre is one of the most famous historical sites in Taormina. It has been a symbol of Sicily and is a great example of how ancient Greek culture was reflected in the city of Taormina.
The site has been restored over the years and is now a tourist attraction. However, many of the original features are gone, so it is not as impressive as some other ancient theatres.
If you are a history lover and like to explore historic structures then this is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful spot and you can also enjoy the views of Mount Etna from the site.
You can start your visit by going through the entrance and then walk across the stage to the left and up a few steps to get some nice views of Taormina and Mount Etna below. You can then retrace your steps to the Antiquarium and souvenir shop and then down the stairs to exit behind the stage.
2. Mount Etna
Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna (named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013) is a stunning backdrop for hiking, cycling and other nature activities. Explore the mountain’s smoking craters, old and new lava flows, and dramatic scenery on an unforgettable day trip from Taormina.
Start with a transfer in style and comfort to the UNESCO-listed national park of Mount Etna, where you’ll be joined by a knowledgeable guide. After a brief introduction to the mountain, you’ll have some free time to hike in the foothills before taking a 4x4 jeep ride up the steep slopes of Etna.
After the hike, enjoy a delicious Sicilian lunch at a restaurant overlooking the slopes of Mount Etna. This is a great way to taste the island’s local cuisine and experience the otherworldly landscape of a volcanic area that is teeming with wildlife.
3. The Isola Bella
The Isola Bella, the tiny island at the bottom of Taormina, is a wonderful natural wonder and well worth visiting. It's a fascinating place, with tropical vegetation, sculptural features and empty pools and grottoes.
The island, a former private property owned by Florence Trevelyan, is now a protected natural site administered by the World Wide Fund for Nature. It's a great spot to see and explore, so we recommend booking a small-group boat tour that includes a snorkelling stop on the island for a truly incredible day out.
The best time to visit Stresa and Isola Bella is in the shoulder seasons of May and September, when there's less tourism, the weather is cooler, and the flowers are in bloom. It's a lovely way to experience the beautiful Sicilian countryside without the crowds of summer.
4. The Giardini Naxos
The Giardini Naxos is a seaside resort strung along a wide bay below the famous mountainside resort of Taormina on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is an idyllic place to relax in the summer season with spectacular views of Mount Etna, Taormina and the surrounding hills.
It is also a good base for visiting other areas of interest such as the incredible Savoca and the photogenic mountain village of Castelmola. If you are looking to make the most of your visit to Giardini Naxos it is important to allocate some time for the town’s archaeological park, a fascinating area where visitors can explore the remains of the first Greek colony in Sicily which dates back to 735 BC.
The park is not too extensive but its exhibits are very interesting and the museum in particular contains some incredible finds. Another interesting feature of the Giardini Naxos area is the 16th century castle, the Castello di Schiso, which has been redeveloped into a museum.
