Taormina is famous for its stunning views and charming streets, but it’s also a foodie’s paradise. The town’s mix of seaside seafood, mountain wines, and traditional Sicilian treats makes it an ideal place for food-focused tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring Mt. Etna, tasting local wines, or wandering through historic streets sampling street food, Taormina offers a variety of memorable experiences. I personally love the private tour that combines a visit to Etna’s volcanic landscapes with a wine-tasting lunch—it’s a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine. But if you prefer a shorter walk with plenty of flavor, the Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour is a lively way to get a taste of the town’s best bites.
With so many options, choosing the right food tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. Below, I’ve rounded up the six best food tours in Taormina, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Private tour of Etna and Winery Visit with Food and Wine Tasting from Taormina
This luxury private tour is perfect if you want an in-depth experience combining mountain scenery, volcanic wonders, and wine tasting. Led by a private guide, you’ll leave the driving to someone else as you explore Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Starting in the charming mountain villages, you’ll visit a local honey shop—sampling honey, olive oil, and liquors—before heading up to the Rifugio Sapienza station at 2000 meters. Here, you can walk around the Silvestri Craters and take in breathtaking views.
The highlight is a lunch and wine tasting at a volcanic winery, where you’ll sample both red and white Sicilian wines. Guests rave about the personalized attention and the chance to customize the experience, whether that’s going to the summit or exploring lava caves. The tour lasts 5 to 8 hours, with a price of around $387 per person, making it a premium but comprehensive way to see Etna’s geological and culinary highlights.
Bottom line: If you’re after a private, flexible, and immersive day with top-notch food and wine, this is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine nature, culture, and gastronomy in one trip.
2. Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour
For around $185, this small-group or private tour offers a focused taste of the Etna region’s vineyards and rustic cuisine. The trip kicks off with hotel pickup and a scenic drive through authentic Sicilian villages, where you’ll learn about local traditions and agricultural practices. The tour includes a visit to a family-run winery, where you’ll sample five glasses of Etna wines alongside cheeses, salami, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
The tour also visits a historic farmhouse, giving you a genuine taste of Sicily’s rural life. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll get insights into the region’s history of wine-making and its connection to volcanic soil. The 6-hour experience is highly rated, with reviews highlighting the informative guide and delicious food.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience with a focus on wine, local foods, and scenic countryside. It’s excellent if you appreciate farmhouse atmospheres and authentic Sicilian flavors.
3. Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour
If you prefer a shorter, lively introduction to Taormina’s culinary scene, this 2.5-hour walking tour is a great choice. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the town’s street food culture in a relaxed setting. You’ll meet your guide in the old town and visit three different venues, sampling fresh fish, Sicilian wines, and local specialties. The tour includes Prosecco, red and white wines, and Italian liqueur, so you’ll get a good variety of drinks to accompany your bites.
Reviews mention the friendly guide Alfredo and the delicious food samples, which include traditional dishes and insider stories about Sicily’s culinary history. This tour is ideal for those short on time but eager to experience authentic flavors and local atmosphere.
Bottom line: For a fun, informative, and flavorful walk through Taormina’s food scene, this tour hits the spot. It’s especially good for travelers who want a quick taste of Sicily’s cuisine without a full-day commitment.
4. 3 Days Tours Offer: Etna Wine; Taormina Food & Wine; Godfather
This multi-day package makes it easy to combine Taormina’s culinary delights with local culture and movie history. Starting with a 3-hour food and wine tour in Taormina, you’ll enjoy sampling seafood, pastries, and local dishes while wandering the historic streets. The second day explores the film locations of “The Godfather”, with insights into Sicily’s mafia past and scenic drives. The third day takes you to Mt. Etna for wine and farmhouse visits.
Rated 5.0/5 with only 10 reviews, this package offers value and convenience, especially if you have limited time in Sicily. It’s a good fit for travelers who want an immersive experience spanning multiple interests.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting multiple experiences in one trip, combining history, scenery, and cuisine. Suitable for travelers who enjoy a structured itinerary and want to maximize their time.
5. Taste of Sicily: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting
This private shore excursion is perfect if you’re arriving by cruise and want to experience both Taormina and Messina in a single day. Starting at the Porta Catania di Taormina, you’ll explore the town’s highlights, then head to Messina for a guided city tour. Along the way, you’ll sample arancini and cannoli, iconic Sicilian street foods, at two stops.
Rated 5.0/5, reviews praise the smooth logistics and flavorful tastings, as well as the opportunity to see two cities in one trip. It’s especially suited for cruise travelers who seek local flavor with minimal hassle.
Bottom line: If you want a balanced mix of sightseeing and street-food tasting in a short time, this tour offers excellent value and convenience.
6. Taormina: Sicilian Full Meal & Drinks Walking Food Tour
Last but not least, this 3-hour walking tour dives into Taormina’s street food and wine scene. With at least four stops, it’s designed for those who want a full meal along with drinks. The tour begins with a wine tasting, then moves on to sampling focaccia messinese, savory pastries, and more local delicacies. It’s a friendly, small-group experience, perfect for food lovers eager to explore in a convivial setting.
While reviews are limited, the enthusiasm of previous participants highlights the delicious food and engaging guide. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy casual, interactive food experiences.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive street food experience in Taormina with a focus on local flavors and drinks, this tour offers a satisfying taste of Sicily.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour in Taormina
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. For a luxury, all-day adventure that combines mountain scenery with wine, the Private tour of Etna and Winery stands out. If you prefer a more relaxed, small-group experience focusing on local wines and rustic foods, the Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour is ideal. For a quick yet flavorful introduction to Taormina’s street food culture, the Food and Wine Walking Tour hits the mark.
Cruise travelers or those with limited time might prefer the Sicilian street food tasting* or the Messina and Taormina shore excursion. If you want a full meal and drinks in a casual setting, the Sicilian Full Meal & Drinks Walking Food Tour** provides a hearty, lively experience.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the private Etna trip or multi-day packages, to secure your preferred date and time.
In summary, Taormina offers a rich variety of food tours suited for all types of travelers. Whether you’re after a luxurious private experience, a small-group tasting, or a quick street-food walk, you’ll find something that fits your palate and schedule. For a memorable culinary journey, consider pairing a food-focused tour with your sightseeing plans—Sicilian flavors make every moment in Taormina even more special.