If there is one place in Sicily that feels like it belongs in a storybook, it's Taormina. Perched high above the sparkling Ionian Sea, this charming hilltop town combines breathtaking coastal views, centuries of history, incredible food, luxury hotels, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Italy. We originally planned to spend five nights here, but by the time we left, we were already dreaming about returning.
An Unforgettable Arrival
Our trip certainly began with a bit more excitement than we had planned. Just as we were about to board our flight, we received a text message informing us that our plane could not land at Catania Airport because of volcanic activity from Mount Etna. Instead, our flight was being diverted to Palermo. I'll admit — we panicked. Should we cancel the trip? Was it safe to continue? Fortunately, everyone around us, including the locals, reassured us that Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano and eruptions like this are simply part of everyday life in Sicily. Flights are occasionally rerouted, but life continues as usual. By the time we landed around 8:00 PM, another surprise awaited us. The only rental car available was a tiny manual transmission compact car. With five suitcases, three children, and enough carry-ons to last a month, fitting everything inside became an adventure all by itself. Thankfully, my husband knows how to drive a stick shift, and after plenty of laughter — and a little creative packing — we squeezed ourselves into what felt like the world's smallest car. Looking back, it's one of those travel moments that seemed stressful at the time but has already become one of our favorite family stories. After a beautiful late-night drive across Sicily, we finally arrived at our villa in Taormina around 1:00 AM. The next morning, everything made perfect sense.
Taormina: Sicily's Crown Jewel
If you're looking for luxury in Sicily, Taormina is where you want to be. The town sits high above the Mediterranean, with winding roads climbing to one of the most picturesque places we've ever visited. The historic center is almost entirely pedestrian, allowing visitors to wander leisurely through narrow cobblestone streets lined with flower-filled balconies, charming cafés, family-run restaurants, artisan boutiques, and luxury stores such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana. Every corner feels like a movie set. During the day, the town buzzes with visitors from around the world. By evening, families stroll through the streets enjoying gelato, musicians perform in the piazzas, and restaurants fill with locals and travelers lingering over long dinners. It's exactly the kind of place where you find yourself saying, "Let's just walk a little longer."
Where to Stay
As a family of five, we decided against staying in a hotel. Most luxury hotels would have required us to book multiple rooms, so instead we rented a beautiful villa overlooking the sea. It ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip. Our villa featured an incredible infinity pool with panoramic views of the coastline, giving us plenty of space to relax after long sightseeing days. For larger families or groups traveling together, I can't recommend renting a villa enough. For couples or smaller families, however, Taormina offers some of Italy's finest luxury hotels.
Sanaz's tip: For families of four or more, a villa rental almost always beats a hotel in Taormina — more space, a private pool, and panoramic views at a comparable or lower cost per person.
Sicilian Cuisine Deserves Its Own Category
Before visiting Sicily, I assumed the food would simply be "Italian." I couldn't have been more wrong. Sicilian cuisine has its own identity, blending Italian traditions with centuries of Greek, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. In fact, I would go so far as to say it was the best Italian food I've ever eaten. Our favorite discovery was a small restaurant tucked away on a quiet side street called Malvasia. I ordered the lemon pasta and fresh fish. It was one of those meals you remember years later. The pasta was perfectly balanced — bright, fresh, and incredibly flavorful — and the fish was cooked to perfection. It was so good that we canceled another dinner reservation just so we could come back one more night and order the exact same meal again. Sometimes that's the highest compliment you can give a restaurant.
Sanaz's tip: Don't miss Malvasia — it's tucked on a quiet side street and easy to walk past. The lemon pasta is extraordinary.
What Not to Miss
One of the greatest advantages of staying in town is simply being able to wander. Some of our favorite evenings consisted of no real plans at all. We walked through the historic streets, browsed the boutiques, enjoyed gelato with the kids, watched street performers, and found beautiful restaurants tucked into hidden alleyways. Beyond the town itself, don't miss the spectacular Ancient Greek Theatre, one of Sicily's most famous landmarks. With Mount Etna rising in the distance and the sea stretching endlessly below, the setting is unlike any theater in the world. I also highly recommend renting a car. While Taormina itself is easily explored on foot, having a car allows you to visit nearby beach clubs, discover hidden coves, and take scenic day trips — including the charming hilltop village of Savoca, where scenes from The Godfather were filmed.
Sanaz's tip: Rent a car even if you plan to spend most of your time in town. The coastal drives, hidden beach clubs, and day trips to Savoca are worth every minute behind the wheel.
A Boat Tour Around Taormina & Isola Bella: An Absolute Must
One experience I can't recommend highly enough is a boat tour around Taormina and Isola Bella. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up renting a yacht on two different days — which tells you everything you need to know. We had a fantastic experience with Blue Diamond Yachts and would highly recommend them. They are a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it for at least one four-hour tour. Seeing Taormina's coastline from the water, with the cliffs rising above you and the sea stretching out in every direction, is something you simply can't experience from land.
Sanaz's tip: Book at least one four-hour tour with Blue Diamond Yachts — it's worth every euro. If you fall in love with it the way we did, you can always go back for a second day.
Why We'll Be Back
Although we spent five wonderful days exploring Taormina, we barely scratched the surface of Sicily. We never made it to Palermo, Cefalù, the Valley of the Temples, or the island's beautiful western coastline. That simply gives us another reason to return. Some destinations impress you because of their landmarks. Others because of their luxury. Taormina somehow combines both while adding spectacular scenery, incredible food, warm hospitality, and a timeless charm that makes you slow down and truly enjoy every moment. It's one of those rare places that feels even more magical than the photographs. And for us, it became one of our favorite destinations in all of Italy.
The Hotels Worth Knowing
Four Seasons San Domenico Palace
Made famous by The White Lotus, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace is undoubtedly one of Sicily's most spectacular hotels. The property itself is breathtaking, with beautiful gardens, dramatic cliffside views, and impeccable service. One thing worth noting, however, is that it is located in town rather than directly on the beach. If spending your days by the water is important, you'll need to drive or take a taxi down to one of the nearby beach clubs.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
If I had to choose another favorite, it would be Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Its location right beside the Ancient Greek Theatre and within walking distance of everything in town makes it incredibly special. For us, staying up in Taormina rather than directly on the beach was actually the better choice because it allowed us to experience the magic of the town every evening without worrying about transportation.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea
We spent a day at Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea, located down by Mazzarò Bay. The hotel itself is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful private beach club and wonderful service. Just around the corner in Mazzarò Bay, we discovered crystal-clear turquoise water, calm conditions, and soft pebble beaches — one of the prettiest swimming areas we found anywhere in Sicily.
