Taormina

Taormina, Sicily
Taormina, Sicily. (Photo by Gr0uch0)

A classic Grand Tour resort town on the coast of Sicily

Why Taormina?

Sicily's most famous resort town remains an enchanting corner of the island despite the tourist hordes.

It's a jasmine-scented ridgetop escape that marries the drama of a Greek colony established here in 403 BC, a medieval air of Sicilian palazzi and tiny churches, and the modestly hedonistic atmosphere of a latter-day resort village that draws famed names and package tours alike.

Taromina glues it all together with liberal amounts of bougainvillea, seascape vistas, and a laid-back take on life.

Vacationers pour in all summer long, clogging the streets and booking the hotels and restaurants. Fair warning: You are far more likely to hear English, German, or Japanese on the streets than Italian.

While the tourist crush can get to be too much July to September, it's less bothersome the rest of the year—and you can always escape on the cable car down to the beach.

Taormina is almost entirely pedestrianized, a stroller's dream.

Taormina. (Photo courtesy of Comune di Taormina)
(Photo courtesy of Comune di Taormina)

A webcam on Piazza IX Aprile, Taromina's public living room.

Tips & links

Details

Taormina information

Taormina tourist info:
Palazzo Corvaja, Largo S. Caterina/Corso Umberto
tel. +39-0942-628-322 or +39-0942-23-243
www.comune.taormina.me.it
www.taohotels.com
www.taorminaetna.it
www.taormina.it

Public transit (parking, funivia, bus):
www.taorminaservizipubblici.it
Trains: www.trenitalia.com

How long

1–2 days » more

Tours of Taormina
Hotels in Taormina

Find hotels in Taormina
www.booking.com
www.airbnb.com
www.bedandbreakfast.com
www.hostelworld.com

Reid's Recommended hotels in Taormina
Hotel Villa Gaia [€€]
Villa Nettuno [€]
Hotel Villa Belvedere €€€]
Hotel Villa Schuler [€€€]
Hotel Villa Fiorita [€€]

» More hotels in Taormina (from €39)
» B&Bs in Taormina (from €35)

» Apartments in Taormina (from €75)

»
Agriturismi (farm houses) near Taormina (from €36)

Best way to to get there

Taormina is on the northern half of Sicily's eastern coast, 52km (32 miles) south of Messina and 53km (33 miles) north of Catania. Taormina is well-serviced by trains, but the station is a 15-min. local bus ride from town on the coast. Coaches (intercity buses) are slower, but do let you off right at the gate to town. If you drive, the city center is closed to traffic; park in one of the large municipal lots just outside the walls. » more

Useful links & resources

Share this page

Intrepid Travel 25% off

Search ReidsItaly.com

Details

Taormina tourist info:
Palazzo Corvaja, Largo S. Caterina/Corso Umberto
tel. +39-0942-628-322 or +39-0942-23-243
www.comune.taormina.me.it
www.taohotels.com
www.taorminaetna.it
www.taormina.it

Public transit (parking, funivia, bus):
www.taorminaservizipubblici.it
Trains: www.trenitalia.com


Find hotels in Taormina
www.booking.com
www.airbnb.com
www.bedandbreakfast.com
www.hostelworld.com

Reid's Recommended hotels in Taormina
Hotel Villa Gaia [€€]
Villa Nettuno [€]
Hotel Villa Belvedere €€€]
Hotel Villa Schuler [€€€]
Hotel Villa Fiorita [€€]

» More hotels in Taormina (from €39)
» B&Bs in Taormina (from €35)

» Apartments in Taormina (from €75)

»
Agriturismi (farm houses) near Taormina (from €36)


Useful links


Train tix

Shortcuts to popular planning sections:

Airfares, Cars, Trains, Tours, Packages, Cruises, Lodging, Itineraries, Info, Packing, Prep, Comm

Follow ReidsItaly
Follow ReidsItaly on Twitter  Join the ReidsItaly fan page  Follow Reids Italy Adventures blog