A Guide to Taormina: The Sicilian Town That Defines La Dolce Vita
I’ve just returned from Taormina, Sicily and I finally understand the hype. This cliffside town buzzes with vibrant energy (yes, it can get crowded), but even with its popularity, it still exudes Sicilian elegance. The cobblestoned streets are filled with boutiques and cafés, and I swear I counted at least ten gelato shops along the way. Taormina is also home to some of the most stunning high-end designer boutiques, making it a shopper’s paradise. This is the perfect destination in Sicily if you have expensive taste—if you crave a luxurious getaway while also indulging in jaw-dropping views and time by the sea.
Getting Around Taormina
Taormina may be compact, but being built into a hillside means that getting around becomes an experience in itself. The best way to explore is simply on foot, wandering through narrow alleyways, stumbling upon piazzas framed with lemon trees, and pausing at a café when the steps get steep. For those who want to reach the beaches without breaking a sweat, the town’s cable-car whisks you from the upper town down to the water in just a few minutes, offering views as dazzling as the destination itself.
When it comes to traveling further (to Mount Etna, the surrounding vineyards, or Catania airport), private transfers are the most comfortable option. Parking in town is notoriously difficult, and the winding coastal roads are best left to the locals. Uber Black is available here, but I also recommend Daytrip, which offers private drivers and curated itineraries between Sicilian towns. It’s a chic, stress-free way to see more of the island without sacrificing style.
How Many Days to Stay in Taormina
To truly enjoy Taormina without feeling rushed, plan on spending three to four days here. This gives you enough time to linger over morning walks through the gardens, dedicate a full day to lounging at a glamorous lido, take a private tour to Mount Etna paired with a wine tasting, and still leave time for those slow, luxurious afternoons that Sicily does so well. I would highly encourage you to embrace the slow travel vibe when visiting Taormina, rather than coming here just for a quick day trip.
Where To Stay in Taormina
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea | Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
One of the things that makes Taormina such a dream destination is just how spoiled you are for choice when it comes to hotels. For such a small town, the level of luxury here is remarkable—historic palazzos turned into five-star icons, cliffside retreats with infinity pools, and boutique villas that feel like stylish Sicilian homes. Whether you want cinematic glamour, seaside serenity, or intimate charm, Taormina has a place to stay that matches the mood of your trip.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
More than just a hotel, the Timeo embodies the soul of Taormina’s hospitality. Perched beside the Ancient Greek Theatre, it offers a front-row seat to Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, with gardens and terraces that feel suspended between sky and water. What sets this Belmond property apart is its mastery of service: warm, intuitive, and delivered with a precision that feels effortless. From champagne at golden hour on its famous Literary Terrace to quiet mornings wandering its manicured grounds, the Grand Hotel Timeo defines the art of Sicilian luxury.
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea
Down on Mazzarò Bay, Sant’Andrea has a completely different energy from its sister property Timeo. It feels more relaxed, more barefoot—but still with that unmistakable Belmond polish. You can step right from the gardens onto the hotel’s private beach, where loungers are lined up along the water and cocktails arrive before you even think to ask. If you want the sea to be the center of your Taormina stay, this is where you check in.San Domenico Palace, Four Seasons Hotel Taormina
This former 14th-century monastery is as dramatic as it gets. You might recognize it from White Lotus, but being here in person is something else entirely. The courtyards, the infinity pool, and the sweeping views—it’s all designed to make you pause and take it in. Add in Michelin-starred dining and Four Seasons’ signature service, and you have a hotel that feels less like a stay and more like stepping into a storybook.
Hotel Metropole Taormina
If you want something sleek and stylish right in the center of town, Metropole is a fantastic choice. Built into the cliffs just off Corso Umberto, the rooms are modern yet warm, with the kind of views that stop you in your tracks. The rooftop terrace and infinity pool are reason enough to stay here—especially at aperitivo hour when the whole bay glows.
Mazzarò Sea Palace
For a classic seaside resort experience, Mazzarò Sea Palace delivers. The suites are spacious, the terraces open right onto the bay, and you can spend your days moving between the beach, the pool, and the spa. It’s polished without being fussy, and perfect for you if you’re more of the “quiet luxury” type of traveler.
Hotel Villa Belvedere
If you prefer intimate charm over a sprawling resort, Hotel Villa Belvedere is one of those places that feels instantly personal. It’s family-run, set among lush gardens, and the views of Mount Etna and the coastline are nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, but still quietly elegant—the kind of hotel that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own little Sicilian hideaway.
Things To Do & See in Taormina
Go Shopping in Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main shopping street, and it’s where life in town truly happens. Designer boutiques sit alongside gelaterias, locals gather outside cafés, and the evening ambiance feels especially magical. It’s lively, yes, but always in the most elegant way. My advice? Don’t rush it—browse the artisan shops, pause for an espresso, and take your time wandering before dinner.
Mount Etna
No trip to Taormina feels complete without a day spent on Mount Etna. The volcano dominates the skyline, and seeing it up close is unforgettable. I recommend booking a private excursion that takes you up through the lunar-like landscape, often paired with a wine tasting at one of the boutique vineyards that thrive in the volcanic soil. It’s an indulgent way to balance adventure with refinement—climbing Europe’s most active volcano and then sipping Nerello Mascalese against a backdrop of vines.Isola Bella
This tiny islet, connected to the shore by a slender strip of sand, is the postcard view of Taormina. Yes, it gets busy, but it’s worth experiencing at least once. The water here sparkles in every shade of turquoise, and from above the scene looks almost unreal. The best way to enjoy Isola Bella? Arrive early, before the crowds, or better yet, circle it by boat where the drama of the cliffs and the clarity of the water feel otherworldly.Villa Comunale Gardens
When Taormina’s streets get crowded, I escape to the Villa Comunale Gardens. Created in the 19th century by an English noblewoman, the gardens are lush and atmospheric, with exotic plants, shady pathways, and sweeping views of the coastline. It’s the kind of place where you can take your coffee to a quiet bench and enjoy a slow day in Taormina, away from the crowds.Book a Boat Tour
Some of the most breathtaking views of Taormina come from the water. Booking a private boat tour allows you to explore the coastline at your own pace—slipping into hidden coves, swimming off the boat, and circling Isola Bella from the sea. Many tours include prosecco on board, which feels just right as you float past those dramatic cliffs. Below is a private boat tour in Taormina that I highly recommend, which has several five-star reviews.Visit the Beach Clubs
Beach days in Taormina aren’t just about sand and sea—they’re a full experience. The beach clubs along Mazzarò Bay are polished and stylish, with loungers lined up along the water, attentive staff, and cocktails that seem to appear just as you start craving them. Some offer incredible seaside restaurants where you can linger over pasta and wine before returning to your lounger. It’s a little slice of Sicilian glamour, and spending a day here is as much a part of the Taormina experience as visiting the theatre or strolling Corso Umberto. If you’re planning to indulge in a beach day in Taormina, I would recommend any of these as incredible options:
Tao Beach: Part of the international Tao brand, this beach club draws a stylish, see-and-be-seen crowd. Expect a buzzy atmosphere, chic design, and plenty of energy—more lively than laid-back. It’s polished, yes, but don’t expect peace and quiet.
Lido La Caravella: Chic and polished, La Caravella is known for its stylish setup and elegant atmosphere. The loungers are generously spaced, the crowd feels refined, and the overall vibe is relaxed yet elevated—a place where the ambiance is just as memorable as the sea itself.
Lido La Pigna: With front-row views of Isola Bella, La Pigna is one of the most popular beach clubs in Taormina. The service is attentive, the setting is beautiful, and it’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole afternoon by the sea.
Where To Eat & Drink in Taormina
Otto Geleng (Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo)
With just a handful of tables, Otto Geleng feels more like an elegant dinner party than a restaurant. Overlooking Mount Etna and the sea from the terrace of the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, the setting is as dramatic as the cuisine. The Michelin-starred tasting menu reimagines Sicilian classics with finesse, paired with wines that highlight the volcanic terroir of Etna. It’s refined, intimate, and one of the most exceptional dining experiences in Taormina.Nui Restaurant
Nui brings a fresh, modern spirit to Taormina’s dining scene. The interiors are pared-back and stylish, allowing the food to shine—contemporary plates rooted in Sicilian tradition but presented with a cosmopolitan edge. It’s chic and creative, ideal for a night when you want something sophisticated but not overly formal.Armònia Restaurant
As its name suggests, Armònia is all about balance: refined but relaxed, polished yet warm. The menu blends classic Sicilian flavors with thoughtful touches that keep it exciting, while the atmosphere makes it easy to linger for hours. It’s a restaurant that feels personal, inviting, and quietly elegant.Ristorante Incanto
Perched with sweeping views of the coast, Incanto offers a dining experience that feels appropriately enchanting. The menu leans Mediterranean, with seafood taking center stage, while the setting makes it a natural choice for sunset dinners. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and perfectly Taormina.Blum Restaurant
Blum is Taormina’s answer to avant-garde dining, a place where tasting menus push Sicilian cuisine into new territory. Expect surprising flavor combinations, striking presentations, and an elevated atmosphere high above the bay. It’s one for adventurous eaters who want their dinner to feel like art.Brizza Restaurant (Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea)
Set right by the sea at Villa Sant’Andrea, Brizza is a love letter to Mediterranean seafood. The setting couldn’t be more romantic, with tables arranged along the terrace and the sea just steps away. Refined but never pretentious, it’s the perfect spot for a slow, elegant dinner—and with only 16 seats available each evening, it’s also one of the most exclusive reservations in Taormina.
Ristorante Sant’Andrea (Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea)
Also within Villa Sant’Andrea, this restaurant captures the essence of seaside Sicilian dining. Fresh, local ingredients star on the menu, and the setting—just steps from the private beach—makes it as inviting for a long, wine-filled lunch as it is for an atmospheric dinner.
My final thoughts …
Taormina is where Sicilian culture, history, and luxury collide in the most spectacular way. From Michelin-starred dining at Otto Geleng to glamorous afternoons at the beach clubs of Mazzarò Bay, every moment here feels cinematic. This is a destination designed for travelers who crave both authenticity and indulgence—whether it’s a morning exploring the Ancient Greek Theatre, an evening sipping champagne on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Timeo, or a day trip to Mount Etna’s vineyards. If you’re planning a luxurious escape to Sicily, Taormina should be at the very top of your list. It’s the perfect blend of elegance, energy, and timeless charm—and a place that proves, time and again, why Sicily remains one of the most alluring destinations in the world.
Highly rated experiences in Taormina, Sicily
For those of you who are new here, you’ll notice I always recommend booking experiences through Viator. Their vendors are trusted local experts who know the destination inside and out, and every experience is backed by reliable reviews — giving you far more peace of mind than booking with a lesser-known company you can’t research in advance. I’ve personally used Viator across several countries for wine tastings, boat tours, and unique experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.