If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place that looks like it was hand-painted by the gods, welcome to Taormina, Sicily — a dreamy hilltop town that’s equal parts history, glamour, and pistachio-flavored temptation.
We based ourselves in Giardini Naxos, just a 15-minute bus ride away. Best decision ever. Not only did we avoid having to white-knuckle it through Taormina’s famously narrow streets, but we got ocean views, sandy toes, and a peaceful escape when the crowds in Taormina got a bit too much.
We were here in late October, and it was still surprisingly touristy — proof that Taormina’s charm doesn’t exactly have an off-season. Even in autumn, with temperatures around 22°C, the beaches were lively, restaurants buzzing, and the evenings warm enough for seaside walks with gelato in hand.
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A Little History (Because We’re Fancy Like That)
Taormina’s been showing off for over 2,000 years. The Greeks first settled here in the 4th century BC, then the Romans, Arabs, and Normans all added their flair — which probably explains why this place feels like an open-air museum with a gelato shop on every corner.
It sits perched on the cliffs of Monte Tauro, with sweeping views of Mount Etna and the glittering Mediterranean. The kind of view that makes you forget your camera battery is on 3%.
Made for Wandering
Taormina is the kind of town that doesn’t need an itinerary — it’s made for wandering.
Every alley is lined with colorful Sicilian tiles, bougainvillea, and the occasional ceramic head statue staring at you with dramatic flair. (You’ll see these everywhere — they’re called Testa di Moro, or “Moorish Heads.” The legend involves love, betrayal, and a beheading. You know, classic Sicilian bedtime story.)
If you love browsing markets and ceramics, this is your place.
For a more curated experience, book “Taormina – The Pearl of Sicily”, a private guided walking tour. You’ll explore the town’s highlights with a local expert who knows all the hidden corners, best viewpoints, and stories behind the landmarks — a perfect way to see Taormina beyond the postcard.
My Top 3 Things to Do in Taormina
1. The Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina)
If you only do one thing in Taormina — make it this. Built in the 3rd century BC, this ancient Greek amphitheater sits dramatically above the sea, with views of Mount Etna so perfect they almost look fake.
Originally constructed by the Greeks for music and dramatic performances, the theatre was later expanded by the Romans, who added arches, corridors, and a grand stage area. By then, it wasn’t just a place for art and culture — it became a venue for gladiator games and public spectacles, much like the Colosseum in Rome.
We’ve been learning about the Roman Empire lately, talking about how these events were a show of power and a way to distract the masses. We even watched Gladiator together before our trip — so when we wandered through the amphitheater and someone jokingly mimed the crowd chanting “Kill! Kill!” with a dramatic thumbs up or down, my daughter’s eyes lit up. She got the reference instantly. It was one of those perfect travel-teaching moments — history suddenly felt very real.
It’s still used today for concerts and performances (can you imagine seeing an opera here?).
👉 Pro tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time on GetYourGuide — it saves you the queue, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re already sitting with your spritz in hand instead of sweating in line.
2. The Botanical Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)
These gardens are a total surprise — lush, whimsical, and full of quirky little stone towers that look straight out of a fairytale. They were created in the late 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English aristocrat who fell in love with Taormina (and honestly, who wouldn’t?).
Wandering through the shaded paths, you’ll find exotic plants, blooming terraces, and those eccentric brick pavilions she designed herself — part garden folly, part birdwatching perch. It’s easy to imagine her spending her afternoons here, sketching or simply soaking in the sea breeze.
From the edge of the gardens, the views stretch across the Bay of Naxos and all the way to Mount Etna, with the town spilling down the hillside below. It’s arguably the best free viewpoint in Taormina — peaceful, scenic, and a perfect break from the crowds above Corso Umberto. Bring some water and find a shady bench; this is the kind of spot that makes you want to linger.
3. Ride the Cable Car to Isola Bella
If you love a little adventure, take the cable car from Taormina down to the coast. It’s scenic, affordable, and drops you right at Isola Bella, one of the prettiest beaches in Sicily.
The island itself is tiny, connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar you can walk across when the tide’s low. It’s one of those pinch-me moments — turquoise water, soft sand, and a view that looks straight out of a postcard.
It’s also a lovely spot to sit with a drink and people-watch. There’s something about the energy here — swimmers, sunbathers, and locals chatting under striped umbrellas — that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. This is where I tried a limoncello spritz for the first time, and honestly, it was amazing — sweet, tart, and pure Sicilian sunshine in a glass.
If you want to see Isola Bella from a different angle, book a boat tour from Naxos. The guides take you along the coast to hidden sea caves, and you can even stop for a swim in the crystal-clear water. It’s an easy add-on to your beach day and a big hit if you’re traveling with kids.
The Great Gelato Revelation
My daughter has officially crowned Taormina as the Gelato Capital of Italy (yes, even better than Tuscany) — specifically, thanks to Nové, a small gelateria that specializes in one thing only: pistachio.
Sicilian pistachios are famous worldwide, especially the ones from Bronte, a town near Mount Etna where the soil gives them their rich, green color and nutty flavor.
At Nové, everything revolves around pistachio — the only flavor they serve. You can have it in a cone, in a brioche bun (yes, gelato as breakfast is a thing), or as the pièce de résistance — the Pistachio “Magnum” bar: creamy gelato, covered in pistachio chocolate, and drizzled with pistachio sauce.
For €6, it better be life-changing. Spoiler: it was.
Arancino vs Arancina: The Great Debate
You can’t come to Sicily and not eat arancini — those glorious, golden, fried rice balls stuffed with ragu, mozzarella, or whatever deliciousness the chef decides that day. But here’s where things get interesting.
In Taormina and the eastern side of Sicily (and the mainland), it’s arancino — masculine. Drive west toward Palermo, and suddenly it becomes arancina — feminine. Same dish, same ingredients… completely different grammar. And yes, locals will correct you (with a smile — usually).
The debate runs deeper than just language pride. Catania claims that arancino comes from arancia, the word for orange, because the rice balls resemble tiny oranges — so naturally, it’s masculine (il arancino). Palermo, on the other hand, insists that arancina is the original, because the Italian word arancia (orange) is feminine (la arancia). Ask two Sicilians and you’ll get two passionate lectures — both absolutely certain they’re right.
Even the shape depends on which side of the island you’re on. In Catania and the east, they’re cone-shaped, said to represent Mount Etna — a nod to the fiery volcano watching over the city. In Palermo and the west, they’re perfectly round, more like an orange. Ask two Sicilians and you’ll get two passionate explanations, both absolutely certain theirs is the true and only version.
My daughter swears the Sicilian version is better than anything we tried on the mainland because, in her words, “it’s creamier.” I can’t argue with that.
Getting to Taormina
- From Palermo:
You can drive (about 4.5 hours), take the train, or join a guided day trip. - From Catania:
This one’s easy. It’s about an hour by car or bus. If you’re flying into Catania, you can grab a GetYourGuide shuttle ticket straight to Taormina or even join a Mount Etna & Taormina combo tour for a full-day adventure.
Where to Park (If You’re Brave Enough to Drive)
If you must drive, there are two main parking areas:
- Parcheggio Lumbi – large, safe, and connected to the town via a shuttle.
- Parcheggio Porta Catania – closer to the center but fills up quickly.
Otherwise, ditch the car, wear comfy shoes, and let your Amazon travel backpack do the heavy lifting.
Where to Stay
If you want to be in the middle of it all, Taormina has plenty of gorgeous hotels — but they book up fast. Check out these great options:
- Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina – Right in the middle of all the action
- Hotel Continental – for something a little more budget friendly
For a more relaxed (and affordable) vibe, Giardini Naxos is perfect — beach access, easy parking, and frequent buses to Taormina. Plus, the restaurants there are less touristy (and half the price).
Some hotels to consider:
- Hotel Palladio – Set right across from the beach in Giardini Naxos, it’s family-run and full of Sicilian warmth.
- I Due Mori Luxury Rooms – Steps away from the beach
- Residence Villa Giardini – Set right across from the beach in Giardini Naxos, it’s family-run and full of Sicilian warmth. ou get more space, a little kitchen, and that laid-back seaside vibe — perfect for slow mornings and sunset swims.
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What to Eat (Besides Gelato and Arancino)
- Granita with brioche – Breakfast of Sicilian champions.
- Pasta alla Norma – Eggplant, ricotta salata, and tomato sauce (I’m not a big fan of eggplant, but LOVED this)
- Swordfish rolls – You’ll see these everywhere. Try them once, fall in love forever.
- Cannoli – Don’t argue. Just eat it.
| Syps Family Taormina Tip Box 🍋 Don’t drive into Taormina — take the bus or cable car from Giardini Naxos. 🍋 Find Nova Gelato and try the Pistachio Magnum (your life will change). 🍋 Book your Greek Theatre tickets ahead of time 🍋 Pack a Neck Fan if you get super hot like I do! 🍋 Charge your camera. You’ll want every view. |
The Syps Survival Summary
Did we survive the Ancient Greek Theatre?
Yes — barely. After watching Gladiator, my daughter took her role as emperor a little too seriously. There were thumbs up, thumbs down, and a few questionable sentencing decisions. At one point she even shouted, “Are you not entertained?!” — and honestly, we were.
Taormina completely lived up to the hype — dramatic views, sun-drenched piazzas, lemon everything, and that perfect mix of history and holiday mode. Between climbing ancient steps, wandering lush gardens, and sipping spritzes by the sea, it’s easy to see why this little hilltop town has enchanted travelers for centuries.