Is Taormina worth visiting?
We loved visiting Taormina and, yes, it's absolutely a town that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home.
Whether you're a a couple or on a weekend getaway, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific food and great nightlife.
Taormina is a beautiful seaside resort town that sits on a hilltop on the eastern coast of Sicily. It's located near Mount Etna and is home to a Greek Theater and beautiful coves and beaches. There are many luxury resorts around town and the area has an upscale and opulent atmosphere.
6 Reasons to Visit Taormina
1. Food
The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.
2. Nightlife
The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.
3. Resorts
There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.
4. Museums & Sights
The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.
5. Beaches
The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.
6. Shopping
It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.
Is Taormina worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Taormina, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 27°C (80°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (86°F).
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, wander through the small town, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Taormina
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (80°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| September | 25°C (76°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Taormina worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Taormina. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Taormina is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 21°C (69°F). But it can get as warm as 23°C (74°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, and the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Taormina
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (69°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| November | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| December | 14°C (57°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Taormina worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
The low season for travel in Taormina is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Taormina
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Taormina worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Taormina. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to savor the small town atmosphere and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Taormina
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 16°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| June | 24°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Taormina
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Taormina might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Taormina here or see if Taormina is expensive here.
Related
What is Taormina most famous for?
Taormina is most famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. People visit this impressive town for its great food, nightlife, and resorts. Also, it's known for museums & sights, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as exclusive, opulent, historic, and beautiful.
What is the most famous sight in Taormina?
The most popular sight in Taormina is The Greek Theater. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Taormina on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Greek Theater and other attractions here.
How touristy is Taormina? Is it a popular town to visit?
Taormina is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $170
- From Taormina Private Godfather Tour Forza D'Agro and Savoca: $296
- Shore tour from Messina cruise port: Taormina and Castelmola: $439
- Shore tour from Messina port: Taormina & Godfather Places: $472
- Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,739
- Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $274
- Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $659
- Mount Etna Sunset Tour with Cave Visit and Tasting: $44
How long should I spend in Taormina?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Taormina is two to four days. Since Taormina has activities such as dining, nightlife, and resorts, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Taormina? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Taormina?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.