The best hotels in Taormina
Taormina is Sicily's most scenic hillside town with the Greek Theatre and Etna views. Hotels range from budget to luxury. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Taormina
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hotel Villa Belvedere
Taormina
$366/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Villa Schuler
Taormina
$445/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Taormina
$445/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Mazzarò Sea Palace
Taormina
$1006/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Villa Angela
Taormina
$193/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Atlantis Bay
Taormina
$1740/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
Taormina
$444/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Panoramic Hotel Taormina
Taormina
$445/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Villa D'Orville Luxury Suites Taormina
Taormina
$209/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina
Taormina
$571/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Hotel Villa Belvedere
One of the most consistent stays in Taormina. The garden pool overlooks both Etna and the bay, and at $366/night that feels genuinely fair for this town. You're a 5-minute walk from Corso Umberto. Book a room with the full sea view. The upgrade is worth it.
Address:Hotel Villa Belvedere, Via Bagnoli Croci, 79, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Hotel Villa Belvedere
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Hotel Villa Schuler
Family-run since 1905, and it shows in the right ways: staff know your name, the garden terrace breakfast is one of the best in town. No pool, but the location near Piazza San Domenico puts you steps from everything. One of Taormina's best value plays if the price is fair.
Address:Hotel Villa Schuler, Piazzetta Bastione, Via Roma, 2, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Hotel Villa Schuler
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
The legendary one. Built into the hillside directly above the Greek Theatre, the views are genuinely unmatched. It's expensive, obviously, but the terrace restaurant at sunset is something you'll actually remember. Don't come expecting a relaxed vibe. This is a production, and it knows it.
Address:Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina, Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Mazzarò Sea Palace
Down at Mazzarò beach, not in town. At $1,006/night you're paying for direct sea access and a private platform, which is rare in Sicily. The trade-off: dinner means the cable car or a steep uphill walk. Better for beach-first travelers than anyone here for the Greek Theatre.
Address:Mazzarò Sea Palace, Via Nazionale, 147, 98030 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Mazzarò Sea Palace
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Villa Angela
At $193 and a 4.8 rating, this is the smart pick. Small, quiet, family-run feel. You're in the upper part of Taormina, walkable to Corso Umberto but away from the tourist bottleneck. It books out fast in July and August. Reserve early or you'll pay twice as much elsewhere.
Address:Villa Angela, Via Leonardo Da Vinci, 71E, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Villa Angela
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Atlantis Bay
At $1,740/night you're in a very specific bracket: full luxury, beachfront, almost no crowds. The sea access is the best in the area. But you're committed to the water. Town is a cable car ride away, and you'll feel it after day two. Worth it only if beach comes first.
Address:Atlantis Bay, Via Nazionale, 161, 98030 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Atlantis Bay
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
A clifftop hotel on the cape south of town with an elevator down to a private sea platform. The views are dramatic. It's a chain, so don't expect boutique warmth. But 1,870 reviews means the logistics are solid. You're farther from the Greek Theatre than the town-center options.
Address:UNAHOTELS Capotaormina, Via Nazionale, 105, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Panoramic Hotel Taormina
The name isn't lying. Perched above the bay with serious Etna views from most rooms. It's quieter than the central hotels, which is exactly the point. Slightly outside the main strip means a short walk for restaurants, but the tradeoff in calm is real. Consistent scores across 350+ stays.
Address:Panoramic Hotel Taormina, Via Nazionale, 196b, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Panoramic Hotel Taormina
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Villa D'Orville Luxury Suites Taormina
53 reviews at a perfect 5.0 is suspicious until you see the suite photos: private terraces, full sea views, genuinely upscale finishes. At $209 it's underpriced for what you get. The catch: it's tiny, fills fast, and 53 reviews isn't quite enough data to fully trust. The risk seems worth it.
Address:Villa D'Orville Luxury Suites Taormina, Salita Humboldt, 3, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Villa D'Orville Luxury Suites Taormina
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina
A refined choice near the public gardens, away from the Corso Umberto crowd. The interiors lean Art Nouveau, which either appeals to you or it doesn't. $571/night is steep for a 4-star, but the ambiance is noticeably different from the standard Taormina hotel. You're paying for atmosphere, not amenities.
Address:Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina, Via Luigi Pirandello, 81, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Compare prices for Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina
Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Taormina.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotel Villa Belvedere | 4.8 | 489 | 4★ | $370/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Hotel Villa Schuler | 4.8 | 409 | 4★ | $450/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina | 4.7 | 997 | 5★ | $450/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Mazzarò Sea Palace | 4.7 | 528 | 5★ | $1,010/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Villa Angela | 4.8 | 233 | 4★ | $190/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Atlantis Bay | 4.7 | 724 | 5★ | $450/night | Book → | |
| 7 | UNAHOTELS Capotaormina | 4.6 | 1 870 | 4★ | $440/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Panoramic Hotel Taormina | 4.7 | 351 | 4★ | $450/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Villa D'Orville Luxury Suites Taormina | 5.0 | 53 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $210/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina | 4.7 | 330 | 4★ | $570/night | Book → | |
| 11 | Villa Astoria | 4.7 | 199 | 2★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Hostel Taormina | 4.6 | 407 | 3★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 13 | San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel | 4.6 | 729 | 5★ | $450/night | Book → | |
| 14 | La Plage Resort | 4.5 | 2 893 | 5★ | $530/night | Book → | |
| 15 | B&B BellaVista | 4.7 | 61 | 2★ | $230/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Hotel Soleado | 4.5 | 321 | 2★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 17 | MEDITERRANEAN SEASONS, VILLA MEDITERRANEA Taormina, Private Pool & Sea View | 5.0 | 26 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $450/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Bed and Breakfast Taormina | 4.7 | 72 | 3★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Cohen House Front Beach 3-bedroom apartment in beautiful Taormina with AC | Apartment / Guesthouse | $210/night | Book → | |||
| 20 | Taormina | 4.9 | 9 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Taormina
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
The Greek Theatre and How to Visit
The Teatro Greco opens at 9am. Arrive at opening for the best light and to avoid tour groups which fill the theatre by 11am. Entry is $12. Budget 90 minutes for the theatre and the museum at the entrance.
The best photography of the theatre with Etna in the background is taken from the upper rows of seats in the morning. The Taormina Arte summer festival uses the theatre for concerts and cinema in June-August, tickets from $25. Check the Arte program before booking dates if you want to attend a performance.
Corso Umberto and Local Life
Corso Umberto is Taormina's main pedestrian street, running 900 meters from Porta Messina to Porta Catania. It is exceptionally beautiful but overwhelmingly touristed in summer days. The passeggiata starts around 6pm when residents emerge after the day-trippers have gone.
The best way to use Corso Umberto is early morning before 9am and after 8pm. Piazza IX Aprile halfway along has the best views north and is less crowded in the evenings. Ristorante La Botte on the small alley Via della Pietà off the corso has genuine Sicilian food at non-tourist prices.
Getting Down to Isola Bella
Isola Bella is the small nature reserve island immediately below Taormina's ridge. The cable car from Via Luigi Pirandello costs $3 each way and takes 5 minutes. Alternatively walk down Via Guardiola Vecchia (30 minutes, steep). The bay itself is beautiful with pebble beaches and clear water.
In July-August the small beach gets very crowded by 11am. Go before 10am for manageable conditions. Snorkeling equipment rental is $10 per day. The island (connected by a narrow strip of beach at low tide) is a nature reserve with good underwater marine life.
Day Trip to Mount Etna
Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and the views from Taormina are magnificent, particularly at dawn when the summit often smokes against a clear sky. Several operators run half-day tours from Taormina starting at 8am for $45-80 per person including transport.
The cable car from Rifugio Sapienza (southern approach) goes to 2,500 meters for $35 return. From there it is a 45-minute walk on ash and lava to the summit crater area at 2,900 meters. Wear closed shoes and bring a warm layer even in August since temperatures drop significantly at altitude.
Eating in Taormina
Walk one street off Corso Umberto for genuinely priced food. Via Cappuccini, Via della Pietà, and Via del Ghetto have small restaurants and alimentari serving proper Sicilian cuisine. Granita with brioche for breakfast at $4 from any bar off the main corso. Arancini from the market area for $2 each at lunchtime.
For dinner, Osteria Rosso di Vino on Via del Ghetto is $30-40 per person with wine and consistently good local food. Avoid the tourist menus showing prices of $35+ for pasta on Corso Umberto. The same pasta costs $12-15 in any side street.
Taormina After Dark
The evening passeggiata on Corso Umberto starts after 6pm when day-trippers leave. Piazza IX Aprile at sunset is genuinely beautiful with the Ionian Sea visible between the hills. The bar terrace at Hotel Isabella overlooking the corso is a good evening aperitivo spot.
The nightlife is low-key compared to Catania or Palermo. Most visitors are couples and families rather than party crowds. The best evening experience is dinner at 8pm, a walk along the illuminated corso, and a gelato at Bam Bar on Via di Giovanni (consistently rated the best granita in Sicily at $4-5).
Taormina's best hotel regions
Taormina sits on a ridge at 250 meters above the Ionian Sea. Corso Umberto is the main pedestrian street running through the historic center. Via Roma and Via del Teatro Greco are the most atmospheric addresses near the Greek Theatre. The area below the town with the cable car to Isola Bella is separate from the hilltop.
Corso Umberto and Historic Center 4 vetted hotels Heart of the pedestrian zone, best for atmosphere
Heart of the pedestrian zone, best for atmosphere
The stretch along and near Corso Umberto is the most coveted address in Taormina. Hotel Isabella on Corso Umberto at $130-195 has balconies over the main street activity. Hotel Villa Schuler on Via Roma at $110-175 has century-old gardens full of citrus trees.
Everything is walkable: Greek Theatre (5 minutes), Piazza IX Aprile (5 minutes), cable car to Isola Bella (10 minutes). Evening atmosphere is exceptional after 6pm when the day-trippers clear out.
Browse all Corso Umberto and Historic Center hotels → Greek Theatre Area 3 vetted hotels Most atmospheric location, direct theatre access
Most atmospheric location, direct theatre access
Via del Teatro Greco and the streets around the ancient theatre have the most atmospheric hotels. Hotel Metropole at $145-210 is steps from the theatre entrance with a terrace garden overlooking the valley. This is the right base for travelers whose primary reason for visiting is the Greek Theatre.
The location is slightly removed from the busiest part of Corso Umberto. Quieter evenings but slightly further from the main restaurants. The theatre view at sunrise from your hotel is the defining Taormina experience.
Browse all Greek Theatre Area hotels → Residential Edge and Budget Zone 3 vetted hotels Quieter streets with budget and value options
Quieter streets with budget and value options
The streets slightly away from the main corso, particularly Via Bagnoli Croci and Via Dietro Cappuccini, have smaller family-run hotels at $55-105. Less crowded than the main pedestrian zone and quieter at night.
Hotel Elios on Via Bagnoli Croci at $72-105 has terrace views toward the sea and Etna. Hotel Condor on Via Dietro Cappuccini at $55-85 is the best genuine budget option. Both are 5-10 minutes walk from the Greek Theatre.
Browse all Residential Edge and Budget Zone hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
Hotel Villa Schuler on Via Roma with century-old lemon and orange gardens at $110-175. Hotel Metropole terrace overlooking the valley next to the Greek Theatre at $145-210. Granita with brioche at Bam Bar at 8am before the town wakes up.
Architecture
The Greek Theatre is 3rd-century BC with Etna framed through the stage arches. Corso Umberto is 900 meters of intact medieval architecture. Piazza IX Aprile at sunset is one of the most beautiful squares in Sicily.
Sea Access
Isola Bella nature reserve below the town via cable car for $3 each way. Clear Ionian water with snorkeling equipment rental at $10. Letojanni 5 kilometers north has a longer sandy beach. Giardini Naxos directly below is 10 minutes by cable car.
Budget
Hotel Condor on Via Dietro Cappuccini from $55. Arancini from the market for $2. Granita at Bam Bar for $4. Taormina Arte concerts in the Greek Theatre from $25. Budget is possible here but July-August strains it.
Food
Pasta alla Norma (eggplant, tomato, ricotta salata) is the Sicilian essential. Osteria Rosso di Vino on Via del Ghetto at $30-40 for two. Bam Bar granita in almond or pistachio is the best in Sicily at $4. Buy Sicilian ceramics and capers in the side streets, not on the corso.
Family
Cable car to Isola Bella is a genuine highlight for kids at $3 return. Day trip to Etna for volcano hiking from age 8 upwards. Piazza IX Aprile has space for kids to run after dinner. The theatre ruins are good for exploring.
We reviewed hotels across Taormina's historic ridge, from budget options on Via Dietro Cappuccini to upscale properties with Etna and sea views on Corso Umberto and Via Roma.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Taormina
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Spring
April and May are the best weeks. The bougainvillea in the gardens is at its most vivid, temperatures are comfortable, and the Greek Theatre is bookable without crowds. Easter brings some Italian domestic visitors. The sea is still cool for swimming but Isola Bella is beautiful for walking.
Summer
Taormina Arte film festival and concerts run June-August in the Greek Theatre, a genuine reason to visit in summer. July-August bring intense crowds and hotel prices at 50-70% above spring. Corso Umberto in August is essentially a theme park by day. Reserve everything 3 months ahead.
Autumn
September is arguably the best month. The sea is still warm from summer (24-25C), Isola Bella is swimmable, crowds thin from September 1, and prices drop 30-40%. Some Arte festival events run into September. October gets cooler but is good for hiking on Etna. Underrated window.
Winter
December through February is quiet with many smaller hotels closing. The ones that stay open offer good prices. The Greek Theatre is practically empty and the corso is pleasant for walking. No swimming but Etna day trips have smaller groups. Good for couples who want the town to themselves.
Booking Tips for Taormina
Smart booking strategies for Taormina.
Visit the Greek Theatre at 9am
The Teatro Greco opens at 9am. Arriving at opening gives you 90 minutes of the most atmospheric ancient theatre in Sicily without the tour group crowds that arrive from 11am. The morning light from the east catches the stage and Etna in the west is clearest in early morning. Entry is $12. Book tickets online to skip the queue.
Explore Corso Umberto after 6pm
The 900-meter pedestrian corridor fills with day-trippers from 9am to 6pm in summer. After 6pm the local passeggiata begins and the atmosphere shifts completely. The bars and restaurants still charge tourist prices, but the street itself becomes a pleasure to walk. Piazza IX Aprile at sunset is particularly beautiful.
Take the cable car to Isola Bella early
The cable car from Via Luigi Pirandello costs $3 each way and the 5-minute descent brings you to Isola Bella bay. In July-August the tiny pebble beach gets packed by 11am. Take the first cable car at 9am for the best conditions. Snorkeling equipment rental costs $10 per day. The nature reserve island connected by a spit is accessible at low tide.
Book Etna tours directly with local operators
Etna half-day tours from Taormina are sold on Corso Umberto at $45-80 per person. Compare 2-3 operators before booking since quality and group size vary. Smaller groups of 8-10 are better than bus tours of 30. Tours leaving at 8am return by 2pm, giving you the afternoon free. Book the day before for most departures.
Eat away from Corso Umberto
One street off the main corso, prices drop significantly and food quality is often higher. Via Cappuccini, Via della Pietà, and Via del Ghetto have small restaurants at $30-45 for two versus $60-80 on the tourist trail. Osteria Rosso di Vino on Via del Ghetto is the consistent recommendation. For gelato and granita, Bam Bar on Via di Giovanni is unambiguously the best.
Get to Taormina by bus from Catania Airport
The Interbus from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Taormina runs several times daily and costs $8, taking about 80 minutes. This is significantly cheaper than the $60-70 taxi. The bus stops at Taormina bus terminal on Via Luigi Pirandello. From there hotels in the historic center are a 10-15 minute walk uphill through the town gate.
Hotels in Taormina, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is special about Taormina?
Taormina sits at 250 meters above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna filling the western horizon. The Greek Theatre is the most photogenic ancient site in Sicily, with Etna visible directly through the stage arches. Corso Umberto is an exceptionally beautiful medieval street. The combination of architecture, volcano views, and sea access is unique in Italy.
What is the best area to stay in Taormina?
Near the Greek Theatre on Via del Teatro Greco for the best atmosphere and proximity to the main sight. Corso Umberto for the heart of the pedestrian zone and evening passeggiata. Via Roma for good views and mid-range prices. Skip anything below the ridge near Giardini Naxos unless you specifically want beach access over hilltop character.
How much do hotels in Taormina cost?
Budget options like Hotel Condor run $55-85. Mid-range properties (Hotel Villa Schuler, Hotel Elios) charge $72-175. Upscale with terraces and views (Hotel Isabella, Hotel Metropole near the Greek Theatre) cost $130-250. The luxury segment (San Domenico Palace, Grand Timeo) starts at $400+. July-August prices add 50-70%.
Does Taormina have good beaches?
The town itself is on a ridge, not the beach. Isola Bella is a small protected bay directly below Taormina, reached by cable car ($3 each way) or a 30-minute walk down. It is beautiful but small and crowded in summer. Letojanni is 5 kilometers north with a longer sandy beach. Giardini Naxos directly below has a decent beach and is 10 minutes by cable car.
Is Taormina touristy?
Very. Corso Umberto in July-August can feel like a theme park with 3-second intervals between tour groups. But the town empties significantly after 6pm when day-trippers leave. Staying the night means you have the streets almost to yourself at 7am and after 9pm. The tourism is manageable if you work around the day-tripper hours.
When is the best time to visit Taormina?
Late April to June and September to October. The Taormina Arte festival runs June to August in the Greek Theatre with concerts and cinema. July-August are beautiful but crowded and expensive. September is arguably the best month: warm enough for Isola Bella, thinner crowds, lower prices, and some festival events still running.
How do I get to Taormina?
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is 55 kilometers south, the main gateway. A taxi from the airport costs $60-70 and takes 50-60 minutes. The cheaper option is a bus from Catania airport to the Taormina bus terminal (Interbus, $8, 80 minutes). The train from Catania to Taormina-Giardini station takes 45 minutes, but the station is at sea level with a bus (45 minutes, $2) or taxi ($15) up the hill.
What is the Greek Theatre?
The Teatro Greco di Taormina is a 3rd-century BC Greek theatre, later rebuilt by the Romans, with Etna visible directly through the stage arches. It is the most photographed ancient site in Sicily. Entry is $12. In summer it hosts the Taormina Arte film festival and concerts. Visit at 9am opening for the light and to beat the crowds. The afternoon light (from 4pm west-facing) is better for photography.
Can I do a day trip to Etna from Taormina?
Etna is about 45 kilometers southwest. Guided tours from Taormina run $45-80 per person and include transport, a guide, and cable car ($35 one way). The standard cable car from Rifugio Sapienza goes to 2,500 meters. For the summit crater area (3,300 meters) a guided excursion adds $40. Half-day tours leaving Taormina at 8am return by 2pm.
What is the food like in Taormina?
Sicilian food in Taormina is excellent but tourist markup is significant on Corso Umberto. Arancini (rice balls), pasta alla Norma (with eggplant and ricotta), and fresh swordfish are the essentials. The best value is one street off Corso on Via Cappuccini or near the market area. Two courses with wine runs $35-50 at a decent local restaurant off the main drag.
Is Taormina good for a honeymoon?
One of the best in Italy. Hotel Villa Schuler on Via Roma has been run by the same family for 100+ years with gardens full of citrus trees at $110-175. Hotel Metropole next to the Greek Theatre at $145-210 has a terrace garden overlooking the valley. The combination of Greek ruins, Etna views, and the Ionian Sea at sunset is genuinely exceptional.
What should I avoid in Taormina?
Do not eat at any restaurant where a person stands outside actively inviting you in on Corso Umberto. The tourist menus near the Greek Theatre charge $25-30 for pasta you can get for $12 one street away. Avoid booking the cheapest accommodation without checking photos carefully since Sicilian budget hotels vary enormously in quality. Skip the souvenir shops on the main corso for ceramics and buy in the side streets instead.
Useful links for Taormina
Government & official sources only. No booking sites, no ads.
