Port information & tips for Taormina (Sicily)
Taormina, the "Pearl of Sicily", is spectacularly perched on a rock overlooking the Ionian Sea and is considered one of Italy's most exclusive destinations. Visitors can expect a sophisticated flair with flower-lined alleys, ancient history, and a breathtaking view of majestic Mount Etna. Absolute highlights include the world-famous Teatro Antico di Taormina, the elegant Corso Umberto promenade, and the idyllic bay of Isola Bella. Cruise ships usually lie at anchor in the picturesque bay of Giardini Naxos, from where tender boats dock directly at the quay of Porto Scaro Nuovo. From here, thanks to short shuttle connections or taxis, guests can reach the historic center in around 15 to 20 minutes while enjoying the wonderful panoramic drive up into the town.
Taormina, a picturesque town in Sicily, is usually accessed by cruise ships via tender boats that take passengers to the nearby port of Giardini Naxos. For larger ships, the port of Messina often serves as a port of call, from where transfers to Taormina are organized.
Airplane
The nearest and busiest airport is Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), located around 65 kilometers south of Taormina. From there, you can easily reach Taormina by direct bus (Interbus) in about 60 to 90 minutes for approximately 7-8 Euros. A comfortable alternative is a private transfer, which takes about one hour to take you directly to your accommodation, with fixed prices starting at around 90-115 Euros for a standard vehicle. For a relaxed embarkation, it is recommended to arrive the day before due to the flight time from the DACH region.
Train
The relevant train station for Taormina is "Taormina-Giardini", located in the coastal district of Villagonia, below the hilltop old town. From Catania Centrale, trains run to Taormina-Giardini station in around 37 minutes. From the station, you can reach the center of Taormina in about 10 minutes by local bus or taxi. Taxi costs from the station to the city center are around 10-15 Euros.
Car & Parking
The A18 motorway connects Taormina directly with Messina and Catania, allowing for a smooth journey. For the historic old town of Taormina, two large, well-signposted parking garages are available: the Lumbi parking garage and the Porta Catania parking garage. From there, you can easily reach the center on foot or via the shuttle bus. There are also paid parking spaces in Giardini Naxos, although finding a spot can be challenging during the high season.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
