10 Best Hotels in Taormina on the Beach

Taormina, perched high above the sparkling Ionian Sea, is Sicily’s crown jewel. Think timeless Mediterranean charm, ancient ruins, jaw-dropping views of Mount Etna, and the most stunning, serene coastline with turquoise blue waters of the Ionian Sea. That’s why we went looking for hotels in Taormina on the beach for our holiday. Not only did these stays offer breathtaking views of the sparkling sea, but they also ranged across a variety of vibes. Think laidback B&Bs, chic boutique spots, and opulent palazzos radiating old-world glamor — the town has them all. If that wasn’t enough, Taormina doesn’t have just one beach. There are the main Spiaggia Taormina and Spiaggia di Isola Bella, both of which are public beaches in the main part of the town. Further north, you’ll find Spiaggia La Pigna and Lido Spisone. Additionally, there are multiple relaxed, party, and wallet-friendly beach clubs.

Being one of the top things to see and do in Sicily, Taormina effortlessly blends coastal glamor with old-world charm.

Taormina Villa Oasis Residence

10

Best beach aparthotel. We begin with the Taormina Villa Oasis Residence, which occupies a fantastic beachfront location at the southern end of Mazzeo Beach. So, it enjoyed direct beachfront access to the stunning golden sands, along with jaw-dropping ocean views. Not only that, but there were comfy loungers and parasols in the sand, complete with beachside service. Plus, the water was clear, the beach was immaculately kept, and the atmosphere was very quiet and serene.

Besides the beach, the aparthotel even had lush gardens and multiple terraces where we could uniwnd and relax. We had the choice of multiple family-sized rooms, which came with modern amenities, private bathrooms, and even kitchenettes and dining spaces. Moreover, every unit included a terrace, a balcony, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring complete comfort. Additionally, there were many other amenities, despite being an aparthotel. The star of all amenities was the rooftop pool, which offered excellent sea views. An outdoor seating area, a lounge, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi complete the facilities.

Atlantis Bay

9

The retro-modern Atlantis Bay cliffside resort by VRetreats sits overlooking the Isola delle Sirene and the Mediterranean Sea with its very own strip of private beach to boot. It sat right on the Baia delle Sirene waterfront, a bijou bay where the sea water was warm, clean, and beautiful to swim in. What’s more, there were also loungers with parasols on the pebbly beach. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel’s swimming pool sat on the beachside terrace right above the beach, making it the perfect spot to spend the entire day in or near the water.

All 76 digs spill down the cliff and have Baia delle Sirene views from vast windows that open onto balconies. What’s more, they all boast slick, mid-century-style designs, sleek bathrooms with hemp-based bath products, pastel hues, and mod-cons akin to five-star comfort. There are two bars and one restaurant, of which the waterfront beach bar and the Kori cocktail bar are particularly popular. Besides the pool, there’s a glass-box gym, a small spa, and a long roster of activities that the hotel concierge can arrange for.

Hotel Lido Mediterranee

8

If you want to stay close to Taormina’s town center but also want a private beach, Hotel Lido Mediterranee is where you should be. It’s very close to the funicular that took us to Taormina’s town center, and the private beach was right outside the hotel! Featuring a mix of pebbles and sand, the private beach was directly accessible from the hotel. What’s more, it was peppered with tons of deck chairs and umbrellas and even featured service from the restaurant. Please note that the beach is open only during daylight hours.

The rest of the hotel was no less impressive, especially the on-site restaurant serving signature Italian fare. The air-conditioned rooms, all with sea views, came furnished in either bamboo décor or classic-style furnishings. Nevertheless, they all came with a host of mod-cons that made our stay very comfortable. These included ensuite bathrooms, minibars, and satellite TVs. The best bit? They had Mediterranean Sea views from either a balcony or a French door.

Panoramic Taormina

7

Best value-for-money. Panoramic Taormina might sit on Via Nazionale, but it has a few steps that took us directly down to the middle parts of the beautiful Isola Bella beach. What’s more, this modern four-star property even gave us a beach bag when we checked in, complete with flip-flops and beach towels. It was a very thoughtful gesture and perfect for heading down to the beach with all essentials.

Not only did the hotel boast lovely views, but also the funicular to Taormina was less than a five-minute walk away. The rooftop swimming pool and surrounding terrace were our favorite part of the property, as we were able to unwind and soak in the breathtaking sea views. We loved the buffet-style breakfast on the rooftop terrace as well as the excursions that the staff arranged for us. Moreover, the rooms and suites were contemporary, spacious, and had furnished balconies with sea views. What more could we ask for?

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

6

Best location. If seclusion and a private beach are what you’re looking for in Taormina, then look no further than the popular four-star UNAHOTELS Capotaormina. Sitting on the headland between Giardini Naxos and Isola Bella, this UNAHOTELS outpost has the most unique private sandy beach — accessible via a lift inside a cliff! Since the hotel was built into a cliff, we had to take an elevator down to the “sea level,” a.k.a. the ground floor, after which a long tunnel with steps led down to the beach. The best bit? There were tons of sun loungers under parasols, allowing us to relax with wonderful views of Giardini Naxos Bay. 

Not just the private beach, but also this hotel’s infinity swimming pool is built into the rock! It was the most scenic place to relax, with daybeds, loungers, cabanas, and poolside service. Multiple restaurants and bars aside, this UNAHOTELS outpost also had a beauty salon, a gym, and a jeweler, too! Additionally, we had a shuttle bus to transport us to the Taormina town center and even a tour desk for booking boat excursions.

Since this hotel was on the affordable end, we didn’t expect our room also to have a terrace and a balcony, so it was a wonderful surprise. Besides the magnificent sea views, the rooms were plush with nautical touches and mod-cons.

Hotel Caparena

5

We were looking for something more relaxed than a party vibe, which is why we chose the serene Hotel Caparena just north of Taormina. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by lush gardens, this relaxed resort was just the right vibe we were looking for from our Mediterranean holiday. While the beach outside was a bit pebbly and needed water shoes, it’s immaculately kept and very clean. Moreover, the sunbeds were plush and very comfy, and there’s even a covered area by the beach bar with umbrellas and tables.

“We were looking for a laidback beach resort in Taormina, and Caparena was perfect.”

WOW Travel

However, the beach area shuts at 5 pm, after which the vibe moves into the resort’s two restaurants and three bars. Aside from a pool bar, there’s also a beachside restaurant and a beachside bar, completing the property’s seaside vibes. Other amenities include a fabulous seaside outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a wellness center with steam baths and a hot tub, and even a nightclub! We loved the casual nautical vibes of the rooms, complete with colorful accents and mod-cons like satellite TVs and free Wi-Fi. If you want more space, the upgraded rooms have sea-view balconies, and the suites even have whirlpool tubs, sitting areas, and furnished terraces.

Castello di San Marco

4

If you want to get away from the bustle, we highly recommend the four-star baroque Castello di San Marco, which sits 20 minutes south of the town of Taormina. However, its standout feature is that it has its own private beach! Called the Lido Syrah Relax Beach, the sandy strip of private beach is very popular for beach weddings. The rest of the time, like when we visited, it was sprinkled with comfy loungers under parasols and cabanas. It was the perfect place to sit back and unwind with drinks and snacks while gazing out to the Mediterannean Sea.

On the inside, the hotel blends a Sicilian Baroque ambiance with good food, great wine, and the good life. After spending time at the beach, we’d head to the exclusive spa or to the lovely swimming pool, which also boasted views of the sea. The onsite signature is one of the best things the hotel has going for it. Furthermore, the rooms are spacious, bright, and luxurious to boot, most of which are peppered across the gardens and the parkland in low-lying buildings. They all boast heritage features, ample space, and mod-cons, with the best ones even featuring private terraces. If you want something special, the Grand Suite above the old winery has direct views of Mount Etna.

Mazzarò Sea Palace

3

The magnificent Mazzarò Sea Palace sits directly on La Pigna beach, overlooking the wonderful waters of Mazzarò Bay and is one of eastern Sicily’s most exclusive coastal stays. The beach was just a few steps down from the hotel, and we could access it directly. What’s more, it had comfy reserved loungers and parasols, complete with attentive beachside service from the expansive deck. The hotel even had boat rentals on offer so we could explore the coast in privacy and to our heart’s content.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mazzarò Sea Palace (@mazzaroseapalace)

With a total of just 68 rooms, including 6 suites, staying here felt very intimate despite the huge size of the ‘sea palace.’ The highlight was that every room boasted sea views and each suite had a private plunge pool. However, all of them had mod-cons and Mediterranean sensibilities: think sea-front marble balconies with lounge chairs, Nespresso machines, pale wood finishes, crisp linens, and marble bathrooms with spa showers. The star were the private pool suites, where picturesque stone walls ensured privacy but left sea views unobstructed.

Besides the beach, the hotel also has a sparkling panoramic sea-facing pool, a spa, a wellness center, and a modern fitness center. When the sun begins setting, it’s aperitivo time at both restaurants and the beachside bar, where modern Sicilian cuisine and excellent hospitality rule the roost. Rounding things up is the dedicated concierge team, which makes booking excursions extremely easy.

Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel

2

The lavish seafront Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, is as poetically Sicilian as it gets. Sitting on a small half-moon private beach fronting the Mediterranean Sea, this Belond outpost is luxurious and undeniably charming. However, what takes the cake is that down a set of curving steps to the beach sits the exclusive beach club Lido Villeggiatura, with us having private access to it. Think white-and-blue umbrellas, comfy, plush loungers, secluded private cabanas, and excellent beachside service, which was certainly how we spent most of our free time. During the day, it was all about chilled drinks and refreshing granitas. Come dusk, and it turned into one of the most romantic spots around. Not only could we enjoy a languorous swim on the gently sloping shingles, but we also took the hotel’s complimentary boat trips around the gorgeous shore.

The amenities ensure that we get to soak in the sea views too. We enjoyed romantic barefoot dinners at the seaside Brizza and swam in the heated infinity pool dangling over the bay. Additionally, there was also sunrise yoga, a fitness center, a spa, watersports, and even a kids club and programme. Even the digs were airy and bright, with the best suites featuring private terraces with breathtaking ocean views.

La Plage Resort

1

Best overall. La Plage Resort makes it to every list of the best stays in Taormina, and for a good reason. The chic property sits on a quiet and picturesque stretch of the black sand Isola Bella beach. The beach, lined with polished pebbles, sits right in front of the resort and we had direct access to it. Not just that, but also it’s set up with parasols over stylish white loungers, towel service, and even full-day beachside dining. So, we could order off a menu curated by the resort’s chefs and have them delivered right to our sunbeds. During sunset, it’s all about Sicilian finger food and signature cocktails with mesmerizing views.

Tucked amidst volcanic rock and tall pines, the resort’s sleek and minimalist suites and bungalows are peppered throughout lush greenery, many of which even have terraces with outdoor jacuzzis. With just around 60 rooms, staying here felt very intimate and exclusive. The amenities are no less amazing, right from the seasonal menu at the sea-facing restaurant to the award-winning Expire Spa, complete with a jacuzzi and a Turkish bath. Finally, riding the cable car down the hill to the town center was a thrilling, enchanting experience indeed.

Our Verdict!

Taormina’s beach stays really outdid our expectations, so much so that choosing one could be challenging! Here’s a specialized list to help you.

• Best beach aparthotel: Taormina Villa Oasis Residence
• Best value-for-money: Panoramic Taormina
• Best location: UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
• Best overall: La Plage Resort

Where to Stay in Taormina?

Taormina beautifully blends the old and the new, and its neighborhoods are a reflection of that. In the heart of town sits Corso Umberto, the historic center. It’s a buzzing neighborhood with dramatic and ancient ruins, Michelin-starred restaurants, the impressive ancient amphitheater, panoramic piazzas, and charming cafes and restaurants. Next, there’s the captivating coastline, the Mazzarò Bay Area. This mix of rocky islets, shingle bays, sandy coves, and beaches is much sought-after, especially upscale stays that offer private beach access and even shuttle transfers. Plus, the famous cable car connects the town center to the bay area in just a few minutes. Finally, there are the hillside elevated areas around Taormina, which offer spectacular vantage points over the town’s coastline.

What’s the most beautiful beach in Taormina?

Isola Bella is, undoubtedly, Taormina’s most beautiful beach. Despite being a pebble beach, it’s incredibly popular as it’s rife with lush vegetation and sits right at the foot of the town.

Which are the free beaches in Taormina?

Taormina has many free beaches, including Isola Bella, Mazzeo, and Spisone Beaches.

Are there any sandy beaches at Taormina?

There are many sandy beaches near Taormina, like Letojanni and Giardini Naxos. Plus, both Mazzarò and Spisone beaches have sandy spots mixed with pebbles. Finally, the popular Tao Beach Club also has sand.