Excelsior Palace Hotel
With a prime setting in the hilltop town of Taormina, overlooking the Bay of Naxos and striking Mount Etna, this fine hotel is all about timeless vistas. Whichever way you turn, you’ll want to capture the image. The luxurious grounds are bordered by the remains of Greco-Roman walls, built by Andromacus in 374 BC, putting the hotel’s one hundred years of hospitality into perspective.
You will be based just outside the Porto Catania – the oldest of the original city gates of Taormina – so as you step out of the hotel you’re right at the start of a wonderful stroll down the Corso Umberto. Back at the hotel follow the path through the terraced gardens to the large clifftop pool, the perfect spot on a warm summer’s day. With great views of the bay, the poolside terrace is also a lovely spot for lunch. Come evening, the elegant Charleston restaurant serves a local and international menu with a well-stocked wine cellar with a carefully curated list of Etnean, Sicilian and Italian wines. After dinner, grab a table at the outdoor bar terrace for spectacular views.
The rooms feature a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere and modern comforts. And depending on the room you choose you may be lucky enough to have views of the volcano or sea. Classic Rooms are simple yet comfortable while Superior Rooms overlook the medieval convent or, for a supplement, Mount Etna. For a sea view, opt for an Elegant Room.