Taormina tour from Messina: Greek theatre, Isola Bella beach

Taormina's main street, a clifftop view of Isola Bella, two hours on the beach

A guided tour from Messina to Taormina with a private vehicle, taking in the Corso Umberto and ancient Greek theatre, a photo stop at the Isola Bella overlook, and a beach break before returning to Messina for a tasting of local cannoli or granita. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours and includes bottled water, coffee and snacks on board. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Taormina and Messina sightseeing tour

• Arrive at Porta Catania, Taormina
• Visit Corso Umberto shops and Greek theatre
• Taste typical local products
• Stop at balcony for Isola Bella panorama
• Descend to Isola Bella beach for break
• Stop at Cristo Re in Messina for panorama
• Taste arancino, granita, or cannoli
• Visit Messina Duomo and astronomical clock

The experience

The tour departs Messina and heads to Taormina, where you spend roughly two hours walking the Corso Umberto, the main street lined with shops, and visiting the ancient Greek theatre. Along the way, you'll taste typical local products. On the return journey, you stop at a clifftop viewpoint for 5 to 10 minutes to photograph Isola Bella and the coastline below.

From there, the route descends to Isola Bella beach itself, where you have about two to two and a half hours to swim, rest or walk the sand. The beach stop is the longest pause of the day and gives you real time in the water rather than a quick glimpse. Afterward, you head back toward Messina and pull over at Cristo Re to see the Strait of Messina from another angle.

Back in Messina, the tour concludes at the Duomo with its astronomical clock. Before that, if time allows and you want it, the driver offers you one of three local specialties (arancino, granita or cannoli), as a tasting. The vehicle is air-conditioned, stocked with bottled water and coffee, and equipped with WiFi. Your guide is a live person who speaks your language and can answer questions as you move through the day.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water and coffee on board.
• WiFi.
• snacks.
• a live guide in your choice of language.
• a tasting of local cannoli, granita or arancino in Messina (your choice).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sicily Tour with Angelo

Is this one for you?The six to seven hour commitment means you leave Messina in the morning and return by early afternoon or late afternoon, which fits a half-day excursion but rules out a full day of other activities. The two-hour beach stop at Isola Bella is the longest single pause, so if you want real time in the water rather than a quick photo stop, this tour builds that in.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

What is the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina like, and how much time do I get to see it?

The Greek theatre is in Taormina and sits on the main street, the Corso Umberto, where you spend roughly two hours total. You can walk through the theatre and explore it during that window, though the exact time you spend inside depends on how long you linger in the shops and on the street itself.

How long do I actually spend at Isola Bella?

Isola Bella has two stops. First, you stop at a clifftop viewpoint for 5 to 10 minutes to take photos of the island and the panorama. Then the route goes down to the beach itself, where you have about two to two and a half hours to swim, walk or rest.

What's included in the price, and do I have to pay extra for the cannoli or granita?

Private transportation, bottled water, coffee, tea, snacks and WiFi on board are all included. The cannoli, granita or arancino tasting in Messina is offered by the driver at the end of the tour. The description says it's offered to you, and the price is set before you book.

Can I stay longer in Taormina if I want to?

Yes. The tour normally spends about two hours in Taormina, but the operator notes that if you want to stay longer, it won't be a problem. You can extend your time there and the rest of the day adjusts around it.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and service animals are allowed on board.