Where to Stay in Taormina, Italy: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Taormina and not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered!

Perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast, Taormina is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffside views and charming historic streets, with incredible panoramas of Mount Etna in the distance. Whether you want to stay right in the heart of the historic center or wake up to sea views near the beach, there are several fantastic areas to choose from. The only challenge is deciding which one suits you best!

That’s where we come in. After exploring Taormina, we’ve put together this guide to the best areas to stay, along with our favorite hotel picks for every budget. Let’s dive in!

Where to Stay in Taormina Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Taormina

Taormina is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. It’s perched high on a hill overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea, and it’s famous for its dramatic views of Mount Etna. But that’s not all it has to offer, as we also fell in love with its rich culture and elegant historic streets. Walking through Taormina is like stepping into a gorgeous Italian postcard – and no, I’m not exaggerating!

Most visitors choose to stay in Taormina Centro, which is the historic heart of the town. However, just below sit the seaside areas of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, offering easy beach access and beautiful coastal views. Then there’s Giardini Naxos, which is located just south of Taormina. This is a flatter, more relaxed area that’s especially popular with families and budget travelers, making it a great choice if you’re trying to keep costs low.

You generally don’t need a car in Taormina, as the historic center is very walkable. With that being said, it’s a very hilly town, so you’ll encounter a fair share of steep streets and uneven stairs as you wander around. Fortunately, the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car connects the old town to the beaches below, making it easy to get between them. There are also buses running between Taormina and Giardini Naxos, and taxis are readily available for when you want a quicker ride.

• Taormina Centro – Best for first-time visitors – Taormina Centro is the historic heart of the town and home to many of Taormina’s most famous sights. Hotel Continental is a comfortable option located close to Corso Umberto I, with a rooftop terrace offering beautiful views of the coastline.

• Mazzarò – Best for luxury beach travelers – Mazzarò sits just below Taormina along the coast and is known for its beautiful beaches and upscale beach clubs. Hotel Villa Esperia offers a stylish stay just steps from the beach and close to the cable car that connects the area to Taormina’s historic center.

• Isola Bella – Best for a relaxed nature stay – Isola Bella is a stunning nature reserve with crystal-clear water and dramatic coastal scenery. Hotel Elios Tao is a well-priced hotel located just above the reserve, offering sea views and easy access to the beach below.

• Giardini Naxos – Best for travelers or families – Giardini Naxos is a chilled-out seaside town just south of Taormina with flatter streets and sandy beaches. Hotel Panoramic is a modern stay located right by the waterfront, with comfy rooms and lovely views of the bay.

Where to Stay in Taormina

Taormina Centro 

BEST FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Close to most of Taormina’s main sights
• Lively atmosphere with lots of shops and restaurants 

Cons

• Very busy during peak tourist season
• Steep streets and lots of stairs – not ideal for those with mobility issues

Taormina Centro is the historic heart of the town and the best place to stay if it’s your first time visiting. This is where you’ll find most of Taormina’s famous sights, so if you want to be within walking distance of the main attractions, this area is the perfect base.

The main street here is Corso Umberto I, a beautiful pedestrian boulevard lined with boutiques and gelato shops – our favorite! It runs through the center of town and connects several of Taormina’s most important squares and landmarks. We love wandering along this street in the evening when the whole area comes alive.

One of the highlights is Piazza IX Aprile, a stunning terrace-like square where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the views. From here, you’ll get incredible panoramas of the coastline and Mount Etna in the distance. Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the Teatro Antico di Taormina, the town’s famous ancient Greek theatre that overlooks the sea.

With its historic charm and convenient location, Taormina Centro is the perfect base for travelers who want to experience the town’s most iconic sights. It’s where we stayed, and we would definitely base ourselves here again! 

Eurostars Monte Tauro – $$$

Eurostars Monte Tauro is one of the most striking hotels in Taormina Centro thanks to its dramatic cliffside setting. The hotel sits just a short walk from Corso Umberto I and Piazza IX Aprile, so it’s a fantastic base for exploring the historic center.

The hotel is built into the cliff, and the building looks like it’s spilling downwards! Inside, the rooms are large and filled with natural light, but for us, the biggest highlight is the infinity pool, which overlooks the coastline below and offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in town! Rooms here typically start at around €320 per night during the warmer months.

If Eurostars Monte Tauro is fully booked, Splendid Hotel Taormina is another great option located just a short walk from Corso Umberto. The hotel offers sea-view rooms and a large pool terrace where guests can relax while enjoying the coastal scenery. 

Hotel Villa Paradiso is also a fantastic alternative located near the historic center. The property features elegant rooms and a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea.

Hotel Continental – $$

Hotel Continental is a fantastic option located right in the heart of Taormina Centro. The hotel sits just steps from Corso Umberto I, which means you’ll be within easy walking distance of the town’s main sights and restaurants. The cable car is also very close by. 

The rooms are clean and comfortable, but the real draw here is the beautiful rooftop terrace. From here you can enjoy sweeping views of Mount Etna and the coastline, especially at sunset. It’s just gorgeous! Rooms typically start from around €210 per night during the warmer months.

If Hotel Continental is unavailable for your travel dates, Villa Chiara Taormina is another lovely option located just steps from Corso Umberto in the heart of the historic center. It even has its own private beach area, which is hard to beat! 

We also think that Hotel Le Chevalier is a strong choice. It’s located on a quiet street close to the main attractions, and it offers lovely views of the city and the coastline.

Residence Circe – $

Residence Circe is a great budget option located in the historic center of Taormina. The property sits within walking distance of Corso Umberto and many of the town’s main attractions. It’s a convenient base for exploring the area, with triple and quadruple rooms available, making it a great choice for groups. 

The property is just steps from the cable car, and it’s close to so many great cafes and restaurants. Honestly, it doesn’t get much more central than this! It may not be a luxury stay, but if you want to be right in the thick of things, the location and extra space make it a really smart choice. Prices here usually start at around €140 per night.

Innpiero is another affordable option located close to Corso Umberto and the historic center. It’s bright and welcoming, and also super close to the cable car! 

Meanwhile, Hotel Isabella is also a suitably budget-friendly choice located right on Corso Umberto. We like its classic Italian decor and the rooftop terrace, which offers lovely views of the sea and the streets below.

Mazzarò 

BEST FOR LUXURY BEACH TRAVELERS

Pros

• Beautiful beaches and beach clubs
• Direct cable car access to Taormina Centro

Cons

• Smaller area with fewer restaurants than the old town
• Accommodation tends to be more expensive

Mazzarò sits just below Taormina along the coast and is one of the best places to stay if you want easy access to the beach. While Taormina Centro is perched high on the cliffs, Mazzarò is located right by the water, so it’s a great option for travelers who want to enjoy lots of swimming and sunbathing on the shore! 

One of the most convenient things about staying here is the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car. It connects the beach area with the historic center in just a few minutes, so it’s super easy to get between the two. Plus, we just think that the cable car is such a novel form of public transport, and the views along the way are fantastic.

Mazzarò is also known for its stylish beach clubs and very upscale feel. Many of the beaches here have sun loungers to rent and plenty of restaurants dotted along the shore. But best of all, the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming! We love relaxing here during the day before heading up to Taormina Centro in the evening for dinner and a stroll. 

We also love how easy it is to get to Isola Bella from here. We’ll talk more about that in a moment, but it’s a super scenic spot, so being so close by is a real perk of staying in Mazzarò.

Taormina Panoramic Hotel – $$$

Taormina Panoramic Hotel is one of the most stylish places to stay in Mazzarò. The hotel sits directly across from Isola Bella, so many rooms offer incredible views of the sea and the famous island! 

The rooms are modern and elegant, with large windows and balconies that make the most of the coastal scenery. One of the standout features here has to be the rooftop infinity pool and terrace, where you can relax while taking in panoramic views of the coastline. The location is also hard to beat, as the cable car station is just a short walk away.

Rooms here typically start at around €340 per night during the warmer months.

Atlantis Bay is another luxurious option located right along the waterfront in Mazzarò. The hotel features elegant rooms, a beautiful infinity pool, and private access to the sea for the full 5-star experience.

Alternatively, Mazzarò Sea Palace is another fantastic alternative located directly on the beach. With an immaculate private stretch of beach and a full-service spa, staying here puts you in the lap of luxury! 

Hotel Villa Esperia – $$

Hotel Villa Esperia is a fantastic option located just steps from the beach in Mazzarò. The hotel sits in a quiet area close to the cable car station, which makes it easy to reach Taormina Centro in just a few minutes.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, with big windows that give you lovely views of the cliffs and the sea. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, which is a great place to cool off after a day at the beach. Rooms typically start from around €210 per night during the warmer months.

If rooms at Hotel Villa Esperia are sold out, Taormina Garden Hotel is another lovely option located close to the beach in Mazzarò. It’s homely and kitsch, with a cute garden area and complimentary breakfast! 

Hotiday Taormina Baia is also worth considering if you want to stay close to the water. The hotel is simple but modern, with friendly staff and lovely sea views.

Jonic Hotel Mazzarò – $

Jonic Hotel Mazzarò is located close to the beach and the cable car station, but it won’t break the bank! The hotel sits just steps from the waterfront, making it easy to enjoy the sea and nearby beach clubs.

The rooms are simple but comfortable, and some offer balconies with sea views. It’s not flashy, but it does the job! If you want to stay in Mazzarò without spending too much, we think this is your best bet. Prices here usually start at around €150 per night.

Hotel Ipanema is another good option located close to the cable car station and the beach. The property offers a lovely pool and a terrace with great views of the coastline, which, for us, is reason enough alone to stay! 

And Hotel Baia Azzurra is no slouch either, as it’s super close to the beach, the cable car, and some of the area’s best restaurants. The rooms are simple, but the views are hard to beat! 

Isola Bella 

BEST FOR A QUIET, NATURE STAY 

Pros

• Beautiful nature reserve and crystal-clear water
• Great for swimming and snorkeling

Cons

• Further from Taormina’s main restaurants and nightlife
• Steep paths and stairs to reach some areas

Isola Bella is one of the most beautiful spots near Taormina and a fantastic place to stay if you want a quieter, more nature-focused experience. This area is centered around the Isola Bella nature reserve, a tiny island connected to the shore by a narrow strip of sand. The scenery here is absolutely incredible. We were absolutely floored by the turquoise water and the lush vegetation surrounding the coastline.

Staying near Isola Bella also gives you easy access to some of the best swimming and snorkeling in the area. The water here is famously clear, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon by the sea. You’ll also find small walking paths around the reserve where you can explore the coastline and enjoy the views.

Although this area feels peaceful and tucked away in nature, it’s still easy to reach Taormina’s historic center. The cable car from nearby Mazzarò takes just a few minutes to reach the old town, so you can easily head up for sightseeing and dining. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quiet and scenic escape, but don’t want to go too far off the beaten path. 

UNA Hotels Capotaormina – $$$

UNA Hotels Capotaormina is a spectacular place to stay near Isola Bella! The hotel sits on its own private peninsula overlooking the sea, which means you’ll be surrounded by incredible coastal views on all sides.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, but I guarantee you won’t want to spend much time indoors when you’ve got a huge infinity pool to swim in and a gorgeous private beach to enjoy. Oh, and did I mention that it’s accessible via a lift carved into a rock? This is a true bucket-list stay, as far as I’m concerned!

Rooms here typically start at around €350 per night during the warmer months.

If UNA Hotels Capotaormina is fully booked, La Plage Resort is another fantastic option located right next to the Isola Bella nature reserve. The stylish rooms and bungalows here offer gorgeous coastal views, and some have private terraces and hot tubs.

Or Isola Bella Infinity Suites is ideal for those who like to self-cater, as the apartments come with full kitchens and plenty of space. It’s a bit more secluded, but that’s a bonus if you’re craving a tranquil escape!

Hotel Elios Tao – $$

What Hotel Elios Tao lacks in fancy furniture and design, it more than makes up for in location and views. It’s perched on a hillside above Isola Bella, so the hotel enjoys fantastic views over the coastline and the famous island below. There’s even a lovely terrace where guests can relax while taking in the scenery. It’s a great place to stay if you want beautiful views and easy access to both the beach and the historic center, without splurging too much on accommodation. 

Rooms typically start from around €210 per night during the warmer months.

If Hotel Elios Tao is fully booked, Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina is another excellent option located near the cable car station that connects the beach with Taormina Centro. The property offers beautiful gardens and a large swimming pool overlooking the coastline.

Hotel Isola Bella – $

Hotel Isola Bella is an awesome budget-friendly option located just above the famous Isola Bella beach. The property sits in a scenic location overlooking the coastline, so it’s easy to reach the nature reserve and nearby swimming spots. The rooms are fairly basic, but with a large pool and stunning views right outside your window, you’ll want to be outside soaking up the scenery most of the time anyway! 

You can also choose to include breakfast with your stay for added convenience, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. While this isn’t the most luxurious stay, the prime location and reasonable price make it an excellent choice if you want to stay in Isola Bella without stretching your wallet too far. Prices here usually start at around €140 per night.

Related Read: If you need to rent a car while you’re here, check out our guide to renting a car in Italy so you know exactly what to expect before hitting the road.

Giardini Naxos

BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS & FAMILIES

Pros

• Flatter streets and easy beach access
• More affordable accommodation options

Cons

• Further from Taormina’s historic center
• Less charm than Taormina Centro

Giardini Naxos sits just south of Taormina and offers a completely different vibe from the cliffside town above. Unlike Taormina’s steep streets and staircases, this seaside town is much flatter, which makes getting around a lot easier. It’s a great option for travelers who don’t want to be constantly walking uphill! 

The town is known for its long stretch of sandy beach and buzzing waterfront promenade. Along the seafront, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, and beach clubs where you can spend the day relaxing by the water! It’s definitely more laid-back than Taormina, which makes it a popular choice for families.

Giardini Naxos also has a fascinating history. This area was actually the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily, and today you can visit the Archaeological Park of Naxos and its small museum to learn more about the ancient settlement. And although you’ll be staying outside Taormina itself, it’s still very easy to visit. Buses run frequently between the two towns, and taxis are also readily available if you want a quicker ride.

Nautilus Hotel – $$$

Nautilus Hotel is hands down one of the most stylish places to stay in Giardini Naxos. The hotel sits directly along the waterfront, so many of the rooms offer beautiful views of the bay and the surrounding coastline. In fact, a lot of them have private terraces with hot tubs or plunge pools – perfect! 

Inside, the rooms are airy and elegant, with bright interiors and balconies that make the most of the seaside setting. Plus, the breakfast buffet delivers the most incredible spread of buttery pastries and fresh fruits. Rooms here typically start at around €260 per night during the warmer months.

If Nautilus Hotel is fully booked for your travel dates, Hotel Palladio is another lovely option located right on the seafront in Giardini Naxos. It offers charming rooms and a beautiful terrace restaurant overlooking the bay.

Hotel Panoramic – $$

Hotel Panoramic is a fantastic option located right along the Giardini Naxos waterfront. The hotel sits just steps from the beach, so you can enjoy the sea whenever you like! The rooms are bright and comfortable, and many offer balconies with beautiful views over the bay. 

There’s also a rooftop terrace and pool where guests can relax and sunbathe while taking in the coastal scenery. It’s a well-priced stay close to the beach and restaurants, so it ticks all of our boxes! 

Rooms typically start from around €190 per night during the warmer months.

If Hotel Panoramic is fully booked, Hotel Caesar Palace is another great option located a short distance from the beach in Giardini Naxos. The property offers spacious rooms and a large swimming pool, plus a complimentary shuttle service, which is absolutely ideal. 

Villa Don Antonio Apartments is also a good alternative located close to the waterfront and local restaurants. The apartments are on the compact side, but they’re well-equipped with a nice pool area, making them a great option for families or longer stays.

Hotel San Giovanni – $

Hotel San Giovanni is a wonderful budget-friendly option located just a short walk from the beach in Giardini Naxos. The hotel sits close to the waterfront promenade, so you’ll have easy access to all the best cafes and beach clubs.

The rooms are simple but comfortable, and many feature balconies with sea views. It’s not a luxury property, but the location and affordable prices make it a solid choice for travelers who want to stay near the beach without spending too much.

Prices here usually start at around €120 per night.

Hotel La Sirenetta is another affordable option located right along the seafront promenade, directly opposite the beach. The location really can’t be beaten, and we also like that there’s a flexible rescheduling policy and a complimentary breakfast.

We also think that Hotel Villa Nefele is a strong contender, as it’s located close to the center of Giardini Naxos, mere steps from the sand. We like the bright, beachy decor, as this place does a great job of delivering vacation vibes on a budget.

Related Read: Planning to explore more of the country? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Italy for even more travel inspiration!

Top Activities to do in Taormina

Now that you’ve figured out where to stay in Taormina, it’s time to start planning the fun part of your trip. While wandering the historic streets and soaking up the views is always a highlight, there are also some incredible experiences nearby. From sailing along the coast at sunset to cooking authentic Sicilian dishes and hiking the slopes of Mount Etna, here are some of our favorite activities we’ve done in Taormina.

• Relax on a sunset sail  – This sunset cruise was probably our favorite thing that we did in Taormina! Swimming and snorkeling as the sky glowed orange felt totally magical, and we enjoyed lots of beer and prosecco along the way. We would do this again in a heartbeat! 

• Take a cooking class – We took this family-run cooking class on our last trip to Taormina and had the best time. It was so much fun to get hands-on and prepare an authentic Sicilian meal with fresh ingredients, and we also got to taste lots of local wine along the way. But of course, the best part was sitting down and feasting on the fruits of our labors – it was one of the best meals we had here!

• Hike around Mt Etna – Taormina is the gateway to Mt Etna, so exploring this huge active volcano is a must while you’re in town! We booked this half-day tour and got to trek across lava fields and even visit unique lava caves. Our transport from Taormina was included, which made the whole trip super easy, and we got to go wine tasting at a mountain chalet after our hike. 

• Explore Isola Bella – Isola Bella is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful natural spots in Taormina and a protected nature reserve along the coast. This tiny island is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, and the surrounding water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We loved walking around the reserve and taking in the coastline views, as these dramatic cliffs are a big part of what makes Sicily so special.

• Visit Teatro Antico di Taormina – Teatro Antico di Taormina is the town’s famous ancient Greek theatre, and it dates all the way back to the 3rd century BC! It’s actually still used for concerts and cultural events today, and it offers incredible views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea from the seating tiers. Even if there isn’t a performance on, it’s one of the most impressive historic sites in Sicily, well worth exploring.

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? See our 3-day Taormina itinerary to check off as many activities as you can!

Thanks for reading!

Planning where to stay in Taormina can feel a little overwhelming at first, but choosing the right area can make a huge difference in how you experience this beautiful Sicilian town. Whether you want to stay in the historic heart of Taormina Centro, relax by the beach in Mazzarò, enjoy nature near Isola Bella, or save a bit of money in Giardini Naxos, there’s truly an option for every type of traveler, and we hope this guide helped you find the perfect area and hotel for your trip!

If you’re still planning the rest of your adventure, be sure to check out our other Europe travel guides here for more tips and inspiration. Or continue planning your trip with some of our best travel guides below!

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