Where to Stay in Taormina?
Before deciding to stay in Taormina, there are a few aspects you should take into account: Taormina is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily, but it is also one of the most expensive - especially during peak season. Additionally, if you are planning to rent a car (see our tips regarding car rentals in Sicily), keep in mind that the town becomes very crowded, particularly in August, and finding parking can be a real challenge.
When choosing your hotel, you first need to ask yourself one question: are you the type who spends most of your vacation at the beach, or would you prefer to stroll through the center and visit the sights in Taormina? This matters because there is an elevation difference of over 150m between the beach area and the historic center at the top, which means a lot of uphill walking. While you can take the buses (which are usually crowded) or the cable car, the costs add up quickly (€6/ single ticket, €10/ round trip, €20/ 1-day pass, or €85/ 1-week pass).
Taormina offers all types of accommodation - from some of Sicily's most luxurious and renowned hotels to hostels and apartments. If the prices seem too high and you are looking for something more budget-friendly, you might want to look at hotels in Giardini Naxos. Giardini Naxos is a resort located very close to Taormina that boasts many beautiful beaches and serves as the starting point for most boat trips to Isola Bella.
Hotels in the Center of Taormina
The center of Taormina is where the crowds gather and where you'll find the most popular restaurants and shops. It is also the area where accommodation is typically more expensive. You won't find many large hotels here; instead, the area is dominated by guesthouses and apartments.
If you want to be right in the middle of the Taormina bustle within the pedestrian zone, keep in mind that you will have to leave your car in one of the parking garages (which aren't always nearby) and carry your luggage to your accommodation.
Among the hotels in central Taormina, we warmly recommend Hotel Victoria, a three-star hotel located right on Corso Umberto. It is a small, chic, and historic hotel that preserves the charm of past eras - it even once hosted Oscar Wilde.
Also located in the center are Residence Circe, Villa Chiara, and Hotel Villa Sirina.
A family-run hotel, located a bit further from the center and offering good value for the money, is Hotel Soleado, which also has a pool. It is situated in a quiet area, but to get there from the center of Taormina, you will have to walk (uphill) for about 15 minutes. Also, the hotel does not have an elevator. Hotel Condor is located in roughly the same area.
And, for those who desire and can afford luxury, there are the wonderful historic hotels San Domenico Palace and Grand Hotel Timeo, located next to the Ancient Theater of Taormina.
Accommodation in Taormina near the Beach
Right next to Mazzarò beach and very close to Isola Bella is Taormina Garden, a two-star hotel that has the added advantage of being located about 100m from the cable car, which offers quick access to the center.
In the same area, you'll find Iancu Charme Apartments - very beautiful apartments with sea views, though they are suited for a slightly larger budget. For a smaller budget, take a look at B&B A Due Passi Dal Mare.
On either side of Mazzarò Bay are two luxury hotels - Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea and Mazzarò Sea Palace, and at Baia delle Sirene ("Mermaid Bay") is Hotel Atlantis Bay.
Near Isola Bella, you will find the 4-star hotel Panoramic and the 5-star La Plage Resort (which features a private beach right at Isola Bella), as well as the 3-star hotel Isola Bella, which has a pool and is located on the main road next to the bus station.
On Cape Taormina lies Unahotels Capotaormina, a hotel with a spectacular location that offers access to its private (pebble) beach, restaurant area, and pool through a tunnel carved into the rock.
