Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola half day Tour from Catania

Start with an 8:30am pickup from the Catania station, port, or your hotel, then travel to Giardini Naxos, the pretty seaside town just south of Taormina. Sicily’s first Greek colony, Giardini Naxos is rich in history as well as beauty and you’ll learn about its Greek roots as you travel along the seafront, looking out at Naxos Bay.

Stop at Isola Bella, a wildlife reserve known as the “peal of the Ionian Sea,” and use your free time here for a dip in the water. Afterward, you’ll head onwards to Castelmola for a stroll through the town. Admire the ruins of its Norman city walls, and stroll around Piazza Duomo to see the Mother Church of Castelmola, a rebuilt cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari.

Later, you’ll visit Taormina to tread the pavements of Corso Umberto and discover its monuments. See the Messina and Catania gates, and check out the medieval Palazzo Corvaja, Teatro Antico, Badia Vecchia, and the Torre dell’Orologio, among other sights. Finally, you’ll have some time to browse Taormina’s shops at your leisure before your return to Catania.

• Start with an 8:30am pickup from the Catania station, port, or your hotel, then travel to Giardini Naxos, the pretty seaside town just south of Taormina. Sicily’s first Greek colony, Giardini Naxos is rich in history as well as beauty and you’ll learn about its Greek roots as you travel along the seafront, looking out at Naxos Bay. Stop at Isola Bella, a wildlife reserve known as the “peal of the Ionian Sea,” and use your free time here for a dip in the water. Afterward, you’ll head onwards to Castelmola for a stroll through the town. Admire the ruins of its Norman city walls, and stroll around Piazza Duomo to see the Mother Church of Castelmola, a rebuilt cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari. Later, you’ll visit Taormina to tread the pavements of Corso Umberto and discover its monuments. See the Messina and Catania gates, and check out the medieval Palazzo Corvaja, Teatro Antico, Badia Vecchia, and the Torre dell’Orologio, among other sights. Finally, you’ll have some time to browse Taormina’s shops at your leisure before your return to Catania.

See the coast where Greeks first landed in Sicily, and admire the medieval architecture of Taormina whose palaces and monuments witnessed a long and meaningful history. Enjoy the panoramas which overlook the Ionian sea and on Nebrodi mountains from the high Castelmola, a natural balcony on Taormina. See traditional products of the artisanal shops and the elegance of the boutiques which make Taormina a little jewelry box.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers