Where to stay in Taormina
In Taormina, you'll find quite a few popular areas to stay in and accommodation to choose from. A lot of these will depend on your personal preferences and the reasons you decide to visit this beachside town, such as going for the food, going with the family, or looking for something traditional. Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Taormina.
How we choose where to stay in Taormina
When selecting where to stay in taormina sicily, I've stayed in quite a few areas myself, so I have a good perspective. We focus on views such as the Greek theatre, or maybe the coastline and even Mount Etna. We also look at other reviews, and we give priority to the ones that have fantastic services, modern or traditional rooms, and those that cater to history but also to leisure.
We also love accommodation that blends Taormina's heritage with history and modernisation. They could be converted villas or chic boutique hotels, or even contemporary resorts with architectural influences. Accommodations that are in the historical centre or along the Corso Umberto that I've stayed in are really sought after. Our choices aim to provide the immersive experience that captures the essence of Taormina.
Best areas to stay in Taormina
Now, lastly, I'm just going to get into some of the best areas to stay in Taormina. And I've stayed in most of these areas.
City centre
I'll start off with the city centre. This is the heart of Taormina, the Corso Umberto. So you'll be right in the action, close to all the places, such as the ancient theatre, the Greek amphitheatre and the other things to do in Taormina. So you'll really feel that buzz. I stayed on the Corso, but the only negative is it may be a little bit loud, especially during the summertime. So you'll want to get a hotel that's looking out to the ocean, so a slightly bigger hotel.
Mazzaro Beach
Then you've got Mazzaro Beach. So Mazzaro Beach is more of a quieter area within Taormina. To get here, you'll need a cable car or to get a taxi. But I think the main benefits are relaxation and quietness.
Giardini Naxos
On the right of Taormina, you've got Giardini Naxos. So this is a little bit further away from Taormina city centre, and it's quite a walk from Giardini Naxos to Taormina. So I had some friends staying there. You won't find all five-star properties there. So you'll get a little bit more value in terms of accommodation, but you won't be in the middle of all the action.
Isola Bella
You've got the Isola Bella area, and that's where you'll find some of the beach places to stay. It does get a little bit busier there because Isola Bella is pretty famous. And again, to get up to the town, you'll probably have to take a cable car, a taxi, or a rental car, however you're getting there.
In between the beaches and the town
And then one of the best areas to actually stay in Taormina is between the beaches and the town. That's probably one of my favourite places to stay, so you can either take the cable car or walk up. Being right in the middle, between somewhere like Mazzaro or Isola Bella and the Corso Umberto, is probably where you may want to be. It's a good middle spot.
Oceanside Accommodation in Taormina
If you're looking for a more relaxed vacation, then where you want to stay in Taormina is by the ocean. Some of the hotels offer direct access to the beach that might feature their own stretch of sand or be just a short walk away. There are only limited options, though, so make sure to book early. Here are a few of my top hotels.
The Mazzaro Sea Palace
This is a 5 star option right on Mazzaro Beach on the left-hand side. This beachfront hotel has a wellness centre, fitness centre, and an exclusive private beach.
I think the highlight is the sea views that every single room has. Every room has its own private balcony.
Find out more information and check the prices for Mazzaro Sea Palace.
The Villa Sant'Andrea
This is another 5 star hotel just northeast of Taormina and overlooks the Mediterranean. This also has its own private beach.
However, getting to Taormina centre does take about 5 minutes drive or to a train station, so something to note. You can also take the cable car, though, which is only 3 minutes away from the hotel.
Find out more information and check the prices for Villa Sant'Andrea.
La Plage Resort
Now, this is bang on the water. I've stayed here before, and it sits right next to Isola Bella. It's also a very popular wedding spot, and you can frequently see people getting married on their private beach or at Isola Bella.
You might also see a sunset wedding. Perks include contemporary rooms and free parking, so this is very useful. Now, that was last on my stay; this might have changed.
Find out more information and check the prices for La Plage Resort.
Accommodation in Taormina Centre
Again, I've stayed in Taormina centre. If you want the traditional atmosphere, I mean, if you're looking where to stay in Taormina with a traditional atmosphere, this is where you go. In the heart of the city, you have the convenience of waking up and going to a lot of the tourist attractions, being able to pick where to have breakfast, and also just feeling Taormina. Here are a few hotels.
NH Collection Taormina
This is only one of a few 5 star hotels. Highlights include the rooftop cocktail bar, which has incredible views and also breakfast that overlooks the Greek theatre.
It's also right next to the Palazzo Corvaja, so very conveniently located.
Find out more information and check the prices for NH Collection Taormina.
The Grand Hotel Timeo
Near the Greek Amphitheatre is the Grand Hotel Timeo. This is a 5 star Belmond hotel that gives you views of the theatre, Mount Etna, but also the ocean.
It also has a Michelin restaurant called Otto Geleng, a spa, and an outdoor pool. One of the best perks is they have a private beach with a free shuttle down to it as well, or you can just walk and get the shuttle back.
Find out more information and check the prices for the Grand Hotel Timeo.
The San Domenico Palace
Lastly, in the centre, you have the San Domenico Palace. This is a Four Seasons hotel and five star, one of the most incredible hotels in the world, and so close to the centre.
They have Michelin dining, a cliff top infinity pool, and a fitness centre. This hotel has a lot of history and architecture, and you will love the views from there.
Find out more information and check the prices for San Domenico Palace.
Bed & Breakfasts in Taormina
If you're looking where to stay in Taormina that might be a little bit more cost-effective, this is a great choice. They might not have the full range of amenities, but a lot of these have modern comforts. They're often family run and have a homemade breakfast that adds to the authentic experience of your vacation.
A' Coffa rooms & Breakfast
I've stayed here before. This is right on Corso Umberto. This is a traditional bed and breakfast. All the rooms have aircon, which saved me in the summer, and have their own private bathrooms. Some of the rooms, the one I picked anyway, had a balcony overlooking the centre of Taormina, which is really nice, and I got quite a few pictures.
Right opposite, they had a cannoli store. And then for breakfast, when we woke up, it was only a small dining area, but you get to meet other people there. The chefs cook up a Sicilian breakfast, a hot food buffet. And the owner is very friendly and speaks English. It's 4 star, but a very cost-effective way to stay in the city.
Find out more information and check the prices for A' Coffa rooms & breakfast.
Casa Turchetti
Another B&B in the town is Casa Turchetti. It used to belong to nuns and during World War II was actually used as a military post. The building's now been renovated, but it still has that local architecture and 1800s feel.
Highlights include the food, but also the terrace that has the views of Mount Etna at night, which is really nice. They also have views of the ocean and the Greek amphitheatre.
Find out more information and check the prices for Casa Turchetti.
Casa Arico & Shatulle Suites
If you want somewhere a little bit halfway, there's Casa Arico bed and breakfast. It's down a very quiet street, so sometimes the centre can be a little bit loud, and this is if you just want to escape. They have an amazing rooftop terrace, but also tennis courts, so great to be there. Great place where to stay in Taormina if you're with your family.
They can also give you access to a nearby pool. Rooms have been reviewed as very clean. They have Wi-Fi, and you can pick either mountain or sea views.
Just down the road, you can get the cable car down. Corso Umberto and the Greek theatre are very close by. They do have parking, they do charge for that, but they also have other services such as shuttles from Catania Airport.
Find out more information and check the prices for Casa Aricò & Shatulle Suites.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Taormina
Keeping on the theme of family friendly, here are my recommendations. It's really important to consider the proximity to restaurants and beaches, and also the availability of parking if you're bringing your own car or whether the accommodation has a pool.
Grand Hotel San Pietro
First of all, you have the Grand Hotel San Pietro. This is a 5-star hotel and is a restored 1900s villa overlooking the ocean, with a pool and a restaurant that both face the Mediterranean Sea. All the rooms are a traditional Sicilian style, and you can see in the pictures how nice they look. You can have classic rooms, family rooms, and they also have penthouse suites.
For the families, they also have babysitting facilities, and then for the adults, a spa and a gym. Bonus points, they also have free valet parking, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
Find out more information and check the prices for Grand Hotel San Pietro.
The Taormina Panoramic Hotel
Next on the list is the Taormina Panoramic Hotel. This is a 4 star hotel that has lots of triple rooms and twin rooms. So if you have a slightly older family and you want to stay next to them, they also have a poolside bar and parking.
The hotel overlooks Isola Bella, and 20 metres away is the beach, so very conveniently located to the beach. The cable car is very close if you want to go to the centre and nip into town for dinner. So very good value for a family.
Find out more information and check the prices for Taormina Panoramic Hotel.
Hotel Sirius
You've got Hotel Sirius. My friends have stayed at Hotel Sirius, and this is just outside the city centre, so a little bit midway towards the bottom. They have family rooms and connecting rooms with ocean views, and Hotel Sirius has its own pool or is very close to the beach with a free shuttle, or you can walk.
Hotel Sirius also has a breakfast buffet, so you can eat as much as you want, which is either continental or Mediterranean style.
Find out more information and check the prices for Hotel Sirius.
If you are looking for more accommodation, you can read our blog on the Top Hotels in Taormina.
Tips for booking Accommodation in Taormina
Have a look at local reviews and recommendations like my guides. You can really have a look at the best areas and where to stay in taormina sicily to have a good visit. We usually read about 10 to 20, good and bad ones on each property.
Next is book early, because Taormina is very popular, especially during the summer. I would say book at least 6 months before your dates, even a year. That's how popular this place is.
Check for parking at the hotels if you're planning on renting a car and if it's complimentary or reasonably priced. If it is a little bit more expensive at some of the hotels, have a look at the parkeggio which are around, might be a short walk.
I would also say consider bed and breakfast when you're looking for where to stay in Taormina. Bed and breakfasts are often traditional and family-run, and you can save money on food costs. You can also meet a lot of other travellers at breakfast, which I've done before.
Where to stay in Taormina FAQ'uestions's
What are the best areas to stay in Taormina?
The centre on Corso Umberto is a little bit louder, so I probably wouldn't stay here if you're a light sleeper. Maybe stay a little bit outside, or I've also stayed down at the bottom near Isola Bella or Mazzaro. These are usually very, very quiet, and you can get to the beach within 10 seconds.
Are there budget-friendly accommodations in Taormina?
In terms of budget-friendly accommodations, there are many options such as A' Coffa rooms & breakfast or Casa Aricò & Shatulle Suites. Explore accommodations slightly away from the main tourist areas for more economical choices.
What advantages does staying in Taormina's Old Town offer?
The advantage of staying in the Old Town is you can really be part of that history. You can feel it as you're walking down and having a look at the cafes and boutique shops.
Are there family-friendly accommodations in Taormina?
Taormina also caters to a lot of family-friendly accommodations. My picks are Grand Hotel San Pietro, Taormina Panoramic Hotel and Hotel Sirius.
What transportation options are available near accommodations in Taormina?
Taormina, in terms of transport, is very well connected. You've got the trains a little bit further away from the city, you've got buses, and also that cable car inside. When you're looking where to stay in Taormina, make sure you have a look at your transportation options. I remember I dropped off the car at a parkeggio and then I destroyed my suitcase on the cobbles when I was staying in the city centre.
Are there luxury accommodations with sea views in Taormina?
Luxury accommodation with stunning sea views would be Mazzaro Sea Palace, Villa Sant'Andrea and the San Domenico Palace.
Can I find accommodations with a pool in Taormina?
If you're looking for a pool in Taormina and you're not staying at the beach, I'd probably recommend San Domenico Palace, Grand Hotel San Pietro, and NH Collection Taormina. The ocean can be cold during the winter, so finding a property with a pool is good.