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Ancient Theatre of Taormina Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
- Explore the renowned Taormina, home to one of the most breathtaking amphitheaters of the ancient world, constructed in the 3rd century BC.
- Tune into audio guides to leaf through the pages of the theatre's past at your own pace and learn all about this center stage for musicals and gladiator battles.
- Admire the scenic beauty from its seats, offering views of the Bay of Naxos to the south and the Strait of Messina with the Calabrian coast to the north.
- Observe fragments of painted plaster dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC, originating from a building identified as a Gymnasium.
- Marvel at Naumachia, a colossal Roman fountain with a striking red brick wall, over a hundred meters long and five meters high.
- Explore the renowned Taormina, home to one of the most breathtaking amphitheaters of the ancient world, constructed in the 3rd century BC.
- Tune into audio guides to leaf through the pages of the theatre's past at your own pace and learn all about this center stage for musicals and gladiator battles.
- Admire the scenic beauty from its seats, offering views of the Bay of Naxos to the south and the Strait of Messina with the Calabrian coast to the north.
- Observe fragments of painted plaster dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC, originating from a building identified as a Gymnasium.
- Marvel at Naumachia, a colossal Roman fountain with a striking red brick wall, over a hundred meters long and five meters high.
Inclusions
- Entry to Ancient Theater of Taormina
- Audio guide in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish
Exclusions
- Guide
- Tip: Capture the best angles and lighting for photographs, especially during early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Please have sufficient charge in your smartphones.
- On the first Sunday of the month admission to sites in Eastern Sicily is free of charge and tickets will only be issued on site, at the ticket offices. Tickets can only be used on the date/time chosen at the time of purchase. Admission will be free of charge also the 4th of November.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Unlock the secrets of the ancient Theater of Taormina on a 45-minute guided tour in English or Italian to explore its role in ancient Greece and Rome.
- Go beyond the guidebook with exclusive insights into the theatre's transformation from Greek plays to gladiatorial battles.
- Uncover ancient Greek inscriptions hidden in the cavea seating area and the intricate water drainage system beneath the stage.
- Take in the stunning panorama of the Ionian Sea and the looming Mt. Etna, a backdrop fit for an ancient spectacle.
- Unlock the secrets of the ancient Theater of Taormina on a 45-minute guided tour in English or Italian to explore its role in ancient Greece and Rome.
- Go beyond the guidebook with exclusive insights into the theatre's transformation from Greek plays to gladiatorial battles.
- Uncover ancient Greek inscriptions hidden in the cavea seating area and the intricate water drainage system beneath the stage.
- Take in the stunning panorama of the Ionian Sea and the looming Mt. Etna, a backdrop fit for an ancient spectacle.
Inclusions
- 45-min guided tour of Ancient Theater of Taormina
- English or Italian-speaking guide
- Entry to Ancient Theater of Taormina
- Tip: After your tour, head to the nearby Casa Cuseni, a small museum showcasing artifacts unearthed from the theatre and Taormina.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): Taormina Ancient Theatre Tickets with Audio Guide + Naxos Archaeological Museum & Park Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
from €29
€27.55
5% off
- Explore the Greek Theater of Taormina and take a self-guided tour through the Naxos Archaeological Park, both with the aid of an audio guide, in this cost-saving combo.
- The theater provides vistas of Sicily's Calabrian and Ionian coasts. On clear days, the unaltered sight of Mount Etna extends back over 2,300 years.
- Benefit from multilingual audio guides as you explore the Naumachia, a colossal Roman fountain with a striking red brick wall, over 100 meters long.
- Save time by skipping lines and explore Naxos, Sicily's ancient Greek enclave, with the added perk of multilingual audio guides in 5 languages.
- Explore the city's remains and artifacts, such as the Gorgon pediment reconstruction at the museum, and marvel at ancient jugs recovered from the seabed.
- Explore the Greek Theater of Taormina and take a self-guided tour through the Naxos Archaeological Park, both with the aid of an audio guide, in this cost-saving combo.
- The theater provides vistas of Sicily's Calabrian and Ionian coasts. On clear days, the unaltered sight of Mount Etna extends back over 2,300 years.
- Benefit from multilingual audio guides as you explore the Naumachia, a colossal Roman fountain with a striking red brick wall, over 100 meters long.
- Save time by skipping lines and explore Naxos, Sicily's ancient Greek enclave, with the added perk of multilingual audio guides in 5 languages.
- Explore the city's remains and artifacts, such as the Gorgon pediment reconstruction at the museum, and marvel at ancient jugs recovered from the seabed.
Inclusions
Taormina Ancient Theatre
- Entry to Ancient Theater of Taormina
- Audio guide in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish
Naxos Archaeological Museum
- Skip-the-line entry to Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Skip-the-line entry to Naxos Archaeological Park
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish
Taormina Ancient Theatre
- Tip: Capture the best angles and lighting for photographs, especially during early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Please have sufficient charge in your smartphones.
- On the first Sunday of the month admission to sites in Eastern Sicily is free of charge and tickets will only be issued on site, at the ticket offices. Tickets can only be used on the date/time chosen at the time of purchase. Admission will be free of charge also the 4th of November.
Naxos Archaeological Museum
- Tip: For stunning views of the Naxos Archaeological Park and the sparkling Ionian Sea, head towards the western edge of the site.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): Taormina Ancient Theatre + Messina to Taormina Shuttle Bus Tickets
from €55
€52.25
5% off
- With this cost-saving combo, explore the Ancient Theatre of Taormina and get round-trip shuttle bus service from Messina to Taormina.
- Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Ionian Sea coastline and Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, from the theater's hillside location.
- Learn how the horseshoe-shaped seating area was carved into the natural slope of the hillside with an audio guide available in 5 languages.
- Explore Sicily's famed city, Taormina, on a round-trip shuttle from Messina, and take in the stunning views of the Ionian Sea coastline during your journey.
- The shuttle to Taormina takes 1 hour 15 mins, running on days of the day cruise, departing from Via Battisti Marina at 10:30am.
- With this cost-saving combo, explore the Ancient Theatre of Taormina and get round-trip shuttle bus service from Messina to Taormina.
- Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Ionian Sea coastline and Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, from the theater's hillside location.
- Learn how the horseshoe-shaped seating area was carved into the natural slope of the hillside with an audio guide available in 5 languages.
- Explore Sicily's famed city, Taormina, on a round-trip shuttle from Messina, and take in the stunning views of the Ionian Sea coastline during your journey.
- The shuttle to Taormina takes 1 hour 15 mins, running on days of the day cruise, departing from Via Battisti Marina at 10:30am.
Inclusions
Taormina Ancient Theatre
- Entry to Ancient Theater of Taormina
- Audio guide in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish
Shuttle Bus
- 5-hour round-trip from Messina to Taormina
- 3-hour stop over at Taormina
- Shuttle bus service from Messina
- Onboard assistance
- Wi-Fi onboard
Taormina Ancient Theatre
- Tip: Experience the exceptional acoustics of the theater by speaking or singing from different areas within the seating area.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Please have sufficient charge in your smartphones.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Shuttle Bus
- Tip: Don't miss out on visiting Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina's main square, for breathtaking views of \the rocky mountains.
- Carry comfortable clothes for your day tour by shuttle bus.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you explore Taormina by foot.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- The departure time from Taormina is around 2:30pm, but this is subject to traffic conditions.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Skip the queues and explore Naxos, Sicily's first Greek colony, at your own pace. Unravel its story with a multilingual audio guide, revealing hidden secrets.
- This self-guided Naxos tour lets you explore ruins, a museum, and more, all on your schedule with a handy audio guide in your choice of language.
- Explore ancient Greek artifacts at the museum, including the reconstructed Gorgon pediment, a fearsome guardian from the city's past.
- Uncover Naxos' maritime past at the museum's underwater archaeology section featuring ancient jugs recovered from the seabed.
- Skip the queues and explore Naxos, Sicily's first Greek colony, at your own pace. Unravel its story with a multilingual audio guide, revealing hidden secrets.
- This self-guided Naxos tour lets you explore ruins, a museum, and more, all on your schedule with a handy audio guide in your choice of language.
- Explore ancient Greek artifacts at the museum, including the reconstructed Gorgon pediment, a fearsome guardian from the city's past.
- Uncover Naxos' maritime past at the museum's underwater archaeology section featuring ancient jugs recovered from the seabed.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Skip-the-line entry to Naxos Archaeological Park
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish
Exclusions
- Guided tour
- Tip: For stunning views of the Naxos Archaeological Park and the sparkling Ionian Sea, head towards the western edge of the site.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take this leisurely shuttle bus service from Messina to Taormina and discover the beauty of this Sicilian city at your own pace.
- This experience is aligned with the day cruise and departs the marina on Via Battisti at 10:30pm on those days and takes 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Taormina.
- Go along the coastline of the Ionian Sea and treat your eyes to visually stunning landscapes as you go.
- Have fun exploring the town of Taormina, best known for its ancient Greek theatre and quaint medieval streets.
- Don't forget to stop by the Piazza IX Aprile, the town's main square, and soak in the views of the rocky mountains.
- Take this leisurely shuttle bus service from Messina to Taormina and discover the beauty of this Sicilian city at your own pace.
- This experience is aligned with the day cruise and departs the marina on Via Battisti at 10:30pm on those days and takes 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Taormina.
- Go along the coastline of the Ionian Sea and treat your eyes to visually stunning landscapes as you go.
- Have fun exploring the town of Taormina, best known for its ancient Greek theatre and quaint medieval streets.
- Don't forget to stop by the Piazza IX Aprile, the town's main square, and soak in the views of the rocky mountains.
Inclusions
- 5-hour round-trip from Messina to Taormina
- 3-hour stop over at Taormina
- Shuttle bus service from Messina
- Onboard assistance
- Wi-Fi onboard
Exclusions
- Drinks and meals
- Pick up service
- Tip: Get travel insurance to protect you in case of unexpected emergencies.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in the cobbled-stone streets of Taormina.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina?
- Strong historical connection: As a cultural hotspot, Taormina’s theater has hosted performances that vividly brought some of the most compelling Greek and Roman stories, myths and legends to life.
- Epic views: Enjoy the beautiful sight of the Ionian Sea’s blue tones blending seamlessly with the grandeur of Mount Etna.
- Architectural brilliance: The iconic amphitheater is an ancient architectural masterpiece in many ways: Corinthian columns, semicircular orchestra and the well-preserved design add to its allure.
- Pop culture significance: In Woody Allen’s 1995 film Mighty Aphrodite, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina is a prominent backdrop. It also features in seasons 2 and 3 of the HBO show White Lotus.
- Present-day arts and culture: Until recently, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina was the venue for hosting the prestigious David di Donatello award for cinema. Even today, it is the chosen venue for several art and culture shows.
- Taormina town: Visiting the amphitheater also provides a great opportunity to stroll down to Taormina town. Cobblestone streets, gelato shops, and stunning cafes await with the promise of the perfect Italian escape.
What to see inside the Ancient Theater of Taormina
Antiquarium
Adjacent to the theater lies the Antiquarium, a small museum dedicated to archeology. Within its walls, you’ll discover valuable artifacts, including a dedicated statue of Caius Claudius Marcellus and a finely carved oval marble sarcophagus.
The Naumachia
Built during the Roman era, the Naumachia or the naval battle, stands as an important monumental fountain. Its impressive design includes a red brick wall that spans over one hundred meters and stands at a height of five meters.
The Cavea (Seating Area)
The tiered seating area, known as the cavea, is perhaps the most iconic feature of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. Carved into the natural rock of the hillside, the cavea offers spectacular views of the stage and the surrounding landscape.
The Scene (stage)
Although now a faint shadow of its former self, the scene is where the actors performed. However, it is now in ruins and many of its original columns are lost.
The Orchestra
This space was dedicated to the singers/musicians and performers during the Greek times. When the Romans took over, it was repurposed as the arena for gladiatorial combat.
Plan your visit to the Ancient Theater of Taormina
Timings
Location
Facilities
Rules
Accessibility
Tips
Dine
Stay
Daily: 9 AM to 4 PM
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time.
Best time to visit: The ideal period to visit the Theater of Taormina is in the morning to avoid crowds. Taormina experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. For those who prefer hot, sunny days, the optimal time to visit Taormina is from June to September.
Address: Via Teatro Greco, 1, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Getting There
By car: Highway exit Taormina taking A18 (Catania-Messina) towards Taormina.
By bus: Taormina last stop.
By train: Taormina-Giardini Naxos Railway Station and then Taormina bus.
By plane: Airport Vincenzo Bellini of Catania - Fontanarossa.
- Bookshop
- Ticket Office
- View Point
- Cafe
- Toilet Facilities
- Pets are not allowed inside.
- Flash photography is not permitted.
- Avoid any behavior that can be considered disruptive.
- No food and drinks are allowed inside the theater.
- Backpacks are not allowed.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is partially wheelchair accessible.
- Check your calendar: Make sure you’re in the know of what events and performances are happening in the theater. As a result of this, it could close early.
- Dress appropriately: The ancient theater of Taormina is outdoors and there is a significant amount of walking, so make sure you wear light, loose clothes. Bring your hat, coolers, and sunscreen.
- Visit at the sunset: It is advisable to visit two hours before sunset so you can catch the views of the city and everything around it.
- On the first Sunday of the month, visitors get free entry to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina. This also means you can expect heavy crowds though!
- The theater also offers free entry for EU members under the age of 18 years, Italian teachers and on your birthday.
- Be sure to watch the brief 2-minute video being showcased at the venue for a glimpse into the theater's former grandeur.
- Prepare for a slight incline on your way to the entrance; there's a brief uphill walk involved.
Semaforo Cafe
This is the only cafe within the theater. Explore the rich flavors and specialties of Sicily at Semaforo Cafe. Treat yourself to local wines, enticing cold cuts, and gourmet sandwiches. The cafe welcomes visitors daily, following the hours outlined on its website.
If you want to instead visit an eatery outside the theater, here are a few options for you:
Bam Bar: Just 450 m away from the theater, Bam Bar has some amazing traditional granita, a frozen dessert similar to the sorbet. Feel free to access the bistro tables outside and enjoy the view while sipping great quality coffee or a glass of wine.
Caffè Wunderbar: This chic cafe-bar offers stunning sea views, favored by celebrities like Greta Garbo and Tennessee Williams. Known for top-notch coffee and delightful cocktails, it's a bit pricey but definitely worth a visit, and more so because it’s just 1 km away!
Bar Pasticceria Etna Dal 1963: Bar Pasticceria Etna Dal 1963 (2.8 km away) opens at 7:30 am, making it ideal for a morning coffee and light breakfast. The bar is known for great coffee, fresh pastries, and outdoor seating.
Beyond the Ancient Theater of Taormina
Mount Etna
Mount Etna in Sicily, with its collapsed appearance from countless eruptions, is one of the world's most active and tallest volcanoes in the Mediterranean.
Palermo Botanical Garden
The Orto Botanico di Palermo, also known as the Palermo Botanical Garden, is a garden and educational institution in Palermo, Italy.
Monreale Cathedral
Built during the 12th century by William II of Sicily, Monreale Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in the world.
Frequently asked questions about Ancient Theatre of Taormina tickets
How much is a ticket to the Ancient Theater of Taormina?
A standard ticket to the theater is €10.
How to book tickets to the Ancient Theater of Taormina?
You can purchase tickets online or at the venue. Online purchasing allows you to skip the long queues at the ticket office.
Why should I book Taormina Ancient Theater tickets online?
Booking Taormina Ancient Theater tickets online provides guaranteed entry, diverse options for tailored experiences, access to exclusive discounts and offers, and round-the-clock customer service support, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free visit.
What do Taormina Ancient Theater tickets include?
Standard Taormina Ancient Theater tickets include entry into the theater. You can stay for as long as you like and explore the place from one end to the other. You can also opt for the audio guide.
What are the theater’s opening hours?
The theater is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays, weekends and holidays.
What is the cancellation policy for Taormina Ancient Theater tickets?
For a full refund you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience.
How long does it take to complete a Taormina Ancient Theater tour?
A complete tour typically takes about 1 hour, depending on your pace and interest.