Things to do in

Messina

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.

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.

Visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina with this guided tour and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a journey through the archaeological ruins and learn the history. Step back into the past with a visit to the Ancient Theater of Taormina. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. Learn about the Greek building that dates back to the 3rd-2nd century BCE. See how the Romans under Emperor Trajan and Hadrian changed the monument/ Discover the amphitheatre and orchestra, converted under Emperor Caracalla and hear tales of gladiator fights during this period.

Take this 2-hour boat tour to explore Taormina coastline. The tour will depart from the Giardini Naxos port and will give you the opportunity to explore the beautiful coast between Giardini Naxos and Taormina. During the trip you will visit also some spectacular caves: Grotta del Giorno, Grotta delle Sirene, Grotta Azzurra and Grotta del Corallo. With this tour you will admire some beautiful places, like Cape Schisò, Cape Taormina, Scoglio della croce, Scoglio dei fichi d’india, Isola bella, Mazzaro bay, San Nicola bay and Scoglio dello “Ziu Innaru”. Sail in search of a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat where the sighting probability is approximately 80 percent. The tour includes a stop for a dip or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of Taormina bay, followed by a refreshment of fruit, snacks and drinks.

Discover the rich underwater world of Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Isola Bella on this guided tour aboard an air-conditioned submarine. Have the chance to spot sea creatures like dolphins, barracudas, octopuses, big groupers, and stingrays. Hop aboard a comfortable, bright-red submarine in Giardini Naxos and plunge down to the seabed. Have the option to go below or head up to the above deck area. Look for moray eels and schools of juvenile barracudas as you cruise through the vast meadow of oceanic posidonia grass in Isola Bella.  Feel the romance as you pass by the Cave of Lovers and experience the Blue Grotto from below. Take a look under the waves at the Bay of Sirens and venture into the protected waters of a nature reserve.   Upon returning to your meeting point, if the weather and sea conditions allow it, there is the possibility of spotting playful dolphins which populated this stretch of sea in eastern Sicily.

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.

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. 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.

Follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone in The Godfather movies on a guided tour from Catania or Taormina. Discover the beautiful medieval villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò nestled on 2 beautiful hills where Francis Ford Coppola shot the famous movies. Start with pickup from your hotel in Catania or Taormina. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle and explore the splendid hidden corners of Sicily made famous by The Godfather movies. Head first to the quaint village of Savoca. Visit the Chiesa di San Nicolo/Santa Lucia where Michael married Apollonia. Enjoy a drink or lemon granita at Bar Vitelli where Michael asked Mr. Vitelli if he could marry his daughter. Next, head to the Cathedral of Forza d'Agrò where another wedding scene was filmed. Then, explore the beautiful Castello Degli Schiavi (subject to availability). Finally, relax and enjoy the views on the return journey to your accommodation.

Leaving the port of Giardini Naxos, navigation along the Bay of Naxos, Capo Taormina and the Faraglioni. It will be possible to admire the scenic coast of Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola and the Etna volcano which forms the backdrop to this wonderful naturalistic setting. After about 30 minutes of navigation, arrival at the Marine Reserve of Isola Bella and stop for about an hour, with possibility of guided snorkeling, sunbathing on the solarium and enjoying soft drinks and snacks. The itinerary may vary according to the marine weather conditions and the decisions of the skipper.

Compare the plot of The Godfather saga with the history of real-life Sicilian Mafia during this guided day trip from Taormina to the villages of Savoca and Forza D'Agro. Travel in comfort on a minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off. Enjoy an authentic Sicilian lunch with a glass of wine. Begin the tour with a drive to Savoca and take a guided walk through the old town. Visit locations where The Godfather movie was filmed. See the Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone met the father of his future wife Apollonia, and St. Lucy’s Church, where they were married. Learn about the history of the Sicilian Mafia and how it spread throughout Italy. Hear about the Mafia clan wars for control of the territory. Then, head to your second stop, Forza D'Agro, another small village where the movie was filmed. After a walking tour, stop for lunch in a charming restaurant. Enjoy a plate of fresh pasta with wine from the Etna region on a terrace overlooking the Sicilian coast.