Taormina Makes the Perfect Day Trip from Catania. Just Follow This Itinerary.

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Some people know about Taormina, Italy from the hit TV show, White Lotus being filmed here. Others have never heard of it at all. No matter what camp you fall into, you’re in for a treat. 

Taormina is an adorable and scenic town a little less than an hour north of Catania in Sicily. It’s by no means “undiscovered,” in fact, it’s a pretty popular tourist destination. However, compared to places like Positano or Cinque Terre, it’s an absolute hidden gem. 

I fell in love with Taormina on my recent trip to Sicily and I’m so excited to share this itinerary with you. This is largely the same itinerary I followed, with a few adjustments to round out the day. 

It includes a mix of top attractions and a few local recommendations from a friend whose family lives in the area.

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1 Day Taormina Itinerary

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9 am  – Depart Catania 

Most visitors will arrive in Taormina via the nearby city of Catania. You can rent a car and drive to Taormina, or take a regional tourist bus like I did. If this is the case, book your tickets through Etna Trasporti beforehand and arrange for a departure time around 9 am. 

Be sure you arrive at the terminal bus station a little bit early on the morning of your day trip to Taormina. Also, note that things in Sicily tend to run on the later side. Google Maps says it’s about an hour’s drive from Catania to Taormina, but it took our bus an hour and a half. 

10:30 am  – Arrival & Belvedere di Via Pirandello

After about an hour and a half of changing scenery (and some seriously tight turns on the road, you’ll arrive at Taormina’s Terminal Interbus. There’s a cafe called Rico Cafe at the terminal. Drop in if you need a quick coffee or to use the restroom.

Take a right down Via Luigi Pirandello and walk about five minutes to reach your first destination of the day: Belvedere di Via Pirandello. It’s a stunning cliffside lookout point where you can snap photos of the dramatic landscape, La Isola Bella below, and maybe even Mt. Etna if it’s a clear day out. 

When I was here, a man was playing live music — it’s a scenic and romantic spot to kick off the day. 

11:30 am  – Via Luigi Pirandello, Church of San Pancrazio, & Brunch

Once you’ve gotten your fill at Belvedere di Via Pirandello, head right back up the same street you came from and keep walking until you reach the town. You’ll pass little gift shops along the way. 

Take a right down Viale S. Pancrazio and head to the Church of San Pancrazio. The 18th-century church is pretty tiny but worth a quick look to admire the architecture and quaint courtyard. 

Head back up the street and pass under Porta Messina, a historical landmark. Next, walk over to Odeon, a small, but cool archaeological site of Roman ruins from 21 B.C. [source]

Next, head into Taormina’s Old Town and make your way to Mediterraneo Cafè for a brunch of coffee and crepes. 

1 pm  – Teatro Antico di Taormina

Get ready for the first major attraction of the day: Teatro Antico di Taormina. This is an ancient Greek amphitheater that dates all the way back to the 3rd century B.C. 

This stunning historical and archaeological site is located high above the surrounding towns and sea. The views are spectacular. I recommend spending at least an hour here, soaking up the scenery and impressive architecture. 

2:30 pm  – Gelato & Brioche 

After walking up, down, and all around Teatro Antico di Taormina, make your way to Bam Bar. Treat yourself to a Sicilian specialty of gelato and brioche at this adorable cafe. 

Gelato and brioche is a classic Sicilian combo that’s typically eaten for breakfast, but I think it’s delicious any time of day. I recommend getting your gelato topped with fresh cream. I guarantee this will be a highlight of your day. 

3:30 pm  – Villa Comunale di Taormina

Once you’re refreshed from your gelato, walk over to Villa Comunale di Taormina. You’ll pass through the most charming and picturesque streets and alleys along the way. Take your time and snap some photos.  

Spend the next hour or so soaking up the beauty of Villa Comunale di Taormina. This park is like a fairyland filled with beautiful yet understated landscaping, scenic lookouts, and small structures that show off traditional Sicilian architecture. 

I absolutely loved this park. It’s the perfect place to sit and relax or read a book. 

4:30 pm – Shopping

Now that all the main attractions are out of the way, spend a couple of hours browsing local shops. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Simply wander and see what you’ll uncover. 

Shops are filled with everything from locally made ceramics to handcrafted leather goods and food and drink specialties like limoncello and pistachio creams. 

To get you started, though, my friend recommends Mara’s Handmade for leather goods at affordable prices. I loved Managó Ceramiche Siciliane for ceramics. 

5:30 pm  – La Isola Bella & Dinner

Have you got your fill of Taormina? Head down to La Isola Bella, an island uniquely connected to the beach by a rocky pathway that changes with the tides. 

I didn’t get the chance to visit La Isola Bella because I booked an earlier bus back (I was super bummed I couldn’t change it). But I hope you get to experience its beauty. 

To reach La Isola Bella, make your way back through the Old Town and down the road you initially walked up. Find the cable car station and buy a ticket down to Mazzaró. A one-way ticket is €3. If the cable car isn’t working you can also walk down the stairs to Mazzaró or take a bus. 

Once you’ve reached the bottom, walk over to Spiaggia di Isola Bella. The beach itself is free to visit, but you can pay to rent chairs, umbrellas, and towels at Mendolia Beach Club. 

Throw on your swimsuit and water shoes if you plan on swimming, or simply lay out on the beach to enjoy the scenery. If the tide is low, you can walk across the strip of rocks to reach the actual island of La Isola Bella. 

Grab an early dinner at one of the cafes on the beach, or head up the street to a place like Ristorante Da Giovanni or Isola del Pescatore da Santino for a more formal (and probably better value) dinner. 

7:45 pm  – Depart Taormina

After a beautiful day in Taormina and La Isola Bella, it’s time to head back to Catania (and reality). Take the cable car or bus back up to Taormina’s bus terminal and say “See you later” to this charming Sicilian beauty. 

Where to Stay in Taormina 

Best Hotels in Taormina

It’s worth staying in Taormina overnight or for a few days if you want to explore the town in depth or visit other towns nearby. These three hotels are all centrally located and there are options for different price ranges. 

• 💸 Budget – Hotel Le Chevalier
• 🛏️ Mid-Range – Hotel Villa Paradiso
• 💎 Luxury – Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel

Best Areas Near Taormina

You don’t have to stay in Taormina to enjoy its scenery and attractions. Here are three areas you should consider if you plan on spending a night or two: 

• Giardini Naxos (Search apartments in Giardini Naxos) – A town located just south of Taormina (pictured above) closer to the shore. This is a good option if you want to be near Taormina but want more affordable accommodations and resorts.
• Mazzarò (Search apartments in Mazzarò) – The town just below Taormina where the beach and La Isola Bella are located. Stay here for easy access to Spiaggia di Isola Bella and Taormina.
• Mazzeo (Search apartments in Mazzeo) – A beach town just north of Taormina right along the sea. Good for people who want a calmer beachy vacation while still being close to Taormina. 

A Map of This Itinerary

How to Get Around in Taormina

A regional bus (Etna Trasporti) or rental car is the easiest way to reach Taormina. If you drive, you can find places to park here. Most visitors will depart from Catania, as it’s the closest major city. 

Walking is the easiest way to get around Taormina, though, as the town itself isn’t very large. There may be some steep stairways or narrow passageways, but most people shouldn’t have any issues getting around. 

To go from Taormina to Mazzaró (where La Isola Bella is located), you can take the cable car, walk down the stairs (which are steep), or take a bus down. 

Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Visit During the Shoulder Season

Taormina is a popular tourist destination despite it seeming lesser known overall. I recommend planning your trip during Italy’s shoulder season in late spring to early summer and early fall. 

This will help you experience fewer crowds, lower prices, and more comfortable temperatures. It is the South of Italy after all. 

Tip #2 – Plan for More Time Than You Think

I departed for Taormina from Catania at 9:15 am and booked a return bus for 5:45 pm. My number one regret was not giving myself more time so I could go down to La Isola Bella. I tried to re-book a later return time, but at that point, the buses were sold out. 

Learn from my mistake and give yourself ample time. Or, plan accordingly so you can see everything you want to. 

Tip #3 – Bring Your Camera

The gardens, architectural sites, and panoramic lookout points make Taormina a site to behold. Plus, there are endless charming and colorful alleys where you can snap your perfect Italian photo. Bring your camera if you have one. You won’t be sorry. 

Tip #4 – Indulge When it Comes to Food

Sicilian food is often rich and indulgent. I say, dive right in. Treat yourself to things like arancini, gelato and brioche, and tasty spritz and cocktails. What better way to top off a beautiful place, than with even more amazing food?

Tip #5 – Get a Little Lost

Taormina is extremely walkable and there are so many nooks, crannies, and hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. Set aside some time to simply wander. The town overflows with adorable streets, bright flowers, and unique bits and bobs. 

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Thanks for reading my one-day Taormina itinerary! Taking a day trip to this stunning and indescribably charming town was a highlight of my trip to Sicily, and I can’t wait for you to experience it, too. Up next, check out my guide to Italian destinations to discover more hidden gems like Taormina!

Have you visited Taormina? Let us know about it in the comments below.