Taormina is small (population about 11,000) and its neighbourhoods are more about elevation than distinct districts. The town stacks vertically: the historic centre on the hilltop at 200 metres, the beach zone at sea level, the village perched even higher at 530 metres, and the neighbouring beach town a few kilometres south. Here is where to stay and what each area offers.
guide/italy/sicily/taormina/”>Taormina travel guide, Taormina weather by month, best time to visit Taormina, things to do in Taormina, Taormina events and festivals, where to stay in Taormina, and Taormina travel tips.Taormina Neighborhoods: Centro Storico
The historic centre runs along Corso Umberto between Porta Catania and Porta Messina, with narrow side streets climbing toward the Greek Theatre on one side and dropping toward Via Pirandello on the other. You are in the middle of everything: restaurants, shops, bars, the main squares, and most historic sights including the Greek Theatre and Duomo. The downside is noise, especially on weekends when Corso Umberto stays lively past midnight. Cars are banned from the centre (ZTL zone), so you’ll walk or use the small electric shuttle bus that navigates the pedestrian streets. Hotels in the historic centre are mostly converted palazzos and boutique properties. Expect to pay EUR 200-500 per night in high season. Suits travellers who want to step out of their hotel straight into Taormina’s main street.
Ta Also see our Taormina travel guide and Taormina weather by month guide.ormina Neighborhoods: Via Pirandello and Surroundings
Via Pirandello runs along the hillside just below the historic centre, connecting the bus terminal to the Greek Theatre area. Many of Taormina’s larger hotels with gardens, pools, and sea views sit along this road. The area is quieter than the centre but still a 5-10 minute walk uphill to Corso Umberto. The Funivia (cable car) station to Mazzaro beach is on Via Pirandello. Hotels here include the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and several mid-range villa hotels set in terraced gardens. Rates run EUR 150-800 per night depending on the property. Suits visitors who want a pool, gardens, and sea views while staying walking distance from the centre.
Taormina Also see our best time to visit Taormina guide and things to do in Taormina guide.Neighborhoods: Mazzaro and the Beach Zone
At the base of the cliff, Mazzaro is Taormina’s beach neighbourhood. You have direct access to the beach, lidos, and the path to Isola Bella. The cable car connects to the town centre in 5 minutes, operating until 1am in summer (EUR 3 each way, multi-ride passes available). Mazzaro has its own restaurants, beach bars, and a small supermarket. Hotels here are typically mid-range to luxury with direct beach access, such as the Hotel Villa Carlotta. Rates run EUR 150-400 per night. Suits beach-focused travellers who will go up to the historic centre for sightseeing and dinner but want to roll out of bed and onto the sand.
Taormi Also see our Taormina events and festivals guide and where to stay in Taormina guide.na Neighborhoods: Castelmola
The hilltop village of Castelmola sits 530 metres above sea level, a 5km drive or 45-minute walk from Taormina centre. It feels like a different world from bustling Taormina: quiet stone lanes, a handful of restaurants and bars, and drop-dead views across to Mount Etna and down the coast. Accommodation is limited to a few B&Bs and small hotels. Rates are the cheapest in the area at EUR 80-150 per night. The trade-off is isolation: you’ll need a car or patience with the hourly bus to reach Taormina’s sights and beaches. Suits travellers with a vehicle who prioritise views, quiet, and character over convenience.
Ta Also see our Taormina travel tips and FAQ.ormina Neighborhoods: Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos is the neighbouring seaside town 5km south of Taormina, a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride (Interbus, EUR 1.50). It has a long sandy beach (better than Taormina’s pebble coves), a seafront promenade with casual restaurants, and a more local, less touristed feel. The town was the first Greek colony in Sicily (734 BC) and has a small archaeological park. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than Taormina: EUR 80-200 per night for hotels, EUR 50-100 for B&Bs. Taormina-Giardini train station is here, with direct trains to Catania (35 min), Messina (40 min), and Syracuse (2 hours). Suits budget travellers and families who want a proper sandy beach and don’t mind a short bus ride to reach Taormina’s attractions.
