Taormina, on the coast of Sicily is a dream come true. This stunning town, perched high above the beautiful sea below boasts beautiful panoramas, fascinating monuments and some incredible architecture. Famous for its Greek Amphitheatre, the town is located in the shadows of the magnificent Mount Etna. Given its ideal location, perfect climate and gorgeous town centre, it is little wonder that Taormina has been the inspirational setting for many a novelist and artist, and in recent years has become a haunt of the well heeled and the rich and famous.
While this town is fantastic for people watching, given its celebrity following, it is also a welcoming holiday destination that can be enjoyed by people on all budgets. And, as with anywhere in Italy, eating out is a ritual that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and there are restaurants to suit all palates and purses.
Here are our favourite restaurants in Taormina.
Maffei’s Restaurant
This sweet little place can be found in the town centre along one of the many winding side streets. It is a hidden gem in the truest sense. A beautiful courtyard is well shaded and makes the ideal place for relaxing and enjoying a simple, tasty and local dish. Try the Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare, the spaghetti with the sea urchin sauce, or the Melanzane Ripiene, the stuffed aubergines. Of course, the tiramisu here is the number one dessert of choice but the panna cotta is great too.
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Granduca
Right on the main street, this place is well known for its spectacular views that stretch right out over the Mediterranean Sea. There is a restaurant and pizzeria here so you can go posh if you like or enjoy a laidback pizza in a more relaxed fashion. Waiters are typically Italian, with their smart uniforms and welcoming attentive service, and it has been said that many a celebrity chooses this place to hang out when in town.
Garden da Nino
This fabulous Sicilian restaurant is just out of town in Giardini Naxos and is the place to go for mixed seafood dishes and delicious grilled fish. The perfect way to end a meal here is with an espresso and a glass of the vino di mandorla, the almond wine.
How to Get to Taormina
A pretty hour’s drive from Catania airport, Taormina lies in an ideal spot. And with easy, quick and reliable Catania airport transfers provided by us, you are onto a winner. Catania airport receives flights from several major European destinations and the port of Catania is also well served by other busy ports in Italy and the Mediterranean.
By booking your Catania airport transfers with us, here at Shuttle Direct, you have the peace of mind that one of our experienced and professional drivers will meet you as soon as you have collected your bags and passed through customs, and then take you direct to your hotel in Taormina.
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Where to Stay
Hotel Victoria – Hotel Victoria is ideally situated a short walk from the Greek Theatre. It is the perfect place for those with a limited budget but aspirations to stay in the town itself. Beautifully decorated in a simple yet traditional manner with wrought-iron beds and wooden furniture, the hotel has air conditioning and TVs in every room. Family run, Hotel Victoria has private en suite bathrooms that offer showers and hairdryers.
The smart dining room serves a buffet breakfast and the helpful staff are on hand to help you plan your stay and advise on trips out.
Piccolo Giardino – Right in the heart of the town of Taormina Piccolo Giardino, our middle of the range accommodation option, has spectacular views of both the sea and the mountains. The hotel itself has a garden and Mazzarò beach is only a 5 minute trip on the cable car, which is just over 200yd from the hotel. Rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. There is a typical Sicilian restaurant that serves delicious local dishes and both international and local wines. The restaurant also serves lunch and breakfast and uses the garden for meals in the summer.
The Ashbee Hotel – This stunning hotel, built in the early 20th century, is only 100yds from the Greek Theatre. The Ashbee Hotel is our choice of top class accommodation in Taormina and when you see the beautiful rooms and the fabulous views, you will see why. There is 5-star written all over this hotel and there is a garden, a bar, a tea room and an outdoor swimming pool designed by the architect CR Ashbee. The rooms are airy and bright and Wi-Fi, air conditioning and TV come as standard. This is a great choice if you are looking to treat yourself while staying in Taormina.
