It’s hard not to fall for this magical Sicilian town, though it attracts plenty of visitors. That’s why knowing where to stay in Taormina really makes a difference. In this guide, I share my top picks—from grand seaside hotels to quiet lemon-scented retreats, family-friendly spots, and apartments where you can live like a local—so you can find the perfect place to use as a base while exploring all its beauty.
Table of Contents
- Why visit Taormina in Sicily
- Luxury hotels in Taormina
- Mid-range hotels in Taormina
- Budget hotels in Taormina
- Family hotels in Taormina
- Apartments in Taormina
Why visit Taormina in Sicily
Taormina, in eastern Sicily, is a place where history, views, and local culture come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Walking its streets feels like browsing a history book, as Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish all left their mark here. The Ancient Greek Theatre is the star of the sightseeing list, not only for its excellent preservation but because it perfectly frames Mount Etna and the sparkling sea like a postcard.
There are countless stories to discover here, from the peaceful terraced gardens planted by an English noblewoman fleeing scandal to the ruins of a Roman gymnasium once mistakenly thought to host naval battles. And between these moments, the lively streets buzz with shops, cafés, restaurants, and endless choices of gelato and granita.
To top it off, a quick cable car ride takes you down to shimmering beaches and Isola Bella, a tiny island paradise that’s the perfect finishing touch to Taormina’s incredible charm.
Where to Stay in Taormina for every budget
To keep things simple, I’ve organized the options into categories, from luxury to budget, including choices for families and those who prefer apartment stays. This way, you can easily find the right fit for your budget and travel style.
Where to stay in Taormina: Luxury hotels in Taormina
When it comes to luxury stays, a glamorous town like Taormina never disappoints: top hotels are easy to find and seriously hard to forget. Below you’ll find the best hotels in Taormina, where stunning views, elegant rooms, gourmet dining and thoughtful pampering are all part of the experience.
Villa Belvedere
Opened in 1902 and proudly owned by the same family ever since, Villa Belvedere is one of Taormina’s most exclusive historic hotels. Located just steps from the Botanical Gardens and a five-minute walk from the town center, it’s surrounded by fragrant terraced gardens filled with lemon and orange trees, where you can relax in peaceful shaded spots or unwind by the lush pool, complete with its own restaurant. Elegant rooms feature French balconies or furnished terraces, and mornings begin with fresh pancakes and granita with brioche on a terrace scented by nature and sea air. As a fun bonus, Villa Belvedere appeared in season 2 of The White Lotus, making your stay truly iconic!
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San Domenico Palace
San Domenico Palace is a unique blend of history and luxury. Set in a former 15th-century convent, it showcases stunning frescoes and artwork that tell its fascinating story. Each room has its own character, many offering sea views, while the suites with private pools promise an unforgettable stay. Outside, terraces overlook Mount Etna and there’s an infinity pool perched on the cliff with a poolside restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean dishes and creative cocktails. For even more relaxation, you can head to the spa with an indoor pool and botanical treatments. Two additional restaurants include a Michelin-starred option and there’s an atmospheric bar in the cloister to unwind.
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Grand Hotel Timeo
Set just opposite Taormina’s ancient Greek Theater, Grand Hotel Timeo sits within beautiful terraced gardens, radiating Sicilian elegance. Its tranquil, classically styled rooms, complete with marble bathrooms and complimentary soft drinks, often boast sweeping views. For a truly memorable stay, opt for a suite with a private balcony or terrace. Dining options include three restaurants, one of them Michelin-starred, and a panoramic bar renowned as one of Taormina’s best. Highlights include a heated pool, a Dior spa nestled among the trees, and a private beach in Mazzarò Bay add to the allure, with seasonal children’s activities completing the experience.
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Where to stay in Taormina: Mid-range hotels in Taormina
If you’re looking for a place that’s still elegant and well-appointed but doesn’t cost a fortune, these mid-range accommodations are solid choices for style, comfort and value.
Villa Angela
Each room at Villa Angela has its own private balcony with loungers, a table, and chairs, perfect for soaking up sweeping views of the Ionian coast and Mount Etna. This family-run hotel enjoys a panoramic setting about 800 metres from Taormina’s historic centre, surrounded by terraced gardens filled with lemon, olive, and carob trees. Inside, bright, elegant spaces echo the warmth of a contemporary Sicilian home, with Caltagirone ceramics, local stonework, and artisanal details. With a restaurant serving local dishes, a panoramic pool, beach transfers to a partner beach, and parking, Villa Angela makes a memorable Taormina escape.
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Splendid Hotel Taormina
Imagine starting your day with a breakfast of fresh Sicilian pastries on a sunlit terrace, the Ionian Sea stretching out before you. At Splendid Hotel Taormina, that’s just the beginning. Set in a beautifully restored former monastery, this boutique retreat combines ethnic-style charm with modern comforts. Many rooms boast private balconies or terraces for uninterrupted coastal views. You can take refreshing dips in the rooftop garden’s panoramic pool, enjoy a Sicilian barbecue, or sip an aperitivo to the sound of live music. With valet service and a restaurant serving fresh, locally inspired dishes, everything here is designed for pure relaxation.
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Hotel Caparena
Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens dotted with rare and tropical plants, Hotel Caparena is a tranquil escape by the sea. Spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, some with terracotta floors, others with warm parquet, overlook the gardens, while the exclusive Caparena Suite boasts a private sea-view terrace with Jacuzzi and loungers. You can unwind by the outdoor pool, enjoy the hotel’s private beach with a restaurant, or indulge in personalized treatments at the wellness club. With two restaurants, three bars, and a free shuttle to Taormina’s historic centre, it’s a great blend of relaxation, comfort, and fun.
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Where to stay in Taormina: Budget hotels in Taormina
Trying to find a cheap hotel in Taormina? It might seem tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve rounded up some great options (including a hostel!) that keep costs low without sacrificing comfort and a warm atmosphere.
Hotel Villa Nettuno
Set in a 19th-century villa converted into a hotel in the 1950s, Hotel Villa Nettuno retains its warm, family-run atmosphere and timeless charm. In the heart of Taormina, it offers two panoramic terraces with loungers, a lush garden filled with palms, lemon trees, and bougainvillea, where breakfast is served each morning. All rooms overlook either the garden or the terraces, and some open onto pretty wrought-iron balconies. Décor is simple with a touch of vintage character. The cable car station to Isola Bella is right across the street, and the bus terminal is just 100 metres away.
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Hotel Pensione Cundari
For an affordable stay in Taormina without compromising on comfort, Hotel Pensione Cundari is a solid choice. This family-run guesthouse offers 11 simple rooms, each with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free WiFi. The style is a bit old-fashioned, but everything is spotless and has what you need. It’s just 150 metres from the Taormina-Giardini train station (handy for direct trains from Catania Airport) and a short stroll to the bus stop for quick trips into the historic centre. A café and bar are on site, breakfast and private garage parking are included, and the friendly atmosphere makes it feel like a home away from home.
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Hostel Taormina Homstel
If you’re the kind of traveler who sees shared dorms as a chance to make instant friends (and swap travel tips over midnight snacks), Hostel Taormina Homstel might just be your perfect match. In the heart of town, it’s a five-minute walk to the cable car for the beaches and the bus terminal for day trips to Catania, Mount Etna, or Siracusa. You can choose between mixed or female-only dorms, all complete with Wi-Fi, air con, lockers, and privacy curtains, or upgrade to a private room or studio. A sea-view terrace, shared kitchen, lounge, and bar make it easy to socialize or unwind.
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Where to stay in Taormina: Family hotels in Taormina
In Taormina you can find some great family-friendly accommodation options, offering not just spacious rooms but also thoughtful services designed to make traveling with little ones easier and more relaxed.
NH Collection Taormina
Right in Taormina’s historic centre, NH Collection Taormina puts you just steps from Corso Umberto I and the famous Greek Theatre. Families can spread out in adjoining or connecting rooms, while little ones are looked after with a babysitting service so grown-ups can sneak away to the spa or rooftop bar. Days here are easy to fill: you can swim in the infinity pool overlooking the bay, visit Taormina’s beaches on the hotel’s shuttle, or explore on two wheels with their bike rental service. And in the evening, you can savour Sicilian classics reimagined with a modern twist at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
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La Pensione Svizzera
Since the 1920s, La Pensione Svizzera has welcomed travellers to Taormina with timeless Art Nouveau charm and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Just five minutes from Corso Umberto and a short stroll from the cable car to Isola Bella and the bus terminal, its location is ideal for exploring the town or taking day trips to gems like Siracusa and Noto. The hotel’s 22 rooms include family options for up to four guests, thoughtfully set on the ground floor for easy access. Mornings begin with a sweet-and-savory buffet breakfast on the panoramic terrace, while afternoons bring seasonal indulgences—afternoon tea with homemade biscuits in winter, or refreshing happy hours in summer. A lush Mediterranean garden completes the picture.
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UNA Hotels Naxos Beach
Set in lush gardens filled with citrus trees, UNA Hotels Naxos Beach in Giardini Naxos offers a resort-style escape just 6 km from Taormina. Ideal for families, it features a private beach, four pools (two for children), and dedicated kids’ clubs with games and activities. Sports lovers can enjoy tennis, padel, and football, while diving experiences are available through a local centre. Dining is a highlight, with three restaurants (including one with a children’s menu), a pizzeria, and two bars. Whether relaxing in the shade, playing by the sea, or exploring the area, this hotel makes for a memorable experience with the whole family.
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Where to stay in Taormina: Apartments
Staying in an apartment in Taormina gives you a more local experience, with the freedom to shop, cook, and unwind in your own private space. Below you’ll find also an option with a pool for a little extra luxury.
Scenic Spirit
This bright, top-floor apartment in the heart of town is ideal for experiencing Taormina like a local. With two comfortable bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, it easily accommodates up to four guests. Step outside and you’ll find the town’s highlights—shops, restaurants, churches, and the famous main street—right at your doorstep. The inviting living area features a large glass wall that opens onto a charming terrace, perfect for sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening glass of wine while watching life unfold below. You’ll need to climb three flights of stairs, but the views and vibrant atmosphere make it well worth it.
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The Wild Bougainvillea
Set in an 1860s building just a five-minute walk from Taormina’s Duomo, The Wild Bougainvillea offers a truly enchanting escape for up to eight guests. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, its many terraces promise unforgettable views. Inside, heritage meets comfort, with antique furniture, hand-painted tiles, brick archways, and shelves of well-loved books. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a traditionally tiled kitchen, and inviting living spaces. Outside, a tropical garden scented with bougainvillea and shaded by lemon trees offers peaceful corners for reading, dining, or simply soaking in the Sicilian charm.
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The Summer Rose
With its private terrace looking out to the blue waters of Isola Bella, this apartment is a bright, comfortable base for up to four guests. Inside, you’ll find a double bedroom, a sofa bed in the living room, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and simple, functional interiors that let the views take centre stage. The location is a real highlight: just a 10-minute walk to Taormina’s centre, 15 minutes to the beach, and within easy reach of Mount Etna and the Alcantara canyons. You can also enjoy a shared pool in lush gardens and the convenience of private parking.
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