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Where to Stay in Taormina

Where to Stay in Taormina

Taormina Sicily, Italy Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Variety of Stays

  • Hotels

    Quaint boutique hotels and modern luxury resorts with sea or Mount Etna views. Many feature swimming pools and fine dining.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Guesthouses

    Charming, often family-run, establishments offering a personal and intimate experience. Breakfast typically included.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    A popular choice for longer stays, families, or groups. These offer more space, privacy, and self-catering facilities. Vrbo is one platform.

  • Hostels

    For budget-conscious travelers, hostels offer affordable dormitory beds. Some also provide private rooms. Hostelworld lists options.

Rural & Unique Stays

  • Agriturismo

    Rural farm stays in the surrounding Sicilian countryside. These properties frequently feature traditional meals with farm-fresh ingredients.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No direct camping sites within Taormina. Nearest options are in Giardini Naxos or further along the coast.

  • House Sitting

    Consider platforms like TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

  • Hotel Chains

    Major chains like IHG Hotels may have a presence or affiliates nearby.

Neighborhood Guide

Taormina and its immediate surroundings present distinct atmospheres in different areas.

Historical Center

Pros
  • Steps away from major attractions (Greek Theatre, Piazza IX Aprile).
  • Most appealing for those desiring a central location.
  • Lively with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Very safe for pedestrians.
Cons
  • Can be very crowded and noisy during high season.
  • Limited vehicle access (ZTL).
  • Accommodation prices are often higher.
  • Limited amenities like pools in many boutique hotels.

Mazzarò & Isola Bella

Pros
  • Direct beach access.
  • Opportunities for boat tours.
  • Stunning sea views from many properties.
  • Generally quieter at night than the town center.
Cons
  • Requires using the cable car or a taxi to reach the historic center (5-10 min).
  • Dining and shopping options are more limited than the town center.
  • Beach clubs can be lively during the day.
  • Pebbly beaches.

Castelmola

Pros
  • Incredible panoramic views (especially at sunset).
  • Quaint, peaceful atmosphere.
  • Traditional, local restaurants.
  • Less touristy feel.
Cons
  • Steep bus ride or challenging uphill walk to/from Taormina (20-30 min bus).
  • Hotel options are limited.
  • More remote.
  • Fewer facilities.

Giardini Naxos & Letojanni

Pros:

More budget-friendly accommodation choices, good beach access (sandy beaches in Giardini Naxos), a more authentic Sicilian atmosphere, and easier parking for rental cars.

Cons:

Requires a bus ride (10-20 minutes) or taxi to reach Taormina's historic center. Further from main attractions.

Booking Strategies

Strategic booking ensures the best experience and rates.

Recommendations and Considerations

  • Advance Booking: Booking ahead is advisable, particularly for high season (June-August) and shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October). For prime choices and better rates, book 3-6 months prior. For low season (November-March), 1-2 months prior usually suffices, except near Christmas and New Year's.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: These vary by property. Most hotels ask for a credit card guarantee. Some might charge a deposit upfront. Always review the cancellation policy.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common in Taormina hotels. Prices are generally fixed. Small B&Bs might give a small discount for cash payments.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices can more than double from low to high season. Luxury properties with prime views experience the most significant price increases during peak times.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used and reliable, listing options from hostels to luxury hotels.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for apartments, villas, and unique stays.
  • Direct Booking: Check hotel websites directly. They sometimes have exclusive deals, better cancellation policies, or added perks.
  • Hotel Chains: Consider IHG Hotels for their various brands and loyalty programs.

Accommodation Comparison Table Approx. €

Hotels
  • Mid-Range (80-150): e.g., Hotel Villa Schuler, Hotel Excelsior Palace
  • Luxury (200-800+): e.g., Grand Hotel Timeo, The Ashbee Hotel
Other Types
  • B&Bs/Guesthouses (40-120): e.g., B&B Rosy, Casa Vittoria, B&B Teatro Greco 39
  • Vacation Rentals (50-500+): small apartments to villas with pools
  • Hostels (25-40): e.g., Hostel Taormina

Tips for Specific Travelers

Family-Friendly

Vacation rentals offer space and a kitchen. Hotels with pools, like Hotel Ariston & Ariston Flow, are popular.

Solo Travelers

Hostels provide a social atmosphere. Centrally located B&Bs offer convenience and a safe base.

Long-Stay

Vacation rentals or apartments suit stays of a week or more, providing comfort and self-catering.

Accommodation Recommendations

Illustrative examples of accommodation options across various categories in Taormina. Always check current reviews and availability.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Options

For backpackers, Hostel Taormina has dormitory beds and some private rooms. Budget B&Bs like B&B Rosy or Casa Vittoria, or options in Giardini Naxos, offer more privacy at lower prices.

  • Hostel Taormina
  • B&B Rosy
  • Casa Vittoria
  • Giardini Naxos options
Mid-Range Options

Hotel Villa Schuler is a historic hotel with sea views and a central location. Hotel Continental provides good value and a convenient spot.

  • Hotel Villa Schuler
  • Hotel Continental

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Hotels

Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, is a prestigious choice with incredible Greek Theatre and Mount Etna views. San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, is a converted 14th-century monastery.

  • Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
  • San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
  • The Ashbee Hotel
Cultural & Historical Significance

These properties blend ancient architecture with modern luxury, presenting unique stays.

  • San Domenico Palace (former Dominican monastery)
  • Grand Hotel Timeo (established 1873, iconic views)

Family-Friendly Options

  • Vacation Rentals

    Offer more space and kitchen facilities, assisting with family meals.

  • Hotels with Pools

    Popular choices include Hotel Ariston & Ariston Flow, located near the cable car.

  • Giardini Naxos

    Provides broader budget-friendly choices and sandy beaches.

  • Vrbo Listings

    Explore family-sized rentals on Vrbo for diverse options.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels

    Hostels offer a social atmosphere for meeting other travelers. Hostelworld is a great starting point.

  • Centrally Located B&Bs

    These locations provide convenience and a safe base for exploration.

  • Safety and Staff

    Look for places with strong reviews concerning safety and helpful staff.

  • Global Booking Platforms

    Platforms like Booking.com and Agoda have many solo-traveler friendly options.

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel

Housed in a former Dominican monastery from the 14th century, this hotel blends original architectural elements with modern luxury, providing an unique stay.

  • Former 14th-century monastery
  • Blends historic charm with modern luxury
  • Offers a distinctive stay
  • High-end amenities
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

Established in 1873, this is one of Taormina's most iconic hotels. It is famous for its terraces, which have direct, unobstructed views of the ancient Greek Theatre and Mount Etna.

  • Established 1873, iconic hotel
  • Famous for terraces
  • Views of Greek Theatre and Mount Etna
  • Prestigious accommodation

Other Top Picks

Hotel Excelsior Palace

A classic choice in Taormina, known for its elegant style and views.

B&B Teatro Greco 39

A well-regarded B&B close to the ancient theatre.

Hotel Ariston & Ariston Flow

Popular family-friendly options with pools, near the cable car.