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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.

From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Day Tour

2. 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. 

From Taormina: Sunset Experience on Mount Etna Upper Craters

3. From Taormina: Sunset Experience on Mount Etna Upper Craters

Begin your journey by boarding a bus with your knowledgeable tour leader. This will take you approximately 1,900 meters (about 6,233 feet) up Mount Etna, where you will then switch to jeeps in order to get within a safe distance of the main crater area at 3,000 meters (about 9,840 feet) elevation.  During your ascent, you’ll be escorted by licensed guides of the CAI - Italian Alpine Club. Mount Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, and the tallest active volcano in Europe, standing at 3,350 meters (about 10,990 feet).  It’s also one of the most active volcanoes in the world and in an almost constant state of activity since its first eruption about half a million years ago. After reaching the highest authorized area, stop to experience a stunning sunset as the fading sun’s colors cover the volcano, the Valley of the Bove, and all of the expansive surroundings.  Following the sunset, return by jeep to 1,900 meters, at which point it will be time for dinner (cost not included) in a local restaurant to finish off the evening.

From Taormina: Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise Aeolian Tour

4. From Taormina: Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise Aeolian Tour

Discover the islands of Lipari and Vulcano in a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea on this day trip from Taormina. Ride in a climate-controlled bus to Milazzo and take a private boat to the island of Lipari and Vulcano.  Depart from Taormina aboard a comfortable bus to Milazzo harbor on the North coast of Sicily. Hop aboard a spacious boat and feel the sea breeze as you travel to Lipari, the most populated and most historically significant of the Aeolian Islands. Spend some free time exploring the Old Town which has vibrantly colored buildings, a stunning cathedral, and old fortification walls. Stroll through the narrow streets to uncover shops and cafes, and take in views of the turquoise sea. Head to the island of Vulcano, which gives its name to all volcanoes. Take free time to enjoy its black beach or go for lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back to Milazzo, the tour follows the coastline to see the breathtaking Faraglioni Rock formation, the Horse Cave, and the Mermaid's Rock. Transfer back to the meeting point in Taormina by bus at the end of your tour. 

Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

5. 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.

Taormina: Kayak Coastal Tour to Isola Bella and Blue Grotto

6. Taormina: Kayak Coastal Tour to Isola Bella and Blue Grotto

Then don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this original excursion aboard a Kayak and discover the Marine Park of Taormina's Isola Bella. You will be provided with the necessary equipment to carry out the excursion and throughout the trip you will be accompanied by one of our qualified instructors. Starting from the beach of Giardini naxos, you will kick off your tour of about 2 hours; you will reach Isola Bella, the beautiful Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati and the Fico rock. On hot days, you may be lucky enough to even spot dolphins swimming just a few meters away from you.

From Taormina: Mount Etna Food and Wine Tasting Tour

7. From Taormina: Mount Etna Food and Wine Tasting Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation and journey with an authorized local guide through the typical villages of Sicily's west coast. Pass houses made from lava stone and marvel at groves of orange, olive and almond trees. Listen to tales of local traditions and learn about the food and wines produced in the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. Stop at a family-run winery and get a glass of rosé Prosecco as a welcome.  Visit the cellars before a wine tasting with cold appetizers in a lava stone open-air amphitheater. Sample a glass of white and red wine with locally produced cheeses, salamis, artichokes and more. Continue to a farmhouse to savor more food and wine on an open-air terrace overlooking the vineyards. Try various dishes, including ricotta cheese with marmalade and 2 different pastas made with seasonal ingredients, such as black pork sauce.  Lastly, taste a homemade Limoncello and be dropped off at your accommodation.

From Taormina: The Godfather Movie Tour of Sicily Villages

8. From Taormina: The Godfather Movie Tour of Sicily Villages

Depart from Taormina to visit the Sicilian hill towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò. Explore the sets of the popular movie The Godfather. See the famous Bar Vitelli and wedding venue, among other places you’ll recognize from the films. Hear stories about the movies and Sicily from a local guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Take a pleasant stroll in the villages. Easily find filming locations of the movie. Visit the Trimarchi building, the venue for the famous Bar Vitelli. Then, see the location of the wedding shoot, the Church of Santa Lucia. Learn about tales behind the great film, and the equally captivating history of the island that inspired this masterpiece by Francis Ford Coppola. Many scenes of village life were filmed on the cobblestone streets and traditional houses of Forzà d'Agrò. Explore SS. Annunziata Square, Church of SS. Annunziata, and the birthplace of Vito Corleone. Admire the charm of the Sicilian countryside in this amazing place, nestled between the provinces of Messina and Catania.

Sicily: Godfather Private Tour with Optional Food and Wine

9. 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.

Mt. Etna: Private Tour in 4x4 from Taormina

10. Mt. Etna: Private Tour in 4x4 from Taormina

Break away from classic tourist itineraries to discover unique landscapes of Etna on this guided tour from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned, 4WD vehicle. Have your experience enriched by stories and fun facts from your guide.  Begin your private adventure with hotel pick up from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Relax on the drive over regular and unpaved roads as you ascend the extinct craters that sit at an altitude of 2,000 meters.  Walk through lunar landscapes on Europe's highest active volcano at a UNESCO-listed site and view ancient lava flow. Admire the Etna forest, the Valley of Bove, and extinct craters. Put on your helmet and headlamp and make your way through a long, underground tunnel, formed by lava flow. Ascend the summit area at 3,0000 meters where you can purchase a cable car ticket on the spot. Be dropped off at your hotel at the end of your tour. 

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Mount Etna

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What people are saying about Taormina

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,222 reviews

If you want to enjoy Mount Etna and avoid tourist groups then you must book the Private Tour! Giovanni was an amazing guide who was so passionate. We arrived at Mount Etna before the buses and he took us through less traditional paths to walk us through the various craters and talk about the history of the eruptions. Perfect if you want explanations and a bit of adventure. The drive to the winery was a lot of fun full of stories, the food and wine there was excellent and my partner and I didn't feel one second this was a tourist trap. We finished at Taormina which was a lovely city full of lovely spots for pictures, maybe a bit touristic but we were lucky to visit off season to appreciate it.

It was a great trip with 5 other travelers and our guide Floriana who was friendly, helpful and full of joy. We had a short walk to the refugio and the Silvestri craters followed by simple lunch with schiacciata and wine. Then we had off to Taormina where we had 2 hours to wonder around.

Alessio was funny and really flexible in what we wanted to do and where to pick us up/drop us off. Really great guy! We went to some really cool sites along etna and taormina that were really stunning. The trip was informative and fun! It definitely was the highlight of our italy trip.

I recommend to everyone. Alessio tells interesting stories and it's hard to get bored with him. He picked us up from where we stayed and drove us back to the place after the tour. It's worth it.

Great guides; great groups - fun comradery with so much to see! What are you waiting for?