Craving a beach holiday but can’t take a whole week off? Want a relaxed weekend by the sea in a historic town? Taormina is just what you’re looking for!
Flights to Sicily are affordable from London, and you can easily reach Palermo or Catania – both great starting points for your trip. From Palermo, it’s about a 3.5 hour drive, while from Catania, it’s only 50 minutes.
Ready to join us? Let’s dive into our weekend in Taormina and why we can’t wait to go back.
6 Reasons to visit Taormina
Photo from Unsplash
🌅 1. Stunning views & coastal beauty
Located above the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers dramatic views of Mount Etna, the coastline, and the turquoise bay of Isola Bella. Whether you’re on a hotel terrace, wandering the public gardens, or walking along a cliffside path, the scenery is simply stunning.
🏛️ 2. Ancient Greek-Roman Theatre
The Teatro Greco is one of the most scenic and well-preserved ancient theaters in the world. It still hosts operas, concerts, and film festivals. Imagine watching a show with Mount Etna in the background! One of our top reasons to return is to experience a live performance in this unforgettable setting.
🏖️ 3. Beaches & nature
From the pebble beach at Isola Bella to the crystal-clear waters of Mazzarò beach, Taormina offers relaxing seaside escapes just minutes from the old town – easily accessible by a quick cable car ride.
🍝 4. Incredible food & wine
Italian cuisine is one of our favourites, and in Sicily, you’ll find fresh seafood, arancini, handmade pasta, and sweet treats like cannoli. Nearby Etna wineries also produce unique volcanic wines.
Our favourite wine from this trip? Sareddu – a Nero d’Avola produced by Di Giovanni. Nero d’Avola is a native Sicilian grape, and Sareddu is a bold, flavourful wine made from it.
🏰 5. Rich cultural heritage
Stroll through centuries of history – from ancient Greek ruins and Arab-Norman architecture to baroque churches. Every corner of Taormina has a story to tell.
🛍️ 6. Charming Old Town
Corso Umberto, the pedestrian only main street, is lined with boutiques, cafés, artisan shops, and lively piazzas. It’s perfect for a relaxed stroll – day or night.
Photo from Unsplash
3 Curiosities about Taormina
1. A favourite of Hollywood stars
In the 1950s and ’60s, Taormina became a glamorous escape for film legends like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
2. Famous films & shows shot in Taormina
Some scenes from The Godfather Part III (1990) were filmed in Taormina. More recently, The White Lotus – Season 2 was shot at the stunning Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
3. Legend of the Testa di Moro
While exploring Taormina, we kept spotting ceramic vases shaped like the busts of a man or a woman, adorned with vibrant colours and details. Curious, we looked into the story – and it’s quite dark, yet fascinating.
According to legend, in Palermo, a Moor fell in love with a beautiful Sicilian girl. They had a passionate affair, but when she discovered he had a family back home, she was overcome with jealousy. In a fit of rage, she killed him in his sleep, cut off his head, and used it as a pot for her basil. The plant thrived, catching the attention of her neighbours – who began making ceramic pots in the shape of a human head. These “Testa di Moro” vases have since become iconic symbols.
Photo from Unsplash
Where to stay in Taormina?
It really depends on whether you prefer staying in the city center or closer to the beach.
We chose to stay in the historic part of town, where we could easily walk everywhere – whether for dinner, drinks, or just exploring – without needing to get in the car.
Since we were looking for a cozy, home-like atmosphere, we decided to rent an apartment instead of staying in a hotel.
📅Day 1 – Arriving at Taormina
We flew into Palermo and drove to Taormina. Along the way, we made a quick pit stop for a swim, so we didn’t arrive in Taormina until the evening.
🍝Dinner at Le Quattro Fontane
Cozy and friendly restaurant located in Piazza Duomo, right in the heart of Taormina.
💶 Average price: Around €25 per person.
🍷 This was the place where we had the best wine of our trip!
⏰ One big plus: it’s open until late – ideal for a late dinner after a travel day.
🏛️Views from the restaurant
1. Duomo di Taormina (Cathedral of San Nicolò)
A 13th-century cathedral with a fortress-like exterior and elegant Baroque interior details.
Built in Norman style, it features medieval battlements, rose windows, and a stunning mosaic above the entrance.
2. Quattro Fontane (Four Fountains)
At the centre of the square stands a small Baroque fountain, a popular photo spot.
It’s topped by Taormina’s symbol: a centaur-like figure with a female torso, holding a scepter and globe.
Originally built in 1635, it reflects the town’s rich artistic heritage.
Photo from Unsplash
📅Day 2 – Exploring Taormina
1. Taormina Ancient Theatre
Start your day early to beat the crowds.
This 3rd century BC Greco‑Roman theatre overlooks the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna – one of Sicily’s most iconic photo spots. It’s still used today for concerts and performances.
⭐Please click here to visit their website for more details ⭐
Photo from Unsplash
2. Stroll along Corso Umberto
Taormina’s pedestrian-only main street is perfect for a relaxed walk.
You’ll spot architectural influences from Arabic, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque periods. It’s also a great place to browse artisan shops and pick up local souvenirs.
3. Enjoy the view at Piazza IX Aprile
The view from this square is spectacular!
Take a break here, enjoy the scenery, and if you’re lucky, catch some live music in the evening – it’s even more magical at night.
4. Cable-car to Mazzarò Bay & Isola Bella
Take the scenic cable car (€10 return/day pass) down to Mazzarò Bay. You’ll enjoy beautiful views on the way to the beach.
🌴 You can rent a sunbed at Mazzarò Beach (around €30 per couple for the afternoon), or walk to Isola Bella, a small island connected by a narrow strip of sand and pebbles. Wear suitable footwear.
🛶 Feeling adventurous? Join a boat or sea-kayak tour to explore the sea caves around Isola Bella. These experiences are more expensive and often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
5. Dinner & drinks
There are plenty of dining options in Taormina.
We had initially planned to visit Osteria da Rita, but ended up at Ristorante Pizzeria Casa instead – and it was the perfect choice! We were craving seafood and rice, preferably in an outdoor setting, and we got exactly that: delicious food and generous portions.
🍹 Before or after dinner, enjoy a limoncello, Aperol spritz, or cocktail in the piazza or at one of the bars in the historic town – or head up to the Sky Rooftop Bar for a nightcap with a view.
📅Day 3 – Nature & Farewell
1. Mount Etna adventure
Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most iconic natural landmarks and still an active volcano! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a defining part of Sicilian culture and landscape.
🌋 Quick facts about Mount Etna
- Height: ~3,324 meters (but it varies due to eruptions)
- Status: Active, with both mild and explosive eruptions
- Age: Over 500,000 years old
- Size: One of the largest volcanoes in Europe
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a guided tour to explore the craters and lava fields.
⚠️ Always check activity reports before visiting.
We considered going to, but a week before, the volcano began erupting – so we postponed. Another reason to come back!
🧭 Tip: Always go with a certified guide for crater visits due to safety regulations.
2. Lido Re Del Sole
Just 18 minutes by car from Taormina, this charming, family-run beach club offers a relaxed beach day with great facilities and clear waters.
If you’re seafood lovers like us, the restaurant at Lido Re del Sole won’t disappoint!
🌊 Sunbeds are available for rent – arrive early for the best spots.
3. Evening at Taormina
If you’ve got time before your flight, spend your final hours enjoying Taormina one last time.
You can head back to Corso Umberto for a bite and a last souvenir – or, like us, just relax on the beach and soak up the last bit of Sicilian sunshine.
✈️ Note: Make sure to plan your travel time back to Catania or Palermo airport – we don’t want you to miss your flight!
📝 Tips & notes
☀️ Sun safety: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water – summer heat can be intense.
🎟️ Book in advance: Theatre tickets, Mount Etna tours, and boat/kayak excursions fill up fast.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes: Great for exploring cobblestone streets and cliffs. Bring sandals for the beach.
🕗 Dining times: Sicilians eat late – aperitivo around 7 PM, dinner starts from 8 PM.
🏖️ Beach timing: Don’t arrive too late – sunbeds can be hard to find in the afternoon.
Until next time Taormina
Taormina may be small, but it packs in beauty, history, and unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re wandering ancient ruins, sipping wine with a sea view, or diving into crystal-clear waters – this Sicilian gem offers the perfect blend of culture and coastal charm.
We came for a weekend, but left with memories that will last a lifetime and a strong desire to return. Until next time, Taormina!
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