Taormina: Day Trips and Tours from Catania

When it comes to enchanting Italian towns, the village of Taormina exists in a category of its own — and the best way to experience its encaptivating essence for yourself is during a Taormina day trip from Catania.

Perched on a hill on Sicily’s eastern coastline, the town boasts ancient Greek and Roman ruins, charming buildings and streets filled with trendy cafes — all while overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The crowning glory, and the feature that distinguishes it from all of the other pretty towns in Italy, is the snowcapped backdrop of Mount Etna — a sight that’s been luring travelers since 400 BC.

Here's all you need to know about Taormina, one of the most worthwhile day trips from Catania.

How to get to Taormina from Catania?

Taormina is located on Sicily’s eastern shore, almost exactly halfway between the cities of Catania and Messina. The town is a popular stop for travelers on their way south toward Syracuse.

From Catania to Taormina by car

Traveling to Taormina from Catania by car is really convenient and you’ll have two options for your journey. You may choose speed and convenience and travel northwards on the A45, a route that is roughly 60 kilometers long and will take 45 minutes to complete.

Or you may choose the scenic route, traveling on the SS114 as you hug the coast on your way north — a trip that will take you 1.5 hours to complete.

From Catania to Taormina by public transport

Using public transport to travel from Catania to Taormina is super simple and you’ll only need to use one bus.

From Piazza Michelangelo Buonarroti in Catania, board the Etna Transporti ET07 and stay on it until you arrive in Taormina. A bus will be available every 30 minutes and the journey will cost around €5 and will take an hour to complete.

Guided tour to Taormina from Catania

One of the best ways to explore Taormina from Catania is by making use of a guided tour — avoiding all of the intricacies of renting a car or fretting over bus schedules. You’ll also gain access to a knowledgeable guide that’s dedicated to showing you as much of their country and culture as possible.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Taormina from Catania usually starts with an airconditioned vehicle collecting you from your hotel. First on the menu is a drive along Sicily’s eastern shore — a beautiful stretch of coast that perfectly primes you for what’s in store once you reach your main destination.

Arriving at Taormina, your expert guide will show you all of the must-see attractions while telling you more about the town’s rich history. You’ll learn more about the Greek Theater, built in the third century BC — as well as some more recent additions like the beautiful, albeit subdued, cathedral. Finally, you’ll enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries before heading back home.

The number of other attractions you’ll visit depends on the type of tour you choose — with many also traveling to Mount Etna, Castelmola and Giardini Naxos.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Taormina?

Travelers that want to explore Taormina will have a number of tours to choose from, each with a different price tag, duration and itinerary — making it easy to find one to fit individual preferences.

Half-day budget tour from Catania to Taormina

Do you have limited time and money to explore Sicily’s east coast? Then look no further than this outing to Taormina that aims to fit in as much as possible in the least amount of time — all within a budget that will make your bank account smile.

The itinerary of this tour disregards its “budget” tag, visiting stunning Taormina and the breathtaking Castelmola — as well as serene Giardini Naxos to boot.

Full-day group tour from Catania to Taormina and Mount Etna

If you’ve got time but no money to spare, you should choose this tour to explore Sicily’s eastern coast and all it has to offer. Not only will you visit the alluring town of Taormina, but you’ll also head out to the infamous Mount Etna.

You’ll explore volcanic caves, peer into the heart of the furnace and even taste some organic produce grown in the fertile soil.

Small group day trip to Taormina and Castelmola from Catania

A small group tour is perfect for families, couples or people traveling with friends — it offers a much more personable experience, especially when it comes to interacting with your guide. You’ll visit Taormina as well as the medieval hilltop village of Castelmola during this tour — collecting lasting memories as you roam the streets of these ancient towns.

Private full-day tour to Taormina and Mount Etna from Catania

Private tours to Taormina are where it's at if you don’t mind paying a bit more for a premium experience. Your party will be the only people on the tour, meaning that you’ll be able to determine the itinerary.

You’ll travel to Taormina and Mount Etna in style, stopping whenever you want, whether it be for an impromptu photo opportunity or a quick snack — you are at the wheel.

Full-day tour to Taormina and Mount Etna plus wine tasting from Catania

Sicily and the area around Catania are famous for its food and wine, as you’d know if you’ve ever enjoyed a Catania food tour. This day trip combines a tour to Taormina with a wine tasting and you’ll enjoy the fruit grown from the fertile volcanic soil. What could be better than ending a day spent exploring with a wonderful glass of Italian vino?

How much does a day trip to Taormina from Catania cost?

Day trips to Taormina from Catania usually cost anywhere between €70 and €100 per person — but the cost differs depending on the type of tour, the number of participants and how many sites are visited.

A half-day budget tour from Catania to Taormina will cost €70 per person, making it one of the most affordable on offer. However, the tour only lasts 5 hours and there’s a maximum of 8 participants.

A full-day group tour from Catania to Taormina and Mount Etna will cost €100 per person and the trip will take up most of your day. The typical number of participants for this tour is eight people.

A small group day trip to Taormina and Castelmola from Catania costs around  €110 per person for a group of four travelers. The maximum number of people is six, making it perfect for families and groups of friends.

A full-day tour to Taormina and Mount Etna plus wine tasting from Catania costs €280 per person — but this includes wine tastings at three wineries and snacks.

A private full-day tour to Taormina and Mount Etna from Catania costs €450 per group — with the group being anywhere between two and eight people. For this price, you’ll receive a private excursion, snacks and hotel pickup.

What will you see and do?

Taormina

Taormina has been a popular tourist destination since the time that the ancient Greeks walked its shores. Not much has changed since then, with the town still providing refuge to thousands of visitors all in search of the dolce vita.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna strikes a brooding presence on Sicily’s east coast with the active volcano bubbling and rumbling away in the distance. Don’t worry though, its mood is monitored by over 100 activity stations — thus keeping visitors safe albeit at the cost of the volcano being closed to the public every now and again.

Castelmola

The medieval hilltop town of Castelmola even puts the beauty of Taormina to shame — with many considering it one of the most breathtakingly beautiful towns in all of Italy. The town is built around the ruins of a 10th-century Norman castle and once served as a bulwark against invasions from the south.

When is the best time to visit Taormina?

The best time of the year to visit Taormina is from the end of May to the beginning of October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and you won’t have many overcast days.

It should be noted that August is Taormina’s busiest month — and visitors that travel during this time can expect to pay more for lodging and other services.

Are there any tours to Taormina from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day Trips to Taormina from Palermo
• Day Trips to Taormina from Messina

Travel tips

• Day trips to Taormina, especially those visiting Mount Etna, are very popular. Consider booking well in advance to avoid your preferred tour being sold out.
• Always consider wearing sunscreen when venturing outdoors, especially in sunny Sicily.
• Always wear appropriate clothing when visiting cathedrals and religious sites. Consider having a shawl at hand to cover up.
• Keep an eye on your valuables when exploring busy areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you may do a fair bit of exploring on foot.