Taormina or Siracusa Sicily: Which is The Better Destination?

Trying to decide between Siracusa or Taormina? I’ve been there! I must warn you, this decision can be particularly tough.

After spending three weeks in Sicily and exploring both destinations, I have compiled a list of considerations to help make this difficult decision easier for you.

I loved both destinations but for different reasons! Taormina gives more Almafi coast vibes with its dramatic cliffs and epic sea views.

Siracusa has an incredible Greek settlement history with impressive remains dating back to the 8th century.

In this post, I will honestly outline all that you can expect from Taormina and Siracusa and highlight the must-see attractions in each location.

This way, you can confidently choose between the two!

Taormina Vs. Siracusa: Which City Is Better?

See the information below for a quick overview to help you decide where to go.

• More Accessible Beaches: Taormina
• More Affordable: Siracusa
• Best Food: Tie
• More Attractions: Siracusa
• Safest: Tie
• Easiest for Mobility: Siracusa
• More Luxurious: Taormina
• Closest to Mt. Etna: Taormina

Highlights of Taormina

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The main attractions to include in your Taormina itinerary would be the ancient Greek Theatre, Piazza IX Aprile, Isola Bella, the historic Corso Umberto, and the lush Villa Comunale gardens.

Taormina also has some incredible beaches and is closer for visiting Mt. Etna!

The pictures below show that I visited on a cloudy day, but you can imagine how beautiful they would be on a clear day.

I found Taormina to be a safe place to visit, even if you are traveling alone. It is the escape, even if for a couple of days.

Highlights of Siracusa

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The main attractions to include in your Siracusa itinerary would be the ancient Greek Theatre, the stunning Piazza Duomo, the historic Ortigia Island, the impressive Ear of Dionysius, and the beautiful Maniace Castle.

If you are staying on Ortigia Island, there are a few swimming spots but no real “beach.”

The beaches in Siracusa are just a few miles away and are best reached by rental car.

I visited a wonderful beach club in Siracusa called Lido Fly. I would highly recommend visiting if the weather is warm!

Siracusa is another safe city in Sicily; take basic safety precautions. I would recommend this for anywhere in Italy.

Petty crime is up all over Europe; violent crime was not a concern in both Siracusa and Taormina.

Best Way to Reach Taormina

From the Catania Airport, getting to either Taormina or Siracusa is easy. I spent three weeks in Sicily, staying solo in Catania for a few days before going to Taormina.

Catania Airport to Taormina

Take the bus if you plan to go straight to Taormina from the airport!

The Interbus will take you directly from the airport to Taormina. Find and purchase tickets directly on Omio!

Catania City Center to Taormina

If you stay in Catania before visiting Taormina, you have two options for getting there, and one is better than the other.

You can either take the direct bus or the train. The bus is more convenient because it will drop you off at the main bus station, which is atop the hill where the old town of Taormina is located.

If you take the train, which I did before I knew about the bus, it will take you to the base of Taormina.

After arriving, you must take a bus to the old town or spend 20 euros on a taxi for 10 minutes. I don’t recommend that.

Best Way to Reach Siracusa (Syracuse)

Getting to Sircausa from Catania Airport or the city center is as easy as it is to get to Taormina.

Catania Airport to Siracusa

There are options to take either the train or the bus to Siracusa. I recommend taking the bus to Sircacua from the airport; it is more direct.

If you take the train, you must first go to the train station from the airport. I didn’t use this option, so I won’t recommend it.

Catania City Center to Siracusa

If you visit Siracusa after spending time in Catania, the train is a viable option.

I would still recommend taking the direct bus, but if you are already in Catania city center, you can take a direct train.

The advantage of the train is that you won’t be subjected to traffic. You can get tickets via the Omio app for either route.

Best Things to Do in Taormina

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Ancient Greek Theatre

Anytime I see photos of Taormina, they typically all include a view of Mount Etna from the Ancient Greek Theatre.

Open daily, you can visit this old Roman amphitheater for 10 euros for adults, Reduced (EU citizens aged 18-25): €5.

Inside, you can explore the theatre, take in some epic views, and enjoy a snack and cocktail at the cafe.

You will also find a little museum and gift shop offering a variety of souvenirs, books, and memorabilia related to the theatre and Taormina.

For Events & Concerts at the Ancient Greek Theatre, check the schedule here.

Visit Isola Bella

Isola Bella, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” is a small island near Taormina, accessible by foot during low tide via a narrow strip of land.

History and Highlights:

In the late 19th century, Lady Florence Trevelyan once owned the island and transformed it into an exotic garden. In 1990, the island became a protected nature reserve.

Visitors can check out the small museum in a historic villa detailing the island’s history and conservation efforts.

Rates are 6€ for entry. Open daily except Mondays, from 9:00 till 1 hour before sunset.

Piazza IX Aprile

The main square in Taormina is Piazza IX Aprile. Here, you will find the historic gate called Porta di Mezzo, also known as the Middle Gate.

This ancient gate, dating back to the 12th century, was part of the city’s defensive walls.

It features a medieval clock tower added in the 17th century. The gate marks the boundary between Taormina’s old and new parts and serves as a gateway to Corso Umberto, the main shopping street.

Porta di Mezzo is an impressive & significant historical landmark.

Church of San Giuseppe

Also in Piazza IX is the Church of San Giuseppe. This beautiful Baroque church dates back to the 17th century. I highly recommend having a peek inside!

Villa Comunale di Taormina

One of the most beautiful areas in Taormina is the public garden known as the Villa Comunale di Taormina.

It is free to enter, the perfect place for picture taking, and a place to soak in the epic views in Taormina.

Forza d’Agro

Forza d’Agrò is a charming hilltop village near Taormina, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding countryside.

The village is known for its medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic churches, such as the Church of the Santissima Annunziata and the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Forza d’Agrò is also famous for being a filming location for scenes from “The Godfather” movies.

Getting to Forza d’Agrò

You can take a bus from Taormina to Forza d’Agrò. Interbus operates regular services between the two locations.

Savoca

Savoca is another picturesque village near Taormina. This medieval town is also a famous filming location for “The Godfather” series, particularly the iconic Bar Vitelli.

Key attractions in Savoca include the Church of San Nicolo, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Capuchin Monastery, where mummified monks can be seen in the crypt.

Getting to Savoca

Interbus operates buses from Taormina to Savoca. Check the latest schedules for accurate departure times.

READ NEXT: Planned For You One Day Taormina Itinerary

Best Things to Do in Siracusa

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Neapolis Archaeological Park

The Neapolis Archaeological Park is a must-visit in Siracusa. This site includes the famous Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius.

Open daily, you can explore these ancient ruins for €10 for adults, with reduced rates available for EU citizens aged 18-25.

I recommend joining an organized tour so that you may get the most of the experience.

Inside the park, you can wander through history, enjoy the serene surroundings, and even catch performances at the Greek Theatre during summer.

Ortigia Island

Ortigia is the historic heart of Siracusa, offering a mix of ancient ruins, baroque buildings, and charming streets.

This is where I recommend you stay if you choose Siracuse as your destination.

Visit Noto

Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its beautiful Baroque architecture.

Highlights include the Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Nicolaci, and the stunning main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Getting to Noto

Noto is a short drive from Siracusa and can be reached by bus or car, making it a perfect day trip. I took the direct bus and bought my tickets (4€ approx) using the Omio app.

Alternatively, you can join an organized tour like this one and visit Ragusa and Modica.

Beach Club Experience

Siracusa is home to wonderful beach clubs where you can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean.

One of the top spots is Lido Fly, offering comfortable loungers, excellent service, and beautiful views.

Church of San Giovanni

The Church of San Giovanni, located in the Archaeological Park, is another historical gem in Siracusa.

This ancient church is known for its catacombs and the Crypt of San Marciano, believed to be the first Christian church in Sicily.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, located at the entrance of Ortigia, is one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily.

It dates back to the 6th century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek architecture.

Maniace Castle

Maniace Castle, a fortress located on the tip of Ortigia, offers stunning views of the sea and the city.

Built in the 13th century, it has a rich history and is an excellent place to explore and learn about Siracusa’s past.

Cathedral of Siracusa (Duomo di Siracusa)

The Cathedral of Siracusa, located in the heart of Ortigia, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture built on the site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Athena.

The cathedral’s facade features impressive columns and intricate carvings! You’ll find beautiful frescoes, marble altars, and religious relics inside.

The Duomo di Siracusa is a place of worship and a symbol of the city’s layered history. It blends ancient Greek, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architectural elements.

Where to Eat in Taormina

One of the most traditional dishes you can order in Sicily is Pasta alla Norma.

This classic Sicilian pasta dish has tomatoes, fried eggplant, basil, and salted ricotta cheese.

One of the best places I found in Taormina for pasta is Trattoria da Nino. It offers delicious dishes at more reasonable prices than many other restaurants in Taormina, which can be quite expensive.

If you want seafood, my favorite meal in Taormina was at Ristorante Pirandello 2.0. (See pictures below)

Where to Eat in Siracusa

The restaurants in Siracusa were fantastic! I should know that I spent all my time trying as many as possible.

I highly recommend trying a traditional dish known as Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta. It consists of swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, and sometimes potatoes.

You want to order at A Putia, but be advised that this place will have a line around the block, so get there when they open!

Also, if you are looking for a more creative cuisine in an adorable space, eat at Chiodo!

Best Time to Visit

Whether you visit Taormina or Siracusa, aim for the warmer months, ideally June, which is just before the peak travel period of July and August.

Visiting in June allowed me to secure better deals on my hotels.

If June doesn’t work for you, consider visiting in September. This marks the beginning of the shoulder season when things are winding down, and it’s also a great time to find good deals.

Where to Stay

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Taormina

When visiting Taormina, there are 2 popular areas to stay: down at the beach or perched up on the hill.

I stayed on the hill, which is walkable to the old town and the main attractions.

Below are the hotels I would recommend:

• Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel $$$ (Old Town)
• B&B Teatro Greco 39 $$ (Old Town)
• B&B Villa Raineri $$$ (Beach)

Siracusa

When visiting Siracusa, you could choose to stay in the heart of the old town, Ortigia Island, or in more secluded areas along the coastline.

It just depends on what kind of vacation you are looking to have. I traveled solo to Sicily, so I wanted to stay in the old town where all the action was.

Here are some hotels I would recommend:

• Gran Bretagna Boutique Hotel Ortigia $ (Old Town)
• Apollo Suite $$ (Old Town)
• Buona Onda $$ (Beach)

Reasons to Skip Taormina

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You aren’t going to find that many reasons to skip Taormina but there are a couple.

1. It can be very expensive visiting Taormina. While I would argue you visit on a day trip to reduce your expenses maybe you would rather just visit Siracusa where the prices are more reasonable. Catania is the most affordable of all the destinations I visited in Sicily.
2. Mobility is an issue. If you have mobility concerns you may want to consider staying in Siracusa instead. Taormina is perched up on a hill and could pose some challenges if your mobility is compromised. I would argue that Siracusa is the easier of the two to visit.

Reasons to Skip Siracusa

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Similar to Taormina, there are not many reasons I would say skip it, but here are some things to consider.

1. You want to spend a lot of time at the beach and won’t have a rental car. If you picture yourself sitting on a beach chair for the majority of your vacation, you should visit Taormina instead.
2. You want to be close to Mt Etna. If you want to more easily visit and have views of Mt Etna, you will want to stay in Taormina for closer proximity.

Where to Next?

If you have more time in Sicily, and I hope you do, I would recommend you visit either Catania or Palermo, both cities are unquie and full of history.

Getting around Sicily is fairly easy by train and bus, though if you want to visit those hidden gems you will need to rent a car.

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask!