Taormina Holidays

Immerse yourself in culture and history in Taormina

Sicily is a cultural melting pot that we invite you to dive right into! Taormina is Sicily’s most beautiful town, rich in Greek Mythology. Explore Syracuse to discover more, or film lovers, take a Godfather Tour to discover history through this award-winning film.

Holidays in Taormina marry history and culture to form an unforgettable experience in Italy. It’s perched at the top of Monte Tauro in the foothills of Mount Etna on Sicily’s eastern coastline, between the cities of Catania and Messina. This ancient town offers visitors a view into the past with a number of elegantly preserved historic treasures, from the grand Greek-Roman Theatre to the equally impressive Palazzo Corvaja.

You don’t have to be a history buff to make the most of everything Taormina has to offer. Alongside the historical sights there are plenty of other attractions to take in. The main street, Corso Umberto, is traffic free and home to an array of shops and restaurants to enjoy.

There are also plenty of seaside activities to dive into thanks to the town’s coastal setting. Adventurous travellers can try watersports like wind surfing and snorkelling, while relaxing scenic boat tours around the gorgeous capes and grottos of the Ionian Sea allow you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, simply spend long tranquil days on sun soaked pebble beaches.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Explore Taormina

Citalia has over 95 years of expertise in helping holidaymakers experience Italy in ways they never have before. We’ll help you create a once in a lifetime holiday in Taormina you’ll find nowhere else.

The Church of Madonna della Rocca is often overlooked in favour of more popular attractions, but it is well worth a visit. This tiny church, nestled in a limestone cliff overlooking the town, dates back to the 17th Century and sits beside an abandoned Basilian monastery. It requires a climb or cable car ride to reach, but the quiet modesty of the sanctuary and views of the town and bay below are well worth it.

You mustn’t leave Taormina without paying a visit to C&G (Cioccolato e Gelato), a hidden gem located on the Corso Umberto. This delightful café offers the opportunity to sip the finest Italian coffee or dig in to one of their famed desserts while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Etna from their terrace seating area.

Excursions and experiences in and around Taormina

Experience more of Italy by adding an excursion to your holiday. To pre-book one of our specially selected excursions, please call our Italy Experts on 01293 765055*.

Handpicked hotels in Taormina

Discover the real Taormina while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels.

Tour Inspiration

Treasures of Sicily Small Group Escorted Tour


At a glance
  • Exclusive to Citalia
  • Explore temples, ruins and buildings dating back to ancient Greece
  • Immerse yourself in the Greek mythology of ancient times
  • Maximum group size 18
  • Take in the beautiful Baroque architecture of the area
  • Try fine local wines and appetisers in a traditional winery
  • Visit Sicily's largest market and try local delicacies and street food
  • Visit the majestic Mount Etna and maybe see smoke from the top
  • Wander through cobbled streets which overlook the sparkling Mediterranean
8 days from £2399 per person
ATOL Protected

Find out more about Treasures of Sicily tour

Things to do in Taormina

No holiday to Taormina is complete without seeing some of its many impressive historical monuments. The best of them all is perhaps the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre which still hosts live shows more than 2,000 years after it was built. The view of the town and bay below is truly breathtaking. There is also the smaller but no less evocative Odeon or “small theatre,” built in 21 BC.

The Palazzo Corvaja is a magnificent medieval palace found at the beginning of the Corso Umberto. It boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles that reflect the various occupants of the island throughout history, with elements of Arabic, Norman and Gothic styles. Close by is the remarkable church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which dates back to at least 1610 and features an exquisite marble sculpture of its namesake.

The medieval houses of the bustling Corso Umberto are now home to an assortment of charming antique and souvenir shops. If you’re craving relaxation after shopping and sightseeing, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” Isola Bella, is connected to the main island via a short narrow walkway and it’s home to a rocky beach perfect for sunbathing.

Flight Information

The closest airport to Taormina is Catania (CTA), which is about 1 hour from Taormina and Taormina Mare. Direct flights to Catania are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and take approximately 3 hours.

When to go

Thanks to its southerly location, Sicily enjoys mild weather all year round. Spring and autumn are both lovely times to visit, with temperatures in the high teens and early 20s (although up in the hills and on the slopes of Mount Etna it can be significantly cooler). In summer, you can expect temperatures in the high 20s – perfect for spending time on the island's beautiful beaches.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

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We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.

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