Renting a car in Taormina is your ticket to explore the Sicilian coast - from the gorgeous cove of Isola Bella to majestic Mount Etna. Here’s our quick guide to just a few of the highlights within easy reach.
Explore the historic centre
No visit to Taormina is complete without venturing onto the Corso Umberto - a major street running through the centre of town. It’s fully pedestrianized, so you can wander at your leisure.
This area is home to some of the finest historical sights in the city, including the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower in Piazza IX Aprile and Chiesa di San Giuseppe – Church of St Joseph. Even the tourist office is housed in a medieval palace, Palazzo Corvaja. The piazza also boasts views over the bay and across to Mount Etna, so it’s worth sticking around for sunset if you have the time.
Once you’ve ticked off the main sights, browse the boutique stores or visit local trattorias for coffee and a sweet treat. Taormina is famous for delicious desserts including cassata, a tart made with almonds, and cannoli alla ricotta, a cream-filled sponge cake with candied fruits.
Take in some ancient theatre
Taormina’s most famous monument is without doubt its ancient theatre - known as the Teatro Greco. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, it’s incredibly well-preserved and still hosts festivals, music concerts and live drama throughout the summer months.
Most people don’t come here for the performances, though. The theatre boasts panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline and the ocean, with Mount Etna in the background. As you might expect from one of the most famous attractions in Sicily, the theatre does get busy in the summer months so try to arrive early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds of the day.
The pearl of the sea
Another sight that’s not to be missed on any visit to Taormina is the tiny island of Isola Bella, known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. This scenic retreat is connected to the city by a narrow sandy footpath.
A designated nature reserve, it’s great for wildlife spotting but also offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming. There’s also a sheltered pebble beach where sunbathers come to soak up the rays. Much of the beach is covered by water at high tide, so plan your visit accordingly.
Mountain views
Renting a car in Taormina also gives you the chance to explore Mount Etna. Sometimes known simply as Montebello – the beautiful mountain – it’s one of the most active volcanoes anywhere in the world and is situated just an hour away from the city.
One of the best ways to see this incredible natural wonder is to drive your rental car to the base camp at Rifugio Sapienza on its south side and take the cable car to around 2,500 metres. From here there are many guided hikes and jeep rides that’ll take you to the summit, where you can see lunar landscapes complete with lava flows and craters. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
