Hotels in Taormina

Whispers of the Past: Unveiling Taormina's Timeless Charm by the Sea

Nestled on Sicily’s eastern coast, Taormina is a stunning blend of history, romance, and natural beauty. Perched high above the sparkling waters of Taormina Mare, this enchanting town offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Explore ancient ruins like the Greek Theatre, wander the charming cobblestone streets, and indulge in local cuisine at romantic seaside restaurants. With its lush gardens, pristine beaches, and luxurious accommodations, Taormina is the perfect oasis for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Discover Sicily’s heart in this captivating gem, where every sunset feels like a masterpiece. For the best hotel rates in Taormina and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Taormina

Some of the best places to stay in Taormina are Taormina City Centre, Old Town Catania and Mazzaro. Taormina City Centre is perfect for first-time visitors, offering stunning views, ancient ruins, and vibrant nightlife. Old Town Catania boasts rich history, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine, ideal for cultural enthusiasts. Mazzaro features beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, perfect for relaxation. In all areas, accommodations range from charming boutique hotels to upscale resorts, ensuring a memorable stay for every traveler, whether seeking family-friendly options or romantic getaways. Enjoy the unique charm and hospitality of Sicily! These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Taormina:

1. Taormina City CentreOpens in a new window: Taormina City Centre is a vibrant area known for its stunning views, historical sites, and access to beautiful beaches. It's the perfect spot for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, with attractions like the Greek Theatre and Isola Bella nearby. For accommodations, consider Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, TaorminaOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5-star hotel offering direct beach access and a variety of adventure sports. Another option is Palazzo Vecchio TaorminaOpens in a new window, which is also a 5-star property, ideal for families and located centrally, providing child-friendly amenities. For a romantic getaway, Metropole Maison D'HotesOpens in a new window features spa services and adventure activities, ensuring a memorable stay.
2. Old Town CataniaOpens in a new window: Old Town Catania is rich in culture and history, showcasing beautiful architecture and vibrant piazzas. This area is great for those looking to explore local life and enjoy delicious cuisine. Romano Palace Luxury HotelOpens in a new window is a top choice, providing beach access and adventure activities, perfect for families. Alternatively, Monaci delle Terre NereOpens in a new window offers an agritourism experience with romance packages and outdoor adventures, while Esperia Palace HotelOpens in a new window caters to business travelers with luxury amenities and a full-service spa.
3. MazzaroOpens in a new window: Mazzaro is an idyllic coastal area famous for its stunning beaches and proximity to Taormina's attractions. This location is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families, with nearby attractions like Isola Bella and the Taormina Cable Car. Consider Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the WorldOpens in a new window, which offers direct beach access and business facilities, or Atlantis Bay - VRetreatsOpens in a new window, suitable for families and equipped with adventure sports options. Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina MareOpens in a new window is another excellent choice, providing beach access and a variety of recreational activities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of travelers.

What to do in Taormina

Three days in Taormina offer a perfect blend of stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and lush parks. Travelers can enjoy activities like boating, hiking, and diving in crystal-clear waters while soaking in the region's rich history and vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable Italian oasis. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Taormina:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at the beautiful Giardini Naxos Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. After some relaxation, make your way to Spiaggia dei Greci, a charming beach known for its crystal-clear waters—perfect for a refreshing swim. To wrap up the day, explore the ancient Greek Ruins nearby, where you can delve into the rich history of this captivating area and marvel at the remnants of a bygone era.
• Day 2: Start your day at Letojanni Beach, a picturesque spot ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Next, take a short trip to Castelmola Castle, perched high above Taormina, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the castle, unwind at Mazzeo Beach, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the sea, savoring the local cuisine at beachside cafes while watching the waves roll in.
• Day 3: Kick off with a visit to Schisò Castle, an intriguing historical site that provides insight into the area’s past. Following your exploration, head to Marina di Cottone Beach, renowned for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a day of relaxation. Finally, conclude your trip with a visit to Recanati Beach, known for its lively ambiance and beautiful scenery, where you can enjoy the sunset and reflect on your wonderful Sicilian getaway.

5 tips to find a great Taormina hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Taormina is during January, February, and December when hotel rates are more affordable. For international travelers looking for great value for money, it's wise to book your flight at least 8 months in advance to secure lower prices. To fully appreciate the main attractions, such as the beautiful beaches and historic ruins, a stay of at least 3-4 days is recommended. This allows you to explore all that Taormina has to offer without breaking the bank.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for enticing last-minute deals to Taormina, Hotels.com is a great place to start. By checking the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections, you could find discounted rates on hotels as your travel date approaches. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to stay informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute offers, increasing your chances of scoring a fantastic deal on your Taormina getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can change depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Taormina.
4. Consider your location: Staying close to the city center and local attractions in Taormina usually tends to be more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further away from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like buses or cable cars to explore the area while saving on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in Taormina and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

What to eat in Taormina

Here are a few popular dishes in Taormina, Sicily, Italy:

• Arancini: These delicious, deep-fried rice balls are a beloved Sicilian street food. Typically filled with ragù, mozzarella, or peas, they make for a perfect snack while exploring the charming streets of Taormina. Locals often enjoy them with a side of marinara sauce.
• Cannoli: An iconic Sicilian dessert, cannoli consist of crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often accented with chocolate chips or candied fruit. Enjoying cannoli at a local pastry shop is a must-do, especially with a view of the stunning coastline.
• Pasta alla Norma: This savory dish features pasta topped with a rich tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and fresh ricotta salata. It's a celebration of local ingredients and is often enjoyed in a relaxed setting, perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of Sicilian wine.

Best time to go to Taormina

Taormina experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 50.4°F (10.2°C), while July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 79.5°F (26.4°C). November tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Taormina are May to July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, accompanied by dry rainfall. In contrast, October to December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.