Things to Do
Taormina, Sicily is a sight to be seen and an activity to enjoy all on its own. Please allocate time to wander the town square and explore every fantastical alleyway at your leisure. The topography of Taormina is unique, with the area and the neighboring towns resting on cascading mountain features - the beaches below, and Castelmola above. There are numerous ways to traverse the landscape, from cable cars that provide access to the beach, and scenic hikes that climb the mountain. Familiarizing yourself with the lay of the land beforehand is encouraged; Olivia and I can be a resource and there are numerous, very informative youtube videos that enable efficient exploring of the mediterranean getaway. This site rounds up 11 places to see within the city limits, many of which are free and walkable - https://lindaontherun.com/things-to-do-in-taormina/
Castelmola
Taormina will be a tourist hub during your stay. While this doesn’t mitigate the allure of the area, it may be nice to visit the lesser known village of Castelmola further inland and up the mountains. Dubbed one of the most beautiful Sicilian villages, Castelmola is built upon a natural terrace around the ruins of a Norman castle, with views of the Ionian coast that rival those of Taromina. It is accessible by car or via The Sentiero dei Saraceni, an old mule path/hike connecting Taormina and Castelmola. it is said to have been used by the Saracens who besieged Taormina a thousand years ago - Scenic views and historical richness abound.
The Coastline
It goes without saying that the beaches are a main attraction for visiting Taormina. Isola Bella, the beach directly below Taormina and viewable for those staying at Villa Eleonora, is consistently held as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. While we encourage everyone to visit, it will be extremely busy, so go early to avoid crowds and ensure a spot, taking into account the cable car or long walk necessary to access the coastline from the city. In addition, beaches in Italy are typically accessible via beach clubs which operate certain sections of beaches complete with bars and restaurants. Bring Water shoes, many beaches are not sandy beaches, but pebble beaches. Following is a list of adjacent beaches in the area that may be quieter and that we would recommend: Spiaggia Mazzaro located directly north of Isola, Bella, the beach waterfront of Giardini Naxos to the south, the public beach of Letojanni located further north (the widest and seemingly most sandy, accessible by a train one stop from Taormina).
Mount Etna
Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, and the highest peak in Italy outside the Alps. It will be viewable from most points during your stay, most notably from the wedding villa. Visiting Etna could include hiking, scenic drives, ATV tours across the volcanic landscape higher up, and much more. This would include an hour or so drive there, and possible organization through adventure companies located in the area for certain activities. Simply gazing at it from a distance could do the trick though.
Other
We feel that renting a small boat for a morning or afternoon may be the hidden gem of activities to unlock the beauty of the coast. I’ve found motorboats fitted for 6 people for a day price of around $280. Escaping the crowded beaches to explore the entirety of the bay at our Leisure, while enjoying the same crystal clear waters, grottos, and mountain views seems like a win/win. There are pricier options that included chartered yachts with dinner and drinks for those looking for a romantic splurge.
The Godfather Film Locations tour seems incredibly touristy - but honestly loaded with fun. Being driven through lesser known mountainside villages scattered with quaint viewpoints and tidbits of cinematic lore seems like a great way to see the outer rim of Taormina in a half-day.
Along similar lines, Hop-on Hop-off Bus tours would be a great hungover morning activity to stay off your feet but take in Taormina.
The Odeon is the lesser-known performance space in Taormina, behind the infamous Greek theater, hosting a variety of concerts and theatrical performances throughout the year.
Bam Bar would be considered the most notable restaurant/cafe/bar in Taormina, serving up its infamous granitas all summer - a must have during your stay. There will be a line.
Specific points of interest that we are personally excited for are the Ancient Greek Theater, the Villa Comunale di Taormina, and The Chiesa Madonna della Rocca.
