Where to Stay in Taormina: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Taormina is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Like in the rest of the country, nature and architecture blend seamlessly. Since we’ve been to the area several times, we know where to stay in Taormina to maximize your trip to Sicily. You will have the time of your life!
The municipality is 5 square miles (13 km2) big. It goes from the Mediterranean coast to beneath Castelmola perched on a hill. The historic core sits on top of a hill overlooking the sea. Taormina’s best neighborhoods are here. Fantastic architecture, trees, restaurants, and bars, line the center’s streets.
Isola Bella and the beaches are to the north. Taormina’s best hotels on the beach are here. A narrow beach and the train tracks occupy the south. Taormina is very touristy. The trick to enjoying the city even in peak season is the hotel. The ones we’ve selected have premier locations and gorgeous gardens.
Near the Piazza IX Aprile
The Piazza IX Aprile is our favorite area of Taormina. The locals call it the city’s sallotto, living room in Italian. The square offers the most iconic views in Taormina. From the balcony you can see Mount Etna, the remains of the ancient theatre, and Naxos bay.
Two churches preside over the plaza, known in Italian as Belvedere. Saint Augustine Church is from 1448. The baroque San Joseph Church is from the 17th Century. As touristy as it is, the square retains an Italian atmosphere. Choose your favorite open-air bar and enjoy. Come in the afternoon for killer sunsets.
The city’s most iconic attraction is on the plaza. The Clock Tower is known also as the Middle Gate. The original structure was built in the 12th Century and was the entrance to the middle village. The new tower with the clock came up in 1679. The best luxury hotels in Taormina are here.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Piazza IX Aprile:
Casa Turchetti
Casa Turchetti is our favorite hotel in Taormina. The 18th Century building is on a quiet street, just 2 minutes from the belvedere. Completely restored, it features super comfortable rooms. The views from the terrace are epic. As if that was not enough, the service is warm and professional.
Hotel Metropole Taormina
Without a doubt, the Metropole has the best location in town. It’s worth every penny. The hotel is a meticulously refurbished 13th Century mansion. It’s got everything you ever wanted, including an infinity pool. Even if you don’t stay here, stop by the jazz bar at night.
Near the Porta Catania
Porta Catania is on the entrance of Corso Umberto I. This pedestrian street is the lifeline of the city. The stone arch used to be on the outer walls of the city. Notice the Aragonese Coat of Arms and the clock. There’s a big parking lot before the gate.
The Duchi di Santo Stefanno Palace is part of the city walls. It’s one of the best examples of Sicilian Gothic architecture in the city. Today, the 14th Century building is a private art center. Enter the old town and walk 2 minutes until you reach the iconic Piazza Duomo.
The Fountain in Piazza Duomo is the symbol of the city. The medieval Duomo di Taormina presides over the square. The Byzantine Madonna is inside the city’s cathedral. Four minutes to the south is the San Domenico Palace, today the Four Seasons Hotel. Stop by for a drink at this 15th Century masterpiece.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Porta Catania:
Medousa Bistrot and Suites
The Medousa overlooks Porta Catania. It’s a little oasis of peace and class set in gorgeous gardens. The rooms are big, elegant, and come with a coffee maker. Go for the junior suite with a balcony. You won’t get a better deal in the city. The onsite restaurant is one of the best in Taormina.
Excelsior Palace Hotel
Hotels in this part of the city offer great value for money. The Excelsior Palace Hotel is next to Porta Catania. The 1904 hotel palace is set in lush gardens with a pool and memorable views. The rooms are nicely appointed, and the service is classy.
Near the Porta Messina
The Arch of Messina is the other access gate to the medieval city. It’s at the other end of Corso Umberto I, Taormina’s main street. The cable car from Mazzaro leaves you two blocks from the gate. Therefore, this is the best area to stay in Taormina super close to the center.
It’s a quiet area 2 minutes from the Roman Odeon. The ancient theatre offers breathtaking views. The baroque 17th Century Saint Catherine Church is next door. In front is the medieval Corvaja Palace. It used to be an Arab tower. Look out for the marble lion and go to the terrace for memorable views.
Stay here if you want a bit of peace. You can walk 10 minutes to the Belvedere and 5 to the ancient Greek Theatre. Not only is it impressive, but the views from there are jaw-dropping. Check here for online information, including concerts.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Porta Messina:
Hotel Villa Nettuno
If you are looking for a grand traditional Italian villa, book a room at the Hotel Villa Nettuno. We love the lovely garden overlooking the sea and the hills. The best rooms have a big terrace and a balcony. It’s perfect for couples. They have parking nearby.
Valentina
Valentina is a cute bed and breakfast next to the cable car. It’s on a quiet pedestrian street opposite Corso Umberto. The rooms are big and come with super comfortable beds. The best ones have a splendid balcony where you can enjoy a homemade complimentary breakfast.
Near the Public Gardens (Villa Comunale)
The Villa Comunale is the biggest most amazing park in the city. It used to be the gardens of Villa Taormina, home of a Scottish noblewoman. In the 19th Century, the Duke of Cesaro expropriated the gardens. No entrance fee. Go in the afternoon for killer sunsets.
Go inside and prepare to be dazzled. The gardens have thousands of plants from all over the world. Look for the pagoda towers used for bird watching. There are fountains and benches too. Since the trail to Taormina is next to the park, you can walk to the coast in 30 minutes.
The Byzantine Tombs are 4 minutes east of the gardens. However, these ancient tombs are actually arab. The necropolis is part of a much bigger complex from the 11th Century. Continue east on Via Bagnoli until you reach the Pirandello viewing platform. From there, it’s 20 minutes to Isola Bella.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Public Gardens:
Hotel Villa Schuler
Villa Schuler is a beautiful 1905 building perched on the hill, overlooking the sea. We love the winter garden and the palm tree pavilion. The hotel has a shuttle service to the beach in summer. Most rooms have a lovely balcony.
Hotel Villa Paradiso
Villa Paradiso is next to the gardens. Due to its location, it offers views of Mount Etna and the sea. During the summer, guests have access to Paradise Beach Club with a complimentary umbrella. The onsite restaurant is fantastic. The recently refurbished rooms have antique furniture.
Near the Train Station
Taormina-Giardini Train Station is beneath the hill, next to the sea. The station is an attraction in itself. The one we can see today is a wonderful Art Nouveau structure from 1928. Trains from Catania, Syracuse, and Messina arrive here. There’s an information office and a bar to grab a bite.
Though there’s a super narrow beach next to the station, we recommend you go a bit further to the south. The beach widens at Porticollo Saya pier. Besides, the train rail is two blocks behind the seafront buildings. It’s an urban beach where you can chill and refresh.
The beaches to the north are better. Walk along the coast for 30 minutes to reach Isola Bella. It’s a very nice trek. If you need to leave your luggage for hours, ask the tourist information office. Nearby hotels do offer the service. The area is safe.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Train Station:
B&B Sottocoperta
The B&B Sottocoperta is less than a minute from the station. However, it’s super quiet. The spotless hotel offers comfortable rooms at a great price. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, coffee at sunset, or wine at night on the terrace overlooking the sea. You will love it here!
B&B Miramare
If you want to stay on the beach, book a room at the B&B Miramare. It’s a tiny building 3 minutes from the station. The rooms are simple and clean. The best ones have a balcony with sea views. The delicious homemade breakfast is served on the terrace. You can’t beat the price!
Mazzarò – the Seaside
Mazzarò is the seaside resort north of Taormina. You can walk from the city’s center to Isola Bella in half an hour. It’s the same time walking from the train station. We are talking about three lovely bays. The best beach hotels in northeastern Sicily are here.
The first bay is rocky. It follows the train rails to Isola Bella. The natural reserve is stunning. Beautiful trees and sharp rocks populate the island. You can walk there. However, do not forget to wear shoes or at least slippers. Note that pebbles cover the seafloor. Bathe with caution.
Walk further north to pebbled, but wider, Isola Bella Beach. There’s a bar, and you can rent an umbrella. It does get very crowded in summer. Walk 10 minutes to reach La Pigna Beach. It’s the nicest in the area.
We Recommend These Hotels on the Seaside:
Panoramic Hotel
Our favorite hotel on the beach is the Panoramic. Since it hangs from the cliff, the views are amazing. The beach is 2 minutes away. The cable car to the city is next door. It’s got top-notch facilities, including a gorgeous pool. Considering the area, it’s great value for money.
Unahotels Capotaormina
The best luxury hotel on the beach is the Unahotels Capotaormina. The views from Mount Etna and Isola Bella will take your breath away. The infinity pool is huge. It’s got its private cave beach accessible by lift. All of the rooms have balconies. Go to the center on the complimentary shuttle bus.
How Long to Stay in Taormina
We’ve once spent an entire week in Taormina and never got bored. However, we all have time constraints. Thus, like you, we wonder how many days are needed in Taormina to cover the basics? Therefore, we believe you should spend at least two nights. If you don’t you will regret it.
The place is absolutely beautiful. That’s why its world famous! To our amazement most tourists spend only one day in Taormina and leave. Some don’t even stay for sunset. Do not make such a mistake. At nights, you will have Taormina to yourself. Nights in Taormina are magical.
We have selected the best hotels to stay in Taormina and Sicily for a reason. We strongly advise you to spend time in your fancy hotel and enjoy Italian luxury. Wake up early to see the sunrise. Have a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the cliff. You won’t want to leave! And to think that some people ask themselves if Taormina is worth visiting!?
