10 Best Things to See & Do in Taormina (Sicily, Italy) – Fun Travel Ideas

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Taormina, on Sicily‘s east coast in Italy, is famous for its 3,000-year-old theatre that overlooks the sea.

In this article, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best things to do in Taormina: see ancient ruins, beach escapes, gardens, and even have some late-night fun.

You can also walk through a medieval church or relax in a beautiful public park. Or maybe you’ll end up dancing at a beach club under the stars…

So, here are the top 10 highlights of Taormina to make your visit something you’ll remember:

Don’t miss: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Sicily Travel Adventure

Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do a thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.

Things to Do & See in Taormina: Best Ideas for a Dream Holiday

1. Duomo of Taormina

The Duomo is a large church from the 13th century. It shows off a carved Arab-Norman doorway.

Inside, tall pillars rise up and a patterned tile floor guides you forward. You end up at a chapel with an old painting of the Virgin Mary.

Soft light slips through the stained-glass windows. On Sunday mornings, the local choir sings during mass.

Sometimes, you just have to pause and feel the weight of its long history.

Read next: 15 Things To Do in Catania (Sicily, Italy): Ideas for Every Type of Traveler

2. Alcantara Gorges

Here, black volcanic rock walls rise on either side of a clear river. Over centuries, the water’s carved smooth channels through the stone.

You can walk along wooden platforms at low water. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a guided rafting trip through the narrow pools.

Even in summer, the air stays cool between these tall rock faces. The sound of rushing water fills the space, echoing off the stone.

It really makes you think about how fire and water shape the land, nature’s got its own way of leaving a mark.

Read also: 15 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

3. Piazza IX Aprile

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(Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy – Photo by Ilona Bellotto)

This open square sits right at the top of Taormina, offering a great view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond. It’s honestly hard not to pause and just feel it.

On one side, there’s a Baroque church with a tall clock tower and a couple of marble angels keeping watch. The details are easy to miss if you’re not looking up.

In the center, a low fence wraps around, giving benches a spot to perch above the cliff. Locals often gather here, chatting or just watching the sunset turn the sky pink over the water.

Must read: 10 Best Beach Towns & Cities in Sicily, Italy to Visit this Summer

4. Palazzo Corvaja

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(Palazzo Corvaja by Elisabetta Stringhi, CC BY 2.0)

Dating back to the 10th century, this stone palace once served as the seat of local rulers. Now, it hosts art exhibits in its Gothic halls.

Inside, carved arches catch the light in curious ways. A grand marble room displays coats of arms from medieval families.

There’s a quiet courtyard with a hidden well. Near the exit, you’ll stumble upon a small shop selling Sicilian crafts and history books.

5. Nightlife: La Giara Discoteque, Re di Bastoni Pub & Lido Stockholm

After dark, Taormina transforms into a spot for music and late-night fun. At La Giara Discoteque, you can dance under shifting colored lights until the early hours.

Re di Bastoni Pub serves craft beers and food on its wooden tables.

If you’re craving music by the waves, check out Lido Stockholm on the beach. Live DJs spin tracks while you lean on a table set right on the sand, really, it’s hard to beat that vibe.

6. Villa Comunale

These public gardens sprang up in the 19th century, thanks to a British duchess with a passion for plants. They feel like a green laboratory, packed with rare species you probably won’t see anywhere else.

Paths wind between palm trees, olive trees, and all sorts of tropical shrubs. Sometimes you’ll stumble on benches that look out over the sea, way down below.

There’s even a small pond where bright fish swim around. And at the very end, an old stone arch gives you a perfect, almost cinematic, view of Etna.

7. Greek Theatre of Taormina

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(Ancient Theater of Taormina, Sicily, Italy – Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson)

This ancient amphitheater is located high on a hill. It’s been here for more than two thousand years.

Stone seats curve in wide arcs around the old stage. The view stretches out to the sea, with Mount Etna looming in the distance.

Summer brings concerts that fill the night with music. If you show up early, you can walk through the arches and catch the morning light spilling across the empty seats.

It’s quiet then, almost peaceful.

8. Corso Umberto

This main pedestrian street connects the old city gates. Shops, cafés, and galleries line both sides.

You’ll spot leather sandals, handmade jewelry, and bakery windows stacked with trays of sweet pastries. As the sun goes down, lamps start to glow over tables outside.

Local musicians drift onto street corners, filling the air with music. It kind of pulls you in, makes you want to slow down and grab a gelato.

9. Isola Bella

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(View from Isola Bella of Taormina, Sicily, Italy – Photo by Lyle Wilkinson)

A tiny island nature reserve, Isola Bella sits just off the coast at the foot of Taormina’s cable car.

Its pebble beach has clear water, and you can see small fish swimming around.

Boats drift by at dawn, with guides pointing out sea caves and rocky inlets.

You won’t find cars or hotels here. Most people head back by late afternoon, once the guard closes the path.

10. Mazzarò Beaches

Down below the town, you’ll find rocky and sandy shores. You can get there by cable car or hop on a boat taxi if you’re feeling a little adventurous.

Beach clubs rent out umbrellas and chairs. If you’re in the mood, you can grab a paddle boat for two.

The water stays calm, so it’s a good spot for new swimmers or families. At the edge, there’s a small café offering cold drinks and snacks.

Bright sunlight dances on the waves. It’s really hard not to just stay there all day!