- Family-run hotel with beautiful views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos
- A stone's throw from the main pedestrian street of Taormina
This family-run hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2021 and has all the comforts of a stylish comfortable home, it is an ideal retreat for those who like to mix heritage with a modern touch. The hotel was one of the first on the island and has been a pioneering reference for stylish visitors ever since. Truman Capote, Greta Garbo and Orson Wells have all enjoyed stays here, so guests will find themselves in good company!
Hotel Villa Paradiso dates back to 1892 when it was a private residence for the Martorana family. It was transformed into a hotel in 1912 by Salvatore Martorana (the current owner’s grandfather), who wanted to keep the hotel’s famous sense of tradition and architectural features intact. The recent renovation means that Villa Paradiso carries its name even better now.
The hotel is perched above Taormina, Sicily’s charming historic centre. The hotel’s rooftop bar - where breakfast is served - enjoys splendid views of the little town, with the sparkling waves of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna in the background. Taormina’s treasures, including the beautiful Giardino Pubblico, grand Greek-Roman Theatre and the impressive Palazzo Corvaja, are just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.
The hotel has 37 rooms (official rating 4-star). Child prices apply to ages 2-12 years.
Facilities
Bars & Restaurants
Al Settimo Cielo
Included With: Bed & Breakfast
Al Settimo Cielo serves buffet breakfast as well as aperitifs and light food in the evenings.
Aptly named “Seventh Heaven” and situated on the 6th floor, Al Settimo Cielo is the best place between sea and sky. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with stunning views. Evening aperitivos are particularly popular too - watch the sun go down with a Spritz in hand before setting out to dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Bar & Lounge
Relax in the Bar & Lounge with views over the sea.
Activities & Entertainment
Keep yourself fit, even while on holiday! Taormina offers much to do in the way of activity. Take a hike to the neighbouring village of Castelmola (around 5 km away), try a spot of canyoning in the Alcantara Gorge, or enjoy a game of tennis on the courts adjacent to the hotel.
Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are available adjacent to the hotel, please enquire at the reception. Pay locally.
Wifi
Wifi
Stay connected with the wifi free of charge.
About the location
Taormina is the jewel in Sicily’s crown. Perched high on Mount Tauro, the town enjoys some of the most enviable views on the planet - with the brilliant azure seas of the Bay of Naxos giving way to Mount Etna gently smouldering in the background. It has long been a coveted destination - D.H. Lawrence lived here in the 1920s and Italians of all walks of life flock to its beaches between July and August.
Historically, Taormina is one of the most interesting places in Sicily. Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre, is still used today while the 12th-14th century Palazzo Corvaja, the 1635 Baroque fountain, the Church of San Domenico, the Anglican Church of Saint George, and the municipal gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale) are simply must-sees on your trip.
The chic resort town is popular with both the jet-set and families. Nature lovers will enjoy Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve connected to the beach by a short isthmus. Both the town and Isola Bella are placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Tentative list.
Transfer time
The hotel is 1 hour from Catania airport. Return private transfers included. To change your transfers or book car hire instead, simply call us once you’ve completed your booking.
Twin City View
Max 2 adults
Recently renovated City View Rooms boast period features in a typical Sicilian style and come with modern comforts.They have parquet floors, typical Sicilian furniture, and a minibar.
The bathroom has modern furnishings, a rain shower, and a toiletry set as well as double-glazed windows. Charming city views can be enjoyed from the balcony.
18m²
Twin Garden View
Max 2 adults
Recently renovated, these rooms have views over the garden and tennis court and a partial sea view. They feature a flat screen TV in the living area as well as the bedroom and an ensuite toilet with a shower.
17m²
Junior Suite Front Sea View Balcony
Max 3 adults
The Junior Suites boast a private balcony which overlooks the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna views. They feature a small seating area, terracotta floors, typical Sicilian furniture, and a minibar.
22m²
Free Night Offer
1 Free night for stays of 7 nights or more completed by 06 January 2026.
Based on 92 traveller reviews
85% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
62
Very Good
19
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Reviews
“
Delightful small hotel, great location. Rooms immaculate & well-appointed. Rooftop breakfast/bar area w/ amazing views.
bdkarson, Palm Beach, Florida
Jun 03 2025
Small, family owned hotel right next to the park???room was nicely renovated and had all the necessities. Staff was gracious, friendly and helpful. Fabulous breakfast in the rooftop lounge???best view if...
Small, family owned hotel right next to the park???room was nicely renovated and had all the necessities. Staff was gracious, friendly and helpful. Fabulous breakfast in the rooftop lounge???best view if Mt Etna and the ocean. Shuttle to the beach if desired???Short walking distance to the main shopping street and restaurants.
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W4661RImicheleb, Allendale, New Jersey
Jun 01 2025
Loved this hotel and the folks that run it. Our luggage was lost by the airline and they were able to assist in getting it to us in less than 48 hours.
Great room with a killer view and the...
Loved this hotel and the folks that run it. Our luggage was lost by the airline and they were able to assist in getting it to us in less than 48 hours.
Great room with a killer view and the breakfast was delicious every day. it is centrally located in Taormina and we will definitely go back there again.
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Wonderful rooftop cocktail bar
cpstraveller, Bordeaux, France
May 31 2025
Superb rooftop bar with amazing views, great service, cocktails and aperitivos. It's on the 6th floor if the hotel and deserves to be much better known. They serve a huge range of cocktails. We loved...
Superb rooftop bar with amazing views, great service, cocktails and aperitivos. It's on the 6th floor if the hotel and deserves to be much better known. They serve a huge range of cocktails. We loved all the little food items that came with our drinks - a full meal!
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“
An excellently located quiet hotel near the heart of Taormina
May 30 2025
An excellently located quiet hotel near the heart of Taormina and alongside beautiful gardens with stunning sea and Etna mountain views. We stayed 5 nights here. The hotel has an excellent breakfast...
An excellently located quiet hotel near the heart of Taormina and alongside beautiful gardens with stunning sea and Etna mountain views. We stayed 5 nights here. The hotel has an excellent breakfast on the top floor with great views. This is also a club bar and lounge in the evenings - But very expensive! Plenty of less expensive bars and eateries are nearby. It is walking distance to everything including the coach terminal, the cable car and the central town itself. The reception and other service is first class, very helpful people. We really enjoyed our stay and can recommend this hotel to everyone.
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Friendly and welcoming - with amazing views
May 14 2025
Staying at this hotel feels like you have family friends in Taormina, especially as a solo traveler. The people are so warm and welcoming, it makes your stay feel special. But the views! The rooftop...
Staying at this hotel feels like you have family friends in Taormina, especially as a solo traveler. The people are so warm and welcoming, it makes your stay feel special. But the views! The rooftop breakfast room/bar looks out over the sea, Mt. Etna and the ravishing public garden below. My suite balcony had the same amazing views.
In fact, you could lie on the daybed in the room and gaze at the panorama while the breeze tickled the curtains. It was such a pleasant part of the stay. The hotel has been recently renovated so everything feels both comfortable yet up to date. The shower was one of the best hotel showers ever.
The hotel is also located right next to all the shops and restaurants, with everything within an easy walk. But the best part was being right on the public garden, making it possible to stroll among the birds and flowers and take in the views whenever you want ??? or take advantage of the outdoor gym!
The breakfast was excellent, with everything you could want, including such friendly people to welcome you each morning. There may be fancier hotels in Taormina, but this one feels genuine and like your second home, with every comfort.
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