Taormina Old Town (Centro Storico)

Overview

Taormina Old Town is a charming historic center in Sicily, known for its narrow medieval streets, beautiful public squares, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. It's a blend of ancient and modern with rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Taormina Old Town is significant for its well-preserved medieval architecture, historical landmarks, and panoramic views. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.

Cultural Historical Scenic

Location

Address

Vico Claudio Marcello, Taormina, Sicily

Neighborhood: Taormina Old Town

Coordinates

37.854300, 15.283100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (historic center is open to the public)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-June, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Spring flowers
• Outdoor cafes

summer

Hot and sunny

• Extended opening hours
• Beach access

autumn

Mild and cooling

• Fall foliage
• Wine festivals

winter

Cold and rainy

• Holiday decorations
• Fewer tourists

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Wear comfortable shoes
Carry cash
Check opening times

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Sun protection Water bottle

seasonal

Jacket (winter) Sun hat (summer)

not allowed

Large bags Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (due to walking and stairs)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas

Medical facilities: Pharmacies and medical centers nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry Free

parking €10-€15

food €10-€30

souvenirs €5-€50

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets, Walking shoes or sandals, Inappropriate or revealing clothing for churches

Booking Tips

• At least a few days in advance for peak season
• Official website or reliable online ticketing platforms
• 24-48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for major attractions

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Taormina Official App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map, Event calendar, Ticket booking, Audio guides

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Public squares, Cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Cafes and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)

Distance: 60 km

Travel Time: 1 hour

Taxi

€80-€100 1 hour

Public transport

€10 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 500m (from Taormina train station)

Walking

10 minutes

Bus

€2 5 minutes

Taxi

€10-€15 5 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich history, cultural events, and beautiful scenery

Historical Significance: Taormina has been a popular destination since ancient times, with influences from the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. It's known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture.

Insider Tips

Visit the Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale) for a peaceful retreat
Explore the local markets for authentic souvenirs
Try local specialties like cannoli and arancini

Local Recommendations

• Try granita (local ice dessert) at local cafes
• Visit local artisan shops
• Ask for recommendations from locals or shop owners

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Ciao

thank_you Grazie

where_is Dov'è

how_much Quanto costa

beautiful Bello

ticket Biglietto

Guide Languages: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Piazza IX Aprile

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the view

Result: Panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna

#Taormina #Sicily #PiazzaIXAprile

Corso Umberto

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon

Tips: Low-angle shots to capture the medieval streets

Result: Charming streets with shops and cafes

#TaorminaOldTown #MedievalStreets

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public squares

prohibited areas Inside shops and private properties without permission

flash photography Allowed in most outdoor areas, restricted in some indoor spaces

commercial photography Permit needed for commercial shoots

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in most areas, restricted in crowded spaces

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Taormina Greek Theatre

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Ancient Theatre

Isola Bella

Distance: 2km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Nature Reserve

Castelmola