What to Wear in Taormina in Summer
EST. READING TIME: 9 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Limoncello Yellow
Tiered Tile Prints
Structured Bodices
Sun Motifs
Slicked Back Bun
High Fashion Headscarf
Embrace la dolce vita in the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” where modern elite tourism was born. Here in Taormina the three ingredients of picturesque natural beauty, vibrant handcrafted art, and centuries-old history meet—the beauty of the landscape whispers with memories of all the Mediterranean cultures which have occupied the island. Bask in your sunshine-filled escape and you’ll soon see why this cliffside town has exploded in popularity as a coveted tourist destination over the past few years! But before you embark on your Sicilian adventure, it’s crucial to consider what to wear to embrace the local elevated style while surviving the intense summer heat!
Traveling to Taormina means embracing a destination where a flair for timeless elegance and vibrant style is celebrated, especially when it mirrors the rich colors and textures of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. While the coastal setting might suggest a breezy beach town vibe, the prevalence of high-fashion designer brands along Corso Umberto elevates the area’s style far beyond casual wear. Locals often embody a polished, yet relaxed aesthetic, balancing sophistication with posh effortlessness perfectly suited for both the sweltering summer and the region’s upscale dining and shopping scene. Additionally, Sicilian style draws heavily on the island’s artisanal heritage influenced by the historic charm of town with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship—from leather sandals to patterns reflecting the tiled designs of hand-painted ceramics. You’ll find that many travelers and locals alike opt for bold patterns and colors inspired by the landscape—think sun motifs, tile prints, and luxurious fabrics that nod to Sicily’s vibrant culture!
Summer Climate in Taormina
July in Taormina marks the height of summer, bringing consistently high temperatures and abundant sunshine. The weather is typically hot and dry, with daytime temperatures frequently reaching scorching highs. The long stretches of clear skies are perfect for outdoor activities, but you’ll want to account for the intense midday sun in your itinerary planning!
During July, average daytime temperatures in Taormina soar between 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C), while nighttime temperatures remain comfortably warm, ranging from 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C). These high temperatures mean that lightweight, breathable clothing is essential—and don't forget sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen! The midday sun can be intense, especially within the sheltered shopping streets where the Mediterranean breeze doesn’t always offer relief, so loose, airy outfits will be your best defense against the summer heat.
Rain is a rare occurrence in Taormina during July, with an average of only 1 to 3 rainy days throughout the month. Any showers you might encounter will likely be brief and light, offering a quick reprieve from the heat rather than a drenching downpour. What’s more unique to the region, however, is the presence of Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. While major eruptions are rare, it’s not unusual for Etna to produce small ash clouds or eruptions that can occasionally cause a noticeable haze in the sky and lead to poor air quality in the surrounding area alongside a temporary drop in temperature—so it’s worth staying informed about any volcanic activity during the entirety of your stay!
Owing to the minimal chance of rain, July in Taormina is filled with gloriously sunny days, perfect for enjoying the stunning cliffside vistas and ancient monuments. With over 12 hours of daylight, from sunrise beginning around 5:45 AM to sunset closing the day off at 8:30 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the sun. On that same note—be prepared for the intense midday heat by taking advantage of the early mornings and evenings when the temperature is a bit more bearable to do the bulk of your sightseeing. The hot, humid, and consequently sweaty afternoons are for lounging poolside or recovering under the refreshing A/C in your hotel room. By dressing appropriately for the warm, sunny weather, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all that Taormina has to offer during the beautiful Mediterranean summer!
What to Wear in Taormina?
Limoncello Yellow
Embrace the warmth of the Sicilian sun wearing shades of limoncello yellow which capture the essence of summer in Taormina. This refreshing hue, reminiscent of southern Italy’s tastiest export, adds a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the overall simplicity of your outfit. Best suited for airy sundresses, flowy blouses, and relaxed silk skirts, this look can easily transition from casual daywear to chic nighttime attire. The beauty of the distinct shade of a sweet Meyer lemon lies in its versatility—it pairs effortlessly with neutral tones like white, beige, or soft taupe, making it the perfect shade to incorporate into your capsule travel wardrobe. This soft yellow color choice radiates a lively yet refined energy, perfect for the laid-back vibe of a sizzling Sicilian summer.
Tiered Tile Prints
Channel the artistic charm of Taormina with flowing tiered dresses adorned in painted-tile prints which mirror the vibrant ceramic squares decorating the colorful façades of the town. These prints, often featuring intricate patterns and bright hues, add a striking touch to your summer wardrobe while capturing the essence of Sicilian craftsmanship. The tiered form of these dresses creates a graceful silhouette on any figure by inherently making your hourglass waist look narrower than the wide skirt bottom, while allowing for effortless movement as you explore the sun-soaked streets or dine al fresco. Pair these statement pieces with neutral sandals or simple accessories to let the vivid prints take center stage as you embody the effervescent spirit of Taormina’s artisanal heritage.
Structured Bodices
In a town as refined as Taormina, elevate your basic summer wardrobe with structured bodices that strike an ideal balance between sophistication and flair. While Taormina’s destination vibe is more polished than your typical beach town, there’s no need to go avant-garde—focus on tailored, well-fitted pieces which enhance your silhouette without feeling like overly formal ball gowns. Whether it’s a corset-inspired top or a fitted bodice on a sundress, this style element adds a dash of elegance to your look while remaining effortlessly chic. Pair this fitted bust with flowing, loose bottoms to create a harmonious interplay between structure and ease, perfect for a night out or a daytime stroll through the town’s cobbled streets.
Sun Motifs
Radiate the warm vitality of the Mediterranean with sun motifs paying homage to one of Sicily’s most iconic symbols. These radiant designs, whether embroidered, printed, woven into your garments, or worn as golden jewelry, capture the region’s bright, energetic atmosphere. If bling isn’t your thing, opt for tops, dresses, or accessories featuring these sunny patterns to evoke the vibrant summer spirit of the island while adding a playful yet timeless touch to your look. Pair this accent piece with neutral or earth-toned supporting items to balance out the bold motif, creating a chic ensemble which mirrors the warmth and beauty of Taormina’s golden sun often depicted in decorative imagery around the island—like at the famous granita joint Bam Bar!
Slicked Back Bun
Keeping Sicily’s hot, humid summer in mind, a slicked-back bun is pretty much an essential hairstyle you’ll need to master for practical purposes, offering a polished look that’s perfect for the heat. Even if you ignore this advice and wear your loose hair down, after walking the sun-drenched streets all day, it’ll naturally end up slicked anyways! To master this hairstyle, begin by smoothing your hair back using a boar bristle brush, which helps achieve that sleek, polished finish. For an even cleaner look, use a fine-toothed comb to create a defined part before gathering your hair into a low or mid bun. This hairstyle not only keeps you cool but also exudes effortless elegance whether you achieve it with gel, mousse, or a slick back stick!
High Fashion Headscarf
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn as you breeze along on a Vespa with a high-fashion headscarf elegantly tied and blowing in the wind. This timeless accessory, long associated with Italian style, has become a quintessential part of the country’s fashion history. From iconic 1950s film stars to modern runways, the headscarf symbolizes an effortless chic aesthetic while also offering practical protection from the sun. Whether worn draped over your hair or tied under your chin, this piece instantly elevates your look, bestowing you with international model off duty allure. Choose scarves in vibrant patterns made of soft silk to complement your outfit, adding that extra touch of sophistication with this essential embellishment.
How I Styled Taormina Outfits
Taking the most last minute Europe trip of my life—I put in my PTO request on a Monday after booking everything and then flew out that Thursday!—I visited Taormina with my boyfriend in July 2024. Given the impromptu nature of this trip, I literally did not purchase one new clothing item for this trip, which is quite shocking for me since pretty much all my disposable income goes to taking trips and then buying new outfits to match the destination aesthetic. As such, while I generally make an effort to strictly follow my own style advice to a tee, this time around I had to work with the items I already had in my closet, including:
My first day in Taormina was really a half-day, as we first stopped in Santo Stefano to meet my significant other’s extended Sicilian family. As such, I wore a pretty understated, more conservative outfit including my:
NA-KD Denim Vest ($44.99) —I truly consider this one of my most-worn summer staple pieces, as it pairs perfectly with any non-denim bottom, or you can go full cowboy tuxedo and pair it with light wash shorts or jeans! Featuring a relaxed short fit and a deep V-neck, it has button closure down the front to add a bit of visual interest without doing anything too crazy.
Mya Maxi Skirt White ($64) from Princess Polly. Continuing on with my understated, more rural look, this partially lined long tiered skirt with a relaxed fit complimented my denim vest perfectly. The swishing movement of the skirt cooled my legs as we walked, and paired together exuded a carefree summer aesthetic. Retrospectively, I would’ve preferred to wear something a bit more dressy, as Taormina entails a relatively chic aesthetic, but given the circumstances this outfit did what it needed to do!
I accessorized with sky blue-tinted Wavey Palms Oasis aviator sunglasses ($35) for an added cerulean dash of Ionian Sea blue.
I then upped the ante that evening during our al fresco dinner at Vineria Modì, wearing my:
Blue Free People Seraina Maxi (108) - This tiered blue dress with a structured bodice is absolutely to die for, and I originally purchased it for a summer trip to Cabo! The bow tie back adds an additional enchanting element—although you do really have to tie this strap tight if you want the dress to stay up! The swishing layers make this a truly dynamic dress, and what could be more fun than twirling around in front of the colorful façades of Taormina before dinner!
Zara Pearl Shoulder Bag ($69) - This may be my greatest purchase of all time, and I can thank the Miami South Beach Zara for that! This teardrop crystal shoulder bag is literally covered in pearls with crystal fixtures hanging off every which way to make it even more dramatic! I was shocked to find such a beautiful bag in Zara for such a reasonable price, and I’m convinced this bag looks like its worth hundreds. This also was the only purse I brought on my whole Sicily trip, so you’ll notice it in most of these outfit photos!
On day two in Taormina, I started out during the day in one dress before changing into a fresh gown before dinner. Given we were planning to do significant sightseeing around the ancient artifacts in the area, I wore my:
Free People Green Poolside Perfect Mini ($70) - The perfect wear-everywhere mini with a relaxed fit throughout with cinched waist, this dress is an easy all-in-one ensemble I reach for all summer long! Featuring exaggerated capped sleeves, boat neckline, dropped armholes, and a back keyhole feature with button-up closures, the particular nuances of each element come together to form an effortlessly flattering figure perfect for a day of exploring!
Contender Countryside Kajuen Sportstyle Sneaker in Peach Bloom Greenlake ($140) - I had just purchased these Mizuno sneakers during my previous Japan trip, so naturally I was obsessed with them and wore them as much as possible. The trekking for the day necessitated sneakers, and I love pairing these shoes with this particular dress since the green accents complement the mini color perfectly, and with an orange design theme featuring a cute green leaf fixture on the sole they felt like the perfect ode to that Italian fresh fruit aesthetic!
My second and final night in Taormina involved dining at the swanky Ristorante Timeo, so I wanted to go all out with a vibrant look, pairing together my:
Random Motives Viscose Blend Mini Dress ($43) from NA-KD, which features an abstract doodle with sun motifs reminiscent of the summery Sicilian symbol. The self-tie shoulder straps allow you to play around with the shape of the neckline and the hi-lo hem means you could even wear this piece as a dynamic top over neutral trousers! The whimsical pattern of faces reminded me of the freaky Moorish header planters featured prominently in White Lotus, and the breezy material was perfectly suited for the sunny day!
To elevate this formal dinner look, I opted for my low Tan Nubuck Steve Madden Women's Effie Heeled Sandals (~$80) from Amazon. The nude coloring kept the shoes relatively understated so the busy print of my dress could shine as the sole statement piece, and the square heel was quite sturdy and kept my feet comfortable while traversing the cobblestone flights of steps around town.
