Everything is within walking distance in Taormina, though you might encounter a steep climb now and then -- this is a hilltop town.

Just about everything to see in Taormina unfolds from the main drag, Corso Umberto I, which slices through town from Porta Messina, in the north, to Porta Catania, in the south. It only takes 15 minutes to walk the length of the Corso. Taormina is also a handy base for trips to Mount Etna—the high-altitude visitor areas are only about 1 hour away by car.If you're venturing off on day-excursions, a network of buses goes to such places as Giardini-Naxos and Mount Etna. The tourist office has a complete list of brochures and timetables.

The more distant parts of Taormina are linked by minibus, which leaves from the terminal at Via Luigi Pirandello in town and costs 1€ for a one-way ticket. Most visitors use the minibus that goes from the terminal to Madonna della Rocca, since it passes most of the major hotels.

Taxi ranks are found at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and at Piazza San Pancrazio. These are used primarily if you're leaving the heart of Taormina and venturing into its hinterlands. A typical fare -- say, from the center of Taormina to Madonna della Rocca -- is 15€.

If you prefer to get around by moped, Jet Car, Via Nazionale 8 (tel. 0942-56190), rents scooters. It's open year-round daily 8am to noon and 4 to 8pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.