Where to Stay in Taormina: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Taormina? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Taormina very well, I have created this guide of:

• Taormina’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Taormina

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Taormina, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Taormina for the first time: Taodomus Boutique Hotel or Hotel Villa Paradiso (a bit cheaper), both located in the historic center.
• Where to stay in Taormina close to the beach: Mazzarò Sea Palace – VRetreats
• Best 5-star hotel in Taormina: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, in the historic center.
• Where to stay in Taormina on a budget: Hotel Villino Gallodoro or Hotel La Pensione Svizzera (not the cheapest but excellent value for money)
• Where to stay in Taormina with family: Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina or Taormina Palace Hotel
• My favorite hotel in Taormina for a romantic stay: Hotel Villa Taormina

In Taormina Historic Center (Centro Storico)

The historic center of Taormina, or Centro Storico, is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

This area is almost entirely pedestrianized and is famous for its charming medieval streets, lively atmosphere, and breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coastline.

It’s the best area if you want to be in the heart of the action and explore the main attractions on foot.

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To be right in the heart of the city
• To explore all main landmarks easily, without needing to take public transport.
• If you love going out at night, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops along the main street.
• For a culture-filled trip.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a stunning Greco-Roman amphitheater still used for concerts, offering incredible views.
• Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, lined with designer boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops.
• Piazza IX Aprile, the main square with a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
• Villa Comunale, beautiful public gardens perfect for a peaceful walk with views of Mount Etna.
• Taormina Cathedral (Duomo)
• Palazzo Corvaja, a historic palace showcasing a mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic architecture.

Where to Stay in Taormina Historic Center?

• Hotel Continental: Just a few steps from the main square. Comfortable double rooms starting at 190€, with breakfast. Strong points: amazing panoramic terrace, central yet quiet location, private lift to the beach shuttle.
• Hotel Villa Paradiso: Overlooking the public gardens and the sea. Traditionally styled double rooms from 230€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop restaurant with stunning views, private beach access at a partner hotel, great location. A great choice for its excellent value for money!
• Taodomus Boutique Hotel: Located right on Corso Umberto. Charming double rooms with classic decor starting at 270€, breakfast included. Strong points: incredible rooftop terrace for breakfast, central location, very helpful staff.
• Hotel Villa Belvedere: Just a short walk from Corso Umberto. Rooms from 330€, breakfast included. Strong points: panoramic pool set in terraced gardens, sea views, parking available.
• Hotel Villa Taormina: Set in a restored 19th-century residence in the heart of the old town. Elegant double rooms from 430€, breakfast included. Strong points: beautiful terrace with a pool, historic charm, excellent service. A fantastic choice for a luxury stay in Taormina.
• San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel: This 5-star hotel is a converted 14th-century convent. It offers luxurious rooms with stunning sea or garden views from 1500€, breakfast included. Strong points: cliff-top infinity pool, Michelin-starred dining, impeccable service. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Taormina!

In Mazzarò District

Mazzarò is Taormina’s seaside district, located in a beautiful bay right below the historic center.

Connected to the town by a cable car, this area offers a more relaxed, beach-focused experience with upscale hotels and beach clubs.

Staying in Mazzarò lets you enjoy the best of both worlds: beach relaxation and easy access to the sights of the old town.

You should stay in Mazzarò if you want:

• To be just steps from the beach and enjoy the sea.
• A quieter, more resort-like atmosphere away from the crowds of the town center.
• Easy access to boat tours and water activities.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Isola Bella, a tiny, picturesque island and nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
• Mazzarò Beach (Spiaggia di Mazzarò), a pebble beach with crystal-clear water and several lidos.
• The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave known for its brilliant blue water, accessible by boat tour.
• The Taormina Cable Car (Funivia), which offers a scenic ride up to the historic center in just a few minutes.
• Boat excursions along the coast to explore hidden coves and grottos.

Here are my favorite hotels in Mazzarò district

• Mendolia Beach Hotel: Steps from the funicular and the stairs to Isola Bella. Simple sea-view rooms with balconies from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: beachfront location, rooms with balcony over the bay, easy access to the cable car.
• Taormina Panoramic Hotel: Overlooking Isola Bella Bay, linked to the center by cable car. Contemporary rooms from 220€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool with sea views, beach access within a few steps, private parking available.
• Mazzarò Sea Palace – VRetreats: This 5-star hotel sits right on Mazzarò Bay with its own private beach. It offers elegant rooms with sea-view terraces from 600€, breakfast included. Strong points: private beach, wellness center, sea-view swimming pools. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay near the beach!

In Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a lively seaside town just a 15-minute drive south of Taormina.

It offers a long, sandy beach, a beautiful seafront promenade, and a more relaxed and budget-friendly atmosphere compared to Taormina.

You can stay in Giardini Naxos:

• If you want a classic beach holiday
• For a family vacation, as the beaches and atmosphere are very kid-friendly.
• If you’re looking for more affordable accommodation and dining options.
• To use it as a base to explore Mount Etna and the surrounding region.

Best things to see and do around Giardini Naxos:

• Giardini Naxos Beach, a long sandy bay perfect for swimming and sunbathing
• The Lungomare, a promenade lined with cafes, gelaterias, and restaurants
• Naxos Archaeological Park, the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily.
• Boat trips to see dolphins or explore the coastline
• Day trips to Mount Etna, which is easily accessible from the town.

The Best Hotels in Giardini Naxos

• B&B My Sicily: Located in Giardini Naxos, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Modern and bright double rooms from 120€, breakfast included. Strong points: very close to the beach, extremely friendly host, excellent value for money. Excellent value for money.
• Nautilus Hotel: A modern hotel on the promenade with a private beach area. Bright, comfortable rooms from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: private beach, rooftop terrace with a hot tub, great sea views.
• Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA: Set on a cliff with its own private beach. Bright, modern rooms with sea views from 280€, breakfast included. Strong points: incredible saltwater swimming pool, private beach reached by a lift inside the cliff, amazing views of the coast.The perfect choice for a high-end stay in Giardini Naxos!

Where to Stay in Taormina on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Taormina without spending too much:

• IG-Tysandros Hotel Apartments: On Giardini Naxos seafront. Rooms and apartments options from 95€. Strong points: sandy beach across the road, some units with kitchenettes, promenade location.
• Hotel Villino Gallodoro: A 5-minute walk from the Mazzarò cable car. Comfortable rooms from 115€, breakfast included. Strong points: sea views, proximity to the beach and cable car, private parking. Another great place to stay in Taormina on a budget.
• Hotel Bel Soggiorno: Located a 10-minute walk from Corso Umberto. Classic double rooms in a villa surrounded by a beautiful garden start at 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: panoramic sea views, free parking, peaceful atmosphere.
• Hotel La Pensione Svizzera: In the historic center, just a few steps from Corso Umberto. Charming double rooms from 190€. Strong points: lovely garden, great location for exploring the town, helpful staff.

Where to Stay in Taormina with Family

• Hotel Caesar Palace: Located in Giardini Naxos. Family rooms for 4 start from 160€, with breakfast included. Strong points: large swimming pool with activities for children, all-inclusive options, free shuttle to the beach. An excellent option for a family stay in Taormina without breaking the bank.
• Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina: Near the Greek Theatre and cable car. Offers 3 people rooms from 200€. Strong points: large outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, entertainment in the evenings. My favorite hotel for a family stay for its excellent value for money!
• Taormina Palace Hotel: Located a 5-minute walk from the historic center. Offers spacious family rooms from around 320€. Strong points: panoramic wellness center with a hot tub, incredible sea views, excellent central location. The perfect choice for a high-end family stay!
• Eurostars Monte Tauro: A short walk from the historic center. Offers spacious triple and quadruple rooms from 350€. Strong points: fantastic swimming pool, panoramic views, private parking available.

What is the best hotel in Taormina?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Taormina, I recommend you the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel or the Mazzarò Sea Palace – VRetreats if you prefer to stay near Isola Bella.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Hotel Villa Taormina.

Where to stay in Taormina: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Taormina, whether in the historic center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Hotel Continental	Historic Center	190€
Hotel Villa Paradiso	Historic Center	230€
Taodomus Boutique Hotel	Historic Center	270€
Hotel Villa Belvedere	Historic Center	330€
Hotel Villa Taormina	Historic Center	430€
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel	Historic Center	1500€
Mendolia Beach Hotel	Mazzarò	150€
Taormina Panoramic Hotel	Mazzarò	220€
Mazzarò Sea Palace - VRetreats	Mazzarò	600€
B&B My Sicily	Giardini Naxos	120€
Nautilus Hotel	Giardini Naxos	150€
Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA	Giardini Naxos	280€
IG-Tysandros Hotel Apartments	Cheap Hotels	95€
Hotel Villino Gallodoro	Cheap Hotels	115€
Hotel Bel Soggiorno	Cheap Hotels	160€
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera	Cheap Hotels	190€
Hotel Caesar Palace	Hotel for families	160€
Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina	Hotel for families	200€
Taormina Palace Hotel	Hotel for families	320€
Eurostars Monte Tauro	Hotel for families	350€

Sicily travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sicily guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Sicily? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Sicily: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Sicily are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to Do in Sicily – The ultimate bucket list!

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East + West)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (East coast)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (West coast)
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sicily – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (Full Sicily tour)

• Agrigento: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Catania: The 12 must-see attractions
• Palermo: The 15 things to do in the capital
• Syracuse: The 15 best things to discover
• Trapani: The 10 best things to do

• Agrigento Valley of the Temples: visit the archaeological site with my detailed guide!
• Zingaro nature Reserve: All my best tips to enjoy this wonderful hike