Messina

Architecture

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Ancient Theater of Taormina and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a stirring journey through the archaeological ruins and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. The archaeological site offers the opportunity to step back into the past as well as enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. The Greek building, built in a dominant position, dates back, by layout, to the III-II century B.C., but the monument you can admire today appears in the forms acquired in the roman imperial age under the emperor Trajan or Hadrian. It becomes an amphitheater under the emperor Caracalla and, in the same period, the orchestra was converted into an arena to host gladiator fights. After centuries of neglect, in 1465, part of the monument was used as a palace of residence of the Zumbo family.

Discover the fascinating landscapes of Etna’s northern slope on a guided tour. Enjoy the impressive views of Etna’s foothills, see up close and touch ancient lava flows, admire craters still in activity, and appreciate a typical Sicilian landscape with its crops and rural villages. Stop for a lunch break at a local etnean restaurant and take a more relaxing turn with a visit to the refreshing Alcantara Gorges lava canyon. Start your tour with pickup from an arranged meeting point in locations such as Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Catania, and Linguaglossa. Travel by SUV or minivan (up to 8 passengers/vehicle) to the first stop of your tour, an off-road route to the massive 2002 eruption lava front, the largest eruption of recent times which destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski facilities and part of the Ragabo Pine Forest. Pass through the Ragabo Forest, following the Mareneve road, and reach the starting point of the trek to the Monti Sartorius craters near Rifugio Citelli. Enjoy a hike of easy difficulty, suitable for everyone, on a route about 3 km long, starting from an altitude of 1665 m and arriving at an altitude of about 1775 m. Hike along a characteristic Etnean path, among white birch trees and "button" side crater (“bottoniera”), the Sartorius Craters, on the northeastern slope of Etna. Reach several vantage points with unique and spectacular views of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Explore an Etna volcanic cave after your trek to the Sartorius, the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta delle Nevi). Equip yourself with the helmet and flashlight we will provide and venture inside this lava flow tunnel to discover its formation and history. This lava flow tunnel was partially excavated by man, as evidenced by the date engraved on a stone on top of the entrance: 1776. Learn how Etna’s inhabitants used this cave in centuries past to store snow in the winter months, later reselling it in the warmer months. Stop at an Etnean restaurant to rest and enjoy a delicious meal: a first course dish, water and coffee are included in the price. Continue to the Alcantara Valley, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, with features similar to a medieval village, famous for its wineries producing excellent Etna wines. Visit the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges, located in the “Alcantara River Park”. Admire the Gorges, which are a fascinating natural lava canyon excavated by the Alcantara River through lava flows of ancient times. Descend inside the Alcantara Gorges via the municipal entrance, the entrance fee is included. Freely relax by the beach or take a walk/swim in the refreshing Alcantara River. After visiting the Alcantara Gorges the tour will end going back to the initial meeting point. The program of the excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the guide, depending on the weather conditions of the day and to always ensure the safety of the participants.

Boat excursion to Taormina aboard a typical Sicilian boat guided by expert skippers. We will take you on a boat trip to Taormina to visit one of the most beautiful bays in all of Sicily that will make you fall in love. Boat excursions in Taormina include the Blue Grotto of Taormina and all the bays of the marine reserve. We will sail along the entire bay of Giardini Naxos to try to meet the dolphins that have always populated this stretch of sea. You can admire the Taormina coast from the Bay of Naxos and then off towards the tip of Capo Taormina, to head to the bay of Mazzaró inside the protected marine park. During this journey we will stop in the bay of the sirens. You will enter the blue grotto of Taormina with the whole boat, famous for the seabed illuminated by the sun's rays that manage to penetrate through spaces in the submerged rock, giving an intense fluorescent blue backdrop. To round off our boat tour in Taormina, we will stop at the beautiful island. Famous rocky islet close to the coast with a piece of beach characterized by unique views in the world. Here you can dive and refresh yourself in these crystal clear waters among seabeds full of local colors and corals. This fantastic boat ride in Taormina will be framed by an aperitif and enriched by typical local fruit and drinks. Our goal will be to capture the time spent in these heavenly places in your memories.

Join this incredible guided sunset boat tour in search of dolphins and explore the bay of Giardini Naxos and Taormina. Start your tour from the port of Giardini Naxos and admire some of the most beautiful places in the area: the Blue Grotto, Isola Bella, Grotta dell'Amore and Scoglio del Fico d'India. Explore the locations of the TV series White Lotus and taste a Sicilian rosticceria accompanied by Prosecco and fresh fruit. If the weather permits, set sail in search of dolphins in their natural habitat and watch them jump and play near the boat. Live the most exciting and relaxing experience in Taormina: you cannot miss this sunset boat tour. Book your place on board now!

You will discover the Catania coast and some typical Etnean villages such as Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa while enjoying the picturesque scenery surrounding Mount Etna. The excursion begins with a short stop in Linguaglossa and then on to a renowned winery. You will admire Etna from a different perspective and learn all about the production process of the regional wine produced by the winery on Etna's slope. You will taste four different wines and a small aperitif consisting of preserved vegetables, a selection of Sicilian cheeses, local cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, bread, and local olive oil. Return to Taormina in the late afternoon.

Glide over the turquoise waters of Taormina with this boat tour. Depart from Welcome aboard for a unique experience along the coast of Giardini Naxos and Taormina! During our boat tour, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a delightful aperitivo with prosecco and Sicilian sweets. We'll explore the underwater life in the stunning Natural Reserve of Isola Bella, while the sunsets over Mount Etna will take your breath away. We'll visit the marvelous Grotta dell'Amore, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta dei Coralli, along with the enchanting Baia delle Sirene and the Isola Bella Natural Reserve. You'll also have the chance to admire locations featured in the famous American TV series "White Lotus." Join us for an unforgettable adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear sea, and the hidden gems of the Sicilian coast. Book now and let yourself be carried away by the waves as you explore the best this splendid region has to offer!

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular (ticket not included) with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

Meet your local guide at the port of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. Hop aboard a comfortable boat that is equipped with life jackets and an external shower. Take a moment to admire the wonderful bay before setting off on your journey. Visit the Cave of Love and Isola Bella, which boasts a long and fascinating history and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a dip in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Bring along your snorkeling gear to see the flora and fauna that thrive in these protected waters. Relax with a crisp glass of bubby prosecco while enjoying a local snack like almond paste.

Discover the beautiful coastline of Taormina at sunset on a luxurious boat tour. Keep your eyes peeled for wild bottlenose dolphins, explore spectacular caves, such as Grotta del Giorno and Grotta delle Sirene, and snorkel in the clear waters of Taormina Bay. Set sail from the Giardini Naxos port and take in the dramatic views of the coast between Giardini Naxos and Taormina. Along the way, get up close to spectacular caves, including Grotta del Giorno, Grotta delle Sirene, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta del Corallo. Admire the breathtaking views of Cape Schisò and Cape Taormina from the water. See other highlights, such as Scoglio della Croce, Scoglio dei Fichi d’India, Isola Bella, Mazzaro Bay, San Nicola Bay, and Scoglio dello “Ziu Innaru.”. As you sail, keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins. Watch as they frolic and play in their natural habitat. Then, stop for a refreshing dip or some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Taormina Bay. After, enjoy some fruit, snacks, and drinks, before heading back to port.

Reach Taormina from Messina with our same-day shuttle bus service! Take advantage of an afternoon cruise stop in Messina and travel along the beautiful Sicilian coast to enjoy 3 hours exploring Taormina at your own leisure. Reach Taormina from Messina with our same-day shuttle bus service! Perfect for those who want the convenience of a round-trip transfer with the independence to explore the city at their own pace, this service provides pickup near the marina on Via Battisti and takes guests on a 1 hour and 15 minute journey to Taormina.