I felt I would like Taormina, but I was skeptical, given the complaints about it being too touristic and full. I was also unsure if we should do our lodging up in Taormina or down in one of the nearby towns, as I knew driving in and out of Taormina wasn’t so easy.
I debated this decision, but I knew my husband would like the city center there, so I opted to stay in Taormina instead of a nearby town.
I ended up booking two Days in Taormina, and here are some tips and our 2 Days Taormina itinerary. And no, we didn’t visit the White Lotus hotel.
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How many days in Taormina is enough?
I ended up booking two Days in Taormina, and I wish I had done at least three. I plan to do at least three or even four days for my next trip there. There is much to see, as you can do one day just like a beach day. Plus, you can also go up to Castelmola. It is a charming, small village located on a hill above Taormina. Castelmola offers stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and Taormina.
Our style of travel is also slower, as we savor our days and enjoy local cuisine and experiences. I wish I had more time to do more tours and explore where the locals go.
Also check out What to do in Messina, Italy and Best Beaches in Tropea.
Best Time to Visit Taormina
The best time to visit Taormina is typically from April to June or September to October. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. Spring brings mild weather and blooming flowers, perfect for exploring the town’s charming streets and ancient Greek theater.
Fall offers warm days ideal for beach visits and sightseeing, with the bonus of local harvest festivals. Both seasons provide comfortable outdoor activities and al fresco dining conditions, allowing you to fully appreciate Taormina’s stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
While summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather, it’s also the busiest and most expensive, with temperatures sometimes uncomfortably hot. We went in early June, and I would not visit in July or August.
Winter can be quiet and budget-friendly, but some attractions and restaurants may have limited hours.
Taormina Hotel Stay
For mid-budget hotel stays in Taormina, the best area to consider is the city center, particularly around Corso Umberto I. This area offers a good balance of convenience, charm, and value for money. Here’s why:
1. Central location: You’ll be within walking distance of Taormina’s main attractions, including the Ancient Greek Theater, Piazza IX Aprile, and numerous restaurants and shops.
2. Scenic views: Many hotels in this area offer stunning views of the coastline or Mount Etna.
3. Accessibility: Other parts of town, including the cable car to the beach, are easily accessible.
4. Atmosphere: You’ll be immersed in Taormina’s historic ambiance with its medieval streets and architecture.
5. Variety of options: This area has a good selection of mid-range hotels and B&Bs to suit different budgets within the mid-range category.
6. Public transport: You’ll be near bus stops for excursions to nearby towns or Mount Etna.
While staying directly on Corso Umberto might be pricier, I would look for accommodations on the parallel streets or just off the main thoroughfare for better rates. Areas like Via Di Giovanni or around Piazza San Domenico can offer good value while still being centrally located.
Book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. Taormina is a popular destination, and good deals in the center can fill up quickly.
Seaview Hotel Condor Taormina
We Stayed at Hotel Condor, which was a bit further away, but we loved it! I had partial sea views, a great terrace for breakfast, and a super quiet street. It was also close to the supermarket and about a 7-minute walk to the main piazza.
My 2 Days Taormina Itinerary
Day 1
We planned to check in later at Taormina, so we spent a half-day at the beach before driving to our hotel. We found a great beach club called Re Dei Sole, the highlight of our 10-day trip to Sicily.
We rented two lounge chairs with umbrellas at the beach club, enjoyed a meal at their fantastic restaurant, captured drone footage, and had a wonderful time. After that, we made our way to our hotel around 3 pm. One important tip for staying in Taormina is to ask for directions. Driving in the historic center can be tricky because some streets are one-way.
When we arrived, the hotel staff parked our car at the assigned parking lot we paid for. You will need to pay for parking for most places where you stay. Our hotel room was beautiful, and a stocked-up fridge with some prosecco and items for sale.
We also went and checked out the terrace a bit for the views. We showered, and then it was dinner time. We didn’t have reservations and did not know where we would eat. My husband wasn’t feeling so great, so we didn’t want to go too far, and also, he could only eat veggies and chicken.
We first walked around the main street to see some of the shops and took in the beauty of Taormina. We found this restaurant, Ristorante Myle e I Suoi Sapori, next to Bam Bam Bar ( the famous place for brioche with gelato). There was a slight wait for this restaurant, which was fine. The food was delicious, and the price was great.
The location was also outstanding. I love that his alley leads to the Art Alley, a hidden nook full of artistic flair. The buildings have designs, paintings, and statues, and the vintage, colorful motorbike is Instagram-worthy.
We called it an early evening after I got some gelato from our favorite local cafe bar, then off to the hotel to rest.
Day 2
Day 2 started with a yummy cappuccino on our terrace before heading to Mazzaro Beach for a beach day. Once we left our hotel, we stopped by the supermarket, where my husband got water, sunscreen, and some beers. We opted to head down by cable car, which cost $6 euros each. You can save some money by purchasing a round-trip ticket, which costs $10, but we wanted to come back by bus, so we got the one-way ticket.
Also check out 5 Days in Sicily.
Before entering the ticket office for the cable car, we did a little bit of shopping and purchased two hats. Next, it was time for our little adventure. Max is afraid of heights, and it is a tad scary but beautiful.
Once we arrived at the famous Isola Bella sign, we headed down the steps. I didn’t know there would be much more shopping opportunities on the steps. I saw hats, souvenirs, and many beautiful dresses, including a crochet dress I had been eyeing from Abercrombie, but so much less here.
We stopped by the excellent Mendolia Beach Club restaurant for a drink and Arancini. I loved that they have a self-service section where you can order at the counter and sit down without the service charge. We also ate lunch here afterward, and the food was fantastic, and the service was good. They charge $2 euros per person for the service fee at this restaurant section. There are also bathrooms you can use, so I liked this section.
You can also rent umbrellas and lounges here, but we were on a budget, so we ventured out alone with no umbrella. The beach here is very rocky, so I recommend you take the following:
- Swim shoes because of the rocks
- Beach bag for your towels
- Towels or mats to sit down
- Own an umbrella if you can or beach hats
- Sunscreen
- Water
My husband spent 20 minutes capturing drone footage, and I walked across to Isola Bella. The water was very chilly, but many people were swimming and enjoying their beach day. To learn more about my beach experience in Taormina, check out the Taormina Beaches blog post.
We laid out in the sun and then ate a late lunch. We started heading up around 4:21 PM, but I stopped and did a little shopping. I met the most honest street vendor ever and purchased a crochet skirt and crop top outfit.
We headed back to the hotel and then went up to the other terrace, where we captured some more photos while sipping on some Italian beer. We showered, and then it was time to check out the main square in Taormina before dinner.
We headed down to the main area in Taormina, which is the Piazza IX Aprile. This movie like square is one of the most iconic spots in Taormina and offers several key features:
We headed down to the main area in Taormina, which is the Piazza IX Aprile. This movie like square is one of the most iconic spots in Taormina and offers several key features:
- Church: The square is home to the Church of San Giuseppe, a beautiful Baroque-style church that dominates one side of the piazza.
- View of Mount Etna: From this square, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea on clear days. The viewing terrace here is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
- Clock Tower: The 12th-century clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) stands at the entrance to the square.
- Cafes and restaurants: The piazza is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the view.
- Street performers: Often, you’ll find musicians and other performers entertaining visitors in this lively square.
- Access to Corso Umberto I: The square is located along Corso Umberto I, Taormina’s main pedestrian street, making it a central point for exploring the town.
This square is often considered the heart of Taormina and is a must-visit spot for its combination of historical architecture, stunning views, and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s an excellent place to orient yourself when exploring the town and to take in the beauty of Taormina’s setting between the mountains and the sea. Plus, it’s super Instagram-worthy!
We explored, took some photos, and marveled at the sights. Then we headed back to look for a restaurant. We passed by a few restaurants, like Gambero Rosso, which were packed with huge lines. We ended up eating at La Baccanale, which was so pretty! But so disappointing. The food wasn’t good, and the service was slow.
The tip is to ensure you vet restaurants when visiting Taormina and make reservations! We walked back to the other square, and I had more gelato at our favorite cafe bar. We called it an early evening once again, but there were a lot of restaurants & bars with live music and lots to do.
Day 2.5
Okay, we had more time here the next day when checking out of our hotel. We checked out but saved had them hold our bags so we could explore more.
We had breakfast at our favorite cafe, then walked around a bit and did some shopping at the pharmacy.
I wanted to get my hair blowed dried before we ventured to our next town.I found this hair salon, called Color Boutique which specializes in hair and color styling. The ladies were super nice and used one of my favorite hair brands, Daviness. My husband did some exploring on his own and then met up with me once I was done.
Lunch at Rosticeria Da Cristina
I went to the pharmacy to buy hair products, and then we went to find a place for lunch. We stumbled upon Rosticeria da Cristina, a hidden gem in Taormina beloved by locals and savvy tourists alike.
This small, family-run eatery offers authentic Sicilian cuisine at reasonable prices, making it a refreshing alternative to the more touristy restaurants in town. Known for its warm hospitality and home-style cooking, da Cristina serves up various traditional dishes, from arancini and pasta alla Norma to fresh seafood and rotisserie meats.
The menu changes daily based on available fresh ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste of seasonal Sicilian flavors. While the space is modest with limited seating, the bustling takeaway counter and the opportunity to dine alongside locals provide a genuine, no-frills Taormina dining experience.
It’s an ideal spot for a quick, delicious lunch that won’t break the bank. Savor the authentic tastes of Sicily in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. We opted for gnochhi instead of the Arancini, but the Arancini looked delicious.
Then it was time for one more gelato, but this time I tried Gelatomania, which was pretty delicious as well. We walked back to our hotel, and they brought up the car. It was time for our next adventure.
As you can see, we didn’t do tours or hit up some tourist attractions, so I plan to head back. I know the cooking classes, for example, get a lot of hype, so I researched some for you.
Here are some of the top cooking classes in Taormina, Sicily, that offer unique culinary experiences:
- Cooking Class in Taormina with Chef Massimo:
- Overview: Join Chef Massimo for a guided market tour and a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Highlights: The class includes making dishes like Ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh egg pasta, and a typical Sicilian dessert. It concludes with a lunch featuring the prepared dishes and local wines.
- Location: Corso Umberto, Taormina.
- Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina’s Market with Chef Mimmo:
- Overview: This class combines a visit to the local market with a cooking session that boasts beautiful sea views.
- Highlights: Participants will learn to create traditional Sicilian recipes while enjoying the stunning scenery.
- Cesarine – Classic Cooking Class in Taormina:
- Overview: A hands-on class where participants learn to prepare three local dishes from scratch.
- Highlights: Enjoy the meal with local wines and a view, with a focus on regional Italian cuisine.
- Italian Allure Travel – Sicilian Cooking Class in a Private Villa:
- Overview: Experience cooking in a private villa setting, learning about Sicily’s culinary heritage.
- Highlights: Prepare a three-course meal featuring meat, fish, and pasta, accompanied by a selection of wines.
- Half-Day Pizza Making Class:
- Overview: A fun, interactive class focused on making authentic Sicilian pizza.
- Highlights: Learn the techniques behind traditional pizza making and enjoy your creations.
- Cannolo Cooking Class:
- Overview: Specialize in making the famous Sicilian cannoli.
- Highlights: Participants will learn to prepare and fill cannoli, with a completion certificate provided.
These cooking classes offer a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Sicilian culture and cuisine. They provide hands-on experiences that highlight the region’s rich culinary traditions.
Other Tours in Taormina to check out:
What to Pack for Taormina
If you are heading to Taormina in the Spring or Summer, I suggest you take water shoes as the beaches are super rocky. Take one sunscreen, but leave sunscreen shopping for the Italian pharmacies! The sunscreens in Italy have better filters, and the quality is more superb. My favorite is the Aloe Vera Bilboa one; it’s smooth and slides on like a moisturizer.
Other things to pack for your trip to Taormina:
- Portable Chargers
- European Plug Adaptors
- Ladies – Cute dresses for dinner, tank tops, and sets to mix and match. Also don’t forget your beach wear.
- Guys wear Linen shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes, and beach shorts with tank tops. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
- Packing cubes to make packing easy
