What to do and see in Taormina, Sicily: The Best Sights & Landmarks

September 14, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting medieval streets and a second-century Greek theater add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote. Take a cable car to the beach, or walk uphill behind the Church of St. Joseph for panoramic views.
Restaurants in Taormina

1. Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Via del Teatro Greco, 1, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0942 23220 https://www.parconaxostaormina.com/taormina/teatro-antico-taormina/
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,605 reviews

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.

Reviewed By ryanfL7429GJ

This theater and its location are stunning -- I'm surprised this isn't a more widely known attraction in Italy or even all of Europe. The history here (both Greek and Roman) and the spectacular beauty and setting of this coastal town (with an active volcano steaming in the background) make this a MUST when visiting Sicily.

2. Corso Umberto

Corso Umberto, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/monumenti/corso-umberto-i.aspx
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,548 reviews

Corso Umberto

Reviewed By loua1601 - Wollongong, Australia

We have 9 days in Taormina and strolled along Corso Umberto on our first day. This street is exactly what you would expect from an Italian town as soon as you walk through Messina Gate. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants with some beautiful buildings, churches, narrow side lanes and a spectacular view of the ocean when you get to the other end. A great way to spend a couple of days trying the different cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!

Via Pompeo Sesto 12, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 393 948 5636 [email protected] http://www.silviovigliaturo.it
Excellent
40%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Taormina Glass Gallery

4. Piazza IX Aprile

Piazza 9 Aprile, 6, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.me.it/la-citt/monumenti/piazza-xv-aprile.aspx
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,815 reviews

Piazza IX Aprile

Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom

Beautiful square bordered with churches and cafes with lovely trees and artists painting local scenes - we bought a beautiful watercolour to bring home with us. Standing by the railings at the front, there are fabulous views over the bay. The square is nice in the daytime but it comes to life at night when everything is lit up and it is full of people. At the edge of the square is a lovely cafe/bar - Caffe Wunderbar - a lovely place to sit for a drink and listen to live music at night. Definitely worth a visit to the square and the church of San Giuseppe.

5. Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Via Madonna Rocca Salita Castello, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/chiese/madonna-della-rocca.aspx
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 321 reviews

Chiesa Madonna della Rocca

Reviewed By rkigervaron - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A high effort and high reward climb. Beautiful views with a particularly nice ending in a peaceful and spiritual place. I hope it stays that way

6. Chiesa del Varo

Piazza 9 Aprile, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0942 23243 http://www.comune.taormina.me.it/la-citt/chiese/chiesa-del-varo.aspx
Excellent
65%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Chiesa del Varo

7. Palazzo Corvaja

Largo Santa Caterina, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0942 23243 http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/cultura/musei/palazzo-corvaja.aspx
Excellent
23%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 201 reviews

Palazzo Corvaja

Reviewed By Often_on_road

One of the reasons for visiting Sicily is to experience the immense history of the area. This building captures several of the key historic periods in one structure.

8. Duomo di Taormina

Piazza Duomo, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
Excellent
32%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 697 reviews

Duomo di Taormina

Reviewed By 853barry - Abbotsford, Canada

Nice and quiet location,just off the busy main street. Has several restaurants,which we visited several times. Great spot to sit out on the patio,with a glass of wine and people watch,especially around the fountain.

9. Chiesa di Santa Caterina

98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy +39 0921 381017 http://www.arcipreturataormina.org/
Excellent
32%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 360 reviews

Chiesa di Santa Caterina

Reviewed By Narziss - Auckland, New Zealand

We happened to be at this church for their Epiphany celebration and even got to follow their procession along the main street to the cathedral all accompanied by muscians playing the local version of bagpipes. Visiting churches is always much more interesting during services and this one was no exception.

10. Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily Italy http://www.comune.taormina.it/la-citt/chiese/s-giuseppe.aspx
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 290 reviews

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

Reviewed By shaunmacklin - Kent, United Kingdom

Lovely church, somehow better when it's evening, beautiful location on piazza. Go in and sit quietly.

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