australian tourist dies in taormina

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Aussie man dies in scooter accident on holiday in Italy

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WA tourist Matthew Borromei was 'full of life' on 'European adventure' when he died in scooter crash in Italy

By Jarrod Lucas

ABC Goldfields

Topic: Death and Dying

Matthew Borromei died in a scooter crash in southern Italy.   ( Supplied: Rino Borromei )

Mourners at the funeral for a 25-year-old West Australian man who died in a scooter crash in Italy earlier this month have heard he was enjoying "his adventure of a lifetime" as part of an extended European holiday. 

Key points:

• Matthew Luke Borromei, from Kalgoorlie, died on July 5 in Taormina on the island of Sicily
• The 25-year-old was a qualified carpenter who had worked hard saving up for a "European adventure"
• He was remembered as "one of a kind" at his funeral in Perth where his father said his son would be "sadly missed"

Matthew Luke Borromei, a qualified carpenter and mine worker from Kalgoorlie, was remembered as "one of a kind", the "life of the party" and someone who had a "zest for life".  

He was killed on July 5 when he lost control of a scooter and hit a cement pillar while holidaying on the island of Sicily in southern Italy.

His funeral on Wednesday at the West Chapel of Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park was told he had messaged his family about his travel plans on the night he died, just before heading out to explore.  

"You said 'This place is gorgeous', in capital letters," said Mr Borromei's brother-in-law James Capener of the message he sent in a private family chat. 

Mr Borromei's father Rino and mother Teresa made special mention of the first responders who tried to save his life and relatives in Italy, who had provided "an overwhelming amount of love and support during this tragic time".

Rino Borromei spoke of his deep love for his son.

"There's just so much I could say about you ... it's impossible for us to have loved you any more," he said

"It's impossible for you to have loved us anymore and it's impossible for everyone here to have loved Matt anymore.  

"You're going to be sadly missed, mate ... until we meet again."

Matthew Borromei was just 25 when he died in a scooter crash on July 5.   ( Supplied: Rino Borromei )

'Best brother in the world'

Mr Capener spoke on behalf of Mr Borromei's sisters Rebecca and Ella, who wrote a letter paying tribute to the "best brother in the world" who was their "biggest protector".

The sisters' letter described their grief as they have been processing Mr Borromei's unexpected death.

"Nothing has changed but everything has changed," they wrote

"We don't feel like ourselves, but we are still the same people.

"We are surviving but only just existing. You're all around us but not here anymore. 

"Our family of five that once felt so big now feels so small ... this is a testament to how big your presence is to us all."

Mr Borromei's eulogy was delivered by family friend David James, who described him as "generous" and "so incredibly full of life".

"He had a glow about him, a sparkle, a caring presence," he said.

Matthew Borromei with his parents Rino and Teresa and sisters Rebecca and Ella.   ( Supplied: Rebecca Capener/Facebook )

Friends pay tribute

Close friends Rhys Lane and Scott Tieri spoke during the service and were pallbearers.  

Mr Lane said they were inseparable after starting out as co-workers and team mates at Railways Football Club in Kalgoorlie.

Matthew Borromei was near the start of an extended overseas trip when he died.     ( Supplied: Rino Borromei )

He said Mr Borromei had "worked hard and saved his money" for months before heading overseas.

"This isn't fair. You didn't deserve this," Mr Lane said.

"I wish I knew you longer ... you weren't one in a million, you were one of a kind." 

Mr Tieri said his friend touched the lives of everyone he met.  

"Whether it was hours, days, or years, he left his mark on everyone," he said.   

"If he saw the turnout today, he would have realised just how many people truly loved him.

"As they say, you don't know what you've got until it's gone ... so hug the people you love and tell them you love them because tomorrow is not guaranteed." 

The funeral service was told Mr Borromei was born on May 14, 1998 and attended St Mary's Primary School in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. 

He later attended high school at John Paul College before completing a Certificate II in Building and Construction at Eastern Goldfields College in 2014.    

His sporting passions included Australian Rules football, soccer, golf, cycling and shooting, while he was also an avid prospector who loved camping and the beach.  

Mr Borromei qualified as a carpenter in 2018 and worked for Kalgoorlie company Boord Constructions in the mining industry from 2020.  

A miner's hard hat was placed beside his coffin, alongside a series of family photographs.

Taormina, scooter accident: 25-year-old tourist crashes into tunnel and dies

The Australian tourist crashed into a tunnel pylon in Taormina: rescue operations were useless

Un Australian boy only 25 years ha lost his life while he was on holiday in Sicilia . The young man was riding his scooter along a road gallery di Taormina when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, he lost control of the vehicle. The scooter crashed violently into a pillar of concrete.

Taormina, Australian tourist has a scooter accident: he crashes into a tunnel and dies at the age of 25

The dramatic accident it happened yesterday evening, Wednesday 5 July , Taormina in via Ia Garipoli, near the Lumbi car park. According to what the police officers reconstructed, it appears that the 25-year-old was traveling in a moped rented when it entered the gallery rockfall protection. At that point, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the young man he lost control of the vehicle crashing with incredible violence against a pillar .

The intervention of the emergency services and the death of the young man

They immediately arrived on site 118 doctors , but there was already nothing left for the young man to do. The Australian boy in fact it is died instantly : all useless resuscitation attempts of the health workers, who could not do anything other than declare his death . The local police took care of carrying out all the reliefs of the case and of coordinate traffic in the area.

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Iceland police say 1 American tourist dead, 1 injured in ice cave collapse

Updated on: August 26, 2024 / 11:56 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

Reykjavik, Iceland  — One U.S. tourist was killed and another seriously injured when part of an ice cave collapsed in southeast Iceland as their tour group visited the area, police said Monday. A group of 23 people of "several nationalities" were on an organized tour of the glacier Breidamerkurjokull together with a guide when part of the structure collapsed, the Southern Iceland Police said in a statement .

The police had earlier said that two people remained missing after the collapse, but in their later statement they said the tour operator had provided inaccurate information and that all of those involved in the incident had been accounted for. 

The police force for the Sudurland region said it was an American couple hit by the collapsing ice, and that the man was killed and the woman was transported by helicopter to a regional hospital where she was in a stable condition. The police said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Rescue services launched a search operation for the two people initially believed to be missing Sunday and that work continued into Monday, but the police said after clearing away the fallen ice they had confirmed nobody else was at the site and the operation was called off.

The glacier where the accident happened is near the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon, one of Iceland's more popular tourist destinations.

Iceland is a geologically restive nation, home to multiple active volcanoes that cause regular disruption with eruptions of toxic gas, ash and lava.

On Friday, Icelandic authorities said a second fissure had formed on the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula after lava started spewing forth for the sixth time in the region since December. After weeks of warnings, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said a new eruption had started the previous evening following a series of earthquakes.

Video  showed  orange lava bursting out of a long fissure, which the IMO estimated to be 2.4 miles.

• Cave Rescue

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US YouTuber Hailey Miller heartbroken after unborn son dies from getting tangled in umbilical cord

A heartbroken US travel blogger and social media influencer is coming to terms with the death of her unborn son who died inside the womb after his umbilical cord got tangled.

Hailey Miller is known for the travel and lifestyle YouTube videos she creates with her husband Bryce Miller and the couple were gearing up to welcome their second child into the world this month.

However, on Wednesday, Hailey took to Instagram to share with her 275,000 followers that tragically her son didn’t make it due to a freak accident inside the womb.

On August 16, two days before the baby’s due date, the Minnesota native woke up feeling off and was rushed to hospital to be scanned.

Doctors were unable to hear the baby’s heartbeat and Hailey said her “whole world stopped in that moment”.

“None of this made sense. He was healthy, he was strong, there were no red flags. I had just seen and felt him moving so much the day before. My body was so ready for him to make it here,” she wrote.

Later that night, Hailey began to have contractions naturally at home and the next day in hospital delivered her baby.

“He looked so grown and so perfect. We found out right away that it was his umbilical cord that got tangled around his little ankles and that is what took his life so quick,” she wrote.

“It was just a freak accident that happened overnight. He should be here with us right now. He was so close. We are heartbroken to lose our first son.”

Bryce, who is a filmmaker and skateboarder, also shared the devastating news with his 58,000 Instagram followers.

“We’ve never felt such heartbreak and are still trying to find our way though this,” he wrote.

“If you could please keep us in your thoughts and prayers we would really appreciate it.”

The couple, who have been married for six years, welcomed their daughter Rory in May 2022.

Hailey regularly posts travel and lifestyle content to her Instagram account Dreaming Outloud .

She also has a joint YouTube account with her husband called Bryce and Hailey that has 106,000 subscribers.

Your Local News

Australian mare Black Caviar, unbeaten in 25 career races, dies

M ELBOURNE, Australia — Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died.

Former trainer Peter Moody on Saturday confirmed the death of the 17-year-old mare, who was retired in 2013.

“She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a life time and wonderful memories,” Moody said.

Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said Black Caviar helped create “a special moment in time for horse racing and sport more generally.”

“Today’s news is a shock to us all,” Wilson said. “Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people. She has created a piece of history that will be remembered forever, and it was a privilege for all who saw this wonderful equine athlete in action.”

The Historian Traveller

A blog about travel, history and photography

Explore Taormina like a Sicilian. An authentic insider’s guide

Last Updated on July 27, 2024 by Laura

Taormina, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. A perfect place to escape the bustling chaos of the Sicilian main cities without losing an easy access to the beaches and a jaw-dropping view on the Mt. Etna. With this insider’s guide to Taormina, you can explore it like a Sicilian. Moreover, you will discover not only all the best things to do, but also the things to avoid (e.g. tourist traps).

Table of Contents

Why an insider’s guide?

For half of my life, before moving to the UK, I lived in Sicily. My parents live in Catania and that’s is just a half an hour drive from Taormina. As a good Sicilian, Taormina was kind of a constant presence in my life since my childhood. From my family summer visits to the beach of Isola Bella with afternoon strolls into Taormina to my Christmas trips to visit the city’s decorations to my date nights with my husband strolling with a gelato in the Ancient Theatre. I know Taormina VERY WELL. I’ve seen it in all her four seasons and I can literally take you around and being your tour guide with my eyes closed.

Therefore, when I tell you this is an insider’s guide to Taormina, it’s not just a random title. I am not just a tourist who visited the town and pretend to give you nonsense suggestions copying the contents of this blog. I tell you this, because since this guide was published in 2021 (and updated several times since then), I seen 3/4 other bloggers copying the exact title and content of this blog pretending to be the “insiders” when they just stayed in Taormina one hour of their life.

This guide has this title because it’s the original one. I am an insider because I am Sicilian! Plus, I visited Taormina probably a three thousand times during my life and I can give you the best advice for visiting the town. I feel responsible for people having a good time when visiting Sicily. Therefore, be wary of these fake insiders when taking suggestions for your trips!

Things to know before visiting Sicily

Where is Sicily?

Sicily is an Italian REGION like Lombardy or Tuscany. Sorry for specifying this, but not much time ago I’ve seen an article talking about Sicily as a generic “Italian island” and this made me realise that people don’t know much of Sicily. Yes Sicily it’s also an island but, like Sardinia, it has a major administrative role in Italy compared to smaller Italian islands like Elba, Lipari or Lampedusa.

Sicily’s capital city is Palermo but the second largest city is Catania (where I am from!). Both cities are beautiful and worth visiting for different reasons. If you are planning a trip to Sicily, it’s a good idea to visit both.

Is there Mafia in Sicily?

You can’t believe how many times I’ve been asked this question. Please ignore everything people tell you about mafia. It happened to me very frequently (sadly more frequently than I wished) that foreign people (and even some Italians from the north) were scared or concerned about visiting Sicily because of what they heard about mafia. I could write an entire article about this, but for the moment, let me tell you that people in Sicily don’t go around with guns and shooting everyone on their way (yes someone asked me also this). Sicily is generally very safe.

Yes mafia is still present in certain parts of the island but it’s not something a common tourist or even a common Sicilian inhabitant will experience. Most of the news people hear about mafia are related to corruption in public institutions or pizzo (money asked to people in exchange of “protection”) asked to certain shopkeepers. Many of these shopkeepers are actively fighting mafia and, in this regard, I invite you to watch the episode Antony Bourdain did about Sicily especially when he talks about the movement addiopizzo (goodbye pizzo).

Getting around Sicily

You will need a car to go around Sicily. Yes we do have public transport but, as a Sicilian, I would not rely on that unless you have plenty of time to loose. Public transport in Sicily is very slow and most tourist areas are not even connected to the main cities. So, it’s better to get a car. You can find some deals here .

Except highways and main city roads, countryside roads are pretty rough to drive. Be prepared to some bumps along dusty roads.

Food in Sicily

Food is exceptionally good in Sicily! It’s very rare to find a place that is not good. However, if you are vegetarian/vegan or you are allergic to gluten pay attention to the menus. If you are insecure, don’t be afraid of being direct and ask what you want. Some people, especially the older ones, are still not familiar with the terms “vegan” “vegetarian”. It’s better to say “I don’t eat meat”.

Read More: My Guide to Catania has a very special section on food you can check out!

Scams and Safety in Sicily

Pay attention to scams. If you are asking yourself why in Egypt I was totally fine with “the scam thing”, it’s because Sicily it’s quite the same. I was already used to this approach. Tourists (sometimes even residents) are frequently scammed for restaurant bills, car rentals, shopping or even their hotels. I’m not proud of this, but it do happens. Of course, not all the people are the same and most Sicilians are honest and kind people but if something smells you wrong, probably it is.

Abusive valet. Small and big cities in Sicily are unfortunately affected by the plague of “abusive valets”. People who want money to “keep your car safe” on the street when is parked. While these people are endlessly persecuted by the police, they continue to appear here and there especially in big cities like Catania and Palermo. If it happens to meet one, try to not give him money. When is possible, try to use official parking spaces or the one called “blu stripes – strisce blu ” where you can pay the time you stay at a designated machine.

Don’t leave your personal belongings unattended. Small thefts are particularly frequent, especially in tourist areas. Never ever leave your stuff alone. Especially in bars, beaches, cars etc. it’s unfortunately very likely that you won’t find it anymore.

Best time to visit Sicily

The sun is quite strong all year round. Temperatures in Sicily are warmly high for most of the year, even in winter. It might happen that around January-February temperatures go a little lower (6-15°) but most of the times they stay around 15-23°. Summer are roasting hot and it is better to have with you a good sun protection.

A history of Taormina

The Greek Age

The origins of Taormina lie between history and myth. Indeed, the city was born with the Greek name of Tauromenium , that means “place/dwelling on the Taurus”, the mountain where the city was founded.

According to the historian Diodoro, the city belonged to the Siculi population long before becoming a Greek colony. Indeed, it was around 396 – 406 BC. that the Greeks from Naxos (the first Greek colony in Sicily) took over the city from its local inhabitants. Sources on the colonisation of Taormina are actually contradictory. In fact, they state also that the city was used as a refuge by the inhabitants of Messina after the arrival of the Greeks.

The truth would probably lies in the middle and, at one point, Taormina became a Greek colony and remained so for a long time, surviving also to the Puniche wars. The Greek period came to an end with the Roman conquest of Sicily in 212 BC.

The Roman Age

To avoid the destruction as the nearby Syracuse, Tauromenium accepted the rules of Rome. Thanks to this “friendship”, Tauromenium became one of the first civitas libera et foederata of Sicily. This means that the city was considered as a precious ally for Rome and could enjoy a nominal independence from the Roman tributes (e.g. providing ships for wars) and other privileges. Among these, the Roman citizenship for its inhabitants.

Initially, the Roman domination brought innovation and peace in Tauromenion. In fact, many of the still surviving monuments were built or renovated during that age and the city flourished in peace until 135 BC. However, with the Servile War (134-132 BC), the city fell under the hands of the insurgent slaves, suffering great damages. From that moment onward, Tauromenion was part of all the wars undertook by Rome in that area of Sicily. Unfortunately, the city lost the charm and splendour of the Greek and early Roman age. However, it continued to have a political and economic relevance in Sicily. Indeed, it’s condition was widely remembered by the historians of that period, especially Strabo, Pliny and Ptolemy.

The Middle Ages

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Arab incursions started throughout Sicily. Like many other cities on the island, Tauromenion couldn’t escape Arab attention. In fact, the city was under siege for about 30 weeks before falling on Christmas Day 962, under Fatimid rule. The inhabitants were sold as slaves to the Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz, and Tauromenion was renamed Almoezia (al-Mu’izziyya). The fall of Tauromenion marked the end of Byzantine rule in Sicily. The independent Emirate of Sicily lasted until 1091. This brought cultural and agricultural innovation to the island. Regarding architecture, the Arabs adapted existing models to new uses.

The Norman Conquest and the Hohenstaufen

In 1060, Robert Guiscard invaded Sicily splitting the island between Normans and Arab population. One of the last acts to conquer the island, was the fell of Taormina (at that time still named Almoezia). This was completed by Roger I of Sicily, (younger son of Tancred), in 1078 after a battle famous as the “Siege of Taormina”. Almoezia became again Tauromenion and it was placed under the Catholic supervision of the cities of Troina and Messina.

With the Normans and, after, with the German heirs, the Hohenstaufen, Tauromenion experienced a long period of prosperity and cultural renaissance. The city was still involved in local wars, especially after supporting the Hohenstaufen against the Angevin. However, with the shift of power to the Crown of Aragon in 1282, Tauromenion experienced also peace and political stability for more than three centuries. In the 17th century, Taormina gained also the status of city belonging to the Spanish Crown.

Under the Bourbon dynasty (1534 -1860), Taormina was part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In 1675 the French besieged Taormina destroying part of its Medieval architecture. Nevertheless, this occupation didn’t last long. Indeed, Taormina was again under the Spanish rule in 1678. As a sign of loyalty toward the Spanish crown, Taormina was granted Isola Bella (at that time named Rock of St. Stefano) under its jurisdiction. Thanks to the Bourbon, Taormina became more accessible. In fact, a new road connecting the city to Messina and Catania was opened (until that moment, the only way to reach it was through the mountains).

Taormina, a paradise for elite tourists

A great contribution to modern Taormina was given by Florence Trevelyan (the cousin of Queen Victoria) who moved to Taormina in 1884. She bought the Rock of St. Stefano and transformed it into a beautiful garden today known as Isola Bella. Miss Trevelyan was responsible also of the construction of the actual Villa Comunale, at the time famous as “Hallington Siculo”. Taormina was no longer important from a strategic point of view in Modern Age. However, it aroused the interest of artists, writers and academic scholars becoming an important spot for elite tourism.

People like Friedrich Nietzsche, Gustav Klimt, Sigmund Freud and even the King Edward VII decided to spend sometimes in this beautiful city. For this reason, Taormina was known as an exclusive holiday location for elite tourists and this still hasn’t changed today.

Bibliographical sources for the history of Taormina

If you are interested in a more detailed history of Taormina, you can read these sources:

•  Krueger, Hilmar C. (1969). “Conflict in the Mediterranean before the First Crusade: B. The Italian Cities and the Arabs before 1095”. In Baldwin, M. W. (ed.).  A History of the Crusades, vol. I: The First Hundred Years . Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 40–53
• Giovanni di Giovanni,”Storia ecclesiastica di Taormina” , Volume unico, Palermo, Tipografia Barcellona, 1870
• J. B. Bury, A History of the Eastern Roman Empire From the Fall of Irene to the Accession of Basil I (A.D. 802-867), 2015
•  John Julius Norwich, Paul Duncan, Sicily. A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra, 2015
•  Leonard C. Chiarelli, A History of Muslim Sicily, 2018

A local guide to Taormina. Essential things to know

When is the best time of the year to visit taormina.

Sicily’s climate is generally good all year round. Ergo, Taormina is a good place to visit at any time of the year. However, you have to make a few considerations. If you go during summer, you can enjoy the sea in the nearby coast. Nevertheless, this means also that you will likely find much more crowd and higher prices. In pre-pandemic times, during summer, hordes of tourist were crowding the little streets of the city at any time of the day. Especially when cruise ships stopped near the coast. It might not be the same this summer, but when life will return normal, this is what you can expect.

During the rest of the year, Taormina is more quieter. It is generally visited by Sicilian residents as a day trip or by a few tourists going around off season. Taormina is particularly popular to visit during festivities like Christmas and Easter when Sicilians have days off from work and like to go to “ passiari ” (i.e. stroll around). If you visit Taormina off season, you can expect to find some shops closed (e.g. my favourite place where to have gelato closes during winter). However, most of the attractions remain open to the general public. During Christmas, you can find also the traditional presepi exhibited in local churches.

Is Taormina expensive?

Taormina is considered as an expensive place by Sicilians. This because, thanks to the great influx of tourists, most of the restaurants/hotels adopt higher prices compared to other places in the island. However, if you compare Taormina to other touristic places in Italy, e.g. Positano/Amalfi or even Milan prices won’t be so excessive. Ergo, I think you should put this in perspective.

How many days should I spent in Taormina?

Taormina is a small city. You can easily see everything you need in just one day. However, if you want to take it slowly or want to enjoy some day trips, two-three days will be enough.

How do I reach Taormina?

Taormina is located between Catania and Messina (the city is part of the Messina’s municipality). You can easily reach it from both cities by car, train or coach.

If you are travelling by car from Catania, the motorway A18 towards Messina is the fastest route. Just enter the motorway and exit at “Taormina”. Please be aware that the motorway has some tolls to pay. From Catania it will take about 50 minutes to reach Taormina.

If you are travelling by car from Messina, you have to take the motorway A18 towards Catania and exit at “Taormina”. Even in this case, there are tolls to pay. From Messina it will take about 50 minutes to reach Taormina.

Parking in Taormina

Please be aware that most of the Taormina streets are labelled as “ZTL” or “Zona a Traffico Limitato” which means limited traffic area. Ergo, you can’t enter or park in these streets unless you are a resident. Therefore, you should park your car in one of the official city parking.

There are many parking in the city, some of them are privately managed, but the official parking managed by the Taormina council are Parcheggio Lumbi , Parcheggio Porta Catania and Parcheggio Mazzarò. You can’t buy the ticket in advance but you have to pay on the spot.

Parking is crazy expensive in Taormina and you can easily spend € 50 for a one-day parking spot during the high season.

Tips for Parking in Taormina and save money

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money in parking but you want to enjoy Taormina for a day, you can use a little trick that most Sicilian do. Indeed, there are two things you can do and both of them involve going to Isola Bella instead of Taormina (use the appropriate exit after going out of the motorway). In fact, if you get to Isola Bella early enough in the morning, you can park for free in the street! Indeed, there is no ZTL in the area of Isola Bella and usually Sicilians get there early to avoid paying the parking.

From there you can reach Taormina with the cable car. This goes up and down every 15 minutes and the tickets cost € 3 (one way) and € 10 (day ticket). This would save you a lot of money during the high season!

If you don’t get in time for a free parking spot, (during summer it’s quite hard to find a free spot), you can use the Mazzarò parking. This is less expensive than the one in Taormina (about €23 for a day) and from there take the cable car.

If you don’t want to pay the cable car, you can walk up to Taormina, but I warn you. It’s quite a steep climb.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a train station in Taormina. The nearest one is in Giardini Naxos. You can take a direct train from Catania Centrale or Messina Centrale to Giardini/Taormina. From there, you can proceed by walking. This is a good 40 minutes walk for about 2,5 km. Otherwise, you can take the Interbus to Taormina which cost about £1,67 and will reach the city in 15 minutes. You can buy tickets in advance from Trenitalia.

If you are travelling from Catania, you should take the coaches Interbus or Etna Trasporti at the Catania bus station (Via Archimede). These are direct coaches and will take between 1.10 -1.55 hours depending on how many stops they do. The ticket is between 4-6 euro for a return trip depending on the season.

If you are travelling from Messina, you should take the coach Interbus to Taormina from Piazza della Repubblica. This will take between 1.00-1.20 hours depending on how many stops it does. The ticket is between 4-6 euro for a return trip depending on the season.

How do you get around Taormina?

Taormina is pretty easy to get around and you don’t need a car. Just a good pairs of shoes to walk!

An insider’s guide to Taormina- Must-see places

Below you can find a list of places you can’t miss to visit during your trip to Taormina!

The Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theatre in Taormina dates back to the III century BC and it’s the second largest theatre of this type in Sicily, after the one in Syracuse. Despite it is still called as “Greek Theatre” by Sicilians, the architecture surviving today is fully Roman. Indeed, it seems that already under August the theatre was renovated and a second renovation happened during the late Roman Antiquity.

Differently from the theatre in Syracuse, the Ancient Theatre in Taormina was used for the venationes . Venatio in Latin means “hunting”. During the Roman age, it was a type of entertainment involving the hunting and killing of wild animals. This was usually performed in Roman amphitheatres equipped for the “special effects”. For this reason, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina was modified and the area of the orchestra was replaced with an arena connected by a subterranean corridor. This allowed the beasts to come out at the centre of the scene from the hypogeum (a subterranean chamber) where they were kept.

Today, the theatre is used mostly for concerts and shows and it is part of the archaeological area of Naxos and Taormina.

Information for your visit

• Address: The Ancient Theatre is located in Via del Teatro Greco, 198039 – Taormina (ME)
• Opening Times: Sun – Mon 9.00 – 16.45 (last entrance at 16.00). The Theatre is currently closed due to the pandemic of Covid-19
• Tickets: € 12 – € 6 reduced for EU citizen aged 18-25. The entrance is free the first Sunday of each month.

Skip the line at Taormina Ancient Theatre with this ticket!

Tips from a Sicilian

If you want to get spectacular pictures of the Mount Etna in eruption, the Ancient Theatre is the place to go! In fact, the visual is perfect and if you go at night (for one of the shows), you can have the occasion to capture the eruption from a very different perspective. In fact, Mount Etna gives the impression of being very close to Taormina from that point of view.

Corvaja Palace

One of the first attractions you will find arriving from the Messina Gate is Palazzo Corvaja. This is named after one of the most powerful and oldest families of Taormina who hold it for more than four centuries (XVI- XX centuries).

Palazzo Corvaja dates back to the X century. It is one of the few remaining architectural examples of Arab architecture in Taormina. Indeed, the palace incorporates an early Arab fortress built over a former Roman structure. Of this fortress you can still see the lower tower and the inner courtyard. The building was expanded already in the 13th century. During this period, the first floor and the ornamental balcony were added. This feature panels carved from the Syracuse stone and representing scenes from the creation.

The right wing was added during the XV century to host the Sicilian Parliament. The palace currently features a mix of architectural styles (Arab, Norman, Gothic). Unfortunately, it was held in a terrible state until its most recent renovation in 1945. Now, in addition of being the Tourist Office of Taormina, it’s used also for exhibitions and events.

The entrance is free.

Piazza IX Aprile

Piazza IX Aprile is the most popular square of Taormina. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the Jonian Sea, admiring all the coast the city. Moreover, the square host some of important historical sights and famous bar.

Torre dell’Orologio

The clock tower is one of the best sights of Piazza IX Aprile. It is famous also as Porta di Mezzo (midway gate) because you can find it in the middle between the Catania and Messina gates. It was built around the XII century as part of the oldest defensive walls of the city.

During the French siege of 1676, it was destroyed and rebuilt in 1679. In 1966 a mosaic of Byzantine inspiration was added to remember the city’s past.

(Ex) Church of St. Agustin

The Church of St. Augustin was built in honour of St. Sebastian during 1486. The style is late Sicilian Gothic. The church now hosts a library with more than 22.000 volumes. Part of the church is used also as a space for exhibitions.

Church of St. Giuseppe

The Church of St. Giuseppe is famous for its intricate Baroque style. Despite the external facade is pretty simple, the internal space is a masterpiece of Baroque style with beautiful frescoes and spectacular stucco works.

Villa Comunale

If you want to escape the crowd populating the streets of Taormina, the Villa Comunale is the place to be. This beautiful garden is, indeed, a little oasis of peace if you need to relax and enjoy a bit of shade from the warm Sicilian sun. The construction of this Taormina gem is due to a British noblewoman, miss Florence Trevelyan who was cousin of Queen Victoria.

Accused of having a relationship with the future king Edward VII, she was exiled from the royal court. In 1884 she decided to leave the UK and move to Sicily, particularly to Taormina. Here, she married the mayor of the city Salvatore Cacciola and she gave a major contribution to the community.

Hallington Siculo

As a passionate for gardening and botanic, she decided to buy some land on the slope of the city. This was used to built a residence and a garden that she called “Hallington Siculo” to remember her home in the UK. The garden, that now is owned by the Taormina Council, has one of the best views of the city and features peculiar constructions still known as the “Victorian follies”. Moreover, the garden hosts several rare plants and flowers.

The entrance is FREE.

Piazza Duomo

Piazza duomo in Taormina is home of its beautiful medieval cathedral and its peculiar Baroque fountain, famous as the “4 fountains” for its peculiar shape and small side fountains.

Taormina Cathedral

Taormina Cathedral resembles more a fortress than a church. Built around 1400 over a former thirteenth century church, the building has undergone several renovation during the centuries.

The external facade still maintain the Sicilian Romanesque-Gothic architecture characterised by different rose windows and battlements all over its perimeter.

The features I love most of this church are its intricate portals, one different from the other. There are three main portals. The portal in the main facade was renovated in 1636. However, it still keep it original medieval frame in white marble that dates back to 1400. This, features 11 biblical figures carved into the marble. The west portal dates back to the fifteenth century. This is rimmed with lava stone from the Etna and features a frame in white marble carved with natural motifs. The east portal dates back to the middle of 1500. It is simpler compared to the other two but still representative of the Sicilian Gothic style.

Rediscovered only in 1943, the Naumachie in Taormina is a long Roman wall measuring around 122 meters in length and 5 meters in height. This wall is the oldest structure built in Taormina after the Ancient Theatre. It was built close to the Taormina’s Gymnasium and scholars are still debating about its use.

In fact, the naumachia during the Roman Age were a fictitious naval battle organised to entertain the public. The naumachia were organised in structures that could host water or be located near a water basin.

It’s unclear if the purpose of Taormina’s Naumachie was that of entertain people. In fact, scholars advanced the hypothesis that it was used, instead, as water supply for the city and the Gymnasium.

An insider’s guide to Taormina – Underrated attractions

If you completed the tour of the main attractions in Taormina but you want to explore more, consider the additional sights below.

Badia Vecchia

Badia Vecchia (Old Abbey) it’s a fourteenth-century tower that used to be part of the defensive walls of Taormina connecting to the Saracen castle. The name “abbey” is due to the theory that the tower was once inhabited by Mother Abbess Euphemia. She was a regent of the Kingdom of Sicily from 1355 until 1357 in the name of her younger brother Frederic III, The Simple.

Badia Vecchia, is not easy to find because it’s well hidden among Taormina’s higher alleys. However, once you find it, you will admire its magnificent architecture that mixes Gothic and Norman styles with precious Arabic details.

Palazzo dei Duchi di St. Stefano

The Dukes of St. Stefano Palace dates back to the same age of Badia Vecchia. Indeed, it seems that shared with the “Abbey” the same defensive purposes. However, the palace became famous for being the residence of the Spanish noble family of De Despuches. They hold the property for centuries until one of the youngest heirs sold it to the Taormina council in 1964.

From that moment onward, the residence is used for art exhibitions during summer and permanently hosts the Mazzullo Foundation.

Hidden Mosaics in Taormina

If you have some spare time, you can go and search the surviving mosaics of Taormina.

The mosaic of Salita Santippo

The first one is called Mosaic of Salita Santippo and it dates back to the II century AD. It is a pavement pertinent to the peristyle of a private house featuring geometrical patterns and natural motifs. I have to warn you that it’s in very bad conditions.

Indeed, due to the lack of money, the care of the mosaic is nonexistent and you can’t actually see the mosaic because it’s covered in moss and grass. Well done Comune di Taormina!

The Hellenistic Mosaic

The second mosaic you can find is that called “Hellenistic Mosaic”. This dates back to the II century BC and it’s slightly in better conditions than the previous one. It was originally made with coloured pebbles (yellow, red, white, grey and black). However, due to the lack of maintenance, you can see only the black and white tesserae.

The mosaic features four side dolphins and a central six petaled flower inside a diamond shape. This used to be part of the courtyard of a private house.

Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto is the main street of Taormina enclosed between the Messina and Catania Gates. It’s famous for its luxury shops and for the possibility to find some exclusive traditional souvenirs. If you want to find something special, it’s here that you have to search for it!

Saracen Castle

If you are up for an adventure and are brave enough to climb the steep Tauro mountain, you can reach the ruins of the Saracen Castle. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the castle but you can walk up to its imposing walls. If you have a drone, you can have also a better view!

An earlier version of the fortification was likely existent already during the Roman Age. Indeed, scholars think that the castle was built over the former acropolis of Taormina. The current castle architecture is the one modified during the Arab conquest.

Church of Madonna della Rocca

On the same way to the Saracen Castle, you can follow the path to the Church of Madonna della Rocca. Don’t be fooled by the Google suggestion that is a 15 minutes walk from the Taormina city centre. That’s not true. The climb is slightly less steep that the one to the castle (even if the initial path is the same) but it will take a good 25-30 minutes to reach it.

The church is located in one of the highest point of the city and even if the climb itself is not pleasant, the view is certainly worthy. Madonna della Rocca is entirely carved into the rock (even if you can’t guess this from the external facade). It dates back to 1640 and since then remained pretty much the same.

I wouldn’t go up the hill during the day in summer. The sun is very strong in Sicily and it may become a challenging walk. A better time to visit is late afternoon.

Explore the Alleys

One of my favourite activities in Taormina is exploring its side alleys. You can find these on the left or right of Corso Umberto. Usually connected to the main road throughout small staircases. These little alleys are very surprising as you can find things that you don’t expect. This includes mosaics, medieval gates, beautiful palaces, cute restaurants, hidden churches etc.

One of my favourite alleys is Vico Venezia. Here you can find a little medieval gate surrounded by very photogenic orange trees. Furthermore, walking along the way, you can find some elegant palaces with lovely pink facades.

Best places to stay in Taormina

There are many hotels in Taormina. It is understood that a great part of those with a magnificent view are also the most expensive ones. However, because these are not within everyone’s reach, I divided them into three categories.

Note that hotel prices in Taormina are strongly affected by seasonality with July and August seeing the highest prices during the year.

Luxury Hotels in Taormina

Taormina is famous for its luxury hotels. Places where exceptional service is complimentary with the most breathtaking view. Luxury stays in Taormina are not for everyone pocket but, if you are lucky enough to be able to face the cost, here are some of the most exclusive 5 stars hotels in Taormina.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is among the top choices in Taormina, with its exclusive terrace and timeless atmosphere. Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea is closer to the beach and offers spectacular views and everything you can expect from Sicily. San Domenico Palace is a Four Seasons Hotel located in Taormina city centre. This former fourteenth-century monastery combines perfectly Sicilian historical tradition and all the luxurious style provided by the Four Seasons chain. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and looking more stunning than ever in the HBO series, The White Lotus.

Click here to organise a White Lotus tour in Taormina!

Lastly, The Ashbee Hotel. You can find it in the magnificent setting of Villa San Giorgio. This historical palace was built by Charles Robert Ashbee on commission by Colonel Shaw-Hellier, a British veteran who moved to Sicily. In this construction, Ashbee wanted to incorporate the elegance of the British architectural style with the warm tones of the Mediterranean tradition and Sicilian history. The result is a very unique place to stay.

The price range for these hotels go from £570 for a standard double room in high season to £5,200 for a presidential suite for one night.

Boutique Hotels in Taormina

Boutique Hotels are generally my favourites because they combine style and moderate luxury with a more budget friendly stay. Taormina has many boutique hotels and usually they get booked pretty fast during the high season. Among the top places, you can stay at Taodomus Small Boutique Hotel , Hotel Villa Carlotta and Hotel Villa Belvedere . Price range from £310 to £500 for a double room for one night. Be aware that some of these hotels require a minimum stay of three nights.

If you are visiting multiple locations in Sicily and want a place in a good location Donna Carmela Resort is a reasonable option. It’s quite close to Taormina and at a driving distance from Mount Etna too. Here you can read about our experience at Donna Carmela.

Budget Hotels in Taormina

Budget hotels in Taormina are in great demand during the high season. If you want to stay in one of those places, you should think to book well in advance. Among the best budget stays in Taormina you can find the Hotel Continental , Medousa Bistrot & Suites and La Malandrina Apartments & Suites. Prices range from £ 200 to £500 for a double room for one night.

Best places to eat in Taormina

While wandering around Taormina, you will notice a great abundance of restaurants and on-the-go places. After all, Sicilian food is one of the best in Italy and you can taste some wonderful traditional dishes in Taormina. However, all that glitters is not gold and most of the times tourists have to face inflated prices for what Sicilians consider as average food.

Tips to remember when eating out in Taormina

For this reason, when it comes to visit places like Taormina, I always follow three rules and I invite you to follow them as well.

• Go Small . Big restaurants trying to capture the attention of tourists with their terraces on the coast are not always the best. Usually, the freshest and most delicious food is served by small places (these usually go under the name of bottega , osteria or trattoria ). These places are generally managed by families who make feel their clients very special.
• Try to avoid the “fixed price” menu places. If you see a restaurant with an inviting sign stating that you can have a full lunch for only €15 in Taormina, there is something smelly. Especially if the offer a fish menu. These places are generally famous for using frozen food, of which quality is not guaranteed. This is such a shame considering how good is Sicilian food! Ergo, avoid them.
• If you have little time, use the traditional Sicilian take away. Italians are famous for spending hours sit at their tables during lunch. If you seat at a restaurant, be prepared to stay seated for 2-3 hours. So if you have a little time you should opt for a take away. With “take away” I don’t mean you have to go to the first Mc Donal’s you see. In fact, you can use little places called “ rosticceria “. These are a kind of hybrid between street food stalls and bakeries selling everything from pizza, tavola calda (small savory pastries), pasta dishes, second dishes, sides and even desserts. The food is always incredibly fresh, the quality is excellent and the price very cheap. Some of these places have also tables and chairs where to consume your food. They are the perfect places when you don’t have much time.

Where to eat in Taormina

I have to confess that I am not a big fan of the restaurants in Taormina. This because I found that most of them are just tourist traps and, as a Sicilian, I would never pay for €20 for a pasta with tomato sauce that I would cook better at home. However, it’s also true that not all the restaurants inflate their prices for average dishes and if you know where to look at, you can find some very nice (and honest) places where to eat.

For example a very nice place where to taste traditional fresh cheese and meat boards is La bottega del Formaggio . For a great pizza go to Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro . The same owners have also a restaurant called Osteria Villa Zuccaro but I haven’t been there yet. One of my favourite places for a lunch/dinner on the go is l’Arco about Pizza . This is located after Piazza Duomo. Here you can find everything from fresh pasta dishes to arancini, pizza and traditional tavola calda (filled savoury pastries). Moreover, it’s very cheap! I warmly recommend you to try the pistachio arancini that are delicious!

For a fresh dessert, my favourite place is Gelato Mania ! This place is just after Porta Messina and it’s often crowded because it’s small. I always take the same gelato flavour that is pistachio, hazelnut and Ferrero Rocher. You won’t regret it! The only bad thing of this place is that it’s open only during summer.

Fancy a granita? Plan a stop at the famous Bam Bar

As said before, there are a lot of touristy places in Taormina. Nevertheless, Bam Bar is famous for a reason. Indeed, in addition to be one of the most photogenic places in Taormina, it serves also delicious granita! We often stop there for a tasty breakfast when in town and the chocolate granita never disappoint!

Be aware this place is often very crowded during summer and it’s actually challenging to find a space. Moreover, it looks like it’s the mandatory stop for numerous VIPs. Indeed, the owner regularly picture himself with actors, singers and various celebrities. So, if you know someone famous that is in Taormina, he’s likely having a granita at Bam Bar.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to book a table in advance. So you have just to pass there and try your luck.

Address: Via di Giovanni, 45, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy

Taormina one day itinerary with map

Below, you can find an example for a one-day itinerary of Taormina. This follows the following points:

• A – Start point from Porta Messina
• B – Visit to Palazzo Corvaja (10-15 mins)
• C – Visit to Teatro Antico (1-2 hours)
• D – Relax at the Villa Comunale Gardens (30 mins)
• E – See the Naumachie (5-10 mins)
• F – Visit Piazza IX Aprile and its monuments (30 mins – 1 hour depending how many pictures you take)
• G – Visit to Piazza Duomo (15 – 20 mins)
• H – Visit to Palazzo dei Duchi di St. Stefano (max 20 mins without exhibition entrance)

This itinerary will cover all the best things to see in Taormina. Moreover, you can plan a lunch break between point C and D to divide the day into two parts. Of course, you can add more spots and take inspiration from the other sights in Taormina I’ve listed before!

Best day trips from Taormina that are not Catania or Messina

It’s very likely that if you are visiting Sicily, you will fly over Catania and possibly include a trip to Messina in your itinerary. For this reason, I decided to exclude these cities as a day trip from Taormina. Below, you will find some places that are very convenient to reach from Taormina and are perfect as a day trip.

Isolabella is a small little island very close to Taormina. It’s connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land and it’s the best place to enjoy a day out at the beach from the city. My typical day out in Taormina usually includes a half day spent at the beach in Isola Bella and the afternoon spent in Taormina. As I previously said, Isola Bella was bought by Miss Trevelyan and transformed into a beautiful botanical garden that you can still visit. The later constructions built into the rock were added by the Bosurgi family. Now, Isolabella it’s part of the Archaeological Park of Naxos-Taormina.

Things to do in Isola Bella

Apart from enjoying a day out at the beach, there are other things to do in Isola Bella. For example, you can follow the little strip of land up to the island and visit the Museum and Botanical Garden . From the island you can enjoy a very different view of the coast and admire rare plants and peculiar construction build into the rock. Tickets cost € 4.00 and you can book them online here .

Moreover, if you want a little more adventure, you can jump on one of the little red boats on the shore and go to an excursion of the coast . These will usually tour the coast of Naxos and will bring tourist to the famous Grotta Azzurra. Excursions usually cost between €10-20 per person.

Lastly, if you are an expert swimmer with a PADI certification, you can also go to scuba diving . The main centre in Taormina and Isolabella is the Nike Diving Centre . Among the top things to see underwater near Isolabella there are the Roman Columns of Cape Taormina. These are at about 24 mt under the sea, lost from a Roman ship that sunk more than 2.000 years ago.

Tips for visiting Isolabella

Isolabella is particularly coveted during summer. Ergo, if you want to spend a half day at the beach, or even a whole day without annoyance read below!

The beach in Isola Bella is not so big and during summer it gets full of people soon. Moreover, (I don’t know why) it looks like the very thin layer of land connecting to the island is the most coveted spot where to put a towel. Therefore, if you want to act like a typical tourist and want to stay on that spot at any cost, go super early. Most of the people tend to arrive after 10.30 and those spots are the firsts to be gone. However, be aware that when the beach become full and there’s no place where to walk (because the space on that thin layer is very small), people start walking over other people towels and stuff to enter the sea or go to the island. Ergo, don’t complain if a 10-years old broke your sunglasses.

The second thing you can do is staying on the side of the mainland. Here you should not have the overcrowding problem and enjoy a little bit of more relax. Moreover, if you want even more space, you can rent a sunbed in one of the lidi (bathhouses) on the beach. These are quite expensive but worthy if you want a little peace from the crowd.

How to get to Isola Bella from Taormina

There are three ways to reach Isola Bella from Taormina. By car via the SP10 (10 minutes). However, I don’t recommend you this because it’s very hard to find a free parking space and the Parking Mazzarò is more expensive than the other options. You can reach Isola Bella also with the cable car. Tickets cost between €3-10 and the cable car is every 15 minutes. Lastly, you can go on foot. There is a staircase connecting Taormina to Isola Bella. However, be aware that despite the downhill is nice, the return is quite steep.

Castelmola is a village located above Taormina. It was listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy and it’s one of the places I love most when I am in that area of Sicily. The name Castelmola means “Castle over a mola “. Mola (in dialect) is the big rock where the castle was built during the Middle Ages.

Actually, the origins of the village dates back to the Greek age and its history is connected with that of Taormina. The old name of the village was Mylai .

What to visit in Castelmola

Castelmola is one of those places where is nice just to walk around and explore without nothing in mind. However, if you want to check out some spots, you can’t miss a visit to the ruins of the Mola castle, the church of St. Nicola di Bari and the view from Piazza Sant’ Antonio square.

If you go during the Christmas period, you will likely find some decorations all around the city and you can’t miss a hot chocolate with a view at the historic Antico Caffè S. Giorgio.

How to get to Castelmola from Taormina

You can reach Castelmola in several ways. If you go by car, it will take about 16 minutes from Taormina via the SP10 (SP means Provincial Street). You can’t enter in the village with the car. You must leave your car in one of the public parking just out the village. Please be aware that the road connecting the two cities is quite winding and during winter it gets very foggy.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Interbus to Castelmola from Taormina bus station. It’s a 15 minutes ride and won’t cost you more than €5. If you are brave enough, you can also walk up to Castelmola. It’s a 47 minutes walk (2.6 km).

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos was the first Greek colony established in Sicily (at that time it was called just Naxos). Now it’s famous for its crystalline waters and romantic promenade. Among the top things to visit there is the Archaeological Park of Naxos, the Castle of Schisò and the Nike of Kalkis.

How to reach Giardini Naxos from Taormina

Giardini Naxos is at a very short drive from Taormina. Indeed, it’s at just 18 minutes car via the SS114. If you don’t want to drive, you can take the Interbus from Taormina bus station. The ticket is about €3.

Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara river is one of the most famous in Sicily. It flows from the Mt. Nebrodi to the Jonian Sea. Despite the river has many touristic points, particularly interesting for trekking and outdoor activities, the most unique part is that famous as “ Gole dell’ Alcantara ” (Alcantara Gorge).

This is a natural canyon formed by 25 mt high basaltic rock walls. These walls have been eroded and shaped by the river for thousands of years assuming very peculiar prismatic shapes. It was estimated that these walls date back to eruptions happened about 8.000 years ago.

What to do at the Alcantara Gorge

The Alcantara Gorge attracts tourist from all over the world and it’s perfect for water trekking, body rafting, rafting or just chilling near the river. If you go just for walking through the river be aware that the water is freezing even during summer. Moreover, it’s better to wear waterproof shoes and protect your feet from the sharpest rocks. If you want to undertake more adventurous activities, like body rafting, you should go with an authorised tour company. For more itineraries check the park website here .

How to get to the Alcantara Gorge from Taormina

The Alcantara Gorge is at just 34 minutes by car from Taormina following the SS114 to SS185 (there will be probably tolls to pay). If you don’t have a car, you can take the Interbus to “Gole dell’ Alcantara” from the Taormina bus station. This bus is operated only during the summer season.

Taormina Bucket List

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18 comments.

Yes please! I was here before I was married and would love to go back with my husband! The food! That gorge!

Thanks! Yes the food in Sicily is amazing and I miss it a lot! Cant’ wait to go back!

Thanks for sharing such a great thorough guide! I think it’s great to know how much time is needed to explore a place. Most times we think we need more which we end up paying extra accommodation for that wasnt needed.

You’re welcome! Yes, knowing more or less hoe much time you need for a visit is essential for planning! Of course, everyone has his own pace but a general guideline is always useful!

This is an amazing post! I love that you included the history but also everything there is to do in Taormina! Saving it for when we make it to Europe again!

Thanks a lot for reading it! I hope you can visit one day!

This looks like the type of place I would be heading to straight away! I’ve never heard of it before but it’s for sure going on my bucket list.

That’s great! Taormina is very famous in Sicily, almost like Positano for the Amalfi Coast!

Oh my gosh, I am so excited to use this post when we’re able to take our van down to Italy. We live in Munich and it’s the first trip we’re planning once we’re allowed to travel. Sicily is high on our list and I’m thrilled to learn more about Taormina. I can’t wait to eat my way through the town, making sure to avoid big showy restaurants between wandering those charming alley ways. Thanks for such a thorough and detailed guide. Saving it for our trip.

That’s amazing! I hope they will lift soon some restrictions! I would love to visit my family in Sicily but I’m stuck in the UK at the moment! finger crossed for better times! Good luck for your future Italy trip!!!

What a thorough in-depth guide and what a fairy tale destination. It really makes me want to visit

I hope you can visit one day!

What a fantastic and thorough post. I LOVED all the history you provided. Great tips too on food, parking and all. I was planning a trip for this June, but tabled it until 2022, because it is is not looking promising that Italy and Sicily will open by June. Taomorina looks gorgeous. I can only imagine how lovely it must be to live there. Pinned your post for my soon-to-be visit!

Yes, at the moment the situation is not good throughout Italy. Sicily, however, has encouraging data. I hope they will reopen soon so I can visit my family!(I live in the UK at the moment). Taormina is a beautiful gem and definitely a must-visit while in Sicily! I hope you can visit in 2022!

This is a fantastic guide, thank you for the tips and recommendations, I used this itinerary as the bases for my holiday to Taormina, I fell in love with the place.

Wow, thank you so much for such an informative post!! Saved me a ton of time.

Thanks for reading! Enjoy Taormina! 🙂

This will be our first trip to Sicily, we are both pensioners so forward planning is a must. This guide has been most helpful.Thanks

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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Taormina

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

On a rocky terrace high above the Ionian Sea on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. Views of the sea and Mt. Etna, often with a puff of steam wafting above its smoldering cone, are framed by flower-draped houses or by the finest Greek theater on the island.

Taormina's most important tourist attractions are this ancient amphitheater and the picture-perfect qualities of the town itself. But there's a lot more to see and do here, whether it's marveling at the beautiful Baroque church interiors, shopping in the boutiques that lure the town's many cruise ship passengers, strolling in its streets and gardens, climbing up to its castle, or descending to the beaches below.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Taormina.

See also: Where to Stay in Taormina

1. Teatro Greco (Greek Theater)

2. stroll along corso umberto, 3. piazza ix aprile and san giuseppe, 4. villa comunale, 5. madonna della rocca and via circonvallazione, 6. swim at isola bella, 7. castelmola, 8. cattedrale di san nicola, 9. porta catania and palazzo duca di santo stéfano, 10. palazzo corvaja, 11. sant'agostino, 12. explore gole dell'alcántara (alcantara gorge), where to stay in taormina for sightseeing.

Taormina's most famous landmark is the Greek Theater, originally built in the third century BC under Hiero II of Syracuse. Under Roman rule in the second century BC, it was completely rebuilt with all the characteristics of a Roman theater.

The perfectly semicircular cavea rises in stepped seating to an upper diameter of 109 meters, the stage stands above the level of the orchestra, and the finely decorated stage loft is so high that its sides adjoin the top rows of seats to create an enclosed space.

A fortuitous gap in the wall of the loft frames Taormina's most celebrated view of the surrounding countryside as far as Mount Etna , one that has been immortalized in paintings and photographs as one of Italy's most iconic.

Address: Via Teatro Greco, Taormina

For most tourists, the greatest appeal of Taormina is the town itself. Its streets are a pleasure to stroll, lined with romantic buildings and opening onto terraces with stunning views.

Taormina's main street, Corso Umberto, begins at Piazza IX Aprile and then crosses the town before ending at Porta Catania . The entire street, with its squares and terraces, shops and open-air cafés seems made for sauntering and stopping to savor the views of Mt. Etna and the sea.

Little lanes, often rising in steps, lead off the main street and are worth exploring, too. Just strolling along Corso Umberto, browsing in its shops and stopping in a café for an espresso or gelato, is one of the most popular things to do in Taormina.

The approach to the town is equally appealing: from the coast road at Cape Taormina, Via Pirandello snakes its way up the mountain, passing Byzantine rock-graves on the left, the belvedere on the right, and the funicular to Mazzarò . It brings you to Porta Messina , which, together with the adjoining Piazza Vittorio Emanuele , forms the grand entrance to the town.

Piazza IX Aprile, which lies along Corso Umberto, opens onto a terrace with a beautiful view of Mt. Etna and the bay. This piazza is where the older part of the town begins, marked by a square stone clock tower.

Decorating the piazza is the double stairway and Baroque façade of San Giuseppe, a pink confection of an exterior. The bright white interior of Rococo stucco work is so ornate and covered with swirls and flourishes that it looks like a frosted wedding cake.

Below the former Dominican monastery, Via Roma runs east to the municipal gardens of Villa Comunale. The gardens were created by Florence Trevelyan, an Englishwoman who planted rare species here and built the fanciful and imaginative Victorian stone follies that survive today.

Its commanding position offers some excellent viewpoints, and you'll find more if you follow Via Bagnoli Croce on to the Belvedere. From here, you can return on Via Luigi Pirandello, passing below the Greek Theater , to the Porta Messina .

Address: Via Roma, Taormina

Via Circonvallazione runs parallel to Corso Umberto, and a stepped road leads from here up to the Madonna della Rocca , a chapel whose ceiling is the rough rock from which it was carved. The route continues up to Castello di Taormina , 398 meters above sea-level on Monte Tauro.

This castle with its tower stands on the site of the ancient Acropolis, and the view from here is spectacular. It is also possible to reach the castle along the winding road that starts on the Circonvallazione and continues to the picturesque mountain village of Castelmola .

In the sea below Taormina is a small rock-bound island with a nature preserve, almost connected to the mainland by a sandy beach. You can cross to walk the paths around its perimeter and enjoy the views from its terraces.

All along the shore below Taormina are coves and beaches for swimming, which you can reach by paths. There is also a cable car between Taormina and the beach resort of Mazzaro , just below town. Just north of Mazzaro are more beaches at Spisone, Mazzeo, and Letojanni. You can also take a bus to the beaches.

High above Taormina, at an altitude of 529 meters, the picturesque village of Castelmola , perches atop a rocky crag. From its lofty terraces, you can look down onto Taormina, the Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna.

It is not only the views that make Castelmola appealing to tourists; it is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, and a walk through its narrow, colorful streets proves why. Bright ceramics decorate the walls, and at its top are the ruins of a castle. Castelmola is about five kilometers from the center of town and accessible by bus.

Opposite the Town Hall, the street widens out into Piazza del Duomo , with the Cathedral of San Nicola. Founded by the Hohenstaufens in the 13th century and altered several times in the 15th to 17th centuries, it combines medieval and more recent features.

The unplastered exterior, with its crenellations, is original, whereas the Baroque main door was added in 1636 and matches the 1635 Baroque fountain in the middle of the square. The three aisles of the basilica are separated by large pillars supporting pointed arches.

The interior is decorated with a number of works dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the 15th-century Visitation of the Virgin Mary by Antonio Giuffrè and Madonna and Child with Saints by Antonello da Saliba, painted in 1504.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Taormina

Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street, ends at the 1400 city gate, Porta Catania, emblazoned with the Aragon coat-of-arms. Near it stands the three-storied Palazzo Duca di Santo Stéfano, built at the same time as Porta Catania.

It is easy to recognize because of its Gothic windows, fish-tail crenellations, and detailed stonework along the top. Concerts are held in the Great Hall, and two rooms display works by the sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo (1913-88).

Address: Via de Spuches, Taormina

Completed at the very beginning of the 1400s, Palazzo Corvaja housed the Sicilian Parliament of Nobles meetings in 1410. The best preserved palazzo in Taormina, the palace incorporates a 10th-century Saracen tower with a later triple window under graceful curved arches.

The severe crenellated front has twin windows, also with slender columns and arches. On the left side, a Gothic doorway leads into the inner courtyard, where you'll see reliefs depicting the Creation.

Inside the palace is the Sicilian Museum of Art and Folk Traditions , filled with works by Sicilian craftsmen from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Here, you'll see examples of ceramics, wood sculpture, colorful Sicilian carts, and needlework. The church of Santa Caterina and remains of a small Roman theater are in the same square.

Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Taormina

The little Gothic church of Sant'Agostino was built in 1448, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, who was believed to have miraculously saved the city from the plague. It was later expanded into a monastery of the Hermits of St. Augustine, whose friars changed its dedication.

Originally a Sicilian-style late Gothic building, it was substantially changed around 1700, adding the bell tower and entrance arch replaced with the present entrance. Only the top of the arch and the small rosette above the door remain from the original church. It is now used as a public library. Its campanile is a small crenelated tower, and the door was added in 1700.

Address: Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina

The Gole dell'Alcántara is a dramatic and evocatively romantic gorge with fantastic rock shapes, some 50 meters deep and only five meters wide. The Alcántara River flows along the northern side of Mount Etna , and several thousand years ago, a lava flow from an eruption blocked the river.

The water caused the lava to cool much faster than usual, so it crystallized into a column formation. Over time, the river eroded the columns, regaining a channel through and wearing them into the dramatic shapes you see today.

The gorge is now part of the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park , where you can descend to the river level by a lift; walk the trails; and in the summer, wade across the river. More adventurous travelers can join a guided bodysurfing tour through the canyon. The gorge is about 30 minutes from Taormina by bus, even less by car or taxi.

Address: Via Nazionale 5, Motta Camastra

Things to do in Taormina are divided between the attractions in the old town and the beaches and Isola Bella directly below it. Fortunately for tourists, the two are connected by regular buses and a funivia (cable car). Here are some highly rated hotels in Taormina:

Luxury Hotels:

• With magnificent views of the sea and Mt. Etna from its large balconies high above town, Hotel Villa Ducale is easily reached from the highway and has free shuttles to the center and funivia station.
• On a street winding down from the center to the beaches, and a 10-minute walk from either, Hotel Villa Carlotta has sea views, a pool, free breakfast, and a rooftop restaurant.
• An even shorter walk through the public gardens to the center's shops and restaurants, the green Hotel Villa Belvedere has a pool and free breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the center, between Porta Catania and Piazza IX Aprile, the boutique Hotel Taodomus has balconies overlooking the lively street or Mount Etna; full breakfast is included.
• At the edge of the old town near Palazzo Corvaia, a two-minute walk from Corso Umberto restaurants and attractions, the green NH Collection Taormina has sea views, an infinity pool, steam room, and free breakfast.
• Close to shops, restaurants, and the cable car station, Hotel La Pensione Svizzera has sea views and includes afternoon tea and a full hot breakfast on the terrace.

Budget Hotels:

• Near the bus station and cable car to the beach and a 15-minute walk to the center, Hotel Ariston has sea views, a large pool, and free breakfast.
• The same distance from the town center and with views of Mt. Etna and the sea, the traditional Hotel Bel Soggiorno includes free breakfast and parking. You can walk to the lovely Isola Bella from the beachside Hotel Baia Azzurra , also near the cable car to the old town.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Taormina: Sicily's eastern coast is lined with places to visit. Nearby Catania is filled with Baroque architecture, and both Greek and Roman theaters are primary tourist attractions in Syracuse . North of Taormina is Messina , and the northern coastal towns are easy day trips from Messina.

Exploring Sicily : Other top places to visit in Sicily include the ancient sites of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the spectacular mosaic floors of Villa Romana at Enna . If time allows, head farther west to explore the attractions of Palermo and the beautiful Monreale Cathedral .

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One Day in Taormina, Sicily: The Perfect Itinerary

We have to be honest: we believe Taormina is so beautiful that you should spend at least 3 days there. However, we all have time constraints and a huge world to discover. Therefore, you may only have one day in Taormina. No worries, we are here to help.

You will have to rush a little bit, but if you follow our itinerary, you will see all of the city’s highlights. Taormina is not that big, and most attractions are close to each other. You can walk to all.  To go to the beach, take the cable car or a bus.

Taormina can get really hot during the summer. Thus, wear a hat and some sunscreen and remember to keep hydrated. If you visit during the winter, all you need is an umbrella, proper shoes, and a jacket. It’s never that cold in Sicily. You will fall in love with Taormina!

• 1.1 Porta Catania
• 1.2 Corso Umberto
• 1.3 Duomo di Taormina
• 1.4 Piazza IX Aprile
• 1.5 Villa Comunale
• 1.6 Teatro Antico di Taormina
• 1.7 Palazzo Corvaja & Teatro Odeon
• 2.1 Isola Bella
• 3.1 Have Dinner at a Restaurant with the View
• 4 Where to Stay in Taormina
• 5 How to Get to Taormina
• 6.1 Related posts

Porta Catania

We begin our Taormina itinerary at the city’s main gate: Porta Catania . In old times, huge walls protected Taormina. You will see remains of these ancient walls at several points in the city. However, only two access gates can be seen today: Porta Messina and Porta Catania.

Porta Catania is to the west of Taormina. The gate leads to Corso Umberto I, the city’s main drag. Before entering, take your time and admire the views. You can see the hills to the west and the old town and sea to the east. Look for the coat of arms on top of the gate.

The Aragonese Empire conquered the city in the 15 th Century. They built the gate in 1440. It’s also called Porta del Tocco because assemblies were held in the tiny nearby plaza. Walk one minute to the south to see the Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano from the 13 th Century.

Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main drag. It crosses the city from Porta Catania to Porta Messina in the north. The street is named after Umberto I of Savoy, King of Italy from 1878 to 1900. You will see buildings from different historic periods, including Arab, Gothic, Baroque, and Normand.

Today, all types of restaurants, shops, and hotels line the street. As you can imagine, it can get very crowded on the street. That’s why we recommend visiting it early in the morning before the crowds arrive. It’s only 2500 feet (800 m) from one gate to another.

You can refill your bottle of water at the historic fountain in front of the cathedral. The 15 th Century Ciampoli Palace is a block north of the cathedral. You’ve got two churches to discover. The Baroque Saint Giuseppe church has epic views. The Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is from the 1600s.

Duomo di Taormina

Duomo means Cathedral in Italian. The city’s Cathedral is a couple of blocks from Porta Catania. There’s no way you’ll miss it. The temple looks more like a fort. It’s made of massive stone blocks and towers above the city. Look for the huge rosette on the façade.

The first Duomo was built in the 13 th Century. As you can imagine, several reconstructions and extensions followed through the centuries. The main door is from 1636, while the windows on both sides are from the 15 th Century.

If you think the temple looks impressive from the outside, wait till you get inside. Six pink marble columns from the Greek Theatre support the wooden ceiling. You can see Arab decorations on the wooden beams. The paintings and art in the altar and side chapels are from the 14 th to the 16 th Centuries.

Piazza IX Aprile

The Piazza IX Aprile is the epicenter of Taormina. Most postcards and pictures of the city depict the plaza. The square is so beautiful that it makes Taormina worth visiting . That’s why it can be packed in high season. The views from the plaza will take your breath away.

You get to see the sea and Mount Etna. You will instantly recognize the plaza from its white and black floor. The church to the left is from the 15 th Century. Today, it’s a historic library. The clock tower that presides over the plaza is the Middle Gate.

The original gate was built in the 12 th Century. The clock is from the 1800s. Don’t forget to look for the incredible mosaic on the wall. Walk to the end of the Belvedere, lookout in Italian, and admire the views. If it’s too packed, go inside the Metropole Hotel for a glass of wine and views.

Villa Comunale

We believe that the Villa Comunale is one of the nicest parks in Europe. In the 19 th Century, aristocrats from all over the continent escaped repressed societies to Taormina. Lady Florence Trevelyan had an affair with the Prince of Wales and had to flee to Taormina in 1884.

A couple of years later, she married the soon-to-be Mayor of Taormina. They began buying land in the center and building an incredible park. Though she followed a traditional Victorian Garden, she incorporated typical Mediterranean flora, including cypress trees and pines.   Today, you can walk on trails through the gardens admiring the plants.

Due to its location on the slope of the hill, the views from the garden are amongst the best in the city. Sculptures, gazebos, fountains, benches, bridges, and ponds dot the gardens. Some have a distinct oriental touch. Look out for the beehives. These are bird-watching stations.

Teatro Antico di Taormina

Having only one day is no excuse to rush through the Teatro Antico . It’s arguably the city’s top attraction. To us, it is one of the grandest Archaeological remains in Europe. Besides, the views from there over the sea, the city, and the volcano will leave you speechless.

The ancient Greeks built the theatre in the 3 rd Century B.C. When the Romans kicked out the Greeks, they rebuilt the theatre incorporating their style. They removed the stage and the orchestra place to turn it into an arena in the 3 rd Century A.C. The result is magical.

You have to walk up to the highest point to fully admire the theatre and the views. It can get very hot. Thus, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t want to queue to purchase your ticket, get it here . You skip the line and get an expert guide.

Palazzo Corvaja & Teatro Odeon

The Palazzo Corvaja and the Odeon Theatre are at the end of Corso Umberto I. The palace is a medieval masterpiece that combines ancient structures with a lovely garden and unforgettable views. Today, it homes the Sicilian Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. It’s got an interesting collection of puppets!

The Romans built the Odeon Theatre in the year 21 B.C. Though much smaller than the Greek one, it’s pretty cool and worth your time. Besides, there are no lines, and you don’t have to pay. Go to the top of the theatre to admire the views over the city and the bay.

Once you are done with the historic core, venture to lesser-known but equally impressive sights. You can walk from the theatre to the Saraceni Trail high on the hill. From there, you can walk half an hour to Castel Mola. It’s a tiny town with an ancient castle.

Isola Bella

Taormina has some of the nicest beaches in Sicily. The area you can see from the city beneath the hill is called Isola Bella . You can walk there in half an hour. You can also take the cable car from behind the Greek Theatre. It takes you to Mazzaro.

From there, walk to Isola Bella beach and the Azzure Grotta, Blue Cave. If the tide is low, you can even walk to Isola Bella Island. Walk to the south to check the Love Cave. The beaches are small and pebbled but perfect for a dip.

You have to go to Mazzaro. It’s wider and has an organized and a free section. However, if you are a beach bunny, go to the beaches further north or to the south. Once you pass Mazzaro, you’ll reach a long stretch of beaches. The nicest beaches south are in Giardini Naxos.

Have Dinner at a Restaurant with the View

We love Sicilian food, and the one in Taormina is amongst the best on the island. For pizza with the locals, go to Villa Zuccaro in the center. The simple restaurant is inside a 17 th Century Villa with a cute garden. Pasta we always have at Trattoria Tiramisu next door.

If you want to try traditional Sicilian Arancini, head to Vecchia Taormina . The views from there are as great as the food! If you are into fancy restaurants, have dinner at Vineria Modi . The food is in a league of its own, and the wine list is endless.

For cocktails, we usually go to Morgana Lounge Bar . Local DJs play music at this hip bar. To have cocktails and a bite while watching a killer sunset, go to Cherry Bar Sicilian Bistrot . Don Diego Gelateria & Caffetteria in the center has the best authentic ice cream in the city.

Where to Stay in Taormina

The best places to stay in Taormina are in the center. Our favorite hotel in the city is the Hotel Metropole . We are talking about a grand 18 th Century mansion on IX Aprile Square. Thus, its incredible views. Everything is classy at the Metropole. The rooms are super comfy and elegantly appointed.

Another fantastic choice in the center is the Ashbee Hotel . The 19 th Century villa is close to the Greek Theatre. It’s got a splendid garden with tall trees and flowers. The service is in a class of its own. The hotel has a pool, spa, and gym. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers killer views.

La Plage Resort is one of the best beach hotels in Taormina and Sicily. The property is beneath the city, on Isola Bella natural reserve. It’s got a private beach with a gazebo and a bar. Every room has a balcony and sea or garden views.

How to Get to Taormina

Catania’s airport is the closest airport to Taormina and Mount Etna. Both cities are only 35 miles (50 km) from each other. Here you will find a detailed description of how to go from Catania to Taormina driving, by bus or train. No worries, it’s super easy.

There are over 50 trains that connect both cities. Depending on the one you take, the journey lasts between 40 minutes to an hour. Trains leave from Catania Centrale and arrive at Taormina Giardini Station. From there, you can walk up the hill or take a 1.5 euro bus.

Countless buses leave from different points in Catania. A very popular station in the center is Michelangelo Buonarroti Square. Depending on the one you take, the journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Buses arrive at Taormina’s bus station on Via Luigi Pirandello. From there, it’s a short walk to the center.

How Many Days in Taormina

We hope our itinerary has made you question how many days you need to spend in Taormina . The city is one of the nicest in Italy and Europe, so rushing through it is a pity. We believe you should spend at least 3 days in the city.

You could follow our itinerary but at your own pace. Note that Taormina can get super crowded, especially during the summer. However, most tourists come for the day and leave early in the afternoon. At night, you will have space and enjoy its fun vibe. Besides, dining in Taormina is a must.

Another option is to base yourself in Taormina and explore the area. Catania is just an hour away. Spending some time on the beach is a fantastic idea too. Taormina is close to the mighty Mount Etna. You can see it from the city. We strongly recommend taking this private tour of the mountain.

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Two dead after shocking airport incident

Two people have died and a third has been injured after an incident involving maintenance staff at the world’s busiest airport.

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Two people have been killed and a third seriously injured following an incident at the world’s busiest airport.

The deaths occurred at a maintenance facility for US airline Delta at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the state of Georgia.

According to local police, a plane tyre exploded while it was being changed causing the fatalities and injuries.

The incident took place in the wheel and brake shop of Delta’s maintenance base. A witness said there was “blood all around”.

The Clayton County medical examiners office stated Mirko Marweg, 58, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, were the two victims.

Emergency services were called to the airport at 5am, local time, on Tuesday.

The Atlanta Fire Resuce Department took witness statements, one of which, according to The New York Times , read: “I heard an explosion behind me and saw my co-workers running away from the direction of the explosion”.

“I walked toward where the explosion occurred and saw a body lying face down, not moving, with blood all around.”

The aircraft appeared to be a Boeing 757, one of the oldest airframes in the Delta fleet. It first flew in 1982 and the last plane was built in 2004. It regularly flies domestic US routes and transatlantic services.

Very few airlines continue to use the 757 and it does not fly in Australia.

“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility,” Delta stated in a statement to the New York Post .

“We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

Delta, which is based in Atlanta, said it would be conducting a “full investigation”.

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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a trade union that represents airline maintenance staff, said the incident needed to be investigated.

“We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened.”

The plane travelled from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Sunday night. It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion.

A woman on a camping holiday with her husband and two young children had the shock of her life when pains from a “dodgy” dinner turned into something else.

A woman who was involved in a moped crash in Bali was left in agony after her foot was impaled by the stand of the vehicle.

A Perth man has been remembered as a family man with a “cheeky smile” after he died just a day before he was set to return from an overseas trip.

Taormina, Sicily: a Tourist Guide

Famous and beautiful resort high above the sea in Sicily

> Taormina > Tourist attractions > Taormina hotels > Castelmola excursion One of Italy’s most long-established holiday resorts, Taormina is a picturesque small town perched on a slope high above the Ionian Sea on the eastern coast of Sicily. A popular and fashionable destination for well over a century, Taormina’s hotels and restaurants are very experienced at welcoming foreign tourists. Many of these are fairly expensive, including some fabulous luxury options. However, visitors don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the town’s principal attractions – the views, the scenery, the atmosphere.

• Sicily destinations and practicalities: full menu (at foot of this page)

Close to the site of one of the earliest colonies founded by the Ancient Greeks in Sicily, Taormina became a thriving Greek and then Roman town. The size and elegance of the town cathedral and many of its buildings are evidence of Taormina’s moderate prosperity over the centuries. By the end of the 19th century this picturesque and ancient town was already on the tourist trail, with famous visitors including Oscar Wilde, Richard Wagner and Tsar Nicholas II. Over the last decades travellers have come for the views, the ancient ruins, the seaside, the town’s film festival, an outdoor theatre season, the fine hotels and more. A classy honeymoon destination or a cheap and cheerful excursion from a cruise ship, Taormina has a lot to offer all kinds of visitor. As a consequence, of course, this small town is sometimes so crowded it can feel like a victim of its own success.

Accommodation is cheaper out of season, and the little town is less packed, too. March, April and May are good months to enjoy sunshine, the flowers and relatively-uncrowded streets and restaurants. Autumn in Sicily can feature heavy rainstorms, but also plenty of sunshine. On the negative side, out of season you may find hotel swimming pools emptied, building works underway around town, and little buzz in the nightlife.

Taormina is the one destination in Sicily, and probably the one Italian destination south of the Amalfi Coast, where tourism is really well-established and dominates the entire character of the town. So for less experienced travellers, non-Europeans, and newcomers to Italy, it is a manageable and reassuring place to stay. English is widely spoken, but the town still values its traditions and you’ll enjoy Sicilian food and a fair amount of Italian atmosphere. If you are a seasoned Italy traveller and looking for authentic Sicily, Taormina is still worth visiting, though you’d probably prefer to combine it with other, less-touristy spots.

> Where to stay in Taormina

Travel to Taormina

Taormina is straightforward to reach. The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa, with seasonal flights from the UK and other European countries, and there is a regular bus service from the airport to Taormina. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and there are services throughout the daytime and early evening. You should check timetables before travelling, via link on the right-hand links panel. Tickets can be booked online in advance or at kiosks outside the airport terminal building. If you are arriving late and relying on public transport, it may be best to stay overnight in Catania, or arrange a taxi transfer through your Taormina hotel.

The bus terminal in Taormina is on on Via Luigi Pirandello, a short walk downhill from the town centre, so you will still have to drag your suitcases to your accommodation (check the distance before committing to this), or arrange for a taxi.

Bus travel is often the quickest way between towns in Sicily, as the island’s rail network is limited; timetables for most useful inter-city bus companies can be checked via the link on the right. Taormina does have a railway station, situated by the sea, far below the town. The station also serves the coastal settlement of Giardini Naxos, and the station is therefore named Taormina – Giardini. The station is on the railway line that connects Messina, Catania and Siracusa, and is also served by long-distance trains from Rome.

Small local buses serve Taormina and its local districts, including the station. Tickets can be bought from the driver, or at the station newsagents ( edicola ). The zig-zagging journey up to Taormina takes about ten minutes. Longer distance buses, including the one from Catania airport, stop in Giardini Naxos as well as in Taormina.

A cable-car connects Taormina with the seaside at Mazzarò, for visits to the beach and Isola Bella. There are also sightseeing buses which run up to Castelmola and down to Giardini Naxos and Mazzarò; although more expensive than local buses, they are aimed at tourists and you can get reasonable value from a 24-hour ticket if you plan your time efficiently.

If you are planning to drive to Taormina, check the parking provision when you are choosing accommodation, and ask your hotel for directions; the central lanes are partly pedestrianised . There are large fee-charging car parks outside the town centre, including the Parking Garage Lumbi, with a bus connection to the centre.

Taormina tourist information

There is a tourist information office on the ground floor of Palazzo Corvaja, by Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. You may not find it particularly helpful or welcoming though – on my last visit staff were unhelpful and even hostile to visitors, perhaps worn down by the large crowds of daytripping tour groups stripping their offices of maps. It’s worth trying to obtain a map or studying the information they have pinned to their walls, though. Doing some online research and printing out/downloading relevant timetables is good preparation for a trip. In my experience commercial businesses such as hotels and restaurants were much more helpful in every way. For more information on what there is to see and do in Taormina, see our special Taormina Tourist Attractions page.

On a budget

There are several fairly economical B&Bs in Taormina, but an alternative is to stay in one of the nearby seaside towns instead. You’ll be closer to the beach, and can take a bus up to Taormina itself. Travelling out of season will also obtain you cheaper accommodation rates.

If you’re on a tight budget, an economical option is to have at least one picnic meal or takeaway per day. Small general stores will make you up a roll from their products on display (cheese, ham etc) for a few euros, and the town has a choice of take-aways where you can buy pizza slices, arancini and other Sicilian street food for a cheap meal. You can fill up your water bottle at drinking fountains, and eat your picnics in the public gardens.

Taormina restaurants

Taormina has a good choice of restaurants, and some are quite reasonably-priced, although you should be prepared to pay a cover charge for each diner. Although the town’s restaurants cater primarily for a foreign, tourist clientele, and do it well, you can still find traditional family-run restaurants with an authentic local ambience and decent prices. Some of these can be found at either end of the town, around and outside the old city gates. I’ve eaten at Trattoria da Ugo (Viale Arcageta 2), a nice rustic-feeling trattoria. For something a bit different, Babilonia (via Timoleone 10) has a romantic location in the leafy garden of a language school, and offers stylish versions of classic Sicilian dishes. With indoor and outdoor tables in the historic centre, Vecchia Taormina (Vico Ebrei 3) is an unpretentious osteria-pizzeria with a friendly atmosphere and a good range of pizzas.

Taormina itineraries: how to visit

Many visitors choose simply to spend their entire holiday in Taormina. This allows for a relaxing, stress-free break. It’s possible to take excursions from Taormina to Catania, Savoca, Etna or further afield, by public transport or organised tours. A trip up to Castelmola and some time spent down by the sea at Giardini Naxo s and Mazzarò is a pleasant way to pass time. Then of course there is the pottering through the pretty town, leisurely aperitivi and long, enjoyable meals.

Travellers planning a more active trip can combine Taormina with a longer tour around Sicily by hire-car or public transport, or a less ambitious exploration of this eastern end of the island. Siracusa and Catania are both attractive and interesting cities to stay in, and for a very varied trip you could follow Taormina with a trip to the beautiful and volcanic Aeolian islands . The main port for the islands is Milazzo, reachable by bus from Taormina with a change at Messina, or by taxi transfer. There are also occasional ferries from Messina in summer.

One excellent itinerary without too much travel is to spend a night or two in Catania seeing the sights, take a bus to Taormina, spend several days in Taormina, then head off the beaten track to the hill village of Savoca for a night or two, to experience a totally contrasting village atmosphere.

> What to see and do in Taormina

Useful external links

Italy car hire

Catania Airport

Sicily bus timetables

Taormina local buses

Taormina Hotels Our selection of the best (and the best value) Taormina hotels and B&Bs, with reviews and online booking.

Sicily destinations and more

• Sicily introduction
• Food & drink
• Hotels & B&Bs
• Travel and transport
• Aeolian Islands
• Castellammare del Golfo
• Egadi Islands
• Giardini Naxos
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Young australian tourist plunges to death in terrifying thailand holiday horror.

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A young Australian tourist has plunged to his death in a hotel in Thailand .

CCTV shows the 19-year-old walking along the wall of a resort pool when he slipped and fell six floors down to a restaurant below, The Mirror reports.

Local police say he had only checked in at the Paripas Patong Resort on Tuesday, after arriving to holiday with friends.

Patong police inspector lieutenant colonel Korkiat Boonplod on Thursday said the man fell from the sixth floor of a hotel in the Kathu district about 5.50pm Wednesday, according to the Bangkok Post .

“The deceased fell from the hotel adjacent to the restaurant, wearing shorts and without a shirt,” Boonplod said.

“The roof of the restaurant hut was shattered and several tiles were on the floor.”

Workers were shocked by a loud noise on the roof above the kitchen.

Local resident Ning Tanyaporn had just opened her street restaurant across the road from where the fatal plunge took place.

‘”I had just opened my shop and I heard a loud thunder sound. I thought a car had crashed or there was an explosion in their kitchen,” they told The Mirror .

“People gathered around the restaurant and saw the foreign man on the roof. He was unconscious so someone called an ambulance.

“Everyone was shocked that he fell down and died.”

Police have reviewed CCTV from the hotel and do not believe anyone else was involved, The Mirror reports.

Investigations continue.

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Australian man, 71, falls to death while parasailing in Phuket

PHUKET - A prominent Australian businessman was killed while parasailing on the Thai resort island of Phuket on Wednesday (July 12).

Mr Roger Hussey, 71, reportedly fell 30m to his death shortly after lift-off from the popular Kata beach.

According to Thai media reports, Mr Hussey had accidentally pulled on a hook that unstrapped his harness after confusing the ropes on his parasail.

He plunged into the water and was pulled to shore by beachgoers, who said he had problems breathing. He was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Hussey's wife was believed to have filmed the incident. The couple were on holiday in northern Thailand and were due to return to Australia on Friday.

Footage of the incident showed a smiling Mr Hussey strapped in his safety gear before a boat pulled him and a local, who was not harnessed, into the air.

Seconds later, he was seen falling from the air.

Thai police have since charged the boat operator with reckless driving causing death. Another man is under investigation.

A well-respected businessman in western Australia, Mr Hussey graduated with a law degree from the University of Western Australia and went on to complete a master's degree in economics and politics from Oxford University.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he grew industrial firm Century Holdings from a start-up to a A$250 million (S$265 million) company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, and also worked for KPMG Consulting as a senior director and consultant.

He served on a number of boards, including as deputy chairman of western Australia's information authority Landgate, and chaired many government and community bodies.

In a statement, Landgate described Mr Hussey as an "intelligent and energetic contributor" to its board and western Australia's business community.

"Those who have worked closely with Roger are deeply saddened by this news," it added.

"We will miss his deep thinking, willingness to challenge conventional views, and passion for growing our business."

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Australian tourist Joshua James Connell dies after slipping and falling 15 metres from a rooftop pool in Phuket

CCTV footage captured the moment the 19-year-old from Canberra climbed onto a narrow wall at the side of the rooftop swimming pool, before he slipped and fell 15 metres onto a nearby restaurant.

An Australian tourist has died after falling six floors from a hotel in the resort town of Patong on Phuket's west coast.

Joshua James Connell, from Canberra, and his friend were staying at the Paripas Patong Resort when the tragedy unfolded.

CCTV footage captured the 19-year-old, who was wearing a pair of swimming shorts, climbing onto a narrow wall at the side of the rooftop swimming pool.

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He was seen tiptoeing on the edge of the pool and appeared to lift his hands in an effort to balance, before slipping over onto the edge of the rail.

Patong police inspector lieutenant colonel Korkiat Boonplod said Mr Connell fell about 15 metres and landed on the kitchen roof of an adjacent restaurant.

He was rushed to hospital at about 5:50pm on Wednesday (local time) where he was pronounced dead.

"The deceased fell from the hotel adjacent to the restaurant, wearing shorts and without a shirt," Mr Boonplod said, according to The Mirror.

"The roof of the restaurant hut was shattered and several tiles were on the floor. The deceased's legs were twisted and he had wounds on his head."

Locals near the restaurant where he landed said they were startled after they heard a thud at a nearby restaurant.

"I had just opened my shop and I heard a loud thunder sound. I thought a car had crashed or there was an explosion in their kitchen," resident Ning Tanyaporn told The Daily Mail.

"People gathered around the restaurant and saw the foreign man on the roof. 

"He was unconscious so someone called an ambulance. Everyone was shocked that he fell down and died."

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