Set in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily’s dazzling with its sun-drenched beaches, authentic Italian cuisine and crystal-clear waters. It’s the place where you’ll experience Italys’ vibrant energy more than anywhere else. Besides the islands luxurious amenities, it is also refreshingly unpretentious, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.
While this guide focuses primarily on Taormina, a beautiful town located on the east coast of the island, we have curated a list with the islands most renowned hotels, the best wineries for wine tastings and an exclusive selection of our favorite osterias and ristorantes.
Hotels
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San Domenico Palace
Embodying a harmonious blend of history, luxury and elegance, the Four Seasons Hotel is by far the most known five-star hotel on the island. Housed in a former 15th-century Dominican monastery, every room and suite is modernly furnished, without reducing the historical charm of the property. After relaxing at the large swimming pool with panoramic views over the ocean, you can take a seat at in-house Michelin-starred restaurant Principe Cerami.
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Villa Sant'Andrea
Capturing the essence of seaside elegance, Villa Sant'Andrea by Belmond Hotels scores with its private location and direct access to a private beach. Next to private in-room spa treatments, the hotel is offering soothing wellness treatments in their lavish ocean-facing gardens. When staying at Sant'Andreas' Two-Bedroom Pool Suite, you can enjoy your own private terrace and swimming pool, both with beautiful views over the bay.
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Grand Hotel Timeo
Nestled on the hillside close to the town center and just a few minutes away from the historic Teatro Antico di Taormina, Grand Hotel Timeo has an unbeatable location in Taormina. Dotted with colorful flowers, citrus trees and Mediterranean vegetation, the hotel is surrounded by a lavish six-acre garden. Here you'll also find the Jardin Des Rêves, a spa pop up by the house of Dior, set in special tree cabins for ultimate relaxation.
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Mazzarò Sea Palace
Located right on the shores of the magical bay of Mazzarò, the hotel, which is part of the Italian lifestyle hotel collection VRetreats ( Ca' Di Dio as seen in our Venice, Italy Travel Guide), lets you enjoy its large private beach and stunning sea views from every single room. The light flooded suites and bedrooms are modernly furnished and the service, as well as hospitality are given great importance and are top priority at this five-star getaway.
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Restaurants & Bars
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Ristorante Le Naumachie
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood
Known for: Italian restaurant with very friendly service in the historic town of Taormina.
Location | Via Giardinazzo 8 C, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Osteria Rosso Di Vino
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options
Known for: Romantic osteria serving fresh seafood dishes outdoors.
Location | Vico De Spuches, 8, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Otto Geleng
Cuisine: Italian | Sicilian
Known for: One Michelin-starred restaurant with elegant atmosphere and just eight tables on a terrace with a view.
Location | Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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St. George by Heinz Beck
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood | Mediterranean
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Contemporary fine dining restaurant with panoramic terrace and striped walls inside The Ashbee Hotel, awarded with two Michelin stars.
Location | Via San Pancrazio n. 46, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Nunziatina
Cuisine: Italian
Gluten Free Options
Known for: New modern Italian restaurant with Art-deco elements, exciting interior close to San Domenico Palace.
Location | Via Roma 12, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Restaurant Armònia
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options
Known for: Stunning outdoor terrace with delicious Sicilian cuisine inside Mazzaro Sea Palace. Vegan menu available.
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Deli
Antica Rosticceria Da Cristina
Cuisine: Sicilian
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options
Known for: Very authentic traditional Sicilian snacks. Must-try: Arancini.
Location | Via Strabone 2, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Desserts
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Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto
Cuisine: Sicilian
Known for: Family-run pastry shop serving freshly-made cannoli.
Location | Via Calapitrulli 9, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Bam Bar
Cuisine: Italian | Sicilian
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Traditional Sicilian breakfast dishes including homemade brioche and granita.
Location | Via di Giovanni 45, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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La Pignolata
Cuisine: Italian | Sicilian
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Traditional Sicilian cannoli made with the original recipe from 1978.
Location | Via Apollo Arcageta 15, 98039, Taormina, Sicily Italy
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Activities
For those who enjoy a glass of wine, visiting a vineyard on Sicily is a must. Every wine lover knows that, besides the Tuscany, the island is known for its exceptional wine quality and the largest wine region in Italy. Close to volcano Etna and not too far from Taormina, Planeta Sciaranuova is one of the most renowned wineries in the region (If you don't stay in the area, Planeta has multiple vineyards all over the island). Since the winery was among the filming locations of season two of HBO The White Lotus, wine tastings are booked out quickly, so we recommend booking a tour as early as possible. Two more fantastic options are wineries Tasca D'Almerita and Donnafugata, which both share several decades of experience in the wine business.
Besides the islands historic sights (Valle dei Templi, the Ancient Theater of Taormina, Temple de Ségeste), Sicily is also known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Located in the heart of Catania and close to the port, you can't miss one of Italys' biggest fish market A'Piscaria Mercato del Pesce. Opening every weekday and on Saturdays from 7 AM to about 2 PM, you'll find all kinds of fish and seafood you can imagine.
For a more adventurous day trip, charter a yacht in Palermo and explore Sicily by boat. To take it even one step further, connect that trip with a visit to the gorgeous Aeolian Islands. Formed by volcanic eruptions and declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, these historic islands are one of Italys most hidden gems and each of them are different on its own. The water around the seven islands could not be clearer and is perfect for a round of snorkeling in an untouched bay.
Our tip: If you stay at San Domenico Palace and don't have time to plan a trip to the Aeolian islands, have a trip organized directly by the hotel, including a helicopter ride and a yacht on site.
For the most authentic ceramics, visit the small town of Caltagirone. While walking through its ancient alleys, keep your eyes open for colorful tiles built into the towns bridges, facades and stairways. Some of the most renowned shops are on Via Roma and around the Palazzo Municipale. For elegant pieces, friendly service and an authentic shopping experience, we recommend stopping by at Ceramiche di Caltagirone Giorgio & Ivano Alemanna and (dS) - DELFINO Ceramiche Caltagirone.
Luxury shopping in Taormina can be done on one of the towns main streets Corso Umberto, where you'll find a small selection of international designer brands, as well as local high-end boutiques.
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