How to Visit Taormina from Messina Cruise Port
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Taormina, often called the jewel of Sicily, is a hilltop town on the island’s eastern coast.
Overlooking the Ionian Sea and backed by Mount Etna, it’s one of the most popular day trips for cruisers docking in Messina cruise port.
Just a 45-minute drive from the port, Taormina offers ancient ruins, stunning views, and lively streets filled with shops and cafés.
I had the chance to visit Taormina myself, and in this guide, I’ll share how to get to Taormina from Messina cruise port, the best things to see during your visit, along with insider tips to make the most of your day.
How to Get from Messina Cruise Port to Taormina
Taormina lies about 52 km (32 miles) south of Messina, and there are several ways to reach it from the cruise port.
Depending on your budget and how much time you have, you can travel by train, bus, taxi, or join an organized shore excursion.
The journey takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, and each option has its own advantages.
🚆 By Train
Messina cruise terminal is conveniently located just 1 km (about a 13-minute walk) from Messina Centrale, the city’s main railway station in Piazza della Repubblica (Republic Square).
If you prefer, taxis are always available at the port and can get you there in just a few minutes.
Trains to Taormina-Giardini (Taormina-Gardens) are operated by Trenitalia and usually run at least once per hour, often more frequently.
Tickets start from around €5.50 one way, and the journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on the type of train. You can check the timetables on the Trenitalia website.
💡 Tip: When I visited Sicily in the low season, there was no need to buy tickets in advance. However, if you’re visiting for just one day on a cruise, it’s a good idea to purchase a return ticket in advance and plan your timing carefully to avoid any stress getting back to the ship.
Once you arrive at Taormina-Giardini, remember that the station sits at the foot of the hill, about 3 km below Taormina’s old town.
While it’s possible to walk up (about 30 minutes uphill), there is also a local Linea Verde minibus that stops right outside the station.
The bus ride takes 10–15 minutes and drops you at Piazza San Pancrazio, right at the entrance to Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street.
On the way, the Linea Verde also stops at Isola Bella, so if you’d prefer to head straight to the beach and nature reserve instead of the old town, you can hop off there.
This line may not run very frequently, so before planning your trip, it’s best to check the current timetables on the official website.
Alternatively, taxis are available at the Taormina-Giardini station and cost around €20–30 per vehicle one way, with a quick 10-minute ride up to the town center.
This option is often the best for cruise passengers, since it saves precious time in port, and the cost can be easily shared if you’re traveling with friends or fellow cruisers.
🚌 By Bus
You can also reach Taormina from Messina by intercity bus, operated by Interbus Autolinee.
Buses usually depart from Piazza della Repubblica in Messina, close to the central station.
The ride takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the route, and tickets are generally cheaper than the train. However, departures are not very frequent, so it’s important to check the Interbus timetable in advance.
In Taormina, buses often stop at Piazza San Pancrazio near the entrance to Corso Umberto, but it’s better to get off at the main Interbus Terminal, located about 550 meters (less than a 10-minute walk) from the old town.
Some routes may also stop at Taormina-Giardini train station, though in that case the bus fare can be higher than the local Linea Verde minibus.
🚖 By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taking a taxi or arranging a private transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Messina cruise port to Taormina.
The drive takes around 45–50 minutes, covering a distance of about 52 km (32 miles).
Taxis are readily available at the port, but it’s best to confirm the fare before starting your trip.
For groups or families, this can be a convenient option since the cost is shared and you’ll be dropped off right in Taormina’s historic center without any transfers.
Another option is to pre-book a private transfer with a service like Welcome Pickups.
Your driver will be waiting at the cruise terminal, ready to take you directly to Taormina.
While slightly more expensive, this option offers peace of mind, especially if you’re on a tight schedule, and ensures a direct, stress-free ride without worrying about local taxis or train connections.
🚗 By Rental Car
Renting a car gives flexibility, but it’s not ideal for a short cruise stop.
Parking in Taormina is limited, especially in high season. You’ll likely need to leave the car in a lot near Taormina-Giardini station and continue by minibus or taxi.
Unless you plan to combine Taormina with places like Mount Etna or Catania, renting isn’t the most practical choice.
🚢 By Shore Excursion
A shore excursion is often the most convenient way to visit Taormina from Messina. Transportation is included, so you don’t have to worry about schedules or finding your way back.
Most excursions cover Taormina’s main highlights, like the Ancient Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto, and many also include a visit to Mount Etna or a local winery.
While this option is more expensive than traveling independently, it saves time and removes the stress of planning.
💡 Tip: Cruise lines often overcharge for excursions, so I personally prefer booking through Viator and GetYourGuide. Both platforms offer a wide range of Taormina tours (some combined with Mount Etna), flexible cancellation policies, and plenty of reviews to help you choose the right one.
📺 Video: Messina to Taormina & Top Things to Do
If you’d like a visual overview, check out my video below, where I cover how to get from Messina cruise port to Taormina and the top things to do once you’re there!
Top 8 Things to Do in Taormina on a Cruise Day
Perched on a 200-meter cliff with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Here are the top 8 things you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
1. Corso Umberto
Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main street, stretching about 800 meters through the heart of the old town.
Along the way you’ll find boutiques, jewelry and souvenir shops, gelaterias, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the town’s two main squares – Piazza Duomo and Piazza IX Aprile.
It only takes around 10–15 minutes to walk its full length, but with so many photo-worthy corners, banks, pharmacies, ATMs, and even a post office at Porta Catania, you’ll likely spend much longer here.
👉 Check out Corso Umberto tours and activities.
2. Piazza IX Aprile
Piazza IX Aprile is Taormina’s most famous square, located right on Corso Umberto.
From its panoramic terrace with black-and-white marble paving, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the Ionian Sea and coastline.
The square is framed by two small historic churches, San Giuseppe and Sant’Agostino, and lined with cafés, restaurants, and benches where you can pause and take in the scenery.
👉 Explore Piazza IX Aprile tours and activities
3. Duomo di Taormina
Just a five-minute walk from Piazza IX Aprile along Corso Umberto, you’ll reach Taormina Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Taormina.
Originally built in the 13th century on the ruins of a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Today, the medieval stone church features a grand arched interior with statues and religious artwork.
The cathedral dominates Piazza Duomo, a small square centered around the 17th-century marble fountain, decorated with mythological figures and the city’s coat of arms.
4. Villa Comunale (Parco Duca di Cesaro)
Only a few minutes’ walk from Piazza IX Aprile and Corso Umberto, the Villa Comunale gardens offer a peaceful escape from Taormina’s busy old town.
Created in the 19th century by Lady Florence Trevelyan, a cousin of Queen Victoria, the gardens feature exotic plants, shady pathways, and whimsical aviary structures she once built for her beloved birds.
Today, Villa Comunale is a favorite spot for its panoramic views of the coast, as well as a small playground for kids. Entry is free, and the gardens are partly accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
5. Teatro Antico (Ancient Theatre of Taormina)
Less than a 10-minute walk uphill from Villa Comunale, you’ll find the spectacular remains of Taormina’s Greco-Roman theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Once used for gladiatorial games, it can now seat over 5,000 people and still hosts concerts and theatre performances. Tickets cost around €12, and guided tours are also available.
At the entrance, you’ll also find a small exhibition about the theatre’s past.
Do note that the site is not wheelchair-accessible. I spent about an hour exploring, though I could have stayed much longer.
👉 Explore Teatro Antico tours and activities.
6. Church of Madonna della Rocca
Perched on a hill above Taormina, about 1.2 km from Teatro Antico and 800 m from Piazza IX Aprile, this small 17th-century church is built directly into the rock.
You can reach it by taxi or on foot, but be prepared for a climb. The walking route involves over 300 steps, so it requires decent fitness, water, and sun protection.
Inside, the church has a simple but unique rock-carved interior, and just behind it you’ll find breathtaking views over Taormina and across to Castelmola village.
7. Isola Bella
At the foot of Taormina lies Isola Bella, a small rocky island with a beautiful pebble beach and crystal-clear waters.
Once privately owned, it became a nature reserve in 1992, now home to exotic plants, birds, lizards, and the Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isola Bella.
The island is linked to the beach by a narrow path and surrounded by sea caves you can explore by boat. Popular activities include snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking tours.
To reach Isola Bella, you can walk (about 30 minutes from Taormina’s old town), take a bus or taxi, or use the cable car (Funivia Mazzarò), located just a five-minute walk from Piazza San Pancrazio.
The ride takes 5 minutes, costs €6 one way or €10 round-trip (2025 prices), and runs every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 1:30 am in summer.
Once at the bottom, the beach and island are just a 10-minute walk away. Tickets can be purchased at the office or from the machine if the counter is closed.
👉 Explore Isola Bella tours and activities.
8. Castelmola
Just 5 km (3 miles) from Taormina, the hilltop village of Castelmola sits at 518 m (1,700 ft) above sea level, offering some of the best panoramic views over Taormina and the coastline.
The village is famous for its almond wine, narrow winding streets, and historic churches. A highlight is the ruins of Castello di Mola, a 10th-century fortress built to defend Taormina from attacks.
You can reach Castelmola by bus or taxi from Piazza San Pancrazio, or on foot with a 45-minute uphill hike.
👉 Explore Castelmola tours and activities.
Cruise Tips for Visiting Taormina
🕒 Time & Crowds
The journey from Messina to Taormina takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your transport, so plan carefully and always allow extra time to return to your ship.
Taormina is also one of Sicily’s most popular destinations, and it gets especially crowded around midday when most tours arrive.
To make the most of your visit, try exploring early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the streets are quieter.
♿ Accessibility
Taormina is perched on a 200-meter-high cliff, and while the main street Corso Umberto and the Villa Comunale gardens are relatively flat, many side streets and landmarks are steep.
Places like the Greek Theatre, Madonna della Rocca church, and Castelmola involve uphill climbs, so comfortable shoes are a must.
🍝 Dining & Shopping
Most restaurants in Taormina add a service charge (coperto) of €2–3 per person, so tipping isn’t expected. For a quick bite, grab a cannoli or arancini from a café on Corso Umberto.
If you have more time, sit down at one of the many trattorias or pizzerias and enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes with a view.
Shopping is best along Corso Umberto, where you’ll find everything from luxury boutiques to souvenir shops.
🚍 Sightseeing Bus
CityBySea is an open-top sightseeing bus with five routes covering major attractions such as Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella, Castelmola, Savoca, Mount Etna, Forza d’Agrò, and Gole Alcantara.
In Taormina, the stop is on Via Luigi Pirandello, just a short walk from Piazza San Pancrazio.
FAQ – Visiting Taormina from Messina Cruise Port
❓ How far is Taormina from Messina cruise port?
Taormina is about 52 km (32 miles) from Messina, and it takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach it, depending on your mode of transport.
❓ What is the best way to get from Messina cruise port to Taormina?
The most popular options are train, bus, taxi/private transfer, or shore excursion. Trains are affordable, taxis are fastest, and excursions are most convenient.
❓ Is Taormina walkable?
Yes, once in town, Taormina is very walkable. The main street Corso Umberto and Villa Comunale gardens are flat, but many side streets and attractions (like Teatro Antico and Madonna della Rocca) require uphill walking.
❓ How much time do I need to visit Taormina from Messina on a cruise day?
Plan at least 6-8 hours in total, including transport, to explore Taormina’s highlights comfortably and get back to your ship on time.
Video: Messina Cruise Port Overview
If you’d like to see more about Messina itself and the excursions available to Mount Etna, Taormina, and beyond, check out my video below.
It covers the port facilities, getting around Messina, and highlights in town, along with day trip options.
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide
Planning a Mediterranean cruise? My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook covers 45 ports, including Messina, Taormina, Catania, Palermo, and more.
Inside you’ll find insider tips, shore ideas, and printable checklists, perfect to take along on your cruise.
Other Ports Often Included with Messina
Cruise itineraries that stop in Messina often also include:
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – Italy’s capital, history, and Vatican.
- Naples – gateway to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi Coast.
- Palermo (Sicily) – history, markets, and Monreale Cathedral.
- Valletta (Malta) – a UNESCO World Heritage capital with stunning harbor views.
- Catania (Sicily) – lively city at the base of Mount Etna.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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