Fora’s Take
We first visited Taormina on a day trip while on a cruise. Although we had only a few hours, we fell in love with this charming town with its stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. A few years later we returned and a few years after that, we returned again! Taormina is the perfect jumping off point if you are taking a trip to explore all of Sicily. It is also a great local to spend three days if you are beginning or ending a visit to Italy. Taormina is a must visit destination, offering a combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, beautiful beaches and delicious Italian food and wine.
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Day 1: Explore the Town
Start your day with a visit to the Greek Theater, which has been beautifully preserved and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Then head to the Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street in town, for a leisurely stroll and some shopping. Stop at the Piazza IX Aprile to enjoy the view of the sea and take some photos before heading to lunch at one of the many restaurants along Corso Umberto. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like arrincini (rice balls stuffed with Ragu or meats,) cannoli and of course, a granita. After lunch visit the Palazzo Corvaja, an impressive medieval building that now houses a museum and with exhibits on local history and art. End the day with a cocktail at the Belmont Villa Sant’Andrea or the trendy Cafe Wunderbar, which is famous for its beautiful terrace and stunning views.
Day 2: Isola Bella & Volcanic Wine
Take a day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. There are several tours that can take you up to the summit, where you can hike and enjoy the views. After you volcano adventure, change into your swimsuit and relax at Isola Bella, a small island off the coast of Taormina that is home to a beautiful nature reserve and beach. You can swim, sunbathe or explore the island’s gardens and wildfire. Enjoy dinner at Osteria Nero d’Avola, a cozy restaurant with a great selection of Sicilian wines.
Day 3: Boat Tour
Spend the morning at the Giardini Della Villa Comunale, a peaceful park with stunning views of the coast and Mount Edna. Visit the Castillo do Taormina, a medieval castle that sits on a hill overlooking the town. Stop for lunch after your tour at Il Barcaiolo, a casual spot that serves pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, take a boat tour along the coast to explore the beautiful beaches and rock formations. End your day with dinner at Trattoria Don Ciccio, a cozy, family run restaurant and enjoy classic Sicilian dishes like pasta alla norma and caponata.
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our guide, Exploring Sicily's Val di Noto.
This is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sicily, and our longer series on travel to Italy.