This is our list of the best hotels in Taormina, from luxury to affordable, there really is something for everyone in this amazing city.
Taormina is by far, our favourite part of Sicily. There is just something about this amazing city that lights you up and fills you with joy. There is beauty, culture and delicious food in every corner. Once you arrive, we are sure that you won’t want to leave.
Getting to Taormina
The closest airport to Taormina is Catania-Fontanarossa airport. Approximately one hours drive, sixty five (65) kilometres, to Taormina. There are direct bus services available from the airport to Taormina, we recommend booking in advance particularly during the peak summer period. Note that public transport is limited on Sunday’s throughout Sicily.
Alternatively, from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini is a 50 minute journey with approximately 29 direct trains connecting the two cities. The cost is approximately five euros for the trip.
Our List of the Best Hotels in Taormina
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
The Grand Hotel Timeo offers a panoramic view of the Sicilian coast and Mount Etna. The hotel features an outdoor pool. All these rooms in this hotel are air-conditioned, have a private bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, and free WIFI. Some of the rooms also have a sea view. Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmont Hotel, Taormina, has friendly staff and serves an American buffet breakfast. The hotel includes a sauna, gym, Turkish bath, and massage services. The hotel is only 45 minutes’ drive from the Catania Airport and 5km from the Taormina-Giardini Naxos Train Station. The hotel arranges for private transfers for its guests from the airport and the train station.
Hotel Villa Belvedere
Do you love vacations? Hotel Villa Belvedere is one of the best destinations in Taormina. The hotel has outstanding views of Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. In addition to its welcoming staff, this hotel features a sun terrace with loungers, an outdoor swimming pool, excellent rooms with fantastic deco, and WIFI in public areas. Most of the rooms here overlook the sea. This hotel is a combination of what you need, and that is why it is among the favorites for couples. It serves Sicilian cuisine for lunch. The staff here are flexible, and therefore, if you want an early breakfast, you can request.
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
The Belmond brand itself has a fascinating history, they are known for actively buying and restoring old mansions and palaces. The Villa Sant’Andrea is no exception with its manicured gardens that lead you to the sea where you can hop onto a free boat tour (during the summer months only). Make sure you pack your camera because everything about this hotel is glamorous including the Instagram-worthy tiling work featured inside the bathrooms. Villa Sant’Andrea is considered among the best hotels in Taormina and it certainly won’t disappoint.
Hotel Villa Ducale
If you are a family person, then Hotel Villa Ducale is an amazing option for you. This elegant hotel gives you a fantastic view of Taormina and its surrounding coastline. It is famous for its amazing roof-top view terrace and amazingly crafted breakfast treys of warm pastries and fresh fruits. This hotel features an outdoor tub, free WIFI in public areas, and a sun terrace with loungers. Visiting the Hotel Villa Ducale, ensure that you are armed with your camera because you will need to capture the amazing view of the coastline.
San Domenico Palace, Four Seasons Taormina
San Domenico Palace Hotel also known as the Four Seasons Taormina, is a 14th century convent converted into a luxury hotel. It has hosted several international personalities over the years including Sophia Loren, Oscar Wilde, and Elizabeth Taylor.
While this hotel doesn’t sit on the beach-front, it does boast panoramic views of the ancient Greek theatre and Mount Etna, sitting in prime position on a cliff located just off the main street of Taormina, Corso Umberto. You can easily walk to the main street from the hotel for shopping, people watching and of course, gelato, before returning to the hotel for Aperitivo on the balcony while taking in the breath-taking views.
The hotel has a glamorous pool and although it is not large, we simply could not fault the service, noting the staff very swiftly arranged additional sunbeds for us when there was not enough. From the pool you will savor a magnificent view of the ocean before dining at Anciovi, the pool terrace serving up light Mediterranean dishes, sushi and cocktails.
The concierge team is more than happy to assist with recommendations and will even arrange bespoke itineraries to explore the local area. We enjoyed a romantic boat trip including a chef prepared picnic to Isola Bella during our stay which made for lovely memories.
While staying at the Four Seasons Taormina, you cannot miss out on a Sicilian specialty dinner from a restaurant of Massimo Mantarro, his venues are considered to be among the top in Taormina restaurants. We had the most magnificent meal at Principe Cerami, just thinking about it makes me want to go back, highly recommend!
Hotel Villa Taormina
Hotel Villa Taormina is one of the oldest and most elegant hotels in Taormina, dating back to the 1800s. The hotel is surrounded by floral gardens making it look magnificent. Besides the hotel’s beauty and the fantastic finishes, you will be impressed by the hotel reception. All the staff here are highly professional and welcoming. All the rooms in this hotel are spacious and well furnished. Rooms are either overlooking the sea, Mount Etna, or the Taormina center. Enjoy a buffet of Sicilian specialties for breakfast in the breakfast room. Enjoy incredible features such as Free WIFI, an outdoor hot tub, and sun lounges. Hotel Villa Taormina is conveniently located a few meters from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the Greek amphitheater.
Hotel Villa Carlotta
Hotel Villa Carlotta is a five-star hotel in Taormina. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the center of Taormina. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. All the rooms in this hotel are air-conditioned, have an electric kettle, Free WIFI, and a kitchenette. The private bathrooms in this hotel come with a hairdryer. Other than being located at the center of Taormina, this hotel is 20 minutes away from the Giardini Naxos and 35 km away from Etna Park. This hotel will give you the perfect family experience. If you need airport transfers, please notify them of an arrangement.
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
If you want to have an amazing sea experienced in Taormina, UNAHOTELS Capotaormina is the best destination. This fantastic hotel is built on a rock and is surrounded by the sea giving you a great view of the Isola Bella Island and Giardini Naxos bay. UNAHOTELS has classic rooms with garden views. Almost all the hotels have sea views. While staying in this amazing hotel, you can spend long hours at the private beach. Accessing the private beach is another amazing experience since you will access it through a lift fitted into the rock. The experience in this hotel continues to the gym, where you have a trainer. Note that there is a free shuttle from Taormina, and during the summer, you can book boat excursions. When you are here, you can enjoy Sicilian, international and Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel Metropole Taormina Maison D’Hotes
Hotel Metropole Taormina is a magnificent hotel excellent for couples. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and is in a great location. The hotel offers the best view of the coast, luxurious suites, and friendly staff. In this beautiful hotel, you will enjoy free WIFI. The rooms are well-conditioned, have LCD TV with many satellite channels and are very spacious. It has an outdoor pool and a well-equipped wellness center. The wellness center has services such as a hammam, massage service, and hot tub. If you are looking for a hotel that will offer the best Sicilian Cuisine and other local specialties, Hotel Metropole Taormina is the best option for you. They have all the extra services you may need, such as arrangements for transfer services. Enjoy the great view of the coast in this great hotel.
Villa Angela
Villa Angela is located above Taormina and offers the best view of Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. The hotel has features such as well-styled rooms, a swimming pool, and free parking. All rooms in this great hotel have a private balcony and free WIFI. The rooms are also well conditioned, have a satellite TV, and have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. In this hotel, you can have your breakfast served on the terrace overlooking the great Ionian Sea. If you are a fan of the Sicilian dish that is what this hotel specializes in. The hotel also has a partner beach, and the hotel offers transfer services. If you also need a trip to any destination such as Mount Etna or Syracuse, the staff can arrange that. Its convenient location can allow you to have a 20-minute walk to the picturesque hilltop village, which offers the best almond wine.
Maison Blanche Luxury B&B Taormina
Maison Blanche was the very first accommodation we ever stayed at in Taormina and what a warm welcome it was from the owners Franceso and Giovanna. You will be greeted by the most breath taking views of the ocean and Isola Bella that immediately take all your worries away. Upon arrival, you will be offered a cold drink and snacks (olives, chips etc) while Franceso and Giovanna give you a run down of the accommodation and any recommendations you may need for the local area. They will make you feel so welcome, like you have just arrived at your grandmothers house, a loving warm vibe that is second to none. The rooms are clean, comfortable and have locks on the doors. Water is provided in your room with a bar fridge and the breakfast is exceptional. A full spread of cold meats, cakes and spreads as well as hot eggs to order any way you wish.
Hotel Isola Bella, Taormina
Hotel Isola Bella is located near the beach in Taormina with beautiful views of Isola Bella. The rooms are clean and comfortable with daily housekeeping services and breakfast included in your stay (available 7.30am -10.30am). Wi-Fi is also included in your stay here making it a great affordable option amongst Taormina hotels. The staff are all lovely, friendly and willing to help with anything you need while staying at Hotel Isola Bella.
Hotel Isola Bella is a short 500-meter walk to the cable car which will take you to the main street of Taormina for just a few euros.
They hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers and the beach is just ten minutes’ walk away making this an excellent location for your stay in Taormina.
Which of the Best Hotels in Taormina will you choose?
Now is the hard part, deciding which of the best hotels in Taormina is the best one for you. Daniele and I usually like to split our stay between one more luxurious option and a comfortable option. This way we get to experience absolutely everything without totally breaking the bank 🙂
Have you stayed in a hotel that is not on our list? Please let us know in the comments below or send a message via the contact us page. We love hearing about your travels.
Ciao,
Alicia & Daniele
