Hotels in Taormina, Sicily, close to Mount Etna

Villa Ducale, Taormina

Originally an aristocratic Sicilian country house, the Lovely Villa Ducale hotel, Sicily, has a splendid setting close to Taormina's historic centre and overlooking the blue Ionian sea. Favoured by the literati of the 18th and 19th centuries, Taormina has long drawn visitors from all over the world with its dramatic hilltop setting close to Mount Etna, its picturesque antique ruins and its fine array of elegant shops, bars and restaurants.

All 18 rooms in the Villa Ducale have their own private terrace, from where guests can look out across the azure waters of the Ionian Sea or gaze up at the snow-capped volcano. Bedrooms have cool terracotta-tiled floors and are prettily furnished and decorated with ceramics made by local craftsmen. Each room has its own well-appointed en-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi-style whirlpool bath. All rooms have satellite TV, radio, safety deposit box, remote-controlled air conditioning and minibar.

Andrea and Rosaria's delicious breakfasts are famous throughout the town and feature mouthwatering pastries and wonderfully aromatic fresh-ground coffee. The pretty Mediterranean garden has children's play areas, a sun terrace and small outdoor spa pool, and there is a handy shuttle service to a terrific beach nearby.

Friendly, welcoming staff will be only too happy to book you on to one of their fascinating guided tours to Etna, Siracusa, Piazza Armerina and Agrigento, to organise car hire or make reservations for some of the many cultural events on offer in the area.

Other amenities include a pleasant bar with an extensive list of drinks and cocktails, a secure covered car park, 24-hour porter service, internet connection and a babysitting service.

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Double room from €109

 

Score from 45 reviews: 9/10