Private day trips from Taormina to places you'll never forget

Taormina is best known for its ancient Greek theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The town is also famous for Isola Bella, a small island nature reserve known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," and its charming medieval streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. The town gained additional fame as a filming location for HBO's The White Lotus.

The best time to visit Taormina is late May or early September when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and the crowds are smaller. Summer months, especially August, can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and crowded with tourists.

Italy uses the euro as its official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops in Taormina, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets and cafes.

Italian is the official language of Italy. In tourist areas like Taormina, many people working in hotels, restaurants and shops speak English, especially younger generations. However, learning a few basic Italian phrases is appreciated by locals.

Popular day trips from Taormina include visiting Mount Etna, Sicily's active volcano located about an hour away, and exploring the ancient Greek theatre in Syracuse, combined with the charming baroque town of Noto. The picturesque hilltop villages of Savoca and Modica are also favorites, with Savoca famous as a filming location for The Godfather. The coastal town of Catania offers vibrant markets and baroque architecture, while Augusta provides historical sites and seaside charm.

Pack comfortable walking shoes as Taormina's historic center is pedestrian-only with many steps and cobblestone streets. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for summer visits, along with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. If visiting churches or religious sites, pack modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is the nearest airport to Taormina, located about 31 miles (50 kilometers) away. The journey from the airport to Taormina takes approximately one hour by car or 1.5 hours by bus.

Taormina is generally very safe for tourists and has low crime rates. Like any popular tourist destination, visitors should take standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas and be aware of their belongings. The town is well-lit at night and the pedestrian streets make it easy to navigate safely.