MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Taormina

Day Trips from Taormina

Taormina Sicily, Italy Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several charming locations are easily accessible for a short 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.

Castelmola Highlights

  • Quaint, medieval hilltop village with expansive panoramic views of Taormina, Mount Etna, and the coastline.
  • Visit Bar Turrisi, an unique, famously decorated bar.
  • Explore the ruins of an old castle at the summit.
  • Time Required: Half-day (2-4 hours).

Exploring the Region

From the coast towns to impressive gorges, many destinations are within easy reach.

Giardini Naxos

About 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Taormina by the sea. It is reachable by frequent local buses (10-15 minutes) or train. Referred to as the first Greek colony in Sicily.

Highlights

  • First Greek colony in Sicily with an historical park.
  • Longer sandy beaches and a pleasant promenade with restaurants and cafes.
  • Time Needed: Half-day to full-day.

Alcantara Gorges

Approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Taormina. Reachable by Interbus (check schedules) or organized tours. Rental car is the easiest access.

Activities

  • Swimming in the cold river.
  • Body rafting through impressive basalt rock formations.
  • Canyoning during warmer months.

Messina Attractions

City Highlights

  • Duomo with its famous astronomical clock performs a show at noon.
  • Panoramic views from the Madonna della Lettera statue.
  • Regional museum is worth a visit.
  • Duration Needed: Half-day to full-day.

Travel Notes

  • Frequent trains from Taormina-Giardini Naxos station available.
  • Buses (Interbus) from Taormina's bus terminal are also an option.
  • Look into pairing with a tour to optimize your visit.
  • Is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Taormina.

Regional Statistics

  • AreaVaries by region
  • ClimateMediterranean
  • Population DensityVaried
  • Local ProduceCitrus, Olives
  • Main IndustriesTourism, Agriculture
  • Average TemperatureMild
  • Cultural HeritageRich
  • Natural LandscapesDiverse

Travel Tip

Take the bus to Castelmola for sunset views; the panorama is unmatched.

Natural Escapes

Sicily's diverse landscape offers breathtaking natural attractions for day trips.

Mount Etna

Europe's most active volcano with moon-like landscapes and lava fields.

Nebrodi Park

Sicily's largest nature park featuring plenty of hiking paths and biodiversity.

Regional Mountains

Explore the scenic summits and valleys, a haven for outdoor activities.

Mount Etna Excursions

The base of operations (Rifugio Sapienza/Funivia dell'Etna) is approximately 1-1.5 hours drive from Taormina. A full-day excursion (5-8 hours) allows adequate experience.

Activities

  • Cable car rides offer panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
  • Jeep tours navigate rugged lava fields.
  • Tours on foot investigate several craters and features.

Nebrodi Regional Park

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.

Highlights

  • Extensive hiking trails through diverse landscapes.
  • Diverse ecosystems, including native flora and fauna.
  • Charming traditional villages in the mountains await exploration.

Regional Statistics

Park Size86,000 hectares
Highest PeakMonte Soro
Main FloraBeech Forests
FaunaWild Cats, Golden Eagles
Hiking DifficultyModerate to High
Visitor CentersSeveral

Guidebook Suggestion

  • A Europe's Most active volcano Guidebook provides detailed information on trails and geology.
  • Essential for self-guided discovery on the volcano.
  • Covers safety guidelines for volcanic environments.
  • Useful maps and historical context.
  • Find at local bookshops or online.

Cultural Excursions

Explore Sicily's rich history and architectural heritage with these cultural day trips.

Syracuse Ortigia

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.

Sites

  • Ortigia island, its delightful historic center, the Duomo.
  • The legendary Fountain of Arethusa.
  • Neapolis Historical Park with the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius.

Noto

Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Taormina. Often combined with Syracuse on organized tours. Bus connections are less direct.

Architectural Gems

  • Another UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Considered the capital of Sicilian Architecture from the baroque period.
  • Golden-hued buildings and grplus chapels offer stunning views.

Savoca and Forza d'Agro

About 20-30 kilometers (12-18 miles) north of Taormina, in the upland areas. Less frequent public bus service. Best reached in a rental vehicle or by joining "Godfather" tours.

Attractions

  • Charming medieval villages gained fame as filming spots for "The Godfather" movies.
  • Visit Bar Vitelli in Savoca, a well-known cinematic spot.
  • Explore the catacombs of the Capuchin Convent.

Regional Historical Sites

Sicily features a lot of other historical sites, each telling a fragment of its complex story, originating In rome villas to Norman castles.

Beyond the Main Paths

  • Discover smaller, lesser-known ancient ruins.
  • Visit medieval castles dotting the landscape.
  • Explore local museums dedicated to Sicilian history.

Multi-Day Extensions

Plan longer trips to explore more from Sicily's wonders, seamlessly connecting from Taormina.

Agrigento

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. Plan 1-2 days.

Aeolian Islands

A volcanic archipelago ideal for traveling between islands, hiking active volcanoes, and boat excursions around dramatic coastlines. Plan 2-4 days.

Transportation Connections

Non-stop trains or long-distance buses are available from Catania. Ferries depart from Milazzo (north of Messina) for the Aeolian Islands.

Suggested Routes

Consider an East Coast Focus (5-7 days) or a Grand Sicily Tour (10-14 days) for comprehensive exploration.