Things to Do in Taormina: An Insider’s Guide 2026

Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Laura

If you’re planning a trip to Taormina and wondering what to do, where to eat, and how to avoid the tourist traps, you’re in exactly the right place. I grew up 30 minutes from Taormina in Catania. I’ve been visiting since I was a child, and I’ve watched this city in all four seasons: in July when it’s heaving with tourists; in December when the Christmas lights reflect off the Ancient Theatre’s stones; in spring when the bougainvillea is in full bloom and you can hear yourself think on Corso Umberto.

I know Taormina the way only a local can.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a perfect visit: the must-see attractions, the genuinely hidden gems most tourists never find, the best restaurants, where to stay at every budget, how to get there without spending a fortune on parking, and the best day trips to do from Taormina as your base.

New to Sicily travel? You perhaps want to check these readings too:

• Travel Guide to Sicily. All you need to Know
• The city under the volcano. An insider guide to Catania
• East Sicily. 15 places to inspire your wanderlust
• 5 Stunning unusual places to visit in Sicily

Why an insider’s guide?

For the first half of my life, before moving to the UK, I lived in Sicily. My parents are still in Catania, just a 30-minute drive from Taormina, and I have been visiting this city since I was a small child. Summer beach days at Isola Bella, Christmas strolls along Corso Umberto, date nights with my husband eating granita in the shadow of the Ancient Theatre at golden hour: I have lived this city across all four seasons and every mood.
I am not an “influencer” who visited once and photographed the same five spots as everyone else. I am a historian and a Sicilian, and this guide draws on years of first-hand experience. It has been published since 2021 and updated every six months, which is why it goes to places other guides don’t, catches things that have changed, and tells you what to actually skip.

If you want a guide to Catania too, I have one — read it here.

A history of Taormina

The Greek Age

The origins of Taormina lie between history and myth. Indeed, the city was born with the Greek name of Tauromenium, that means “place/dwelling on the Taurus”, the mountain where the city was founded.

According to the historian Diodoro, the city belonged to the Siculi population long before becoming a Greek colony. Indeed, it was around 396 – 406 BC. that the Greeks from Naxos (the first Greek colony in Sicily) took over the city from its local inhabitants. Sources on the colonisation of Taormina are actually contradictory. In fact, they state also that the city was used as a refuge by the inhabitants of Messina after the arrival of the Greeks.

The truth would probably lies in the middle and, at one point, Taormina became a Greek colony and remained so for a long time, surviving also to the Puniche wars. The Greek period came to an end with the Roman conquest of Sicily in 212 BC.

The Roman Age

To avoid the destruction as the nearby Syracuse, Tauromenium accepted the rules of Rome. Thanks to this “friendship”, Tauromenium became one of the first civitas libera et foederata of Sicily. This means that the city was considered as a precious ally for Rome and could enjoy a nominal independence from the Roman tributes (e.g. providing ships for wars) and other privileges. Among these, the Roman citizenship for its inhabitants.

Initially, the Roman domination brought innovation and peace in Tauromenion. In fact, many of the still surviving monuments were built or renovated during that age and the city flourished in peace until 135 BC. However, with the Servile War (134-132 BC), the city fell under the hands of the insurgent slaves, suffering great damages. From that moment onward, Tauromenion was part of all the wars undertook by Rome in that area of Sicily. Unfortunately, the city lost the charm and splendour of the Greek and early Roman age. However, it continued to have a political and economic relevance in Sicily. Indeed, it’s condition was widely remembered by the historians of that period, especially Strabo, Pliny and Ptolemy.

The Middle Ages

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Arab incursions started throughout Sicily. Like many other cities on the island, Tauromenion couldn’t escape Arab attention. In fact, the city was under siege for about 30 weeks before falling on Christmas Day 962, under Fatimid rule. The inhabitants were sold as slaves to the Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz, and Tauromenion was renamed Almoezia (al-Mu’izziyya). The fall of Tauromenion marked the end of Byzantine rule in Sicily. The independent Emirate of Sicily lasted until 1091. This brought cultural and agricultural innovation to the island. Regarding architecture, the Arabs adapted existing models to new uses.

The Norman Conquest and the Hohenstaufen

In 1060, Robert Guiscard invaded Sicily splitting the island between Normans and Arab population. One of the last acts to conquer the island, was the fell of Taormina (at that time still named Almoezia). This was completed by Roger I of Sicily, (younger son of Tancred), in 1078 after a battle famous as the “Siege of Taormina”. Almoezia became again Tauromenion and it was placed under the Catholic supervision of the cities of Troina and Messina.

With the Normans and, after, with the German heirs, the Hohenstaufen, Tauromenion experienced a long period of prosperity and cultural renaissance. The city was still involved in local wars, especially after supporting the Hohenstaufen against the Angevin. However, with the shift of power to the Crown of Aragon in 1282, Tauromenion experienced also peace and political stability for more than three centuries. In the 17th century, Taormina gained also the status of city belonging to the Spanish Crown.

Modern Age

Under the Bourbon dynasty (1534 -1860), Taormina was part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In 1675 the French besieged Taormina destroying part of its Medieval architecture. Nevertheless, this occupation didn’t last long. Indeed, Taormina was again under the Spanish rule in 1678. As a sign of loyalty toward the Spanish crown, Taormina was granted Isola Bella (at that time named Rock of St. Stefano) under its jurisdiction. Thanks to the Bourbon, Taormina became more accessible. In fact, a new road connecting the city to Messina and Catania was opened (until that moment, the only way to reach it was through the mountains).

Taormina, a paradise for elite tourists

A great contribution to modern Taormina was given by Florence Trevelyan (the cousin of Queen Victoria) who moved to Taormina in 1884. She bought the Rock of St. Stefano and transformed it into a beautiful garden today known as Isola Bella. Miss Trevelyan was responsible also of the construction of the actual Villa Comunale, at the time famous as “Hallington Siculo”. Taormina was no longer important from a strategic point of view in Modern Age. However, it aroused the interest of artists, writers and academic scholars becoming an important spot for elite tourism.

People like Friedrich Nietzsche, Gustav Klimt, Sigmund Freud and even the King Edward VII decided to spend sometimes in this beautiful city. For this reason, Taormina was known as an exclusive holiday location for elite tourists and
this still hasn’t changed today.

Bibliographical sources for the history of Taormina

If you are interested in a more detailed history of Taormina, you can read these sources:

•  Krueger, Hilmar C. (1969). “Conflict in the Mediterranean before the First Crusade: B. The Italian Cities and the Arabs before 1095”. In Baldwin, M. W. (ed.). A History of the Crusades, vol. I: The First Hundred Years. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 40–53
• Giovanni di Giovanni,”Storia ecclesiastica di Taormina” , Volume unico, Palermo, Tipografia Barcellona, 1870
• J. B. Bury, A History of the Eastern Roman Empire From the Fall of Irene to the Accession of Basil I (A.D. 802-867), 2015
•  John Julius Norwich, Paul Duncan, Sicily. A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra, 2015
•  Leonard C. Chiarelli, A History of Muslim Sicily, 2018

Planning a detour of Sicily? Read my complete guide here!

A local guide to Taormina. Essential things to know

When is the best time of the year to visit Taormina?

The best time to visit Taormina depends on what kind of trip you want.

April, May, and October are my personal favourites. The weather is warm and sunny, comfortably 20–25°C without the extreme heat and crowds of peak summer. The light in October especially is extraordinary: golden and soft in a way that makes every photograph look like a painting. Prices are also lower than in July and August.

June to September is high season. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming at Isola Bella and the nearby beaches, but Taormina’s narrow streets fill up fast. Restaurants are fully booked, parking is chaos, and the heat at the height of summer (35°C+) can be draining. If this is when you’re going, arrive early in the morning and retreat for a long lunch break in the shade.

November to March gives you Taormina almost entirely to yourself. Some shops and seasonal restaurants close, and a handful of smaller attractions may have reduced hours, but the major sites stay open, and there is something genuinely magical about the city when it’s quiet. If you visit around Christmas, you’ll find the traditional nativity scenes (presepi) displayed in local churches, and Sicilians, my family included, come here in droves to stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

My honest recommendation: avoid August unless the beach is your absolute priority. Come in May or October for the best combination of weather, atmosphere, and manageable crowds.

Is Taormina expensive?

Yes, Taormina is one of the more expensive places in Sicily, but it’s still affordable by the standards of most Italian tourist destinations.

To give you a realistic picture: a sit-down lunch for two with wine will typically cost €40–70 at a mid-range restaurant on or near Corso Umberto. A coffee at a café on Piazza IX Aprile will set you back €2–4 (standing at the bar is always cheaper than sitting). Entry to the Ancient Theatre costs €14 for adults. A sun bed and parasol at a beach club at Isola Bella runs approximately €30–50 per person per day in high season.

Compared to Positano, the Amalfi Coast, or central Rome, these prices are very reasonable. The real expense in Taormina is parking (see below — I have a trick for that) and accommodation, which is significantly more expensive in July and August than the rest of the year.

My advice: eat lunch at a trattoria away from the main piazzas, buy your snacks and granita from bars rather than sit-down restaurants, and book accommodation for mid-week if you can, prices drop noticeably.

How many days should I spent in Taormina?

One day is enough to see Taormina’s main highlights: the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, the hidden mosaics, and a stroll through the Villa Comunale. Use the 1-day itinerary further down in this guide as your starting point.

Two to three days is the sweet spot if you want to explore at a slower pace, add a beach day at Isola Bella, and do at least one day trip, whether that’s Mount Etna, the Alcantara Gorge, or the Godfather villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò.

Four or more days makes sense if Taormina is your base for exploring eastern Sicily more broadly: Syracuse, Catania, and the Aeolian Islands are all within reach as day trips.

How do I reach Taormina?

Taormina is located between Catania and Messina (the city is part of the Messina’s municipality). You can easily reach it from both cities by car, train or coach. Indeed, the distance between Catania and Taormina is under one hour, same between Taormina and Messina.

By Car

If you are travelling by car from Catania, the motorway A18 towards Messina is the fastest route. Just enter the motorway and exit at “Taormina”. Please be aware that the motorway has some tolls to pay. From Catania it will take about 50 minutes to reach Taormina.

If you are travelling by car from Messina, you have to take the motorway A18 towards Catania and exit at “Taormina”. Even in this case, there are tolls to pay. From Messina it will take about 50 minutes to reach Taormina.

Parking in Taormina

Please be aware that most of the Taormina streets are labelled as “ZTL” or “Zona a Traffico Limitato” which means limited traffic area. Ergo, you can’t enter or park in these streets unless you are a resident. Therefore, you should park your car in one of the official city parking.

There are many parking in the city, some of them are privately managed, but the official parking managed by the Taormina council are Parcheggio Lumbi, Parcheggio Porta Catania and Parcheggio Mazzarò. You can’t buy the ticket in advance but you have to pay on the spot.

Parking is crazy expensive in Taormina and you can easily spend € 50 for a one-day parking spot during the high season.

Tips for Parking in Taormina and save money

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money in parking but you want to enjoy Taormina for a day, you can use a little trick that most Sicilian do. Indeed, there are two things you can do and both of them involve going to Isola Bella instead of Taormina (use the appropriate exit after going out of the motorway). In fact, if you get to Isola Bella early enough in the morning, you can park for free in the street! Indeed, there is no ZTL in the area of Isola Bella and usually Sicilians get there early to avoid paying the parking.

From there you can reach Taormina with the cable car. This goes up and down every 15 minutes and the tickets cost € 3 (one way) and € 10 (day ticket). This would save you a lot of money during the high season!

If you don’t get in time for a free parking spot, (during summer it’s quite hard to find a free spot), you can use the Mazzarò parking. This is less expensive than the one in Taormina (about €23 for a day) and from there take the cable car.

If you don’t want to pay the cable car, you can walk up to Taormina, but I warn you. It’s quite a steep climb.

By Train

Unfortunately, there isn’t a train station in Taormina. The nearest one is in Giardini Naxos. You can take a direct train from Catania Centrale or Messina Centrale to Giardini/Taormina. From there, you can proceed by walking. This is a good 40 minutes walk for about 2,5 km. Otherwise, you can take the Interbus to Taormina which cost about £1,67 and will reach the city in 15 minutes. You can buy tickets in advance from Trenitalia.

By coach

If you are travelling from Catania, you should take the coaches Interbus or Etna Trasporti at the Catania bus station (Via Archimede). These are direct coaches and will take between 1.10 -1.55 hours depending on how many stops they do. The ticket is between 6-10 euro for a return trip depending on the season.

If you are travelling from Messina, you should take the coach Interbus to Taormina from Piazza della Repubblica. This will take between 1.00-1.20 hours depending on how many stops it does. The ticket is between 4-6 euro for a return trip depending on the season.

Getting around Taormina?

Taormina is pretty easy to get around and you don’t need a car. Just a good pairs of shoes to walk!

Best things to do in Taormina in 2026. An insider’s guide.

If you are searching for a list of places you can’t mis during your trip to Taormina, you are in the best place. Below you can see a summary of the best things to do in Taormina. This is followed by a useful map to organise a Taormina 1 day itinerary.

The Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theatre in Taormina is certainly one of the best things to see in the town. It dates back to the III century BC and it’s the second largest theatre of this type in Sicily, after the one in Syracuse. Despite it is still called as “Greek Theatre” by Sicilians, the architecture surviving today is fully Roman. Indeed, it seems that already under August the theatre was renovated and a second renovation happened during the late Roman Antiquity.

Differently from the theatre in Syracuse, the Ancient Theatre in Taormina was used for the venationes. Venatio in Latin means “hunting”. During the Roman age, it was a type of entertainment involving the hunting and killing of wild animals. This was usually performed in Roman amphitheatres equipped for the “special effects”. For this reason, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina was modified and the area of the orchestra was replaced with an arena connected by a subterranean corridor. This allowed the beasts to come out at the centre of the scene from the hypogeum (a subterranean chamber) where they were kept.

Today, the theatre is used mostly for concerts and shows and it is part of the archaeological area of Naxos and Taormina.

Information for your visit

Address: The Ancient Theatre is located in Via del Teatro Greco, 198039 – Taormina (ME)

Opening hours: The Ancient Theatre is generally open daily from 9am to 7pm in summer (last entry one hour before closing), with reduced hours in winter. Hours can change seasonally and for special events. Check the Parco Archeologico Naxos Taormina website for the latest times before your visit.

Tickets: Adult entry costs €14. Reduced tickets (EU citizens aged 18–25) are €7. Children under 18 from EU countries enter free. Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked in advance online. I recommend booking ahead in summer, as queues can be long.

Skip the line at Taormina Ancient Theatre with this ticket!

My insider tip: Go at golden hour, in the late afternoon, when the light hits the theatre columns and Mount Etna glows in the background. The combination is one of the most spectacular views in all of Sicily. If you’re lucky enough to visit when Etna is active, you may see a plume of smoke rising behind the theatre: a view that has been stopping people in their tracks for 2,000 years.

The theatre also hosts the Taormina Film Festival (Taormina Arte) each summer, usually in late June and July. If you can time your visit to catch a film or concert screened in the ancient cavea with Etna behind the stage, do it. It is unforgettable.

Corvaja Palace

One of the first attractions you will find arriving from the Messina Gate is Palazzo Corvaja. This is named after one of the most powerful and oldest families of Taormina who hold it for more than four centuries (XVI- XX centuries).

Palazzo Corvaja dates back to the X century. It is one of the few remaining architectural examples of Arab architecture in Taormina. Indeed, the palace incorporates an early Arab fortress built over a former Roman structure. Of this fortress you can still see the lower tower and the inner courtyard. The building was expanded already in the 13th century. During this period, the first floor and the ornamental balcony were added. This feature panels carved from the Syracuse stone and representing scenes from the creation.

The right wing was added during the XV century to host the Sicilian Parliament. The palace currently features a mix of architectural styles (Arab, Norman, Gothic). Unfortunately, it was held in a terrible state until its most recent renovation in 1945. Now, in addition of being the Tourist Office of Taormina, it’s used also for exhibitions and events.

The entrance is free.

Piazza IX Aprile

Piazza IX Aprile is the most popular square of Taormina. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the Jonian Sea, admiring all the coast the city. Moreover, the square host some of important historical sights and famous bar.

Torre dell’Orologio

The clock tower is one of the best sights of Piazza IX Aprile. It is famous also as Porta di Mezzo (midway gate) because you can find it in the middle between the Catania and Messina gates. It was built around the XII century as part of the oldest defensive walls of the city.

During the French siege of 1676, it was destroyed and rebuilt in 1679. In 1966 a mosaic of Byzantine inspiration was added to remember the city’s past.

(Ex) Church of St. Agustin

The Church of St. Augustin was built in honour of St. Sebastian during 1486. The style is late Sicilian Gothic. The church now hosts a library with more than 22.000 volumes. Part of the church is used also as a space for exhibitions.

Church of St. Giuseppe

The Church of St. Giuseppe is famous for its intricate Baroque style. Despite the external facade is pretty simple, the internal space is a masterpiece of Baroque style with beautiful frescoes and spectacular stucco works.

Villa Comunale

If you want to escape the crowd populating the streets of Taormina, the Villa Comunale is the place to be. This beautiful garden is, indeed, a little oasis of peace if you need to relax and enjoy a bit of shade from the warm Sicilian sun. The construction of this Taormina gem is due to a British noblewoman, miss Florence Trevelyan who was cousin of Queen Victoria.

Accused of having a relationship with the future king Edward VII, she was exiled from the royal court. In 1884 she decided to leave the UK and move to Sicily, particularly to Taormina. Here, she married the mayor of the city Salvatore Cacciola and she gave a major contribution to the community.

Hallington Siculo

As a passionate for gardening and botanic, she decided to buy some land on the slope of the city. This was used to built a residence and a garden that she called “Hallington Siculo” to remember her home in the UK. The garden, that now is owned by the Taormina Council, has one of the best views of the city and features peculiar constructions still known as the “Victorian follies”. Moreover, the garden hosts several rare plants and flowers.

The entrance is free.

Piazza Duomo

Piazza duomo in Taormina is home of its beautiful medieval cathedral and its peculiar Baroque fountain, famous as the “4 fountains” for its peculiar shape and small side fountains.

Taormina Cathedral

Taormina Cathedral resembles more a fortress than a church. Built around 1400 over a former thirteenth century church, the building has undergone several renovation during the centuries.

The external facade still maintain the Sicilian Romanesque-Gothic architecture characterised by different rose windows and battlements all over its perimeter.

Portals

The features I love most of this church are its intricate portals, one different from the other. There are three main portals. The portal in the main facade was renovated in 1636. However, it still keep it original medieval frame in white marble that dates back to 1400. This, features 11 biblical figures carved into the marble. The west portal dates back to the fifteenth century. This is rimmed with lava stone from the Etna and features a frame in white marble carved with natural motifs. The east portal dates back to the middle of 1500. It is simpler compared to the other two but still representative of the Sicilian Gothic style.

Naumachie

Rediscovered only in 1943, the Naumachie in Taormina is a long Roman wall measuring around 122 meters in length and 5 meters in height. This wall is the oldest structure built in Taormina after the Ancient Theatre. It was built close to the Taormina’s Gymnasium and scholars are still debating about its use.

In fact, the naumachia during the Roman Age were a fictitious naval battle organised to entertain the public. The naumachia were organised in structures that could host water or be located near a water basin.

It’s unclear if the purpose of Taormina’s Naumachie was that of entertain people. In fact, scholars advanced the hypothesis that it was used, instead, as water supply for the city and the Gymnasium.

An insider’s guide to Taormina – Underrated attractions

If you completed the tour of the main attractions in Taormina but you want to explore more, consider the additional sights below.

Badia Vecchia

Badia Vecchia (Old Abbey) it’s a fourteenth-century tower that used to be part of the defensive walls of Taormina connecting to the Saracen castle. The name “abbey” is due to the theory that the tower was once inhabited by Mother Abbess Euphemia. She was a regent of the Kingdom of Sicily from 1355 until 1357 in the name of her younger brother Frederic III, The Simple.

Badia Vecchia, is not easy to find because it’s well hidden among Taormina’s higher alleys. However, once you find it, you will admire its magnificent architecture that mixes Gothic and Norman styles with precious Arabic details.

Palazzo dei Duchi di St. Stefano

The Dukes of St. Stefano Palace dates back to the same age of Badia Vecchia. Indeed, it seems that shared with the “Abbey” the same defensive purposes. However, the palace became famous for being the residence of the Spanish noble family of De Despuches. They hold the property for centuries until one of the youngest heirs sold it to the Taormina council in 1964.

From that moment onward, the residence is used for art exhibitions during summer and permanently hosts the Mazzullo Foundation.

Hidden Mosaics in Taormina

If you have some spare time, you can go and search the surviving mosaics of Taormina.

The mosaic of Salita Santippo

The first one is called Mosaic of Salita Santippo and it dates back to the II century AD. It is a pavement pertinent to the peristyle of a private house featuring geometrical patterns and natural motifs. I have to warn you that it’s in very bad conditions.

Indeed, due to the lack of money, the care of the mosaic is nonexistent and you can’t actually see the mosaic because it’s covered in moss and grass. Well done Comune di Taormina!

The Hellenistic Mosaic

The second mosaic you can find is that called “Hellenistic Mosaic”. This dates back to the II century BC and it’s slightly in better conditions than the previous one. It was originally made with coloured pebbles (yellow, red, white, grey and black). However, due to the lack of maintenance, you can see only the black and white tesserae.

The mosaic features four side dolphins and a central six petaled flower inside a diamond shape. This used to be part of the courtyard of a private house.

Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto is the main street of Taormina enclosed between the Messina and Catania Gates. It’s famous for its luxury shops and for the possibility to find some exclusive traditional souvenirs. If you want to find something special, it’s here that you have to search for it!

Saracen Castle

If you are up for an adventure and are brave enough to climb the steep Tauro mountain, you can reach the ruins of the Saracen Castle. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the castle but you can walk up to its imposing walls. If you have a drone, you can have also a better view!

An earlier version of the fortification was likely existent already during the Roman Age. Indeed, scholars think that the castle was built over the former acropolis of Taormina. The current castle architecture is the one modified during the Arab conquest.

Church of Madonna della Rocca

On the same way to the Saracen Castle, you can follow the path to the Church of Madonna della Rocca. Don’t be fooled by the Google suggestion that is a 15 minutes walk from the Taormina city centre. That’s not true. The climb is slightly less steep that the one to the castle (even if the initial path is the same) but it will take a good 25-30 minutes to reach it.

The church is located in one of the highest point of the city and even if the climb itself is not pleasant, the view is certainly worthy. Madonna della Rocca is entirely carved into the rock (even if you can’t guess this from the external facade). It dates back to 1640 and since then remained pretty much the same.

I wouldn’t go up the hill during the day in summer. The sun is very strong in Sicily and it may become a challenging walk. A better time to visit is late afternoon.

Explore the Alleys

One of my favourite activities in Taormina is exploring its side alleys. You can find these on the left or right of Corso Umberto. Usually connected to the main road throughout small staircases. These little alleys are very surprising as you can find things that you don’t expect. This includes mosaics, medieval gates, beautiful palaces, cute restaurants, hidden churches etc.

One of my favourite alleys is Vico Venezia. Here you can find a little medieval gate surrounded by very photogenic orange trees. Furthermore, walking along the way, you can find some elegant palaces with lovely pink facades.

Taormina and The White Lotus: Filming Locations

If you watched HBO’s The White Lotus Season 2, you already know why Taormina looks so familiar. The series was filmed almost entirely on location in and around Taormina in 2022, and the results put the city in front of a global audience that had never heard of it before.

The most recognisable location is the San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, the grand clifftop hotel that served as the fictional White Lotus resort. Built in a 15th-century Dominican convent, it is genuinely as extraordinary in real life as it appears on screen. Non-guests can have a drink at the bar or dine at the restaurant, which is the easiest way to experience the interiors.

Other filming locations you can visit:

• Piazza IX Aprile — used for several exterior scenes, including the memorable opening sequence. You’ll recognise the views across the Ionian Sea and toward Etna immediately.
• Isola Bella — the beach scenes were filmed here. It looks exactly as it does in the show.
• The streets around Corso Umberto and the old town — multiple street scenes were filmed throughout Taormina’s historic centre.
• Noto and Syracuse — some scenes were filmed further south in Sicily, but the majority of the Sicily sequences were shot in and around Taormina.

The filming brought enormous attention to Taormina, and accommodation prices at San Domenico Palace and similar hotels have risen significantly since the series aired. If a White Lotus experience is what you’re after, book well in advance, particularly for summer.

Click here to organise a White Lotus tour in Taormina!

Best places to stay in Taormina

There are many hotels in Taormina. It is understood that a great part of those with a magnificent view are also the most expensive ones. However, because these are not within everyone’s reach, I divided them into three categories.

Note that hotel prices in Taormina are strongly affected by seasonality with July and August seeing the highest prices during the year.

Luxury Hotels in Taormina

Taormina is famous for its luxury hotels. Places where exceptional service is complimentary with the most breathtaking view. Luxury stays in Taormina are not for everyone pocket but, if you are lucky enough to be able to face the cost, here are some of the most exclusive 5 stars hotels in Taormina.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is among the top choices in Taormina, with its exclusive terrace and timeless atmosphere. Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea is closer to the beach and offers spectacular views and everything you can expect from Sicily. San Domenico Palace is a Four Seasons Hotel located in Taormina city centre. This former fourteenth-century monastery combines perfectly Sicilian historical tradition and all the luxurious style provided by the Four Seasons chain. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and looking more stunning than ever in the HBO series, The White Lotus.

Lastly, The Ashbee Hotel. You can find it in the magnificent setting of Villa San Giorgio. This historical palace was built by Charles Robert Ashbee on commission by Colonel Shaw-Hellier, a British veteran who moved to Sicily. In this construction, Ashbee wanted to incorporate the elegance of the British architectural style with the warm tones of the Mediterranean tradition and Sicilian history. The result is a very unique place to stay.

The price range for these hotels go from £570 for a standard double room in high season to £5,200 for a presidential suite for one night.

Boutique Hotels in Taormina

Boutique Hotels are generally my favourites because they combine style and moderate luxury with a more budget friendly stay. Taormina has many boutique hotels and usually they get booked pretty fast during the high season. Among the top places, you can stay at Taodomus Small Boutique Hotel, Hotel Villa Carlotta and Hotel Villa Belvedere. Price range from £310 to £500 for a double room for one night. Be aware that some of these hotels require a minimum stay of three nights. If would like to recommend also the newly open Palazzo Vecchio that is centrally located and with a lovely terrace bar.

If you are visiting multiple locations in Sicily and want a place in a good location Donna Carmela Resort is a reasonable option. It’s quite close to Taormina and at a driving distance from Mount Etna too. Here you can read about our experience at Donna Carmela.

Budget Hotels in Taormina

Budget hotels in Taormina are in great demand during the high season. If you want to stay in one of those places, you should think to book well in advance. Among the best budget stays in Taormina you can find the Hotel Continental, Medousa Bistrot & Suites and La Malandrina Apartments & Suites. Prices range from £ 200 to £500 for a double room for one night.

Where to eat in Taormina

Finding good food in Taormina takes a little local knowledge. The restaurants immediately on Corso Umberto and around Piazza IX Aprile tend to be tourist-priced and average in quality. Indeed, you are paying for the location, not the food. Walk one or two streets back from the main drag and the quality immediately improves.
Here are my genuine recommendations, tried and tested as a local:

For a full sit-down dinner:

• Osteria RossoDivino — One of the best options in town for Sicilian cuisine done properly. The wine list focuses on Sicilian producers (don’t miss the Etna Rosso) and the pasta dishes are genuinely excellent. Book ahead in summer. €€€
• Trattoria da Nino — A Taormina institution. Not fancy, no Instagram aesthetic, but the food is the real thing: honest Sicilian cooking at fair prices. The spaghetti ai ricci (sea urchin) when in season is extraordinary. €€
• Tischi Toschi — Tiny, creative, and run with real passion. The menu changes with what’s available locally. One of those places that reminds you why Sicilian food is so special. Book well in advance. €€€

For something lighter — street food and snacks:

• Bam Bar — Non-negotiable. The best granita in Taormina, and one of the best in Sicily. The almond and mulberry flavours are the ones to order. Don’t leave without having one. €
• Pasticceria Etna — For breakfast the Sicilian way: a brioche col tuppo filled with pistachio cream and a cappuccino. If this doesn’t make you want to stay forever, nothing will. €

Tips to remember when eating out in Taormina:

• Lunch is generally better value than dinner at the same restaurant. The menu del giorno (set lunch) is often excellent.
• Ask if the fish is fresh (fresco) that day. In a city with coastline on its doorstep, there’s no excuse for frozen fish, but some tourist-facing restaurants still serve it.
• The coperto (cover charge) of €1.50–3 per person is standard and not a scam. It’s a normal Italian dining practice.
• Granita in Sicily is eaten in the morning with a brioche, not as a dessert. Don’t be afraid to order one at 9am. It’s the correct and most Sicilian thing you can do.

Taormina 1 day itinerary with map

One day is generally enough to visit Taormina, particularly for those who have a shorter itinerary around Sicily. Below, you can find an example for 1 day itinerary of Taormina. This cover a good 90% of the best places to see in Taormina and it’s easy to follow because starts exactly from the main entrance of the town in Porta Messina. Moreover, you can plan a lunch break between point C and D to divide the day into two parts. Of course, you can add more spots and take inspiration from the other sights in Taormina I’ve listed before! If you are staying 2 or 3 days in Taormina, I warmly recommend to space out your sightseeing and add a few day trips from the list below such as Isolabella, Giardini Naxos or Castelmola.

• A – Start point from Porta Messina
• B – Visit to Palazzo Corvaja (10-15 mins)
• C – Visit to Teatro Antico (1-2 hours)
• D – Relax at the Villa Comunale Gardens (30 mins)
• E – See the Naumachie (5-10 mins)
• F – Visit Piazza IX Aprile and its monuments (30 mins – 1 hour depending how many pictures you take)
• G – Visit to Piazza Duomo (15 – 20 mins)
• H – Visit to Palazzo dei Duchi di St. Stefano (max 20 mins without exhibition entrance)

Best day trips from Taormina

Taormina is a great base for day tripping being located between Catania and Messina. Indeed, from here you can cover most lovely Sicilian locations such as Mt. Etna, Catania or the nearby towns of Savoca and Castelmola.

Here you can read my detailed guide on the best day trips from Taormina and how to organise them. Below, a short summary of the most convenient places to reach according to your available days.

Day Trips from Taormina: At a Glance

Destination	Drive Time	Ideal Duration	Best For	Car Needed?
Isola Bella	5–10 min	Half day	Beach & swimming	No (cable car)
Castelmola	16 min	2–3 hours	Views & medieval village	No (bus)
Giardini Naxos	18 min	Half day	History & beach	No (bus)
Alcantara Gorge	34 min	Half day	Nature & adventure	Recommended
Mount Etna	45–60 min	Full day	Volcano & wine	Recommended
Catania	50 min	Full day	City life & food	No (bus/train)
Savoca & Forza d’Agrò	25–30 min	Half day	Godfather & medieval villages	Yes / Tour
Messina	50 min	3–4 hours	History & half day	No (bus/train)

Taormina: Frequently Asked Questions

Taormina Itinerary Bucket List

The list below will help you planning the perfect Taormina itinerary.

Plan your trip to Sicily

People who visit Taormina are usually doing this stop as part of their Sicily trip. Here below you can find some helpful Sicily guides to help you planning your Sicily itinerary!

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Author Bio

Laura is a Sicilian-born historian and travel writer who grew up in Catania, 30 minutes from Taormina. She has been visiting Taormina since childhood and has seen the city across every season and decade. After a career in academic history, she founded The Historian Traveller to bring the same rigour and depth she applied to historical research to travel writing. Her Sicily guides draw on first-hand local experience, archival knowledge, and a genuine love for one of the world’s most layered and misunderstood islands. She now lives in the UK and returns to Sicily several times a year.