Taormina was my first taste of Sicily, and what a dangerously charming introduction it was.
Perched above the Ionian Sea, with Mount Etna in the distance, Taormina is one of those places that feels almost too cinematic to be real. There are winding lanes, dramatic sea views, pistachio everything, aperitivo moments that feel stolen from a movie, and enough stairs to remind you that “vacation walking” is still cardio.
I spent five days in Taormina, staying at the Grand Hotel San Pietro, exploring the historic center, visiting the Ancient Theatre, walking down to Isola Bella, eating my body weight in pizza, pasta, granita and cannoli, and taking a food and wine tour through town. I also took a lovely day trip to visit the historic town of Castiglione di Sicilia, plus several Mt. Etna wineries, which was a fabulous way to spend the day.
Here’s what I loved, what I would do differently, and what I’d recommend if you’re planning a trip to Taormina.
