Solo Travel Guide: Eat, Pray, Love Your Way Through Taormina, Sicily
Isola Bella
Looking for the perfect solo travel destination in Italy? Meet Taormina, Sicily — a stunning hilltop town perched above the Ionian Sea. Known for its dramatic views of Mount Etna, its ancient Greek ruins, and its seductive blend of glamour and rustic charm, Taormina is the kind of place where solo travelers don't just visit — they fall in love.
This was my first solo trip ever. It was June, 2021 so covid was still a hot topic (also, the second summer without my dad). We had an awesome airbnb, met some fun Romanos, explored, hiked Mt. Etna, went wine tasting, shopped, drank a lot of wine, swam in the Mediterranean and ate a lot of seafood. Taormina is an amazing place with so much history. I am also Sicilian so it felt nice being back in my ancestry roots. Sharing top things to do below:
Top Things To Do in Taormina
Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre of Taormina) - this 3rd-century BC Greek-Roman theatre offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna - stunning! Bonus? If you're lucky, catch a concert under the stars in this ancient venue
Isola Bella - accessible via a scenic mini hike, this small island is a nature reserve celebrated for its rich biodiversity and pebbled beaches - insta worthy!
Corso Umberto - main thoroughfare of Taormina, lined with charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and people-watching
Hike to Castelmola - a charming medieval village perched even higher above Taormina, Castelmola offers scenic hiking routes, panoramic views, and a sweet escape from the tourist buzz
Chiesa di San Pancrazio (Church of San Pancrazio) - this 17th-century church is notable for its Baroque architecture and serene ambiance
Etna Tour & Wine Tasting - this was a HIGHLIGHT of my trip. Highly reco! Here’s the service we used (hiked part of Etna, visited Alacantara then enjoyed a beautiful farm to table lunch + wine tasting in a vineyard): https://www.etnapeople.com/
San Domenico Palace (White Lotus Hotel) - have a drink in the outdoor garden here before dinner, it's magical and you can walk around inside - there's an old monastery (from 14th century, I prayed to my dad in here, it was beyond beautiful and spiritual place) and a TON of history here with Ernest Hemingway writing as well as other legends - hotel is from 1203
Top Restaurants in Taormina
🌟 Ristorante La Capinera - a Michelin-starred seaside gem offering locally sourced Sicilian dishes, paired with wines as captivating as the Ionian sunset
🌟 Da Cristina - best arancini producer
🌟 Saraceno - dine on a terrace with panoramic views
🌟 La Cambusa -located in Giardini Naxos (town next to Taormina) right on the water - romantic and vibes right on the sea
🌽 Trattoria Don Ciccio - authentic Sicilian flavors in a cozy, family-run spot. Perfect for solo diners craving pasta and warm hospitality
🌚 Bam Bar - the undisputed queen of granita. Order a pistachio + almond combo and prepare for a mind-altering Sicilian dessert experience
🍹 Morgana Lounge Bar - a sophisticated cocktail spot where the ambiance is as impressive as the drinks. Ideal for an elegant solo nightcap
Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre of Taormina)
Why Taormina is Perfect for Solo Female Travelers
Taormina is the ultimate combination of safety, beauty, and adventure. Whether you crave cultural experiences, sun-soaked afternoons on a Sicilian beach, or long solo dinners over a glass of Nero d'Avola, this charming town checks every box for a memorable solo escape.
Why Taormina Stole My Solo-Traveling Heart
Some places you visit. Others, you feel. Taormina is the latter. Between its old-world beauty, laid-back coastal lifestyle, and postcard-perfect scenery, it invites solo travelers to slow down, savor, and fall in love with every moment.
From the winding alleys to the clinking wine glasses at sunset, Taormina proves that the best company on the road can sometimes be yourself.
Ciao for now, Sicily — but not for long.
