Taormina.
Flight from TLV
2h 58m
Best season
מאי–אוק
Avg temp
22°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
שעה אחת מאחורי ת״א ברוב ימות השנה
Language
איטלקית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי התיירות
Plug
C / F / L · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לדרישות הכניסה העדכניות
Safety
יעד בטוח בדרך כלל; מומלץ להיזהר מכייסים באזורים עמוסים ולשמור מרחק משפת כבישים צרים
Overview
🇮🇹Taormina
🇮🇹Italy
Taormina is Sicily at its most elegant and photogenic, perched above the Ionian Sea with stone lanes, refined hotels and dramatic views of Mount Etna. Israeli travelers come mainly for a romantic escape or as part of an eastern Sicily itinerary, strolling Corso Umberto, admiring Etna from the Ancient Theatre and taking the cable car down to Mazzarò Bay. Days are best spent cruising around Isola Bella, enjoying a sunset aperitivo and tasting Sicilian granita, with the historic center and Mazzarò serving as the most convenient bases.
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Taormina
Each area and who it suits best.
Historic Center and Corso Umberto
This is Taormina's elegant, highly convenient heart, centered on Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, the Greek Theatre, and hotels such as San Domenico Palace and Hotel Metropole. Restaurants, gelato shops, and bars are all within an easy evening walk. Prices are high, rooms in historic buildings can be compact, and the main street stays crowded and noisy late into summer nights.
Porta Messina and Villa Comunale
The eastern side of the center puts you near Porta Messina, Via Teatro Greco, the bars around Largo La Farina, and the cable car to Mazzarò. Hotels such as NH Collection Taormina offer easy access to both the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto. It is lively and extremely convenient, but traffic on Via Pirandello and summer nightlife can disturb street-facing rooms.
Mazzarò and Isola Bella
Here you wake up beside the coves of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, close to hotels such as Mazzarò Sea Palace and Villa Sant'Andrea and the beach clubs lining Via Nazionale. Mornings begin directly by the water, while the cable car carries you up to town for the evening. Beaches are pebbly, loungers are expensive in peak season, and the area becomes quiet after dinner once the cable car stops running.
Castelmola
The village above Taormina offers dramatic views of Mount Etna and the sea, stone lanes around Piazza Sant'Antonio, and local institutions such as Bar Turrisi. Hotels and guesthouses are generally quieter and less expensive than in central Taormina, with superb sunsets. The trade-off is a winding road, limited evening buses, and a demanding uphill return if you walk down to town.
Giardini Naxos
This seaside town south of Taormina has a long promenade along Lungomare Tysandros and Lungomare Schisò, accessible beaches, and a broad choice of apartments and hotels including UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia. Israeli families find larger rooms, parking, supermarkets, and comparatively good value, while younger visitors have casual beachfront bars. Reaching Taormina usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but August traffic and parking can be frustrating.
Letojanni
North of Taormina lies a more relaxed beach town, with a promenade along Via Luigi Rizzo, a long shoreline, and hotels such as Albatros Beach Hotel. It suits families who want the sea, pizzerias, and supermarkets close to their room without paying Taormina prices. Evenings are less polished and nightlife is limited, while reaching Corso Umberto requires a train, bus, or car.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Taormina
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
14°
8°
Cool
פבר
13°
8°
Cool
מרץ
15°
10°
Cool
אפר
18°
11°
Recommended
מאי
21°
15°
Recommended
יונ
28°
20°
Excellent
יול
32°
24°
Hot
אוג
31°
23°
Excellent
ספט
27°
20°
Excellent
אוק
23°
17°
Excellent
נוב
18°
12°
Recommended
דצמ
15°
9°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · אוג · ספט · אוק
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July and August are the main Israeli peak thanks to the school holiday, warm sea and lively beach scene, but prices and crowds are at their highest. May, June, September and the Sukkot period in October bring milder weather, swimmable water and fewer visitors.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Taormina · Open-Meteo
This week in Taormina
Measured in Taormina
21°
Partly cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Taormina
On the map
Taormina on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Taormina itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Corso Umberto and the Old Town
Begin at Porta Messina before 09:00, pass Palazzo Corvaja, and follow Corso Umberto before the day-trip crowds arrive. Pause at Piazza IX Aprile for the bay view, continue to the cathedral and Centaur Fountain, and finish at Porta Catania. For lunch, choose tomato pasta or pizza around Via di Giovanni, while confirming any dietary requirements. Return to the terrace at Piazza IX Aprile for sunset, then stroll among the gelaterias and bars along the corso.
- 2
Day 2
Greek Theatre and Gardens
Enter the Teatro Antico di Taormina at opening time, when it is still cool and Mount Etna may appear clearly through the stage ruins. Continue down Via Teatro Greco to Villa Comunale, a shaded garden filled with eccentric pavilions and viewpoints over the sea. Have a light lunch near Porta Messina, then visit the Roman Odeon and Santa Caterina church in the afternoon. Toward evening, take a taxi or, if fit, walk up to Madonna della Rocca for sunset over Taormina's rooftops.
- 3
Day 3
Isola Bella and Mazzarò
Take the cable car down to Mazzarò by 08:30 and follow the steps to Isola Bella before loungers and boats fill the bay. Swim with water shoes, or book a short boat trip to the Blue Grotto and the coves beneath Taormina, subject to sea conditions. At lunch, sit at a Mazzarò lido or bring a picnic, as beachfront prices are high and kosher options are limited. Move to Spisone Bay in the afternoon, then ride the cable car back for dinner and an evening walk around Porta Messina.
- 4
Day 4
Mount Etna and Hillside Wine
Leave around 07:30 on an organized tour or with a driver toward Etna Nord or Rifugio Sapienza, depending on the route and volcanic conditions. Walk around the accessible Silvestri Craters, or continue by cable car and off-road vehicle to higher elevations only with warm layers and closed shoes. In the afternoon, stop at a winery around Linguaglossa or Passopisciaro for a tasting among dark volcanic vineyards, arranging vegetarian food in advance or bringing kosher provisions. Return to Taormina in the evening and do not plan to drive after tasting.
- 5
Day 5
Castelmola and Savoca
Drive to Castelmola in the morning, walk from Piazza Sant'Antonio to the castle ruins, and look down over Taormina, the coast, and Mount Etna. Have coffee or local almond wine at Bar Turrisi, known for its provocative decor, then continue to Savoca. Visit Bar Vitelli, San Nicolò church, and the stone lanes featured in The Godfather films, ideally before the midday coach groups arrive. Return toward Taormina along the coast and pause near sunset at a viewpoint above Capo Sant'Alessio.
- 6
Day 6
Alcantara and Giardini Naxos
Set out early for Gole dell'Alcantara, where the icy river has carved dramatic basalt walls; in summer, arrive at opening time with water shoes and a change of clothes. Families can descend to the gorge and follow the short route, while adults and teenagers can prebook guided body rafting. At lunchtime, continue to the Lungomare Schisò promenade in Giardini Naxos, buy supplies at a supermarket, or choose a venue serving simple dishes that meet your needs. Finish with a swim at Recanati Beach and sunset facing illuminated Taormina on the cliffs.
Quick game
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Budget
How much does Taormina cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪900-2,200 (summer: ₪2,800+)
4–5 night package
₪3,200-6,500 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪600-1,150 per room
5-star hotel nightly
₪1,800-4,500 per room
Restaurant meal
₪80-170 per person
Local beer
₪20-32
Coffee
₪6-14
Short taxi ride
₪55-100
Rental car per day
₪160-330 (parking excluded)
Lounger and umbrella
₪80-180 per person
Mount Etna tour
₪280-550 per person
Daily budget per person
₪450-900 (excluding hotel)
Family, 5 nights
₪14,000-25,000 for four
Good to know
Good to know before Taormina
Getting around
From the airport
The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa, around 65 km from Taormina. A taxi or prebooked private transfer directly to the hotel normally takes 50–75 minutes and costs about ₪350-520 per vehicle, sometimes more at night; booking ahead is sensible because there is no dependable Uber-style service. Interbus coaches run from the airport to the bus terminal on Via Pirandello in roughly 75–100 minutes for about ₪30-40 per person. Another option is a bus to Catania Centrale followed by a train to Taormina-Giardini for around ₪30-55 in total, but the railway station is below town and requires an additional bus or taxi costing roughly ₪8-75.
Need a car?
For couples or groups staying centrally and focusing on Taormina and Isola Bella, a car is mostly a burden: roads are steep, many zones are traffic-restricted, and parking is expensive. Families based in Giardini Naxos or Letojanni can use buses and trains, though a car helps with groceries and more remote beaches. Rent one only for a day or two if visiting Etna, wineries, Savoca, or the Alcantara Valley; a private driver is preferable for anyone uncomfortable with narrow roads and Sicilian parking.
Tips
The cable car between Via Pirandello and Mazzarò is the easiest route to Isola Bella, although summer queues form and the final departure time should be checked in advance. If driving, do not enter the center's ZTL: leave the car at Lumbi or Porta Catania parking and continue by shuttle or on foot. Free Now may show taxis around Catania, but in Taormina it is more reliable to ask the hotel to call one and confirm the fare; coastal trains are useful, but Taormina-Giardini station is not a comfortable walk from the old town.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Taormina has no permanent Chabad house, daily active synagogue, or certified kosher restaurant, so observant travelers should not arrive without planning for Shabbat. The nearest practical Jewish address for visitors is Chabad of Sicily in central Catania, which can arrange prayers, Shabbat meals, and kosher-food assistance with advance notice. Activity and hours vary seasonally, so registration and confirmation of the location and minyan times are essential before traveling.
Kosher food
Taormina has no certified kosher restaurants, and reliably supervised packaged products are not consistently available. Kosher-observant Israelis typically arrange sealed meals through Chabad in Catania, bring supplies from Israel, and book an apartment with a kitchen; Deco, CONAD, and Lidl branches around Giardini Naxos sell fruit, vegetables, dried pasta, and packaged goods, but every label requires checking. Travelers comfortable with vegetarian food in a non-certified setting can find tomato pasta, Margherita pizza, salads, and granita, but the kitchens and utensils are not kosher.
eSIM · VAYULOR
eSIM for Taormina 🇮🇹
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7 days
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Taormina 🇮🇹
A hospital day in Taormina can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
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- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Taormina 🇮🇹
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לדרישות הכניסה העדכניות
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Taormina
- 💳Cards are accepted almost everywhere along Corso Umberto, but keep €30 to €50 in cash, about ₪120 to ₪200, for beach beds, kiosks, buses and tips; always choose to be charged in euros rather than shekels.
- 🚕Catania Airport is roughly an hour from Taormina, with a pre-booked private transfer usually costing ₪350 to ₪500 per vehicle; the train requires traveling to Taormina-Giardini station and then taking a taxi uphill into town.
- 🚡The cable car between Mazzarò and Via Pirandello is the easiest way to combine Isola Bella with the center, but in summer check the final departure and do not rely on making the steep uphill walk in the heat.
- 🏨Couples who want to walk out at night should stay near Porta Messina or Corso Umberto, while families prioritizing the sea and a pool are usually happier in Mazzarò, provided the hotel is close to the cable car.
- 🎟️In July, August and on Taormina Arte performance nights, reserve the Teatro Antico, an Isola Bella boat trip and an 8:30 p.m. dinner in advance, as the best options fill several days ahead.
- 🍸Taormina has no legal casino, and nightlife centers on cocktail venues such as Morgana Lounge Bar and hotel terraces; dress smart casual at night and avoid flip-flops or beachwear.
- 🍽️Taormina has no permanently certified kosher restaurant, so kosher-observant travelers should stock up on sealed products in Catania, request disposable utensils at the hotel and never assume that a vegetarian dish or granita at Bam Bar is kosher without checking.
- 🤝In Sicily, table service is often reflected as coperto or servizio on the bill, so in Taormina it is enough to round up or leave 5 to 10 percent only when service was excellent.
- 🌋Even on a hot Taormina day, bring a warm layer and closed shoes for Mount Etna, where temperatures at altitude can be 10 to 15 degrees lower and winds can be strong.
- 📱Install a European eSIM before departing Israel, as coverage is good in the center and Mazzarò but can weaken on boat trips and roads around Etna; download the Taormina area in Google Maps in advance.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Taormina feels like an Italian balcony suspended between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, with scenery that impresses even Israelis who think they have seen it all. I love starting the morning overlooking Isola Bella, then heading up to Piazza IX Aprile to catch Etna rising beyond the rooftops. By evening, Corso Umberto fills with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, which is exactly when I stop for Sicilian granita with brioche at Bam Bar. It is ideal for couples and families who want sea, food, shopping and spectacular views without spending half the holiday in a car."
Loves
My secret is to reach Isola Bella by 8:30 a.m., before the tour boats and day groups fill the bay, and to bring water shoes for the pebbly entry. In September, when the sea is still warm but crowds ease, I book a small boat around Grotta Azzurra at about 4:30 p.m., when the light on the cliffs is especially soft.
Skip
I do not recommend driving toward Corso Umberto and hunting for parking in the old town: the ZTL is restricted, fines are real and traffic around Porta Messina wastes valuable time. Leave the car at Lumbi car park and use its shuttle into the center instead.
Boutique pick
I start at Isola Bella at 8:00 a.m., take the cable car from Mazzarò to the center and enter the Teatro Antico at 10:30 before the main day-tour crowds. After a slow walk along Corso Umberto, granita at Bam Bar and the views from Villa Comunale, I send you by taxi to Castelmola around 4:30 p.m. for coffee facing Etna. The day ends back at Piazza IX Aprile at sunset, followed by a pre-booked dinner and an elegant cocktail at Morgana Lounge Bar.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Taormina
"We started the morning with granita and cream at Bam Bar and visited the Greek Theatre toward sunset, when the view of Etna looked even better than in the photos. Taormina was exactly the couples’ escape we wanted, with elegant streets, the sea and evenings worth dressing up for."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 4 nights · June
"The children loved taking the cable car down to Isola Bella and joining a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, while we enjoyed not needing the car. We stayed near Porta Messina, a location that made Taormina surprisingly easy with two children."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 3 nights · August
"We took a jeep excursion on Mount Etna and ordered cocktails at Morgana Lounge that evening, a brilliant mix of nature and atmosphere. Taormina is not built for all-night clubbing, but it was an excellent choice for friends who enjoy beaches, drinks and good food."
Daniel, Roi and Shahar, Be'er Sheva
Friends · 4 nights · September
"We strolled among the flowers and terraces of Villa Comunale and stopped for coffee with a view in Piazza IX Aprile, without rushing from one attraction to another. Taormina gave us four beautiful days of culture, scenery and sea, with every evening feeling like a small celebration."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 4 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Taormina
Do Israelis need a visa for Taormina?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for a short tourist visit to Taormina and Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Before departure, check whether ETIAS is already operational and review the latest entry requirements.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Taormina, and how long is the flight?
Taormina has no airport, but seasonal nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Catania take about three hours, followed by a drive of roughly 60 to 75 minutes. Outside the nonstop season, Israelis commonly connect via Rome, Milan or Athens.
When is the best time to visit Taormina, and when is peak season?
The best periods for Taormina are May to June and September to early October, when the sea is inviting and sightseeing is more comfortable. July and August are peak season for both Israeli and European travelers, bringing heat, crowded beaches and especially high hotel rates.
How many days should I spend in Taormina, and what should I combine it with?
Three nights in Taormina cover the Greek Theatre, Isola Bella, the historic center and an Etna excursion, while four or five allow for a relaxed beach day. A classic Israeli itinerary combines it with Catania, Syracuse and Noto, or continues north to Cefalù and Palermo.
How do you get around Taormina, and is a rental car necessary?
Central Taormina is best explored on foot along Corso Umberto, while the Taormina–Mazzarò cable car and local buses serve the beaches. A car is inconvenient in town because of narrow streets, traffic and costly parking, but useful for independent trips to Etna, Savoca and coastal villages.
How much does a couple’s holiday in Taormina cost?
A three-night Taormina holiday for two typically costs around ₪5,500–₪9,000 including nonstop flights to Catania, a good hotel, transfers and meals; in July and August, a sea-view hotel can push the total to roughly ₪9,000–₪14,000. Staying in Giardini Naxos and taking the bus into town can reduce costs.
Is Taormina safe for Israelis?
Taormina is considered a very safe tourist destination, and Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile remain lively in the evening. The main concern is pickpocketing in crowded areas and on transport from Catania, while Israelis should follow current travel advisories and use discretion during periods of tension.
What are Taormina’s must-see attractions, and is it better for families or couples?
Taormina essentials include the Greek Theatre with its Etna view, swimming at Isola Bella, Corso Umberto and the Villa Comunale gardens. Couples love the scenic hotels and old-town dining, while families do well with the cable car, a short boat trip and a beach day in Giardini Naxos, though steps and steep lanes can be awkward with strollers.
Does Taormina have nightlife or casinos, and what should I pack?
Taormina has no legal Las Vegas-style casino, and its nightlife is polished rather than wild, with cocktails at Morgana Lounge, scenic aperitivo spots and evenings at La Giara. Pack comfortable shoes for steep cobbled lanes, swimwear and water shoes for Isola Bella, a light layer for spring or autumn evenings, and one smart outfit for dinner.
Are there kosher restaurants or a Chabad house in Taormina?
Taormina has no certified kosher restaurant and no permanent local Chabad house, so kosher-observant travelers should book an apartment with a kitchen and stock up in Catania or at larger supermarkets nearby. Contact Chabad of Sicily before traveling to ask about meals, prayer services and seasonal arrangements rather than relying on walk-in availability.