Taormina
Shore excursion from port of Messina, Catania or Giardini Naxos, Italy
- Duration 5h
- Activity level low
What you'll do
Taormina is a small town located approximately one hour from Catania and Messina, and is considered one of Sicily’s gems.
Fall in love with the magic of the Mediterranean in Taormina with this shore excursion from the port of Messina or Catania. Upon your cruise’s arrival, our guide holding a Shore2Shore sign will be waiting to start the tour of one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily. Perched on a cliff 200 meters high, on Mount Taurus, Taormina offers a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea and the Etna volcano that you won’t want to miss.
Taormina retains its typically medieval character, even though it has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the Mediterranean. It was once a retreat and resting place for many important 20th-century writers and artists, such as Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and the famous actors Rita Hayworth and Gary Grant, among others.
Upon arrival in Taormina, we will park the bus and begin our walking tour. We will stroll through the town’s narrow streets until we reach Vittorio Emanuele Square to admire the façade of the Corvaja Palace, a Gothic-style building dating back to the 15th century. However, the most famous monument in Taormina remains the Greek-Roman Theatre, which will be the next stop on our walk (entrance fee payable on site). This theatre, originally Hellenistic in style and later rebuilt under Roman rule, dates back to the 3rd century BC.
Its size, extraordinary acoustics, and impressive location are striking. Remarkably well preserved, it can accommodate over 5,000 people, making it the second-largest theatre in Sicily after the theatre of Syracuse, and it is the ideal setting for theatrical performances and concerts. From the highest area, you can admire views of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.
After visiting the Greek Theatre, you will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Taormina at your own pace. We recommend a stroll through the wide pedestrian area, full of medieval alleys and lovely balconies adorned with flowers, where you can find local craft shops, clothing stores, and antique shops. You can also choose to head towards the Piazza del Duomo.
Without a doubt, Taormina has much to offer, and you will surely love it.
Details
GENERAL INFORMATION
- DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE UP TO 5 HOURS
- INCLUDES ASSISTANCE AT THE PORT AND ON THE BUS, TRANSPORTATION, AND GUIDE.
MANDATORY SUPPLEMENT TO BE PAID WITH THE RESERVATION
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Mandatory headphones: €3.00 Adults and children over 12 years old.
SUPPLEMENT TO BE PAID ON SITE
- Greek Theatre Entrance: Adults: €14.00 / 0 to 17.99 years: free
- Young people between 18 and 25 years old: €7.00
- It is essential to present a valid identity document or similar at the entrance.
- ** In case of art exhibitions and/or events, the entrance price may increase without prior notice**
REMARKS
- Easy Level/Panoramic/Cultural
- It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear.
- People with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by another person who can assist them. Please use foldable wheelchairs, as buses do not have lifts or ramps. Shore2Shore is not responsible if the client does not inform about their situation at the time of booking.


