Taormina, situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, has been a premier tourist destination since the 19th century. Perched above the Ionian Sea, this historic comune offers breathtaking views and a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for frequent-flyer hotel travelers. Accessible via highways from Messina and Catania, the town provides easy connectivity while maintaining its exclusive charm. Visitors can enjoy scenic beaches like Isola Bella, reachable by the aerial tramway built in 1992. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Sicily's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
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☀️ Best months: Jun–Oct
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Stay in the upper town or central areas for easy walking access to historic sites and panoramic views. While beaches like Isola Bella require taking the aerial tramway (built in 1992) or driving down, the elevated location offers tranquility and superior vistas, making it ideal for leisure-focused hotel stays.
Access is primarily via highways from Messina in the north and Catania in the south. The town is best explored on foot due to its hilly terrain. For beach access, utilize the aerial tramway. Public transport links are available, facilitating movement without a rental car.
As a established destination since the 19th century, Taormina is visitable year-round. Summer offers warm weather for beach activities via the tramway, while winter provides a serene atmosphere. Travelers should consider shoulder seasons for optimal comfort and fewer crowds, enhancing the overall hotel experience.
ancient Greek theatre
church building in Taormina, Italy
church building in Taormina, Italy
castle in Taormina, Italy
ancient city and polis
church building in Taormina, Italy
One of the most desirable and exclusive locations in Taormina, the St. George is situated in The Ashbee Hotel, an early-20C villa on the edge of Taormina’s historic centre which has retained all the charm of a private house with its elegant lounge and breathtaking terrace adorned with palm trees that frame the Straits of Messina. The cuisine comes courtesy of a partnership between Heinz Beck and resident chef Salvatore Iuliano. The three-starred Michelin chef’s instinctive elegance and gastronomic intuition combine with Calabrian-born Salvatore’s passionate and colourful take on Mediterranean
WebsiteThe elegant atmosphere at this restaurant is typical of Taormina and of Sicily’s old villas, with just eight tables laid out on a terrace adorned with bougainvillea and overlooking Taormina, the Bay of Naxos and Etna. The decor here shows real attention to detail, with an emphasis on the splendour of a grand old residence, while chef Roberto Toro creates typical Sicilian dishes reinterpreted with his own personal twist. His cuisine is showcased on various tasting menus, including a vegetarian option, from which dishes can be chosen à la carte style. We particularly enjoyed the chef’s signature
WebsiteA magnificent location directly in a gazebo where you can count the waves breaking on the beach, but in case of bad weather, there’s also an equally intimate and elegant indoor dining room available. Pampered by attentive and exceptionally kind service, follow the chef’s creations along tasting journeys, including vegetarian options, or à la carte dishes from both land and sea, always served with great aesthetic taste, often built on local products crafted with contemporary and colorful sensibility. In short, enjoy the complete experience that two hours in this exclusive corner of Sicily will
WebsiteHoused in the 15C Casa Cipolla, with a romantic terrace for summer dining, Kistè is a treasure trove of gourmet Sicilian cuisine prepared in contemporary style.
WebsiteThis restaurant began life in 1946 as a grocery store (the name is the Sicilian word for shop) which, forty years later, was transformed into a very simple yet attractive trattoria-cum-wine bar (don’t be shocked by the paper tablecloths!). The cuisine focuses mainly on fish, seafood and fresh market produce, while the wines come from Sicily and further afield. Booking ahead is essential here, partly because there are only a few tables but also because the opening hours vary depending on the season. You may find it difficult to find somewhere to park between the main street and the seafront in
Restaurant
Italian
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