Where to Stay in Taormina, Sicily: Best Boutique Hotels

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When I first started researching our stay in Taormina, I found it a bit confusing – should we stay in town or near the beach?

There are three main areas to choose from when deciding where to stay in Taormina: the town center, the hillside above it, or the beach area below, often referred to Lower Taormina.

Each area has its own appeal, with pros and cons that really depend on the kind of experience you are looking for.

Where to Stay in Taormina – Best Boutique Hotels

Anyone in charge of planning their stay in Taormina will undoubtedly come across the town’s most famous hotel, thanks to White Lotus, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, or the town’s most beautiful hotel, the Grand Hotel Timeo.

These hotels, while lovely and glamorous, can be beyond most people’s budgets.

But if you are traveling with your spouse or partner, looking for something romantic or with a lovely view, and not as expensive as the ultra-luxury hotels, here are my recommendations for the best boutique hotels in Taormina.

1. Town Center  – Best Overall Area to Stay

If it’s your first time in Taormina, staying near the town’s main street, Corso Umberto, is a great choice. This is where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. It’s also fun to wander the charming side streets and walkways.

You can walk Corso Umberto in about 10 minutes, although it may take longer as you will want to window-shop and explore along the way. It’s also conveniently located near the cable car that takes you down to the beach.  

Here are two hotel price categories, Very Affordable and 4.5 & 5-Star, to consider:

Very Affordable Hotels in the Town Center

If you don’t plan to spend much time your room and rather put your money toward things to do and eating out, these boutique hotels are great options:

Excelsior Palace Hotel – If you are staying at this iconic hotel, it’s for the amazing location and pool, beautiful gardens and breathtaking views. Opened in 1904, the Excelsior Palace Hotel is steeped in history. While the rooms are a little outdated, they’re very spacious with plenty of room to store all of your belongings.

You’ll likely spend most of your time here outside, taking in the views from a strategic hillside spot, lounging by the Olympic-sized pool or strolling through the gardens. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned at the southern entrance to Corso Umberto, just steps away from the heart of town.

Splendid Hotel – Located near the cable car, the hotel offers great value with the bonus of a pool and poolside restaurant. Rooms are small you but the views and breakfasts are plentiful.  

The hotel’s convenient location makes rides down to the beach effortless. This is a solid option if you’re sticking to a budget but want to enjoy the benefits of having access to a pool and rooms with a view.

Hotel Villa Schuler – The hotel offers a quiet sanctuary right in the heart of Taormina. Its lush garden creates a tranquil oasis, yet you’re still less than a 5-minute walk to Corso Umberto.

You can enjoy lovely breakfasts on the terrace, and sea-view rooms with balconies are especially serene. A major bonus is that you can park in the hotel’s garage, avoiding the hassle of public parking lots on the outskirts of town.

4.5 & 5-Star Hotels In The Town Center

Hotel Villa Taormina –  This elegantly decorated former residence turned hotel offers  a cozy interior, where contemporary style blends seamlessly with Italian décor.

With just 14 rooms, this beautiful hotel offers the perfect escape, tucked away from the crowds, yet only a short walk from town, where you can relax in the secret gardens or enjoy drinks on the rooftop.

The hotel also features a jacuzzi-style pool and character throughout, with lots of opportunities for creating romantic moments.

If you have mobility issues, keep in mind that there are several steps you need to walk up to access the entrance.

Hotel Villa Belvedere – Rooms at this outstanding hotel are spacious and stately, offering several options from classic rooms, suites, apartments and even villas. A great place to spend the day at the pool, where you get sun all day, and the hotel even offers lunch poolside.

Staff are incredibly helpful, frequently offering to assist with restaurant reservations or excursion arrangements. The hotel is situated right next to Taormina’s public botanical gardens, Giardini della Villa Comunale, making it an ideal location.

Hotel Villa Carlotta – This small luxury hotel prioritizes attention to detail at every turn. The spacious rooms are tastefully designed with luxe materials, creating a refined and comfortable stay. There are several inviting public spaces in the hotel, making you feel right at home.

The 29-room hotel has an outdoor pool, plus a gym, which is rare, and a rooftop restaurant that serves dinner, so you never have to leave!  Or if you do, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the center of town.  

Hotel Villa Fiorita – this adults-only hotel exudes style and sophistication. A lot of thought was put into the design of this hotel, with ultra-modern designs and spacious rooms.

The 28-room hotel is located across the street from the cable car, making trips down to the beach a breeze.

The hotel recently added an infinity pool with stunning bay views, an ideal couples’ retreat. The hotel also provides beach towels, a thoughtful touch.  

Hotel Metropole Taormina – Every time I walked past this hotel on Corso Umberto, I was instantly drawn to the magnetic views from their lobby overlooking the bay. If you want to be in the center of town, Hotel Metrople is the place to stay, located right on Corso Umberto.   

Soaking in their infinity pool is the perfect way to end your day of touring. Staff at this 25-room hotel provide plenty of information to help you get oriented and offer many recommendations for what to see and do.

Make sure to book a room with a sea view.

2. Lower Taormina: Best Area to Stay By the Beach/Sea

If you’re a beach lover like me, you may want to consider staying down near  Isola Bella or Mazzarò beach instead of Taormina’s town center. It’s a great escape from the crowds in town but offers fewer dining options.

If you want to explore the town or have dinner at one of restaurants in town, you’ll need to take the cable car or a shuttle up to Taormina. But if seaside stays are your thing, here are some options:

UNA Capotaormina –  Staying at this hotel is like floating on water. Nestled in the cliff, the hotel sits right on the coast with direct views of Isola Bella, a 10-minute walk away.

An incredible tunnel carved under the cliff takes you to the saltwater pool that overlooks the sea.

Guests also can use the private beach located within a cave, where the beach club scene in White Lotus was filmed. The hotel offers free shuttles up to Taormina. Ask for a prestige room in the newer part of the hotel.

As far as other hotel options go, the hotels in this area are either 3-star hotels that I wouldn’t really want to stay at or some luxury high-end ones that can be extremely expensive.

If you are willing to splurge (or can find a lower rate during shoulder season), Mazzarò Sea Palace is stunning – its a luxury hotel that sits right on Mazzarò beach and bay and all rooms have views of the sea.

3. Uphill: Where to Stay in Taormina With The Best View

The advantages of staying up the hill from town include cozier accommodations and magnificent views of Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. Staying up here offers the perfect balance of a romantic getaway while still enjoying the town.

It’s a five-minute drive to the town center and many hotels offer shuttles to take you there.  If you prefer to walk, choose to walk downhill to town (about 20 minutes) and get a ride back uphill to avoid the steep climb.

Hotel Villa Angela –  With a striking backdrop of Mt. Etna and the coastline, this 27-room hotel offers a warm atmosphere, stylish authentic Italian décor and plenty of charm.

All rooms feature terraces with spectacular views and guests can also take in the picturesque surroundings while taking a dip in the hotel’s pool. The staff provide amazing and attentive service.

There’s a restaurant on site so you can dine in if you don’t feel like going into town for dinner. The hotel has partnerships with local beach clubs and offers special pricing for guests.

Fun fact: the hotel is owned by Jim Kerr, the lead singer of Simple Minds. If you time your visit right, you might even catch one of their concerts at the Greek-Roman amphitheater in town.

Villa Ducale – Enchanting and perfect for a romantic getaway, this boutique hotel features 19 spacious rooms with a modern design and bespoke furnishings. One guest called staying here “heaven in the clouds”.

The rooftop lounge bar offers panoramic views of Giardini Naxos Bay, Taormina and Mt. Etna while you enjoy cocktails. The hotel also has a swimming pool, offers complimentary shuttle service as well as top-notch service and hospitality provided by staff.

Top off your stay with a sunset dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Parking at the hotel is limited so make sure to reserve a spot in advance.

Taormina Hotel Map

Where to Stay in Taormina FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Taormina?

It really depends what you are looking for. If you want to be in the hub with all the action – Taormina town center. If you love being beachfront, than lower Taormina, on Isola Bella or Mazzarò Beach. If you want a stunning view away from the crowds, then up the hill from the town center.

How many days should I stay in Taormina?

Two to three days should be enough time to see and do all the things in Taormina. If you are planning day trips or want to visit nearby towns, you may want to add an additional day.

Is it better to stay in Taormina or Catania?

If you are looking for charm and character, Taormina is a good choice. If you want to take day trips to the southern part of the coast, Catania is a central hub for trips to Ortigia, Noto and Ragusa.

Savvy Summary

Taormina’s accommodations span the town center, hillside, and beach—each with its own appeal. No matter where you stay, the beauty of Taormina surrounds you. Each offers a unique experience, but all let you enjoy the magic of Taormina.

If you need help planning your visit, don’t miss my guide on things to do in Taormina and 5 best beaches near Taormina.