- 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 88 traveller reviews
85% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
57
Very Good
19
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Reviews
“
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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May 05 2025
We loved this hotel. Raffaella and the staff were so nice and accommodating. The room was very spacious and the views were amazing. We could walk everywhere and when we needed a driver, we were in...
We loved this hotel. Raffaella and the staff were so nice and accommodating. The room was very spacious and the views were amazing. We could walk everywhere and when we needed a driver, we were in good hands with Walter. The rooftop bar was a bonus. Giuseppe made the best martini s ! There is absolutely nothing bad we can say. Our experience was everything we had hoped for and much more! Andrew and Michele
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LynnF177, Woodvale, Australia
May 03 2025
What a lovely hotel and very welcoming. This family run hotel is old school classic. The customer is always right and they go out of their way to make your stay amazing. Location is perfect and you...
What a lovely hotel and very welcoming. This family run hotel is old school classic. The customer is always right and they go out of their way to make your stay amazing. Location is perfect and you come back to a terrific room with excellent bathroom facilities. Views are incredible and located right next to a beautiful public garden.
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“
Hotel with beautiful views of Etna and the sea
Apr 10 2025
This is a beautiful hotel with character and history. It???s really well positioned, only a 5 minute walk to restaurants and Corso Umberto. The staff offer a personal and friendly service. Francesco...
This is a beautiful hotel with character and history. It???s really well positioned, only a 5 minute walk to restaurants and Corso Umberto. The staff offer a personal and friendly service. Francesco booked great tours for us. Breakfast had a really nice selection of local foods. Rooms are large, comfortable and clean. The hotel has amazing views of the sea and Etna.
Thank you for making our stay wonderful!
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“
Location, views, caring staff ?????an absolute gem in Taormina
KLHstp, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Apr 06 2025
This is a truly lovely hotel with a very accommodating, caring staff.
If you stay at this hotel, do not hesitate to spend the money to book a room with views of the ocean and Mt. Etna. It will feel...
This is a truly lovely hotel with a very accommodating, caring staff.
If you stay at this hotel, do not hesitate to spend the money to book a room with views of the ocean and Mt. Etna. It will feel like the bargain of the century to you. We spent more time than I would have liked in the room (due to illness), but we felt totally connected to nature and Taormina, regardless.
Our first room was situated immediately in front of the stairwell leading up to the restaurant, and when people were coming and going it was very loud in the hallway outside our door. Because my son was sick, I inquired about a quieter room. I was immediately shown two options on the same floor, then moved without hesitation.
The location is absolutely ideal. The hotel is adjacent to the beautiful public gardens and a very short walk to several locations and fantastic dining options (including Bam Bar, where we went for daily granitas). I cannot stress how convenient it is.
Finally, treat yourself to dinner in the rooftop bar. There's no official menu, but just ask what they have fresh that evening ... sit down with drinks, and before long a meal prepared with loving care will appear before you!
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