Perched on a seaside cliff with breathtaking vistas over Mount Etna, alluring Taormina has remained Sicily’s top tourist destination for centuries. So it’s no wonder that these dreamy boutique hotels in Taormina tend to book up quickly, particularly during the busy summer season.

If you’re torn on where to stay in Taormina, look no further. This hotel guide will help you procure the perfect slice of Sicilian paradise for yourself.

Here are the best Taormina hotels that will have you living la dolce vita.

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A two-night stay is a good minimum to aim for when in Taormina. While there aren’t too many things to explore within the town itself, Taormina is a great jumping off point for day trips to Mount Etna or Syracuse, for example.

Booking at least two nights will allow enough time for you to explore Taormina’s historic center as well as venture beyond city limits.

Taormina’s typical tourist season runs from June through September, but it’s debatable whether or not this is the best time to visit. If you enjoy hot sunny days and don’t mind a crowd, by all means, this is the time to travel here.

However, if you’d prefer an experience with less people and don’t mind more moderate weather, consider traveling in the shoulder season of April/May or October. You may also enjoy some price breaks on hotels during these times.

Before we dive in any further, let’s address the elephant in the room: Taormina is not a budget destination. Similar to boutique hotels in Positano, staying at one of these Taormina hotels is more of a bucket-list experience than it is any old place to lay your head at night.

Speaking of, if you’re also considering visiting the Amalfi Coast, check out my comparison post to decide whether Taormina or Positano is the better destination for you.

Those traveling to this part of Sicily tend to be in search of a luxury experience, hence why this round-up of the top boutique hotels in Taormina exclusively includes four- and five-star properties.

If you’re familiar with the hit HBO series White Lotus, you may be wondering which of these 15 boutique hotels in Taormina served as the filming set…

Unfortunately, the answer is none of them. The hotel-made-famous is the San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, but it doesn’t quite belong in the “boutique” category with its 111 rooms. (Boutique hotels are typically categorized as those with 100 rooms or less.)

That said, if you’re looking to splurge on the ultimate White Lotus experience while in Taormina, by all means, have a look at the San Domenico Palace!

I couldn’t have asked for a better stay in Taormina than the one my husband and I had at Villa Angela. This beautiful 4-star property is built into the cliffside over the town center of Taormina, offering magnificent views over Mount Etna and the shimmering sea.

Villa Angela’s 27 romantic rooms are spacious, airy, and evoke the feeling of an authentic Sicilian home.

The bathrooms are also pleasantly modernized while still retaining their Sicilian charm.

While the rooms are undoubtedly lovely, you may find yourself wanting to venture outside…

…That’s because one of the biggest perks of staying at Villa Angela is that every room features a private balcony! Each balcony is conveniently equipped with loungers, a table, and chairs for guests to take in the breathtaking view over Etna.

Trust me when I say, the view is a tearjerker and it’s even more spectacular in person!

In addition to ample rooms, the hotel also offers a comfortable lobby area with plenty of places for guests to relax and enjoy the view over Mount Etna from inside.

There’s also a small bar area located at the end of the lobby where you can grab a refreshing cocktail to enjoy indoors or take out on the spacious outdoor terrace.

And speaking of the outdoor terrace, you can easily burn through an afternoon or two just lounging out here and soaking up the view.

Villa Angela also has an outdoor pool featuring beautiful sea views.

A wonderful buffet breakfast is also included in the stay.

Breakfast exceeded expectations with a wonderful variety of offerings.

You can enjoy a balanced start to the day with everything from hot breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and toast to cold items like yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, pastries, and assorted meats and cheeses.

Breakfast is served from 8AM – 10:30AM on a lovely enclosed terrace with large windows. From here, you can enjoy views of the outdoor pool and the beautiful landscape of Taormina beyond.

Since navigating from the hotel’s hilltop location down to the town can be tricky, Villa Angela offers a paid transportation service to a nearby beach as well as to other points of interest, including Mount Etna, Siracuse, and more.

Villa Angela also offers 24-hour reception to provide guests with around-the-clock support.

Villa Angela is located at Via Leonardo Da Vinci, 71E, 98039 in Taormina.

While hotel parking is free, keep in mind that the lot is on the smaller side, so use caution when pulling in and out. You’ll need to leave your car key at reception whenever you reenter the hotel in case a staff member needs to move your vehicle.

Surrounded by fragrant flower-filled terraced gardens, Hotel Villa Belvedere is located within a peaceful oasis just minutes from Taormina’s historic center on foot.

The hotel originally opened to guests in 1902 and has since undergone numerous renovations that have carefully kept the property’s period charm intact.

There are nearly 50 modern and elegant rooms at the hotel. They range from classic rooms, to villas, to suites. Rooms offer views over Naxos Bay, the gardens, or the outdoor pool.

The main villa is available from early April until late November, whereas the Deluxe Suites, Rock Suites, and Villa Maddelena Suites are open throughout the year.

Hotel Villa Belvedere is home to a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by a terraced garden that offers stunning sea views. The pool is unheated and open to guests until the end of November.

There’s also a hotel restaurant located in the pool area which is open from April to October from noon to 5PM for lunch.

Guests can opt to have breakfast included in the stay. Breakfast runs from 7:30AM – 11:00AM on the property’s beautiful panoramic sea-view terrace. While the standard breakfast consists of fresh-baked pastries, guests can also opt for additional menu items like eggs and pancakes.

A small gym is also available to guests upon request.

Hotel Villa Belvadere is located at Via Bagnoli Croci, 79, 98039 in Taormina.

Paid valet parking spaces are available to guests.

Dating back to the 1900s and lovingly renovated in 2006, the elegant Hotel Villa Taormina offers guests the distinct experience of staying in a noble residence. A beautiful Baroque design can be found throughout, from the elegant stairwell to the 14 traditional rooms and suites.

While the rooms embody classic elegance, they all feature contemporary elements for comfort and convenience.

The property offers an impressive rooftop terrace overlooking Mount Etna, the sea, and the historic center of Taormina as well as lovely floral gardens. From here, guests can enjoy wine or a cocktail from the hotel’s rooftop bar.

While Hotel Villa Taormina doesn’t have a pool, there’s a solarium with an outdoor jacuzzi located in the center of the garden.

A homemade à la carte buffet breakfast consisting of an omelette menu as well as sweet offerings is included in the stay. There’s no on-site restaurant for meals beyond breakfast, but room service is available upon request.

Hotel Villa Taormina is located at Via Tommaso Fazzello, 39, 98039 in Taormina.

A private parking service is available upon request for an additional fee.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, romantic Hotel Villa Ducale is a peaceful sanctuary offering sweeping views over stunning Mount Etna.

Designated one of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” this luxurious hotel has been providing guests with a Sicilian home-away-from-home since 1993.

The 19 elegant rooms and suites all offer terraces with stunning panoramic views.

Hotel Villa Ducale also has an outdoor pool nestled within the property’s own private garden.

A delicious breakfast is served on the terrace and included in the stay, featuring homemade pastries, biscuits, local cheeses, ham, and eggs. Breakfast can also be served privately in your room or on your private terrace.

The hotel is also home to Villa Ducale Restaurant, a lovely terrace dining experience featuring local seasonal dishes.

Hotel Villa Ducale conveniently offers guests a complimentary shuttle service in a Mercedes minivan to and from Taormina’s town center.

Hotel Villa Ducale is located at Via Leonardo Da Vinci, 60, 98039 in Taormina.

A valet parking service is available to guests with a parking reservation for a fee of 20EUR per day.

The elegant sister property to Hotel Villa Ducale, Hotel Villa Carlotta is conveniently located just a short walk from Taormina’s famous Corso Umberto.

This hotel seamlessly marries beauty and convenience. While it features stunning views over Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea, it remains only a 5-minute distance from central Taormina on foot.

The 29 elegant rooms, suites, apartments, and villas offer a range of amenities, including in-room climate control.

Hotel Villa Carlotta is also home to a small outdoor pool that’s located amidst a tranquil garden.

A delicious buffet breakfast is served each morning from 7:30AM – 10:30AM in a lovely indoor/outdoor space with beautiful sea views. Villa Carlotta is also home to a wonderful rooftop restaurant specializing in organic offerings for lunch and dinner.

Hotel Villa Carlotta is located at Via Luigi Pirandello, 81, 98039 in Taormina.

Private parking is available for an additional fee of 30EUR per day, by reservation only.

Centrally-located in Taormina, Villa Fiorita Boutique Hotel is an adults-only property conveniently situated across from the cable car that transports visitors to the beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella.

There are 28 rooms in this antique building, the majority of which overlook the sea and offer private terraces.

The hotel also includes a heated pool with panoramic sea views located on a spacious sun deck with sun loungers and umbrellas.

The pool is open from April until October.

While there’s no restaurant on site, a wonderful breakfast of assorted cakes, yogurt, cereals, ham, and eggs is included in the stay.

Villa Fiorita is located at Via Luigi Pirandello, 39, 98039 in Taormina.

Private parking is available at a nearby location for an additional fee of 20EUR per day. A parking reservation is required.

The oldest owner-run hotel in Sicily, Hotel Villa Schuler has been proudly serving guests since 1905 in its beautifully-restored villa.

Located amidst dreamy subtropical gardens, this property features views over Mount Etna and Naxos Bay.

The property’s 32 rooms include five junior suites as well as a Garden Villa Suite.

Although there’s no on-site restaurant for lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy an á la carte breakfast for an additional fee in the breakfast room, the Orangery, or on the sea-view terrace from 7:30AM – 10AM.

The hotel offers a convenient shuttle service from May through October to transport guests around to private beaches in the area.

Hotel Villa Schuler is located at Piazzetta Bastione, Via Roma, 2, 98039 in Taormina.

The hotel features a parking garage and valet services. There are also two free spaces in front of the hotel which are available on a first-come/first-served basis.

If you’re looking for the convenience of location without sacrificing luxury and serenity, this 5-star has it all. Set in a 13th-century noble residence, Hotel Metropole Taormina is centrally located in the historic heart of Taormina.

The 23 sleek and modern rooms offer either sea or city center views.

Hotel Metropole Taormina is home to restaurant NeoBistrot Bellevue, providing guests with a gourmet Mediterranean dining experience against the backdrop of the beautiful bay.

The hotel’s outdoor infinity pool is perfect for a refreshing dip and/or for enjoying an afternoon bite along the panoramic terrace of the pool bar.

Guests can also enjoy a wonderful breakfast of freshly-baked croissants, cakes, tarts, and cappuccino on the panoramic sea-view terrace. Breakfast is included in the stay.

The property also features Metropole Spa, a wellness center offering everything from a hot tub, to a hammam, to massage services.

Private parking is available on site for 30EUR per day.

A paid private transfer service is also available upon request, provided it’s booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Another centrally-located property that connotes luxury is the incomparable Ashbee Hotel, located mere steps from the Greek amphitheater. 

The 24 spacious and elegant rooms master the art of understated luxury and feature either sea, mountain, or garden views.

And speaking of gardens, this is one of the focal points The Ashbee has to offer. With hundreds of trees and gorgeous flowers, this peaceful oasis holds the status as one of the largest private gardens in all of Taormina.

In addition, the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool overlooks the Sicilian coast and features a pool bar for the ultimate refreshing experience.

Plus, as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, The Ashbee is no stranger to accolades, particularly in regards to St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck, its Michelin-starred restaurant.

A wonderful á la carte breakfast is also included in the stay and served on the hotel’s gorgeous roof terrace. Guests can choose from a continental breakfast or a traditional Italian start to the day.

The Ashbee Hotel is located at Viale S. Pancrazio, 46, 98039 in Taormina.

Private on-site parking is available for a fee of 45EUR per day.

Dating back to the early 1900s, Grand Hotel San Pietro is a stunning and historic villa set on the sea.

The hotel’s 63 rooms range from classic spaces to penthouse suites.

The hotel’s large outdoor seasonal pool is not heated and is typically open from around May until October/November, depending on weather. The pool area also includes a gazebo-style bar serving refreshing cocktails.

Guests can also take advantage of a spacious on-site gym as well as the San Pietro SPA offering a Finnish sauna, steam bath, sea-facing jacuzzi, and massage services.

The property’s restaurant, Giardino degli Ulivi – a.k.a the Olive Garden – offers wonderful Sicilian cuisine and two interior dining halls. It also features a sprawling terrace where guests can enjoy a meal – starting with a delicious breakfast – in the warmer months.

A buffet breakfast is included in the stay and consists of croissants, cold cuts, and eggs.

Grand Hotel San Pietro also features an intimate balcony overlooking beautiful Isola Bella which can be reserved for private romantic dinners for two or for groups of up to 10 people.

A shuttle service is available to transport guests to and from the center of Taormina. The hotel also has an arrangement with several nearby beach clubs who can shuttle you back and forth to various beaches.

The Grand Hotel San Pietro is located at Via Luigi Pirandello, 50, 98039 in Taormina.

Private parking is available on site, including two charging stations for electric vehicles.

Strategically set just opposite Taormina’s famous Greek theater, Grand Hotel Timeo features breathtaking views over Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Part of the Belmond Hotel Group, this property is not only one of the best boutique hotels in Taormina – it was also the first!

The 70 stunning rooms and suites are spread out amongst the main building and the neighboring Villa Flora. The spacious suites are almost unreal with their impressive terraces and stunning views of the surrounding Sicilian landscape.

One of the crown jewels of the property is the sprawling, six-acre garden that’s bursting with flowers. There’s also a heated outdoor panoramic pool that sits amidst the beautiful grounds.

Grand Hotel Timeo also offers an on-site wellness center with treatments ranging from hairdressing to massage services. Guests can also relax in the property’s sauna or steam bath upon request.

There’s no shortage of eateries at the Grand Hotel Timeo, from Ristorante Timeo, to Timeo Grill, to Otto Geleng, to Bar Timeo, to the Pool Bar.

The main restaurant is Ristorante Timeo, a Michelin-starred gem with cuisine as jaw-dropping as the view. Lunch hours are from 1PM – 2:30PM, while dinner runs from 7:30PM – 10:30PM.

Guests wishing for a more intimate experience can book a reservation at Otto Geleng, an exclusive dining experience for 16 lucky guests at a clip. Otto Geleng is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30PM – 10PM.

An á la carte Sicilian breakfast is included in the stay and features traditional offerings such as granita and brioches.

A private shuttle is available to sister property Villa Sant’Andrea. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the beach facilities at the sister property, including sun beds, umbrellas, and beach towels.

Grand Hotel Timeo is located at Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 in Taormina.

The hotel offers a large garden parking area for an additional fee of 44EUR per car/per night. Reservations are not required.

The equally magnificent sister property to Grand Hotel Timeo, Villa Sant’Andrea is another fabulous option from the Belmond Hotel Group. Deemed one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Taormina, hotel guests will enjoy the convenient access to central Taormina, just five minutes away by car.

The property has 69 beautiful rooms and suites, the majority of which offer a sea-view balcony.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing and warm dip in Villa Sant’Andrea’s heated infinity pool located on the bay’s edge.

Alternatively, if you’re more of a beach bum than a pool person, you’ll be happy to know that Villa Sant’Andrea is home to its own stretch of private pebbly beach along the beautiful Bay of Mazzarò. Beach cabanas that suit up to four guests are also available for rent.

As mentioned earlier, the beach is also accessible for guests of sister property Grand Hotel Timeo.

Those looking to indulge further can unwind at the property’s own wellness center or even enjoy the exclusivity of an in-room massage or treatment.

Villa Sant’Andrea is also home to several eateries including Ristorante Sant’Andrea, Brizza, and Bar Sant’Andrea. They also offer a uniquely romantic evening event with Cinema e Champagne, a beachside experience where you can sip champagne while watching a movie under the moonlight.

A delicious breakfast is also included in the stay.

Villa Sant’Andrea offers a free shuttle service to and from central Taormina for all guests.

Villa Sant’Andrea is located at Via Nazionale, 137, 98039 in Taormina.

Private parking is available at a nearby location for 44EUR per day. A reservation is required.

Set on its own private beach, La Plage Resort is one of the best boutique hotels in Taormina for those seeking exclusivity.

Each of the hotel’s 59 modern rooms include a balcony or patio. Bungalows are located in a magical setting of a pine forest and some even include their own private grounds with hot tubs.

While there’s no on-site pool at the property, the Beach Club of the La Plage Resort more than makes up for it.

Located on the beautiful natural bay of Isola Bella, guests can enjoy everything from private parking to luxury services such as on-beach dining services and massages.

Back at the resort, Fusion Restaurant specializes in fine Mediterranean and Sicilian cuisine for lunch and dinner.

A delicious breakfast is included in the stay.

The hotel’s ExPure Spa welcomes guests to unwind with its many amenities, including a jacuzzi, Turkish bath, massage room, and relaxation area.

La Plage Resort is located at Via Nazionale, 107/A, 98039 in Taormina.

Free parking is conveniently available at the resort.

Located directly on the sea, Mazzarò Sea Palace lives up to its name. Part of the VRetreats Collection, this stunning property is also conveniently located less than 200 feet from the funicular which will easily transport you to the center of Taormina.

Each of the 70 contemporary rooms and suites offer balconies and some include beautiful sea views.

The property includes an outdoor pool which offers beautiful views over the Bay of Mazzarò.

Spa treatments ranging from facials to massages are available at the Hyd’Or Wellness Center.

Mazzarò Sea Palace offers several eateries, including Blum Restaurant and Almare Bar on the private beach as well as Armònia Restaurant featuring a lovely terrace.

A generous breakfast is included in the stay.

Mazzarò Sea Palace is located at Via Nazionale, 147, 98030 in Taormina.

Private on-site parking is available for 30EUR per day with a reservation.

Another wonderful property from the VRetreats Collection, Atlantis Bay is built on a cliffside overlooking the Baia delle Sirene Bay.

This stunning seaside location combined with its wonderful amenities easily earn Atlantis Bay its 5-star rating.

There are 76 tastefully-furnished rooms at Atlantis Bay ranging from classic spaces to sea-view suites. The stunning Atlantis Suite features its own private swimming pool as well as an in-room jacuzzi and hammam.

Fortunately, those opting for a pool-free room can still enjoy the hotel’s main pool. It sits on a natural rock terrace over the beautiful Baia delle Sirene Bay.

There’s also a fitness center for those looking to enjoy a workout with a view.

The property is home to Nui Restaurant which sits right on the bay as well as two bars, Kori Bar and Beach Bar. A tasty breakfast is included in the stay.

Atlantis Bay is located at Via Nazionale, 161, 98030 in Taormina.

Private parking is available at the hotel for 30EUR per day. A reservation is required.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of stunning boutique hotels in Taormina. Which of these properties is calling your name? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking to extend your Sicily travels? Check out my other guides:

• Taormina or Positano: Which Italian Hot Spot Is Right for You?
• 20+ Tips for Hiking Mount Etna (from Self-Guided Exploration to a Guided Summit Expedition) 
• Where to Stay in Ragusa, Sicily: Essential Neighborhood Guide (Plus Accommodations)
• 15 Fun Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily (Including Free Activities & Day Trip Ideas)