Free walking tours in Taormina and what to see

Must-sees

Taormina looks out over the Ionian Sea from a natural terrace on Monte Tauro, on Sicily's east coast. Its great sight is the Ancient Theatre, Greek in origin and rebuilt by the Romans, with its seating facing the sea and, on clear days, Etna behind the stage. From there you go down to Corso Umberto, the main street, which crosses the town between old gates, churches and shops.

Halfway along the Corso opens Piazza IX Aprile, a balcony over the coast with the clock tower. Nearby are the medieval-looking Palazzo Corvaja and the cathedral of San Nicolò, plain and fortress-like. The Villa Comunale gardens are a good break with views. Down below, in Mazzarò, is Isola Bella, an islet nature reserve joined to the beach by a strip of sand and pebbles, and you get down to Mazzarò by cable car from the town.

Free tours and guided visits

What is mostly on offer from Taormina is not free walking tours but private tours of the town and, above all, day trips. The most popular go up Etna, sometimes with a stop at a local winery to taste its wines. There are also trips to the Aeolian Islands, some to Stromboli and Panarea and others to Lipari and Vulcano, and a long route that reaches Palermo and Cefalù. It is a good idea to book ahead in high season.

How long to spend

A day is enough for the town itself: the theatre in the morning, the Corso and its squares at midday and the trip down to Isola Bella in the afternoon. Ideally stay two or three nights and use Taormina as a base, so you can spend one day on Etna and another on the Aeolians. If you want peace, get up early: by mid-morning many cruise and coach groups arrive.

Where to stay

Staying in the historic centre puts everything within reach and lets you enjoy the Corso when it empties at night, although the streets are narrow and parking is tricky. If you prefer the beach, Mazzarò and the Isola Bella area are at the foot of the town and linked by cable car. Giardini Naxos, in the nearby bay, has more choice and a long seafront, and Castelmola, up above, is the quietest option.