The Best Luxury Hotels in Taormina, Sicily
Taormina is a beautiful town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, known for its stunning views, ancient ruins, and vibrant atmosphere. To our surprise, most tourists spend just one day in Taormina and leave. They come from Catania early, walk about, and leave by the end of the day.
What a terrible mistake! Spending at least one night in Taormina is a must! We’ve prepared the following list of the best luxury hotels in Taormina based on their excellent service, stunning locations, and luxurious amenities. We’ve tried and fell in love with each one of them! No matter what you like, you’ll find it in the city.
When choosing a hotel, consider your preferences, budget, and desired location to find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Taormina. Please note that the ranking and availability of hotels may change over time. We constantly check the latest reviews and ratings from reliable travel websites and platforms.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. The hotel is near the ancient Greek Theatre. Thus, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea. It features a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and two superb restaurants. The hotel is known for its grandeur, elegance, and historical significance.
Built in 1873, the Grand Hotel Timeo is one of the best luxury hotels in Italy. No wonder artists, writers, and celebrities stay here. The hotel’s elegant interiors blend classical and contemporary design elements. The atmosphere is refined and comfortable.
The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers rooms, suites, and private villas. Each unit is beautifully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. The service is in a class of its own. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for a glass of wine or have dinner at any of the restaurants.
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea
Another beauty by the world-famous Belmond brand. Villa Sant Andrea is right on the beach. The hotel is very private, with splendid gardens and panoramic sea views. It features spacious rooms, a beach club, two pools, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The elegant rooms and suites are decorated in a classic Italian style with modern amenities.
The hotel boasts a private beach. How cool is that? You can relax and enjoy the sun and the sea while sipping your favorite cocktail. If you get tired, try the two outdoor swimming pools in the middle of manicured gardens. After touring Taormina, pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa.
Villa Sant Andrea has a top-class concierge service that will assist you with activities and excursions in the area. The Oliviero Restaurant offers a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors, serving fresh seafood and local Sicilian dishes. The Beach Club Restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner by the sea.
The Ashbee Hotel
If you are looking for class and personalized service in an unbeatable location, book a room at the Ashbee Hotel. The magnificent marble mansion is just a 10-minute walk from the Greek Theatre. In 1907 Colonel Shaw-Hellier hired renowned architect Charles Ashbee to design his villa in the city. The garden we can see today was planted at that time.
We are talking about a typical Sicilian garden with lemon trees and grapefruits. That’s why every room has views of the sea or the gardens. The Ashbee offers a wide range of rooms and suites, each designed with special care. However, every unit is plush and features luxurious furnishings and extra comfortable beds.
The hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace with epic views over the sea. There is also a swimming pool, a spa offering various treatments, and a fitness center for those looking to stay active during their stay. The on-site restaurant serves a blend of Sicilian and international cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay (VRetreats)
The Grand Hotel Atlantis hangs on a cliff overlooking the sea. We love its quiet and secluded location, just a 30-minute walk from the center. The best rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking the bay. The hotel has direct access to the beach with a fun floating platform!
You can also eat and drink at the beachside bar. The pool is one of the best in Taormina. You won’t believe the views. It also has a fantastic spa and a gym. Each room is big and comes with premium beds and modern-day conveniences. The marble bathrooms are huge!
You will love the complimentary breakfast prepared locally with high-quality ingredients. In fact, the hotel’s restaurant is one of our favorites in Taormina. The Grand Hotel Atlantis is the perfect place for a romantic holiday. There’s so much space, and the service is so good, that you will never forget your stay!
Hotel Villa Ducale
Hotel Villa Ducale is perched high on a hill out of the city center. However, you can walk to the Greek Theatre in half an hour. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to the center. Due to its location, this hotel offers peace and quiet with jaw-dropping views.
Villa Ducale was the house of one of the wealthiest families in Sicily. Converted into a hotel in 1933, it still has authentic tiles, terracotta floors, antique furniture, and original local art. There’s a hot outdoor pool with views and lounges. The complimentary breakfast is one of the best in the city.
The hotel has a very good onsite restaurant offering international and local dishes. Sit on the patio and watch a killer sunset while enjoying your favorite drink. Villa Ducale is famous in Taormina for its fun cocktail buffet! Even if you don’t stay here, come for a drink and to meet locals.
La Plage Resort
We love La Plage Resort because of its location within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve. The hotel is right on the beach, in Mazzarò Bay. However, you can walk up to the center in half an hour. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the inexpensive cable car to the center.
La Plage Resort offers a private beach with a bar and a gazebo where you can have fantastic massages while enjoying direct views of Isola Bella. It also has a fitness center and a full-size spa. The rooms at La Plage Resort are elegantly decorated and offer modern amenities to ensure maximum comfort.
Every room has a balcony or patio. We strongly recommend booking the bungalow. It comes with a small garden and a hot tub! The hotel has several restaurants and bars where guests can enjoy fine Italian cuisine and Sicilian specialties. The complimentary breakfast includes local and international specialties. There’s free onsite parking.
San Domenico Palace Hotel (Four Seasons)
We love historic hotels. The San Domenico Palace Hotel’s history is part of the history of Taormina. Its origins can be traced to the 14th Century. The property used to be the oldest house in Taormina. Baron Adriano Bosso donated his house to the Dominican Order. They built a convent in the 14th Century.
The hotel has two wings. The convent and a new one from 1896! Original frescoes, sculptures, and art decorate the hotel. Since the hotel hangs on a cliff, it has memorable views of Mount Etna and the bay. It also has a big outdoor pool and several restaurants. The rooftop restaurant is our favorite.
Today, the 4 Seasons hotel chain manages this incredible property. The rooms are out of a movie. You have to book at least 4 nights. As pricey as it seems, the San Domenico Palace Hotel is worth every penny.
Hotel Metropole Taormina
You can’t get any closer to the center than at the Hotel Metropole Taormina. The historic property is next to Aprile IX Square. It’s an original mansion from the 18th Century. The property was meticulously refurbished to include modern-day conveniences. However, everything is elegant, classy, and very Italian.
The rooms are big and feature marble floors and extra-sized bathrooms. The best rooms have private balconies or terraces where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and beyond. You can dip in the infinity pool and enjoy the views too.
There is a range of amenities and services. These include a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with a bar. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and guests can enjoy a drink at the stylish bar. To us, this is one of the best places to stay in Taormina.
Hotel Imperiale Taormina (NH Collection)
You can stay in the heart of Taormina but in a quiet location. The Hotel Imperiale Taormina is only a 5-minute walk from the Greek Theatre. However, the rooms are perfectly isolated and there’s a lot of space. You can walk everywhere and come back to enjoy your privacy.
The hotel features a wide range of rooms and suites, tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The best rooms have balconies or terraces with panoramic views. You can also enjoy memorable views from the infinity pool.
The hotel has one of the best spas and wellness centers in the city. It’s huge and includes a Turkish bath and all types of showers. There is also a bar where guests can enjoy a drink while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The hotel’s restaurant has views over the Greek theatre.
Hotel Mazzarò Sea Palace (VRetreats)
If you are a beach bunny, book a room at the incredible Mazzaro Sea Palace Hotel. The hotel is right on the beach. It has lots of complimentary lounges and umbrellas directly on the sand. However, you can walk to the center in half an hour. Besides, the cable car taking you up is next to the hotel.
The rooms at the Mazzaro Sea Palace Hotel are the biggest in Taormina. All come with a balcony, a coffee machine, and marble bathrooms. The best ones have unforgettable views of the sea. There is also a spa, a wellness center, and a gym.
Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences. The hotel’s main restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The panoramic terrace bar offers a stunning setting to enjoy a refreshing drink or a light snack. The beach bar is super cool and offers a wide range of bites and drinks.
How to Get to Taormina
Italy has so many incredible places that you may be wondering: is Taormina worth visiting? Our answer is a resounding yes! Taormina is one of the most amazing cities in Italy and Europe. Not only that, but nature is gorgeous too. Therefore, you must visit soon!
Most tourists fly to Catania Airport. Therefore, you have to know how to get to Taormina from Catania. The easiest way is by train. There are trains every half an hour from 5 AM to 11 PM. Taormina’s train station is in Giardini Naxos, a few miles (kilometers) away. From the train station, you can either walk or take a shuttle bus.
Another option is to take a direct bus from Catania to Taormina. These are frequent, inexpensive, and usually on time. Some buses operate directly from the airport. You can also drive or hire a taxi. If you don’t feel like going alone, we strongly recommend this private tour.
