Still wondering what to do in Taormina? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Taormina and book your hotel today!
Taormina, a beautiful hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, is famous for its stunning coastal views and the remarkable Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre that still hosts performances today, set against the backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. This sophisticated town is a major cultural and tourist hub, known for its elegant main street, Corso Umberto.
You can take a cable car down to the crystal-clear waters and pebbled beaches of Isola Bella, a tiny, beautiful nature reserve island, or simply enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Old Town's picturesque squares and historic churches. Taormina offers a perfect blend of ancient history, breathtaking natural beauty, and modern Mediterranean elegance.
Choosing your hotel in Taormina is a choice between the bustling hilltop centre and the peaceful, scenic seaside resorts below.
The Old Town (Centro Storico) is the best location for first-time visitors. Staying here places you close to the ancient theatre, the main shopping street (Corso Umberto), and the majority of restaurants and cultural sites. This area offers a mix of charming boutique hotels and upscale establishments, providing an elegant and atmospheric base.
For beach lovers who want a quieter base, the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, located below Taormina, is a great option. This area offers a long, sandy beach, a lively nightlife scene, and a mix of modern resorts and apartments, with easy access to Taormina via bus or taxi.
For nature lovers, the area around Isola Bella offers stunning coastal scenery and immediate beach access, with hotels that provide peaceful retreats and picturesque views. The cable car connects this area to the hilltop town centre.
Taormina is served by Catania Airport (CTA), with onward travel via shuttle bus or train (Taormina-Giardini station). The town is small and easily explored on foot. The cable car provides an essential link between the Old Town and the coastal area.
To secure a competitive hotel rate in Taormina, you must avoid the high summer season, which sees prices peak due to the high demand for Sicilian coastal destinations from July to September.
For significant savings, consider travelling during the shoulder season, particularly April, May, or October. A unique factor to watch out for is that the entire town is situated on a very steep slope, meaning accommodation with easy access or a sea view is always at a premium. For the best value, consider staying in the more modern, seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, which offers better price points for beachfront access than the historic hilltop town.