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Travel Kuoni

 Villa Sonia 

Village life with Etna views

At Villa Sonia, mornings start with coffee on the terrace and a clear view of Mount Etna in the distance. The pool sits just above the hillside, the air feels a little cooler up here, and Taormina’s crowds are far enough away to forget about.

Villa Sonia is a family-run boutique hotel in the medieval hilltop village of Castelmola, overlooking Taormina. The setting is the main draw, with wide views across the bay and towards Mount Etna. Interiors are traditional Sicilian, with antique furniture, ceramics, and a slightly eclectic feel that reflects the building’s heritage. There’s a slow-living approach here, encouraging you to take your time, whether that’s over breakfast, on a gentle swim, or at an evening aperitivo in the village square. It suits couples best, though older families who don’t mind the uphill location will find it works well too.

Why we love Villa Sonia

  • The elevated setting means uninterrupted views of Mount Etna and the coastline, without the crowds you get in central Taormina.

  • Castelmola feels like a proper Sicilian village, with local bars, small piazzas, and the famous almond wine served just down the road.

  • The pool terrace is perfectly placed for long afternoons, with the kind of view that makes it hard to leave your sun lounger.

  • It’s an easy bus or taxi ride down to Taormina, so you can dip in and out without staying in the thick of it.

4 stars
Apr - Oct
Sicily
Sicily: 3¼ hours
In the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina on Sicily’s east coast, with views over the Ionian Sea and towards Mount Etna.
From Catania Airport, the drive to Villa Sonia takes around one hour.
Boutique
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Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness

There’s a single restaurant and terrace, where views stretch across the bay towards Mount Etna. The menu focuses on Sicilian classics, with fresh seafood, pasta, and regional dishes. Breakfast is simple and generous, while dinner is best taken slowly, ideally timed with sunset.

What's Included

Breakfast

Upgrade Options

Half Board • Breakfast and lunch or dinner

There’s a small outdoor pool with panoramic views, as well as a Jacuzzi and sun terrace for relaxing between excursions.

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