- 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 - 06 January booked by 31 March 2024.
Free Night Offer
1 Free night for stays of 7 nights or more completed by 06 January 2025.
Based on 695 traveller reviews
85% of travellers recommended this hotel
Travellers Ratings
Excellent
318
Very Good
243
Average
81
Poor
28
Terrible
25
Reviews
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One of the Taormina has to offer
cassier94, Montreal, Canada
Nov 13 2023
Awesome. This hotel is quirky and absolutely wonderful. It is family run and operated. From the minute you step through the doors, you are welcomed and treated like an honoured guest. The rooms are...
Awesome. This hotel is quirky and absolutely wonderful. It is family run and operated. From the minute you step through the doors, you are welcomed and treated like an honoured guest. The rooms are charming. The hotel is super clean. The breakfasts on the rooftop are superb. I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in future visits.
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Quirky and magical and lovely
Nov 12 2023
This gem of a hotel is all the more gem-my because of its back stories - a multigenerationally family owned hotel, run by a warm and wonderful group of sisters from that family now. The lobby feels...
This gem of a hotel is all the more gem-my because of its back stories - a multigenerationally family owned hotel, run by a warm and wonderful group of sisters from that family now. The lobby feels like you stumbled into someone's grandmother's parlor - just with a killer view of the sea. The rooms also don't just have the usual soulless hotel furniture -but a few quirky little pieces. Our room looked at Etna, the sea, the town - it was hard to leave. The breakfast is fantastic again - with the killer view (and one day we were leaving at 630 AM before breakfast began to hike Etna - and they opened up early for us which was great). The evening cocktail bar - great views, and every cocktail comes with a treasure trove of mezze and snacks. The front desk was helpful and someone was there 24 hours which was useful with odd arrival and departure times. The location is unbeatable - next to the glorious public gardens - walking distance to everything, but just enough off the beaten path that it is not in the midst of it all. I am guilty of wanting to stay because of White Lotus - but instead of a staid dysfunctional entitled hotel - we got something that felt familiar and special.
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A magic view and a comfy stay
Oct 30 2023
A wonderful third floor room with a view of Mt. Etna and the sea - great service, superb breakfast buffet, friendly people and a perfect location. This family-run hotel is perfectly situated in a...
A wonderful third floor room with a view of Mt. Etna and the sea - great service, superb breakfast buffet, friendly people and a perfect location. This family-run hotel is perfectly situated in a quiet street yet steps from all the hotels and shops.
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Perfect location stunning views
Tom3588, Wokingham, United Kingdom
Oct 28 2023
Made to feel welcome the moment that you arrive. We used the e20 valet parking which worked really well. Breakfast superb huge choice of fruits and the treat of pistachio sauce. All the sites and...
Made to feel welcome the moment that you arrive. We used the e20 valet parking which worked really well. Breakfast superb huge choice of fruits and the treat of pistachio sauce. All the sites and restaurants in east reach. Highly recommend 5th floor with balcony.
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Nice place to stay with helpful staff
Oct 11 2023
Really nice place to stay. We had booked a junior suite which was spacious, clean and had a magnificent view with a balcony overlooking the local tennis club. The rooms were cleaned very well every...
Really nice place to stay. We had booked a junior suite which was spacious, clean and had a magnificent view with a balcony overlooking the local tennis club. The rooms were cleaned very well every day. Breakfast was delicious with a huge choice. The restaurant gives a fabulous view of Mount Etna. Service was fabulous. The person in charge of breakfast remembered us and our requirements after the first day. The rooftop becomes a bar in the evenings. Reception staff were extremely helpful and arranged excursions for us. The hotel is very central to all the main restaurants and culture.
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