Day Trips and Tours from Taormina

Founded in the 4th century B.C., Taormina has earned its nickname as the “Pearl of the Ionian” over the last 2 millennia. While this exquisite city has plenty to keep any visitor to Sicily occupied, intrepid travelers may choose to participate in one (or more) of the available day trips and tours from Taormina on offer.

Whether you wish to hike the slopes of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, wander Greek ruins or sink your toes into golden sands, there’s an excursion to suit you.

Etna

Located along the east coast of Sicily, Etna is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe. Measuring over 3,300 meters, the stratovolcano has been erupting for at least 500,000 years and grows in height with each explosion. Day trips to Etna enable you to hike the volcano's lofty slopes and see inside several of its 300 craters.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore its extensive web of lava tunnels, once filled with fiery liquid that reaches temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. From your elevated point on the volcano, you’ll gain panoramic views across Sicily and, if you’re lucky, see ash plumes from Etna itself.

Alcantara

A valley that features a series of gorges along the eastern stretch of Sicily, Alcantara showcases a wide range of biodiversity, influenced by its location. From the volcanic ashes on Etna to the alpine Nebrodi mountain range, Alcantara is a melting pot of habitats.

The area was formed by volcanic activity from the nearby Mount Etna over 4,000 years ago and today, is studded with dense forests, cut through by a meandering river. Day trips to Alcantara allow nature lovers to admire this rare natural wonder and imagine the lava flow that carved out the basalt cliff faces to form a number of gorges.

Isola Bella

One of the four islands that form the Borromean archipelago of Lago Maggiore in Northern Italy, Isola Bella is best known for its Baroque architecture and immaculately manicured gardens. Once a humble fishing village, Isola Bella was transformed in the 17th century to include a colossal palazzo, which now houses a spectacular display of artwork from the time period.

There are all sorts of different Isola Bella day tours to choose from, whether you simply wish to admire its ornate statues or explore the underwater paradise that exists just off its shores.

Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian archipelago is formed of seven main breathtaking islands — Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano — just off the northern coast of Sicily. Often nicknamed the “Lipari Islands” in reference to the largest of these land mounds, the Aeolian Islands have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and are home to a far-stretching history both culturally and geologically, with two ancient volcanoes which are still considered active.

With much more to offer than just golden beaches, day trips to the Aeolian Islands enable you to wander historic towns, see towering volcanoes up close and sink into thermal mud baths as you hop between Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, and Stromboli, gaining a feel for this smattering of islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Syracuse

Established 2,700 years ago, the city of Syracuse is best known for its remarkable ruins from both the Greek and Roman periods. Situated in the southeast of Sicily, the destination is known as the birthplace of Archimedes — a famed Greek mathematician — and is listed by UNESCO.

The main attraction in this corner of Sicily is the Archaeological Park Neapolis, which visitors can explore on a day tour of Syracuse. This archaeological wonder includes the remains of a Greek theater, which was first established in the 5th century B.C. and could accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators. Other attractions worth seeing in this park include its Temple of Apollo and the Ear of Dionysius.

Palermo

Palermo is famed as the most conquered city in the world. However, despite such destruction in its past, today the destination is a vibrant and thriving spot on the northwest coast of Sicily. Because of these near-constant conquests, Palermo boasts a myriad of attractions that span many centuries, from its Norman Palace to its 19th-century opera house.

You’ll also find that Palermo is littered with religious monuments, including the Capuchin Catacombs, which house the remains of several monks, as well as the Palatine Chapel, commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in the 12th century and dedicated to Saint Peter. On a day trip to Palermo, you can explore its fusion of architecture, which includes Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque designs, and learn why the city was targeted by so many civilizations throughout history.

Valley of the Temples

The largest archaeological park in Europe, the Valley of the Temples is widely celebrated for its collection of beautifully-preserved Greek remains, and is located on a ridge just outside of the town of Agrigento in Eastern Sicily. The site is best known for its plethora of temples, each of which is dedicated to a different Greek god, including Heracles, Concordia and Hera, and secured itself on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 1997.

By booking a day tour to the Valley of the Temples, you’ll explore more than 2,500 years of history and gain an insight into the lifestyle of the ancient Greeks. The best preserved of these monuments is the Temple of Concordia, remaining mostly intact since it was constructed in the 5th century B.C.

Castelmola

A small hilltop village above the town of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily, Castelmola is known for its Norman castle. However, the history behind this destination travels back to the 9th century when the Byzantines fortified the region. The land changed hands as battles were fought and the Muslims, followed by the Normans, conquered Castelmola.

While a Norman castle was built at the end of the 11th century, the landmark you can see today on a Castelmola day trip dates back to the 16th century. Alongside its historic castle, the village also features quaint winding streets, vibrant yellow buildings and panoramic views that stretch over Mount Etna.

You can expect day trips to Castelmola to include several other breathtaking destinations, such as Taormina, Naxos and Isola Bella. You’ll typically enjoy free time in the village to explore its attractions, including its ruins, religious monuments and charming cafes, at your own leisure.

Noto

A magnificent example of Baroque architecture, Noto is situated in the Syracuse province of Southwestern Sicily. The history of this destination dates back to the Sicels who settled in the region during the Iron Age, which stretched from 1,200 B.C. to 550 B.C.

In the following centuries, Noto was occupied by the Romans and the Muslims who raided and conquered the city in the second half of the 9th century. However, a major earthquake shook Noto, and many other parts of Sicily, during 1693, and the damage to its architecture was substantial. This led to a rebuild of the city in the Baroque style that today makes the site such a beloved spot.

On a day tour of Noto, you’ll gain extensive knowledge about many of the city’s main attractions, as you stroll its streets alongside a professional guide. From its opulent palaces to its 18th-century cathedral, Noto has something to intrigue every traveler.

Cefalù

Originally known as “Cephaloedium”, Cefalù is one of Sicily’s most visited beach destinations. Located a stone’s throw from Palermo on the north coast of the island, the city attracts over 800,000 visitors per year, all seeking a little rest and relaxation.

Aside from its calm, turquoise waters and silky sands, the destination is home to myriad mediaeval monuments, which you can discover on a day trip to Cefalù. These include its Norman cathedral, which is one of nine landmarks included in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.