1.
WHERE TO STAY
Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina has no shortage of beautiful places to stay. If you're planning a Sicilian escape, these are the hotels worth checking into (or, at the very least, lingering over with an aperitivo).
Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel offers laid-back luxury right on the water, with a private beach that makes it difficult to leave.
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel is all old-world glamour, perfectly positioned beside the ancient Greek Theatre with sweeping views of Mount Etna.
And then there's San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel - a former monastery turned cinematic retreat that's as breathtaking as you've heard (and yes, The White Lotus fans, it's every bit as beautiful in real life).
2.
WHERE TO EAT
& DRINK
From long lunches to late-night pasta, Taormina does effortless indulgence exceptionally well. These are the tables (and granitas) we'd happily return to.
Start the day at Bam Bar for what many consider the town's best granita—a Sicilian ritual best enjoyed with a warm brioche.
For aperitivo, Ristorante Timeo at the Belmond serves cocktails with a side of Mount Etna views. Stay for sunset if you can.
When dinner calls, Osteria da Rita dal 1991 delivers authentic Sicilian cooking in an unpretentious setting—proof that sometimes the best meals are the least flashy.
3.
BEACH CLUBS TO CHECK OUT
When the Sicilian sun is high, Taormina's coastline calls for a slower pace. Spend the day by the water, cocktail in hand, at these beautifully positioned seaside escapes.
La Plage Resort offers a private beach experience framed by the turquoise waters of Isola Bella. Think sun loungers, Mediterranean views and a little well-deserved indulgence.
For a more classic Taormina beach day, Lido La Pigna is a local favourite tucked beneath the cliffs, with direct access to the sea and all the charm of a traditional Sicilian lido.
4.
THINGS TO EXPLORE
Spend an afternoon strolling Corso Umberto, the town’s charming main street, where boutique stores, artisanal finds, cafés and gelaterias spill out onto cobbled lanes. It’s the perfect place to pick up a little piece of Sicily (or simply enjoy a spritz while watching the world go by).
For a different perspective, take to the water with a boat tour around Isola Bella. Cruise past one of Sicily’s most iconic coastal landscapes, swim in crystal-clear waters and admire Taormina from the sea.
