Stunning Taormina is the favourite Sicilian destination for many a traveller. Its spectacular clifftop location, offering views of Mount Etna and a beautiful coastline, and its historic architecture and treasures, saw it added to many an 18th century ‘Grand Tour’, and it’s never lost its appeal, or the whiff of summery glamour. Some of the best places to stay in Taormina have retained the top-end price tag, and the gorgeous converted five star mansions and palazzos, and luxurious grand hotels are really special places to stay. The good news for visitors today is that there are plenty of excellent places to stay in Taormina that don’t come with a hefty room rate, and our Gurus selection of beach resorts, romantically traditional Sicilian hotels, B&Bs and converted villas includes some great value picks.

Taormina’s popularity and upmarket reputation draws a glamorous crowd, and its beautiful streets are lined with elegant boutiques, as well as lively bistros, bars and cafes, and fine dining restaurants. The Corso Umberto I is the medieval main street, and where things warm up of an evening. Just outside town are the spectacular ruins that appealed to the ‘Grand Tourers’, including the impressive ancient amphitheatre.  Some of the best places to stay in Taormina have views of the ocean in one direction, and of the town's historic treasures in the other.  

Taormina’s coastline is another of its appeals, a line of coves, bays and sweeps of sand and shingle, to appeal to all ages! Many of the best places to stay in Taormina have private beaches, so guests can avoid the crowds, but there are plenty of public spaces, and the beaches only get really busy during July and August. The sea is about two kilometres from town, so the best properties also lay on shuttle buses between hotel and beach. Just off the coast is a scattering of pretty, but rocky islands, which adds to the postcard-worthy views, and makes for an interesting day trip out on the water.

The Best Places to Stay in Taormina

For a Special Occasion

• The Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea is a lavish seafront hotel, on a beautifully calm blue bay by the Mazzarò Viewpoint. Its 71 rooms and suites are light, bright and airy, with huge windows and private terraces. The decor is luxurious, but unfussy, and there’s an impressive spa, and an elegant restaurant and bar, both with al fresco seating, and a private beach.
• If that doesn't sound luxurious enough, try The Ashbee Hotel. This beautifully converted grand villa is worthy of any of Taormina’s A-list fans. The Ashbee overlooks the town, and the sea, from a series of terrace gardens complete with palm trees, fountains, statues and an elegant infinity pool. Within the villa are 25 rooms and suites, all large and light, and decorated with contemporary glamour. The most luxurious have whirlpool tubs as well as a terraces. The fine dining restaurant has a Michelin Star and specialises in Mediterranean and Sicilian cuisine.

For The Album

• The Grand Hotel Timeo is incredibly positioned between Taorimina’s historic Greek amphitheatre, and the town itself, so the panoramic views are really something. Add to the location an elegant, villa-style building, with 70 rooms and suites decorated in timeless Sicilian style with beautiful antiques, and you have a really special place to stay. Some of the rooms have stunning views from their private terraces, while the two bedroom suite has its own outdoor hot tub. To share are the impressive spa and restaurant, and the beautiful pool-with-a-view. Plus there's a complimentary shuttle to take you down to the beach, and complimentary boat trips along the coast.

For The Views

• With incredible views of Mount Etna from the pool, and terrace, and bay views from many of the rooms and suites, the Hotel Villa Angela is the perfect pick if you love a panorama. From some places in the hotel you can see Isola Bella. The 23 rooms and suites are decorated with old fashioned glamour in mind: large mirrors, tiled floors and a creamy colour scheme. The central location is ideal for exploring the town.
• The Hotel Villa Ducale is a charming, clifftop villa conversion, with magnificent views of the bay. Most of the 19 rooms and suites have private terraces with fantastic views, but there’s also the pool terrace, a roof terrace, and the dining terrace — which has views of Mount Etna too. The spa doesn’t have a view, but the gardens do. There’s a shuttle down to the hotel’s private beach.

For a Beach Break

• La Plage Resort is a chic beach resort, with a collection of light and spacious rooms, suites and villas, decorated in white, and access to the sea. If you want a private garden or hot tub, that’s possible here, of you can opt for a private terrace or balcony. The Mediterranean restaurant overlooks the water, and spills out onto a sunny terrace, and there’s a chic spa and gym. Stylish, yet still ideal for families.

For an Island Escape

• Taormina is definitely on the beaten track, but the peaceful atmosphere of the Hotel Villa Carlotta lends a feeling of escape and calm. Its location, on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and the Isola Bella, is convenient for all the action, whilst not being in the thick of it, and the gardens that surround the property shield it some more. Each of its 23 stylish rooms and suites has a private terrace, and individual decoration, and the feeling is very much of being house guests for a very, very lucky host. The restaurant, lounge and pool terrace are fabulous, and while it’s a definitely a romantic pick, the Hotel Villa Carlotta is also a great choice for families.

For Romantics

• Converted from a 17th century villa, the Hotel Metropole is now an elegant five star hotel, with sea views, a gourmet restaurant, and crisply chic contemporary Italian design. The hotel has just 23 rooms and suites, offering a range of shapes sizes and facilities — our favourites are the rooms with private terraces. The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Taormina, and they have a shuttle service to the hotels’s private beach.
• The Casa Turchetti is a much smaller offering, with just six rooms, converted from a beautiful, 19th century residence. The decor is very Sicilian, with exposed stone walls, and beautifully tiled floors, and the furnishings are all period too. The most romantic suite has a four-poster bed and a private balcony. The roof terrace is a wonderful place to relax with a drink of an evening, and while there’s no restaurant, the hotel does offer breakfast, and you’re close to a slew of excellent eateries.

Best B&Bs

• Taodomus is an intimate hotel in the old heart of Taormina, with just ten simple rooms, featuring hand-painted details, on a simple canvas of whitewash and tiles. The best rooms have private balconies with sea views. The breakfast terrace has a sea view too.

For a Private apartment or private villa

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Sicily has four airports, with Catania Airport, the closest to Taormina, about 45minutes drive, or about an hour and a half away by train. Palermo Airport is on the other side of the island, about three hours away by car, or six by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sicily, unlike some Italian destinations, remains open all year round. That doesn’t mean it’s equally nice all year round, it’s definitely chilly in winter. If you come between November and February expect the daylight hours to impact opening hours too. Spring, or March through June, really, is one of our favourite times to visit Sicily, because the weather is sunny and mild, and the festival and events calendar is packed with activity leading up to Easter. July and August are properly hot, and the Mediterranean beaches and beach resorts are busy, and can be expensive, but the visitors tail off in September, though the sea is still warm and pleasant. October is a good pick if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture, and our Gurus recommend September and October, and April and May, as the best times to visit for walkers.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Refine your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, our Gurus’ collection of Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.