1. Taormina Greek Theater

If you’ve done any research into Taormina, I’m sure you already know about the Taormina Greek Theater. This is a great place to start the day because it sits high above the town, and gives you an idea of the layout, and what’s to come. The Greek Theater was built around 3rd Century BC and ownership changed many times throughout the years.

Tickets can be purchased up front for 10 Euro per person. You can go on a guided tour, or chose to stroll about yourself (we prefer the latter option). Make your way to the back of the theater to see beautiful views of the Sicily Coastline, and the deep blue water of the Ionic Sea. On clear days you can see Aspromonte National Park on Italy’s mainland!

2. Hike to Castelmola

This is our favorite thing to do mid morning, just before lunch. High above Taormina, you’ll see a small town called Castelmola. You’re going to have to earn it, but it takes about an hour to reach this town. Be prepared to sweat! This hike is paved the whole way, however it takes you on some steep inclines, but it’s totally worth it!

Once you reach the top you’ll find a quiet, quaint little town with a few cafe’s and gifts shops. If you though Taormina was high above the ocean, Castelmola has it beat! Sit down and re-hydrate, and have lunch at the Antico Caffe San Giorgio (the first cafe you’ll see as you reach the town). Grab a seat by the edge and enjoy a spectacular view looking down on Taormina!

3. Taormina Public Gardens (Villa de Comunale)

After that long and strenuous hike, make your way back into town and take a rest at the Via de Comunale – translates to Taormina Public Gardens (its just a very nice park). You can either enter off of Via Bagnoli Croci or on Via Roma in between the Hotel Villa Paradiso and Ristorante Mirage. It’s a large park with tons of shade, and plenty of places to relax for a little bit.

On the southern edge of the park there are plenty of benches that face out overlooking the beach towards Catania. On the northern end of the park, you’ll find old relics the ancient queen built when they found Taormina. Check out our in depth tour of the Taormina Public Gardens here.

4. Coffee and Granitas at Bam Bar

Just ask any of the locals for a good place for coffee and they’ll probably say Bam Bar. It’s a 5 minute walk from the Taormina Public Gardens. Stop here and have a coffee or pastry, but be sure to try a Granita.

What’s a Granita? I’d describe it as something similar to an American snow-cone, or hawaiian shave ice. However a granita is a lot smoother, with finely blended ice (and a lot better in my opinion). BamBar has a variety of flavors ranging from all kinds of fruit (you’ll need to pull out google translate to figure the flavors out) , to chocolate, vanilla, and our favorite; pistachio PRO TIP- If you don’t feel like coffee, the worlds best Cannoli is right around the corner!

5. Cable Car Mazzaro

Although it looks close on a map, if you were to walk from the main streets of Taormina down to Isola Bella it would take over an hour due to the significant elevation change. Taormina is nearly 700 feet above sea level. To get around this, take the cable car down to the beach.

The Cable car costs €3 each way, and if you plan to go back to Taormina you’ll definitely need to use it to get back up. Once you’re down there you’ll be across the street from Mazzaro Beach. This beautiful beach can become very crowded in peak vacation season, so check with staff before taking a spot on the beach.

6. Dinner at Trattoria Tiramisu

If you’re only in Taormina for a day, this is one of our favorite spots to have dinner! Ride the cable car back up, and make your way through town on Corso Umberto. Trattoria Tiramisu is at the end of Corso Umberto, but well worth the walk.

Trattoria Tiramisu is a family restaurant and is only open for dinner, they have a rotating menu (it’s always good) and the portions are enormous. Their house made bread is amazing. Be sure to call ahead if you plan on eating here, reservations are not always necessary but it’s better to check on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theater is a must see for anyone visiting the city. The theater is located high above Taormina and has breathtaking 360 views of the Calabrian Coast

How to get to The Taormina Greek Theater

From center city, take a right on Via Teatro Greco and follow it to the end. You’ll pass through a small area of shops and restaurants on the way, the theater is at the end of the road, next to Belmond Grand Hotel.

Cost

The cost is 10 Euro to get in, although members of the European union ages 18-25 pay only 5 Euro, it’s also FREE on your birthday! The theater always opens at 9:00am, although closing times vary throughout the year. Audio guides are free with purchase of a ticket.

History

The Ancient Greek Theater was built in 3rd Century BC. It was originally built to hold public gatherings such as plays and musicals, however during 2nd Century Roman Era the theater was transformed to accommodate competitions and gladiator battles. It’s estimated that when it was in use it could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators, although much of the seats have fallen apart over the years.

Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theater is the second largest theater in Sicily, the first being the Syracuse theater. Scholars estimate that spectators would come from all over Sicily, and mainland Italy to witness the gladiator battles.

As you make your way to the top of the theater, it is hard to not stop and notice the amazing view of Taormina. The Greek Theater was built on a beautiful rocky cliff-side. It is said that during it’s construction, there were a total of 25 large columns that made up the entrance to the theater, it is believed that they arrived by sea from Greece and were pulled up the mountain by slaves.

Once your there you’ll understand how incredible of a feat this was. Go up the steps to the backside of the theater and you’ll find yet another amazing view to the North, on clear days you can see all the way up to Aspromonte mountain in mainland Italy.

The Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina is a breathtaking monument with incredible architecture, amazing views, and it’s easy to get to. Definitely take some time to see it if you find yourself in Sicily

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Whether you’re exploring the city or just looking for a relaxing place to get away from all the activity, Villa Comunale di Taormina or Taormina Public Gardens is definitely a worthwhile place to spend and hour or two. 
The gardens can be accessed by either the main entrance across from the Ristorante Al Giadino, or through a small entrance on the side of the Hotel Villa Paradiso, in between the hotel and the Mirage restaurant’s patio.


The gardens are incredibly quiet for being so close to center city. Its a great place to grab a sandwich and have lunch on one of the park benches. The park is rather large, so you don’t have to worry about it getting too crowded. 
On the back side of the park you can find beautiful views of Mount Etna and the nearby beaches, on clear days you can see as far as Catania!


There is some interesting history behind the park, and there are many artifacts in the park that tell it’s story. The park was originally the residence of Lady Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman who is said to have left the country in 1884 after having an affair with Edward VII. She eventually married Salvatore Cacciola, the mayor of Taormina at the time. Remnants of their house can still be found in the gardens. 


Whether you plan to stroll through and admire the luscious magnolias, and hibiscus plants, or sit down and unwind for a few hours, the Public gardens are a must see when visiting Taormina. 


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