Three Days in Taormina
After landing at Catania Airport (CTA), we picked up my rental car and drove north toward Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal towns. The drive itself is scenic and easy, taking just under an hour. Parking in Taormina, however, can be a bit tricky, so I recommend arranging parking with your hotel in advance to avoid any stress upon arrival.
I stayed at Casa Giafari, a charming spot that offered a warm welcome and stunning views. Taormina is incredibly walkable, though be prepared for some steep streets and stairways—it’s all part of the town’s hillside charm.
Day 1
The vibe here is elegant yet relaxed. The tourists tend to be well-dressed and sophisticated, but the town doesn’t feel pretentious or overdone. Instead, it has a refined, timeless feel, with beautiful shops, cafés, and sea views around every corner.
It’s the perfect place to ease into your Sicilian adventure—grab an espresso, wander the narrow streets, and soak up the beauty of the Mediterranean.
If you are looking for a casual dinner, I recommend grabbing some sandwiches at Bottega Manago Taormina. The motorola pesto mozzarella sandwich was just divine and the owner of the restaurant can also make you a little cheese and meat plate that you can eat outside.
Day 2
Wake up early and start your day with Bam Bar, they have the best granita and brioche. We ordered a few flavored and I loved the the almond granita best.
After breakfast walk through Via Degli Artisti, a street with different art to admire
I started my second day in Taormina with a visit to the Ancient Greek Amphitheater, one of the most iconic sites in Sicily. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking—you can see Mount Etna in the distance and the sparkling coastline below.
Afterward, we walked up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, a small church perched high above the town. The climb is steep, but the panoramic views make it worth every step.
Next, I wandered through the Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale), also known as the botanical gardens. It’s a peaceful escape filled with greenery, shaded paths, and benches overlooking the sea—perfect for a midday break.
In the afternoon, I stopped by Belvedere di Via Pirandello, another beautiful viewpoint where you can take in the landscape and coastline from a different angle. From there, I took the cable car down to Isola Bella, a tiny island and beach area that’s great for a swim or just relaxing by the water.
Helpful Tip
Rather than going south of Isola Bella, I recommend going north toward Isola Delle Serene, Lido La Pigna, etc. The beaches here are so much nicer and way less touristy. I didn’t make it all the way to Lido Caparena, but you can stop anywhere along the beach and go to the beach clubs.
To end the day, head to Bar Timeo for sunset drinks. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sky change colors over the coast while enjoying a spritz or a glass of Sicilian wine. I would recommend making a reservation beforehand.
Have dinner at La Napoletana, even though Sicily isn’t know for pizza, it was in a little plaza in the street and was just gorgeous. They have lots of different types of pizza.
Go to Daiquiri or Morgana Lounge Bar after for a night cap.
Day 3
Option to either take the steps up see beautiful views of Taormina (shown below) or take a full beach day to explore Isola Bella beach
Another option would be to hike or drive to Castemelo
Other Suggestions
Take the steps up to Sentiero dei Saraceni or Chiesa Madonna della Rocca and see beautiful views of Taormina.
Go to La Pignolata Guinness Cannoli Taormina for some delicious desserts.
Some other restaurants that are popular are Ristorante Le Naumachie and Osteria da Rita.
