September is one of the most enjoyable months to discover Taormina. Summer is not quite over, the sea can still be inviting, and generally milder temperatures make it easier to combine beaches, sightseeing, walks and excursions around eastern Sicily.
Visiting Taormina in September also means experiencing different sides of the destination during the same trip. You can explore the Ancient Theatre and historic centre, spend time at Isola Bella, walk above the town to Madonna della Rocca, or venture farther afield to Castelmola and the Alcantara Gorges.
Here is our guide to what to do in Taormina in September and the experiences worth including in your stay.
Why visit Taormina in September?
September offers an appealing balance between a Mediterranean seaside holiday and a cultural city break.
Sicilian summer does not simply disappear when August ends. There can still be plenty of warm, sunny days, particularly during the earlier part of the month, making it possible to enjoy the coast as well as Taormina’s historical attractions.
Temperatures can also be more comfortable for walking and exploring than during the hottest summer weeks.
A September holiday in Taormina can therefore begin with a morning by the sea, continue with an afternoon exploring the historic centre and end over dinner at a Sicilian restaurant.
Weather conditions naturally vary, especially as the month progresses, so checking the forecast before planning beach days and outdoor excursions is always advisable.
Explore the Ancient Theatre of Taormina
No list of things to see in Taormina would be complete without its Ancient Theatre.
The monument reflects different periods of the town’s history. Its origins date back to the Hellenistic period, while major alterations were subsequently made during Roman times.
Its remarkable setting, however, is as memorable as its archaeology.
From the theatre, visitors can admire views across the coastline and towards Mount Etna, creating one of the most iconic panoramas in Sicily.
September is a wonderful time to explore the site, particularly during the cooler parts of the day when the changing light creates beautiful contrasts between the ancient stone, sea and surrounding landscape.
Walk along Corso Umberto
One of the simplest pleasures of visiting Taormina in September is walking along Corso Umberto.
Running through the historic centre between Porta Messina and Porta Catania, this pedestrian street takes you past historical buildings, churches, cafés, shops, restaurants and hidden courtyards.
Make time to stop in Piazza IX Aprile, one of Taormina’s most famous panoramic squares. Its terrace opens towards the Ionian coast and is an ideal place to simply stop and enjoy the scenery.
Come back in the evening and the atmosphere changes again as the streets, restaurants and buildings light up and the traditional evening stroll begins.
Relax in the Public Gardens
Taormina’s Public Gardens, or Villa Comunale, offer a peaceful break from sightseeing.
Their history is closely associated with Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman who settled in Taormina during the late nineteenth century.
Today the gardens combine Mediterranean and exotic vegetation, pathways, panoramic terraces and unusual ornamental structures.
It is an ideal place to slow down, find some shade and admire the Ionian Sea from a different perspective.
During a September stay, the gardens are particularly enjoyable when you want to alternate archaeological sites and busy streets with quieter moments surrounded by greenery.
Spend a day at Isola Bella
Do not pack away your swimsuit just because August has ended.
One of the highlights of a September holiday in Taormina can still be a day around Isola Bella, weather and sea conditions permitting.
The small island and surrounding bay form one of the most recognisable landscapes on Sicily’s eastern coast. On warm September days, the area can still be ideal for swimming and relaxing by the sea.
The Mazzarò area can also be reached from Taormina by cable car when the service is operating, so it is worth checking current schedules before setting out.
And remember to admire Isola Bella from above. The elevated viewpoints around Taormina reveal the extraordinary shape and colours of the bay.
Walk up to Madonna della Rocca
Travellers who enjoy walking can leave the central streets behind and climb towards the Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca.
Partly carved into the rock above Taormina, the small sanctuary enjoys a commanding position over the town.
The walk can be demanding, particularly in warm weather, but September can provide more comfortable conditions than the height of summer. Comfortable shoes, drinking water and avoiding the hottest hours remain sensible precautions.
Higher above the town stands the Castle of Monte Tauro, often referred to as the Saracen Castle. Check current opening arrangements and accessibility before planning your visit.
Discover Castelmola and Sicilian flavours
To fully appreciate what to do in Taormina in September, look beyond the town itself.
Perched high above Taormina, Castelmola is a beautiful hilltop village offering impressive views over the coast, surrounding countryside and Mount Etna.
Spend a few hours wandering through its small streets and squares, stopping at its viewpoints and discovering some local flavours.
Castelmola is particularly associated with almond wine, one of the village’s best-known specialities. You can also stop for a granita or another Sicilian treat and turn a simple excursion into a small gastronomic experience.
Spend an evening in Giardini Naxos
A short journey down the coast takes you to Giardini Naxos, where seaside life meets ancient history.
The area is associated with ancient Naxos, founded in the eighth century BC and generally regarded as the first Greek colony in Sicily.
Today, its seafront is a pleasant place for an evening stroll. Head down in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner near the sea and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront afterwards.
Travellers interested in archaeology can also consider visiting the Archaeological Park of Naxos, checking current opening times beforehand.
Explore the Alcantara Gorges
One of the advantages of September is the opportunity to combine the coast with excursions into the Sicilian countryside.
The Alcantara Gorges provide a dramatic change of scenery.
Over time, the river has shaped an extraordinary landscape of dark basalt formations, water and vegetation. It feels very different from Taormina’s elegant streets and Mediterranean beaches.
Depending on local conditions and available services, visitors can opt for a relatively relaxed visit or join organised activities in the Alcantara Valley.
If you are considering quad tours or other guided adventures, choose authorised operators and check availability, weather conditions and the nature of the activity in advance.
Taste traditional Sicilian food
Discovering Taormina also means discovering Sicily through its food.
Arancini, pasta alla Norma, fresh fish, caponata, cannoli, almond desserts and granita are only a few of the dishes and specialities you might encounter during your stay.
Rather than trying to taste everything at once, make food part of the rhythm of your holiday.
Breakfast with granita and brioche, lunch overlooking the sea or dinner in the historic centre can become just as memorable as visiting one of Taormina’s monuments.
How many days should you spend in Taormina?
A weekend is enough to discover many of the highlights, but three or four days give you considerably more freedom.
You could devote one day to the historic centre and Ancient Theatre, another to the coast and Isola Bella, then use additional days to explore Castelmola, Giardini Naxos or the Alcantara Gorges.
One of the pleasures of Taormina in September is precisely this opportunity to slow down.
Some of the best memories may come from the moments between attractions: an espresso at a café, an evening walk or simply stopping to look out across the Mediterranean.
Where to stay in Taormina
Location can make a considerable difference to your holiday, particularly during a short stay.
Choosing accommodation close to the historic centre makes it easier to reach many attractions on foot and enjoy Taormina after sunset without constantly relying on a car.
If you are planning your trip and wondering where to stay in Taormina, Bed and Breakfast Teatro Greco 39 is an ideal base from which to explore the town and its surroundings.
Book your room directly at Bed and Breakfast Teatro Greco 39 and take advantage of the best price for your stay in Taormina.
