Taormina Cruise Ship Port Guide

Getting to the Port

You have two main arrival points when visiting Taormina by cruise ship:

1. Bay of Giardini Naxos
   • Your ship anchors in the bay
   • You take a tender boat to Porto di Giardini Naxos
   • Shuttle buses connect you to Taormina’s centre
2. Port of Messina
   • Your ship docks 53 km northeast of Taormina
   • You can reach Taormina by:
   • Train: Walk 10 minutes to Messina station, catch regular trains to Taormina-Giardini (every 30-60 minutes)
   • Bus: Take an Interbus Autolinee service
   • Taxi: Most expensive option but direct

The train offers the best balance of cost and convenience from Messina.

Your tender boat and shuttle services are typically included in your cruise fare when anchoring at Giardini Naxos.

Port Facilities and Services

Getting to Taormina from Your Cruise Ship

You’ll arrive at Giardini Naxos-Taormina’s anchorage point, where tender boats take you to Porto Scaro Nuovo. A shuttle bus then connects you to Taormina’s centre.

Port Facilities:

• Tourist information desks at Porto Scaro Nuovo and Taormina centre
• Clean toilets at the cruise terminal
• Transport ticket counters for buses and taxis
• Shops and restaurants near the port area

Transport Tips:

You’ll need to use minibuses or the Linea Verde service to explore Taormina’s historic centre, as standard buses can’t navigate the narrow streets.

Essential Services:

1. You can get free maps at information points
2. You can book local transport directly at the port
3. You can find essential amenities throughout the terminal
4. You can reach shops and cafes within walking distance

The tender operation runs smoothly and efficiently to get you from ship to shore with minimal waiting time.

Transport Around Taormina

Getting Around Taormina

You have several reliable transport options to explore Taormina and its surroundings.

From Messina Port:

• Trains: €4-8, journey time 1 hour
• Taxis: €55-75, journey time 41 minutes
• Rideshare services: €4, journey time varies

Inside Taormina:

• ASM buses run regular urban routes
• Green Line connects main town areas
• Beachbus takes you to coastal spots

Regional Travel:

• Interbus operates direct routes to Messina from 7am
• Trenitalia offers combined train and bus tickets
• Private transfers suit tight schedules
• Cruise shuttles connect to the port

You’ll find buses and trains offer the best value for money, while taxis provide the most flexible travel option.

For day trips, you can use the integrated transport network to reach nearby towns and beaches easily.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Messina for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Must-See Local Attractions

Taormina offers you a perfect blend of history and culture across its key attractions. The ancient Teatro Antico stands as the city’s main highlight, giving you spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Visit these top spots:

1. Palazzo Corvaja
   • You’ll discover a unique mix of Arabic and Norman designs
   • The building served as Sicily’s historic Parliament house
2. Piazza IX Aprile
   • You can enjoy sea views from this bustling main square
   • You’ll find beautiful historic churches here
3. Villa Comunale
   • You can explore Lady Florence Trevelyan’s Victorian gardens
   • You’ll see unique garden structures and clear views of Mount Etna
4. Corso Umberto
   • You can walk this main street to find medieval buildings
   • You’ll discover local shops and restaurants among historic palaces

Each location sits within easy reach, letting you explore Taormina’s highlights comfortably on foot.

Cruise Ship Schedules

You can plan your Taormina visit by checking the 2025 cruise schedules.

Spring Schedule (April-May):

• Seabourn Ovation (532 passengers)
• Wind Surf (376 passengers)

Summer Schedule:

• MS Oosterdam (2,024 passengers) – May 31st and July 30th
• Various smaller vessels continue regular visits

Autumn Schedule (Through October):

• Seabourn Ovation
• Wind Surf

Port Access:

• Most ships anchor in Naxos Bay
• You’ll travel by tender boat to Giardini Naxos
• Shuttle buses connect you to Taormina

Alternative Route:

If your ship docks in Messina, you can reach Taormina by:

• Train
• Intercity bus

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Taormina by Cruise Ship?

The best times to visit Taormina by cruise ship are:

September: Your ideal month, with mild temperatures and lighter tourist crowds.

Spring (May-June): You’ll enjoy warm days perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Autumn (September-October): You can expect pleasant weather and fewer tourists than peak season.

These periods let you explore Taormina’s attractions comfortably whilst avoiding the intense summer heat and overcrowded streets.

Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Facilities Near the Tender Dock?

No ATMs are available at Giardini Naxos tender dock. You’ll find ATMs and currency exchange services in Taormina town centre, a 20-minute journey away. The main high street offers multiple banking facilities and exchange bureaus for your convenience.

What Local Sicilian Dishes Should I Try During My Port Stop?

While in Sicily, try these local favourites:

Start with Pasta alla Norma – a hearty dish of aubergine, tomatoes and ricotta. The local swordfish rolls, called involtini, give you a true taste of Sicilian seafood. You’ll find the mixed grilled seafood (grigliata mista) brings the freshest catch straight to your plate.

For sweet treats, you must taste a fresh cannoli – crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta. To cool down, order a granita – a refreshing semi-frozen dessert that Sicilians enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.

Is Wheelchair Accessibility Available on Tender Boats to Shore?

Wheelchair accessibility varies on tender boats to shore. You can board some tenders with a collapsible wheelchair, but conditions must be right. Sea conditions and your mobility level will determine if you can use the tender service. Your wheelchair needs to fit through the tender’s doorway, and you must be able to manage a few steps. For your safety, crew members will assess each situation and help you board when possible.

What Are the Tipping Customs for Tour Guides in Taormina?

Tipping your tour guide in Taormina follows these simple guidelines:

Group tours: Give €5-10 per person

Private tours: Give €20 or more per person

The exact amount depends on:

• Tour length
• Service quality
• Group size

You can adjust your tip based on how helpful and knowledgeable your guide was. A half-day tour typically warrants a lower tip than a full-day experience. Remember to bring cash in smaller notes to make tipping easier.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Trapani Cruise Ship Port.