Free Walking Tours in Taormina

The Sicilian town of Taormina is busting with ancient monuments and landmarks, making it the perfect place to participate in a spot of sightseeing. From its opulent palaces to its Greek theater and bustling boutiques, there’s something to interest everyone in this enchanting cliff-top destination.

Free walking tours in Taormina enable you to connect with an enthusiastic guide and explore the city in greater detail than you would alone. Best of all, their affordability means these excursions are accessible to all travelers!

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing activities in Taormina.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Taormina are a fun way to immerse yourself in the town's life, learning insider secrets from your expert local guide. You will visit the famous landmarks and discover some history along the way.

There are no defined prices for free walking tours in Taormina. Instead, after the walk, you just give your guide a tip, which can be as much as you like. Take some cash with you on the day and pay what you think is deserved.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Taormina?

Free Taormina walking tour

Starting along Taormina’s main strip — Corso Umberto — you’ll visit Porto Catania, which once protected the city from invaders. From here, you’ll move on to admire the town’s medieval cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas de Bari, as well as the Palazzo del Municipio.

Continuing on, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views out to sea from the clifftop Piazza IX Aprile before checking the time at Taormina’s 12th-century clock tower. Discover the elaborate architecture of the Church of San Giuseppe and the Roman ruins of Naumachie, which were only rediscovered in the 20th century. Wander through the pristine Communal Gardens to reach Palazzo Corvaja, owned by one of the town’s most noble families for over 400 years.

No free walking tour in Taormina would be complete without a trip to the Odeon, which was built in the 1st century B.C. and was reserved for entertaining the aristocracy. Check out the ornate statues that decorate the Church of Saint Catarina before ending your excursion at Porta Messina.

Free walking tour of Taormina highlights

Alongside your Sicily-obsessed guide, you’ll amble slowly through the town of Taormina, starting at Porto Catarina. You’ll learn the history behind this 15th-century gate as you gaze upon the town through its lofty arch, before making your way through the ancient streets.

You’ll gain a unique perspective of the landscape that surrounds Taormina from its vantage point on top of a cliff, across from the towering Mount Etna. During this guided walk, you’ll also visit the most famed attraction in the city — the Greek theater — which was built in the 3rd century B.C. and once accommodated 15,000 spectators.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Taormina are typically offered in English, as well as German. However, some also operate in several other languages, including Spanish, French, Russian and Greek.

Where does it start?

Free tours in Taormina usually begin along Corso Umberto, around the area of Porto Catania. You can expect your guide to be holding a sign or another distinguishable item for you to recognize them.

How long does last?

Free walking tours in Taormina last between 1 and 2 hours, making them an easy activity to slot into your itinerary.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Taormina?

The best time for a free walking tour in Taormina is during the cooler parts of the day - early morning or late afternoon. This allows you to comfortably explore the Sicilian town while avoiding the midday heat. Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) are particularly pleasant seasons, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.

Should you book tickets online?

In order to secure your preferred time slot, you should consider booking ahead for your free tour in Taormina, You can do so online and the process is seamless. It takes just 2 minutes and you’re not required to enter your credit card details.