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Taormina

Italy · Coast · EUR · 37.852100, 15.285500
Family friendly 5.7/10 · Rank 1813 of 2 709
Best season: April-June, September-October

Best for

Taormina is a resort for those who appreciate beauty, history and elegance. It is recommended for romantics, photographers and culture lovers. Suitable for couples and those seeking picturesque views and quality holidays. Least suitable for budget travellers and those seeking vibrant nightlife — prices are above average and the atmosphere is rather calm and aristocratic.

Best season

April-June, September-October

Daily budget
$186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽ · ≈ 166 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 302.00 (≈ 109 264 ₽ · ≈ 1 163 EUR)
Taormina is the jewel of Sicily's eastern coast, where the ancient Greek theatre with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea is one of the most photographed scenes in the world. Narrow streets with boutiques, the gardens of Villa Comunale and Isola Bella beach with its tiny islet create an atmosphere of elegance and romance.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
5.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Taorminians are proud Sicilians, accustomed to high-class tourists. They are friendly but reserved and value their status. There are many tourists in the centre, the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed. Locals are happy to talk about history and traditions.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna
  • Ancient theatre — the pearl of Sicily
  • Elegant and well-groomed atmosphere
  • Crystal clear water
  • Excellent restaurants and cuisine
  • Many shops and boutiques
  • Proximity to Mount Etna and other attractions

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Crowded in high season
  • Pebble beaches (water shoes needed)
  • Limited budget accommodation
  • Difficult parking
  • Theatre overcrowded with tourists
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
24.1°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
26.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
7.9°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
11.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
5.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
pebbles
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
light grey
Water Entry
Type of water entry
rocky
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Isola Bella
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Taormina is a safe resort. The main risks are sea urchins on rocky beaches and jellyfish in summer. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found in rocky areas of the coast. It is recommended to swim in water shoes.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Gorgonian corals (Gorgonacea) — form impressive fields at 40-50 metres depth near Taormina, including sea fans and soft corals
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, caution recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are found off the coast of Taormina during the summer months, especially after storms. Mostly harmless.

Sharks — details

  • Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) — found in the Ionian Sea, large but rarely dangerous to humans
  • Smooth-hound (Mustelus spp.) — common in coastal waters, not dangerous
  • Blue shark (Prionace glauca) — found in open waters, usually not dangerous
Attractions

Ancient Theatre (Teatro Greco)

A majestic Greco-Roman theatre from the 3rd century BC with a view of Mount Etna and the sea. The second largest ancient Greek theatre in Sicily.

Piazza IX Aprile

Taormina's main square with a panoramic view of the coast, a clock tower and the Church of San Giuseppe. The centre of city life.

Isola Bella

A small island connected to the beach with crystal clear water. One of the most photographed places in Sicily.

Corso Umberto I

The main pedestrian street with boutiques, restaurants and architecture from different eras. Ideal for shopping and walking.

Villa Comunale

A public garden with exotic plants, fountains and sea views. A quiet place to relax.

Cathedral (Duomo)

A 13th-century cathedral on Piazza Duomo with a fountain in the shape of a centaur. The main church of the city.

Mazzarò Beach

A popular pebble beach with crystal clear water. Equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.

Best areas

Historic Centre

The heart of Taormina with the theatre, squares and Corso Umberto. Ideal for walking and sightseeing.

Mazzarò Beach Area

A resort area with hotels, beaches and restaurants at the foot of the cliff.

Isola Bella Area

A picturesque area with a small island and crystal clear water. For those seeking beauty and privacy.

Must-try food

Pasta with sardines

A traditional Sicilian dish with sardines, fennel, raisins and pine nuts. A classic of seafood cuisine.

Arancini

Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella or ham. A popular Sicilian street food.

Cannoli

The famous Sicilian dessert — crispy tubes filled with ricotta and pistachios.

Grilled fish

Fresh fish grilled with lemon and olive oil. Served in port restaurants.

Granita with brioche

A refreshing dessert of frozen juice with a soft bun. An ideal breakfast on a hot day.

Etna wine

A red wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna. It has a unique mineral taste.

Where to go next

Giardini Naxos

The first Greek settlement in Sicily with sandy beaches and ruins. 10 minutes away.

Catania

A lively city at the foot of Mount Etna with Baroque architecture and markets. 50 km away.

Mount Etna

The highest active volcano in Europe. Excursions to the craters and hiking trails.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Катании имени Фонтанаросса (CTA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (Schengen)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-June, September-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 49 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽ · ≈ 98 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$170.00
≈ 14 266 ₽ · ≈ 152 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$1 244.00
≈ 104 396 ₽ · ≈ 1 111 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$280.00
≈ 23 498 ₽ · ≈ 250 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 143 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽ · ≈ 5 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 6 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$16.00
≈ 1 343 ₽ · ≈ 14 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 31 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 80 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Taormina: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Taormina: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Taormina: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +5.0°C, during the day — up to +11.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Taormina: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Taormina: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Taormina: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "pebbles" surface, light grey sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Isola Bella. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Taormina: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Taormina: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Taormina is a safe resort. The main risks are sea urchins on rocky beaches and jellyfish in summer. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Taormina: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽ · ≈ 166 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Taormina: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $55.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $110.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $170.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $1 244.00 per night, an apartment — $160.00 per night, a villa — $280.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Taormina: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $20.00, dinner at a restaurant — $50.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Taormina: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $12.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Taormina: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ancient Theatre (Teatro Greco) — A majestic Greco-Roman theatre from the 3rd century BC with a view of Mount Etna and the sea. The second largest ancient Greek theatre in Sicily.; Piazza IX Aprile — Taormina's main square with a panoramic view of the coast, a clock tower and the Church of San Giuseppe. The centre of city life.; Isola Bella — A small island connected to the beach with crystal clear water. One of the most photographed places in Sicily.; Corso Umberto I — The main pedestrian street with boutiques, restaurants and architecture from different eras. Ideal for shopping and walking.; Villa Comunale — A public garden with exotic plants, fountains and sea views. A quiet place to relax.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Taormina: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pasta with sardines — A traditional Sicilian dish with sardines, fennel, raisins and pine nuts. A classic of seafood cuisine.; Arancini — Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella or ham. A popular Sicilian street food.; Cannoli — The famous Sicilian dessert — crispy tubes filled with ricotta and pistachios.; Grilled fish — Fresh fish grilled with lemon and olive oil. Served in port restaurants.; Granita with brioche — A refreshing dessert of frozen juice with a soft bun. An ideal breakfast on a hot day.; Etna wine — A red wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna. It has a unique mineral taste.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Taormina: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic Centre — The heart of Taormina with the theatre, squares and Corso Umberto. Ideal for walking and sightseeing.; Mazzarò Beach Area — A resort area with hotels, beaches and restaurants at the foot of the cliff.; Isola Bella Area — A picturesque area with a small island and crystal clear water. For those seeking beauty and privacy.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Taormina: is a visa required?
Visa: required (Schengen). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Taormina: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Катании имени Фонтанаросса (code CTA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Taormina: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽ · ≈ 166 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Taormina: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Taormina: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Taormina: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Giardini Naxos — The first Greek settlement in Sicily with sandy beaches and ruins. 10 minutes away.; Catania — A lively city at the foot of Mount Etna with Baroque architecture and markets. 50 km away.; Mount Etna — The highest active volcano in Europe. Excursions to the craters and hiking trails.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.7/10
Overall rank: 1813 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1085

Best season

April-June, September-October

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 37.852100, 15.285500