TAORMINA & THE COAST
Taormina and its surrounding coast are Sicily’s dramatic crown, where ancient Greek theaters meet the turquoise Ionian Sea and the majestic presence of Mount Etna looms.
This region captures the soul of the Mediterranean, offering a sublime blend of history, breathtaking natural beauty, and the refined glamour of a world-class resort town.
Most Popular Attractions
Taormina City Core: History & Glamour
Teatro Antico di Taormina: A spectacular ancient Greco-Roman theater with unparalleled views of the sea and Mount Etna.
Corso Umberto: The main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with high-end boutiques, cafés, and historic palazzi.
Piazza IX Aprile: Taormina’s most famous terrace square, offering iconic, panoramic views.
Duomo di Taormina (Cattedrale di San Nicola): The town’s main church, featuring a medieval façade and a Baroque fountain in the square.
Palazzo Corvaja: A unique medieval palace combining Arab, Norman, and Catalan-Gothic architectural elements.
Giardini della Villa Comunale (Public Gardens): Beautifully maintained public gardens with exotic plants and Victorian follies built by a Scottish noblewoman.
Madonna della Rocca Church: A small, picturesque church carved into the rock face high above Taormina, offering incredible vistas.
Odeon: A small Roman theater, hidden close to Palazzo Corvaja.
The Coast & Sea Access
Isola Bella: A stunning, tiny island and nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar, often called the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.”
Mazzarò: The main cable car-connected beach area, famous for its coves and lidos.
Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto): A sea cave near Isola Bella known for the iridescent blue color of its water.
Giardini-Naxos: A bustling coastal town and the site of the first Greek settlement in Sicily (Naxos).
Capo Sant’Andrea: A beautiful stretch of coastline with sheltered bays and clear waters, excellent for swimming.
Lido di Spisone: A popular beach area north of Taormina with beach clubs and sunbeds.
Mount Etna & Interior Towns
Mount Etna: The largest active volcano in Europe; ascend for hiking, off-road tours, and spectacular lunar landscapes.
Etna Cable Car & Jeep Tours: Access points and guided excursions to explore the volcano’s craters and lava fields (e.g., from Nicolosi or Sapienza Refuge).
Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell’Alcantara): A stunning canyon with freezing river water running between high basalt walls formed by ancient lava flow.
Castelmola: A charming, medieval village perched even higher than Taormina, known for its unique bars and vast views.
Savoca: A small historic town famous as a filming location for The Godfather, featuring the Bar Vitelli.
Forza d’Agrò: Another hilltop town with dramatic ruins and stunning coastal views, also featured in The Godfather.
Nearby Historical Sites
Parco Archeologico di Naxos: The ruins of the ancient Greek city of Naxos, with temples and city walls.
Santuario di Tindari: A majestic sanctuary perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, featuring the Byzantine Black Madonna.
Agira: A town in the interior known for its impressive Norman castle ruins and Baroque churches.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina: Walk in the footsteps of the Greeks and Romans at the magnificent -century BC theatre, famous for its perfect acoustic and unparalleled views of Mount Etna and the sea.
Take a Boat Trip to Isola Bella: Head down to Mazzarò and take a short boat tour or swim across to this picturesque nature reserve, known as “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea.”
Hike on Mount Etna: Join a guided excursion to the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano. Choose from easy-going hikes to the lower craters or more challenging treks near the summit (conditions permitting).
Stroll along Corso Umberto: Window shop and people-watch on Taormina’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with high-end boutiques, artisan shops, and historic buildings.
Explore the Gardens of the Villa Comunale: Escape the crowds in these public gardens, originally created by a Scottish noblewoman, featuring eccentric Victorian follies and stunning sea views.
Ride the Taormina Cable Car (Funivia): Take the scenic cable car from the upper town down to the coastal area of Mazzarò and Isola Bella for stunning views and beach access.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: Explore the clear blue waters of the Bay of Giardini Naxos or the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) near Isola Bella.
Take a Sicilian Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic dishes like Pasta alla Norma or Caponata from a local chef in Taormina or one of the surrounding villages.
Discover the Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges): Wade, swim, or take a body-rafting tour through the spectacular, icy-cold basalt canyons carved by the Alcantara River.
Enjoy an Aperitivo with a View: Find a terrace bar, such as those near Piazza IX Aprile, and enjoy a cocktail or a glass of local Etna wine as the sun sets over the bay.
Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca: Take a steep walk or a short taxi ride up to this small, dramatic church carved into the rock, offering the best full panoramic view of Taormina.
Local Tips & Transport
Taormina is a Walking Town: The historic center of Taormina is primarily a pedestrian zone (Corso Umberto). The best way to explore is on foot. Be aware that the town is built on a cliffside, so expect steep climbs and plenty of stairs.
Cable Car (Funivia): This is the essential link between the upper town of Taormina and the popular seaside areas (Mazzarò and Isola Bella). It runs frequently and is the quickest, most direct way to get to the beach.
Public Buses (Interbus/Etna Trasporti): An excellent bus network connects Taormina to major destinations like Catania Airport, Messina, and the coastal resort town of Giardini Naxos. Buses are often more direct and convenient than trains for regional travel.
Train Access (Trenitalia): The main train station (Taormina-Giardini) is located below the town, near the coast. To get to the historic center from the station, you will need to take a local bus or a taxi. Trains are generally better for traveling long distances across the island.
Car Rental: Not Essential but Useful: A car is not needed for Taormina itself. However, it is highly recommended if you plan to explore the Etna area, the Alcantara Gorges, or other small villages inland. Be aware that driving and parking in Taormina are notoriously difficult and expensive.
Embrace La Passeggiata: The evening passeggiata (stroll) is a daily social ritual, especially along Corso Umberto. Locals dress up, walk, chat, and grab gelato or an aperitivo. Join the crowd after 6 PM—it’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere.
The Local Wine is a Must: You are in the heart of the Etna DOC wine region. The volcanic soil produces unique, mineral-rich red and white wines, often made from indigenous grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. Look for wine bars that specialize in local labels.
Patience with Service (The Mezzogiorno): Like much of Italy, a midday break is common, and the pace of life is slower. Service, particularly in smaller family-run restaurants, can be more relaxed than you might be used to. Don’t rush; enjoy the moment.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically between 1 PM and 3 PM. Dinner often doesn’t start until 8 PM, and many of the best restaurants won’t fill up until after 9 PM. Dining early may mean a less atmospheric experience.
Hidden Gems
Castelmola: Perched even higher than Taormina, this tiny, medieval village offers incredible, higher-altitude views of Etna and the coastline. It’s famous for its unique bar, the Bar Turrisi.
Caltagirone Ceramics: While you will see ceramics everywhere, look for pieces from the town of Caltagirone, a UNESCO site famous for its decorative ceramics. The Moorish-inspired Testa di Moro (Moor’s Head) vases are iconic Sicilian souvenirs.
Porta Catania & Porta Messina: The two medieval gates at either end of Corso Umberto are great starting points for exploring. The area around Porta Catania is generally quieter and offers a more local feel.
Granita Culture: This is not just crushed ice; it’s a creamy, flavorful frozen treat, often eaten for breakfast with a warm, brioche bun (brioscia cu’ tuppu). The best flavors are typically lemon, almond, and coffee.
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy Taormina, learning a few Italian phrases, especially grazie (thank you) and un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore (a glass of red wine, please), will be appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Osteria da Rita [$15-$25] – An informal and very popular trattoria in the center of Taormina, serving traditional Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes with a friendly, hospitable staff. Expect a wait as reservations are not accepted.
Malvasia [$15-$25] – Located centrally, this spot focuses on select fresh fish and Sicilian recipes, with specialties like caponata and pasta with sardines.
Trattoria Tiramisù [$20-$30] – Located near the historic center entrance, this restaurant offers typical Sicilian cuisine, including popular meat and fish dishes. Booking is strongly recommended due to its popularity.
Ristorante al Giardino [$20-$30] – A few minutes from the main bustle, this family-run restaurant offers genuine Sicilian dishes and fish specialties in a friendly atmosphere, often noted for excellent value.
Il Barcaiolo [$20-$35] – A cozy, family-run trattoria located right on Mazzarò beach, serving fresh, locally caught seafood and shellfish in a relaxed setting.
Osteria RossoDiVino [$25-$35] – Tucked away from the main tourist streets, this intimate and well-kept restaurant (located in a 14th-century building) is a local favorite for its seafood pasta, daily fish specials, and warm Sicilian hospitality.
Tischi Toschi [$25-$40] – A classic and highly-regarded Sicilian restaurant in Taormina center, known for its really great traditional pasta and commitment to local, seasonal ingredients.
Casa Niclodi [$30-$50] – Highly recommended by locals, this restaurant has a gorgeous second-floor terrace with cherry trees and offers traditional Sicilian food with a spectacular view.
Ristorante Cinque Archi [$30-$50] – A restaurant on the main thoroughfare, Corso Umberto, known for local cuisine, fresh fish specialties, and a pleasant, traditional setting.
Kisté – easy gourmet [$30-$50] – The “cheap and chic” bistro extension of the Michelin-starred La Capinera, offering simple, first-rate ingredients presented with modern flair in an informal setting.
Vineria Modì [$30-$50] – A lovely, cozy, and intimate restaurant located on a small street in the center, known for impeccably presented fish specialties and excellent food and wine pairings.
Gourmet 32 [$35-$55] – An elegant restaurant that offers excellent fish and appetizers, with Sicilian dishes cleverly revisited from a gourmet viewpoint.
Restaurant Armònia [$35-$55] – Tucked away from the main streets, this restaurant is noted for its pleasant ambiance and sophisticated cuisine that captures the essence of Sicilian flavors in a modern way.
Andreas Restaurant [$35-$60] – Led by a talented Austrian chef adopted by Taormina, this smart restaurant near the Villa Comunale offers impeccable service and a wide-ranging menu of fresh meat and fish dishes.
Sky Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Taormina [$40-$70] – Located on a rooftop, this spot offers excellent creative Sicilian dishes, including seafood pasta, with the bonus of a great view for an evening drink.
La Capinera [$70-$110] – Just outside the center, this elegant restaurant by renowned chef Pietro d’Agostino offers a terrace with stunning Ionian Sea views and cuisine celebrated for its technical skill and focus on fresh seafood.
Otto Geleng [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located within the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, offering a refined Sicilian gastronomy journey with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea.
Principe Cerami [$120-$180] – The Michelin-starred restaurant at the San Domenico Palace, where Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro reinvents Sicilian cuisine with surprising textures and a focus on local, seasonal flavors, all set against breathtaking panoramic views.
Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro [$15-$30] – Located in a 17th-century villa with a leafy patio, this spot is highly recommended for very good, simple, and high-quality pizza.
Trattoria Tutti Cca [$20-$35] – Hidden in a tiny, picturesque alley, this restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere with vine leaves and gingham tablecloths, serving delicious Italian staples like Pasta Alla Norma.
Ristorante Al Saraceno [$25-$40] – Located above Taormina, it offers stunning, panoramic views of the town, Mount Etna, and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, alongside its Mediterranean food offerings.
Trequarti Taormina Antipasteria Siciliana [$25-$40] – Specializing in Sicilian antipasti, this restaurant is noted for its quality and being away from the main tourist crowds.
Ristorante Villa Antonio [$40-$70] – Located in a beautiful patrician villa, it offers incredible views alongside its high-quality Mediterranean food.
Bam Bar (Castelmola) [$10-$20] – Although famous for its granita in Taormina, the small town of Castelmola above Taormina offers authentic local spots like Bar Turrisi and Taverna dell’Etna with local cuisine and great views of Mount Etna.
À Putia – Enoteca e Cucina (Giardini Naxos) [$20-$35] – Located in the nearby coastal town, this restaurant focuses on a “farm to table” approach with a good wine selection and local cuisine.
Ristorante Villa Zuccaro (Giardini Naxos) [$25-$45] – This restaurant, on the coast below Taormina, is known for its excellent seafood and pleasant atmosphere.
La Cucina di Donna Carmela (Riposto) [$40-$70] – Located in the Zash Country Boutique hotel, this restaurant is noted for excellent Sicilian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.
Shalai (Linguaglossa) [$60-$90] – Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative Sicilian cuisine with a strong focus on local and Etna-area produce.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Morgana Lounge Bar: A chic and sophisticated lounge bar located just off the main street, Corso Umberto, in Taormina. It’s known for its continuously reinvented, stylish decor and inventive signature cocktails, often utilizing local Sicilian ingredients.
Time Out Pub: Found in the heart of Taormina, this pub merges a warm, friendly atmosphere with an extensive selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for live music and a lively night.
Déjà Vu Cocktail Bar: Located in the center of Taormina, this bar offers a glamorous setting with luxurious, candlelit decor. Cocktails are presented with flair and imagination, perfect for a refined evening.
Q Lounge Bar: Situated in a beautiful courtyard setting in the heart of Taormina, this bar provides a tranquil yet vibrant oasis. It’s known for its expert bartenders creating delicious, often creative, cocktails.
Chapeau Cocktail Bar: Located slightly up from the main Corso Umberto in Taormina, this is a hidden gem with great outside seating. Its exclusive feel, surrounded by large plants and beautiful buildings, is perfect for a chill-out drink.
Daiquiri Taormina: A vibrant spot in Taormina’s historic center, characterized by lush greenery and a great vibe. It’s a fantastic place for a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner drink, with a focus on expertly crafted drinks and light bites.
Bar Turrisi: A truly unique and famous spot in the hilltop village of Castelmola, a short trip up from Taormina. It’s renowned for its quirky, phallic-themed decor (a nod to fertility) and stunning panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coastline, also serving its famous Vino alla Mandorla (Almond Wine).
Hotel Timeo, A Four Seasons Hotel Terrace: For an elegant experience, this hotel terrace in Taormina offers one of the most breathtaking views, overlooking the sparkling sea and Mount Etna. It’s an ideal spot for a luxurious sunset cocktail.
Sky Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Taormina: Located on a rooftop in Taormina, this bar provides fantastic views, especially at sunset. It’s a stylish place to enjoy classic and signature cocktails with the sea in the distance.
Antico Caffè San Giorgio: A historic establishment in the main square of Castelmola, offering a more traditional bar experience with a spectacular panoramic view from its small terrace. It is famous for its history and almond wine.
Tao Beach Bar: Part of the exclusive Tao Beach Club, located by the Ionian Sea, near Isola Bella. It’s perfect for light beach lunches or sophisticated aperitifs by the sea on one of its elegant terraces.
La Sciara: A trendy cocktail bar and restaurant located in Giardini Naxos on Viale Jannuzzo. It’s known for its modern ambiance and is a good spot for a delicious cocktail combined with dinner.
Bar Tysandros: Located on the Lungomare in Giardini Naxos, this is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists of all ages. It’s a classic bar serving a range of drinks right on the seafront.
Mediterraneo Cafè: Tucked away in the maze of alleyways in Taormina, this is a great place for late-night drinks and a fun atmosphere.
Il Piliere Concept Bar: Housed in an old church in Taormina, this is one of the coolest and most unique bars in the town, offering a selection of drinks in a distinctive setting.
La Giara: A “cult” spot in Taormina, this is a long-standing and elegant club and restaurant in the historic center. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor area with views of Taormina’s enchanting bay, it often hosts an exclusive crowd dancing until the early hours.
Tao Beach Club: An exclusive beach club on the coast near Isola Bella, renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and international DJ sets, especially during the summer. It consecrates itself as an icon of refined Taormina and Sicilian nightlife.
Marabù: A multi-story club in the Taormina/Giardini Naxos area, part of the lively nightlife scene. It features a large outdoor terrace and different rooms with various music genres, from chart music to Euro-pop and House.
Discoteca Tropicana: A landmark of Sicilian nightlife, located in Giardini Naxos. It’s a long-established disco known for its vibrant parties and atmosphere, attracting a younger crowd.
MORGANA (Late-night): While primarily a chic lounge bar with an open-air garden in Taormina, as the night progresses, Morgana becomes a lively spot with good music, perfect for dancing, particularly on weekends.
Shatulle: A classic bar and club in Taormina’s city center. It offers a sophisticated atmosphere with an elegant outside terrace and is known as one of the first gay-friendly venues in Taormina and possibly Sicily, popular for late-night cocktails and music.
La Tortuga: Located in the hotel area of Giardini Naxos, this lounge-style restaurant transforms for drinks with music, mostly frequented by a young local crowd and tourists.
Coco’s Beach Club: An upscale venue on the coast in Giardini Naxos, offering beach activities during the day and often hosting lively parties, live music, and DJ sets at night, especially during the peak season.
Le Perroquet: A popular bar and disco in the Taormina area that often hosts themed nights and is known for its energetic dance floor and diverse music selection, catering to those who want to dance late into the night.
Marrakech: Located near the coast in the wider area, this venue sometimes hosts special events and parties during the summer months, offering a more commercial clubbing experience for a large crowd.