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Things to do in Taormina

From ancient treasures to Sicilian culture and an active volcano, this town has something for everyone.

Our most recommended things to do in Taormina

From Taormina: Godfather and Mafia Tour with Sicilian Lunch

1. From Taormina: Godfather and Mafia Tour with Sicilian Lunch

Compare the plot of The Godfather saga with the history of real-life Sicilian Mafia during this guided day trip from Taormina to the villages of Savoca and Forza D'Agro. Travel in comfort on a minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off. Enjoy an authentic Sicilian lunch with a glass of wine. Begin the tour with a drive to Savoca and take a guided walk through the old town. Visit locations where The Godfather movie was filmed. See the Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone met the father of his future wife Apollonia, and St. Lucy’s Church, where they were married. Learn about the history of the Sicilian Mafia and how it spread throughout Italy. Hear about the Mafia clan wars for control of the territory. Then, head to your second stop, Forza D'Agro, another small village where the movie was filmed. After a walking tour, stop for lunch in a charming restaurant. Enjoy a plate of fresh pasta with wine from the Etna region on a terrace overlooking the Sicilian coast.

Taormina or Giardini Naxos: Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna

2. Taormina or Giardini Naxos: Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna

Enjoy the experience of riding on an ATV through the unique volcanic landscapes of Etna on this guided tour from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Pass by some of the most stunning spots in the region like the Moio Alcantara crater and the alpine Piano Provenzana.   Meet your guide and get set up with your well-maintained ATV gear. Set off from the Alcantara Gorges, following dirt tracks in the direction of Castiglione di Sicilia, famous for its winemaking. Stop to admire the breathtaking views of the valley. Continue along the a bike trail to Linguaglossa, where you can see the little volcano of Moio Alcantara which is Etna's farthest crater from the epicenter. Pass by lava flows formed during numerous eruptions.  Climb to Piano Provenzana at an altitude of 1,850 meters for stunning views of the island. Return to your meeting point at the end of your ATV tour. 

From Taormina: Etna Upper Craters Day Tour

3. From Taormina: Etna Upper Craters Day Tour

Explore the highest, active volcano in Europe on this day tour from Taormina. Travel by cable car and jeep to the top of Mount Etna with a local guide. After being picked up, relax as you are driven to visit the highest volcano in Europe with its smoking peak seen throughout Sicily. Drive to the Mount Etna Refuge with the opportunity for refreshments as you ready yourself for further ascent.  Climb higher by cable car up to 2,500 meters. Continue by jeeps up to the authorized upper crater zones with the assistance of licensed guides of the Italian Alpine Club. See the 4 distinct craters at the summit area and more than 300 vents on the flanks, ranging in size from small holes to large craters. Stop to admire the eventual activity of the summit craters in a safety zone according to weather conditions.

Catania, Taormina, Messina: 3 Etna Wineries Tour & Tasting

4. Catania, Taormina, Messina: 3 Etna Wineries Tour & Tasting

Your personal guide will pick you up from your hotel/ port and you will start your wonderful tour around the top Etna wineries. Driving by comfortable, air-conditioned car or minivan through the small authentic mountain villages, you will admire unforgettable picturesque views of the Sicilian countryside full of oranges and lemon plantations, olives and almond trees, houses and churches built of lava stone. The Mount Etna eruptions feed the soil, and that is why this region is considered to be one of the best in the world for growing grapes and wine production. You will visit the three best wineries at the Etna slopes. Wines from these wineries are on the top lists of premium international wine associations.  The first venue will be a family-run winery, world-famous for its outstanding wines. Here, you will be welcomed by the owner with a glass of an awesome white wine aperitif. Sipping refreshing wine, you will have a guided tour around the estate, after which you will visit the cellars where the owner or your private sommelier will explain to you the wine production process. Finally, you will sit at a wonderful terrace with a breathtaking view of mountains and Ionian coastline, and with your personal sommelier, start your food and wine tasting. You will taste 4 excellent white, red and rose Etna D.O.C. wines with locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, sausages, couscous, vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, domestic olive oil and fresh homemade bread. Enjoy the panoramic view and the unique atmosphere of the Sicilian countryside. You will be driven to the second venue – another outstanding Etna winery, where the owner will give you a tour around the estate. With a professional sommelier, you will taste 4 brilliant red, rose and white wines of the region.  You will continue the tour driving to the next venue, an ancient family run winery with authentic charm. After your guided visit to the cellars, you will taste 3 premium red and white wines accompanied by fresh domestic appetizers: locally produced cheeses, meat delicacies, olives, olive oil and fresh bread.  After the tour, your personal guide will bring you back to your accommodation.

From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Day Tour

5. From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Day Tour

Take a tour of Stromboli and Panarea, both belonging to the Aeolian Archipelago. Enjoy this unique chance to see volcanic eruptions and learn the history of these ancient islands. On a private motorboat equipped with toilets and bar, arrive at Panarea onto Calajunco Bay and the small Zimmari Beach. Take in the quiet beauty of these stunning beaches as you explore the second smallest of the islands. Meander along its winding streets and gravel beaches, taking in the perfect Sicilian backdrop.  Sail around the rocks in front of Panarea and then proceed to Stromboli, home to one of Italy’s 3 active volcanoes. Constantly active, you will be able to see the eruptions from the sea and the many viewing points on the island. This spectacular phenomenon has given the island the nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. After looking over the small village of Ginostra from the sea, you have the chance to explore the historical center of San Vincenzo until sunset. Back on board guests sail out to sea to watch the dramatic eruptions of the Sciara del Fuoco, fire slide, against the night’s sky. 

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

6. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

From Taormina: Mount Etna upper craters and Alcantara Gorges

7. From Taormina: Mount Etna upper craters and Alcantara Gorges

Enjoy a full-day tour of the highest volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Tour guests meet at the bus terminal in Taormina, Via Pirandello. The tour is led by a knowledgeable tour leader. You can enjoy exclusive information of the history of Mount Etna and the surrounding areas. An air-conditioned coach will transport you to the Alcantara Gorges (entry extra). This is an impressive natural sculpture. Thousands of years ago the riverbed was blocked by lava flow from Mount Etna, and as the lava cooled more quickly than the water it crystallized. Tall columns of lava have since stood here and as the river eroded through the lava it has created a series of impressive gorges. Don’t forget your camera. The trip continues on board the Circumetnea, a traditional train that winds around the foot of the volcano reaching up to Adrano in the south. Then. by coach, reach Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of 1.900 meters on the southern side. Then, ascend via cable car and jeep to the authorized crater zones, assisted by licensed guides of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club). Stop to admire the eventual activity of the summit craters in the area of security. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to Taormina where the tour ends.

Sicily: Godfather Private Tour with Optional Food and Wine

8. Sicily: Godfather Private Tour with Optional Food and Wine

Enjoy the sights and tastes of Italy à la The Godfather in the company of a knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guide.  Your guide will pick you up at your hotel or port at a time suitable to you before beginning your tour in Savoca, a medieval hilltop town where the fictitious Michael Corleone hid out during the "Going to the Mattresses" scene.  In Savoca, stop at Bar Vitelli, which looks exactly as it did in the movie. At Bar Vitelli, you will be invited to take pictures with an authentic Sicilian shotgun, see pictures from The Godfather movie, enjoy the view from the square where the wedding scene was filmed, and purchase souvenirs.  The highlight, however, will be an optional tasting of Sicilian cannoli and lemon granita. Your next stop will be the church of Santa Lucia, where Michael and Apollonia got married. You will follow in the footsteps of the newlyweds down the hill into the town. Once in the town, visit another ancient church, dating back to the 13th century.  Your guide will tell you about the filming processes involved in shooting The Godfather and some fun trivia about the movie, the director, and the actors. Discover the history of the real Sicilian mafia from your guide. Hear how the mafia rose to power, its structure, and about the "Law of Silence", "Men of Respect" and the "Boss of the Bosses". After all this walking and learning, you will be taken to visit one of the best wine bars in Savoca where you can try excellent Sicilian wines and locally produced, traditional food including cheeses, salami, prosciutto, olives, and homemade bread.  During the tour in Savoca, you will also see the mirror monument dedicated to Coppola, on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Ionian coast, the site of Michael Corleone's wedding scene. Your tour will continue to Forza D'Agro, another stunning hilltop town. Your guide will lead you along abandoned streets towards the historic square where you will visit the churches Santissima Trinita and Santissima Annunziata. In Forza D'Agro, you will see the piazza where young Vita Andolini escaped from Don Ciccio's men and you will walk up to the remains of a 12th-century Norman Castle to admire the panoramic view of the Ionian coastline.

Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

9. Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

Discover the rich underwater world of Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Isola Bella on this guided tour aboard an air-conditioned submarine. Have the chance to spot sea creatures like dolphins, barracudas, octopuses, big groupers, and stingrays. Hop aboard a comfortable, bright-red submarine in Giardini Naxos and plunge down to the seabed. Have the option to go below or head up to the above deck area. Look for moray eels and schools of juvenile barracudas as you cruise through the vast meadow of oceanic posidonia grass in Isola Bella.  Feel the romance as you pass by the Cave of Lovers and experience the Blue Grotto from below. Take a look under the waves at the Bay of Sirens and venture into the protected waters of a nature reserve.   Upon returning to your meeting point, if the weather and sea conditions allow it, there is the possibility of spotting playful dolphins which populated this stretch of sea in eastern Sicily.

From Taormina: Etna Wineries Small Group Tour

10. From Taormina: Etna Wineries Small Group Tour

Visit 2 traditional Italian wineries on this full-day group tour from Taormina. You’ll be picked up at around 9:00 AM from your accommodation in Taormina and head to Castiglione di Sicilia, a picturesque village that dates from the Medieval era. The wine produced in the Etnean region close to Castiglione is considered the finest in the area. You’ll be absolutely charmed by this town’s ancient architecture and quaint streets. Stop at your first winery, where you’ll taste locally-produced Etnean wines and an aperitif based on local products. You can also walk along the vineyards and see first-hand the wine grapes and learn about their production. At the second winery, taste 3 DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) Etnean wines, paired with a complete lunch based on traditional products. Walk around the winery, see the barrels where the wine you’ve just tasted is stored, and learn more about the wine-making process. Finally, you’ll head home to Taormina at around 5:00 PM.

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Mount Etna

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What people are saying about Taormina

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,261 reviews

This was the best decision we made while visiting the Catania area. Maurizio was such a wonderful, sweet and knowledgeable guide - we could not recommend him more! On the way to Mt Etna we stopped in Maurizio’s town where he generously gifted us delicious pastries/desserts as a gift as we were on our honeymoon. We went to Patria, Tornatore and Gambino wineries. We received a tour of the cellar at Patria and enjoyed the stunning views. Tornatore was a quicker stop but very cute and fun! Gambino was a much busier winery with amazing wines and views! We were given local meats, cheeses, olives, bread, etc at each place. We loved this experience and highly recommend!

Enzo was an incredible guide. His vast amount of knowledge was impressive and you can tell he truly has a passion for what he does. The sights to Mt. Etna, the cave, the village with honey, and Taormina included so many experiences that we wouldn’t have navigated on our own. We highly recommended this tour because we were able to see the best of these areas in only a day with a guide who really knows his stuff.

My family and I had the pleasure of learning from Massimo on our recent Christmas visit to the region. He is so charismatic, fun and knowledgeable and our expectations were totally exceeded. We took this class at the start of our trip so we could utilize our newfound skills while doing our Christmas cooking. You won't find a better cooking lesson experience in Sicily :)

It was a lovely experience to learn how to do Pizza! The Chef Mimmo was really helpful and showed us in detail how to do the dough, open it, and actually cook the pizza! We did our own pizza and had it for lunch! Lovely experience for all ages, including our young children (ages 8,5,2)! We simply loved it :)

Most enjoyable, beautiful, interesting day on Mt Etna. Roberto was super knowledgeable. We learned a lot about volcanoes and the area and we would go again!