Taormina

Taormina (Sicilian: Taurmina) is a town in the province of Messina on the east coast of Sicily.

Understand

Ruins of the Greek theatre with the town and Mount Etna in the background

Taormina is a charming hillside town and is one of Sicily's most popular tourist resorts. It can get very hot and busy during July and August, but the crowds melt away in the evenings. Early summer and autumn are ideal times to visit.

The TIC 1 Servizio Turistico Regionale di Taormina (Ufficio informazioni turistico), is on Largo Santa Caterina (near Palazzo Corvaja), ☏ +39 0942 23243. M-F 08:30-14:30 & 15:30-19:00; also May-Nov: Sa 09:00-13:00 & 16:00-18:30. (updated Apr 2018)

The town service provider ASM (which runs the local buses, cable-car and parking lots) declared bankruptcy in 2011. The regular administration of the company was restored in 2021, after 10 years during which operations were supported by the municipality.

Orientation

Piazza IX Aprile

The main town of Taormina, which is what you've come to see, straggles along a hillside, 2 km up a hairpin road from the coast. The main access road is Via Luigi Pirandello (SP10), which leads to the bus station and Porta Messina at the east end of town. The pedestrianised high street Corso Umberto I stretches from here to Porta Messina at the west end. Bypass roads above and below carry the town traffic, while unseen and unheard deep beneath, the Messina-Catania Autostrada burrows through the mountain.

Above the main town, Via Leonardo da Vinci (SP10) continues to zigzag upwards, to Sanctuario Madonna della Rocca and the castle. And on it climbs, to end at the hilltop village of Castelmola. This is a separate township but it's such a tiny place, reached only by this road, that its facilities (such as they are) are described on this page.

The name "Taormina" is also loosely applied to the strip along the coast road SS114 below, notably to the railway station Taormina-Giardini-Naxos. Taormina town limits include the beach area of Mazzaro at the foot of the cable-car, and the tip of the peninsula where Via Pirandello starts its climb. Most package tourists stay down there, or in nearby resorts such as Giardini Naxos and Letojanni. Hoteliers down on the coast invoke the T-word to boost their prices, but for practical purposes - and considering the feel and identity of the place - they're altogether somewhere else. Stay in Taormina itself if you can.

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa. Interbus runs a direct bus between the airport and Taormina, roughly hourly 07:00-20:00. The journey takes about 90 min, fare €8.20 (€7.50 if bought online)

By bus

Bus is the best public transport option, as this will bring you up the hill to the town centre 1 bus station, Via Luigi Pirandello. The Interbus from the airport runs via central Catania (80 min; fares approx €5 single, €8 return). Four buses a day run direct to Taormina from Messina (just under 2 hours, fares €4.30 single, €6.80 return). (updated Mar 2018)

By train

There are trains roughly hourly from Messina to the north and Catania to the south, both taking just under an hour. The problem is that the railway station 2 Taormina-Giardini is down on the seafront, a steep 2 km below the main town along a hair-pinning, busy road. You'd have to transfer to the ASM bus or Interbus: the station is equally far from the cable-car. Alternatively, city is also reachable using 3 Goethe's path, which is a short but steep (200m elevation) trail that leads to the city. There are some unpaved sections, good walking shoes are recommended.

By car

The exit from the Autostrada is just north of town. Follow road signs onto V Garipoli, which climbs to the long-stay parking lot of Parcheggio Lumbi, a five-minute uphill walk to the east gate of Porta Messina. Ascending V Pirandello from the coast road comes to the same place. There is a free shuttle bus (as of June 2018) from the car park into town. Parking costs €2 for 1½ hours, €8 for 3 hours, €16 for 24 hours, €25 for 48 hours and €6 for each additional 24 hours (Oct 2019).

Or, from the Giardini area further south on the coast road, you can ascend V Crocefisso, leading to the other long-stay lot Parcheggio Porta Catania just below the west gate of Porta Catania. €2 for 1 hour, €7 for 3 hours, €12 for 12 hours, €15 for 24 hours, €1-2 more in Jul, Aug, Easter and Christmas (Oct 2019).

If your accommodation is outside the pedestrianised area, you may drive on to reach it, by the anti-clockwise one-way system. (Miss your turn-off and you'll have to make another 3-km circuit.) If it's within, ring ahead for advice: it may be okay for you to come to the hotel and drop off, otherwise park in the closest long-stay and schlep. Parking tariffs are about 50 cents per hour up to 48 hours, thereafter €6 a day.

Cruise ships occasionally moor offshore or at nearby ports, and bus their customers up to Taormina. But these are tour itineraries, and not available to book for point-to-point travel.

Get around

On foot

Most of the centre of Taormina is pedestrianised, making it easy to wander around by foot.

By bus

ASM runs four local bus lines:

• Linea verde (the "Green Line") runs between Madonna della Rocca next to the castle at the top of town; down through the centre, main bus station, and Lumbi car park; on down to the foot of the cable-car at Mazzaro; then south along the coast past the railway station, then a final turn uphill to St Vincent's Hospital. There are 8 services on Sundays but only four the rest of the week.
• Trappitello runs from central Taormina past Lumbi car park to the coast road and railway station, then south to the village of Trappitello. Five times a day M-F.
• Circolare rossa (the "Red Circle") loops round town centre and Lumbi car park. Roughly hourly Sunday, no mid-morning or afternoon buses midweek.
• Beachbus runs from central Taormina down to the coast, then north to Mazzeo, a short walk from Letojanni. Seven per day.

By cable car

• 4 Funivia Taormina. Daily 08:00-01:00. The cable car runs every 15 min between Taormina town centre and Mazarro down on the beach. €3 single. (updated Oct 2019)

See

Taomina's Duomo

Despite of its relatively small size the town is rich in history. The city provides the 'Taormina Cult' tour highlighting the famous sites and stories of the city's residents and visitors. There are 21 informational plaques in both Italian and English around the city. The first of the 21 stops is the Hotel Grand Excelsior, but it does not appear that there's an intended order.

• 1 Teatro Antico (Teatro Greco), Via del Teatro Greco, 1. From 09:00 daily; Nov-Feb to 16:00, Mar & Oct to 17:00, Apr & Sep to 18:00, May-Aug to 19:00. Ancient theatre of Grecian origin, but re-built in Roman brick in the 3rd century BCE. Impressive for the views and because the proscenium (the back-drop) survives, unlike in most amphitheatres. €13.50. (updated Oct 2019)
• 2 Piazza IX Aprile. A square with a balcony facing the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. In the corner of the square stands the Torre dell'Orologio. 
• 3 Torre dell'Orologio/ Porta di Mezzo,. A clock tower and gate to the southern part of Taormina. 
• 4 Palazzo Corvaja (Corvaja Palace). Medieval palace, dating from the 10th century, that was built by the Arabs when they ruled over Taormina. The main body is an Arabic tower. It has also an inner courtyard where the Arabic influence can been seen in the architecture.  
• 5 Odeon. 24h. Remains of a small theatre built by Romans in 21 BCE, visible from the surrounding streets. free. (updated Oct 2021)
• 6 Parco Duca di Cesarò (Villa Comunale), Via Bagnoli Croci (Stairs down from main town). 08:00 to sunset. Restful gardens, populated by mock-oriental follies on the verge of tumbling down. The gardens are the creation of Florence Trevelyan (1852-1907), an English conservationist who also bought Isola Bella. She settled and married here and is buried in nearby Castelmola. (updated Mar 2018)
• 7 Palazzo Badia Vecchia. This fine Gothic tower used to host an abbey (Abbazzia). (updated Feb 2017)
• 8 Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano. Built in a style similar to Badia Vecchia. Now it's a site of the Fondazione Mazzullo, which hosts a collection of numerous works of the artist Giuseppe Mazzullo. (updated Feb 2017)
• 9 Naumachie. The remains of a 120-m-long Roman structure. Probably it was a part of nymphaeum, with a monumental fountain. Now it is the foundation for a few buildings. (updated Feb 2017)
• 10 Casa Cuseni, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 5 - 7, ☏ +39 0942 558111. Tour by reservation only, daily at 11:00 in English, 16:00 in Italian. In 1905, the English artist Robert Hawthorn Kitson, heir to Kitson and Company but driven from Britain by homophobia, built a house in Taormina. He commissioned Frank Brangwyn to design murals and furniture for the Casa Cuseni. Alfred East also contributed. The property, including extensive gardens, was inherited by his niece Daphne Phelps just after World War II. She intended to sell, but ended up staying, running the place as a pensione for half a century, with guests such as Bertrand Russell, Roald Dahl, Henry Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams. It is now open as a museum and gallery, with beautiful gardens, and 5 rooms available for guests. (updated Feb 2021)

On the coast at the foot of town adjacent to Giardini Naxos:

Isola Bella from up the hill

• 11 Isola Bella (Parco di Isolabella). Dec-Mar: Tu-Su 09:00-14:00. This is the tiny tombolo island seen below, now a nature reserve. You can paddle out to it but the museum is closed and the beach is sharp volcanic shingle, so it's probably best admired from the terraces up the hill. €4. (updated Apr 2018)
• 12 Villa Caronia, Via Luigi Pirandello, 105. Tu-F 09:30-13:30. Small museum, appears to be closed in 2018. €4. (updated Apr 2018)

Do

• Wander up and down the main street - Corso Umberto I taking in the sights
• Walk down from Castelmola village to Taormina (or vice versa if you're fit). This path is in decent condition, unlike the path between Taormina and the railway station, which remains unsafe.
• 500 Vintage Tour (Cinquecento Vintage Tour), ☏ +39 3497234906, info@500vintagetour.com. A vintage self-drive excursion or a themed tour on a classic Fiat 500, starting from Taormina and Giardini Naxos area. The most popular excursions are themed on Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather movie and on the Etna Wines Road. You can reach villages like Savoca and Forza D’Agrò. (updated Jul 2024)

Buy

• There are plenty of souvenir shops.

Eat

• Gelatomania, Corso Umberto, 7, ☏ +39 0942 23900. Daily 09:30-00:30. Gelateria with big portions, mostly happy customers, has dairy-free alternatives. (updated Mar 2018)
• Ristorante Mirage, Via Roma 7 (Next to Hotel Monte Tauro). Customers have enjoyed the views of Naxos bay and Mount Etna, but are not always impressed by the food or service. (updated Mar 2018)
• Casa Giolì, Vico Giordano Bruno, 8 (Opposite Piazza Duomo), ☏ +39 0942 683017, info@casagioli.it. Sicilian gastronomy. Prices are high. (updated Mar 2018)
• 1 Al Giardino, Via Bagnoli Croci, 84, ☏ +39 0942 23453. Daily 12:00-14:45 & 18:00-01:00. Good food and friendly service. (updated Mar 2018)

Sleep

Budget

• Cohen Smart House, 30 Via Bongiovanni , Taormina (off Isola Bella beach), ☏ +39 347 887 9992. Smart house near Isola Bella natural reserve, Isola Bella and Mazzarò beach. (updated Oct 2020)
• Gianni House, 47 Via Pergusa, Giardini-Naxos (off SS114), ☏ +39 338 238 3732. 2-star hostel near beach. (updated Mar 2018)
• Albergo Victoria, Corso Umberto, 81 (historical centre), ☏ +39 0942 23372, fax: +39 0942 623567. Central 2-star place. (updated Mar 2018)
• Dolphins Guest House, 46 Vico B S Pancrazio. Has single, double and triple bed rooms starting from €25. Spacious, clean accommodation. (updated Mar 2018)

Mid-range

• Hotel Del Corso, Corso Umberto 238 - Porta Catania, ☏ +39 0942 628 698, fax: +39 0942 629 856. 3-star €80. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Jonic Mazzaro, 224 Via Nazionale (on SS114), ☏ +39 0942 23112, fax: +39 0942 628515. Cliffside 3-star hotel overlooking the Bay of Mazzaró. Close to the transport link down to the beach. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel La Pensione Svizzera, via Luigi Pirandello, 26 - 93039, ☏ +39 0942 23790, fax: +39 0942 625906. 3-star, outside the town center and a few metres from the bus station. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Villa Gaia, Via Fazzello, 34 (30 m from the Duomo), ☏ +39 0942 23185, fax: +39 0942 23185. 2-star hotel. Single room from €85, double from €120. (updated Mar 2018)
• Villa Il Glicine, Viale S. Pancrazio 25-27, ☏ +39 0942 625 802. Group of family-sized apartments with private terraces and facilities and the services of the nearby 3-star Hotel Jonic. Full kitchen facilities and home comforts are all provided in this structure. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Villa Schuler, 16 Via Roma (at Piazzetta Bastione), ☏ +39 0942 23841. 4-star, surrounded by its own extensive gardens. Central and quiet position. Own garage with valet parking. 21 spacious rooms and 6 junior suites with 24-hour room service, parking, garages, solarium, sport activities and shuttle service to the hotel beach. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles from €200. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Taodomus, Corso Umberto, 224, ☏ +39 0942 628 315, fax: +39 0942 624 446. 3-star in the historical centre. (updated Mar 2018)
• Ariston, 168 Via Bagnoli Croce, ☏ +39 0942 643 131, fax: +39 0942 643 141. 4-star hotel. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Caparena, Via Nazionale, 189 (on beach off coastal hwy), ☏ +39 0942 652 033, fax: +39 0942 36913, caparena@gaishotels.com. 4-star hotel with spacious rooms on the beach. Features 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a wellness and beauty centre. (updated Mar 2018)
• Residence degli Agrumi (Residence of Citrus), Via Di Giovanni 67, ☏ +39 0942 24218, info@residencedegliagrumi.it. In a quiet location overlooking a terrace with evergreen plants, prickly pears and lemon trees. Each apartment is bright and spacious with a TV, radio and washing machine. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Bel Soggiorno, Via Luigi Pirandello, 60 - 98039 Taormina, ☏ +39 0942 23342, info@belsoggiorno.com. Hotel Bel Soggiorno is in the centre of Taormina, in a panoramic position. Rooms and suites have a balcony or terrace overlooking the panorama over the Bay of Naxos. (updated Oct 2018)

Splurge

• Villa Angela, Via Leonardo Da Vinci (on Hwy SP10), ☏ +39 0942 28513. 4-star near Greek Theatre. (updated Mar 2018)
• Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Via Teatro Greco, 59, ☏ +39 0942 627 0200. 5-star plush place in extensive gardens. Kaiser Wilhelm II stayed here in 1906. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina, Via Pirandello 81, ☏ +39 0942 626058, fax: +39 0942 23732. 4-star castle-like Sicilian villa. (updated Mar 2018)
• Villa Ducale, Via Leonardo da Vinci 60, ☏ +39 0942 28153, fax: +39 0942 28710. 4-star boutique hotel. (updated Mar 2018)
• Diamond Resort Naxos, Via dei Sei Mulini, Giardini Naxos (corner of Via Sirina), ☏ +39 0942 52064. 5-star spa with indoor & outdoor pools. (updated Mar 2018)
• NH Collection Taormina (Hotel Imperiale), Via Circonvallazione, 11 (historic centre), ☏ +39 0942 625 202, fax: +39 0942 625 978. 5-star hotel in centre with free Wi-Fi, a spa, a terrace with city views & an outdoor pool. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Méditerranée, Via Circonvallazione, 61 (off Via Leonardo da Vinci (SP10)), ☏ +39 0942 23901, fax: +39 0942 21231. 4-star hotel overlooking the sea from a great height, with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and large meeting facilities plus access to the private beach of the sister hotel on the coast. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Villa Sirina, 30 Via Crocifisso (S & below main town), ☏ +39 0942 51776, fax: +39 0942 51671. 4-star historic villa at the foot of Taormina with a wonderful view of Giardini-Naxos Bay. Note there is another Villa Sirena on Via Pirandello. (updated Mar 2018)
• Hotel Villa Taormina, 39 Via Tommaso Fazzello (At W end of town above cathedral), ☏ +39 0942 620 072. An antique residence in the heart of Taormina surrounded by a typical Sicilian garden with pleasant scents. Antique furnishings, panoramic terrace with a splendid view. (updated Mar 2018)
• Belmond Villa Sant Andrea, 137 Via Nazionale, Mazzarò (On coast off Hwy SS114), ☏ +39 0942 627 1200. This 5-star hotel was built in 1830 by an aristocratic British family. Charming rooms overlooking the bay. (updated Mar 2018)

Castelmola

Castelmola 5 is a village 5km above Taormina. It's built around the ruins of a Norman castle, which used to be the citadel of Taormina. The Interbus takes 15 min, leaving Taormina M-F at 09:40, 10:40, then every 2 hr until 18:40, Sundays less frequently. You can also walk up the footpath, it's safe (October 2022), unlike the path from Taormina down to the coast.

• Eat: options include Ristorante Parco Reale, Pier de Cat Bistro, Gallo Cedrone and Taverna dell'Etna.
• Drink: bars include Cosmopolitan Bar D'Allura Giuseppe, and the one everyone's heard about: Bar Turrisi, Via Pio IX 19, ☏ +39 0942 28181, turrisi@turrisibar.it. Daily 09:00-02:00. This bar has a theme: penises. Quite a lot of them. An allusion to Greek antiquity, the owner says. Still, if it keeps drawing the visitors.... (updated Mar 2018)
• Sleep: accommodation, all along the road up from Taormina, includes Villa Pace B&B, Hotel Villa Sonia, Villa Regina, and B&B Casa Bellavista. There are several other small B&Bs.

Go next

• Giardini Naxos - a popular resort just below Taormina. Enjoy its beaches, hike along the Alcantara and see its gorge.
• Mount Etna - Plenty of agencies offer day trips there, or with your own car you could reach either the Sapienza or Provenzana base stations. To walk to the summit, you must have a guide, warm clothing and stout footwear, clear weather, and a volcano that isn't erupting (which it does quite often).
• Catania is the regional transport hub, so you'll probably have to pass through it; it's worth a day to explore.
• The main attractions further south are Syracuse, Ragusa and Modica
• To reach the north coast, the quickest way is to blat along the autostrada A18. A more attractive route SS185 winds through the hills, with views back over Etna, and through the picturesque medieval town of Novara di Sicilia overlooking ancient Tyndaris and Abacaenum. From the coast either turn west for Palermo, or go a little way north to Milazzo the port for the Aeolian Islands, or turn east to the ferry port of Messina.