Taormina: A Perfect Day Trip from Catania, Taormina, Italy

If you ask me what I liked most about Sicily, it’s definitely Taormina. Located on the eastern coast, Taormina is a beautiful town that draws visitors with its amazing views, ancient ruins, and charming Mediterranean vibe. If you’re staying in Catania and have a free day, a trip to Taormina is a great way to enjoy the beauty and history of this famous Sicilian town. Here’s a simple guide to making the most of your day trip, including a visit to the lovely Isola Bella beach.

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.

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. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).