2 Days Traversing Sicily: Things to do in Taormina Italy
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 23, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: JULY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 16 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Pining for an Italian island escape set in the destination of your favorite HBO series?
Embrace la dolce vita in the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” where modern elite tourism was born. Here picturesque natural beauty, vibrant hand-crafted art, and centuries-old history meet.
Whether you’re exploring the Greco-Roman ancient theater or shopping for Moorish pottery, the historical tapestry embedded in Taormina unites the past, whispering with memories of Mediterranean cultures which have occupied the island.
Sicily as a whole stands out from the mainland of Italy, offering visitors one-of-a-kind dishes from granita and cannoli to arancini and authentic pistachio flavors. Bask in a sunshine-filled escape and you’ll soon understand why this cliffside town has exploded as a coveted tourist destination over the past few years!
Things to Do in Taormina Italy
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed things to do in Taormina Italy travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
11:00 - 11:45 AM: 🚗 Drive from the Catania airport to Taormina in a rental vehicle (45 min)
12:30 - 3:30 PM: 🛍️ Shop around Corso Umberto I, taking in the best Sicilian storefronts (3 hr)
3:30 - 4:00 PM: 🍦 Cool down with gelato from Levante Gelato Artigianale (30 min)
4:00 - 4:45 PM: 🏺 Grab a souvenir from Managó Ceramiche Siciliane and finish your shopping haul (45 min)
4:45 - 6:45 PM: 🛀 Return to the hotel to freshen up and prepare for the night ahead (2 hr)
6:45 - 7:30 PM: 🍹 Enjoy apéritifs with a side of people watching at Enoteca before dinner (45 min)
7:30 - 9:30 PM: 🍝 Dig into a Michelin guide menu at wine-bar-turned-fine-dining-eatery, Vineria Modì (2 hr)
Day 2
10:00 - 10:45 AM: 🍓 Taste delightful granita scooped out of a warm brioche bun at Bam Bar (45 min)
11:00 - 11:45 AM: 🌋 Tour the ancient Greco-Roman theater, Teatro Antico di Taormina (45 min)
11:55 AM - 12:30 PM: 🪷 Stroll through lush cliffside public gardens in Villa Comunale di Taormina (35 min)
12:40 - 1:15 PM: 🍘 Taste the Sicilian speciality arancini for lunch from Rosticceria Da Cristina 2 (35 min)
1:15 - 1:45 PM: 🍨 Try another infamous Taormina sweet treat shop and visit Gelatomania (30 min)
2:00 - 5:30 PM: 🚡 Take a gondola to the beach and lounge around Isola Bella all afternoon (3 hr 30 min)
5:45 - 7:45 PM: 🛌 Enjoy a much needed nap and get ready to dress to impress during dinner (2 hr)
8:00 - 10:00 PM: 🍷 Order Sicilian favorites while enjoying cliffside views at Ristorante Timeo (2 hr)
How to Get Around Taormina?
Lace up your walking shoes, because there’s pretty much no other way to get around Taormina! Set into a scenic cliffside, the majority of streets are pedestrian-only, with a few car routes wrapped around the outskirts so you can get in and out of Taormina.
You’ll see Vespas parked alongside alleys and street corners, but unless you have a whirlwind romance with a charming local driving you around on the back of their bike—it’s not worth the hassle. The good news is the entire town only covers 3.3 square miles, so it never takes more than 20 minutes to get anywhere, which is why you don’t need to drive around anyways.
To head down to the water, a cable car connects Taormina with the Mazzarò beach area and nearby Isola Bella. Purchase these tickets in person at the gondola station for €10 round trip.
The cliffside geography means you’ll be traversing a significant amount of stairs. Taormina isn’t as bad as Positano or Dubrovnik, but this is something to consider if anyone in your party struggles to climb steps or requires assistive devices like wheelchairs.
How to Get from the Airport to Taormina?
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FROM: Catania Airport (Via Fontanarossa, 95121 Catania CT, Italy)
TO: NH Collection Taormina (Via Circonvallazione, 11, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy)
Two airports operate on Sicily—the Catania and Palermo airports—serving the east and west sides of the autonomous Italian region respectively. If you’re wondering how to get to Taormina from the Palermo airport, however, you’re asking the wrong question!
Commuting by car from Palermo to Taormina entails at least a 3 hour 30 minute drive across the island, and that’s without accounting for the time spent picking up a rental car. If you have to fly into Palermo, you’re better suited spending at least one day enjoying a northern town like Cefalù along the way to break up the long drive and see more of Sicily.
If you only plan to visit Taormina, fly into the Catania airport since this route only entails a 50 minute drive.
DRIVE: Speaking of driving, this is the easiest, most efficient way to get around the island.
At home and abroad, I’ve had the most seamless rental car experiences with Sixt—every time their pick-up and drop-off process has been a complete breeze, with the entire exchange lasting no more than 5 minutes. There are Sixt locations at both airports, so regardless of where you fly in or out of, you’ll have a convenient way to drop off your vehicle.
Since this isn’t a given in Sicily, book an automatic vehicle if you don’t know how to drive a manual stick-shift. If you don’t want to wait in line for hours at a legacy vendor like Hertz, be sure to book with Sixt.
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While I can’t speak to this experience myself since my partner handled all the driving, vehicles drive on the right side so there shouldn’t be too steep of a learning curve for American drivers.
When cruising down coastal highways, the drivers you’ll encounter are quite rogue—switching lanes without signaling and speeding—and you may have to dodge some stray traffic cones in vehicle lanes.
Nonetheless, we survived 6 days of international driving for the first time without a single bump in the road—so if we accomplished this you definitely can too! Although we didn’t end up needing the full coverage insurance purchased from Sixt, I was warned about general car theft, popped tires, and the inevitable dings that occur when navigating narrow, single-lane cobblestone roads. For peace of mind I advise adding on the recommended insurance package.
Pro Tip:
When driving across the island you’ll encounter toll stops, but rest assured if you don’t have euros on hand you can pay with a credit card.
BUS + TRAIN: If the thought of driving a rental car in a foreign country sounds terrifying—which is extremely valid, since after five international trips this was my first time doing it—you could always catch the bus or train from Palermo or Catania to Taormina as well.
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Departing from Catania Fontanarossa, hop on the Etna Trasporti 07 or Interbus S.p.A. IN14 bus towards Taormina Capo, which entails a 1 hour 20 minute drive. Both tickets can be purchased online in advance for only $5.80 or €7 one-way respectively. By train, head from Catania Aeroporto Fontanarossa to Taormina-Giardini on a 1 hour 2 minute Trenitalia ride serviced by Trainline, costing $7.19 one way.
If you need to bus over from Palermo, buckle up for a 5 hour ride! Commute through the center of the island passing Catania or around the northeast coastline through Messina. Either way, ride a total of 1 train and 2 bus routes:Both journeys begin at Palermo Airport, taking you to Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello via a Prestia e Comande train heading towards Palermo Central for $6.80. Continuing on via train the whole way will similarly be a 5 hour endeavor, bringing you to Messina Centrale before Taormina-Giardini with transfers occurring at each station. Secure tickets for the whole route from Trainline, totaling $25.44 overall.
To continue from Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello by bus, take the Sais Autolinee 117036 to the Catania Central station for $15.70 where you’ll then board the same Etna Trasporti bus described above for a grand total of $28.30 spent on this route.
Alternatively, from Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello take a different Sais Autolinee 217006 bus towards Messina Central connecting through Messina Piazza della Repubblica for $15.70, at which point you’ll board the final Interbus S.p.A. IN14 bus towards Giardini Naxos, dropping you off at Taormina Via Nazionale 175 for $4.90. The grand total for this alternate route is $27.40
Writing that out was exhausting enough, so imagine traveling by bus and train for 5 hours—in other words, you’re better off flying into the Catania airport.
Where to Stay in Taormina?
CLIFFSIDE CHATEAU: NH Collection Taormina (premium room with terrace and jacuzzi, $1,049.66 for 2 nights split among 2 people)
For a luxurious 5-star experience—although one that’s still 3x cheaper than the White Lotus San Domenico hotel—look no further than the NH Collection Taormina. Located in the heart of town mere minutes away from every main attraction, this boutique hotel combines early 20th century features with modern touches to create a truly sophisticated aesthetic.
The hotel’s 63 large rooms are furnished with warm, earthy tones to create a cozy feel. The majority also come with a balcony or terrace to enjoy panoramic views over Taormina and the sea beyond. If your room doesn’t come with either of these fixtures, simply head up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy the Sicilian sunshine there!
For dining options, the NH Collection Taormina boasts two restaurants: Zefiro, where the chef prepares a modern take on regional flavors, and the Lu Souli Bar and Restaurant where you can sip on a cocktail or have a quick snack by the pool.
Speaking of pools, the second floor houses a waterfall feature with majestic fountains to cool off under, or take your relaxation a step further and unwind at the Fusion Spa!
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I stayed in a premium room with terrace and jacuzzi which came with a king sleep better mattress, large flat screen TV, rain effect shower, and NH Collection bathroom amenities.
While the room mentions a jacuzzi, our hot tub didn’t actually work during our stay—despite multiple requests to the front desk to fix this issue. Even if it was functioning properly, the water which fills the tub isn’t actually hot, it’s just heated by the sun during the day. I wouldn’t waste your money on this room type. Choose a cheaper offering with a terrace, since you can enjoy the pool for free anyways!
If you arrive with a rental car, parking costs €35/day and cannot be reserved in advance.
Things to Do in Taormina Italy
Day 1
Corso Umberto I
While I typically provide a prescriptive itinerary, a journey to Sicily is more a vacation than a trip. Given the small nature of town, there’s no need to rush and cram in all the famous sites. You could easily cover the entirety of Taormina in an hour, but your goal should instead be to embrace the ‘dolce far niente’ Italian philosophy—the sweetness of doing nothing.
Rather than rushing down Corso Umberto I, the bustling main street running through the heart of town, aim to eat, drink, shop, and be merry in this choose-your-own-adventure style experience, popping in the storefronts and wine bars that call to you.
From my recent vacation, the following establishments stood out as staples in the ideal Taormina experience. Should you only have time to visit a few haunts, savoring the moment will provide a much more authentic escapade versus rushing to check off every stop.
Beginning at the end of Corso Umberto nearest to the NH Collection Taormina and continuing in the order you’ll pass each site, consider stopping at:
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Le Bar Louis Vuitton — If you’re feeling parched, pop into the Louis Vuitton store. Hidden behind the designer digs is an elegant Sky Bar situated on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. This exquisite setting is the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet aperitif, featuring traditional regional delicacies reinterpreted with contemporary flair and accompanied by signature cocktails like the Isola Bella or La Rocca crafted especially for this unique destination. The bar staff can even surprise you with a tailor-made cocktail prepared exactly according to your preferences—call that high-end luxury!
Nino and Friends — Just down the street is Nino and Friends, a carefully curated amalgamation of exclusively Italian products like olive oil, truffles, balsamic vinegar, and more. Initially a producer of limoncello, today the group has expanded to produce artisanal chocolate and pastry products you can sample for free inside the store!
This sensory experience encompasses the traditional flavors and smells of the native land, allowing tourists to take home a genuine piece of Italy. The employees are quite generous with their free offerings, and you’ll typically see 4-5 different product samples handed out. Pop inside to taste the niche excellence that is gourmet Italian treats!
Pass a Capri sandal workshop where custom sandals are crafted from genuine Italian and Tuscan leather commissioned for quite a reasonable price considering this fine footwear is hand-made on the spot!
Harkening back to ancient Rome, Il Sandalo Caprese meticulously prepares the same leather sandals wrapped around the ankle which Emperor Tiberius wore when he arrived in Capri. A pervasive symbol of Italian craftsmanship, this particular company has been forming sandals since 1964 with simple materials enriched with elegant details to keep the tradition alive.
I couldn’t say no to an artisanal souvenir and designed a strappy, gladiator style tied with a neutral snakeskin leather which was ready only a few hours later! If you’re seeking an authentic piece of Sicily to bring home, look no further than this custom Capri sandal shop!
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Piazza IX Aprile — Find the best coastal views of Mount Etna from the first square you’ll pass through, Piazza IX Aprile. The Torre dell'Orologiomedieval clock tower is a notable landmark adding historical charm alongside the Church of San Giuseppe, which you can pop into to admire the Baroque architecture.
If any events are scheduled while you’re in town, they’re likely going to be held in this piazza, like the red carpet Taormina Film Festival I saw during our stay. There’s usually a wedding ceremony happening at the church too, so keep an eye out for newlyweds!
San Domenico Palace Hotel —It wouldn’t be right to travel all the way to Taormina and not see the famous White Lotus season 2 hotel! While you can’t go inside—believe me, I tried—you can explore the exterior plaza and snap a photo in front of the namesake facade. You’ll have to travel a bit off the left of the main street down Via San Domenico to reach this historic hotel which was originally a 14th-century convent, but taking the few extra steps is undoubtedly worth it!
Piazza Duomo — In the second main piazza find Romanesque Duomo di Taormina, an important historical and religious site built in the 13th century. Just steps away from the cathedral’s entryway is an ornate fountain adorned with a stone lion, which dates back to the 16th century.
Dessert - Levante Gelato Artigianale
Enjoy a cool refreshing treat after a stroll down Corso Umberto I, popping into Levante Gelato Artigianale for a scoop of gelato. This famous establishment has locations in Ortigia, Syracuse, and Taormina, serving up ice cream, granitas, and small pastries handcrafted daily in their laboratory with fresh 100% Italian raw materials, mainly produced from the local territory.
No matter which flavor you order—I’m partial to fior di latte—you need to add a scoop of freshly whipped cream, the €0.50 surcharge is worth it! The treats are quite reasonably priced, ranging from €3 cones or cups in the smallest size to €7 for the largest maxi offering.
Order a Sicilian cannolo as well, with a name meaning "little tube" in reference to the pastry's shape. This classic Italian pastry originated in Sicily and has become one of the island's most famous desserts.
The shell is a crispy, fried dough rolled into a tube to produce its distinct texture—crispy and slightly blistered on the outside. The traditional filling is sweetened ricotta cheese often made from sheep's milk, which gives it a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
Managó Ceramiche Siciliane
Following a gelato-fueled sugar rush, finish up your retail therapy by perusing shelves upon shelves of traditional Sicilian pottery. If you leave Taormina with only one souvenir, this should be it.
If your wallet is hurting after shopping on Corso Umberto I, consider a historic inquiry into the lore of the island! Walk 3 minutes back the way you came down Corso Umberto I, turning left on Via di Giovanni until you reach Managó Ceramiche Siciliane.
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Assuming you’ve watched the White Lotus, you’re likely familiar with the most famous Sicilian pottery, the "Teste di Moro" or Moorish head planters. According to legend, during the 11th century Arab rule in Sicily a beautiful woman lived in the Kalsa district of Palermo. She spent her days tending to plants on her balcony and began a passionate affair with a passing Moorish merchant who instantly became captivated by her beauty.
After discovering the Moor planned to return to a family back home, she beheaded him in a fit of vengeance to ensure he would never leave her, and then made his head into a planter for her balcony. Inspired by the tale, Sicilian artisans continue to create ornate ceramic head planters to this day, often depicted with crowns and expressions conveying both beauty and tragedy.
Another common motif is the “pigna” or pine cone, which represent good fortune, abundance, and fertility. A protective charm, the pine cone was originally associated with Dionysus—the god of wine and rebirth in Greek mythology—since this symbol was carried by his followers to symbolize the immortal god’s divine power. In Sicilian estates, ceramic pine cones signal welcome hospitality in the entrances of homes, balconies, and gardens, or serve as talismen to ward off evil spirits.
Respecting antique traditions and their associated folklore, this particular shop sells hand-painted ceramics from Caltagirone, Santo Stefano di Briga, Palermo, and Sciacca.
No matter which piece catches your eye, you’re sure to be entranced by the vividly intricate designs reflecting the island's previous cultural influences including Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish civilizations which once ruled. I bought a matching Moorish head salt and pepper shaker set along with a pine cone piece for my desk!
Pro Tip:
Just in case you want to do a little more shopping…there’s an incredibly cute boutique around the corner called Turrisi Antique S.R.L. where I purchased the most perfect lemon and tile-filled sundress with a print that just screams Taormina!
Aperitif - Enoteca
Before dinner, walk 5 minutes to enjoy an apéritif from streetside wine bar Enoteca. Peruse an array of Sicilian wines by the glass while people watching as you sip your chalice.
An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage enjoyed before eating to stimulate the appetite, derived from the Latin word "aperire” meaning "to open.” Aperitifs like Aperol, prosecco, Campari, vermouth, and Lillet Blanc are light, dry, and low in alcohol content, designed to awaken the palate without overwhelming it.
These beverages are cultural rituals enjoyed in European countries like France and Italy, where "aperitivo" hour is a social event accompanied by light snacks. Embrace la dolce vida and do as the Italians do by partaking in this tradition with your own glass before dinner!
Dinner - Vineria Modì
Starting off strong with a Michelin guide meal at Vineria Modì, this restaurant is just up the street 2 minutes away from Enoteca. Walk back the way you came, turning right onto Via Calapitrulli and you’re there!
A gourmet alleyway wine bar, this historic haunt boasts over 1,000 exclusive labels on an extensive wine list, which you can have recommended by the sommelier on site! An irresistibly charming culinary experience, enjoy elaborate dishes with Sicilian flavor in the elegant dining room or outdoor on the pedestrian street. Dine al fresco to observe performances from traditional quartets roaming the streets in search of tips for the melodic ambiance they add to your evening.
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You could decide between the 6 or 8 course tasting menu, but I favor the €80 à la carte offering which includes 2 dishes alongside dessert (plus a secret second treat plate you’ll get before they bring the check!). This option is the best bang for your buck, plus you get to decide exactly which menu items to try, entailing any combination of starters, first courses, and mains.
Maximizing my investment on this dinner, I selected the two dishes with the priciest adornments, starting with a filet of beef tartare prepared with gherkins, shallots, capers, marinated egg roe, and topped with summer black truffle—talk about a ton of truffle on that plate!
My second menu item was spaghetti prepared in a seaweed butter and lemon sauce topped with caviar. Both of these rich dishes tasted absolutely divine, and the portion sizes were so large I couldn’t finish my noodles—good thing my dessert stomach is an entirely separate ordeal!
My chosen sweet treat was the deconstructed coffee, dark chocolate, and mascarpone platter, which entailed a delicious contrast of textures and temperatures. All in all I couldn’t recommend this restaurant enough, and for only ~$30 a plate this Michelin guide meal felt absolutely worth the expense.
Day 2
Breakfast - Bam Bar
Bam Bar is THE #1 place in Taormina you can’t miss, and once you taste the sweet sweet combination of their granita and a warm brioche bun, you’ll understand why.
Granita is a traditional Sicilian frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and flavorings like fruit juices or purees. The unique texture lies between sorbet and a slush, with coarser ice crystals than a typical sorbet but finer than a snow cone—achieved by manually scraping the mixture as it freezes instead of churning.
Traditional flavors include lemon—the most classic and refreshing—almond, coffee, and strawberry. The simple ingredients focus on the natural flavors of the primary fruit or seed component. I recommend fragola and caffè; lemon was tasty but lacked the sweet cream topping of the other two flavors and thus was nowhere near as life-changing.
You must order the soft, slightly sweet brioche bread to accompany your granita, as this bun scoops up the icy slush into the most delectable bite you’ve ever tasted!
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Given the impeccable quality of their products and bright, sunny atmosphere around the shop, Bam Bar has racked up quite a reputation locally, on social media, and certainly among tourists.
I visited Taormina with my Sicilian partner who told me “he knew a place,” which ended up being this internationally recognized favorite with 100k+ followers frequented by Italian celebrities. Looking back at the family photos from his last trip 7 years ago, Bam Bar was more of a local secret then but has since exploded in popularity accompanying the spike in tourism spurred by the release of the second White Lotus season.
As such, there’s a huge line out the door pretty much every hour of the day—and there’s no reservations, so you have to wait in line. The ensuing crowds are the thinnest in the early morning—we got in around 10:00 AM without a problem—which is why I recommend you begin your day here for breakfast.
Outdoor tables are more coveted than indoor spots, so if you’re not picky as to your seating arrangement you’ll be seated faster—don’t worry, once you have a table the service is incredibly speedy!
Teatro Antico di Taormina
The Greco-Roman Teatro Antico di Taormina 5 minutes away is an ancient theater dating back to the 3rd century BC. It was originally built by order of Philistis—wife of the Greek tyrant Hieron II—and then later extensively renovated by Romans who added clay, bricks, and lime decorated with splendid columns of white marble and gray granite.
Despite being centuries old, the construction is one of the best preserved Greek theaters in the world, showcasing blended Greek theatrical design with Roman engineering.
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Its original structure—divided into 3 parts including the stage, seating area or cavea, and parts of the backstage orchestra—remains intact, allowing visitors to experience a genuine piece of ancient history.
The semi-circular shape is typical of Greek theaters, designed to take advantage of the spectacular natural landscape with views of the Ionian Sea and the majesty of Mount Etna in the background. In ancient times the cavea could hold at least 10,000 spectators, providing excellent acoustics and views.
Over the centuries the theater changed use several times: from a stage for classical performances to an amphitheater where gladiatorial games and other public spectacles like wild animal fighting occurred.
Today, ancient ruins set against the backdrop of Sicily’s natural beauty creates a picturesque setting in perfect harmony with the environment, making it the ideal stage for concerts, theatrical performances, and operas enriched with a magical dimension. The annual Taormina Film Festival, one of Italy’s most prestigious film events, is held here alongside the Taormina Arte and David di Donatello ceremonies.
Secure tickets online or at the box office for €12—or €6 if you qualify for the reduced price—which remains open from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, with the theater itself closing 45 minutes later. Free entry with tickets administered exclusively on site is granted during the first Sunday of every month, as well as April 25th, June 2nd, November 4th.
If you’re hungry after your Bam Bar breakfast or need a cool refreshing drink, stop by the Momento café serving aperitifs paired with local rotisserie products, pastries, and ice cream.
Villa Comunale di Taormina
The Villa Comunale di Taormina 7 minutes away is a lush garden built in the mid-19th century by order of Lady Florence Trevelyan, who commissioned this picturesque landscaping for her private estate. An English noblewoman raised at the court of Queen Victoria, she was exiled after having an affair with Queen Victoria's first born—the future King Edward VII— and subsequently settled in Taormina to marry the mayor.
They purchased 87 plots of land and some old houses to craft the beautifully manicured gardens converted into the historic public park you’ll find today. A heterogeneous variety of exotic plants, flowers, and pine trees reflects Lady Trevelyan's influence on the blended English and Mediterranean garden styles.
The pathways are lined with vibrant blooms, creating a peaceful refuge where you can take a leisurely stroll outside the bustling tourist spots in town. The quiet atmosphere, shaded benches, and gentle breeze make it an ideal place for a relaxing moment during your trip.
One of the other main draws is the elevated location delimited by a thick bougainvillea hedge and openwork parapet, providing another panoramic photo opportunity to take in sweeping views of stunning Ionian Sea vistas, Mount Etna, and the nearby coastline.
The most unique feature is the smattering of whimsical structures known as follies. Built between 1890 and 1899, these pavilions inspired by oriental construction add charming character to the serene environment, making it even more intriguing to explore. They’re organized according to a system of open terraces superimposed with structural elements and arches, topped off with small square turrets.
Lunch - Rosticceria Da Cristina 2
For lunch, walk 4 minutes to the best street food shop in Taormina to try arancini. This traditional Sicilian dish consisting of stuffed rice balls is coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. The name comes from Italian "arancia" meaning "orange," with the comparison derived from their resemblance to small pointed oranges.
This particular joint is so popular they had to open an additional rosticceria in town, and even at Rosticceria Da Cristina 2 you have to wait in line before you can order! Both Cristinas are all about tradition, preparing their specialty dishes with true Sicilian ingredients and old recipes.
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For only €3.50 I dug into a Catania-style arancini al ragù, filled with rich meat sauce, parmesan, peas, and mozzarella contained within the distinctive conical shape. Given the hearty risotto base and fried breadcrumb shell I was more than satisfied after eating a single arancini—meaning this will be the cheapest meal during your whole Sicily trip!
Given arancini is intended to be street food, don’t ask for a fork or plate since the establishment won’t give you one; simply wrap the arancini in a napkin and dig in with your first bite!
Dessert - Gelatomania
Another day in Sicily means another opportunity to eat gelato. For dessert, walk 3 minutes up Via di Giovanni before turning right onto Corso Umberto I to find Gelatomania, just past the point where you originally enter the main street after walking down from the hotel.
In this artisanal gelato shop taste up to 3 of your favorite Sicilian flavors for quite a reasonable price—only €5 for the largest cup and €6 for the largest cone!
If you’re overwhelmed by the array of options, let me suggest fior di latte as a milky vanilla-like base, pistachio as a Sicilian symbol of the region, and nocciola as a final nutty note to tie the whole dessert together! Whichever combination you select, you can’t go wrong with this tasty frozen treat hailing from Italy—although the official origin story remains debated to this day!
Isola Bella
While Taormina offers a more cobblestone chic ambiance, experience breezy seaside bliss by taking the cable car down to Isola Bella. This small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand is part of a protected marine reserve and can be accessed via a short walk during low tide or by boat.
The lush island is covered with rich vegetation, including exotic plants and Mediterranean flora, making it a green oasis in the middle of the azure sea. The surrounding crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life like colorful fish and coral formations, contributing to Isola Bella’s reputation as a natural paradise and making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
The island is home to a historic villa once belonging to Lady Florence Trevelyan—the same lady who created the Villa Comunale di Taormina! Find a similar mix of English and Mediterranean influences in the surrounding gardens, which today have been incorporated into an informative museum allowing you to explore the ensuing history and architecture.
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Purchase round trip cable car tickets for €10 in person at the cable car terminal. High winds, technical difficulties, and other confounding factors can delay or otherwise halt your oceanside expedition.
This is exactly what happened in my case, and after waiting for 30 minutes with no explanation from the Sicilian operator smoking a cigarette as to why the cable car wasn’t running—and then when it did start running, why they wouldn’t let us board the cars—I gave up and simply retreated back to the hotel for an afternoon reprise of lounging in the rooftop waterfall pool.
Dinner - Ristorante Timeo
For your final night in Taormina, walk 7 minutes to embark on a culinary journey at the flagship restaurant of the gorgeous Grand Hotel Timeo, Ristorante Timeo. You’ll be treated to scenic views of the town’s dramatic vistas, and this striking location is complemented by a superb menu of locally-sourced Sicilian favorites.
This mouth-watering cuisine is paired alongside an expert menu of regional wines—culminating in an atmospheric terrace experience which culminates in an unforgettable alfresco feast! Dine at Ristorante Timeo from 1:00 - 2:30 PM for lunch, with dinner lasting from 7:30 - 10:30 PM.
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I began the meal with a “riserva ecorì” risotto from the mill topped with seafood and flavored with tomato and oregano salad sauce. For dinner, my partner and I shared the Sicilian beef for two, accompanied with a Nero d'Avola sauce and a few mini plates of vegetables. Both dishes tasted absolutely scrumptious, and the table-side steak cutting service made our experience feel that much more special!
How Much Do Two Days in Taormina Cost?
Following the above Taormina itinerary totaled $1,230.61, costing me $615.31 per day as a young 20-something on a couples trip:
Transportation
$132.06 - Sixt automatic rental car with insurance split amongst two people and itemized over two days
€10- round trip Isola Bella cable car ticket
Food and Drink
€4.50 - fior di latte gelato in a regular cone topped with fresh cream from Levante Gelato Artigianale
€80 - à la carte dinner menu offering from Vineria Modì
€6.50 - strawberry granite with a brioche bun from Bam Bar
$3.82 - ragù arancini from Rosticceria Da Cristina 2
€4 - medium-sized gelato from Gelatomania
$141.81 - risotto and steak dinner from Ristorante Timeo
Activities
€12 - entry to the Teatro Antico di Taormina
Souvenirs
$56.94 - Moorish head salt and pepper shaker and pine cone pottery from Managó Ceramiche Siciliane
$87.35 - printed sundress inspired by Sicilian motifs purchased from Turrisi Antique S.R.L.
$153.17 - handmade leather Capri sandals purchased from Il Sandalo Caprese on Corso Umberto I
Lodging
$524.83 - two nights in the NH Collection Taormina with breakfast included, split amongst two people
My trip to Taormina was one of three stops made during a Sicilian roadtrip with my boyfriend, who I had never traveled internationally with despite many failed past attempts. As such, we were going big or going home. Realistically, if I had traveled alone—or on a more practical, conservative budget—I would not have stayed in a 5-star hotel, nor purchased every single thing I fell in love with while shopping. I was in such a good mood overall, I couldn’t say no to any form of a splurge! Assuming you find a more reasonable accommodation and don’t purchase $250 worth of souvenirs, your final trip total will come out to a price that’s much easier to swallow.
The best part about Taormina is that you can easily stick to a minimal food budget just by tasting the regional specialties—arancini, gelato, cannoli, and granita are all found for under €10 each across town! If you want to dabble in fine dining, even the Michelin guide menu recommendations were quite reasonable—€80 for three and a half dishes topped with truffle and caviar is more than worth it to me!
What to Wear in Taormina?
Taormina embodies quintessential Mediterranean charm with a posh fashion scene that reflects its picturesque coastal setting elevated by the arrival of luxury designers.
During the day, don airy fabrics and light colors like limoncello yellow which mirror the town's sun-drenched ambiance. With extremely hot summers, being selective about the fabrics composing the flowing sundresses you wear will pay off tremendously once you’re strolling down Corso Umberto I. Slicking your hair back into a bun is highly recommended, or hide your perspiring forehead with a high fashion headscarf! Even if you don’t shop designer, exude the same elegance with chic accessories like oversized sunglasses and woven basket bags while paying homage to the Italian footwear of choice since Roman times.
As the sun sets, your style in Taormina should become even more refined, echoing the glamorous allure which descends over town as the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie (that’s amore!). Evening dinners under the stars command more form-fitting, detailed dresses than what you’ll find during the sunny day, like those with structured bodices which draw more definition around the waist. If there’s two words which you should look to embody to align with the town’s summer style, those would be effortless elegance.
Limoncello Yellow
adorn the light hue of the sweet Meyer lemon to dress the part while you drink southern Italy’s tastiest export
Tiered Tile Prints
wear flowing tiered dresses with painted-tile prints to embody the vibrant ceramic squares decorating Taormina
Structured Bodices
Posh Taormina is no breezy beach town, so up your elegance with a structured bodice without going avant-garde
Sun Motifs
radiate the warm vitality of the Mediterranean with sunny motifs that lean into this prominent Sicilian symbol
Slicked Back Bun
Sicily’s hot, humid summer means even if your hair doesn’t start slicked, after walking all day it’ll end up that way!
High Fashion Headscarf
embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn breezing by on a Vespa with your high fashion headscarf blowing in the wind
Will You Have a 'White Lotus' Moment in Taormina?
Do you mean will you cheat on your husband with his best friend who you hate—well I sure hope not, but that’s ultimately up to you! All jokes aside, the widespread viewership of the HBO (technically “Max”) series White Lotus has put the world on to the appeal of Taormina, a now coveted travel destination that previously was hardly topping anyone’s bucket list.
The show was pivotal in spreading the picturesque, panoramic views of pristine natural beauty that have always existed in this cliffside Sicilian destination—and I’m not jumping to conclusions here, the local employees we spoke with confirmed the correlated timing of this travel trend.
That said, worldwide exposure has its pros and cons; now you and I have heard of Taormina, but so has everyone else packing the cramped cobblestone streets of Corso Umberto I. On days when a cruise ship docks in the port, the density of the visiting mob becomes even more apparent, so this trip may not be the relaxing retreat you envision—Cefalù is a much better Sicilian destination for that goal! Expect to wait in lines at popular spots, especially since the township is tiny, and prepare by making reservations in advance during the high season.
All these pointed comments aside, I had a magical time in Taormina and would recommend anyone who’s interested come visit. Since Taormina is condensed, you only need a few days to cover all the major attractions—I wouldn’t recommend booking a stay beyond 2-3 days.
This isn’t really a beach stop either, which I didn’t realize before arriving. Your only chance to get down to the ocean from the developed cliffside is via the cable car system, which inconveniently wasn’t working during our stay. Instead, endless shopping, a treasure trove of distinctly Sicilian cuisine, and ancient monuments dating back to B.C. times will occupy your attention—you can think of Taormina like an island version of Rome!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Taormina Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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