Lumbi Parking in Taormina: the most convenient solution to visit the pearl of the Ionian

Visiting Taormina is a magical experience, but those arriving by car often wonder: where to park without stress? The answer is simple and it’s called Lumbi Parking in Taormina.

Located at the northern entrance of the city, just a few minutes from Porta Messina, Lumbi Parking is the main parking area for those who want to leave their car safely and enjoy the historic center worry-free.

Why choose Lumbi Parking in Taormina

Lumbi Parking in Taormina is a modern, spacious, and well-organized facility. It spans multiple levels, with nearly 1,000 parking spaces available year-round. It is open 24 hours a day, every day, and is connected to the heart of Taormina by a convenient free shuttle service.

Once parked, just hop on the shuttle (running every 10-15 minutes) and within minutes you’ll be in front of Porta Messina, the pedestrian entrance to the historic center. Alternatively, for walking enthusiasts, there’s a scenic staircase that leads directly from the parking lot to the main street in about 10 minutes.

How to reach Lumbi Parking in Taormina: a practical guide and tips to get there stress-free

If you’re planning a visit to Taormina by car, one of the most important things to consider is where to park. And if you don’t want to venture into city traffic or risk a fine in the ZTL area, there’s a simple, safe, and proven solution: Lumbi Parking in Taormina.

In this article, we explain step by step how to reach it easily, no matter where you’re coming from. Whether you’re arriving from Catania, Messina, the airport, or Castelmola, you won’t go wrong.

Coming from Catania (south)

If you’re coming from Catania or Fontanarossa Airport, take the A18 highway toward Messina. The exit you need is Taormina. After the toll booth, you’ll begin a scenic uphill drive: about 3 km of gentle, well-paved and well-marked curves.

Along the way, you’ll see brown signs marked “Parcheggio Lumbi”: just follow them without hesitation. The facility is on the right-hand side, just before reaching the town center. It’s practically impossible to miss.

Coming from Messina (north)

Coming from Messina? In this case too, take the A18 highway, but this time toward Catania. The exit is still Taormina. After the toll, continue on the same scenic road, slightly uphill, until you find the signs for Lumbi Parking.

After about 5–6 minutes of driving from the toll booth, you’ll see the parking entrance on the right-hand side, just before the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL).

From Castelmola or Monte Venere

If you’re coming from the medieval village of Castelmola, just drive down the main road that directly connects the two towns. The descent takes about 10–15 minutes and leads you straight to the entrance of Lumbi Parking, with no need for detours or complicated turns. Signage is clearly visible.

Where exactly is Lumbi Parking located?

📍 Address: Via Mario e Nicola Garipoli, 98039 Taormina (ME)
📡 GPS Coordinates: 37.855957, 15.294374
🅿️ Maximum vehicle height: 1.90 m
📞 Useful info: also referred to as “Porta Messina Parking” or “Taormina Centro”

You can simply type “Parcheggio Lumbi Taormina” into Google Maps or any GPS device: the destination will be recognized without issues.

What happens after you park?

You have two options to reach the center:

  1. Free shuttle: departs every 10–15 minutes and takes you in less than 5 minutes to Porta Messina, the pedestrian entrance to the historic center.

  2. Walking option: for the more energetic, there is a well-maintained panoramic staircase. In about 7–10 minutes on foot, you’ll be in the heart of Taormina.

The shuttle runs until late evening (until 1:00 AM on Saturdays) and comfortably takes you back to the parking lot.

Getting to Lumbi Parking in Taormina is simple, convenient, and the best choice for those who want to visit the city in peace. No stress, no aimless driving, no fines: just a strategic point from which to explore one of the most fascinating gems of Sicily.

Whether you’re arriving from Catania, Messina, or the inland mountains, Lumbi Parking awaits as the first step of an unforgettable journey.



Lumbi Parking in Taormina was built as part of an ambitious parking plan launched in the late 1980s. The project, started in 1989, included the construction of two large car parks (including Lumbi), connected by an underground tunnel through Mount Tauro, as well as a network of tunnels and ramps to manage city traffic.

In the following years, Lumbi Parking took shape as a multi-storey structure, helping to decongest traffic and cope with the increase in tourist flows. In the early 2000s, the large complex—including underground, ground-level, and rooftop parking—began operating regularly, although the most critical works were completed around 2003–2004, when the related infrastructure network (including the connecting tunnel) was finalized.

In recent years, the facility has undergone further extraordinary maintenance work, such as removal of architectural barriers, renovation of access ramps (started in February 2024 and completed in March), improvement of internal lighting, and signage.