Taormina stands out as one of Sicily’s crown jewels, captivating many over the years, yet it only truly hit my radar after binge-watching a particular TV series. (Ahem, *White Lotus*.) It’s undoubtedly a stunning destination, rich in beauty, culture, and exceptional culinary delights.
What I adore about Taormina is its eclectic mix of offerings – from stylish beaches to historical marvels like the Ancient Greek Theatre, complemented by refreshing cups of granita.
Disclosure: Our trip was self-funded, but this post has some affiliate links. If you choose to book via my links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Experiencing Taormina
Taormina, perched on a hill, presents breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Etna and the sparkling Ionian Sea below. Many refer to it as the Amalfi of Sicily, and the similarities in scenery and ambiance are unmistakable.
We enjoyed 4 nights in Taormina during a week-long trip in early May 2023, splitting our time between this vibrant town and Cefalu. This blend of coastal locales offered us a diverse experience, showcasing two distinctive vibes.
Landing at Catania Airport and departing from Palermo Airport, we rented a car for the week. The drive from Catania to Taormina takes about an hour, revealing picturesque landscapes along the way.
Top Experiences in Taormina, Sicily
Honestly, my favorite pastime in Taormina was lounging on the soft sands of Mazarro Beach by day and savoring outstanding meals with stunning views by night. Who wouldn’t want that?
However, there are essential sights not to miss while you’re in this beautiful part of Sicily. Here’s a curated list of must-visit locations and my personal favorites for experiences, tastes, and activities.
Teatro Antico di Taormina
The Ancient Greek Theatre is arguably the crown jewel of Taormina. Dating back to the 3rd Century BC, it offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Calabrian Coast. Sitting amongst the ancient stands, you can almost feel the echoes of dramatic performances and gladiatorial contests from centuries past.
In my opinion, a brief visit suffices. We arrived at 6:30 PM just before closing time and snagged tickets on the spot (€10 each). If you’re planning to visit during peak season, consider booking skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Check the events calendar too. You might be lucky enough to catch a concert at this historic venue.
Isola Bella
Fans of *White Lotus* Season 2 might recognize Isola Bella, which played a significant role in the finale!
This picturesque island, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand at low tide, was once an exclusive estate turned nature reserve. It boasts a fascinating history.
Since 2011, Isola Bella has welcomed visitors for €4 per person (closed Mondays, open daily from 9 AM until one hour before sunset). Although we skipped the crowded Museo, arriving at opening time would be great for anyone interested in exploring the unique tropical plants once cultivated here by Lady Treveylan in the 1890s.
Getting to Isola Bella
Reaching Isola Bella from Mazarro is straightforward, with clear signposting from the cable car station. A bit of stair climbing is required, but even I managed it without issue!
Alternatively, consider taking a boat from Mazarro Beach for a unique perspective.
Private Boat Cruise
For our 4-year-old, the most memorable moment was our boat trip along the coastline, departing just outside our Mazarro apartment.
Since swimming in May was a bit chilly, we arranged a private one-hour cruise to see Isola Bella, emerald grottos, Taormina, and Mount Etna from the water.
We paid €40 per adult, and our child was free. While we could have joined another couple to lower the cost, we opted for a private experience.
Booking directly with the beach-side tour company yielded a fantastic experience, and if you visit in peak season, securing a spot in advance is wise. They offer luxurious options for special occasions.
More affordable boat tours also depart from nearby Giardini Naxos. Consider checking those out as well.
Villa Comunale di Taormina
A lovely spot to stroll for free in the town center is Villa Comunale. This historic landscaped garden features beautiful views and shady areas for enjoying gelato or arancini.
Once the garden of Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman, it’s adorned with fascinating sculptures, whimsical towers dubbed ‘Victorian Follies’, and a children’s play area, making it a great family stop.
Piazza IX Aprile
The heart of Taormina lies within its pedestrian zone ringed by ancient gates, leading to the iconic Piazza IX Aprile. This vibrant square is a hub for both locals and visitors, perfect for people-watching with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
You’ll also discover notable buildings, such as the Church of San Giuseppe, a striking example of 17th-century Sicilian Baroque architecture, and the distinctive Torre dell’Orologio, dating back to the 12th century.
Sunbathing on Mazarro Beach
Returning to one of my ultimate favorites – relaxing at Mazarro Beach while soaking in the stunning views is sublime. Mazarro is somewhat exclusive, hosting a few high-end hotels along the coast.
If you stay at Villa Sant’Andrea or Mazzaro Sea Palace, you’ll have access to their private beach sections. For those seeking a public option, several lidos offer sunbed rentals.
We found Lido Il Delfino charges €30 for two sunbeds and an umbrella. This includes restroom and shower access, and they also have a snack bar with reasonable prices.
Lido La Pigna provides another option – we enjoyed dining on their terrace, feasting on pizza and tiramisu in a teacup!
For those wishing for a public space, a small area exists on the far left of Mazarro Beach for setting down a towel.
If you’ve driven, you can park at the cable car station. We managed a flat rate of €15 per day with one of the private operators, offering convenience without meter rates.
For city parking, our top choice was Parcheggio Lumbi, a multi-story facility close to the city center. They accept card payments and its proximity allows for an easy stroll into town.
*Prices mentioned are accurate as of May 2023.
Day Trips to Mount Etna
Mount Etna is the most notable day trip from Taormina. Several visiting options exist, though we chose not to venture this time due to our child’s apprehension about exploring an active volcano. If we had gone, we’d have preferred driving ourselves and using the cable car to explore on our terms.
For a self-guided experience, the cable car ascends to 2500 meters for €30 for adults and €23 for children aged 5-10. This is the highest point without a professional guide.
Those seeking to go higher, up to 2900 meters, can join a guided excursion, inclusive of a 4×4 vehicle and a 60-minute walk, priced at €68 for adults and €50 for kids aged 5-10.
For those yearning to explore the active craters at an altitude of 3320 meters, you’ll need a guided expedition through a tour operator.
Adults without tiny travelers may also consider the sunset tour of Mount Etna with wine tasting options—sounds delightful.
Locations Featured in *White Lotus* Season 2
For fellow *White Lotus* enthusiasts who are captivated by the breathtaking scenes, here’s a quick guide to the filming locations.
If your aim is to stay at the iconic White Lotus hotel, you’ll want to reserve a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina. Additionally, the unique rock pool and waterfront restaurant showcased in the series can be found at the more budget-friendly UNAHOTELS Capotaormina. We admired this hotel during our boat cruise; it looked incredible.
Curious about the sandy beach featured in the series? Surprisingly, it wasn’t in Taormina but rather filmed at the scenic shores of Cefalu, avoiding the rocky beaches nearby.
Dining in Taormina
Granita & Brioche at Bam Bar
No visit to Taormina is complete without indulging in granita from Bam Bar. This traditional Sicilian morning meal consists of sharp lemon granita paired with warm, fluffy brioche. Bam Bar is the go-to spot to experience this classic dish.
This charming café features vibrant decor and a spirited owner. Although it can get busy, the quick table turnover makes waiting worthwhile.
Sundowners at Grand Hotel Timeo
If you’re searching for a chic aperitivo with an outstanding view in Taormina, don’t miss Bar Timeo at the Grand Hotel Timeo. Situated next to the Ancient Greek Theatre, this elegant hotel offers both amazing views and exceptional service.
Although we opted for dinner at Ristorante Timeo instead of the bar, we were thoroughly impressed. I savored the pasta alla norma, prepared fresh at our table, while my husband indulged in lamb that he claimed was the best he’d ever tasted. Even though we dined indoors, the magic of the view created a fantastic ambiance for our family dinner.
Cocktails at Timoleone Café
Timoleone Café, near Grand Hotel Timeo, is an ideal spot for casual cocktails before dinner. Sitting on the steps outside, I enjoyed one of the best cocktails ever—a delightful Sicilian Spritz. Be sure to order one; you won’t regret it.
Cannoli at Fanaberia Café Gelateria Siciliana
While I’m not certain if Fanaberia is the absolute best spot for cannoli in Taormina, we stumbled upon it thanks to a giant cannoli model out front. I enjoyed a traditional Sicilian cannolo filled with ricotta, and it hit the spot.
Seafood at Trattoria Il Barcaiolo
A true hidden gem, Trattoria Il Barcaiolo is a family-run restaurant tucked into the Mazzaro beachfront. While seafood isn’t my favorite, numerous people recommended it to me, and judging by the constant full tables in the evenings, I suspect they were onto something.
Conveniently located next door to our apartment, the restaurant provides a stunning view of the sunset over dinner.
Accommodations in Taormina
Our stunning view from the apartment in Taormina turned out to be a viral sensation on social media. (Perhaps you’re here after seeing it?)
When I discovered this affordable Airbnb apartment five months before our trip, I couldn’t believe the price—approximately £175/night compared to £1000+/night for similar views elsewhere.
The apartment accommodates up to four guests, featuring a main bedroom and an additional double bed in the living area. Its quirky decor, bright citrus color palette, and charming artistic touches create an inviting atmosphere.
While not a luxury stay, the experience of waking up to the sound of the sea, enjoying mornings on the balcony, and basking in the beauty of Mazarro Beach and the Taormina town center is invaluable.
This apartment isn’t suitable for guests with mobility challenges, and be cautious about bringing large suitcases. The closest vehicle access is at the top of the steps leading to Mazarro Beach.
Families with toddlers should also be cautious of the delicate decor, including a glass dining table.
For my husband, our son, and me, the stay was flawless. We relished the convenience of self-catering, the beach at our doorstep, and the serenity of sipping Aperol on the balcony once our little one was in bed.
We booked this Airbnb but you can also contact them via their website or Instagram.
