Taormina

Taormina

Italy

Wander through the ancient Greek Theatre perched dramatically above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as your breathtaking backdrop.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language Italian
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Oct
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range $1,749–$16,830 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Its stunning hilltop location offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and access to the charming medieval town of Taormina with its famous Greek Theatre.

Build Your Day in Taormina

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Teatro Antico di Taormina TLDR: You'll learn a lot and see amazing views at the theatre. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 38k
Villa Comunale di Taormina Quirky old structures set among gorgeous trees and shrubs. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bam Bar Fun, but if you don't get there early, be prepared to stand on line!! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Isola Bella Climbing up 200 steps was challenging, but a good cardio at the same time. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Porta Catania So many interesting little and big things to look at ☺️ Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 5k
Osteria da Rita (dal 1991) Food was phenomenal and the vibe and atmosphere were exceptional! Sicilian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Duomo di Taormina Highly recommended for a peaceful and enjoyable experience! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Trattoria Tiramisù Restaurant in Taormina We had pasta ala chef, tonno, beef filet and everything was just perfect. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Al Saraceno The food, the atmosphere, the service were all 10/10! Italian · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Trattoria Da Nino The service, foods, ambiance was incredible with the kindest staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Chiesa della Madonna della Rocca Perfect to do on a cooler day. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Belvedere di Via Pirandello A great place for some photos... Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Liola Osteria and Bar The food was fabulous, and the staff very attentive and welcoming. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Re di Bastoni Pub Excellent drinks, excellent jazz, excellent service. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 1:30 AM
Cable Car - Taormina Mazzarò Cheap, clean, fun. Mountain cable car · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 1 AM
Palazzo Corvaja The place is amazing and so different from the other places Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Piazza IX Aprile There is so much to do here and the food is amazing. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Daiquiri Great place, great ambiance, delicious cocktails and the friendliest service Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Porta Messina They Made the experience luxurieus and very fun! Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Q Lounge Bar Cool atmosphere, very nice staff and delicious cocktails at a cool location. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Castello di Taormina It is trapezoid shaped and had so many different levels to explore. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Vineria Modì Every bite was well thought out and the flavors were impeccable. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Morgana Lounge Bar Very stylish, unique interior, good music and special drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Chapeau! Cocktail Bar Very fun atmosphere, attentive service, delicious drinks and snacks. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Panorama Taormina I’d say it’s accessible for everyone and you can choose your own pace. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Parco Trevelyan Has many areas for great photos and sitting. Garden · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Sky Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Taormina Great views, very strong cocktails, an overall pleasant experience. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Ethica Chef’s Table and Garden Service, food, ambiance, wine list and cocktails were all fantastic. Italian · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Capo Taormina A lot to see and do here. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Casamatta Nice wine selection, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Wine bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Restaurant @ Villa Carlotta Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Historic Center of Taormina As a photographer, I found endless inspiration here. Historical place · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Le Bar Louis Vuitton Beautiful, elegant place, good drinks and bites, and exquisite service. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Sicilian Store We walked past one day from bam bar and saw this cute store. Convenience store · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
San Michele Ristorante Taormina Absolutely best service, very delicious quality food, amazing atmosphere. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Louis Vuitton Taormina Great staff and amazing selection! Leather goods store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck Had an amazing dinner with 5 course tasting menu and wine paring. Fine Dining · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
DIOR Taormina Lots of options, no crazy lines like in Rome. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Settimo Cielo Rooftop A beautiful view accompanied by fantastic cocktails and excellent service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Corso Umberto The shopping street might be crowded certain times a day, but it is amazing. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Hilltop View of Taormina Well worth the trip! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Mara's handmade A small shop with beautiful made in Italy leather goods. Leather goods store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
La Bottega Del Buongustaio Friendly staff, great products Italian grocery store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Blue Sky Bar Great service, perfect cocktails and atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Victorian Follies Great views and the architecture was really cool. Historical landmark · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Made In Sicily Taormina Gorgeous table, absolutely no damage, and it made it from Sicily in 4 days! Handicraft · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Il Sandalo Caprese - Corso Umberto, 173 - Porta Catania All handmade, fair prices and great selection. Clothing store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
DIEFFE Taormina Great selection with a nice cozy feel. Boutique · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Taoramik Art -Souvenir Taormina Souvenir store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Taormina

About Taormina

Taormina stands as one of the Mediterranean's most sought-after cruise ports of call, attracting seven premium cruise lines including Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Holland America Line. With over 113 upcoming cruises calling here, this Sicilian jewel serves as a popular stop on seven-night Mediterranean itineraries that also visit ports like Civitavecchia, Valletta, and the French Riviera. The port enjoys strong seasonal traffic from May through October, with peak activity during the summer months when the Mediterranean comes alive with cruise activity.

Stepping ashore in Taormina rewards you with dramatic clifftop views and a charming town center brimming with character. The iconic ancient Greek theatre perched high above the coastline offers breathtaking vistas of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna beyond, while the elegant piazzas and winding streets invite leisurely exploration. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, scenic beauty, or simply a taste of authentic Sicilian charm, Taormina delivers an unforgettable port experience that captures the essence of Mediterranean cruising.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Ancient Greek Theater Marvel

Explore the stunning 2nd-century Greek Theater perched dramatically above the Ionian Sea, offering breathtaking views and remarkably preserved architecture. This iconic landmark showcases ancient performances and provides insight into Taormina's rich Hellenistic heritage. The theater's hilltop location rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of Mount Etna and the coastline below.

2

Sicilian Culinary Treasures

Savor authentic Sicilian cuisine at family-run trattorias serving pasta alla Norma, fresh seafood pasta, and arancini made with local ingredients. Taste granita and brioche for breakfast, then indulge in cannoli filled with creamy ricotta. The local markets burst with lemons, almonds, and capers that define Mediterranean flavors.

3

Castelmola Village Hilltop Escape

Hike or cable car up to the charming medieval village of Castelmola for sweeping views across the Sicilian coast and surrounding valleys. Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and enjoy refreshing almond wine at a terrace café. This peaceful retreat offers authentic village atmosphere just above bustling Taormina.

4

Corso Umberto Shopping Stroll

Wander the elegant Corso Umberto, Taormina's main pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops showcasing Sicilian ceramics, lace, and jewelry. Browse local crafts and designer goods while admiring Belle Époque architecture and charming piazzas. The street pulses with energy and offers perfect opportunities for unique Mediterranean souvenirs.

5

Isola Bella Beach & Nature Reserve

Descend to the pristine pebble beach at Isola Bella, a protected nature reserve featuring turquoise waters and dramatic rocky formations. Swim in crystalline Mediterranean waters, explore the small island accessible by wading, and relax on the secluded beach surrounded by lush vegetation. This natural gem provides the perfect escape for sun-seekers and nature lovers.

Cruise Lines at Taormina

Cruises Departing From Taormina

Cruises Visiting Taormina

Ship Schedule at Taormina

Taormina Location

Other Cruise Ports in Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taormina known for?

Stunning sea views from cliffside vantage points and Mt. Etna vistas.

Where is Taormina located?

On the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy.

What are must-see places in Taormina?

Ancient Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto, and nearby Castelmola.

When is the best time to visit Taormina?

Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.