Luxury villa holidays in Taormina

A favourite amongst poets, artists and writers, the inspiring town of Taormina has been one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Sicily since the 19th century. Perched on a craggy promontory, jutting out from the eastern shore, the town cuts a dramatic figure over the sparkling sea whilst towering Mount Etna presents a spectacular view, silhouetted against the cerulean sky. 

A self-catered holiday in one of our villas near Taormina, allows you to enjoy the spoils of eastern Sicily with all the comforts and privacy of home.

Where to stay in Taormina

Choosing to rent one of our range of holiday accommodation choices in and around Taormina will provide excellent access to all the treasures this beautiful region has to offer, with the luxury of having your own space to relax in. Villas near Taormina are designed in a range of different styles. For those who wish for a romantic mountain setting, far from the bustle of town, a rustic restored farmhouse might be the ideal base; for those who prefer to see the sun shimmering on the sea, it doesn’t get much better than a luxury home on Sicily’s picturesque east coast, complete with a spacious pool where you can relax and enjoy a panoramic view. Our holiday villas are hand selected for their unique features. Families with young children might wish to choose accommodation where a baby-sitting service can be arranged, whilst groups that enjoy dining alfresco might enjoy a spacious terrace with BBQ facilities.

See our individual properties for specific details.

Things to do in Taormina

Romantic streets, lined with charming Sicilian shops, bars and restaurants, lead to breath-taking vistas at every turn; the sandy beaches are postcard-perfect and the shady piazzas are the ideal place to sit and soak up that archetypal Mediterranean ambience. Lovingly restored medieval buildings and the famous, open-air, Greco Roman theatre will appeal to cultural enthusiasts, whilst the coastal treasures of rocky coves and sandy bays – plus a close proximity to a selection of unique nature parks – will charm any nature lover. For all types of travellers, our villas in Taormina provide the ingredients for an idyllic, Sicilian escape.

History and Culture 

The most famous historical sight in Taormina by far is the magnificent Greco Roman theatre. An open-air structure, this classical stage still plays host to a variety of concerts and plays. With its hillside location, positioned for sweeping, panoramic views of the bay, attending a performance in this setting is nothing short of epic. For a charming glimpse into days gone by, seek out the Piazza Duomo – a stunning square in Taormina's old town. With its sand-coloured Church of San Nicola and beautiful Baroque fountain, complete with mythological, stone centaur, the square is the perfect place to sit for a spell and sink a drink in the shade. The Piazza IX Aprile, with its chequered paving stones, picturesque churches and clock tower, is one of the top things to see in Taormina. It acts as the gateway to the old medieval quarter, where it is all too easy to while away an afternoon getting lost in the winding alleys. The square also attracts crowds at sunset for the incomparable view of Mount Etna and the glistening, Ionian sea. 

Natural wonders of Taormina

As well as a collection of sandy beaches and craggy coves – providing access to glassy waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water-sports – Taormina boasts a convenient cable car and bus service to explore other areas of interest up and down the coast. Taormina is also ideally positioned for numerous excursions into the Great Outdoors of Sicily. Enjoy the scenery from the Circumetnea Railroad and explore the villages surrounding Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, or visit the mountain itself to take advantage of its excellent hiking opportunities. Another popular Taormina attraction is the nature reserve situated on Isola Bella, a small, craggy island connected to mainland Sicily by a path that disappears during high tide. Expect to spot numerous lizard and bird species here.

Essential Tourist Information 

Although the town is a popular and buzzing tourist destination during the peak summer months of July and August, any Taormina guide would recommend a visit in springtime or autumn when locals reclaim the island and the climate remains balmy. Taormina's nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa International airport, located a one hour drive away. Flights connect to the major Italian cities as well as international hubs, such as London. The town's railway station is connected to Palermo airport and elegantly decorated in the Sicilian Liberty style, whilst the bus network offers great value for money with a modern terminal nestled right in the heart of the town. Fortunately, everything in Taormina is within walking distance (save a few hillside treks), but there are also taxis available should you wish to visit destinations outside of town. Buses and mini-buses are on hand to ferry tourists visiting popular, nearby destinations. For more information on what to see in Taormina, visit the tourist information office based in the Palazzo Corvaja. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-2pm and 4pm-7pm.

Where next in Sicily?

Taormina is well located to move on to other impressive Sicilian destinations. Naxos – thought to be the oldest Greek city in Sicily – is situated just a few kilometres away. The ancient foundations that still exist are the remains of what was once a thriving hub that dwarfed Taormina in its time. Travel further down the east coast for an alternative to our Taormina villas. This trip will allow you to explore more of Sicily’s most picturesque pebble and sandy bays via the resort towns of Acireale, Acicastello and Acitrezza, or escape the tourists with a stop at Catania – a city of sweeping streets, street markets and elegant architecture. Inland and to the west, adventure is in the air of one of the most untouched regions of Sicily: the Nebrodi mountain park. This protected reserve has some of the most extensive woodland in Sicily and birds of prey, porcupines, foxes, snakes, hares and wild cats are just some of the species that make their home in the forest. Hiking and mountain-biking trails connect charming mountain villages.