Taormina: A stunning hilltop town on Sicily’s east coast. Famed for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the towering silhouette of Mount Etna, it seamlessly blends ancient Greek history with luxurious dolce vita charm. A full day here is our #1 recommendation. For tips on getting to Taormina, see our FAQ page. Top attractions: Corso Umberto: The bustling, pedestrian-only main street lined with 15th-century palazzos, high-end boutiques, ceramic shops, and cozy cafes Teatro Antico di Taormina: A spectacular, well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater carved into the hillside. It offers sweeping views of the coastline, Ionian Sea, and Mount Etna. Isola Bella: Often dubbed the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," this tiny, lush nature reserve is connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar that appears at low tide. You can take a cable car down from Taormina's city center to this beautiful little beach and take a dip or swim. You can also experience Isola Bella via a boat tour.
For the full Taormina experience, carve out an additional two hours to explore the beautiful coast of Taormina on this guided boat tour from Giardini Naxos. In fact, we've arranged a few boats to take this excursion on Thursday, September 24 at 2 pm. Head over to the Schedule page to reserve your spot! If you can't make it Thursday, you can book your own here.
A day we truly love and highly recommend If you love wine, beautiful scenery, and slow, memorable days — this is one of our favorite ways to experience Sicily. The Strada del Vino dell’Etna Wine Train Tour combines everything we love about this region: history, incredible food and wine, and the magic of Mount Etna. Gabe has spent time in Sicily and feels a deep connection to this area, and sharing the Etna wine region with the people we love feels especially meaningful to us. We couldn’t recommend this experience more while you’re here celebrating with us. Availability: Thursdays & Saturdays only
Mt Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe. There are many tour options on Get Your Guide depending on how active you want it to be and how much time you have to spend. This tour allows you to explore the different aspects of the dynamic mountain and includes hiking up to the inner craters and (safely) entering a lava cave. See ancient lava flows, learn about the geological history of the volcano, and admire panoramic views of eastern Sicily.
Experience the natural romance of Sicily with a full-day guided journey from the slopes of Mount Etna to the serene beauty of the Alcantara Gorges. Explore ancient lava flows, discover volcanic caves, enjoy a traditional local lunch, and wander or swim among dramatic basalt canyon walls carved by time and water. A perfect day trip for guests wishing to experience Sicily’s wild and timeless beauty. If you can't commit an entire day, there are lots of options on Get Your Guide or Viator for exploring each attraction separately. If forced to choose which attraction to visit, we recommend Mount Etna.