5 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Taormina

Taormina's Piazza IX Aprille is an excellent place to mingle in town, and with good reason. By day, the scenic square serves as a viewpoint to marvel at the Mediterranean below and Mount Etna overhead. Lined by rows of traditional Italian restaurants and cafes, it’s a favourite spot to people watch and while away the afternoon.

Come sundown, the cappuccinos give way to vino as travellers and locals come to relish in the lively scene. Caffè Wunderbar is a popular choice, famed for its elegant old-world patios and heady cocktail creations. Plenty of other options abound, though, so pick and choose what looks right for you.

Corso Umberto is Taormina’s main drag – this lively pedestrian thoroughfare cuts straight through the centre of town. On either side of the gorgeous cobblestone street lies a series of ritzy boutiques and glitzy jewellers. This unabashedly upmarket strip is why Taormina is sometimes known as the ‘Saint Tropez of Sicily.’

Between the high-end retail outlets, you'll find fancy restaurants and bars offering affluent revellers a lively place to drink. Our top pick is Daiquiri, which sits on a beautiful old staircase leading to Piazza Duomo. Delicious cocktails and quality service make it among the best haunts in town. The open-air garden at Morgana Bar is another excellent choice for boozy drinks and people-watching in Taormina.

Giardini-Naxos lies around 30 minutes west of central Taormina and has thriving nightlife to rival its luxurious neighbour. The busy beachfront resort town is a little less pricey than Taormina, so head there if you fancy a more budget-friendly night out. But that’s not to say it’s boorish, because Giardini-Naxos hosts all manner of glam spots to enjoy.

The best vibes, of course, are right on the beach, where you can stroll along the sands between bopping late-night venues. Caposkiso’ Lounge Bar is an old favourite, and it’s open 24 hours should you fancy ‘one’ last drink.

Head to Teatro Antico di Taormina (Greek Theatre of Taormina) for a more cultivated night out in the town. Rather than packed out dancefloors and pricey drinks, this historical landmark puts on a series of refined musical and theatrical events during the summer season. You can enjoy a wide range of genres, from pop concerts to a string quartet. Even gladiators and wild beasts once battled it out on stage in this grand 10,000-seat amphitheatre.

The acoustics of the millennia-old monument is superb, and a backdrop of spectacular scenery further enhances the appeal. Aim to arrive at the theatre before the sun goes down to appreciate Taormina’s premier landmark in all its glory.