Taormina, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, is a picturesque town nestled on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. I visited Taormina as part of a European cruise and I have to admit, it was the only place on the itinerary I’d not heard of before we set sail. My expectations based on that were low, but it completely took me by surprise. It turned out to be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited! So here’s my 10 recommendations on some of the top Taormina things to do.
Walk through Porta Catania
After walking along the harbour, we got a taxi that drove us up the winding mountain. I was instantly drawn in by Porta Catania. This is the historic arched entrance that you have to walk through in order to get into the centre of Taormina. It is part of the wall that once protected the ancient city and it gives you a real sense of how old a lot of the monuments in this area are. As soon as I saw it I knew I’d be in for a treat! There is also Porta Messina at the other end of the town that you can walk through too.
Visit Piazza IX Aprile
One of the unmissable Taormina things to do is visit Piazza IX Aprile, the main square of Taormina. It has magnificent, panoramic views of the sea and is home to many historic buildings. You can also look down towards Teatro Greco, the ancient Greek theatre. Built in the third century BC, the theatre is well-preserved, with tiered seating, an orchestra pit, and stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. The theatre has a seating capacity of over 5,000 people and is still used today for concerts and performances. This area really is a sight, there’s all sorts of different architecture and photo opportunities everywhere. You may recognise it from the TV show, White Lotus, too!
Marvel at Chiesa de San Giuseppe
Chiesa de San Giuseppe is a stunning church that was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. This is arguably the stand out building in the Piazza IX Aprile. I’ve not seen a building this shape before – it really is quite special and its uninterrupted views across the sea are phenomenal. Inside are fresco paintings with figures of the prophets and Gospel scenes, as well as a marble statue of Jesus.
See Duomo Di Taormina and Fontana di Piazza Duomo
Just a short walk on from the Piazza IX Aprile is Duomo Di Taormina (Taormina Cathedral), a beautiful Baroque-style building that was built in the 13th century. The cathedral has undergone several renovations over the years, but it still retains many of its original features. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning frescoes and paintings, as well as an impressive collection of religious artifacts.
In front of it stands the Fontana di Piazza Duomo. Built in 1635, this baroque marble fountain is also called “4 fountains” because of the 4 small column supporting basins which are located at the corners. Fountain water (which visitors can drink) flows out of the mouths of mythological ponies. The central part of the fountain contains a female minotaur (half human/half horse) which is the emblem of the city of Taormina. In her two arms are an orb and sceptre, both symbols of power.
Visit Palazzo Corvaja
The Palazzo Corvaja is a medieval palace that dates back to the 10th century. The building has undergone several renovations and additions over the years, but its original Norman architecture is still visible. The palace has served many functions throughout its history, including as a courthouse and a prison. Today, it houses the Tourist Information Office and a museum dedicated to Sicilian arts and crafts. It includes a collection of artifacts from the Greek and Roman periods, such as pottery, coins, and sculptures.
Shop Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is the main pedestrianised shopping street, with other narrow streets branching off of it. It’s named after Umberto I of Savoy, King of Italy from 1878 to 1900. The history can still be felt along this street, with lots of old stone archways forming shop entrances and lanterns lining the streets which glow gorgeously at night. I love how old the road signs look and how there are so many ornate balconies. I think this is possibly the most memorable high street I have ever walked down, the atmosphere was amazing.
Shopping here was one of my top Taormina things to do. Some of my favourite shops to look in were:
- Daneu 1885 – sells homewares and tapestries (you can kind of see this in the photo above, it’s the pink shop front towards the back right of the photo in front of the circular window)
- Mara’s Handmade – colourful handbags, belts and keyrings made from leather
- Casa Sicilia – soaps, lotions, and lots of lemon-scented items made in Sicily
- Di Blasi – colourful and ornate ceramics
- La Bottega Del Buongustaio – a shop full of gourmet Italian produce including cured meats, cheeses, oils, pastas, and sauces.
Look out for Castello di Taormina
Taormina Castle, locally known as Castello di Taormina or Castello Saraceno, lies on a mount above the town. You can spot it in the distance in this photo. It’s possible to get closer if you want to get a better photo but at present it stands empty and can’t be visited.
Strangely the date of when the castle was built is unknown, although experts believe it was probably the site of the acropolis of the Greek town of Taormina, with the Romans, Byzantines and others strengthening the site throughout the years.
Enjoy some Sicilian cuisine
There’s plenty of places to eat and drink in Taormina and enjoy some Sicilian cuisine. One of the most famous dishes in Taormina is the arancini, a fried rice ball filled with meat or cheese. You’ll also find fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus and swordfish, and Pasta Alla Norma, made with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
Sicilian wines are known for their full-bodied flavour, so if you love wine, it’s worth pairing your meal with a local glass such as the Nero d’Avola or the Etna Rosso.
As we visited on a day trip as part of our cruise we only stopped for lunch, at a place called Licchio’s. A lot of areas in Taormina are fully exposed to the sun, or very crowded. Licchio’s was in a great spot that is more shaded and relaxed, but still had beautiful building views (this was my view from our table above of Palazzo Corvaja).
It’s always worth exploring the streets that lead off of the main roads too, as there are often a lot of gems when it comes to places to eat. I loved this street with these fantastic plant pots! Some of the other restaurants I spotted around Taormina that caught my eye were:
- Casa Niclodi – beautiful traditional stone restaurant with mediterranean garden serving meat, pasta, pizza, and salad options.
- Ristorante Cinque Archi – central spot with views across Piazza XI Aprile and a romantically lit setting at night. Serving classic cuisine focusing on fish and seafood.
- Mamma Rosa – great spot slightly more tucked away, with a modern interior and plenty of al fresco seating. Serving mainly pizza and pasta.
- Villa Zuccaro – charming restaurant in a 17th-century villa, offering Sicilian dishes and pizza.
- Andreas Restaurant – contemporary restaurant opposite tranquil gardens, with fish, meat and pasta dishes.
Relax and enjoy the Sicilian sunshine
If you want to relax and get away from the crowds you can also visit Isola Bella beach, which is a nature reserve and is known for its crystal-clear water and rocky cliffs. For a more secluded experience, head to the Mazzarò beach, which is located about a 20-minute walk away but is quieter.
Overall, Taormina is a perfect destination for anyone who loves sun, sea, history, and culture. The different architecture is breathtaking, as are the views overlooking the Ionian Sea. Taormina was definitely somewhere I had no expectations of but was blown away by.
Taormina FAQs (2026)
Taormina is one of Sicily’s most expensive towns. You can expect to pay €15-€20 for a cocktail at a viewpoint bar and €100+ for a high-end dinner.
You can see most of the town in a day which is why it’s a popular cruise destination. However, it is also a beautiful spot for a more relaxed long weekend that involves sunbathing and leisurely meals out.
Yes, but it’s a steep 20-minute descent via a stone staircase and of course you have to remember you’ll need to make your way back up too! Most visitors prefer to use the Funivia (cable car), which takes 3 minutes.
May, June, and September offer the best balance of warm swimming weather and manageable crowds. July (when I visited) and August are hot and the narrow streets can become extremely congested.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
