The Ideal Duration: How Many Days Is Enough in Taormina?

How many days should you spend in Taormina to make the most of your stay? That’s a common question!

After spending 3 weeks in Sicily, I had a good understanding of how long you should spend in all the hot spots!

Taormina is honestly somewhere you can easily see in one day and a place you could spend a week in.

In this article, I’ll help you find the perfect duration for your trip to Taormina and share the best things to do based on the number of days you plan to stay.

Is One Day in Taormina Enough?

While a one-day Taormina itinerary can be enough to see all the main attractions, the magic of this place might tempt you to stay longer.

If your trip to Sicily is focused on exploring and seeing as much of the island as possible, I recommend staying in Taormina for just one day and basing yourself in Catania.

Alternatively, if you prefer to take it slow and see some surrounding towns, consider staying for 2-3 days.

READ MORE: Which is Better, Taormina or Cefalú? Comparison Guide Here!

Best Tip for Staying in Taormina

To get the most out of your stay, I highly recommend choosing a hotel in the heart of Taormina, close to Corso Umberto.

This way, you’ll be within walking distance of major sights and delicious restaurants!

If you want a truly luxurious stay, consider the Grand Hotel Timeo or the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel.

These accommodations offer stunning views over Taormina and Mount Etna, along with top-notch amenities and service.

PRO TIP: If staying at either of these hotels is out of the question, consider booking time at the spa or getting a dinner reservation to explore the property.

How to Spend 1 Day In Taormina

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If you plan your time well, spending just a day in Taormina is totally enough time to explore the major sites and indulge in all that epic Italian food you came here for.

So, if one day is all you have, here is exactly how you should spend it!

Here is your must-do list:

#1. Visit The Ancient Greek Theater

No matter how long you plan to stay in Taormina, visiting the Greek Theater is a must, especially for the views of Mt. Etna.

This Greco-Roman theater is a great place to get epic photos of Mount Etna and the sea.

It is definitely an iconic landmark in Taormina; I liked to imagine the ancient performances that once took place here.

⏰ You really don’t need more than 30 or 40 minutes here to explore its entirety.

Get here when it opens at 9 a.m. to avoid the long lines of people waiting for the day tours.

Tickets are purchased on-site, and check cards are accepted. Tickets cost 10€ / Reduced (EU citizens aged 18-25): €5.

#2. Stroll Along Corso Umberto

It would be hard not to walk along Corso Umberto, the main street that runs through the town.

This short but idyllic street has shops, cafes, and historical buildings. For many visitors, it is one of the main attractions in Taormina.

Enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes and watch the world go by, or browse the boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Walking the whole street won’t take you longer than 10 minutes, but don’t forget to peek down some beautiful alleyways.

Shops I Recommend on Corso Umberto:

• Manebi
• Coccinelle
• Falconeri

#3. Ride The Cable Car to Mazzarò Beach

Even if you are not a beach person, I urge you to take the cable car to the Mazzarò beach area.

The cable car is an efficient and fun way to access the beaches in Taormina—a one-way ticket costs 6€, and a roundtrip ticket costs 10€.

Alternatively, you can take the stairs located at Escaleras para ir a la playa.

#4. Explore Isola Bella

Just down the road from Mazzarò Beach is Isola Bella. If you have never heard of it, it is a small, picturesque island connected to Taormina by a narrow strip of land.

Famously featured in the show that inspired my visit, White Lotus, you can visit the small property on the island for 6€.

⏰ You can explore Isola Bella in about 20-30 minutes, staying longer if you feel the need.

#5. Visiting Historical Churches

Visit the churches of San Giuseppe and Duomo di Taormina in the old town.

While exploring the center of Taormina, you can’t help but pass by these incredibly beautiful churches.

I recommend you have a peak inside to see the incredible architecture and decorative finishes.

These churches are free to visit and you don’t need more than 10 or so minutes in each.

#6. Taste The Local Italian Cuisine

Sicily is known for its Italian cuisine, and Taormina offers plenty of traditional restaurants!

You must try Sicilian dishes like arancini, pasta alla Norma (my favorite), and cannoli.

Just a word of warning: Taormina is a bit expensive. I highly recommend researching the restaurants ahead of time to find the ones that fit your budget.

My favorite restaurants in Taormina were:

• Ristorante Pirandello 2.0
• Trattoria Da Nino
• Osteria Rosso Divino

Grab the FREE Google Map of all the locations in this post, including the restaurants!

Spending 2-3 days in Taormina

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After spending time in Sicily, I think 2-3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Taormina!

With more time, you can explore areas near Taormina. In addition to the activities mentioned above, you can also:

Visit the Nearby Town of Castelmola

Just a short drive or bus ride from Taormina, Castelmola is a charming hilltop village with stunning views of Mount Etna and the coast.

Wander through its narrow streets, visit the medieval castle, and enjoy a glass of local almond wine at a cozy bar.

To get here you just need to head to the main bus station, if you didn’t rent a car, and take the Interbus for 2€.

Best Way To Reach Taormina

The best way to get to Taormina depends on whether you start in Palermo or Catania.

You can reach Taormina a lot faster and directly by public transit from Catania.

I recommend taking the bus or the train, as there are more direct routes to the old town of Taormina.

If you take the train, you must take a bus or taxi from the station up to the top of the hill in the old town of Taormina.

If you travel from Palermo, renting a car is the most direct route to Taormina.

You can take the train but must switch trains when you reach Messina.

Common Taormina FAQs

Where to Next?

There is honestly so much to see in Sicily; I was there for three weeks and didn’t even scratch the surface!

I visited only for one day and found that I got to experience Taormina fully, but I have it on my short list of places to return to relax.

Catania was a great place to visit for a couple days, and I felt safe exploring, even solo.

I would also recommend it because Catania is SO MUCH CHEAPER than Taormina!

A trip to Taormina is always a good idea, whether for a weekend escape or a week-long vacation.

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