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If you’re looking for spectacular locations, you’ll have to go a long way to beat Taormina. Perched on the side of Mount Tauro on Sicily’s east coast, it’s no exaggeration to describe the views here as breathtaking.

Taormina has been of the Italian island’s most popular tourist destinations since the 18th century. A regular fixture on many a Grand Tour, it won over artists and creatives, such as Goethe and DH Lawrence, who lived here for three years during the 1920s.

With its designer boutiques, glitzy bars and gourmet restaurants, Taormina is still a magnet for celebrities and high-flyers. While this means that most accommodation is towards the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s still possible to visit on a budget. You’ll find plenty of affordable three-star hotels in Taormina, alongside self-catering apartments that allow you to experience the Sicilian high life without breaking the bank.

While the town has a lively reputation, it’s easy to get away from it all. You will find pockets of calm on walks in the surrounding countryside or at the historic sites nearby. But however you choose to spend your time, you’ll never be far from the next amazing view. Just make sure you leave plenty of space on your phone for photos.

Where to Stay in Taormina

When it comes to luxury five-star hotels in Taormina, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from indulgent options like the stylish Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea or, if you’re looking for a hotel where you can swim, opt for the Metropole Maison D’Hotes with its stunning clifftop infinity pool.

Travelling on a budget? Don’t worry – you’ll also find a good selection of more affordable hotels in central Taormina. Try the three-star Hotel Isola Bella for a room with a view or two-star Hotel Victoria, which has a great location on the town’s main street.

What to See in Taormina

You can’t visit Taormina without taking in the famous Teatro Greco. This ancient theatre has panoramic views over southern Calabria and the Sicilian coast, making it hard to imagine a more scenic backdrop.

You could also consider booking a hotel in Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina’s central square. With its 12th-century bell tower, distinctive checkerboard paving and great sea views, it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink and do a little people watching. The square is also perfectly located to explore the many high-end boutiques and designer shops that throng Taormina’s narrow streets.

If you’re feeling energetic, hike to Castelmola, a peaceful village that clings to the side of Mount Tauro above Taormino. For a more challenging walk, carry on past the church to start the two-hour ascent of Monte Venere. It can be hard-going but your reward will be some of the best views of brooding Mount Etna – the active volcano that dominates the skyline in this part of Sicily.

Beach Holidays in Taormina

Because of its elevated position, Taormina isn’t best-known as a beach holiday resort, but it’s still possible to enjoy a bit of sun and sand. The closest beach is at Mazzarò, which can be reached from town via a cable car ride down the mountainside. Its sweep of sand is hemmed by rocky headlands and, like pretty much everywhere in Taormina, it gets very busy during high season.

If you want to escape the summer crowds, take the slightly longer trip to Giardini Naxos, where you’ll find a quiet, curving bay. If being close to the beach is important to you, consider booking a hotel in Giardini Naxos. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Taormina and is generally a little quieter – particularly in high season – though still very well-set-up for holidaymakers, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.

Try the beachfront Hotel Palladio, where many rooms have sea views. Enjoy surfing and bodyboarding just steps away on the beach before retiring to the hotel’s onsite cucina for a well-earned meal.

If your stay in Taormina gives you a taste for the high life, why not visit some of Italy’s other exclusive seaside locations? For more luxury island experiences, check out our hotels in Capri or search for hotels in Alghero in the north of Sardinia – perfect for exploring the island's beautiful coastline.