Travel from Port of Messina to Taormina, Sicily

[cruisemom42]

14 hours ago, Mary loves to travel said:

if time allows, we might try to grab a taxi in Taormina to take us up to Castlemora for the even better views.

 

Just in case you are looking for info on the place, it's actually called Castelmola and is charming. Some info and tempting photos here:  https://www.visitsicily.info/en/castelmola/

[DENIE]

36 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Just in case you are looking for info on the place, it's actually called Castelmola and is charming. Some info and tempting photos here:  https://www.visitsicily.info/en/castelmola/

Yes, stunning!!!  

[Hlitner]

Speaking of Castelmola, there is also a local bus that runs between Taormina and Castelmola.  We have used that bus (less costly then a taxi) with no problems.  We have also driven our own rental car which was actually an excellent option.  With a car we could get ourselves from Messina to Taormina, up to Castelmola (and anywhere else in the region) on our own schedule.  The last tine we drove up to Castelmola we went there pretty early in the morning(around 9:30) and found the village very quiet.  We found an open cafe where we sat outside on a balcony (with a great view of Mt Etna in the distance) and enjoyed our morning cappuccino.   After walking around the village and looking in a few shops we headed back to our car just as some large tourist buses were arriving.

 

Hank

[Mary loves to travel]

19 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Speaking of Castelmola, there is also a local bus that runs between Taormina and Castelmola.  We have used that bus (less costly then a taxi) with no problems.  We have also driven our own rental car which was actually an excellent option.  With a car we could get ourselves from Messina to Taormina, up to Castelmola (and anywhere else in the region) on our own schedule.  The last tine we drove up to Castelmola we went there pretty early in the morning(around 9:30) and found the village very quiet.  We found an open cafe where we sat outside on a balcony (with a great view of Mt Etna in the distance) and enjoyed our morning cappuccino.   After walking around the village and looking in a few shops we headed back to our car just as some large tourist buses were arriving.

 

Hank

Hank,

 

I was trying to find a bus, but it looks like it takes an hour and a half each way, due to stops.   Sounds like you're talking about an express bus?

[Hlitner]

31 minutes ago, Mary loves to travel said:

Hank,

 

I was trying to find a bus, but it looks like it takes an hour and a half each way, due to stops.   Sounds like you're talking about an express bus?

You are probably looking at some kind of tourist HoHo bus.  I am talking about the regular local bus that takes about 15 min and costs less than 2 Euros (one way).   Here is a link:

https://www.interbus.it/travel-plan/solution.php?departure_stations=92&arrival_stations=467&departure_date=21/07/2021&arrival_date=&pax=1,undefined,undefined&t=0&keyword=TPL_NEW_HOME#dettaglio_fermate_a

 

If my link does not work you can just go to the Interbus.it site although it is helpful to have a browser that will translate into English.  For the sake of many who are not aware, most of the common computer browsers have add-ons for language translations.  For we DIYers it is a very handy thing as is the free Google Translate App available for Smartphones.

 

One "heads up."  There are two main entrances (might even be more) into Taormina and this bus line used to use the entrance on the side closest to the Greco-Roman Theater.  Many transfer buses will drop folks at the opposite side of the city (where there is a large parking garage).   So if one is going to use this bus they need to do a little homework on locating the bus stop.  It has been many years since we used this bus but, at that time, the bus stop was outside a little convenience shop just outside the city gate.  We were able to purchase our bus ticket inside that shop.  At Castelmola the bus drops you near the main street at a parking lot and is convenient for walking through the town.

 

Hank

 

 

 

 

[Mary loves to travel]

@Hlitnerthanks!   I read too quickly the first time and thought you were talking about a bus from Messina!

 

this is great info about the bus from T. to C.   Thanks very much.  

[Hlitner]

5 minutes ago, Mary loves to travel said:

@Hlitnerthanks!   I read too quickly the first time and thought you were talking about a bus from Messina!

 

this is great info about the bus from T. to C.   Thanks very much.  

Actually, 1 1/2 hours from Messina would not be a bad thing.  One could take that bus directly to Castelmola and later take the local bus down to Taormina.   I will honestly say that if it comes down to a choice between Castelmola and Taormina it is a no-brainer that most folks should go to Taormina.  For us, Castelmola was simply a couple of hour diversion (with some fabulous views) but the small village has little to justify a longer stay.   I noticed that their small art museum is currently closed.

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

Ok, so now that we are getting into real travel mode here are a few tips about Taormina.  If you do nothing else try to find time and a place to have some cannoli's with or without lunch.  The other tip which is very important is that Taormina follows a common practice in that many of the shops/boutiques close during the afternoon (some call this the siesta time).  I seem to recall the typical closing time is from about 1 - 4.  Since most visitors do like to enjoy the shops (even if just browsing) this should be considered when making plans.  If you were to arrive in Taormina about 10:30 or 11 (pretty typical) then do your shopping early and plan on having lunch or visiting the Roman ruins during the afternoon .  However, visiting the Greco-Roman Theater is the highlight of Taormina (for most tourists) so one should be careful to check the opening hours and make sure you can visit during the afternoon.  Also be aware that once in Taormina the entire town is walkable (assuming no mobility limitations).  It is truly a town made for tourists on their feet (those in scooters or wheelchairs will also have a lot of access).

 

Hank

[Mary loves to travel]

@Hlitner oh, those are good tips also!   (Your posts are always so helpful).

 

Our ship is in port from Noon - 8pm, on a Weds.   The tour we're looking at, that gives the most time in Taormina, would arrive about 2:30.   First off is a tour of the Greek theater.    Seems we'd be close to the 4 pm shop opening time when we both finish the tour & duck up and back to Castelmola.    So this all should work just fine.    It seems we'd start leaving Taormina around 6, to get down the hill, load the bus, and make the 1 hour return to port by 7:30 pm (the advertised time).     We should be able to leisurely do quite a bit & have a very nice day.    If it feels too "busy", we'll have to save something for the next trip.   🙂

 

Thanks again for all your tips!

Mary

[mnpurple]

For those who have used the train, do you recommend getting tickets ahead or is it OK to go to train station without them and purchase the day of?

[euro cruiser]

It's a regional train, which means no seat reservations and it can't sell out, so there's no need or reason to buy the tickets in advance.

 

Trenitalia offers a bus from the train station at Taormina-Giardini, if you want to use this service you must buy the ticket to Taormina Centro.

[mnpurple]

Thank you @euro cruiser!