10 Best Luxury Hotels in Taormina in Town and Near The Sea
Nestled on the picturesque eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina exudes a magnetic charm that has drawn visitors for centuries. From its ancient history with the Greek Theatre to its breathtaking coastal vistas and the majestic Mount Etna, this captivating town offers a haven of opulence and sophistication.
Taormina perfectly blends history, natural beauty, cultural events, and culinary delights making it a popular destination for travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience, this charming town also stands as a haven for luxury travellers. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury as we explore some of the best hotels in Taormina.
Related: Stunning Places To Visit in Italy
What’s In This Article?
Where To Stay in Taormina
When deciding where to stay in Taormina, it is worth looking beyond the hotel itself. The town is split between the historic town above the coast and the beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella below, and each offers a very different experience.
For first-time visitors, Taormina town is the best choice if you want restaurants, boutique shops, sightseeing and the atmosphere of the historic centre on your doorstep. This is where you’ll find Corso Umberto, the Ancient Theatre and some of the city’s most celebrated luxury hotels, including San Domenico Palace, Grand Hotel Timeo and The Ashbee Hotel.
For a more relaxed seaside vibe, Mazzarò is the better option. It sits below Taormina, the bay is home to some of Taormina’s best waterfront hotels, including Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Mazzarò Sea Palace and Atlantis Bay. Here, it’s all about infinity pools, beach clubs, boat trips and views across the Ionian Sea, while the cable car makes it easy to reach the town when you want dinner or exploring the town.
Isola Bella offers an even more coastal experience, with La Plage Resort is located right next to the famous nature reserve.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Taormina
• May, June, September and October is the best time to visit Taormina. It’s warm, reliable weather without the peak-season crowds or prices at the best hotels in Taormina.
• July and August although more popular, they are hottest and busiest, Ferragosto ( festival in Italy ) in mid-August marks the peak, but the luxury hotels in Taormina with their own infinity pools make it bearable.
• November to March stays mild rather than cold, with quieter streets and better rates, ideal for anyone who’d rather have a hotel in Taormina, Sicily to themselves than fight for a sunbed.
Quick Guide To The Best Hotel in Taormina
| Best for | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Iconic Taormina views, Mount Etna & Greek Theatre | Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo |
| The White Lotus Hotel & Etna views | San Domenico Palace |
| Private beach & Mazzarò Bay | Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea |
| Beachfront luxury & direct sea access | Mazzarò Sea Palace |
| Secluded bay setting & sea views | Atlantis Bay |
| Boutique character & two-MICHELIN-starred dining | The Ashbee Hotel |
| Mount Etna views & intimate Sicilian atmosphere | Hotel Villa Ducale |
| Rooftop dining, boutique luxury & Etna views | Hotel Villa Carlotta |
| Peaceful gardens, sea views & proximity to town | Hotel Villa Belvedere |
| Central location, historic palazzo & infinity pool | Hotel Metropole Taormina |
Best Luxury Hotels in Taormina in Town and Near The Sea
From grand historic hotels within walking distance of Taormina’s restaurants and sights to glamorous seaside retreats with private beaches, infinity pools and Mount Etna views, these are the best luxury hotels in Taormina for a stylish city break or a classic Sicilian beach holiday.
Belmond Villa Sant’andrea
Best for a private beach and old-world Sicilian glamour
For a taste of old-world glamour on the Sicilian coast, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is hard to beat. Built by an aristocratic family in 1919 among lush, subtropical gardens, this secluded luxury hotel in Taormina still retains all the charm of a private residence. One of the biggest highlight of Villa Sant’Andrea is the setting, it enjoys its own stretch on the secluded Bay of Mazzarò.
For those choosing between the best hotels in Taormina, Villa Sant’Andrea offers the rare combination with the perfect blend of beach vacation and city break with plenty of shopping and sightseeing. The cable-car station is just a short walk from the hotel, making the journey into central Taormina around three minutes. The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle to its sister property, Grand Hotel Timeo located in town. Free boat tour and literary tours in a traditional Piaggio Ape are also available from the hotel.
One of the highlights include the heated infinity swimming pool which is spectacularly located by the edge of the bay. Majority of the rooms and suites offer balconies or terraces that boast mesmerising views of the ocean or sub-tropical gardens.
Which room to book? Best room to book: Premium Sea View Room with Terrace or Villa Sant’Andrea Suite which offers panoramic views over Mazzarò Bay and freestanding bathtub. Best for families: Ionica Pool Suite features a private lava-stone pool, expansive terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea |
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Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Best for Iconic views of Mount Etna & location next to the Ancient Greek Theatre
Sister property to Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo boasts old-world grandeur punctuated with a cosmopolitan spirit. Located in Taormina town, Grand Hotel Timeo offers stunning view of Mount Etna’s. For anyone choosing between the best hotels in Taormina, the location is the real trump card. The Ancient Greek Theatre is practically on the doorstep, while Corso Umberto and the restaurants and boutiques of the historic centre are within easy reach, yet the hotel feels remarkably removed from the crowds.
Its six acres of terraced gardens add to the sense of seclusion, while the hotel’s Literary Terrace and classical interiors preserve the old-world glamour that has long made it one of Sicily’s most celebrated addresses. In 2026, the arrival of a permanent Dior Spa adds another reason to book, with four treatment rooms set within the historic gardens.
The panoramic pool is tucked into the hotel’s lush gardens, with uninterrupted views stretching across the Ionian Sea towards Mount Etna. A complimentary shuttle also connects with sister property Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, giving Timeo guests access to its private beach on Mazzarò Bay. Add Michelin-starred dining at Otto Geleng and the newly redesigned Villa Timeo, and this remains one of the best hotels in Taormina.
Which room to book? Best sea view without going for a signature suite: Deluxe Sea View Suite with Balcony or Terrace. These are in the main Timeo building and have views across the Bay of Taormina Best for the Greek Theatre: Greek Theatre Suite. Located at the top of the Timeo building and has a terrace with views of both the sea and the Greek Theatre. Best for Mount Etna: La Floresta Suite, unique views of Mount Etna, with private terrace and Jacuzzi. |
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San Domenico Palace Hotel (Four Seasons Taormina)
Best for Staying where The White Lotus Season 2 was filmed and spectacular Taormina views.
The former 14th-century Dominican monastery turned luxury hotel is now a Four Seasons hotel that has hosted the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Oscar Wilde and other celebrities. Recently, globally recognisable as the setting for the second season of The White Lotus.
Located above the Ionian Sea, it has the kind of setting that makes arriving feel like part of the experience, with Mount Etna and the ancient Greek theatre providing the backdrop. This breathtaking hotel in Taormina also boasts a cliff top infinity pool which blends with the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea, paired with perfectly manicured Italian gardens, and Michelin-starred dining makes San Domenico Palace Hotel stands as a true gem amidst the prestigious lineup of the best hotels in Taormina.
For anyone comparing the best hotels in Taormina, San Domenico Palace is the right choice if you want to be in the heart of the town without sacrificing spectacular sea views. Its position makes it easy to explore Taormina on foot, while the hotel itself feels wonderfully removed behind its historic walls and gardens.
For a unique stay in Taormina, look to the original wing, where rooms retain the character of the former Dominican convent and offer a more intimate connection to the hotel’s 14th-century history.
Which room to book? Best for a private pool without going all-out on a specialty suite: Sea-View Studio Suite with Plunge Pool Best for families: San Domenico Suite, features a a large sea-view terrace with a private plunge pool. Best for Mount Etna views: Etna Suite offers magnificent views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina |
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Mazzaro Sea Palace
Best for beach escape directly on Mazzarò Bay
Located right on unspoilt stretches of the stunning Mazzarò Bay, Mazzaro Sea Palace is built around its private beach. For those comparing the best hotels in Taormina, Mazzarò Sea Palace is the one to choose is the beach matters as much as the town. The cable-car station is also just a short walk away, making it easy to reach Taormina’s town while still returning to the quieter waterfront each evening.
Every room here comes with a sea view and private terrace, making the most of the hotel’s exceptional location directly on Mazzarò Bay. The look inside leans more towards contemporary but still distinctly Sicilian, with natural tones, handcrafted ceramics and lava-stone details, while the panoramic pool sits above the beach.
With facilities including the Hyd’Or spa and three restaurants serving Sicilian and Mediterranean cooking, with watersports and boat tours on offer for anyone who wants to explore the coastline further. For a luxury hotel in Taormina in Sicily built entirely around the sea, with the town within reach whenever the mood shifts, Mazzarò Sea Palace is great option.
Which room to book? For extra privacy: Book the Suite with Private Pool, which comes with a private plunge pool, terrace overlooking the bay, while the hotel’s private beach is just steps away. Also worth considering: The Junior Suites with sea-view terraces slightly smaller but the same front-row outlook over Mazzarò Bay. |
Book Your Stay Via Any Of Your Preferred & Trusted Booking Platforms: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia.com
Related: Stunning Places You Need To Visit in Italy
Atlantis Bay Taormina
Best for a quieter side of luxury Taormina
Built on a half-moon rock and winding down to the sea, in one of the most picturesque spots on the Sicilian coast, the Atlantis Bay occupies one of the most dramatic spots in Taormina. The hotel boasts a private beach and a sun terrace, making it a perfect choice for sea lovers.
The hotel’s architecture takes its inspiration from an old Sicilian fishing village, offering a more intimate, relaxed feel than some of Taormina’s other best luxury hotels. Rooms and suites are immersed in Mediterranean tones, with sea views and terraces overlooking the dramatic Baia delle Sirene.
A panoramic pool overlooks the bay, while the private beach puts the Ionian Sea just steps away. Add contemporary Sicilian dining at Nui, sunset cocktails at Kori Bar and the Hyd’Or Spa, and it’s easy to see why Atlantis Bay is one of the best hotels in Taormina for a quieter seaside holiday.
Which room to book? Best for a private terrace and hot tub: Atlantide Suite features a panoramic terrace, private hot tub and in-room hammam overlooking the Bay of Sirens. Best for families: Family Suite sleeps up to four, with a separate living area and sea views. |
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The Ashbee Hotel
Built in 1908 by British architect Robert Charles Ashbee, The Ashbee Hotel combines Sicilian and English Arts and Crafts styles. Located stones throw away from the Porta Messina and town just steps away, this hotel in Taormina the former private villa feels more like an elegant residence than a conventional five-star hotel. The villa is adorned with delicate antiques, bold statement wallpapers, grand marble starcair and a truly luxurious atmosphere.
The Ashbee Hotel has one of the most incredible elevated locations in Taormina which gives the hotel sweeping views towards the Strait of Messina, and Calabria. Rooms and suites are individually designed, most looking over the courtyard gardens, some with private terraces and sea views of their own. While the infinity pool and panoramic terrace offering some of the hotel’s best view points over the Sicilian coast and Mediterranean.
The highlight at The Ashbee Hotel, however, is St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck, which holds two MICHELIN stars, where contemporary cuisine is served on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Sicilian coast.The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, Pool Bar and The Ashbee Bar, while its position close to Corso Umberto makes it easy to explore Taormina’s boutiques, restaurants and historic sights on foot.
Which room to book? Best view without the suite price tag: Deluxe Sea View Room features its own private terrace looking toward the Strait of Messina. Best for a special occasion: The Ashbee Suite features a private sea-view terrace, separate sitting area and two marble bathrooms. |
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Hotel Villa Ducale
Best for an intimate, family-run feel & Mount Etna views
Hotel Villa Ducale is a charming and elegant boutique hotel perched on a hilltop overlooking the rooftops of Taormina with views stretching towards the sea and Mount Etna. Owned by the Quartucci Family, who has been welcoming guests to their little corner of paradise since 1993. Expect more personal warm Sicilian hospitality that makes it feel like a private hillside retreat rather than a conventional hotel.
The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic terrace that offers breathtaking and unforgettable views over the Bay of Giardini Naxos and the active Etna volcano, visit the terrace for sunset cocktails before heading to the restaurant serving delicious Sicilian cuisine for dinner. While two sea-view pools, including a new 15-metre infinity pool facing Mount Etna, make the most of its elevated location.
Every one of Villa Ducale’s rooms and suites looks out to sea, with views stretching from the Strait of Messina to Mount Etna, so there’s no risk of booking into a garden-facing room by mistake here. It’s worth noting the hotel sits above the town rather than on it, so it’s a Taormina hilltop pick with a 25-minute walk (or a complimentary shuttle) down to Corso Umberto, making it best suited to travellers happy to trade a few minutes’ distance for one of the most consistently panoramic settings in Taormina.
Which room to book? Best for a private pool: Prestige Room with Mini Pool and Prestige Suite with Mini Pool features their own hydromassage mini pool and panoramic views. |
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Hotel Villa Carlotta Taormina
Best for Boutique Sicilian charm, rooftop dining and Mount Etna views
Sister hotel to the Villa Ducale, The Hotel Villa Carlotta is an elegant boutique hotel in Taormina, located just a short walk away from the famous Corso Umberto with panoramic views across the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Originally built in 1860 for an aristocratic family and restored before reopening as a hotel in 2007, Villa Carlotta remains family-owned by the Quartucci family.
Individually designed rooms and suites mix contemporary details with antique furnishings, while selected categories have private balconies or terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. Set within a Mediterranean garden, the panoramic pool overlooks Taormina and the sea, making this one of the more intimate luxury hotels in Taormina for travellers who want character without sacrificing a convenient location.
When it comes to dining, The Hotel Villa Carlotta is home to one of the best rooftop restaurant in Sicily – Euphoria Restaurant & Bar boasting some of the best views, from Etna to the Calabrian coast. Serving authentic Sicilian dishes full of color and flavor.
Which room to book? For the best sea view: Mini Suite Deluxe and Junior Suite Sea View are great options. For families: Tower Suite, two levels making it particularly well suited to families travelling with older children or teenagers. For a more private stay: Teatro Greco Historic House offers a separate historic-house experience away from the main hotel, |
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Hotel Villa Belvedere
Best for a hilltop boutique stay few minutes walk from Taormina town
One of Taormina’s oldest hotels, Hotel Belvedere is a family-owned hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1902, after numerous renovations, the hotel has kept intact the elegant charm of period houses whilst adapting to all modern luxury comforts. Built in the style of a private villa on the hillside above the town, it offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos while sitting just a few minutes’ walk from the lively centre, reached on foot through the Duca di Cesarò botanical gardens.
The garden at the hotel is particularly impressive, with a stunning display of summer flowers, lemon and orange trees. The courtyard pool sits within this lush setting, overlooking the rooftops and coastline below. For those weighing the best hotels in Taormina, Villa Belvedere makes its case with quiet, low-key elegance rather than scale, all while sitting just a few minutes’ walk from Corso Umberto and the Ancient Greek Theatre.
Which room to book? For the best sea and Etna views: Infinity Rock Suite has a private panoramic terrace overlooking the open sea and Mount Etna, plus an outdoor shower and sun loungers. For families: Family Rock Suite offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, kitchen and balcony with full views of the sea and Mount Etna. |
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Hotel Metropole Taormina
Best for a cliff-edge infinity pool in the heart of Taormina
The Metropole Hotel Taormina is a historic gem perched on a cliff on the sea, close to the Clock Tower and Piazza IX Aprile in the heart of Taormina. A former aristocratic villa built in the 18th-century with a rich history is now a luxurious boutique hotel in Taormina with an infinity pool that appears to merge with the Mediterranean, while the hotel’s position on Corso Umberto puts Taormina’s historic centre immediately outside the door.
The rooms and suites are adorned with antique furnishings, beautiful frescoes, and stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. All the suites overlook the sea, whilst the room offer from a range of sea view, pool, city view, some of the rooms even feature a terrace with jacuzzi.
There’s also a spa with hammam, plus a beach pass and shuttle service for access to Taormina’s beaches. Among the luxury hotels in Taormina, Metropole is particularly a great choice for those who want to step straight from their hotel into the town.
Which room to book? For a private Jacuzzi: Deluxe Pool with Terrace boasts Jacuzzi with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea For a more intimate sea-view stay: Junior Suite has a two-level layout, a private balcony and views over the Bay of Taormina |
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