Taormina and Castelmola Tour From Messina Port in Sicily, Italy.

Sicily , Italy

Taormina and Castelmola Tour From Messina Port in Sicily, Italy.

Active

(18 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

One of the most unique and exclusive - our Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina port is a one day shore excursion, that will bring you through one of the most beautiful coastal towns of the fabulous island of Sicily.

On a day trip to the discovery of Taormina and Castelmola, our expert drivers will show you the natural and historical beauty of this part of the island.
Taormina has one of the most panoramic Belvedere in Sicily. After visiting the city, we will move to Castelmola, a sleepy town not far from Taormina.

Then we will take a quick tour of the Madonna Della Rocca church, and you will have free time to visit the wonders of Taormina such as the Greek theater, Cathedral and Palazzo Corvaja.

At the end of this Classic Taormina & Castelmola , our expert drivers will bring you back to the original pick up point.

Available options

Taormina and Castelmola Tour From Messina Port in Sicily, Italy.

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

First of all we will stop at the viewpont just bove the Isola Bella, called Belvedere, offering breath-taking views. It is the ideal location to admire and take shots of the coastline and the fantastic Isola Bella.

Stop 2

As our journey continues, we drive to the charming medieval village of Castelmola. This sleepy town is perched precariously above Taormina. A stroll around is a must, with its cool medieval alleyways and picturesque piazza commanding views of the whole countryside, Mount Etna and the Ionic coastline.

We will have a stop at the famous Bar Turrisi. This pub, located on a high hilltop near Taormina, appears very nice from the outside, with its many balconies and crimson sun umbrellas reaching up towards the sky. However, as soon as you grip the side door handle, you realize that this tavern is a little bit unique among Sicilian establishments.

You can pay for the almond wine and eat as well.

Madonna Della Rocca is a 15th Century church that has been carved out of a mountain, located just below the Saracens Castle you will enjoy an extraordinary bird’s eye view of Taormina and the Greek Theatre.

On arrival in Taormina Centre you will have free time to wander the historic Corso Umberto. This is the main promenade through the heart of Taormina boasting elegant designer shops and cute cafés and restaurants

Stop 6

You will have free time for visiting the Greek theater of Taormina

Taormina's Palazzo Corvaja is a medieval palace that was built in the tenth century. The early Arab fortification, which was built on Roman foundations, is part of the palazzo's history. Its central structure is a tower in the Islamic style, with arched windows and entrances indicating the Islamic influence within the inner courtyard. There is an ornate balcony with a view of the courtyard and a staircase dating back to the 13th century that leads to the first floor.

The Moorish Gothic palace is crenellated and spread over four main storeys surrounding a courtyard. The main floor features columns dividing pairs of lancet windows for fenestration. Reliefs depicting The Creation adorn the walls of the courtyard.

The palazzo is now a center for exhibitions where you can take photos.

Ancient medieval Catholic church featuring ornate statues and a huge interior arched ceiling. You can take photos of the structure.

What's not included

The costs of meals are not included.

Gratuities

Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Time travel is added to the total time duration.

We will only do exterior sightseeing for Ancient Theatre of Taormina and Palazzo Corvaja

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.