Taormina: A Perfect Day Trip from Catania
Getting There
Start your day early to make the most of your time in Taormina. The drive from Catania takes about 50 minutes, and you can easily get there by car, train, or direct bus. We opted for the bus, which tends to be quite crowded during peak season. Unfortunately, we couldn’t board the first bus because of “reserved seats,” which are seats for people who bought tickets online.
While waiting for the next bus, we quickly bought our tickets online—a tip I recommend following. The one-way ticket costs €5.10. There’s also a train to Taormina, but it requires a 25-30-minute walk from the station to the town.
Relaxing at Isola Bella Beach
We arrived at the main bus station and headed straight to the Belvedere di Via Pirandello viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking view of Isola Bella. There’s a bar nearby called “L’Oblò Cafè,” so we took a moment to enjoy a coffee break while taking in the scenery. Isola Bella, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” is a small but stunning island located just off the coast of Taormina.
I felt a bit discouraged when I saw how far the beach was, especially since we were on a hill and it was 30 degrees outside. I had read online about a cable car, but we couldn’t find it at the time, so we decided to walk. It took us about 20 minutes to get there.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk across the narrow strip of sand that connects Isola Bella to the mainland, depending on the tide. There’s a small museum on the island. For lunch, we ate at Bell’Assai, a restaurant at the top of the stairs leading down to the beach. We ordered pizza, but it wasn’t very good, so I’d recommend trying a different restaurant instead.
Strolling Through Taormina
After sunbathing all day, it was finally time to explore Taormina, and guess what? We finally found the cable car on our way to the city! I couldn’t have been happier—especially after mentally preparing myself all day for the long walk to the city center. The ticket costs €6 one way, and the panoramic view from the gondola is absolutely stunning. It drops you off close to the old city center, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Taormina.
Before my visit, I did some research on things to see in Taormina, but once I arrived, I realized it’s best to just soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the Italian vibes without too many plans. The town is famous for its charming alleys, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere.
One spot you shouldn’t miss is Bam Bar, a famous bar in Sicily known for its granita served with brioche.
My advice: make sure to include this town in your Sicily itinerary—it will leave you speechless, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as I did.
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