Taormina: Food & Wine Walking Tour with Sicilian Tastings

Summary

Evening strolls in Taormina tasting seafood, red wine and cannoli with locals

You’ll wander Taormina’s historic streets with a local guide, tasting Sicilian seafood paired with white wine, hearty landfood with reds, then pastries and liqueurs in a classic patisserie. Expect laughter over Prosecco, stories from real locals, and flavors you might dream about later — all included in your small group or private tour.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to eat your way through Taormina’s old city center after dark? I didn’t know either, until our little group met at Porta Messina, that ancient stone arch where the streetlights start to flicker on. Our guide, Carmela, waved us over — she had this easy laugh and a way of weaving local gossip into food stories. The air smelled like sea salt and something sweet I couldn’t place yet.

First stop was a tucked-away spot where we got handed glasses of Prosecco before anyone even sat down. There was this plate of marinated anchovies and citrusy octopus salad — honestly, I hesitated (anchovies aren’t my thing), but the white wine made everything taste brighter. Carmela told us about her uncle who still fishes off the coast at sunrise. You could hear people chatting in Sicilian behind us, and for a second it felt like we’d wandered into someone’s family dinner by accident.

I lost track of time between bites and stories. Next came a cozy wine bar for “landfood” — which meant salty cheeses, caponata, cured meats, and these tiny arancini that disappeared too fast. The red wine here was heavier; I tried to pronounce its name (Nero d’Avola?) and got corrected gently by the bartender. We ended up talking about football rivalries instead of grapes. Funny how that happens.

The last stop was a patisserie glowing under yellow lights. Cannoli dusted with powdered sugar, almond cookies still warm from the oven, and little glasses of limoncello that made me squint but also smile. I still think about that first bite of pistachio cream — so rich it nearly shut everyone up for a moment. Walking back along Corso Umberto felt different after all that food; maybe slower, or just more content.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taormina food and wine tasting tour

• Meet at Porta Messina gate
• Visit first venue: seafood and white wine
• Visit second venue: landfood and red wine
• Visit third venue: pastries and liquors

Top questions

How long does the Taormina food & wine walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is there an option for a private tour?

Yes, you can choose between a shared small group or a private tour just for your party.

What kind of food is included on the tour?

You’ll try Sicilian seafood (“fish food”), landfood like cheeses and cured meats, plus pastries and liqueurs.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes, typical Sicilian white wines, red wines, Prosecco on arrival, and local liqueurs are included with the tastings.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Porta Messina in Taormina’s old city center.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or dietary needs?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking so adjustments can be made if possible.

How many venues are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit three different venues: one for seafood & white wine, one for landfood & red wine, and one patisserie for sweets & liqueurs.

Are children allowed on this food & wine walking tour?

The reference content doesn’t specify age restrictions; check directly when booking if traveling with children.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided tastings at three authentic venues: fresh seafood paired with Sicilian white wines (with welcome Prosecco), hearty landfood matched to regional reds in a cozy bar, then traditional pastries and local liqueurs at a classic patisserie — all led by a knowledgeable foodie guide starting from Porta Messina in Taormina’s old town.