If you dream of colorful streets, ancient ruins, panoramic sea views, and that never-ending vacation feeling, you must plan a trip from Catania to Taormina by bus or train. Let me tell you all about it.
I visited Taormina during a Mediterranean cruise. Although the ship docked in Catania, another fabulous Sicilian city, I knew I couldn’t miss Taormina.
I’m glad I managed to come up with a quick plan and made it to Taormina. In short, I took the bus there and came back by train.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know for a one-day trip to Taormina from Catania, including the best places to visit, useful tips, and why it’s totally worth it.
Here are some interesting facts about Taormina:
The Greeks built Taormina in the 4th century BC, and it later became a successful Roman city. The Ancient Theatre, or Teatro Antico di Taormina, is one of its most famous spots. It was built in the 3rd century BC and is still used for music and plays today.
Over the years, Taormina has attracted many artists, writers, and well-known figures. In the 18th century, the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited and talked about its beauty.
It also became a popular getaway for stars like Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and even today’s celebrities seeking some peace and quiet.
The town is located between Mount Etna and the sea, making a stunning and beautiful view that is distinctly Sicilian.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Taormina became a popular place for wealthy people, artists, and writers looking for inspiration and a break.
Because of its pleasant climate, Taormina is a great place to visit all year, but it is especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
Taormina became more famous around the world when HBO filmed Season 2 of The White Lotus here, highlighting its beauty.
Where to stay in Taormina:
When you arrive in a town as beautiful as Taormina, the chances of falling in love at first sight are very high.
You might find yourself thinking about extending your stay or planning to spend more days here next time, but first, you should know what accommodation options are available.
From guesthouses and central apartments to luxury resorts with private beaches and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, Taormina truly has something for everyone.
No matter where you choose to stay, I still recommend the central area, somewhere higher up if possible, so you can avoid climbing those hundreds of stairs and steep roads every day.
These are my top accommodation recommendations if you’re spending more than a day in Taormina:
- low-budget: Villa Sara – private parking, terrace, great breakfast
- mid-range: La Matrangela Charme Apartments. – apartments, beachfront, balcony, sea view
- luxury: Palazzo Vecchio Taormina. – amazing decor, spa, restaurant, private beach
If you prefer to spend more time at the beach and think that accommodation here would suit you better, look for hotels in Mazarrò. These are some really nice beach hotels in Taormina:
- Hotel Villa Taormina – swimming pool, bar, terrace, exceptional breakfast
- Mazzarò Sea Palace – outdoor pool, private parking, spa, exceptional breakfast, bar, private beach
- Grand Hotel San Pietro Taormina – pool, amazing views, spa, 3 restaurants, bar, delicious breakfast
- Villa Sant’Andrea – pool, spa, private beach, delicious breakfast
How to get from Catania to Taormina
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By car:
The closest airport to Taormina is in Catania, about an hour away. So, if you want to rent a car or take a taxi from there, that’s also an option, though you’ll definitely end up paying more.
There are a few parking lots where you can leave your car (Lumbi Parking, Porta Catania Parking, Porta Pasquale Parking), but they all cost quite a bit, and the truth is, you don’t really need a car in Taormina.
Therefore, if you’re not on a road trip through Sicily, I suggest you consider the following two options.
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Catania to Taormina by bus:
This is the option I chose to travel from Catania to Taormina, and it was an excellent choice: fast, comfortable, and easy. I traveled with Interbus, but there is also the company Etna Trasporti that operates these routes.
A ticket costs around 8 euros, and the journey takes a maximum of one and a half hours.
There are two departure points: either from Catania Fontanarossa Airport or near the train station, on Via D’Amico street. As I said, tickets cost around 8 euros, but I recommend checking online.
The stop should be Taormina Via Luigi Pirandello or the Interbus Terminal in Taormina (the latter is closer to the center, so you won’t have to climb as much).
Catania to Taormina by train:
The second option, and in my opinion, the most convenient way to travel between Taormina and Catania, is by train. It covers the distance between the two cities in about an hour and costs around 6 euros one way.
Trains run frequently; you can buy tickets online through the Omio website or directly from Trenitalia. Trains in Italy are very modern, have air conditioning, and offer incredible views.
Why do I say it’s better to travel from Taormina to Catania rather than vice versa? Because the train station in Taormina is located a bit outside the town, you have two options: either by taxi or on foot via the path marked on Google Maps as “Trail to train station.”
This trail is not very well developed. Expect a narrow, partially paved path descending from Via Roma. It is fairly steep and tiring, but it offers beautiful panoramic views. Think of it as a reward for the effort of climbing up or down, depending on your direction.
The Taormina train station reminds me of the royal train station in Sinaia, Romania.
One day trip to Taormina from Catania by train or bus
Take a stroll along Corso Umberto, the main street in Taormina
If you only have a short time to see Taormina, take a walk along Corso Umberto, which is the town’s busy main street.
This busy street runs between the two historic gates, Porta Catania and Messina. It takes you on a trip where the present and the past come together beautifully.
You’ll see original Sicilian shops, old churches with lots of history, narrow streets that look like they were painted by hand, cozy restaurants that smell like the Mediterranean, and cute cafés where you can take a break and relax.
Architecture here is amazing, and the street has a unique charm thanks to the lively mix of locals and tourists. On Corso Umberto, it can get very crowded, but it’s the energy and range of people that make Taormina so magical.
Admire Piazza IX Aprile | One day trip to Taormina from Catania
Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina is the kind of place you go to “just take a quick look” and end up staying for hours with a big smile and a phone full of pictures. It’s the heart of the town and probably the most photogenic square on the coast.
In the distance, Mount Etna and the sea look so beautiful from the square. It’s like walking into a real picture on a clear day.
With its baroque front, the stunning Church of San Giuseppe is among the best things to see here. The piazza was named after April 9, 1860, when many people thought Garibaldi started the process of unifying Italy.
It turned out to be a false alarm. The name stuck, though, and to be honest, it makes the past more interesting.
While dreamy tourists and locals sip their coffee slowly, the vibe is cool and lively. Street artists add a special charm, turning the whole place into a little open-air show.
Beautiful Sicilian houses can be seen all around, and the trees in bloom make the whole scene even more magical. You can get dessert, watch people, or just take in the natural beauty of Sicily.
Visit the Villa Comunale park and enjoy the views
If you’re coming from Catania to Taormina by train, do yourself a favor and head straight to Villa Comunale Park once you’re in town. It’s hands down one of the most peaceful and scenic spots in Taormina, and that’s saying a lot.
Built in the late 19th century by a Scottish noblewoman (because why not), this garden is a bit of a green paradise where exotic plants, whimsical towers, and panoramic terraces come together in the best way possible.
You can stroll under the shade of palm trees, watch locals walk their dogs, or sit on a bench and stare at the insanely beautiful coastline.
There’s a reason everyone stops here: the views over the sea and Mount Etna are simply breathtaking. It’s calm and breezy and has that sweet mix of elegance and laid-back Sicilian charm.
Bring a snack, a book, or just your camera; you’ll want all three.
From one of the terraces, you can actually spot the Taormina-Giardini train station below. It’s a cool moment to see where your journey from Catania to Taormina by train ended, now with epic views and garden vibes.
Discover the story of Palazzo Corvaja | One day trip to Taormina from Catania
Palazzo Corvaja is one of those places that steals the show. It is right in the middle of Taormina. When you walk into that little square and see the tower from the Middle Ages and the beautiful stone walls, you know there’s a lot of history.
The building is from the 10th century and has elements of Arab, Norman, and Gothic styles. It’s a real mix of styles that works really well.
Over the years, Palazzo Corvaja has been many things. It used to be a home for a noble family, then it became a place where the Sicilian Parliament met (yes, that’s important stuff), and now it’s home to the Tourist Office and a small museum.
You can stop here quickly if you’re walking around Taormina and want a break from gelato and views of the whole city.
Take a moment to enjoy the calm atmosphere, the front of the building, and the lovely windows. It’s like going back in time.
Don’t miss the Ancient Theatre, a place full of history
It’s one of those places that gives you chills the minute you enter the Teatro Antico di Taormina. This ancient Greek-Roman theater is one of the most recognizable locations in Sicily, perched high on a hill with Mount Etna idly relaxing in the background.
It was built in the third century BC, and despite everything it has endured, it is still standing strong, which is truly amazing.
It used to host everything from Roman gladiator bouts to Greek tragedies and still hosts concerts and outdoor events today. Can you picture the sky turning pink and Etna puffing a little smoke in the background as you watch an opera? It’s pure magic.
Even if you have no interest in history, the views are worth the price of the ticket. You get a panoramic view of Taormina’s rooftops, the sea, and the volcano. Unquestionably worth seeing.
Take the cable car down to Isola Bella
Isola Bella was gifted to the town in the 1800s by King Ferdinand I of Bourbon and later bought by Florence Trevelyan, a wealthy Englishwoman and passionate botanist.
She transformed it into a private garden filled with exotic plants and charming stone paths. Today, Isola Bella is a protected nature reserve known for its natural beauty.
Going down to Isola Bella on the cable car is one of the best things to do in Taormina, unless the cable car is closed.
This easy, beautiful ride offers incredible cliffs and the Ionian Sea views. Thanks to the cable car, getting from the top of Taormina to the beach below is quick and fun.
The famous small island called Isola Bella is only connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. From the beach near Mazzarò, you can walk down to it. The island is a protected nature reserve because of its lush plants and clear water views.
One last look at the view from Belvedere di Via Pirandello | From Catania to Taormina by train
After one last look from Belvedere di Via Pirandello, you’ll know why it’s so worth it to take a day trip from Catania to Taormina. From this scenic lookout, you can see the Ionian Sea, the cliffs, and Isola Bella, which is tucked away below.
There’s a quiet spot there where you can stop, breathe in the island air, and enjoy this coastal town’s magic one more time before you go back.
It doesn’t matter if you like taking pictures or just taking in views that look like they belong in a painting. Before you leave Taormina, make sure you stop here.
Things to know before going to Taormina
Where to eat in Taormina
When you go to Taormina, you can eat classic Sicilian food like swordfish, arancini, cannoli, and pasta alla norma. If you want something cool, try granita with bread. There are many trattorias, seafood places, and small bakeries in the town.
These are some of the best places to eat in Taormina:
- Armònia Restaurant – best views, delicious seafood and tasty desserts
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La Romana – great pizza
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Vineria Modì – nice location, tasty dishes
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Ristorante Pirandello 2.0 – you must try their pasta
- Pasticceria Gelateria D’Amore – delicious cakes
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Gourmet 32 – lovely terrace and great service
- Restaurant Oliviero – amazing view to Isola Bella
When is the best time to visit Taormina?
Ideally, you should visit Taormina in spring or autumn, not only because the temperatures are very pleasant, but also because it’s not as crowded as in the middle of summer.
It’s a great time both for those who want to relax on the beach and for long walks along the coast.
July and August are best avoided if you don’t want to sweat every ten steps or walk through the streets in single file. Winter can also be a decent option if you’re not looking to wear t-shirts and summer dresses or enjoy the lush, green scenery.
How much does a trip to Taormina cost?
If you’re visiting Taormina just for a day trip from Catania, it won’t cost much, as transportation is quite affordable and you’ll mainly spend money on food and maybe a few souvenirs.
However, accommodation will be the biggest expense if you plan to stay several days in Taormina. A night in Taormina usually starts at around €100 and can go much higher, depending on your preferences.
So, let’s say you choose a 3-star hotel at €100 per night, add around €10 per day for local transport and €50 for meals, that’s approximately €160 per person per day.
What is the average cost of visiting Taormina?
As I already mentioned, just visiting Taormina on a day trip by train or bus shouldn’t cost more than €100.
If you don’t want any hassle, you can choose a tour from GetYourGuide, which includes transportation and a guide to accompany you and share interesting facts about the town, making your day trip to Taormina much more efficient.
Is Taormina worth visiting?
Taormina is definitely worth visiting because it offers a complete and rich experience: from delicious food to breathtaking views and Sicilian architecture, with Mount Etna in the background.
What other famous movies have been filmed in Taormina?
Taormina has served as a stunning backdrop for several famous movies, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and historic charm.
One of the most recent and notable is The White Lotus Season 2. If you watch this season, you’ll definitely want to see the beauty of Taormina for yourself, because the scenes filmed here are truly stunning.
However, there are many more famous movies and TV series that were filmed in Taormina: Malena, The Godfather, The Big Blue, L’Avventura, and more.
