Discover the Ionian Coast of Sicily: The Top Things to See & Do in Taormina

In the early days of June of 2023, our hearts filled with excitement as we made the decision to embark on a captivating adventure to the enchanting island of Sicily. Two weeks in Sicily, a land of sun-kissed landscapes, azure waters, and a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Taormina is a truly unique and charming town in Sicily, with a rich history reflected in its cobblestone streets and architecture. Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Ionian coastline, Taormina offers breathtaking views from almost every angle. It is considered a bit more expensive than other destinations in Sicily, though still significantly more affordable than major cities in mainland Italy.

A visit to Taormina allows you to step back in time while enjoying all the modern amenities. Wander through narrow alleys, passing ancient Greek ruins and medieval cathedrals. Be sure to stop in the numerous piazzas and public gardens scattered throughout town – the perfect places to find a peaceful moment alone to take in the scenery. Taormina is also known for its belvederes and lookout points provide uniquely picturesque photo opportunities, from Castelmola and its eagle-eye panoramas to the terraced gardens of Villa Comunale offering sunset views over Mount Etna and beyond.

The food of Taormina is a highlight, with fresh seafood and local specialties at every turn. Be sure to sample arancini, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli filled with ricotta from one of the charming trattorias or restaurants with terraces overlooking the coast.

For those looking to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming in the sea, there are several beautiful beaches just south of Taormina that are perfect for soaking up the sun. Mazzarò beach is one of the closest and most popular options, with both free public areas and private beach clubs. Letojanni beach has equally calm waters, golden sand and views of Taormina perched above the shore.

Another highlight is Isola Bella, a small island just offshore from Taormina that can be reached by boat. Covered with Mediterranean vegetation and with beautiful rocky coves, Isola Bella feels like paradise. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling amidst the turquoise waters. Be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra cave, where the water glows an otherworldly shade of blue.

Nowhere else offers such a delightful mix of history, nature and Mediterranean charm – Taormina is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Sicily.

You Name It, Taormina’s Got It: Beauty, History, Food, Beaches and much much more

Our home for five days was the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. This historic hotel, originally a 19th-century villa, is a testament to timeless elegance. The hotel’s history dates back to 1873 when it was a private villa. Today, it offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The hotel’s location is unbeatable, with stunning views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos.

The Belmond Grand Timeo hotel is renowned for its luxurious experience. It is considered an expensive but worthwhile destination, as the beauty of the place is truly remarkable.

Nestled on the hillside overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, the hotel’s location is simply unparalleled. From our balcony, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views that took our breath away each morning.

The breakfast at the hotel is exquisite, with an open buffet and a wide range of options to choose from. The attentive waitstaff promptly serve the guests’ orders. Even for someone who typically prefers black coffee, the cappuccino at the hotel is exceptional, with its creamy texture and unforgettable taste.

Describing the comfort and beauty of the Belmond Grand Timeo hotel would require more than just a few pages, but it’s time to move on to other topics.

Accommodation Options to Suit Every Budget

For luxury accommodations, apart from 2 Belmond hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel, San Domenico Palace is considered one of the finest hotels in Sicily. Set amidst Mediterranean gardens with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, the Four Seasons exudes luxury and relaxation. Rooms and suites start at around €800-1,700 per night.

Other top-end options include Hotel Villa Diodoro, a restored 19th-century villa, has more intimate amenities and rooms from €250-450.

For a more affordable option, Hotel Villa Paradiso is well located near restaurants from €150-250 per night. Hotel Torre del Mare on the outskirts has simple rooms and breakfast with sea views from €100-200.

Budget accommodations include basic guesthouses and hostels starting around €50-100 per room. Ostello Taormina is a clean HI hostel near public transport with dorms from €25-40 per person. Residenza Taormina offers private rooms with shared facilities and breakfast from €50-80.

During our stay in Taormina, we couldn’t resist the allure of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. To embark on this unforgettable adventure, we joined an organized tour on a small bus with fellow travelers from our group. While this option provided convenience, we soon realized that for those seeking a more immersive Etna experience, going up with the cable car and joining organized hiking tours would offer the best views and opportunities for exploration.

Our journey began as we boarded the small bus, eagerly anticipating the ascent to the upper reaches of Mount Etna. The scenic drive through the picturesque Sicilian countryside set the stage for the adventure that awaited us. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide, Martina, shared fascinating facts about the volcano’s history, geology, and recent eruptions, building our anticipation for what lay ahead.

Upon reaching the starting point of our hike, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. As we embarked on our guided hike, we traversed the lunar-like landscape, marveling at the rugged beauty of the volcanic ash and the jagged lava formations.

Throughout the hike, our guide pointed out various geological features, explaining how they were formed and the impact they had on the surrounding environment. We witnessed the remnants of past lava flows, their hardened surfaces displaying intricate patterns and textures. The contrast between the dark, rocky terrain and the vibrant green vegetation that managed to thrive in this harsh environment was a testament to the resilience of nature.

Our guided hiking tour of Mount Etna lasted approximately 2.5 hours. However, due to changing weather conditions we had to cut it short earlier than planned. Some organized Etna hiking tours are full-day or half-day excursions, allowing hikers to explore more areas of the volcano.

Pro Tips

To help plan your own Mount Etna adventure, here are a few tips from my experience

1. While the hike itself wasn’t overly challenging, the challenging terrain made it necessary to wear sturdy hiking shoes and consider long pants.
2. Safety First! There were moments when you realize that lava stones, as sharp as glass, pose a risk of injury if one were to fall. I strongly advise engaging the services of experienced guides to ensure your safety during this hike.
3. Check weather conditions before planning your trip. It’s essential not to underestimate how quickly conditions can change on Mount Etna, especially at higher elevations. Optimal weather allows for maximum views and safer hiking.
4. For those seeking a true Etna adventure, I highly recommend opting for the cable car and joining organized hiking tours. These experiences provide the opportunity to witness the volcano’s raw power up close, explore hidden craters, and traverse lava fields under the guidance of knowledgeable experts. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the majesty of Mount Etna and create memories that will last a lifetime.

During our stay in Taormina once we had a chance to visit one of the local Etna wineries called Tornatore. The winery offered us a tour, providing us with a deeper understanding of their winemaking process.

We were treated to a delicious lunch paired with their exquisite white and red wines. When we expressed our interest in trying their rose, they graciously brought us a bottle to enjoy with our meal. The appetizers they served were abundant, featuring a variety of cheeses, olives, baked goods, salami, bruschetta, and grilled vegetables. I was already full after indulging in this generous platter. However, they surprised us with a traditional Sicilian dish called pasta a la norma, which tasted incredibly authentic, as if it were prepared in a Sicilian home. To conclude our meal, we savored a delightful homemade ice cream.

Personally, I fell in love with their rose and red wines, which added to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

There are numerous other wineries around Etna where you can stop by, taste wine, and have lunch. A few other notable wineries in the area include:

Benanti Winery – Specializing in Etna DOC wines, they are especially famous for their Nerello Mascalese varietal which thrives on the volcanic soils around Mount Etna.

Passopisciaro Wine Resort – Set on a beautiful estate with views of Etna, they produce elegant red wines from Nerello grapes. They have a restaurant serving dishes paired with their wines.

Terre Nere – Known for producing elegant yet approachable wines exclusively from Etna. They focus on indigenous varietals like Carricante which produces fresh white wines. Tours and tastings are available.

In general, you can expect stunning natural scenery at the wineries, informative tours of the vineyards and cellar, tastings of light aromatic whites and mineral-driven reds, and in many cases a restaurant serving local Sicilian cuisine to enjoy with the wines. The Catarratto, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grapes thrive in Etna’s volcanic soils, producing distinctive wines that truly capture the essence of this unique terroir. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon exploring the wines and landscapes of this fascinating region.

Situated upon a hill overlooking Taormina is the picturesque village of Castelmola. Less than 3km from Taormina yet worlds apart in atmosphere, Castelmola offers visitors a glimpse of rural Sicilian life in a stunning natural setting. The village is built around the ruins of a Norman castle, remnants of which can still be seen in the form of Norman walls. Archaeological evidence dates the original construction of the castle back to the 10th century.

Getting to Castelmola

Castelmola is easily accessible from Taormina via a regular bus service or by foot along a well-marked trail. The half-hour bus ride winds its way up the hillside, while the 45 minute hike rewards hikers with breathtaking views at each turn. Both options deliver visitors to the charming central piazza of Castelmola, Piazza S. Antonino.

What to See and Do?

The main attractions in Castelmola are simply strolling its narrow alleys and taking in the panoramic vistas of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea from various belvederes.

Be sure to visit the medieval Chiesa di Santa Lucia for its striking interior frescoes. Standing in Piazza Duomo in front of the Chiesa Madre church, visitors are treated to stunning vistas of Mount Etna and the Gulf of Naxos unfolding before them.

Food lovers will enjoy sampling local specialties like ricotta and caponata at family-run restaurants and pastry shops. Piazza S. Antonino is home to the historic Caffè S. Giorgio founded in the 18th century by monks. The café houses a diary collecting signatures from illustrious visitors since 1907 and was home to the invention of almond wine, a local specialty drink made with almonds and orange essence.

The village is also home to remnants of ancient Roman cisterns and the medieval Porta Saraceni gate. Adventurous visitors can hike to Monte Veneretta peak for even more panoramic views.

Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, Castelmola hosts festivals celebrating its traditions and Sicilian culture. Festivals in Castelmola. In spring, the Primavera in Borgo festival coincides with the April 23 patronal feast of Saint George, Castelmola’s patron saint. Locals showcase traditional foods like almond wine, honey, stuffed figs and Easter cuddura pastries. Come Christmas, Castelmola attracts visitors with its beautiful scenes, decorations, food stalls and lights.

Year-round, festivals provide a glimpse into Castelmola’s agricultural past through seasonal dishes, religious traditions and cultural performances. They ensure this picturesque village atop Taormina remains a vibrant destination for both fun and reflection.

Be sure to check festival dates before your visit, as there are many other events throughout the changing seasons. You may even have the unique opportunity to arrange your own special occasion like a wedding or corporate event in the village – an unforgettable experience set against Castelmola’s breathtaking natural backdrop.

One of the greatest experiences in Taormina is visiting its impressive ancient Greek theatre, which is impossible to miss as it sits prominently atop the town overlooking the Ionian Sea and the towering peak of Mount Etna in the distance. Constructed in the 3rd century BC, this well-preserved theatre is one of the largest and best-preserved Greek theatres anywhere in Sicily.

Access to the theatre requires purchase of a ticket, which costs 12 euros per adult. However, on certain days of the month entrance is free, so be sure to check the theatre’s official website for more information on prices and opening dates/hours, which vary depending on the season.

We visited the site in the evening, as we were lucky enough to get tickets to a concert being held at the theatre. That’s right – though it dates back over 2000 years, this theatre remains a vibrant performance venue.

As we took our seats, the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the theatre. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular, a panorama of the sea, the city, and the mighty Etna in the distance. It was a sight that will forever be etched in my memory. It was a truly magical evening, and it served as the perfect finale to our time in Taormina.

Overall, our stay in Taormina, all our adventures and our Etna hiking experience were filled with unforgettable moments, delicious food, and captivating sights.

Between its charming old town, breathtaking coastal scenery, delicious cuisine, and nearby beaches and islands, Taormina truly offers something for every traveler looking for Italian beauty, history and relaxation. It’s easy to see why it remains one of Sicily’s most popular and picturesque destinations.

It’s a destination that truly has it all – natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.