DolceVita City Guides: TAORMINA Hotels

Should Taormina capture your imagination and you wish to stay, luxurious accommodations await you. Wonderful views, gardens, and service make for a memorable sojourn here. Be aware that lodging tends to be expensive, but how often do you get to stay in a restored villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea? We recommend the following hotels: Grand Hotel Timeo Via Teatro Greco 59 tel 0942 23801 fax 0942 628501 Located right next to the Greek Theater, the Timeo offers well appointed rooms and wonderful garden terraces which look out on the Ocean. San Domenico Palace Piazza San Domenico 5 tel: 0942 23701 fax: 0942 625506 On the southern end of the historic center is the San Domenico Palace, incorporating the courtyards, porticos, and gardens of the 16th century Domenican Monastery. A beautiful mix of serenity and contemporary comforts, the hotel is a historical jewel. Villa Belvedere Via Bagnoli Croce 79 tel: 0942 23791 fax: 0942 625830 Villa Diodoro Via Bagnoli Croce 75 tel 0942 23312 fax 0942 23391 Both of these hotels offer comfortable rooms, many with terraces. Their location also allows full enjoyment of the Tevelyan Gardens, a 19th century park of wonders which features exotic flora and fantastical constructions that are part tree house, park classical temple. For a more economical stay, consider these pensioni: Locanda Diana Via di Giovanni, near piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 0942-23898 Casa Gaia Via Fazzello 34, 0942 23185 And for the camper: Camping San Leo Capo Taormina (down on the coast, on the bus route between town and the station) 0942- 24658 If Taormina itself is full, Giardini Naxos on the coast is a good second option for hotels. Check with the Tourist office in Via Tysandros 54, ph. 0942 51010.