- 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
Early Booking Discount
10% Early booking discount for stays up to 6 nights completed between 07 January 2025 - 06 January 2026 booked by 31 March 2025.
Free Night Offer
1 Free night for stays of 7 nights or more completed by 06 January 2026.
Based on 69 traveller reviews
85% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
44
Very Good
16
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Reviews
“
Great hotel with very friendly staff.
Aug 23 2024
We stayed in this hotel for 1 night to visit Toarmina. This is a great hotel to stay in with very friendly people. The breakfast is nice and has a great view over the bay.
The hotel is located near...
We stayed in this hotel for 1 night to visit Toarmina. This is a great hotel to stay in with very friendly people. The breakfast is nice and has a great view over the bay.
The hotel is located near all the things you want to visit in Taormina, keep in mind that opening and closing times of locations can vary compared to website.
View full review
Aug 17 2024
A beautiful old villa run by 5th generation. The rooms were very clean and comfortable. All the staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. We would head up to the 6th floor in the afternoon for...
A beautiful old villa run by 5th generation. The rooms were very clean and comfortable. All the staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. We would head up to the 6th floor in the afternoon for aperitif’s before heading out into the hustle and bustle of this busy town for dinner. I would highly recommend this for your stay whilst visiting Taormina
View full review
“
Great stay - highly recommend
TinaDP23, London, United Kingdom
Aug 12 2024
We stayed here for 5 nights and it was very good. Rooms were clean and comfortable, with a nice shower. The staff were excellent - the team at reception were helpful and always went above and beyond...
We stayed here for 5 nights and it was very good. Rooms were clean and comfortable, with a nice shower. The staff were excellent - the team at reception were helpful and always went above and beyond trying to help us. The staff on the 6th floor and breakfast were equally brilliant.
Breakfast was plentiful and fresh. We had drinks on the 6th floor most evenings as the views were beautiful of mount Etna.
The location is very central - a short walk to restaurants, gardens, cable car.
The only small snag was the wifi. It was very intermittent in our room, which could be because we were tucked away in the corner. Nothing that spoilt our stay though.
View full review
“
this hotel should be a good 3-star hotel, not a 4.
Laura C, Little Rock, Arkansas
Jul 08 2024
Staff was friendly and helpful. I do not like leaving/retrieving key at desk every time I leave hotel. Wifi was awful and 5G was also spotty in this location. Having to navigate canceled flights...
Staff was friendly and helpful. I do not like leaving/retrieving key at desk every time I leave hotel. Wifi was awful and 5G was also spotty in this location. Having to navigate canceled flights under that condition was maddening. Location was great.
View full review
“
Perfect hotel for exploring Taormina
Jun 22 2024
Fantastic location, great, helpful staff, excellent breakfast, clean and good sized rooms.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the staff were wonderful. Free beach (and towels) access through the hotel...
Fantastic location, great, helpful staff, excellent breakfast, clean and good sized rooms.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the staff were wonderful. Free beach (and towels) access through the hotel with a shuttle bus (small fee) taking dropping and collecting you.
Wide variety of breakfast food with great views to enjoy it.
Highly recommend this lovely hotel.
View full review
View more reviews
View less reviews