Setting the Scene 

In the heart of Taormina’s historic center, just steps from Corso Umberto’s designer boutiques and lively trattorias, Palazzo Vecchio captures the spirit of Sicilian elegance in a 12-room townhouse. Opened in spring 2023, the palazzo blends Gothic-Catalan bones with a subtle Eastern influence—a nod to the island’s layered history of visitors from afar. From its high perch above the Ionian Sea, the views stretch from Mount Etna to the rooftops of old Taormina, best enjoyed with a sunset aperitivo at the Blue Sky rooftop bar. A petite wellness area and Monsù restaurant complete this stylish retreat.

Who’s Checking In? 

Travelers who crave intimacy over opulence—design lovers, culture seekers, and romantics who want to feel part of Taormina rather than just passing through. It’s for those who’d rather skip the “White Lotus” scene for something more personal and quietly glamorous; a place where you’re instantly embraced, not just checked in.

Hotel Highlights 

• 12 uniquely styled rooms and suites with sea or village views.
• Monsù Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Sicilian heritage.
• Two bars, including the rooftop Blue Sky Bar with panoramic Ionian views.
• Boutique wellness center with Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and relaxation lounge.
• Access to a nearby private beach club, arranged through the hotel.

Destination Snapshot 

• Storied Setting: A hilltop town overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina has charmed travelers since the Grand Tour for its timeless beauty and Mediterranean light.
• Cultural Legacy: Ancient theaters, Byzantine churches, and Belle Époque villas reflect Sicily’s layered history and artistic soul.
• Coastal Allure: Terraced gardens and pebble beaches meet crystalline waters below—perfect for swimming, sailing, or simply lingering.
• Sicilian Flavor: A culinary landscape rich with sun-ripened produce, mountain wines, and coastal seafood, served with heartfelt warmth.
• Dolce Vita Spirit: Elegant yet easygoing, Taormina invites slow strolls, sea breezes, and evenings that stretch late under the stars.

Top 5 Experiences 

1. Walk Etna’s Slopes: Explore Europe’s highest active volcano with guided hikes through lunar landscapes, followed by tastings at boutique Etna wineries.
2. Ape Calessino Ride: Weave through medieval lanes and panoramic overlooks in a vintage tuk-tuk—an irresistible blend of nostalgia and Sicilian flair.
3. The Godfather Trail: Step into cinematic history with a private tour of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, hilltop villages immortalized on film.
4. Syracuse & Ortigia Escape: Discover Baroque piazzas, Greek ruins, and seaside markets in this UNESCO gem less than two hours away.
5. Valley of the Temples: Wander among ancient Doric columns in Agrigento’s breathtaking archaeological park—a timeless ode to classical grandeur.

Top 5 Places to Visit 

1. Ancient Greek Theater: Taormina’s crown jewel, where sea and sky frame an open-air stage still alive with music and myth.
2. Isola Bella: A postcard-perfect islet and nature reserve, reached by a narrow sandbar and loved for its crystalline waters.
3. Castelmola: A hilltop hamlet above Taormina, famed for sweeping views and almond wine sipped on sunlit terraces.
4. Giardini Naxos: The island’s first Greek settlement, now a relaxed seaside promenade lined with boats and beach cafés.
5. Mount Etna: A landscape of drama and contrast, where lava fields meet vineyards and the scent of wild herbs fills the air.

How to Get There 

Address: Salita Ciampoli 9, 98039 Taormina, Sicily, Italy 

• Closest Airports: Catania (CTA) 34 mi / 1 hr by car; Palermo (PMO) 180 mi / 3.5 hrs
• Closest Train Station: Taormina-Giardini 2 mi below town; continue by taxi or bus up to the center
• Nearby Major Cities: Catania (34 mi); Messina (32 mi); Syracuse (75 mi)