Some places announce their beauty immediately. Others reveal themselves slowly. Taormina, Sicily somehow manages to do both.
We visited in October, when the weather was still warm, the sea sparkled in the distance, and Taormina felt vibrant without feeling overcrowded.
After a scenic drive along Sicily’s eastern coast, we arrived in Taormina ready for lunch and eager to explore one of the island’s most celebrated towns. Rather than rushing straight to the famous sights, we did what we often do when traveling—we slowed down, settled in, and followed our appetites.
Lunch was served on a terrace overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea. Below us, the coastline curved toward the horizon while sailboats drifted across water so blue it hardly looked real. The setting alone would have been worth the stop, but the meal didn’t disappoint either. A perfectly crisp pizza, beer and aperol spritz and we were content. Rich Italian coffee followed, along with the promise of an afternoon with nowhere in particular to be.
One of the joys of traveling unrushed is allowing time for moments like these. Not checking off attractions. Not watching the clock. Simply enjoying good food, good company, and a view that makes you linger a little longer than planned.
With lunch finished and Taormina waiting just beyond the terrace, we set off to wander its winding lanes, hidden passageways, historic churches, and lively piazzas—discovering why this hilltop town has captivated travelers for centuries
Wandering the Streets of Taormina, Sicily
Unlike some of our favorite travel days that begin with no plan at all, Taormina came with a short list of places I had been looking forward to for months. Thanks to a healthy dose of YouTube research, I knew there were bakeries to find, granitas to sample, and a few famous corners of town I hoped to see.
Two spots appeared on nearly every Taormina recommendation list. Bam Bar was famous for its granita con panna served alongside a brioche con tuppo, a traditional Sicilian sweet bun. Equally tempting was Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto, known for its beautifully crafted cannoli, cassatine, and almond cookies filled with flavors like pistachio, orange, and peach. Armed with a map and a growing sweet tooth, we set off to find them.
A Sweet Sicilian Tradition
Our first stop was Bam Bar, and it didn’t disappoint. The famous granita con panna arrived topped with fresh whipped cream and accompanied by a warm brioche con tuppo. Part dessert, part breakfast, and completely delicious, it quickly became one of our favorite treats in Sicily. Like so many places in Taormina, Bam Bar managed to be both a tourist favorite and genuinely charming.
Just a short walk away, another Sicilian specialty stopped us in our tracks.
Not long after leaving Bam Bar, a sight that stopped us in our tracks was the incredible display of marzipan fruit. At first glance, it looked like a market stand overflowing with peaches, oranges, lemons, and pears. Only when we looked a little closer we realized every piece was handcrafted from almond paste. Sicily’s famous frutta martorana is almost too beautiful to eat.
Fortunately, Taormina is the kind of place where even following a plan still feels like wandering. Around nearly every corner we discovered something that invited us to linger a little longer—historic churches, flower-filled balconies, colorful ceramics, charming alleyways, and shop windows overflowing with Sicilian treats. The beauty of Taormina wasn’t found in any single landmark. It was in the small details and unexpected discoveries that revealed themselves as we explored.
Some of our favorite discoveries were the churches scattered throughout town. Hidden among busy cafes and lively streets, they offered a quiet contrast to the energy outside. Stepping through their doors felt like entering another world—cool, peaceful, and timeless.
Back outside, Taormina’s streets seemed to reveal something interesting at every turn. Historic buildings stood beside lively cafes, hidden courtyards opened unexpectedly onto small piazzas, and centuries of history blended effortlessly with modern-day life. It was the kind of place that rewarded curiosity and encouraged us to keep wandering just a little farther.
Taormina wears its history beautifully. Throughout the town, layers of Greek, Roman, Norman, and Sicilian influences appear in everything from grand stone facades to weathered architectural details that have survived for centuries. We often found ourselves stopping not because a building was famous, but because a doorway, window, or carved stonework caught our attention and made us wonder about the stories it had witnessed over the years.
Some of our favorite discoveries weren’t landmarks at all. They were the little details that gave Taormina its personality-hand-painted signs, family-run shops, colorful displays, and charming storefronts that seemed to invite you inside.
Years later, it’s still one of the places Jerry talks about returning to. And honestly, I understand why. Some destinations impress you while you’re there. Others stay with you long after you’ve gone home. Taormina somehow manages to do both.
A Few Things That Made This Sicily Trip Easier
After years of travel, I’ve learned that a few well-chosen items can make a big difference. These are a few things that earned a spot in my suitcase for Sicily and continue to travel with me on trips around the world.
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