Discover Taormina in 3 days - The ultimate itinerary
Located between the majestic Mount Etna and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily. With this 3-day itinerary, you'll make the most of your time in Taormina. Greek ruins, pristine waters, hidden sea caves and delicious food await you!
Nestled on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is a coastal city that perfectly captures the essence of the Mediterranean. With its stunning coastal views, Ancient Greek ruins and vibrant culture, Taormina offers the ideal setting for a short getaway in Sicily.
If you are planning to visit Sicily, you cannot miss a short and sweet trip to Taormina and its surroundings. 3 days in Taormina will be enough to glimpse its slow-paced and cultural life. Whether you love Sicilian food and wines, sunbathing on white-sanded beaches or you're drawn to cultural sightseeing explorations, this guide will help you discover Taormina and its surroundings in just three days.
From Taormina's splendid city centre, home to colourful architecture and Greek ruins, to its marvellous beaches like Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos, to the majestic Mount Etna - Europe's most active volcano - here’s your ultimate itinerary to experience the best of Taormina and nearby attractions in only 3 days.
DAY 1: Explore Taormina
The perfect way to start your 3-day trip to Taormina is to stroll around its stunning city centre. Whether you arrive by train or car, the first thing you'll want to do in Taormina is check your hotel room and leave your luggage behind. The city centre is quite small, allowing you to reach plenty of Taormina's most popular landmarks such as the Greek theatre (Teatro Greco) and the public gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale) on foot.
If you arrive in Taormina in the morning, you might want to visit the Greek theatre before the temperature starts increasing. After lunch, you could move on to Giardini della Villa Comunale and spend as much time as you wish there. The gardens offer a panoramic lookout on the Mediterranean Sea and comfortable benches to rest in the shade. Lay back and relax before continuing to explore Taormina - entrance to Giardin della Villa Comunale in Taormina is free!
Taormina's city centre is elegant and picturesque. Even strolling around its narrow streets will be pleasant and relaxing. As you walk around you'll run into little shops showcasing the Sicilian charm, from delicious delicacies like ice cream, limoncello and cannoli to glamorous handmade clothes and accessories.
Before calling it a day, you cannot leave the city centre without sitting at one of Taormina's family-run restaurants and tasting Sicily's most popular dishes. If you are a wine lover, don't miss out on a freshly made lemon spritz!
DAY 2: Day Trip to Mount Etna
Spending 3 days in Taormina allows you to take a unique day trip to Mount Etna. Located only 1 hour drive from Taormina, Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. Mount Etna is also home to a marvellous National Park, allowing you to spend the day exploring the volcano and its surroundings.
There are plenty of activities you can do on Mount Etna, from horseback riding tours to helicopter tours above the volcano. If you are searching for a thrilling activity in the area, you can check out our article on the best activities to explore Mount Etna and make your day memorable.
If you want to soak in the beauty of the volcano, explore nature and get amazing views, you can join a guided hiking tour up Mount Etna. Accompanied by a certified guide, you'll safely hike up the volcano and explore its stunning landscapes. Get ready to cross pine forests, black-sanded deserts and old lava caves. Depending on your adventurous spirit, you can pick between half-day and full-day hiking tours and you can even explore different flanks of the volcano and reach the top at 3300m.
After a day of exploration, return to Taormina for a relaxed and laid-back evening. Choose a casual trattoria or pizzeria for dinner, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Taormina’s vibrant evening scene offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a quiet drink at a local bar or a stroll through the illuminated streets.
DAY 3: Beach Day at Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos
Begin your final day in Taormina with a visit to Isola Bella, a small island just off the coast, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach. Isola Bella Nature Reserve is a must-visit place for nature lovers, with its clear waters, rocky coastline, and diverse marine life. If you’re interested in history, visit the small museum on the island, which offers insights into the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or embark on a boat tour along the coast. With this boat tour to Isola Bella, you can reach the island by boat and spend 2 hours cruising around its marvellous landscape and swimming along the coastline. You can also join a transparent kayaking tour from Mazzarò, one of the most beautiful beaches in Taormina. Accompanied by a guide, you'll paddle through pristine waters and get amazing views of the bay from the sea.
If you want to make your 3rd day in Taormina even more special, you can reach Giardini Naxos, a little coastal town near Taormina. You can enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive to Giardini Naxos or hop on the bus and reach the town in only 5 minutes! Giardini Naxos will welcome you to an amazing view of the sea. With this sunset dolphin boat tour around Giardini Naxos, you'll admire these beautiful creatures jumping and doing tricks in crystal-clear waters! Your skipper will even treat you to a tasteful aperitif onboard.
To wrap up the day and your intense 3-day trip to Taormina, you can pick a restaurant along the coastline in Giardini Naxos and enjoy some delicious food before returning to Taormina.
In only three days, Taormina offers a variety of experiences, from ancient history and volcanic landscapes to serene beaches and vibrant culture. This 3-day itinerary in Taormina provides the ideal combination of relaxation and exploration, allowing you to soak in this enchanting corner of eastern Sicily. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Mount Etna, the charm of Taormina’s streets, or the beauty of its coastline, your visit will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So pack your bags and set off for an adventure that captures the true essence of Sicily.
If you are planning your journey to Sicily, check out our ultimate guide to reach Sicily and get around the island. If you are unsure of when is the best time to visit the island, read our seasonal guide to explore Sicily!