Long before The White Lotus turned Taormina into one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations again, this hilltop town had been attracting writers, artists and aristocrats for centuries. Goethe visited during his Grand Tour, Oscar Wilde vacationed here, and Truman Capote later called it “the most beautiful place on earth.”
Today, it’s one of Sicily’s essential stops: a place where ancient ruins overlook the Ionian Sea, fashionable boutiques, independent ceramic shops and excellent restaurants fill the historic center, with every corner seeming to open onto another spectacular view.
With so many exceptional hotels in Taormina, choosing where to stay isn’t always straightforward, but Grand Hotel San Pietro is our pick.
Perched on the cliffs just below the historic center, Grand Hotel San Pietro enjoys one of Taormina’s most spectacular vantage points over Isola Bella. It has recently completed a three-year, €16 million renovation that has transformed it into one of Taormina’s most stylish boutique addresses. The result is a hotel that feels contemporary without losing the charm of the original villa.
Originally built as a private villa in the early twentieth century by two Danish sisters who fell in love with Sicily, the property has been reimagined to make the most of its extraordinary setting: cliffside views over Isola Bella, Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea that few hotels anywhere can match.
The interiors strike a nice balance between classic and contemporary. Rather than following the neutral aesthetic found in so many luxury hotels today, they embrace color, craftsmanship and playful Sicilian details. Blue-and-white striped umbrellas surround the panoramic pool, hand-painted ceramics appear throughout the property, while terracotta, coral red, turquoise and navy give the interiors a cheerful Mediterranean feel.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel has just 63 rooms and suites, making it feel noticeably more intimate than many of Taormina’s larger luxury hotels. Many open onto private balconies overlooking the Ionian Sea or Mount Etna, while the newly redesigned Garden View Rooms now feature French balconies that bring even more natural light indoors. Rooms combine colorful ceramics, woven textures and patterned wallpapers with generous marble bathrooms and complimentary amenities.
Panoramic Pool
The pool alone is worth booking a stay here.
Recently redesigned with a shimmering Bisazza mosaic, it overlooks the Ionian Sea and Isola Bella below. Just beside it is Rizza, the hotel‘s new poolside restaurant, making it easy to break up an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing with fresh seafood, Mediterranean salads and a cocktail before heading back to your lounger.
Dining
Dining is another highlight, with several restaurants and bars catering to different moments throughout the day. Bàtu, the hotel‘s fine dining restaurant led by Executive Chef Luca Miuccio, offers a contemporary interpretation of Sicilian cuisine with tasting menus centered around vegetables, local seafood and ingredients sourced across the island, accompanied by an excellent wine list focused on Mount Etna producers.
For something more relaxed, Il Giardino degli Ulivi and the panoramic Ulivum Terrace serve breakfast and dinner overlooking fragrant Mediterranean gardens planted with citrus trees and centuries-old olive trees, while Belvedere Café offers sea views, tapas and cocktails in a more casual setting before heading into town.
If you’re celebrating something special (or simply want an unforgettable meal), reserve La Rotonda sul Mare, a circular terrace suspended above the coastline that’s available exclusively for private breakfasts, aperitivi and dinners. It’s one of the most spectacular dining settings in Taormina.
The Spa
The recently expanded Spa Plumière is well worth a visit after a morning exploring Taormina. Alongside a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, panoramic jacuzzis and new treatment suites, many of the treatments incorporate Sicilian citrus and olive oil, creating a subtle connection to the island beyond the food and design.
What to do in Taormina
Grand Hotel San Pietro is about a 15-minute walk from the center of town, though the hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle if you don’t feel like tackling the hill.
Start with the Teatro Antico, Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre. Built in the 3rd century BC and later expanded by the Romans, it’s still used for concerts and performances today, with Mount Etna rising behind the stage.
You also can’t miss Isola Bella, Taormina’s iconic nature reserve and beach. Spend a few hours swimming in the crystal-clear water, rent a boat to explore the coastline or simply admire it from one of the panoramic viewpoints above.
If you enjoy art and history, make time for Casa Cuseni. This beautifully preserved villa welcomed guests including Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Tennessee Williams and Greta Garbo, and today offers a fascinating glimpse into Taormina’s artistic past.
No visit would be complete without a granita from Bam Bar. Go early if you can (it’s almost always busy) and order it with a warm brioche.
If you have a little extra time, head up to Castelmola, a charming hilltop village just above Taormina with beautiful views back over the coastline. Before heading back down, stop by Chiesa della Madonna della Rocca, a church carved directly into the rock face — one of the more surprising things you’ll stumble across in this part of Sicily.
