Sicily Italy Travel Guide
Several charming locations are easily accessible for a quick excursion from Taormina.
Castelmola, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) uphill, is reachable by regular Interbus service (20-30 minutes) or taxi. A challenging but scenic walk (45-60 minutes) welcomes fit travelers.
From the seaside towns to impressive gorges, many destinations are within easy reach.
About 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Taormina at the seaside. It is reachable by frequent local buses (10-15 minutes) or train. Referred to as the first Greek colony in Sicily.
About 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Taormina. Reachable by Interbus (check schedules) or organized tours. Rental car is the easiest access.
Sicily's diverse landscape offers breathtaking natural attractions for day trips.
Europe's busiest volcano with moon-like landscapes and lava fields.
Sicily's largest nature park with many hiking paths and ecosystem diversity.
Explore the scenic peaks and valleys, a haven for outdoor pursuits.
The base of operations (Rifugio Sapienza/Funivia dell'Etna) is around 1-1.5 hours drive from Taormina. A full-day excursion (5-8 hours) allows adequate experience.
Sicily's largest nature park, located inland. It a destination best explored with a rental car, making it more of a longer day trip or an overnight stay.
Explore Sicily's rich history and architectural legacy with these cultural day trips.
Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Taormina. Direct Interbus services run (approx. 1.5-2 hours). A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient Greek history.
Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Taormina. Frequently paired with Syracuse on organized tours. Bus connections are not as direct.
Approximately 20-30 kilometers (12-18 miles) north of Taormina, in the hills. Less frequent public bus service. Best reached in a rental vehicle or by joining "Godfather" tours.
Sicily features a lot of other historical sites, each telling a fragment of its complex story, from Roman villas to Norman castles.
Plan longer trips to explore more from Sicily's wonders, seamlessly connecting from Taormina.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. Plan 1-2 days.
A volcanic archipelago ideal for island hopping, hiking active volcanoes, and boat trips around dramatic coastlines. Plan 2-4 days.
Non-stop trains or long-distance buses are available from Catania. Ferries depart from Milazzo (north of Messina) for the Aeolian Islands.
