About this tour
A 6-hour harbour excursion from Messina into Sicily's most elegant hilltop towns. You'll explore Taormina, a 5th-century Greek settlement centred on its ancient theatre and lively main street lined with boutiques and pastry shops, then climb to the windswept medieval village of Castelmola for sweeping coastal views. Between stops, you'll pass Isola Bella, a protected marine reserve and UNESCO site, glimpsing the dramatic landscapes that made this corner of Sicily famous.
Highlights
- Greek Theatre at Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea
- Medieval Castelmola village with panoramic hilltop vantage points
- Isola Bella marine reserve, UNESCO-protected nature site
- Corso Umberto's independent shops and renowned local pastry makers
- Coastal scenery between Messina and the twin towns
What to expect
You'll start with a scenic drive from Messina, arriving in Taormina with time to wander the traffic-free main drag and visit the Greek Theatre ruins at leisure. The town sits steeply on the hillside, so expect cobbled streets and steady slopes. Afterwards, the coach takes you higher still to Castelmola, a quiet, compact village where views stretch across the strait to mainland Italy. You'll return to Messina via the coastal route, with photo stops at Isola Bella. Allow comfortable walking pace and wear sturdy shoes.
Good to know
Lunch isn't included; eat in Taormina before heading to Castelmola, which has limited dining. The route is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Bring water (bottled water provided) and sun protection. Roads wind; those prone to motion sickness may want preventative measures.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.