Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
4.5
About
The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb at Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Scottyc74Brisbane, Australia49 contributionsForget Syracuse... if there is one place to visit, this is it!This place was great. Even if you arent a history sort of person the sheer size of this place and the presence of etna in the background just makes it impressive. There is a short video playing (max 2mins) which enables you to see what it was once like in its full glory. The best bit about it, is you can walk through and around it, step over old fallen columns and interact with it. Its one of the few monuments you can walk around and really tell what you are looking at. I dont know how long it will be before an overzealous safety officer will cordon the site and force visitors to walk in designated areas so get there before he does. If you are looking at visiting an ancient theatre dont even bother with Syracuse its such a disappointment compared to this place. Entry was fairly priced and kids under 18 were free.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 April 2023
- ABEONASFolkestone, United Kingdom4,504 contributionsPleasant strollWe enjoyed a stroll around the theatre in sunshine. We queued before nine o’clock to avoid the later crowds. It was worth it, it was a calm experience . We visited the cafe which gives a great view across to mainland Italy. The library museum is interesting. We found two toilets within the complex. There is are splendid views of Etna from many vantage points. At the end we visited the communal Gardens set by Florence Trevelyan. Ten euros entrance fee for adults . Free for under 18’s.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2023
- Bonnie Yael G4 contributionsTaormina and the ancient theatreI was happy that I got there in the morning, before it got too crowded. It is a beautiful place. Beautiful views of Mount Etna from the theatre and from Taormina itself. Wonderful shops and restaurants to wander around in Taormina before or after your visit to the theatre.Visited April 2023Written 25 May 2023
- Sotiris VSydney, Australia799 contributionsWorth visiting for the Theater and Views ...The theater is well situated on the hill with great views of the surrounding coastline. The theater struture is still mainly intact and holds recitals. Nice to visit eraly morning when it opens, when it is cool and less crowded. Highly recommend. You only need 30-60mins to see most of the area and views.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 6 June 2023
- Gwynn SChandler, Arizona3 contributionsVisit the ancient town of TaorminaTaormina is a beautiful city full of ancient ruins. It was built in 3 BC. The ancient theatre is a short walk from the plaza but we took the long road up for exercise and views of the foliage. The air is clean, the restaurants are excellent and we plan to return for another vacation In Taormina.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 June 2023
- Ivor M MGreater London, United Kingdom67 contributionsFabulous views of the coastline and mount EtnaWell worth going for the views alone. We were also lucky enough to get tickets for the David Garrett concert on 18th June. We sat in the cheap seats in the upper tiers and although furthest from the stage these offered the best views of mount Etna and the coastline. Listening to the concert as dusk descended in such a fabulous setting was truly magical. It was also sobering to reflect on how such a magnificent space has been used in the past to entertain audiences.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 June 2023
- VloraBoston, Massachusetts141 contributionsBeautiful TaorminaBeauty beyond imagination. Part of MSC World Europa cruise we chiose the package that took us to Taormina. I want so badly to go back again. The main piazza gave you the impression that you were in the middle of the Godfather movie. From up above you can see the beautiful beach. While looking at the balconies it will strike that each vase has the face of a male and female. The tour guide said ir was the wife who beheading the husband upon learning he was married but internet has a different version. Walking through the historic buildings you reach the ancient theater build by Greeks of Naxos island. Must see place. The time was too short cannot wait to go back a d stay longer.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- francofile104129 contributionsA gem!The theater is in excellent condition. There are still performances here and they were setting up for one when we visited. You might check to see if something is going on when you plan to be there-how cool to see something in an old Greco-Roman theater! Taormina is a cool town and the drive up the hill has spectacular views.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 July 2023
- Ronald N158 contributionsGlorious in its MajestyAbsolutely amazing ruins, beautifully situated in a gorgeous hilltop town. Busy with tourists, but plenty of space to visit, climb, and hike. Stunning views. Snack bar available and plenty of gift shops e route. The ruins and the view change considerably with the lighting, suns, clouds, weather, etc., so visiting at different times makes for a different experience.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 July 2023
- Mike JEssex, United Kingdom20 contributionsAmazing ancient amphitheatre. MUST VISITwe visited at time of Taormina Film Festival - disappointed to miss Indy Film premier on our first night. Even though there were lots of screens / seating up for the festival the theatre is still stunning - especially even its age . this is a MUST VISIT siteVisited June 2023Written 8 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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leafpeeperbristol
bristol126 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Taormina the small town is well worth a visit. It has remains from all the periods of Sicilian history, from the Greeks to the Romans to the Arabs and the Normans. The Greek Theatre is fantastically located with spectacular views to Mt Etna. Our guide told us that the Greeks used the theatre for education/morality plays and people had to attand. the Romans on the other hand increased its size, built up the walls and obliterated the view. Their idea was not education but entertainment and they actively discouraged independent thought. Taormina is also good for strolling, eating and shopping.
Written 27 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Sydney, Australia41 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
a very impressively restored site which was well worth a visit. Lots to see. The views of the surrounding town and coastal landscape were also very impressive.
The Greeks chose a stunning spot to build this amphitheatre although it was hard to know how much was original.
Worth going early in the day before the crowds build.
The Greeks chose a stunning spot to build this amphitheatre although it was hard to know how much was original.
Worth going early in the day before the crowds build.
Written 26 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GMC15
Perth, Australia8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Remains are primarily Roman, not Greek. Well worth a visit as there are enough remnants to envisage what it once was.
Written 26 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peta E
Brisbane, Australia43 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
It was a hot day and we debated on visiting as there are a reasonable amount of steps. Was so worth it. Spectacular views, lovely breezes and shade under the trees. So nice to see that it is still being used.
Written 25 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dymani
Los Angeles, CA78 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
- The view from the top of Teatro Greco is nice, but there are many steps to walk up there.
- Entrance fee is 8 euro, and there is no more free entry for 65 senior/elderly.
- WC inside the entrance is free.
- We were traveling on a cruise ship. We were docked at Messina, instead of tender at Giardini Naxos, due to weather.
- The train station in Messina is about 15 mins from the dock.
-- Exit the cruise terminal, turn left (sea is on your left hand side), walk till when you face the Messina Maritima building and make a right turn. Continue walking (2 streets?) and you will find the Messina Centrale train station to your left. There may be trees blocking the Messina Centrale sign on the building, but you should be able to determine it's the train station.
- Sea will be on your left hand side when the train travels to Taormina.
- After exiting the train station in Taormina, turn right, a few steps away, there is the bus stop. Bus' last stop is near the Porta Messina gate in Taormina. Taxi are available outside of the train station too.
-- bus is 1.9 euro one way or 3 euro return/roundtrip
-- take the bus to the last stop, get off, and walk to Porta Messina (one of the entrance to Taormina; the walk may be 5-10 mins). During the walk you will come across the cable car station to your right.
- Not sure where the bus bell is, so on return, you may want to tell the bus driver in advance to stop at the train station.
- Though we did not experience train delay, it happened to the train before ours. Its destination is elsewhere, not Messina. In any case, beware delay may happen.
- Thankfully, we only needed to wait a few mins for the bus when we went to Taormina or when we went back to the Taormina train station.
- Entrance fee is 8 euro, and there is no more free entry for 65 senior/elderly.
- WC inside the entrance is free.
- We were traveling on a cruise ship. We were docked at Messina, instead of tender at Giardini Naxos, due to weather.
- The train station in Messina is about 15 mins from the dock.
-- Exit the cruise terminal, turn left (sea is on your left hand side), walk till when you face the Messina Maritima building and make a right turn. Continue walking (2 streets?) and you will find the Messina Centrale train station to your left. There may be trees blocking the Messina Centrale sign on the building, but you should be able to determine it's the train station.
- Sea will be on your left hand side when the train travels to Taormina.
- After exiting the train station in Taormina, turn right, a few steps away, there is the bus stop. Bus' last stop is near the Porta Messina gate in Taormina. Taxi are available outside of the train station too.
-- bus is 1.9 euro one way or 3 euro return/roundtrip
-- take the bus to the last stop, get off, and walk to Porta Messina (one of the entrance to Taormina; the walk may be 5-10 mins). During the walk you will come across the cable car station to your right.
- Not sure where the bus bell is, so on return, you may want to tell the bus driver in advance to stop at the train station.
- Though we did not experience train delay, it happened to the train before ours. Its destination is elsewhere, not Messina. In any case, beware delay may happen.
- Thankfully, we only needed to wait a few mins for the bus when we went to Taormina or when we went back to the Taormina train station.
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo R
Long Beach Island, NJ94 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
At the very top of Taormina you have incredible views of the Ionian sea and the surrounding coast. A super spot for photos.We lucked out since it was the one day a
month that has free admission.
month that has free admission.
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica
Oslo, Norway144 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
its a Greek Amphitheater (Teatro Greco) - there is nothing not to like! Happy to se that they still house arrangements. Really spectacular! I would go again.
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AntoinetteV38
Portland, OR41 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
The Greek Theater is a must see- it is extremely well preserved, and has lovely view of Mt. Etna, try it near sunset- you won't be disappointed!
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Staines, UK314 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We visited four amphitheatres during our Sicily stay, including the one at Siracusa, but the Taormina one we enjoyed the most.
It's not nearly as touristy as the Siracusa one ( or as hot) and renovations have been tastefully done. Very close to the town centre, it can be reached easily on foot. 8 euros entry each, but worth it.Setting spectacular.
It's not nearly as touristy as the Siracusa one ( or as hot) and renovations have been tastefully done. Very close to the town centre, it can be reached easily on foot. 8 euros entry each, but worth it.Setting spectacular.
Written 24 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmmgem
New Bedford, MA190 contributions
Sept 2014
Taormina was really beautiful! Exceptional view of Mt Etna and the ruins and amphitheater were truly Greek influenced! The road to the ruins were lined with plenty of shops with great Sicilian items! Best toasted almond and pistachio torrone ever!! Also arincini balls were delicious! Very memorable day!!!
Written 22 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
La cavea nn numerata i posti sono a sedere?
mickymilanomicky82
Milan, Italy955 contributions
Mi spiace ma non ho assist a spettacoli
gpmw
Florida249 contributions
We are considering going to a concert that starts at 9:30 in the evening, so it will be too dark to see the spectacular view here. We have only been here during the day to wander around and view the theater as a tourist attraction. It seems all the seats would be good, but wonder about the acoustics. Does anyone know from personal experience if it is necessary, or worth it, to pay for the more expensive tickets to enjoy the concert, or would you say all the seats are good? Thank you for your help.
Companion600499
Foxboro, Canada34 contributions
As we haven't attended a concert there, we can't really answer this question. Some tourist did come in during the day singing and I did notice that the accoutics were excellent from the top, centre at the back where we sat most of the time enjoying the view. You should still be able to have a lovely night view as the coast is lit, and with any luck perhaps even moonlight.
Nella cavea non numerata com'é la visuale?
troppi1965
Monopoli, Italy222 contributions
Direi buona
Posso portare la macchina fotografica?
SERENA_ZANNINI
IMOLA474 contributions
Certo
Jo C
Chesterfield, UK28 contributions
Do you still need to pre book a ticket for the first Sunday each month when the entry is free?
danieldibellas3
Messina, Italy2 contributions
Per il concerto di Tommaso Paradiso, la cavea non numerata ha i posti a sedere ?
Konstantia M
Piraeus, Greece1 574 contributions
Sorry but I do not know
Christine and Jim
Palmetto Bay, FL63 contributions
We are staying at a hotel at the other end of the town; it looks to be about a 1 mile walk to the theater.
Any suggestions of guides to use; or just wing it?
William P
Glendale, AZ1 334 contributions
It is about a km or so from one end to the other, but it's a lovely walk (especially when the weather cooperates. There are many shops and restaurants along the way to occupy your eyes and your time. I've been there a few times and I'd say "wing it!"
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