Taormina & Castelmola — Day Trip from Catania
Discover Taormina's historic streets, ancient theatre and Mediterranean views, then explore the hilltop village of Castelmola on a scenic day trip from Catania.
Highlights
- Discover the Charm of Taormina
- Admire the Ancient Theatre
- Experience Panoramic Castelmola
Overview
Your journey takes you along Sicily’s eastern coast towards Taormina, a celebrated hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea. Wander through its elegant streets, admire historic buildings and charming squares, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques, cafés and traditional shops.
Taormina is also home to the remarkable Ancient Theatre, one of Sicily’s most iconic archaeological landmarks. Set against a spectacular backdrop of the coastline and Mount Etna, the theatre offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Greek and Roman heritage. Your licensed guide will accompany you inside the archaeological site; admission is payable separately.
Continue to Castelmola, a small medieval village perched high above Taormina. Its narrow stone streets, traditional houses and panoramic terraces offer a quieter perspective on Sicily, with far-reaching views over the sea, surrounding hills and Mount Etna on clear days. Explore Piazza Sant’Antonio and the historic village with your guide.
With private transportation and guided visits to both destinations, this excursion offers a rewarding introduction to the history, scenery and everyday character of eastern Sicily before returning to Catania.
The programme
- 1
09:00–10:00
Departure from Catania — Journey to Taormina
Your private excursion begins with pickup from your accommodation in Catania, or a nearby accessible meeting point where vehicle restrictions apply. Travel north along the Ionian coast towards Taormina with your private driver. On arrival, meet your licensed tourist guide and begin exploring the town.
Catania; Taormina - 2
10:00–12:45
Taormina — Ancient History, Elegant Streets & Mediterranean Views
Explore Taormina on a guided walking tour starting near Porta Messina and following Corso Umberto past historic buildings, boutiques and cafés. Admire Piazza IX Aprile and its remarkable Ionian Sea views. Your guide then takes you inside the Ancient Theatre, explaining the town's Greek and Roman heritage and the monument's history. Allow approximately one hour for the internal visit. The admission ticket is excluded and payable separately. The order of stops may vary according to site access.
Porta Messina; Corso Umberto; Piazza IX Aprile; Teatro Antico di Taormina - 3
12:45–13:15
Free Time in Taormina
Enjoy a short break to browse local shops or stop for a Sicilian granita, espresso or light snack at your own expense. This short break allows time for the guided visit at the Ancient Theatre and the onward journey.
Taormina historic centre - 4
13:15–14:30
Castelmola — A Medieval Village Above the Clouds
Continue uphill to Castelmola with your private driver. Your licensed guide introduces the medieval village, with its narrow stone lanes and traditional houses. Explore Piazza Sant'Antonio, admire its distinctive paving and panoramic terrace, and continue towards the Church of San Nicolò and the surrounding historic streets. On a clear day, enjoy views of Taormina, the coast and Mount Etna. If time allows, almond wine can be sampled at your own expense. The allocated time includes the transfer from Taormina.
Castelmola; Piazza Sant'Antonio; Chiesa Madre San Nicolò - 5
14:30–16:00
Return to Catania
Meet your private driver for the return journey to Catania. Your excursion ends with drop-off at your accommodation or the previously agreed accessible location. Departure and arrival times remain indicative and may vary due to local conditions.
Castelmola; Catania
Included
- Private transportation from Catania in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Catania, subject to vehicle accessibility
- Professional private driver
- Licensed tourist guide for the guided visits of Taormina and Castelmola
- Guided visit inside the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (admission ticket excluded)
- Guided walking tours of Taormina and Castelmola
Not included
- Admission ticket to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Lunch, snacks and beverages
- Optional food and wine tastings, including almond wine in Castelmola
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Gratuities for the driver and guide (optional)
- Any additional services not expressly listed under Included Services
Entrance fees & tickets
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina: guided visit inside included; admission ticket excluded and payable separately. Purchase assistance may be arranged.
- Public streets and squares of Taormina and Castelmola: free access.
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Enjoy the Views from Piazza IX Aprile
Admire the panoramas of Mount Etna, the Ionian coastline and the surrounding hills on clear days.
Discover Castelmola's Almond Wine
Consider sampling traditional almond wine in a village café if time allows. Tastings are optional and not included.
Try a Sicilian Granita
During the break in Taormina, try a granita with brioche; almond and lemon are classic choices. - Accessibility
- This excursion involves walking through historic town centres with cobbled streets, slopes, steps and uneven surfaces. The Ancient Theatre of Taormina offers partial accessibility, although some historic sections cannot be reached without steps.
Piazza Sant'Antonio in Castelmola is accessible, but other parts of the village may present mobility challenges.
Guests with reduced mobility or specific accessibility requirements should contact Great Sicily before booking, so the route and vehicle suitability can be assessed individually. - What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobbled streets and uneven surfaces
Light, breathable clothing during warmer months
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Light jacket or extra layer in spring and autumn
Drinking water and personal medication
Camera or smartphone
Valid ID for applicable reduced or complimentary admissions - Important information
- Approximately 7 hours including transport, guided visits and short breaks. Pickup and drop-off at accessible hotels or agreed meeting points in Catania. Private vehicle and driver and licensed tourist guide included for Taormina and Castelmola. Guided interior visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina is planned, with entrance ticket excluded and payable by guests; Great Sicily can assist in coordinating purchases. Visits depend on opening hours and site access. Lunch and beverages are not included; a short break is scheduled. Sequence and timing may be adjusted for traffic, weather, access restrictions or site operations. Please advise us of mobility or assistance needs in advance.